bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Circular (Yet Sound) Proofs in Propositional Logic
Authors: Atserias Albert , Lauria Massimo
Published: January 2023

Proofs in propositional logic are typically presented as trees of derived formulas or, alternatively, as directed acyclic graphs of derived formulas. This distinction between tree-like vs. dag-like structure is particularly relevant when making quantitative considerations regarding, for example, proof size. Here we analyze a more general type of structural restriction for proofs in rule-based proof systems. In this definition, proofs are directed graphs of derived formulas in which cycles are allowed as long as every formula is derived at least as many times as it is required as a premise. We call such proofs “circular”. We show that, for all sets of standard inference rules with single or multiple conclusions, circular proofs are sound. We start the study of the proof complexity of circular proofs at Circular Resolution, the circular version of Resolution. We immediately see that Circular Resolution is stronger than dag-like Resolution since, as we show, the propositional encoding of the pigeonhole principle has circular Resolution proofs of polynomial size. Furthermore, for derivations of clauses from clauses, we show that Circular Resolution is, surprisingly, equivalent to Sherali-Adams, a proof system for reasoning through polynomial inequalities that has linear programming at its base. As corollaries we get: (1) polynomial-time (LP-based) algorithms that find Circular Resolution proofs of constant width, (2) examples that separate Circular from dag-like Resolution, such as the pigeonhole principle and its variants, and (3) exponentially hard cases for Circular Resolution. Contrary to the case of Circular Resolution, for Frege we show that circular proofs can be converted into tree-like proofs with at most polynomial overhead.
Elastic Thermobarometry
Authors: Kohn Matthew J. , Mazzucchelli Mattia L. , Alvaro Matteo
Published: January 2023

Upon exhumation and cooling, contrasting compressibilities and thermal expansivities induce differential strains (volume mismatches) between a host crystal and its inclusions. These strains can be quantified in situ using Raman spectroscopy or X-ray diffraction. Knowing equations of state and elastic properties of minerals, elastic thermobarometry inverts measured strains to calculate the pressure-temperature conditions under which the stress state was uniform in the host and inclusion. These are commonly interpreted to represent the conditions of inclusion entrapment. Modeling and experiments quantify corrections for inclusion shape, proximity to surfaces, and (most importantly) crystal-axis anisotropy, and they permit accurate application of the more common elastic thermobarometers. New research is exploring the conditions of crystal growth, reaction overstepping, and the magnitudes of differential stresses, as well as inelastic resetting of inclusion and host strain, and potential new thermobarometers for lower-symmetry minerals.▪A physics-based method is revolutionizing calculations of metamorphic pressures and temperatures.▪Inclusion shape, crystal anisotropy, and proximity to boundaries affect calculations but can be corrected for.▪New results are leading petrologists to reconsider pressure-temperature conditions, differential stresses, and thermodynamic equilibrium.
Building Model for Simulating the Effect of Main Factors on the PVDF Membrane Formation Process
Authors: Fan Enran , Fang Ping , Ren Peng , Li Yan , Hu Zhangfan , Bin Liu
Published: January 2023

Membrane separation technology has been widely studied as an effective means of treating wastewater. The method of mathematical modeling has been widely used in existing studies. In this study, we describe mathematically the conservation of mass, momentum and energy in a simple ternary membrane system, and construct basic control equations to simulate the main influencing factors. The system pressure P and system temperature T during the molding process were simulated in total, as well as the effects of the initial concentration of solvent in the polymer solution, the addition of non-solvent and the initial concentration of polymer on the evolution of the membrane structure. The results show that the concentration difference between the components, as the driving force of diffusion, jointly affects the diffusion ability of the PVDF; the system pressure P and the system temperature T change the rate of phase separation during the membrane formation process, which in turn changes the membrane structure. The influence of the initial concentration of each component on the membrane formation process is in the following order: polymer concentration > non-solvent concentration > solvent concentration, and the initial concentration of the polymer dominates the membrane formation process and its final morphology.
Lateral Selective SiGe Growth for Local Dislocation-Free SiGe-on-Insulator Virtual Substrate Fabrication
Authors: Anand K. , Schubert M. A. , Corley-Wiciak A. A. , Spirito D. , Corley-Wiciak C. , Klesse W. M. , Mai A. , Tillack B. , Yamamoto Y.
Published: January 2023

Dislocation free local SiGe-on-insulator (SGOI) virtual substrate is fabricated using lateral selective SiGe growth by reduced pressure chemical vapor deposition. The lateral selective SiGe growth is performed around a ∼1.25 μm square Si (001) pillar in a cavity formed by HCl vapor phase etching of Si at 850 °C from side of SiO2/Si mesa structure on buried oxide. Smooth root mean square roughness of SiGe surface of 0.14 nm, which is determined by interface roughness between the sacrificially etched Si and the SiO2 cap, is obtained. Uniform Ge content of ∼40% in the laterally grown SiGe is observed. In the Si pillar, tensile strain of ∼0.65% is found which could be due to thermal expansion difference between SiO2 and Si. In the SiGe, tensile strain of ∼1.4% along 〈010〉 direction, which is higher compared to that along 〈110〉 direction, is observed. The tensile strain is induced from both [110] and [−110] directions. Threading dislocations in the SiGe are located only ∼400 nm from Si pillar and stacking faults are running towards 〈110〉 directions, resulting in the formation of a wide dislocation-free area in SiGe along 〈010〉 due to horizontal aspect ratio trapping.
A LEO Satellite Handover Strategy Based on Graph and Multiobjective Multiagent Path Finding
Authors: Jiang Zhiyun , Li Wei , Wang Xiangtong , Liang Binbin
Published: January 2023

