bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multi-path exploration guided by taint and probability against evasive malware
Authors: Xu Fangzhou , Zhang Wang , Qiang Weizhong , Jin Hai
Published: August 2023

Static analysis is often impeded by malware obfuscation techniques, such as encryption and packing, whereas dynamic analysis tends to be more resistant to obfuscation by leveraging concrete execution information. Unfortunately, malware can employ evasive techniques to detect the analysis environment and alter its behavior accordingly. While known evasive techniques can be explicitly dismantled, the challenge lies in generically dismantling evasions without full knowledge of their conditions or implementations, such as logic bombs that rely on uncertain conditions, let alone unsupported evasive techniques, which contain evasions without corresponding dismantling strategies and those leveraging unknown implementations. In this paper, we present Antitoxin, a prototype for automatically exploring evasive malware. Antitoxin utilizes multi-path exploration guided by taint analysis and probability calculations to effectively dismantle evasive techniques. The probabilities of branch execution are derived from dynamic coverage, while taint analysis helps identify paths associated with evasive techniques that rely on uncertain conditions. Subsequently, Antitoxin prioritizes branches with lower execution probabilities and those influenced by taint analysis for multi-path exploration. This is achieved through forced execution, which forcefully sets the outcomes of branches on selected paths. Additionally, Antitoxin employs active anti-evasion countermeasures to dismantle known evasive techniques, thereby reducing exploration overhead. Furthermore, Antitoxin provides valuable insights into sensitive behaviors, facilitating deeper manual analysis. Our experiments on a set of highly evasive samples demonstrate that Antitoxin can effectively dismantle evasive techniques in a generic manner. The probability calculations guide the multi-path exploration of evasions without requiring prior knowledge of their conditions or implementations, enabling the dismantling of unsupported techniques such as C2 and significantly improving efficiency compared to linear exploration when dealing with complex control flows. Additionally, taint analysis can accurately identify branches related to logic bombs, facilitating preferential exploration.
Research on the Evaluation System of Scientific Research Ethics Based on AHP-Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation
Authors: Jie Tian , Zijun Liu , Xiner Luo , Hanzhi Zhou , Zixin Yan
Published: August 2023

Scientific research ethics is the value concept and code of conduct to be followed in scientific research, technological development and other scientific and technological activities. However, in recent years, some researchers have ignored ethical constraints in scientific research activities, resulting in more prominent ethical issues in scientific research. This study takes China Southern Power Grid Corporation as an example, based on ISO9000 standards, uses AHP-fuzzy comprehensive evaluation theory to establish a scientific research ethics evaluation system, aiming at improving the timeliness and targeting of scientific research ethics management.
Exploration and Practice of Hybrid Teaching Mode of Web Front-end Development Technology Based on OBE
Authors: Dong Xiaohui , Zhang Xinxin , Zhang Kexin
Published: August 2023

To address the problems of traditional lecture-based teaching in the “Web Front-end Development Technology” course, in which students lack practical problem-solving ability and enterprises lack satisfaction with the front-end development talents cultivated by universities, this paper proposes a hybrid teaching mode for the Web Front-end Development Technology course based on OBE, with the educational outcomes of students as the main objective. The OBE teaching concept is used to reform the teaching mode; the teaching design is based on the framework of activity theory; the SPOC hybrid teaching mode is used to learn the theoretical basics and complete the corresponding experiments and exercises online; the task-driven method and project-based teaching are used to enhance students’ practical skills and innovative thinking offline. The method is then applied to our school’s teaching and learning programs. Subsequently, the model was applied to the teaching of “Web Front-end Development Fundamentals” course in our 2021 and 2022 computer science classes, and the experimental data were analyzed using multiple linear regression methods. The experimental results show that the OBE-based hybrid teaching model studied in this paper has achieved significant results.
A Study on the Influencing Factors of Postgraduate Dropout Intention—Exploratory Analysis Based on Grounded Theory
Authors: Zhou Yue
Published: August 2023

