bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Finite‐time stabilization of output‐constrained planar switched systems via output feedback
Authors: Wei Zihang , Huang Jingxin , Lin Xiangze , Chen Chih‐Chiang 
Published: November 2022

AbstractFinite‐time stabilization (FTS) problem of output‐constrained planar switched systems via output feedback is investigated in this paper. State feedback control laws are constructed in a systematic way by combining the revamped adding a power integrator technique (APIT) with the elaborately designed logarithm‐type barrier Lyapunov function (BLF). By merging the constructed variable‐gain switched observers, finite‐time output‐feedback stabilization, then, is achieved with the output constraint meets too. At the end, simulations are presented to show the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Chemical Diversity and α‐Glucosidase Inhibitory Activity in Needles Essential Oils of Four Pinus Species from Northwestern Himalaya, India
Authors: Maurya Antim K. , Vashisath Sachin , Aggarwal Gaurav , Yadav Vikas , Agnihotri Vijai K. 
Published: November 2022

AbstractThis work describes the study of the chemical profiling and α‐glucosidase inhibitory activity of essential oils (EOs) from four Pinus species (P. wallichiana, P. patula, P. roxburghii and P. gerardiana). The identification and quantification of EOs metabolites were performed by GC/MS, GC‐FID and 13C‐NMR. The needles of P. wallichiana and P. gerardiana presented the highest oil yields (0.35 % and 0.36 %, respectively). Twenty‐four constituents were characterized in among samples exhibiting 93.8–97.7 % of the total EOs. The components and yields of the targeted samples were varied according to the species. Major components of the oils were α‐pinene (20.5–34.1 %), β‐pinene (1.4–53.0 %), δ‐3‐carene (0.2–47.0 %), limonene (1.7–13.4 %), β‐phellandrene (0.2–23.4 %), β‐myrcene (1.8–7.2 %) and α‐terpinolene (0.6–7.9 %). The extracted EOs showed strong α‐glucosidase inhibitory activity, which was close to the positive control, acarbose. This study showed that the EOs of Pinus species may be used as natural antidiabetic.
An autopsy case of ovarian mucinous cystic tumor complicated by ovarian abscess and a review of the English literature
Authors: Suzuki Daisuke , Meguro Shiori , Inagaki Koji , Hashimoto Masahiro , Kawasaki Hideya , Kosugi Isao , Enomoto Yasunori , Sugiyama Miho , Fukushima Mayu , Iwashita Toshihide 
Published: November 2022

AbstractOvarian tumors are rarely associated with abscesses. Herein, an autopsy case of an ovarian mucinous cystic tumor complicated by an abscess, along with a review of previous cases, suggests the necessity of considering ovarian abscess as a cause of inflammation in patients with the ovarian tumors.
Process Intensification for the Recovery of Hydrogen Cyanide in the Andrussow Process
Authors: Lehrich Luca , Adiche Chafika 
Published: November 2022

AbstractThe aim of this work was to determine a cost‐optimal design of the distillation unit of the Andrussow process. For this purpose, a feed with a mass flow rate of 121 t h−1and a concentration of ca. 2 wt % hydrogen cyanide (HCN) was considered. An approach for a cost‐optimal process intensification was developed with the goal to achieve the desired product qualities, while minimizing the organonitrile accumulation in the column. For this purpose, the simple distillation column of the established cost‐optimal design of the base case was extended to a configuration with a side stripper with taking into consideration heat integration in the process. It was found that this new configuration allows a much smaller accumulation of organonitriles in the main column; reducing thereby the operation issues of the process while decreasing considerably the total annual cost of the distillation unit by 61 % as compared to that of the base case design.
Perenniality drives multifunctional forage–biomass filter strips’ ability to improve water quality
Authors: Ashworth Amanda J. , Katuwal Sheela , Moore Philip A. , Adams Taylor , Anderson Kelsey , Owens Philip R. 
Published: November 2022

