Rethinking softmax in incremental learning.

Mitigating catastrophic forgetting remains a fundamental challenge in incremental learning. This paper identifies a key limitation of the widely used softmax cross-entropy loss: the non-identifiability inherent in the standard softmax cross-entropy distillation loss. To address this issue, we propose two complementary strategies: (1) adopting an imbalance-invariant distillation loss to mitigate the adverse effect of imbalanced weights during distillation, and (2) regularizing the original prediction/distillation loss with shift-sensitive alternatives, which render the optimization problem identifiable and proactively prevent imbalance from arising.

ISRIB facilitates post-spinal cord injury recovery through attenuation of neuronal apoptosis and modulation of neuroinflammation.

Background: Neuronal apoptosis and inflammation are two critical factors that impede functional recovery post spinal cord injury (SCI). Previous studies have demonstrated the inhibitory effects of integrated stress response inhibitor (ISRIB) on neuroinflammation in brain injury. However, whether ISRIB can regulate neuron death and neuroinflammation in the context of SCI remains elusive.

CX3CL1-mediated neuronal "rescue signal" influences inflammation progression following spinal cord injury via microglia.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a refractory diseases that leads to lasting impairments in sensory and motor functions. Following nerve injury, CX3CL1, a neuron membrane protein, is released. Research suggests that CX3CL1 neurons possess a unique signaling mechanism for rescue.

Advancing carbon-neutral iron production: Non-equimolar diffusion kinetics of coke with HO in hydrogen-rich blast furnaces.

This study presents a non-equimolar diffusion model to enhance the predictive accuracy of coke degradation kinetics in hydrogen-rich blast furnaces, where elevated water vapor (HO) levels are present. The model integrates the unreacted core shrink model with the Maxwell-Stefan equation to delineate the 3D curved surface distribution of HO concentration and the effective diffusion coefficient within the coke ash layer. Validated against experimental data, the model demonstrated a significant improvement in accuracy, with a deviation range of 0.

Variable Activation Energy Models for the Shrinkage and Softening Melting Behavior of Iron Ore in Blast Furnace Conditions.

Understanding the shrinkage behavior of iron ore is crucial for achieving blast furnace (BF) operating efficiency and reducing fuel ratio. This study presents high-temperature reduction load experiments on iron ore, simulating BF conditions. Two new shrinkage behavior models (SAEM-PC and SAEM-S&M) were established by combining the effects of temperature and reduction.

Long-term impact of air pollution on heart failure readmission in unstable angina patients.

Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide, with air pollution's impact on cardiovascular health being closely monitored. However, the specific effects of air pollution on the risk of hospital readmission for heart failure (HF) in patients with unstable angina (UA) have not been fully explored. We conducted a retrospective study involving 12,857 consecutive patients diagnosed with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) between January 2015 and March 2023.

A diagnostic prediction model for the early detection of heart failure following primary percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction.

Background: In this study, we aimed to construct a robust diagnostic model that can predict the early onset of heart failure in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) following a primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). This diagnostic model can facilitate the early stratification of high-risk patients, thereby optimizing therapeutic management.

Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of 664 patients with STEMI who underwent their inaugural PCI.

Ultralow Roll-off Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescent Light-Emitting Diodes Based on Furo[2,3-]quinoxaline Emitters.

Herein, a Y-type compound () and a T-type compound () based on furo[2,3-]quinoxaline were synthesized. The theory calculation shows the S and T of both compounds own a charge-transfer feature while their T states have a local excitation feature. The calculated is one to 2 orders of magnitude larger than .

Octopus-Inspired Underwater Soft Robotic Gripper with Crawling and Swimming Capabilities.

Can a robotic gripper only operate when attached to a robotic arm? The application space of the traditional gripper is limited by the robotic arm. Giving robot grippers the ability to move will expand their range of applications. Inspired by rich behavioral repertoire observed in octopus, we implement an integrated multifunctional soft robotic gripper with 6 independently controlled Arms.

Reticular Origami Soft Robotic Gripper for Shape-Adaptive and Bistable Rapid Grasping.

The top-down approach in designing and fabricating origami robots could achieve far more complicated functions with compliant and elegant designs than traditional robots. This study presents the design, fabrication, and testing of a reticular origami soft robotic gripper that could adapt to the shape of the grasping subject and grasp the subject within 80 ms from the trigger instance. A sensing mechanism consisting of the resistive pressure sensor array and flexible elongation sensor is designed to validate further the shape-adaptive grasping capability and model the rough shape and size of the subject.

Long-term effects of air quality on hospital readmission for heart failure in patients with acute myocardial infarction.

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death worldwide, with air pollution posing significant risks to cardiovascular health. The effect of air quality on heart failure (HF) readmission in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients is unclear.The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of a single measure of air pollution exposure collected on the day of first hospitalization.

