bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development and validation of a questionnaire to assess owner and canine quality‐of‐life and treatment satisfaction in canine allergic dermatitis
Authors: Wells J. R. , Hillier A. , Holland R. , Mwacalimba K. , Noli C. , Panter C. , Tatlock S. , Wright A. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundAnimal and owner quality‐of‐life (QoL) is pivotal in treatment decisions. Accurate measurement of owner‐reported QoL and treatment satisfaction (TS) supports disease burden and treatment benefit evaluation.ObjectivesDevelop and evaluate an owner‐completed canine dermatitis QoL and TS questionnaire (CDQoL‐TSQ) in allergic dogs.Materials and MethodsThe CDQoL‐TSQ was drafted following review of existing measures and expert input. Content validity was assessed through interviews with owners of allergic dogs. Psychometric properties of the QoL domains (Canine QoL, Owner QoL) were evaluated. Score interpretation was derived.ResultsTwenty dog owners were interviewed. Item wording was amended following the first 10 interviews. Data from 211 owners were used in the psychometric evaluation. The Canine QoL domain demonstrated strong internal consistency (α = 0.89), test–retest reliability (ICC2,1 = 0.844), moderate convergent validity (r = 0.41) and moderate‐high known‐groups validity (effect size 0.37–0.64). The Owner QoL domain demonstrated strong internal consistency (α = 0.73), high convergent validity (r = 0.63) and moderate‐high known‐groups validity (0.43–0.63). Test–retest reliability approached moderate strength (ICC2,1 = 0.490). Group‐level interpretation analysis showed minimal important difference of 7.0–13.6 points for dogs and 13.0–13.6 for owners. For individual dogs a change of 6.3 or 12.5 points for dogs, and 12.5 or 18.8 for owners indicates a response.Conclusions and Clinical RelevanceThe CDQOL‐TSQ is a two‐part assessment to evaluate QoL and TS in canine allergic dermatitis. The QoL questionnaire demonstrated validity and reliability, and interpretation of scores was derived, making it suitable for use in research and practice. The TS module is suitable for clinical setting use to improve owner–veterinarian communication.
Using Constrained Convex Optimization in Parameter Estimation of Process Dynamics With Dead Time
Authors: Pal Mahua , Banerjee Kumardeb , Dam Bivas 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
This paper proposes the usage of constrained convex optimization in improving the quality of the parameter estimates of a typical process plant with dead time from its time response data by incorporating system-specific constraints that are not considered in standard estimation methods. As the majority of the process plants are identified as second-order plus dead time (SOPDT) systems, the proposed method uses the same for establishing the optimization process. Traditional methods for parameter estimation in SOPDT systems have often relied on heuristic approaches or simplified assumptions, leading to suboptimal results. The proposed methodology augments the accuracy of the estimated values by leveraging the power of constrained convex optimization techniques, using Newton's Quadratic Model and Sequential Quadratic Programming (SQP), which provide a rigorous mathematical framework for parameter estimation. By incorporating system constraints, such as bounds on the parameters or stability requirements, it is ensured that the obtained parameter estimates adhere to physical and practical limitations. The proposed approach is demonstrated using simulations and on a real-time system, and the results show that it is effective not only in accurately estimating the parameters of the underdamped SOPDT systems but also works efficiently for parameter estimation of SOPDT systems in the presence of measurement noise. The efficacy of the proposed algorithm is verified by comparing it with similar published methods.
A Novel Non-Contact Method for Monitoring the Acoustic Emission From Mixed Elastohydrodynamic Lubrication Contacts
Authors: Hutt S. , Clarke A. , Evans H. P. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Lubricated non-conformal contacts, such as between gear teeth, operate with high levels of mixed lubrication, where the amount of direct asperity contact depends on operating parameters that influence the film thickness. Understanding of the levels of surface interaction is key to optimizing component life, and there is considerable interest in sensitive monitoring methods such as Acoustic Emission (AE). Researchers have shown that AE can detect subtle changes in lubrication conditions, using sensors mounted directly on the rotating gears. However, the use of such sensors is complex and unsuitable for implementation in real gearboxes. The alternative, of using sensors placed on housings, is hampered by signal attenuation and noise. This paper presents a novel, non-contact stationary sensor, coupled by an oil film to the rotating gear, which is shown to be capable of detecting important changes in lubrication conditions with significantly higher consistency and precision than housing-mounted sensors, whilst avoiding the complexities of gear-mounted sensors.
Modified Structure of Deep Neural Network for Training Multi-Fidelity Data With Non-Common Input Variables
Authors: Jo Hwisang , Song Byeong-uk , Huh Joon-Yong , Lee Seung-Kyu , Lee Ikjin 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Multi-fidelity surrogate (MFS) modeling technology, which efficiently constructs surrogate models using low-fidelity (LF) and high-fidelity (HF) data, has been studied to enhance the predictive capability of engineering performances. In addition, several neural network (NN) structures for MFS modeling have been introduced, benefiting from recent developments in deep learning research. However, existing multi-fidelity (MF) NNs have been developed assuming identical sets of input variables for LF and HF data, a condition that is often not met in practical engineering systems. Therefore, this study proposes a new structure of composite NN designed for MF data with different input variables. The proposed network structure includes an input mapping network that connects the LF and HF data's input variables. Even when the physical relationship between these variables is unknown, the input mapping network can be concurrently trained during the process of training the whole network model. Customized loss functions and activation variables are suggested in this study to facilitate forward and backward propagation for the proposed NN structures when training MF data with different inputs. The effectiveness of the proposed method, in terms of prediction accuracy, is demonstrated through mathematical examples and practical engineering problems related to tire performances. The results confirm that the proposed method offers better accuracy than existing surrogate models in most problems. Moreover, the proposed method proves advantageous for surrogate modeling of nonlinear or discrete functions, a characteristic feature of NN-based methods.
Physical Behavior Profiles Among Older Adults and Their Associations With Physical Capacity and Life-Space Mobility
Authors: Palmberg Lotta , Löppönen Antti , Hyvärinen Matti , Portegijs Erja , Rantanen Taina , Rantalainen Timo , Karavirta Laura 
Published: February 2024