Dropping out of graduate school can have adverse effects on both universities and individuals. Studying dropout intention as a antecedent variable of dropout behavior can help reduce the occurrence of graduate dropout behavior. Based on the self-reported case text of “why do graduate students want to quit school” in the “Zhihu” Q&A community, and combined with the Grounded theory, this paper analyzes the factors affecting the intention to quit school, in order to build a model of graduate students’ intention to quit school. According to the results of the study, the factors that affect the dropout intention of postgraduates mainly include the following six aspects: external motivation for postgraduate study, negative outcome expectations, important others, low self-efficacy, lack of academic interest, and freshmen’s adaptation. Based on this, this article proposes intervention measures for the intention of graduate students to drop out, including cultivating positive academic emotions, optimizing the training mode of graduate students, emphasizing the construction of teacher culture, and providing guidance for the transition period of new students, in order to provide reference for effectively reducing the dropout rate of graduate students.
Research on the Mechanism of Training Innovation Ability for Chinese Postgraduates
Authors: Zhang Guangwei , Yi Tinggang
Published: August 2023

Training postgraduate students’ innovation ability is an important task of graduate education. The article elaborates on the innovation ability of postgraduate students from three aspects: innovation awareness, innovative thinking and innovative skills. It deeply analyses the problems in the innovation training system of postgraduate students, such as insufficient innovation ability of postgraduates for themselves, insufficient guidance from postgraduate supervisors, incomplete talent training plans, and insufficient scientific research and practical abilities. Finally, a mechanism system for cultivating the innovation ability of Chinese graduate students is established from the aspects of creating a good institutional environment, highlighting the mechanism of postgraduates as the main part, improving the responsibility mechanism of postgraduate supervisors, improving the teaching mechanism of postgraduate education, constructing the evaluation mechanism of postgraduate education, and improving the innovation practice mechanism of postgraduates.
Research on “Main Classroom+” Practice Teaching Model of Political Theory Courses
Authors: Du Keke , Liu Hui , Kang Xiaoyue , Bi Junfei
Published: August 2023

Essentially, the top priority of political theory teaching reform and innovation in military academies is to fully implement the military education strategies of the new era, and to focus on the fundamental task and core direction characterized by fostering virtue through education and training talents for warfare. In this regard, this paper explores the construction of the “main classroom+” practice teaching model of political theory course from four dimensions, encompassing “thematic practice”, “professional customization”, “comprehensive exercise”, and “practice expansion”, intending to provide feasible paths and methods for military academies to realize more effective integration of theory and practice of political theory teaching in the new era.
Research on the strategies of scientific research feeding back teaching in mechanical engineering
Authors: Wang Shu , Yang Fengling
Published: August 2023

With the increasing attention paid to the concept of scientific research back-feeding teaching in colleges and universities, the mechanical engineering has put forward higher requirements for the cultivation of applied talents in the new era. This paper analyzes the problems existing in scientific research back-feeding teaching of the mechanical engineering, and puts forward improvement measures from the aspects of policy support, mechanism operation, reward incentive and team building, so as to promote the role of scientific research in promoting teaching and improve the talents cultivation quality.
The Application and Exploration of “Bidirectional Invitational” Teaching from the Perspective of Subject Core Literacy
Authors: Lan XiaoHong , Lu YaQing , Zhang Yu
Published: August 2023

In the new round of curriculum reform, the cultivation of core competencies has become the standard of education. This article proposes a “two-way invitation” teaching model, which is different from traditional teaching models by creating an interactive teaching environment between teachers and students. The two-way invitation between teachers and students allows different perspectives to collide and blend, stimulating students’ initiative and exploration, thereby improving the effectiveness of classroom teaching and better carrying out education and teaching work to cultivate students’ core literacy.
Old Photos Restoration by Using VAE
Authors: Ma Pingyi , Kuang Haozhe
Published: August 2023

VAE is a generative model that “provides a probabilistic description of observations in potential Spaces”. Put simply, this means that VAE stores potential attributes as probability distributions. The idea of variational auto-encoders or VAE is deeply rooted in the methods of variational DB Bayesian and graphical models. This piece of work will discuss VAE Structure, VAE Loss Function, VAE Translation, and our final effects.
The Dilemma of Fair Use of Artificial Intelligence Painting and Its Regulations
Authors: Zhou Zhide , Ling Xiangxiang
Published: August 2023