Interrelationships among abnormal P-wave axis, metabolic syndrome and its components, and mortality in US adults.

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is associated with increased rates of cardiovascular disease and mortality and is linked to abnormal electrocardiogram (ECG) parameters. We aimed to explore the relationships and interactions among MetS and its components, abnormal P-wave axis (aPWA), and mortality rates.

Methods: We analyzed data from 7526 adult participants with sinus rhythm recruited from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III.

Development and validation of a prognostic model for predicting post-discharge mortality risk in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI).

Background: Accurately predicting post-discharge mortality risk in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) remains a complex and critical challenge. The primary objective of this study was to develop and validate a robust risk prediction model to assess the 12-month and 24-month mortality risk in STEMI patients after hospital discharge.

Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 664 STEMI patients who underwent PPCI at Xiangtan Central Hospital Chest Pain Center between 2020 and 2022.

Sex-specific impact of mild obesity on the prognosis of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.

This study aimed to clarify the existence of the mild obesity paradox in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and assess the impact of mild obesity on the prognosis of STEMI. A retrospective cohort study was conducted on STEMI patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention at Xiangtan Central Hospital from January 1, 2020 to July 31, 2022. After excluding individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of no less than 35 kg/m, subjects were divided into the mildly obese group (BMI, 30-35 kg/m) and non-obese group (BMI < 30 kg/m).

Impact of chest pain center quality control indicators on mortality risk in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction patients: a study based on Killip classification.

Background: Despite the crucial role of Chest pain centers (CPCs) in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) management, China's mortality rate for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) has remained stagnant. This study evaluates the influence of CPC quality control indicators on mortality risk in STEMI patients receiving primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: A cohort of 664 consecutive STEMI patients undergoing PPCI from 2020 to 2022 was analyzed using Cox proportional hazards regression models.

Prognostic impact of lung ultrasound detected B-lines on hospitalised ischaemic heart failure with mildly reduced ejection fraction patients.

Objectives: Prognostic impact of lung ultrasound-derived B-lines (LUS-BL) in heart failure with mildly reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (HFmrEF) patients remains elusive. We evaluated the correlation between LUS-BL and prognosis in HFmrEF patients.

Methods: This is a subgroup analysis based on our previously published retrospective study with 1691 HFmrEF patients.

Association between the cardiometabolic index and chronic kidney disease: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Central obesity is a risk factor for chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, the exact correlation between the cardiometabolic index (CMI), an indicator of central obesity, and CKD remains unclear. Here, we aimed to investigate the correlation between the CMI and CKD in the general American population.

Mendelian Randomization Study of Lipid Metabolites Reveals Causal Associations with Heel Bone Mineral Density.

Background: Osteoporosis, which is a bone disease, is characterized by low bone mineral density and an increased risk of fractures. The heel bone mineral density is often used as a representative measure of overall bone mineral density. Lipid metabolism, which includes processes such as fatty acid metabolism, glycerol metabolism, inositol metabolism, bile acid metabolism, carnitine metabolism, ketone body metabolism, sterol and steroid metabolism, etc.

Impact of signs and symptoms on the prognosis of patients with HFmrEF.

Background: Worsening of heart failure (HF) symptoms is the leading cause of medical contact and hospitalization of patients with mildly reduced ejection fraction (HFmrEF). The prognostic value of signs and symptoms for patients with HFmrEF is currently unclear. This study investigated the prognostic impact of signs and symptoms in HFmrEF patients.

Red blood cell count and risk of adverse outcomes in patients with mildly reduced left ventricular ejection fraction.

Background: Anemia is associated with increased rates of heart failure (HF)-related mortality and hospitalization. No studies have focused on the association between the red blood cell (RBC) count and the prognosis of patients with HF with mildly reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (HFmrEF). We retrospectively analyzed the effect of the RBC count on outcome events in patients with HFmrEF.

Impact of atrial fibrillation on cerebro-cardiovascular outcome of heart failure with mildly-reduced ejection fraction.

Aims: Atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure (HF) often co-exist and are closely intertwined. The impact of AF on the outcome of patients with heart failure with mildly-reduced ejection fraction (HFmrEF) is not fully clear. This study aimed to investigate the impact of AF on the outcomes of hospitalized HFmrEF patients.

Sex differences in patients with heart failure and mildly reduced left ventricular ejection fraction.

Clinical studies on heart failure with mildly reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (HFmrEF) have gradually increased. However, studies on the prognostic differences between men and women among patients with HFmrEF are few, and no evidence on sex differences in such patients exists. Therefore, we retrospectively assessed the data of patients with HFmrEF using propensity score-matched analysis (PSMA).