We identified data-driven multidimensional physical activity (PA) profiles using several novel accelerometer-derived metrics. Participants aged 75, 80, and 85 (n = 441) wore triaxial accelerometers for 3–7 days. PA profiles were formed with k-means cluster analysis based on PA minutes, intensity, fragmentation, sit-to-stand transitions, and gait bouts for men and women. Associations with physical capacity and life-space mobility were examined using age-adjusted general linear models. Three profiles emerged: “Exercisers” and “actives” accumulated relatively high PA minutes, with actives engaging in lighter intensity PA. “Inactives” had the highest activity fragmentation and lowest PA volume, intensity, and gait bouts. Inactives showed lower scores in physical capacity and life-space mobility compared with exercisers and actives. Exercisers and actives had similar physical capacity and life-space mobility, except female exercisers had higher walking speed in the 6-min walk test. Our findings demonstrate the importance of assessing PA as multidimensional behavior rather than focusing on a single metric.
Policy and Advocacy in Physical Education: Looking Back, Looking Forward
Authors: Marttinen Risto , Beighle Aaron 
Published: February 2024

In this paper, we provide an overview of physical education (PE) policy and advocacy research in the United States. We examine the past policy and advocacy work that has been completed in the field and make connections to international policy work. We examine the potential changes the future holds for developing scholarship in the area. We define policy and advocacy and explain how teachers as policy actors are key figures in any policy enacted. The paper also examines the relationship between PE and the public health arena, which completes a lot of PE-focused policy research. The paper concludes with a focus on PE teacher education and the work that higher education must do to help educate future professionals to be advocates for policy change.
Drosophila melanogaster
Sting mediates
Coxiella burnetii
infection by reducing accumulation of reactive oxygen species
Authors: Guzman Rosa M. , Savolainen Nathan G. , Hayden Olivia M. , Lee Miyoung , Osbron Chelsea A. , Liu Ziying , Yang Hong , Shaw Dana K. , Omsland Anders , Goodman Alan G. 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT

The Gram-negative bacterium
Coxiella burnetii
is the causative agent of query fever in humans and coxiellosis in livestock.
C. burnetii
infects a variety of cell types, tissues, and animal species including mammals and arthropods, but there is much left to be understood about the molecular mechanisms at play during infection in distinct species. Human stimulator of interferon genes (STING) induces an innate immune response through the induction of type I interferons (IFNs), and IFN promotes or suppresses
C. burnetii
replication, depending on tissue type.
Drosophila melanogaster
contains a functional STING ortholog (Sting) which activates NF-κB signaling and autophagy. Here, we sought to address the role of
D. melanogaster
Sting during
C. burnetii
infection to uncover how Sting regulates
C. burnetii
infection in flies. We show that Sting-null flies exhibit higher mortality and reduced induction of antimicrobial peptides following
C. burnetii
infection compared to control flies. Additionally
,
Sting-null flies induce lower levels of oxidative stress genes during infection, but the provision of N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) in food rescues Sting-null host survival. Lastly, we find that reactive oxygen species levels during
C. burnetii
infection are higher in
Drosophila
S2 cells knocked down for Sting compared to control cells. Our results show that at the host level, NAC provides protection against
C. burnetii
infection in the absence of Sting, thus establishing a role for Sting in protection against oxidative stress during
C. burnetii
infection.
Cenozoic Pb–Zn–Ag mineralization in the Western Alps
Authors: Bertauts Maxime , Vezinet Adrien , Janots Emilie , Rossi Magali , Duhamel-Achin Isabelle , Lach Philippe , Lanari Pierre 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Metallogenic models of polyphase mountain belts critically rely on robust geochronology. We combine petrology with Rb–Sr and U–Th–Pb in situ geochronology, paired at thin-section scale, to date mineralization in deformed hydrothermal Pb–Zn–Ag deposits along an east-west transect in the Western Alps, France. The Pb–Zn–Ag veins occur in shear zones with kinematic structures consistent with the mylonitized host rocks. The ore consists mainly of galena in a quartz-phengite gangue. The paragenesis can be related to hydrothermal crystallization during periods of variable strain. Both isotope systems yield only Cenozoic ages (ca. 35 Ma and 15–20 Ma) without any pre-Alpine inheritance, clearly indicating orogenic mineralization. The metallogenic model proposed here includes significant fluid circulation along major tectonic contacts between basement and sedimentary cover during Alpine convergence.
Derivation and validation of a risk-stratification model for patients with probable or proven COVID-19 in EDs: the revised HOME-CoV score
Authors: Douillet Delphine , Riou Jérémie , Morin François , Mahieu Rafaël , Chauvin Anthony , Gennai Stéphane , Ferrant Lionel , Lopez Raphaëlle , Sebbane Mustapha , Plantefeve Gaëtan , Brice Christian , Cayeux Coralie , Savary Dominique , Moumneh Thomas , Penaloza Andrea , Roy Pierre Marie 
Published: February 2024

BackgroundThe HOME-CoV (Hospitalisation or Outpatient ManagEment of patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection) score is a validated list of uniquely clinical criteria indicating which patients with probable or proven COVID-19 can be treated at home. The aim of this study was to optimise the score to improve its ability to discriminate between patients who do and do not need admission.MethodsA revised HOME-CoV score was derived using data from a previous prospective multicentre study which evaluated the original Home-CoV score. Patients with proven or probable COVID-19 attending 34 EDs in France, Monaco and Belgium between April and May 2020 were included. The population was split into a derivation and validation sample corresponding to the observational and interventional phases of the original study. The main outcome was non-invasive or invasive ventilation or all-cause death within 7 days following inclusion. Two threshold values were defined using a sensitivity of >0.9 and a specificity of >0.9 to identify low-risk and high-risk patients, respectively. The revised HOME-CoV score was then validated by retrospectively applying it to patients in the same EDs with proven or probable COVID-19 during the interventional phase. The revised HOME-CoV score was also tested against original HOME-CoV, qCSI, qSOFA, CRB65 and SMART-COP in this validation cohort.ResultsThere were 1696 patients in the derivation cohort, of whom 65 (3.8%) required non-invasive ventilation or mechanical ventilation or died within 7 days and 1304 patients in the validation cohort, of whom 22 (1.7%) had a progression of illness. The revised score included seven clinical criteria. The area under the curve (AUC) was 87.6 (95% CI 84.7 to 90.6). The cut-offs to define low-risk and high-risk patients were <2 and >3, respectively. In the validation cohort, the AUC was 85.8 (95% CI 80.6 to 91.0). A score of <2 qualified 73% of patients as low risk with a sensitivity of 0.77 (0.55–0.92) and a negative predictive value of 0.99 (0.99–1.00).ConclusionThe revised HOME-CoV score, which does not require laboratory testing, may allow accurate risk stratification and safely qualify a significant proportion of patients with probable or proven COVID-19 for home treatment.
Cumulative occupational exposure to gases and fumes is associated with impairment in lung function and disease-related quality of life in a German COPD patient cohort
Authors: Gerlich Jessica , Ohlander Johan , Kromhout Hans , Vermeulen Roel , Söhler Sandra , Radon Katja , Nowak Dennis , Karrasch Stefan , Adaskina Nina , Vogelmeier Claus , Ochmann Uta , Jörres Rudolf A 
Published: February 2024