At present, artificial intelligence painting technology is in an era of prosperity and development. The “transformation” of artificial intelligence painting works has brought challenges to the traditional fair use system, and characterization as fair use may lead to an imbalance of interests. It is necessary to re-examine the rationality of qualifying the use of artificial intelligence paintings as fair use. At the same time, analyze the infringement risk in the painting process in combination with the painting principles of artificial intelligence, and put forward some regulatory suggestions.
From novella to film: Advantages and deficiencies in Love after Love
Authors: Liu Jiaer
Published: August 2023

Love after Love, a film directed by Xu Anhua based on “Aloeswood Incense: The First Brazier”, became a contentious adaptation of Eileen Chang’s novella soon after its wide release. Many audiences contend that the adaptation is not a faithful one while omitting the inherent features of a film medium and the successful addition of newly invented plots. This essay thus commits itself to analyzing the film’s merits and demerits through a detailed comparison between the movie and Chang’s original text. The analysis is carried out respectively in the aspects of scene settings, characterization and the revelation of the theme. The essay concludes by maintaining that the film succeeds in restoring and making full use of the scenes in the novella, as well as constructing one major figure, while it bears its weaknesses in building another character of equal importance and revealing the ultimate theme of “the fall of sobriety” in Chang’s work. Overall, Love after Love is admittedly not a faultless cross-media adaptation, yet it should not be totally repudiated, either.
An electronic panoptic society: Hierarchical surveillance, normalizing judgment, and examination in American hard rock band Starset
Authors: Chen Jiawei
Published: August 2023

In the early 21st century, the whole society finished the transformation from a panopticon to an electronic super panopticon. With the development of intellectual technology, the view of surveillance increases. People in a technological society are monitored in every movement they make. In Starset’s post-apocalyptic society of the future, people are controlled by technology and become docile and prolific labor machines. This essay will analyze three songs by American hard rock band Starset, Breach, Where the skies end and Icarus, using three of Foucault’s theories of discipline and punishment, hierarchical surveillance, normalizing judgment and examination. Under the disciplinary surveillance, people from Starset’s post-apocalyptic society have been tamed by the power of technology and are constantly disciplining themselves and checking themselves, becoming a single efficient producer. It also shows that society is becoming a transparent high-speed panopticon prison.
Hume’s Aesthetic Thoughts and Modern Art
Authors: Dong Cai
Published: August 2023

Modern art emerges when a new paradigm was used in art and understanding the flow of aesthetics can give an interpretation of the basic reason for this phenomenon. Through analyzing the characteristic of modern art we can discover that it conforms to the epistemology of empiricism for prioritizing sensation and etc. Hume as the epitome of empiricism in his philosophy we can summarize two ways to explain the essence of beauty, the utility theory and the empathy theory, the latter one especially works when it comes to explaining modern art. Therefore, if Cézanne is understood as an example in Hume’s way, the reason why modern art is beautiful can better eliminate its obscurity.
Intercultural Empathy in New Media Communication of Intangible Cultural Heritage
Authors: Ji Yixin
Published: August 2023

Grandpa Amu’s videos have gained sustained attention from many overseas audiences on international social media platforms, becoming a representative case of cross-cultural communication. The article takes the comments on Grandpa Amu’s videos on the YouTube platform as the research object and uses keyword analysis, sentiment analysis, and co-occurrence network analysis to analyze text data from overseas users. The goal is to study the effects of cross-cultural empathic communication. It found that Grandpa Amu, ICH skills, and Chinese traditional culture are the focus. Emotional perception is primarily neutral and positive, involving emotional bonds between people, human wisdom embodied in skills, and the human spirit encapsulated in traditional culture being the main objects of empathy. Based on the communication effect and overseas user feedback of Grandpa Amu’s videos on the YouTube platform, this article provides practical insights for cross-cultural communication from the perspective of empathy.
Revival and development of classical photography in contemporary perspective
Authors: Ma Yanhong
Published: August 2023

Photography technology after 180 years of baptism, today’s photography technology has been monopolized by digital images, this monopoly can be described as a subversion of the traditional silver salt image, just like the painting art a hundred years ago and nowadays the photography art is in the process of change. In this ever-changing era, people are increasingly pursuing personalization and art, and photography is no exception. However, the detail of the most representative contemporary works of photographic art will unexpectedly promote the development of the classical craft of photography and be presented in a quiet way in today’s art market, which has aroused a warm response. The modern application of classical photography techniques not only opens us up to a new field, but also shows us the great potential of photography technology in the new era.
T regulatory Function and Modification for Future Application
Authors: Yang Yikai
Published: August 2023