Low earth orbit (LEO) satellite network can provide services to users anywhere on the earth. However, the high-speed mobility of satellites leads to a dynamic environment, which brings challenges for handover and network performance optimization, especially in the scenario of multiuser using the networks meanwhile. In this paper, we exploit multiple directed graphs to model the handover process for multiuser. The nodes in a graph represent the satellites that the corresponding user may choose to access. The edges represent the possible handovers between adjacent timestamps. The path from the start node to the end node in each graph is the handover strategy of the corresponding user, and the path length is the reward that the user can get. Therefore, the handover strategy problem is transformed into a path planning problem. To minimize the average handover times, maximize the average received power, and minimize the average number of conflicts, we propose a novel handover strategy based on multiobjective multiagent path finding (MOMAPF). The simulated handover experiment on Starlink successfully derives the Pareto-optimal solution set, which corroborates the effectiveness of the proposed handover strategy. The results also show that the proposed strategy has better comprehensive performance than other strategies.
The Association between Delirium and In-Hospital Falls: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of a Delirium Screening Program
Authors: Kalivas Benjamin , Zhang Jingwen , Harper Kristine , Thomas Meghan K. , Dulin Jennifer , Marsden Justin , Robbins Patrick , Hunt Kelly J. , Mauldin Patrick D. , Moran William P. , Rudolph James , Heincelman Marc
Published: January 2023

Rationale. In-hospital falls and delirium are important events to understand in the hospital setting. Although the link between these events is well described, the impact on patient outcomes and the health system necessitates duplication with the use of accessible delirium screening tools. Aims and Objectives. To understand the association of delirium and falls. Methods. A cross-sectional study using delirium screening and falls reports was used to measure the association between delirium and falls. All inpatient data from August, 2018, to January, 2020, at a large academic medical center were analyzed. A multivariable logistic regression of 29,655 hospital admissions was used to understand the association between in-hospital delirium and falls. Results. Analysis revealed a delirium rate of 12.5% (n = 3,707) of all admissions and 286 (0.9%) admissions with falls; of the falls studied, 37.6% of these patients screened positive for delirium during their admission. Relative to those who screened negative for delirium, admissions that screened positive for delirium had a 2.81 increased odds of falling. Conclusions. Delirium and falls are related. This strong association should motivate health systems to look closely at both problems. Falls and delirium can both have immense impacts on the patient and the health system. The powerful association between them provides a window to reduce these additional patient harms. More specifically, a modern delirium screening tool should be used as part of routine risk assessment focused on reducing in-hospital falls.
GLX351322, a Novel NADPH Oxidase 4 Inhibitor, Attenuates TMJ Osteoarthritis by Inhibiting the ROS/MAPK/NF-κB Signaling Pathways
Authors: Zhen Jinze , Chen Xinwei , Mao Yi , Xie Xinru , Chen Xuzhuo , Xu Weifeng , Zhang Shanyong
Published: January 2023

As a degenerative disease in joints, temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJOA) is characterized by progressive cartilage degradation, subchondral bone remodeling, and chronic synovitis, severely undermining functions and quality of life in patients. NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4) contributes to reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and inflammatory pathway activation in osteoarthritis, which has attracted increasing attention in research in recent years. GLX351322 (GLX), a novel NOX4 inhibitor, exerts a protective effect on chondrocytes. However, whether it has a therapeutic effect on ROS production and inflammatory responses in synovial macrophages remains to be evaluated. In this study, we examined the effect of GLX on LPS-induced ROS production and inflammatory responses in vitro and on complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA)-induced TMJ inflammation in vivo. We found that GLX could depress LPS-induced intracellular ROS production and inflammatory response without cytotoxicity by inhibiting the ROS/MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathways. In line with in vitro observations, GLX markedly attenuated the synovial inflammatory reaction in the TMJ, thus protecting the condylar structure from severe damage. Taken together, our results suggest that GLX intervention or NOX4 inhibition is a promising curative strategy for TMJOA and other inflammatory diseases.
Antibiotic Resistance Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices among Pharmacists: A Cross-Sectional Study in West Bank, Palestine
Authors: Al-Halawa Diala Abu , Seir Rania Abu , Qasrawi Radwan
Published: January 2023