AbstractVegetative filter strip characteristics such as perenniality drive hydrology and subsequent ecosystem services. However, the extent and the potential for forage–biomass crops to improve water quality, provide fodder, and optimize nutrient cycling in multifunctional systems is unknown. We evaluated (a) how species, perenniality, and plant community composition are linked to water quality; and (b) the multiuse forage–biomass potential of filter strips. Whole plots were species [eastern gamagrass (Tripsacum dactyloides), Kernza [or intermediate wheatgrass (Thinopyrum intermedium)], silphium (Silphium integrifolium), switchgrass (Panicum virgatum), and winter wheat (Triticum aestivum)], with split‐plots receiving 0 or 5.6 Mg ha−1 broiler litter. Rainfall simulations were conducted at 5 cm h−1 (until 30 min of continuous runoff) in summer and fall of 2019 and 2021 with dual forage and biomass harvests occurring 2019–2021. Kernza and silphium had the lowest biomass regrowth after forage harvests relative to native grasses, suggesting they would not be ideal multifunctional forage–bioenergy crops. Among all soil–plant–water variables, canonical correlations indicate poultry litter (.97), and soil phosphorus saturation (.77) were the most influential variables for water quality. Water quality score, FWQ, which is inversely related to runoff water quality, was lowest for switchgrass (0.03) and greatest (P ≥ .05) for eastern gamagrass and wheat (1.77 and 3.33, respectively), but not different from Kernza (0.98) and silphium (0.31). Therefore, switchgrass resulted in the best water quality scores and highest forage–biomass yields, with Kernza and silphium also showing promise for reducing sediment and nutrient loads following poultry litter applications in multifunctional filter strip systems.
Asymmetrical 21‐level inverter topology with minimum variety of dc sources and reduced component counts
Authors: Arif M. Saad Bin , Mustafa Uvais , Ahmad Shahbaz , Ayob Shahrin Bin , Ashique Ratil Hasnat , Tayyab Mohammad 
Published: November 2022

SummaryThis paper proposes an asymmetrical multilevel inverter (MLI) topology. The inverter utilizes 12 switches, four dc sources, and two diodes to generate 21 levels. The main advantage of the converter is that it can generate 21 levels with a reduced number of switches, dc sources, and a variety of sources compared with other MLI topologies. It only utilizes two varieties of dc sources to generate the 21 levels. In addition, the topology can be easily extended to the n‐level topology. The efficiency of the proposed MLI is determined by considering switching and conduction losses in the switches using PLECS, and simulation is carried out in MATLAB/SIMULINK. The nearest level control (NLC) technique is deployed to generate the switching signals. The inverter has 3.91% THD in the output voltage without filtering. The maximum voltage stress to withstand is found to be 0.7 per unit. Economic analysis of the topology is done to determine its feasibility, and the cost factor is found to be 1.53 per level, making it an economically viable option. To validate the performance of the proposed converter, an experimental prototype is developed in the laboratory and tested under different loading conditions. The comparison of the proposed topology with other MLI structures is based on the number of voltage levels, dc sources, variety of sources, driver circuits, and the TSV. Results obtained show that the proposed topology outperformed other topologies on many parameters.
Addressing prey naivety in native mammals by accelerating selection for antipredator traits
Authors: Moseby Katherine , Van der Weyde Leanne , Letnic Mike , Blumstein Daniel T. , West Rebecca , Bannister Hannah 
Published: November 2022

AbstractHarnessing natural selection to improve conservation outcomes is a recent concept in ecology and evolutionary biology and a potentially powerful tool in species conservation. One possible application is the use of natural selection to improve antipredator responses of mammal species that are threatened by predation from novel predators. We investigated whether long‐term exposure of an evolutionary naïve prey species to a novel predator would lead to phenotypic changes in a suite of physical and behavioral traits. We exposed a founder population of 353 burrowing bettongs (Bettongia lesueur) to feral cats (Felis catus) over 5 years and compared the physical and behavioral traits of this population (including offspring) to a control (non‐predator exposed) population. We used selection analysis to investigate whether changes in the traits of bettongs were likely due to phenotypic plasticity or natural selection. We also quantified selection in both populations before and during major population crashes caused by drought (control) and high predation pressure (predator‐exposed). Results showed that predator‐exposed bettongs had longer flight initiation distances, larger hind feet, and larger heads than control bettongs. Trait divergence began soon after exposure and continued to intensify over time for flight initiation distance and hind foot length relative to control bettongs. Selection analysis found indicators of selection for larger hind feet and longer head length in predator‐exposed populations. Results of a common garden experiment showed that the progeny of predator‐exposed bettongs had larger feet than control bettongs. Results suggest that long‐term, low‐level exposure of naïve prey to novel predators can drive phenotypic changes that may assist with future conservation efforts.
Inflammation across universal definition of heart failure stages: the CASABLANCA study
Authors: Mohebi Reza , Liu Yuxi , van Kimmenade Roland , Gaggin Hanna K. , Murphy Sean P. , Januzzi James L. 
Published: November 2022