T regulatory cell is a very particular type of T cell that plays an important role in maintaining homeostasis and peripheral tolerance. The Treg (T regulatory cell) is a CD4+ T cell that has many mechanisms to create immune tolerance by effecting B and T cells. They are important for the control of tumour immunity, micro biome, organ transplants, allergy and of course self-tolerance. There are also times where Tregs fail to create tolerance whether by the decrease in population, no recognition of certain antigens (Inheritance) and also many other reasons such as environmental (theory that our immune system exposed to less pathogens in the modern cities so our immune system starts to react against our own antigens, potential reason for the increase in allergy) but not enough scientific evidence is provided yet. The fail in immune tolerance can result in auto-immune disease such as apoptotic dermatitis and DT1 (diabetes type 1). Research about cell and non-cell therapies are being researched and undergoing in clinical trials potentially cure or control autoimmune diseases as well as increase the success rates for organ transplant etc., by modifying Tregs.
Analyzing the Connotation of Science from the View of Criticizing the Omnipotence of Science
Authors: Zhang Jingyi , Zhang Jinan
Published: August 2023

This paper argues that before critiquing the theory, the first task is to thoroughly understand the connotation of science, and proposes the theory of science in a dynamic and static way, which examines the development of science as a system of knowledge and its delimitation in two aspects, while the static level focuses on the scientific spirit and scientific attitude to The static level focuses on understanding science in terms of scientific spirit and attitude. This is followed by a deeper understanding of science in terms of its role in society as a ‘ transforming agent’ for social development and disagreement, thus providing a different perspective on scientific omnipotence and, by extension, on current social disagreements, from the perspective of science as a ‘ transforming agent’ . ‘ transforming agent’ perspective to provide new ways out of the current social disagreements, and in this way to play the benign social role of science.
Panopticon Revisited: Unraveling the Surveillance Phenomena in “The Matrix” and its Implications for Contemporary Society - A Foucauldian Analysis
Authors: Liang Guirong
Published: August 2023

The impact of power surveillance under Panopticism on society has permeated all aspects of social life, emphasizing the importance of maintaining constant awareness and balancing privacy and rights within a reasonable framework of “surveillance.” The Matrix film series, starting with its release in 1999, to some extent reflects the dark side of technological advancement on human civilization. This article offers valuable insights into Foucault’s theory and establishes connections between the film The Matrix and contemporary society, providing a deeper understanding of the social power dynamics. Through the analysis, it can be observed that for humanity, the centralization of social systems has given way to a techno-totalitarianism, in which subtle forces ensnare individuals, seemingly leaving no one exempt. People now live in this era of “ubiquity” and need to approach it rationally, protecting their rights reasonably. However, further exploration is warranted regarding various aspects of “surveillance” within the social power mechanism. Questions arise regarding the correct perception of oppression and being oppressed under such “surveillance” and the need for a more profound analysis of this phenomenon from a capitalist perspective. By addressing these issues, a comprehensive understanding of Foucault’s proposed mechanisms of power in society can be achieved.
Fünf nach zwölf – zur Resistenzlage
gastrointestinaler Nematoden bei kleinen Wiederkäuern in
Deutschland
Authors: Voigt Katja , Geiger Maximilian , Jäger Miriam
Published: August 2023

Anthelminthikaresistenzen haben weltweit ein besorgniserregendes Ausmaß
erreicht, das die Weidehaltung kleiner Wiederkäuer in einigen Regionen
der Welt bereits ernsthaft gefährdet. Auch in Europa hat sich die
Resistenzlage im letzten Jahrzehnt dramatisch verschlechtert. Der Artikel fasst
den Stand der Wissenschaft zum Vorkommen von Anthelminthikaresistenzen bei
kleinen Wiederkäuern mit Schwerpunkt auf Deutschland und seinen
Nachbarländern zusammen, erläutert Mechanismen der
Resistenzentstehung und -verbreitung und gibt Hinweise für einen
verantwortungsvollen Umgang mit Anthelminthika in der tierärztlichen
Praxis.
Pattern of Care and Outcomes of Gallbladder Cancer Patients: Retrospective Study from a High Incidence Region in India
Authors: Kashyap Lakhan , Singh Arpita , Tomar Subham , Gupta Anuj , Sansar Bipinesh , Chaudhary Amit Kumar , Mishra Bal Krishna , Sambasivaiah Kuraparthy , Kapoor Akhil
Published: August 2023

Introduction Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is the 20th most common cancer in India with a crude incidence rate of 2.3 per 100,000 persons. Of note, it is relatively common in states which fall in the Gangetic plains. Patients often present in the advanced stage and have an unfavorable prognosis.