Antibiotic resistance is an increasing problem worldwide. Dispensing antibiotics without prescription is a major contributing factor to antibiotic resistance. Pharmacists as healthcare providers are, in many studies, considered responsible for this practice. This study aims to explore Palestinian pharmacists’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices concerning antibiotic resistance. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2021–2022. A random sample of 152 pharmacists was selected from the West Bank. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire that includes five sections: demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitudes, practices, and potential interventions. Results indicated that 60% of pharmacists dispense antibiotics without a prescription. A significant association between pharmacies’ locality and antibiotic knowledge, attitudes, and practices was found. Pharmacists’ knowledge-related responses indicated that 92.1% of the pharmacists agreed that inappropriate use of antibiotics can lead to ineffective treatment and 86.2% disagreed that patients can stop taking antibiotics upon symptoms’ improvement. Only 17.1% disagreed that antibiotics should always be used to treat upper respiratory tract infections. Over two-thirds considered that they are aware of the regulations about antibiotic dispensing and acknowledged that antibiotics are classified as prescription drugs. Furthermore, 71.7% and 53.3% agreed that they have good knowledge of the pharmacological aspects of antibiotics and antibiotic resistance. Concerning attitudes, 75.6% agreed that antibiotic resistance is an important and serious public health issue facing the world, and 52% thought that antibiotic dispensing without a prescription is a common practice in the West Bank. Our findings indicate that pharmacists’ locality and practices related to antibiotic dispensing without prescription are associated with the increase in antibiotics misuse and bacterial resistance. There is a need to design education and training programs and implement legislation in Palestine to decrease antibiotic resistance.
A Novel Technique for Handwritten Digit Recognition Using Deep Learning
Authors: Ahmed Syed Sohail , Mehmood Zahid , Awan Imran Ahmad , Yousaf Rehan Mehmood
Published: January 2023

Handwritten digit recognition (HDR) shows a significant application in the area of information processing. However, correct recognition of such characters from images is a complicated task due to immense variations in the writing style of people. Moreover, the occurrence of several image artifacts like the existence of intensity variations, blurring, and noise complicates this process. In the proposed method, we have tried to overcome the aforementioned limitations by introducing a deep learning‐ (DL‐) based technique, namely, EfficientDet‐D4, for numeral categorization. Initially, the input images are annotated to exactly show the region of interest (ROI). In the next phase, these images are used to train the EfficientNet‐B4‐based EfficientDet‐D4 model to detect and categorize the numerals into their respective classes from zero to nine. We have tested the proposed model over the MNIST dataset to demonstrate its efficacy and attained an average accuracy value of 99.83%. Furthermore, we have accomplished the cross‐dataset evaluation on the USPS database and achieved an accuracy value of 99.10%. Both the visual and reported experimental results show that our method can accurately classify the HDR from images even with the varying writing style and under the presence of various sample artifacts like noise, blurring, chrominance, position, and size variations of numerals. Moreover, the introduced approach is capable of generalizing well to unseen cases which confirms that the EfficientDet‐D4 model is an effective solution to numeral recognition.
Thirdhand Smoke May Promote Lung Adenocarcinoma Development through HN1
Authors: Peng Jiamin , Shuopeng Jia , Wang Huiju , Wang Xin , Wang Ligang
Published: January 2023

Thirdhand smoke (THS) refers to residual tobacco smoking pollutants that can be adsorbed to indoor surfaces and dust and persist for years after active smoking. THS‐related chemicals such as N‐nitrosonornicotine (NNN) and 4‐(methylnitrosamino)‐1‐(3‐pyridyl)‐1‐butanone (NNK) are tobacco‐specific lung carcinogens that involved in lung cancer development and progression. In this study, we computed the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between THS and paired control samples. THS‐related overexpressed genes (OEs) were overlapped with OEs of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC). Survival analyses of these overlapped genes were performed using LUAD and LUSC data. 6 genes were selected for validation based on their expression levels and prognostic value. Hematological and neurological expressed 1 (HN1) was further selected due to its novelty in LUAD research. The potential roles of HN1 in LUAD were explored in several ways. In summary, HN1 is overexpressed in THS samples and is associated with the prognosis of patients with LUAD. It may promote cancer progression through several pathways and could serve as a potential therapeutic target especially for THS‐related LUAD. In‐depth mechanistic studies and clinical trials are warranted.
Experimental Study on the Effect of Supercritical CO2 on Mechanical Properties and Fracture Characteristics of Longmaxi Shale
Authors: Zhang Ran , Yan Hao , Yang Lin , Liao Kun , Tao Lei
Published: January 2023

Conventional hydraulic fracturing techniques typically consume large amounts of water when producing shale gas. Fracking fluids may cause environmental pollution. In contrast, supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) (above 31.8°C, 7.29 MPa) can displace CH4 in shale reservoirs. Achieve CO2 sequestration while increasing the shale gas production. We studied the mechanical properties and fracture characteristics of a shale under the action of scCO2, nitrogen, helium, and water by comparing the triaxial compression tests of shale samples with seven coring angles. The results show that: (1) scCO2 effectively reduced compressive strength of the shale and weakened the anisotropy of shale; (2) scCO2 caused the content of dolomite, calcite, and illite to decrease by 4.7%∼13.5%, respectively; (3) scCO2 produced micropores and microfractures 10 times larger than the original size in the microstructure. These microstructures can help improve the seepage and gathering of shale gas, leading to enhanced shale gas recovery and CO2 storage.
Prediction of Air Quality Index Using Machine Learning Techniques: A Comparative Analysis
Authors: Gupta N. Srinivasa , Mohta Yashvi , Heda Khyati , Armaan Raahil , Valarmathi B. , Arulkumaran G.
Published: January 2023