AbstractAimWe sought to investigate the association of inflammatory biomarkers with incident heart failure (HF) events in patients at different stages of HF.Methods and resultsOverall, 1231 study participants undergoing diagnostic coronary and/or peripheral angiography were categorized by Universal Definition of HF (UDHF) stage A (at risk), stage B (pre‐HF), and stages C or D (HF, including end‐stage). Twenty‐four inflammatory biomarkers were collected prior to angiography and unsupervised machine learning categorized levels of inflammation into three groups (low, medium, and high). Cox proportional hazard regression was implemented to assess the associations of inflammation level with incident HF hospitalization in each UDHF stage. Using machine learning, study participants were grouped into low (n = 443), medium (n = 570) and high inflammation categories (n = 230). Significantly higher concentrations of natriuretic peptide, troponin, and soluble ST2 were observed among those with high inflammation levels (p < 0.001). During 3.7 years of follow‐up, 123 (15.1%) HF hospitalizations occurred in stage A/B and 180 (41.8%) HF hospitalizations occurred in stage C/D. In multivariable model considering low inflammation level as a reference, among patients with stage A/B, the hazard ratio (HR) (95% confidence interval [CI]) of incident HF was 2.31 (1.40–3.80) for moderate inflammation level, and 4.16 (2.35–7.37) for high inflammation level. Among patients with stage C/D, the corresponding HR (95% CI) of HF hospitalization was 1.98 (1.28–3.04) for moderate inflammation level, and 2.69 (1.69–4.28) for high inflammation level.ConclusionPatterns of inflammation severity may have differing prognostic meaning across UDHF stages.
The scope of the Kalman filter for spatio‐temporal applications in environmental science
Authors: Rougier Jonathan , Brady Aoibheann , Bamber Jonathan , Chuter Stephen , Royston Sam , Vishwakarma Bramha Dutt , Westaway Richard , Ziegler Yann 
Published: November 2022

AbstractThe Kalman filter is a workhorse of dynamical modeling. But there are challenges when using the Kalman filter in environmental science: the complexity of environmental processes, the complicated and irregular nature of many environmental datasets, and the scale of environmental datasets, which may comprise many thousands of observations per time‐step. We show how these challenges can be met within the Kalman filter, identifying some situations which are relatively easy to handle, such as datasets which are high‐resolution in time, and some which are hard, like areal observations on small contiguous polygons. Overall, we conclude that many applications in environmental science are within the scope of the Kalman filter, or its generalizations.
A hybrid convolutional neural network model to detect COVID‐19 and pneumonia using chest X‐ray images
Authors: Gupta Harsh , Bansal Naman , Garg Swati , Mallik Hritesh , Prabha Anju , Yadav Jyoti 
Published: November 2022

AbstractA hybrid convolutional neural network (CNN)‐based model is proposed in the article for accurate detection of COVID‐19, pneumonia, and normal patients using chest X‐ray images. The input images are first pre‐processed to tackle problems associated with the formation of the dataset from different sources, image quality issues, and imbalances in the dataset. The literature suggests that several abnormalities can be found with limited medical image datasets by using transfer learning. Hence, various pre‐trained CNN models: VGG‐19, InceptionV3, MobileNetV2, and DenseNet are adopted in the present work. Finally, with the help of these models, four hybrid models: VID (VGG‐19, Inception, and DenseNet), VMI(VGG‐19, MobileNet, and Inception), VMD (VGG‐19, MobileNet, and DenseNet), and IMD(Inception, MobileNet, and DenseNet) are proposed. The model outcome is also tested using five‐fold cross‐validation. The best‐performing hybrid model is the VMD model with an overall testing accuracy of 97.3%. Thus, a new hybrid model architecture is presented in the work that combines three individual base CNN models in a parallel configuration to counterbalance the shortcomings of individual models. The experimentation result reveals that the proposed hybrid model outperforms most of the previously suggested models. This model can also be used in the identification of diseases, especially in rural areas where limited laboratory facilities are available.
Impact of Alcohol on Bone Health in People Living With HIV: Integrating Clinical Data From Serum Bone Markers With Morphometric Analysis in a Non‐Human Primate Model
Authors: Denys Alexandra , Norman Allison , Perrien Daniel S , Suva Larry J , Simon Liz , McDaniel Lee S , Ferguson Tekeda , Pedersen Kim , Welsh David , Molina Patricia E , Ronis Martin JJ 
Published: November 2022