Materials and Methods From January to June 2021, 170 treatment-naive GBC (adenocarcinoma) patients who were registered at a tertiary care cancer center in North India, were included. Data were extracted from electronic medical records and was analyzed with SPSS.

Results Median age was 56 years (range 32–77 years) and 65.5% (n = 112) were female. Incidental GBC was found in 20% patient (n = 34). Majority of patients (79.4%, n = 135) had preserved performance status. Advanced GBC was present in 85.8% (n = 146) patients (locally advanced = 37.0% and metastatic = 48.8%). Biliary drainage procedure was performed in 24% of patients (68% of patients with obstructive jaundice). More than half of patients (53.5%) were lost to follow-up without any treatment. There were 33 patients (19.4%) who underwent surgery and 20 of them received neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Adjuvant chemotherapy and adjuvant radiotherapy were received by 13 and 2 patients, respectively. Palliative chemotherapy was administered to 46 patients. The most common chemotherapy regimen was gemcitabine-cisplatin. At a median follow-up of 1.7 months (95% confidence interval, 1–2.4 months), 42 patients (24%) progressed and 24 patients (14%) died, with 6 months estimated progression-free survival and overall survival being 60.2 and 79%, respectively.

Conclusion GBC is an aggressive and lethal malignancy predominantly affecting females in the fifth decade with dismal outcomes. Improved access to health care, an aggressive approach in operable cases, and optimization of systemic and adjuvant therapy are the need of the hour.
Chemoradiation, Consolidation Chemotherapy, and Watch and Wait for Early Rectal Cancer
Authors: Cerdan-Santacruz Carlos , São Julião Guilherme Pagin , Vailati Bruna Borba , Perez Rodrigo Oliva
Published: August 2023

As watch and wait has become an attractive management alternative among patients with rectal cancer who achieve a clinical complete response to neoadjuvant chemoradiation, the focus of organ preservation has now shifted toward the use of this approach in patients with early rectal cancer. These patients would otherwise be treated without the use of neoadjuvant therapy for oncological reasons. The sole purpose of any neoadjuvant treatment here would be the achievement of a complete clinical response in an attempt to avoid total mesorectal excision. This has become particularly interesting after the incorporation of total neoadjuvant therapy regimens. These regimens have resulted in significantly higher rates of complete tumor regression and therefore become an interesting alternative among early rectal cancer patients where organ preservation is desired. The present review provides an overview of the currently available evidence and the preliminary experience with this rather controversial approach.
Treatment of Microsatellite-Unstable Rectal Cancer in Sporadic and Hereditary Settings
Authors: Anderson Cristan E. , Liska David
Published: August 2023

Microsatellite instability is rare in rectal cancer and associated with younger age of onset and Lynch syndrome. All rectal cancers should be tested for microsatellite instability prior to treatment decisions. Patients with microsatellite instability are relatively resistant to chemotherapy. However, recent small studies have shown dramatic response with neoadjuvant immunotherapy. Patients with Lynch syndrome have a hereditary predisposition to cancer and thus an elevated risk of metachronous cancer. Therefore, while “watch and wait” is a well-established practice for sporadic rectal cancers that obtain a complete clinical response after chemoradiation, its safety in patients with Lynch syndrome has not yet been defined. The extent of surgery for patients with Lynch syndrome and rectal cancer is controversial and there is significant debate as to the relative advantages of a segmental proctectomy with postoperative endoscopic surveillance versus a therapeutic and prophylactic total proctocolectomy. Surgical decision making for the patient with Lynch syndrome and rectal cancer is complex and demands a multidisciplinary approach, taking into account both patient- and tumor-specific factors. Neoadjuvant immunotherapy show great promise in the treatment of these patients, and further maturation of data from prospective trials will likely change the current treatment paradigm. Patients with Lynch syndrome and rectal cancer who do not undergo total proctocolectomy require yearly surveillance colonoscopies and should consider chemoprophylaxis with aspirin.
Intraoperative Distraction Device for Open Reduction of Nascent Lateral Humeral Condylar Fractures in Five Dogs
Authors: Cornell Jackie D. , Frederick Steven Walker , Shessel Blake E. , Cross Alan R.
Published: August 2023