An index for reporting air quality is called the air quality index (AQI). It measures the impact of air pollution on a person’s health over a short period of time. The purpose of the AQI is to educate the public on the negative health effects of local air pollution. The amount of air pollution in Indian cities has significantly increased. There are several ways to create a mathematical formula to determine the air quality index. Numerous studies have found a link between air pollution exposure and adverse health impacts in the population. Data mining techniques are one of the most interesting approaches to forecast AQI and analyze it. The aim of this paper is to find the most effective way for AQI prediction to assist in climate control. The most effective method can be improved upon to find the most optimal solution. Hence, the work in this paper involves intensive research and the addition of novel techniques such as SMOTE to make sure that the best possible solution to the air quality problem is obtained. Another important goal is to demonstrate and display the exact metrics involved in our work in such a way that it is educational and insightful and hence provides proper comparisons and assists future researchers. In the proposed work, three distinct methods—support vector regression (SVR), random forest regression (RFR), and CatBoost regression (CR)—have been utilized to determine the AQI of New Delhi, Bangalore, Kolkata, and Hyderabad. After comparing the results of imbalanced datasets, it was found that random forest regression provides the lowest root mean square error (RMSE) values in Bangalore (0.5674), Kolkata (0.1403), and Hyderabad (0.3826), as well as higher accuracy compared to SVR and CatBoost regression for Kolkata (90.9700%) and Hyderabad (78.3672%), while CatBoost regression provides the lowest RMSE value in New Delhi (0.2792) and the highest accuracy is obtained for New Delhi (79.8622%) and Bangalore (68.6860%). Regarding the dataset that was subjected to the synthetic minority oversampling technique (SMOTE) algorithm, it is noted that random forest regression provides the lowest RMSE values in Kolkata (0.0988) and Hyderabad (0.0628) and higher accuracies are obtained for Kolkata (93.7438%) and Hyderabad (97.6080%) in comparison to SVR and CatBoost regression, whereas CatBoost regression provides the highest accuracies for New Delhi (85.0847%) and Bangalore (90.3071%). This demonstrated definitely that datasets that had the SMOTE algorithm applied to them produced a higher accuracy. The novelty of this paper lies in the fact that the best regression models have been picked through thorough research by analyzing their accuracies. Moreover, unlike most related papers, dataset balancing is carried out through SMOTE. Moreover, all of the implementations have been documented via graphs and metrics, which clearly show the contrast in results and help show what actually caused the improvement in accuracy.
Optimization and Modeling of Cr (VI) Removal from Tannery Wastewater onto Activated Carbon Prepared from Coffee Husk and Sulfuric Acid (H2SO4) as Activating Agent by Using Central Composite Design (CCD)
Authors: Temesgen Abeto Amibo , Beyan Surafel Mustefa , Abreham Bekele Bayu , Worku Firomsa Kabeta
Published: January 2023

The primary goal of this research is to lower the hexavalent chromium (Cr (VI)) concentration that has occurred from the growth of the tannery industry. As a result, the potential for heavy metal concentration is increasing day by day. Industrial effluent containing Cr (VI) contributes significantly to water pollution. Chromium hexavalent ion (Cr (VI)) in wastewater is extremely hazardous to the environment. It is critical to address such a condition using activated carbon derived from biomass. Adsorption is one of the most successful methods for removing hexavalent chromium from wastewater. Treated wastewater has no substantial environmental contamination consequences. The ash content, moisture content, volatile matter content, and fixed carbon content of wet coffee husk were 3.51, 10.85, 68.33, and 17.31, respectively. The physicochemical properties of coffee husk-based activated carbon (CHBAC) obtained during experimentation were pH, porosity, the yield of CHBAC, bulk density, point of zero charges, and specific surface area of 5.2, 58.4 percent, 60.1 percent, 0.71 g/mL, 4.19, and 1396 m2/g, respectively, indicating that CHBAC has a higher capacity as an adsorbent medium. For optimization purposes, the parameters ranged from pH (0.3–3.7), dose (2.3–5.7)

g

, and contact time (0.3–3.7) hr. The quadratic models were chosen for optimization, and the

p

value for the model was significant since it was less than 0.05, but the lack of fit model was inconsequential because it was more than 0.05. The optimum adsorption obtained with numerical optimization of Cr (VI) was 97.65 percent. This was obtained at a pH of 1.926, a dose of 4.209 g/L, and a contact time of 2.101 hours. This result was observed at a pH of 1.93, a dosage of 4.2 g/L, and a contact duration of 2.1 hours. The desirability obtained during numerical optimization was 1. Coffee husk-based activated carbon has a bigger surface area, and it has a stronger ability to absorb hexavalent chromium from tannery wastewater effluents.
FDTD Complex Terrain Modeling Method Based on Papery Contour Map
Authors: Chen Meng , Wei Bing , He Xinbo
Published: January 2023