ABSTRACTPeople living with HIV (PLWH) represent a vulnerable population to adverse musculoskeletal outcomes due to HIV infection, antiretroviral therapy (ART), and at‐risk alcohol use. Developing measures to prevent skeletal degeneration in this group requires a grasp of the relationship between alcohol use and low bone mass in both the PLWH population and its constituents as defined by sex, age, and race. We examined the association of alcohol use with serum biochemical markers of bone health in a diverse cohort of PLWH enrolled in the New Orleans Alcohol Use in HIV (NOAH) study. To explore the effects of alcohol on bone in the context of HIV and ART and the role of estrogen, we conducted a parallel, translational study using simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)+/ART+ female rhesus macaques divided into four groups: vehicle (Veh)/Sham; chronic binge alcohol (CBA)/Sham; Veh/ovariectomy (OVX); and CBA/OVX. Clinical data showed that both osteocalcin (Ocn) and procollagen type I N‐propeptide (PINP) levels were inversely associated with multiple measures of alcohol consumption. Age (>50 years) significantly increased susceptibility to alcohol‐associated suppression of bone formation in both female and male PLWH, with postmenopausal status appearing as an additional risk factor in females. Serum sclerostin (Scl) levels correlated positively with measures of alcohol use and negatively with Ocn. Micro‐CT analysis of the macaque tibias revealed that although both CBA and OVX independently decreased trabecular number and bone mineral density, only OVX decreased trabecular bone volume fraction and impacted cortical geometry. The clinical data implicate circulating Scl in the pathogenesis of alcohol‐induced osteopenia and suggest that bone morphology can be significantly altered in the absence of net change in osteoblast function as measured by serum markers. Inclusion of sophisticated tools to evaluate skeletal strength in clinical populations will be essential to understand the impact of alcohol‐induced changes in bone microarchitecture. © 2022 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Controlling the 3D flower‐like ZnO via simple precipitation method and its formation mechanism and photocatalytic application
Authors: Mac Van Hung , Vu Anh‐Tuan 
Published: November 2022

AbstractThe stratified ZnO has been known to be an efficient photocatalyst. However, its morphological control is limited because of the strict conditions. In this study, the 3D flower‐like ZnO was synthesized by the simple precipitation method. Its morphology was simply controlled by changes in NaOH and trisodium citrate dihydrate content and reaction temperature. Flower‐like ZnO has been produced in different sizes and petals thicknesses with the variation of trisodium citrate dihydrate. Besides, at 0.25 M NaOH, the ZnO‐1NaOH was 5 μm in size assembled from numerous petals with an average thickness of 13 nm. The morphology changed at higher NaOH content, it was observed as a triangular prism for the ZnO‐2NaOH sample. While the reaction temperature changed the thickness of the petals. The plausible formation mechanism of flower structure was proposed. The catalytic activity of ZnO was demonstrated through the decomposition of tetracycline hydrochloride (THC) under visible light. In addition, the stability and photocatalytic mechanism of ZnO were studied.
Shear wave elastography to evaluate carotid artery elasticity in long‐term drinkers with varying degrees of alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Li Xiya , Li Zhen , Zhang Mengmeng , Li Guangsen , Yu Tingting 
Published: November 2022