Lateral humeral condylar (LHC) nascent malunion fractures are challenging to treat because of extensive callus formation, scar tissue and contracture of surrounding tissues. The objective of this retrospective case series is to describe the novel procedural use of an intraoperative distraction device to aid in the reduction and anatomical alignment of nascent malunion LHC fractures along with long-term functional outcomes in these cases. Medical records of five consecutive cases of dogs with seven nascent malunion LHC fractures that were treated between 2015 and 2018 with the aid of an intraoperative distraction device were reviewed. Relevant clinical and radiographic data, forelimb circumference, elbow goniometry and clinical outcome were evaluated. Anatomic reduction and fixation with complete healing were achieved in all seven cases. Implants were removed in four cases to resolve persisting lameness. Three dogs (4 cases) were available for long-term follow-up: mean circumference and range of motion were decreased in the operated limbs as compared with the contralateral normal limbs. One dog (with bilateral fractures) was euthanized due to poor outcome. In the other five elbows, outcome was acceptable. Based on the results of this case series, use of an intraoperative distraction device to aid in anatomical reduction and fixation of nascent malunion LHC fractures should be considered.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Spectrum of Cauda Equina and Conus Lymphoma: Keys to Unravel the Differential Diagnosis with a Review of the Literature
Authors: Boruah Deb K. , Gogoi Pallavi , Gogoi Bidyut B. , Sarma Kalyan , Sarma Gautam , Hazarika Karuna , A. Augstine , Ahmed Halimuddin
Published: August 2023

Central nervous system lymphoma is not an uncommon condition, but spinal lymphoma with isolated involvement of the conus medullaris and cauda equina is a rare entity. Our study aims to evaluate the various magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of cauda equina and conus lymphoma. This retrospective study was carried out on nine patients with histopathologically proven cauda equina and conus lymphoma, who were presented at a tertiary care hospital between January 2018 and June 2020. All patients underwent lumbar spine MRI scans using a 1.5 Tesla MR scanner. The clinical data and different MRI findings were analyzed with an independent sample t-test and paired-samples t-test. Among the nine patients with cauda equina and conus lymphoma, three had primary lymphoma and six had secondary lymphoma. Six patients (66.7%) showed a diffuse pattern of involvement of cauda equina and conus medullaris, while three patients (33.3%) showed a focal pattern. T2-weighted imaging (T2WI) hypo to isointense signal intensity lesions were observed in six patients (66.7%) and T2WI iso to slight hyperintensities in three patients (33.3%). Diffuse sheet-like thickening and postcontrast enhancement of the thickened cauda equina nerve roots were observed in two patients of primary and one patient with secondary lymphoma. The diagnosis of cauda equina and conus lymphoma especially primary lymphoma is challenging and requires a high index of clinical suspicion as distinguishing this entity from similar conditions is difficult solely on MRI. Early diagnosis of this entity is important for early institution of treatment for increasing the chances of survival and improvement of symptoms.
Outbreak of Gastrointestinal Infections Caused by Yersinia enterocolitica in Children, Medellín, Colombia
Authors: Galvis Julián C. , Beltrán Claudia , Sierra Elizabeth , Montaño Aleyda M. , Ramírez Faiver , Villa Pablo , Diaz Alejandro , Robledo Carlos , Robledo Jaime
Published: August 2023

Objective In this study, we describe the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of a cluster of children with acute gastrointestinal (GI) infection caused by Yersinia enterocolitica in Medellín, Colombia.

Methods A retrospective descriptive observational study was performed with the information recorded in clinical charts of GI infection cases caused by Y. enterocolitica in pediatric population of two hospital institutions in Medellín, Colombia. The microorganism identification was performed directly from stool samples using molecular biology techniques and from stool cultures using mass spectrometry. Space-time simulations and antibiotic susceptibility profiles were performed using Whonet 5.6 and Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute 2020 guide.