This study aims to develop a finite difference time-domain (FDTD) modeling method for complex terrain using a paper contour map. First, the image preprocessing technology is employed to segment, denoise, and number the drawing area to arrive at independent figures and curve matrices. Subsequently, the support vector machine (SVM) classifier is implemented to identify the number and obtain the elevation value pertinent to the curve in the figure. Finally, the scattered points in the curve matrix are meshed by the Delaunay triangulation algorithm, and a three-dimensional triangular mesh model is established according to the recognition results. The FDTD calculation model is established by the method of intersection of Yee cell grid lines and triangle projection. The simulation results reveal that the recognition rate of the SVM classification model in this study is close to 100% for printed numerals. This approach is capable of quickly and accurately establishing the FDTD-based calculation model for complex terrain on the basis of the paper contour map.
The Role of Fintech on Bank Risk-Taking: Mediating Role of Bank’s Operating Efficiency
Authors: Sajid Rabbia , Ayub Huma , Malik Bushra F. , Ellahi Abida
Published: January 2023

Fintech revolutionized the traditional banking business models in emerging countries. The effect of fintech on banks’ operating efficiency and risk-taking behavior is still inconclusive. The study is aimed at exploring the effect of fintech products on banks’ operating efficiency and risk-taking behavior. The study used a quantitative research approach by collecting secondary data from annual reports of 50 commercial banks from emerging countries, namely, China, India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, for the period 2014 to 2021. The study used panel data for path analysis and structural equation modeling (SEM) to test the theoretical mediation model by using STATA. The results show that the fintech product reduces the bank’s risk-taking behavior by enhancing the bank’s operating efficiency. The path analysis results show that operating efficiency mediates the relationship between fintech products and bank risk-taking behavior in emerging countries. The paper offers useful recommendations for central bank and commercial bank policymakers. The study is also beneficial for commercial banks that use fintech solutions to increase operational effectiveness and reduce risk. The study is the first empirical investigation into the connection between the growth of fintech products, bank operational effectiveness, and risk-taking behavior in developing nations.
Influence of Shield Tunnel Oblique Penetration Construction on Existing Large‐Span Masonry Structures
Authors: Zhang Dandan
Published: January 2023

When the shield tunnel obliquely penetrates the large‐span masonry building, the ground deformation caused by shield construction may cause the risk of deformation and cracking of the existing masonry structure held above. Based on a shield tunnel obliquely penetrating a large‐span masonry building in Zhengzhou, a three‐dimensional finite element model of building‐stratum‐shield tunnel interaction was established by MIDAS‐GTS, and the laws of settlement, deformation, and damage of the building were studied. Results show that when the first line (left line) of the tunnel is penetrated, the settlement groove along the horizontal direction of the building presents a “V” shape, while after the second line (right line) is penetrated, which changes from “V” shape to “W” shape, and the maximum settlement value of the building caused by the first line can account for about 2/3 of the total settlement value. The maximum tensile strain of both the building’s south and north walls occurs at the bottom of the wall within the range of the tunnel, which develops upward and gradually weakens. Influenced by the oblique crossing angle, the maximum positions of settlement and strain for the building’s front and rear walls are offset to some extent. With the masonry building’s stiffness increasing, the uneven settlement of buildings decreases linearly, and with the tunnel oblique crossing angle increasing, the uneven settlement increases exponentially, while with the tunnel buried depth increasing, the uneven settlement shows an exponential downward trend.
Urban Air Pollution and Greenness in Relation to Public Health
Authors: Bikis Addis
Published: January 2023

Background. Air pollution is the result of economic growth and urbanization. Air pollution has been progressively recognized as a serious problem for cities, through widespread effects on health and well-being. There is less concern from stakeholders about greenness and air pollution mitigating factors in an urban area. This research targeted to indicate the spatial dissemination of greenery, air quality levels (PM2.5, PM10, CO2, and AQI), and exposure to air quality-related health risks for the people in the urban area. Method. The data were collected by measuring air quality at transportation stations and manufacturing industries with Air visual pro, then observing and mapping greenness in the city within the administrative boundary by GIS (street greenery, forest, availability of greenness in the manufacturing industry), and lastly questionnaire and interview were employed for air quality-related health issues. Then, the air quality data were analyzed by using USAQI standards and health messages. Both quantitative and qualitative research approach had employed to explore air pollution levels, availability of greenness, and air quality-related health issues. Moreover, Health questionnaires and greenness were correlated with air quality levels by a simple linear regression model. Result. The result indicated that there was unhealthy air quality in the transportation and manufacturing industries. The measured air quality showed in a range of 50.13–96.84 μg/m3 of PM2.5, 645–1764 ppm of CO2, and 137–179 Air quality index (AQI). The highest mean of PM2.5 and air quality concentrations at Addis Ababa transportation stations and manufacturing sites ranged between 63.46 and 104.45 μg/m3 and 179–326, respectively. It was observed with less street greenery and greenness available in residential, commercial areas, and manufacturing industries. The pollution level was beyond the limit of WHO standards. The result has shown a health risk to the public in the city, particularly for drivers, street vendors, and manufacturing industry employees. Among 480 respondents, 57.92% experienced health risks due to air pollution by medical evidence. Conclusion. High health risks due to industries and old motor vehicles in the city need to be reduced by introducing policies and strategies for low-carbon, minimizing traveling distance, encouraging high occupancy vehicles, and promoting a green legacy in the street network and green building.
Improved UNet Deep Learning Model for Automatic Detection of Lung Cancer Nodules
Authors: Kumar Vinay , Altahan Baraa Riyadh , Rasheed Tariq , Singh Prabhdeep , Soni Devpriya , Alsaab Hashem O. , Ahmadi Fardin
Published: January 2023