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate carotid artery elasticity in long‐term drinkers with varying degrees of alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD) by shear wave elastography (SWE).MethodsOf the 92 drinkers with alcohol drinking for greater than or equal to 5 years, were fell into three groups depending on the liver ultrasound results: group B (without AFLD), group C (with mild AFLD), and group D (moderate‐to‐severe AFLD). Another 32 healthy adults were selected as the control group (group A). All participants had no significant carotid plaque. Gray scale ultrasound and color doppler ultrasound were used to obtain the left common carotid peak systolic velocity (PSV), carotid diastolic internal diameter (Dd), carotid intima‐media thickness (IMT), carotid systolic internal diameter (Ds) and the stiffness coefficient (β). Mean values of mean elastic modulus (MEmean), minimum elastic modulus (MEmin), and maximum elastic modulus (MEmax) of the anterior wall of the left common carotid artery at end‐diastole were measured by SWE.ResultsDd, Ds, and PSV among the four groups showed no differences. (all P > 0.05). Compared with groups A and B, MEmin, MEmax, and MEmean were significantly higher in group C (all P < 0.05), while IMT and β were not statistically different (all P > 0.05). MEmean, MEmin, MEmax, IMT, and β were significantly higher in group D compared with the other three groups (all P < 0.05). No significant differences were observed in IMT, β, MEmean, MEmax, and MEmin between groups A and B (all P > 0.05).ConclusionsShear wave elastography can provide a quantitative evaluation for the carotid artery elasticity in long‐term drinkers with varying degrees of AFLD.
Measuring quality and value in genetic counseling: The current landscape and future directions
Authors: Higgs Emily , Wain Karen E. , Wynn Julia , Cho Megan T. , Higgins Sonja , Blaisdell David , Dugan Donna , Valek Sara , Cohen Stephanie 
Published: November 2022

AbstractGenetic counselors strive to provide high‐quality genetic services. To do so, it is essential to define quality in genetic counseling and identify opportunities for improvement. This Professional Issues article provides an overview of the evaluation of healthcare quality in genetic counseling. The National Society of Genetic Counselors' Research, Quality, and Outcomes Committee partnered with Discern Health, a value‐based healthcare policy consulting firm, to develop a care continuum model of genetic counseling. Using the proposed model, currently available quality measures relevant to genetic counseling in the US healthcare system were assessed, allowing for the identification of gaps and priority areas for further development. A total of 560 quality measures were identified that can be applied to various aspects of the care continuum model across a range of clinical specialty areas in genetic counseling, although few measures were specific to genetic counseling or genetic conditions. Areas where quality measures were lacking included: attitudes toward genetic testing, family communication, stigma, and issues of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. We discuss these findings and other strategies for an evidence‐based approach to quality in genetic counseling. Strategic directions for the genetic counseling profession should include a consolidated approach to research on quality and value of genetic counseling, development of quality metrics and patient‐experience measures, and engagement with other improvement activities. These strategies will allow for benchmarking, performance improvement, and future implementation in accountability programs which will strengthen genetic counseling as a profession that provides evidence‐based high‐quality care to all patients.
Obliterative portal venopathy: A neglected and probably misdiagnosed disease with peculiar etiology in South America
Authors: Nunes Vinícius , de Freitas Luiz A R , de Freitas Juliana R , Araújo Caio , Junior Gildásio N , Schinoni Maria I , Bessone Fernando , Paraná Raymundo 
Published: November 2022

AbstractBackground and AimObliterative portal venopathy (OPV) is one of the causes of non‐cirrhotic portal hypertension. However, many aspects of OPV remain unclear, including the etiology, pathogenesis, and natural history. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical features of OPV in a series of patients in Brazil in whom OPV was diagnosed through liver biopsy.MethodsForty‐three consecutive adult patients with OPV were retrospectively selected as a case series based on histologic criteria, defined by the presence of at least portal fibrosis, phlebosclerosis, disappearance and/or reduction of the caliber of portal vein branches, and exclusion of cirrhosis. Clinical and laboratory data were analyzed. Clinically significant portal hypertension was considered in the presence of esophageal varices and/or ascites.ResultsThe mean age of patients at diagnosis was 44.5 ± 11 years, who were predominantly female (81%). Clinically significant portal hypertension was found in 28% of cases. The most frequent indication for liver biopsy was the elevation of liver enzymes, mostly γ‐glutamyl transferase (GGT) in 76% of patients, averaging 222 IU/L (upper limit of normality up to 40 IU/L) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in 64%, mean 84 IU/L (38 IU/L). One‐third of our patients had exposure to medications, especially herbal medicines, at the time of enzymatic changes. Other risk factors highlighted were features of autoimmunity in 25% of patients or thrombophilia in 20%.ConclusionOPV can be diagnosed even before the onset of portal hypertension, ALT elevation, and especially GGT elevation in most cases. Its etiology is not defined, but autoimmune diseases, thrombophilia, and the use of medications or herbal medicines may play a role.