ObjectivesThe impact of occupational exposures on lung function impairments and quality of life (QoL) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) was analysed and compared with that of smoking.MethodsData from 1283 men and 759 women (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) grades 1–4 or former grade 0, without alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency) of the COPD and Systemic Consequences Comorbidities Network cohort were analysed. Cumulative exposure to gases/fumes, biological dust, mineral dust or the combination vapours/gases/dusts/fumes was assessed using the ALOHA job exposure matrix. The effect of both occupational and smoking exposure on lung function and disease-specific QoL (St George’s Respiratory Questionnaire) was analysed using linear regression analysis adjusting for age, body mass index, diabetes, hypertension and coronary artery disease, stratified by sex.ResultsIn men, exposure to gases/fumes showed the strongest effects among occupational exposures, being significantly associated with all lung function parameters and QoL; the effects were partially stronger than of smoking. Smoking had a larger effect than occupational exposure on lung diffusing capacity (transfer factor for carbon monoxide) but not on air trapping (residual volume/total lung capacity). In women, occupational exposures were not significantly associated with QoL or lung function, while the relationships between lung function parameters and smoking were comparable to men.ConclusionsIn patients with COPD, cumulative occupational exposure, particularly to gases/fumes, showed effects on airway obstruction, air trapping, gas uptake capacity and disease-related QoL, some of which were larger than those of smoking. These findings suggest that lung air trapping and QoL should be considered as outcomes of occupational exposure to gases and fumes in patients with COPD.Trial registration numberNCT01245933.
Are operational plantations meeting expectations? A large-scale assessment of realized versus anticipated yield in eastern Canada
Authors: Barrette Martin , Auger Isabelle , Thiffault Nelson , Barrette Julie 
Published: February 2024

Forest plantations play an increasingly important role in meeting global demand for wood. They usually have higher yield than naturally regenerated forests. Thus, plantations can support economically viable wood production, enable forest conservation elsewere, help mitigate climate change by contributing to carbon sequestration and increase forest resilience and resistance to biotic and abiotic stressors. If yield of plantations is not as high as anticipated, then their use could generate important sustainability issues. There are still major gaps in our understanding of the factors that influence yield, even with respect to black spruce, white spruce, and jack pine, three of the most commonly planted tree species in northeastern North America. Our objective was to evaluate the yield of forest plantations of these species over a 416 000 km2 region that was representative of northeastern North American forests. Contrary to our prediction, realized yield of operational plantations was consistently lower than anticipated. Site index and competition both played a significant role in determining the yield of plantations. In the context of uncertain realized yield of operational plantations, we emphasize the necessity of relying on adaptive management to determine harvest levels that are compatible with sustainable management objectives.
Effect of basalt fiber and carbon fiber on the evolution of water evaporation and cracking characteristics of silt soil
Authors: Sun Min , Li Xuefeng , Zhang Dingyang , Lin Bin , Hao Jiafang , Liu Jiawei 
Published: February 2024