Uncontrolled cell growth in the two spongy lung organs in the chest is the most prevalent kind of cancer. When cells from the lungs spread to other tissues and organs, this is referred to as metastasis. This work uses image processing, deep learning, and metaheuristics to identify cancer in its early stages. At this point, a new convolutional neural network is constructed. The predator technique has the potential to increase network architecture and accuracy. Deep learning identified lung cancer spinal metastases in as energy consumption increased CT readings for lung cancer bone metastases decreased. Qualified physicians, on the other hand, discovered 71.14 and 74.60 percent of targets with energies of 140 and 60 keV, respectively, whereas the proposed model gives 76.51 and 81.58 percent, respectively. Expert physicians’ detection rate was 74.60 percent lower than deep learning’s detection rate of 81.58 percent. The proposed method has the highest accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity (93.4, 98.4, and 97.1 percent, respectively), as well as the lowest error rate (1.6 percent). Finally, in lung segmentation, the proposed model outperforms the CNN model. High‐intensity energy‐spectral CT images are more difficult to segment than low‐intensity energy‐spectral CT images.
Fructose Metabolism in Tumor Endothelial Cells Promotes Angiogenesis by Activating AMPK Signaling and Mitochondrial Respiration
Authors: Fang Jian-Hong , Chen Jie-Ying , Zheng Jia-Lin , Zeng Hui-Xian , Chen Jun-Guang , Wu Chen-Hui , Cai Jia-Li , Wang Zhi-Yong , Zhuang Shi-Mei
Published: January 2023

Angiogenesis is vital for tumor growth and metastasis. Emerging evidence suggests that metabolic reprogramming in endothelial cells (EC) may affect angiogenesis. Here, we showed that multiple regulators in the fructose metabolism pathway, especially fructose transporter SLC2A5 and fructose-metabolizing enzyme ketohexokinase (KHK), were upregulated in tumor endothelial cells from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In mouse models with hepatoma xenografts or with Myc/sgp53-induced liver cancer, dietary fructose enhanced tumor angiogenesis, tumor growth, and metastasis, which could be attenuated by treatment with an inhibitor of SLC2A5. Furthermore, vessel growth was substantially increased in fructose-containing Matrigel compared with PBS-Matrigel. Inhibiting fructose metabolism in EC cells in vivo using EC-targeted nanoparticles loaded with siRNA against KHK significantly abolished fructose-induced tumor angiogenesis. Fructose treatment promoted the proliferation, migration, and tube formation of ECs and stimulated mitochondrial respiration and ATP production. Elevated fructose metabolism activated AMPK to fuel mitochondrial respiration, resulting in enhanced EC migration. Fructose metabolism was increased under hypoxic conditions as a result of HIF1α-mediated upregulation of multiple genes in the fructose metabolism pathway. These findings highlight the significance of fructose metabolism in ECs for promoting tumor angiogenesis. Restricting fructose intake or targeting fructose metabolism is a potential strategy to reduce angiogenesis and suppress tumor growth.

Significance:

Fructose metabolism in endothelial cells fuels mitochondrial respiration to stimulate tumor angiogenesis, revealing fructose metabolism as a therapeutic target and fructose restriction as a dietary intervention for treating cancer.
Intratumoral Heterogeneity and Clonal Evolution Induced by HPV Integration
Authors: Akagi Keiko , Symer David E. , Mahmoud Medhat , Jiang Bo , Goodwin Sara , Wangsa Darawalee , Li Zhengke , Xiao Weihong , Dunn Joe Dan , Ried Thomas , Coombes Kevin R. , Sedlazeck Fritz J. , Gillison Maura L.
Published: January 2023

The human papillomavirus (HPV) genome is integrated into host DNA in most HPV-positive cancers, but the consequences for chromosomal integrity are unknown. Continuous long-read sequencing of oropharyngeal cancers and cancer cell lines identified a previously undescribed form of structural variation, “heterocateny,” characterized by diverse, interrelated, and repetitive patterns of concatemerized virus and host DNA segments within a cancer. Unique breakpoints shared across structural variants facilitated stepwise reconstruction of their evolution from a common molecular ancestor. This analysis revealed that virus and virus–host concatemers are unstable and, upon insertion into and excision from chromosomes, facilitate capture, amplification, and recombination of host DNA and chromosomal rearrangements. Evidence of heterocateny was detected in extrachromosomal and intrachromosomal DNA. These findings indicate that heterocateny is driven by the dynamic, aberrant replication and recombination of an oncogenic DNA virus, thereby extending known consequences of HPV integration to include promotion of intratumoral heterogeneity and clonal evolution.

Significance:

Long-read sequencing of HPV-positive cancers revealed “heterocateny,” a previously unreported form of genomic structural variation characterized by heterogeneous, interrelated, and repetitive genomic rearrangements within a tumor. Heterocateny is driven by unstable concatemerized HPV genomes, which facilitate capture, rearrangement, and amplification of host DNA, and promotes intratumoral heterogeneity and clonal evolution.