Results A total of 37 cases were identified in children younger than 15 years; between November 2020 and January 2021, 45.9% of cases were in children aged 1 to 5 years. Most children had diarrhea (97.3%) and fever (67.6%), 21.6% had abdominal pain and vomiting, and 13.5% had hyporexia. Sixteen of the patients (43.2%) received azithromycin, 24.3% (n = 9) received ceftriaxone, and 13.5% (n = 5) received a combined treatment of ceftriaxone and azithromycin or azithromycin and metronidazole. Based on space-time simulations, the clonality analysis and the characteristics of the cases suggest a community outbreak of unknown origin.

Conclusion Our findings confirm the occurrence of an outbreak related to Y. enterocolitica from the community whose source could not be identified. Although it is presumed that the frequency of this microorganism is low in these regions, the use of new diagnostic tools in clinical microbiology allowed the early identification of the epidemiological event.
Paraneoplastic Syndromes Associated with Gynecologic Neoplasms: Experience from a Tertiary Care Center in South India
Authors: Sudhakaran Surabhi , Acharya Geeta , Kulkarni Kiran A. , Siddartha Premalatha T. , Chandrakant Vishakha B. , Ravi Ramya D.
Published: August 2023

Paraneoplastic syndromes associated with gynecologic neoplasms are rare and can involve various organ systems including the central nervous system, hematopoietic system, musculoskeletal, dermal and endocrine systems. They can result from cancer-associated immune reactions or the production of ectopic substances by the tumor tissue. This study retrospectively reviews the clinical presentations, management and outcome of patients who presented with paraneoplastic syndromes associated with gynecologic malignancies. Retrospective data were collected from medical records of patients who exhibited paraneoplastic symptoms associated with gynecologic neoplasms and were managed by department of gynecologic oncology at a tertiary care hospital in South India between 2014 and 2021. Medical case records of all eligible patients were reviewed, identifying eight women with gynecological neoplasms who presented with associated paraneoplastic symptoms. Among them, two cases pesented with paraneoplastic neurologic syndromes, four cases with paraneoplastic dermatologic syndromes, including three cases of dermatomyositis and one case with multicentric reticulohistiocytosis, and two cases with hypercalcemia. Paraneoplastic syndromes are rare manifestations that can precede or develop following the diagnosis of a malignancy. They require integrated management by a multidisciplinary team including physicians and oncologists. Early recognition of these symptoms and prompt evaluation have the potential to improve the prognosis and quality of life, at least in a small fraction of patients.
Mirau interferometry of fluid interfaces deformed by colloids under the influence of external fields
Authors: Trevenen S. , Beltramo P. J.
Published: August 2023

The interfacial curvature surrounding colloidal particles pinned to fluid interfaces dictates their interparticle capillary interaction and assembly; however, it is a nontrivial function of particle anisotropy, surface roughness, external field conditions, macroscopic interfacial curvature, and the chemistry of each fluid phase. The prospect of dynamically modifying the pinning properties and interfacial organization of colloidal particles adhered to fluid interfaces via these approaches necessitates the development of experimental techniques capable of measuring changes in the interfacial deformation around particles in situ. Here, we describe a modified technique based on phase-shift Mirau interferometry to determine the relative height of the fluid interface surrounding adsorbed colloids while applying external electric fields. The technique is corrected for macroscopic curvature in the interface as well as in-plane motion of the particle in order to isolate the contribution of the particle to the interfacial deformation. Resultant height maps are produced with a maximum resolution of ±1 nm along the height axis. The measured topography of the interface is used to identify the contact line where the two fluids meet the particle, along with the maximal interfacial deformation (Δumax) of the undulating contact line and the three-phase contact angle, θc. The technique is calibrated using anisotropic polymer ellipsoids of varying aspect ratio before the effect of external AC electric fields on the pinned particle contact angle is demonstrated. The results show promise for this new technique to measure and quantify dynamic changes in interfacial height deformation, which dictate interparticle capillary energy and assembly of colloids at fluid interfaces.
Numerical study of electron acceleration driven by two-color laser pulses
Authors: Tabrizi J. Sharifzadeh , Khorashadizadeh S. M. , Fallah R. , Niknam A. R.
Published: August 2023