Cultivated land is prone to cracking during the high-temperature season, resulting in accelerated water evaporation, incomplete soil structure, and waste of resources caused by pollutants entering the soil. In this study, image analysis technology was used to compare the effects of two kinds of fibers on the drying and shrinkage characteristics of silt under the same volume. The results show that during cracking process, water evaporation can be divided into three phases: constant rate stage, deceleration rate stage, and residual stage. The crack rate of 0.08% basalt fiber-treated soil and 0.06% carbon fiber-treated soil is reduced by 27.66% and 27.98%, respectively. The addition of fibers acts like a bridge, narrowing the concentration of crack width from 0.2–0.8 to 0–0.6 mm, increasing short cracks of 0–5 mm and decreasing long cracks larger than 5 mm, thus reducing the soil cracking rate. With rough surface and high elastic modulus of fibers, the addition of fibers enhances the friction between soil particles to limit the movement of soil mass, and bears part of the tensile stress when cracking. It increases the tensile strength between the soil mass and effectively reduces the crack rate. It is found that the improvement effect of basalt fiber is relatively better and the economic benefit is higher under the same volume.
FIRST REPORT OF RAPHIDASCARIS LOPHII INFECTION IN BLUEFIN SEAROBIN (CHELIDONICHTHYS SPINOSUS)
Authors: See Ming She , Lu Chih-Yu , Tsai Hong-En , Li Tsung-Hsien , Chen Chih Yao , Tsai Ming-An 
Published: February 2024

This study reports on diseased Chelidonichthys spinosus fish that were originally obtained from the Taiwan Strait for exhibition in an aquarium. These fish showed abnormal swimming behavior, eye damage and skin lesions. Gross examination and histopathology revealed that the C. spinosus was suffering from severe nematode infections in the pyloric caeca, liver and mesentery. Marine nematodes from internal organs were verified by partially sequencing the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) gene. Sequencing results revealed that the nematodes shared 99.75% sequence identity with Raphidascaris lophii (GenBank accession No. MW132926). Additionally, secondary Vibrio harveyi infections were also detected in some C. spinosus. This is the first report of R. lophii infection in C. spinosus.
Clinical Activity of TGF-β Inhibitor Vactosertib in Combination with Imatinib in Desmoid Tumors: A Multicenter Phase Ib/II Study
Authors: Ahn Jin-Hee , Lee Jeeyun , Park Changhee , Beom Seung-Hoon , Kim Seung Hyun , Lee Young Han , Yun Kum-Hee , Kim Jeung Eun , Baek Wooyeol , Han Yoon Dae , Kim Sang Kyum , Ryu Hyang Joo , Jung Inkyung , Lee JooHee , Yoon Hong In , Kim Hyo Song 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Purpose:
The study was to determine the activity and safety of the TGF-β inhibitor vactosertib in combination with imatinib in patients with desmoid tumors.

Patients and Methods:
In this investigator-initiated, open-label, multicenter, phase Ib/II trial, patients with desmoid tumors not amenable to locoregional therapies (surgery and/or radiotherapy) or with disease progression following at least one treatment were enrolled. Participants were administered 400 mg imatinib daily in combination with vactosertib (5 days on and 2 days off, twice a day) every 28 days. In phase Ib, the vactosertib dose was set at 100 mg (level −1) and 200 mg (level 1) to determine the recommended phase II dose (RP2D). Phase II assessed the efficacy, with the primary endpoint being progression-free rate (PFR) at 16 weeks.

Results:
No dose-limiting toxicities were observed during phase Ib; therefore RP2D was defined at doses of 400 mg imatinib daily in combination with 200 mg vactosertib. Of the 27 patients evaluated, 7 (25.9%) achieved a confirmed partial response and 19 (70.4%) were stable. The PFR at 16 weeks and 1 year were 96.3% and 81.0%, respectively. Most toxicities were mild to moderate myalgia (n = 10, 37%), anemia (n = 10, 37%), and nausea (n = 9, 33.3%). Common grade 3 to 4 toxicities included neutropenia (n = 6, 22.2%) and anemia (n = 5, 18.5%).

Conclusions:
The vactosertib and imatinib combination was well tolerated, with promising clinical activity in patients with progressive, locally advanced desmoid tumors. This is the first study investigating a novel target agent, a TGF-β inhibitor, in this rare and difficult-to-treat desmoid tumor.