See related video: https://vimeo.com/845407469

See related commentary by McBride and White, p. 814.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 799
Prospective Observational Evaluation of Fixed Combination Calcipotriol/Betamethasone Aerosol Foam (Enstilar®) in the Management of Psoriasis with Scalp Involvement in Everyday Clinical Practice (the CAPITIS Study)
Authors: Staubach Petra , Wurzer Elisabeth , Hutt Hans Joachim , von Kiedrowski Ralph
Published: January 2023

Background and aim: Clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy of fixed-dose combination calcipotriol/betamethasone (Cal/BD) aerosol foam for the treatment of patients with scalp psoriasis. However, data on the real-world effectiveness of Cal/BD aerosol foam in this subgroup of patients are lacking. Therefore, this study investigated the effectiveness and tolerability of 4 weeks’ treatment with Cal/BD aerosol foam in patients with scalp psoriasis in everyday clinical practice. Methods: This prospective, non-interventional multicenter study involved 217 adults with scalp psoriasis who were treated with Cal/BD aerosol foam for 4 weeks. Primary endpoints included the proportion of patients with <10% of the scalp area affected (Scalp-BSA) plus a Scalp-PGA of “mild” after 4 weeks, as well as the proportion of patients with an absolute PSSI ≤2 points after 4 weeks. Secondary endpoints included patient reported changes in erythema, itching, flaking, and thickness at baseline, 3 days, 1 week, 2 weeks, and 4 weeks. Results: After 4 weeks, 53.4% of patients treated with Cal/BD aerosol foam had achieved a Scalp-BSA of <10% and a mild Scalp-PGA. Furthermore, 47.6% of patients achieved a PSSI ≤2. Improvements in pruritus and other symptoms (induration, erythema, and scaling) were seen already within 3 days. The proportion of patients who reported that scalp psoriasis had no influence on their quality of life (Dermatology Quality of Life Index 0/1 points) increased from 3.2% at baseline to 47.9% at study end. Patient satisfaction with treatment was high (Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire-9 scores of 74.5 ± 27.1 for effectiveness, 72.0 ± 25.2 for ease of use, and 77.8 ± 24.2 for general satisfaction). Overall, 97.4% of HCPs assessed the tolerability of Cal/BD aerosol foam as good/very good with no new safety concerns. Conclusion: This study demonstrated the effectiveness, rapid onset of action, good tolerability, and good safety profile of the Cal/BD aerosol foam in patients with scalp psoriasis treated in a real-world setting.
Mechanical Thrombectomy for Ischemic Stroke Secondary to Large Vessel Occlusions in Patients on Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation
Authors: Kohli Gurkirat , George Derek D. , Grenga Audrey , Santangelo Gabrielle , Gosev Igor , Schartz Derrek , Kessler Alex , Khan Imad , Barrus Bryan , Gu Yang , Bhalla Tarun , Mattingly Thomas K. , Bender Matthew T.
Published: January 2023

Introduction: The use of short-term mechanical circulatory support (MCS) devices and procedures for function- and life-sustaining therapy is becoming a routine practice at many centers. Concomitant with the increasing use of MCS is the increasing recognition of acute brain injuries, including acute ischemic stroke, which may be caused by a myriad of MCS-driven factors. The aim of this case series was to document our experience with mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for ischemic stroke in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) patients. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed a prospectively maintained database of patients undergoing endovascular thrombectomy for large vessel occlusion at our institution. We identified patients that were on ECMO and underwent thrombectomy. Baseline demographics and procedural and functional outcomes were collected. Results: Three patients on ECMO were identified to have a large vessel occlusion and underwent thrombectomy. Two patients had an internal carotid artery terminus occlusion and one had a basilar artery occlusion. An mTICI 3 recanalization was achieved in all patients without postoperative hemorrhagic complications. Two patients achieved a 3-month mRS of 1, while one had mRS 4. Conclusion: Ischemic stroke can be associated with significant morbidity in MCS patients. We demonstrate that MT can be safely performed in this patient population with good outcomes.
Give them vasculature and immune cells – how to fill the gap of organoids
Authors: Yip Sophronia , Wang Nan , Sugimura Ryohichi
Published: January 2023

Valid and relevant models are critical for research to have biological relevance or proceed in the right path. As well-established 2D cell cultures lack niches and cues and rodent models differ in species, 3D organoids emerged as a powerful platform for research. Cultured in vitro from stem cells, organoids are heterogeneous in cells and closely resemble the in vivo settings. Organoids also recapitulate the unique human features if cultured from a human source and are subject to genetic modification. However, one type of organoid possesses only a limited selection of cells. In particular, the absence of vasculature and immune cells restricts the organoids from nutrition, cues, or critical interactions, undermining the validity of organoids as physiological or pathological models. To fill the current gap, there is an urgent need to provide organoids with vasculature and immune cells. In this paper, we review the methods to generate physiological and pathological organoid models and summarize ways to vascularize or immunize them. Our discussion continues with some advantages and disadvantages of each method and some emerging solutions to current problems.
Attribution of the July 2021 Record-Breaking Northwest Pacific Marine Heatwave to Global Warming, Atmospheric Circulation, and ENSO
Authors: Li Delei , Chen Yang , Qi Jifeng , Zhu Yuchao , Lu Chunhui , Yin Baoshu
Published: January 2023

The 2021 northwest Pacific marine heatwave was favored by the atmospheric and oceanic conditions; changes in the mean climate due to anthropogenic warming made the event 43 times more likely.
Parental Mental Health and Childhood Respiratory Outcomes in a Severe Bronchiolitis Cohort
Authors: Freeman Rain E. , Qi Ying (Shelly) , Geller Ruth J. , Cohen Ari R. , Iyer Sujit S. , Waynik Ilana Y. , Sullivan Ashley F. , Camargo Jr Carlos A.
Published: January 2023

Parental mental health conditions appear to contribute to the development of childhood respiratory illness. We investigated the relationship between parental mental health and childhood respiratory illness using data from a 17-center prospective cohort study of infants hospitalized with bronchiolitis between 2011 and 2014 (n = 921). Among 779 (84.6%) participants with self-reported parental mental health history data, 184 (23.6%) had parental history of depression and 155 (19.9%) had anxiety. Multivariable analyses found that both parental history of depression (hazard ratio [HR] 1.41, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01-1.99) and anxiety (HR 1.28, 95% CI 1.08-1.52) were associated with an increased risk of recurrent wheezing by age 3 years. However, only parental history of anxiety was associated with asthma by age 5 years (odds ratio 1.79, 95% CI 1.25-2.55). Further research on exposure severity, other early life stressors, and effective methods of parental psychosocial support is needed to develop targeted risk factor prevention strategies to reduce the burden of childhood respiratory illness.
Resource mobilization in security partnerships: Explaining cooperation and coercion in the EU’s partnership with the African Union
Authors: Staeger Ueli
Published: January 2023

Security partnerships between unequal partners walk a fine line between mutually beneficial cooperation and coercion. This article theorizes resource provision in security partnerships in which a funder substantively supports a recipient organization. Specifically, I develop an argument concerning the effect of principal–agent interactions in security partnerships on the recipient’s agency through mechanisms of agenda-setting and capacity-building. The European Union’s (EU) peace and security partnership with the African Union (AU) illustrates the contentious politics of resource mobilization in security partnerships, and how these politics affect the secretariat of the recipient organization. The article arrives at the rather optimistic conclusion that the EU is a generous partner with an explicit goal of cooperative engagement. Furthermore, opportunities for coercion are minimized by the EU’s internal bureaucratic obstacles, the AU’s strategic sequencing of the resource mobilization process, and the overarching post-coloniality of the partnership. However, occasional episodes of coercive EU behaviour have led to considerable tensions in the partnership. These findings add important contrast to postcolonial critiques of AU funding: the AU Commission exercises considerable organizational agency, which relegates the EU – despite being a large payer – to the role of a small player, particularly when it comes to directly influencing the AU.
The industrial past as a tool of possibility: Schooling and social class in a former coalfield community
Authors: Simpson Kat
Published: January 2023

This article presents data from ethnographic research carried out at Lillydown Primary, a local authority school in a former coalmining community in South Yorkshire. Complicating Avery Gordon’s concept of haunting, it argues that in order to begin refashioning typical accounts of schooling for the working class, we must reckon with the fullness of ghosts that remain to haunt the fabric of the present. The central argument of the article is that historical, place-based pedagogies and performances work to deliver a more relevant curriculum and experience of schooling that begin to ‘fit’ with pupils’ histories, culture and lived realities. It illustrates how phantomic rhythms of Lillydown’s industrial past have profound social and cultural effects on schooling which can, at least sometimes, encouragingly shape pupils’ experiences of education. It begins to demonstrate how Lillydown Primary is a place of unsettledness, where the something-to-be-done is seething into the present, but ghostly matters still conjure as they are not yet complete. The article argues that there are further spectral potentialities to be reckoned with that could go some way towards forging more critical spaces and pedagogies.
Chosen and collective friendship: Negotiating contradictory social ideals and demands at an Israeli elementary school classroom
Authors: Assan Thalia Thereza
Published: January 2023

Friendship has been predominantly conceptualised as a highly positive and voluntary relationship. This article contributes to recent sociological challenges to these notions by ethnographically examining how conflicting friendship ideals are negotiated in everyday life. It is based on a year-long study of friendship socialisation and friendship between girls in an Israeli elementary school classroom, from the perspectives of both the girls and their teachers. I argue that the teachers promoted two contradictory friendship ideals: one of ‘chosen’ friendship between specific students, which recognised the children’s agency and preferences; and the other, of ‘collective’ friendship between all the class group members, directed at engendering social cohesion and preventing loneliness. The article delineates how the girls and teachers negotiated relationships between the students under the framework of both friendship ideals – and in doing so, exposed the tensions and entanglements between the two. Moreover, the girls and teachers’ friendship discourses and practices shed light on the hefty social demands placed on children’s friendship ties in school, and how friendship can incorporate both collective and individual meanings.