The use of two-color relativistic femtosecond laser pulses for large-amplitude wakefield excitation and electron acceleration to relativistic energies in very short distances is a promising candidate that has recently been investigated experimentally and numerically by using the particle-in-cell method. Here, we have numerically studied the evolution of a large-amplitude wakefield excited by two-color relativistic femtosecond laser pulses in an underdense plasma. Moreover, the effects of some physical parameters such as two-color pulse polarization and time delay on the wakefield, and the electron acceleration are investigated. The results show that the wakefield amplitude and the energy of the accelerated electrons can be controlled by these parameters. We compare some results with those obtained by applying single-color pulses with similar energy. According to the comparison results, by applying two-color laser pulses, a stronger wakefield and higher electron energies can be obtained. We also show that our results are in good agreement with the experimental data obtained earlier.
Similarity rules for inductive radio frequency plasmas with thermohydrodynamic coupling effects
Authors: Wang Huihui , Yang Dong , Zheng Bocong , Fu Yangyang
Published: August 2023

We demonstrate similarity rules for inductively coupled plasmas with thermohydrodynamic coupling effects using two-dimensional fluid simulations and theoretical analyses of the gas flow and heat transfer equations. The results confirm the validity of conventional similarity laws, e.g., the similarity relation for electron density, which can be violated by the nonlinear gas heating effects from exothermic and endothermic reactions. The nonlinear gas heating can obviously perturb the invariance of spatial distributions of the gas flow velocity, resulting in the electron density decreasing nonproportionally with different scaling factors. Adding an external heat source can mitigate the violation of the gas temperature scaling law, thus maintaining the validity of similarity relations to some extent. In addition, two kinds of scaling relations for excited-state argon atoms are identified with and without the consideration of nonlinear collisions.
Characteristics of clustered particle relative velocity in homogeneous and isotropic turbulence
Authors: Li Tuo , Li Xinyang , Lian Huan
Published: August 2023

Particle collisions are mainly governed by the preferential concentration of inertia particles and the formation of fold caustics. By fold caustics, we mean that relative velocity does not go smoothly to zero when the particle separations decrease due to inertia. Despite the importance of the second-order relative velocity structure function, there has been relatively little experimental research on the formation of caustics due to the high accuracy requirements for the particle relative velocity measurements. In the dissipation range, an obvious departure between the second-order structure function of particles normalized by the square of the Kolmogorov velocity and the Kolmogorov turbulent scaling of r2 was observed for all four experimental conditions. In the inertial range, the second-order structure function normalized by the square of the Kolmogorov velocity was consistent with the scale form of r2/3 in all cases. The conditional second-order relative velocity structure function of particles in clusters differs from that of the arithmetically averaged particle statistics in both the dissipation range and the inertial subrange. In the dissipation range, caustics are present for all categories of particles. In the inertial range, the scaling of the second-order velocity structure function is almost identical for all categorized particle types.
Mechanism of droplet motion in the typical micro-channel of porous media
Authors: Niu Zhongkun , Yang Zhengming , Wang Shouxin , Chang Yilin , Xia Debin , Chen Xinliang
Published: August 2023

The investigation of a two-phase flow in porous media has significant implications for a wide range of applications. Previous research has focused on exploring the variations in flow and phase fields in a two-phase flow using experimental and numerical methods. However, the complex structure of porous media introduces many uncertainties that can impact research outcomes. In recent years, some scholars have tried to study the dynamic mechanics of a two-phase flow through typical structures to eliminate these confounding factors. Therefore, this paper focuses on examining the flow patterns of dispersed phases with different sizes during the displacement process based on the typical micro-channel of porous media. Furthermore, the study examines various dimensionless parameters that impact alterations in the streamlines of a two-phase flow as well as the carrying capacity for dispersed phases. The findings suggest that the capillary number governs the ability of the continuous phase to transport the droplet. Consequently, the dispersed droplets tend to become trapped in weak flow regions. The dynamic mechanisms of the dispersive droplet trapping are systematically analyzed by combining the numerical simulation results and experimental evidence from previous studies. Based on these findings, the paper puts forth some mechanistic suggestions that could contribute to a more effective displacement of a two-phase flow in porous media.
Artificial neural networks and guided gene expression programming to predict wall pressure spectra beneath turbulent boundary layers
Authors: Kurhade Nachiketa Narayan , Vadlamani Nagabhushana Rao , Haridas Akash
Published: August 2023

This study evaluates the efficacy of two machine learning (ML) techniques, namely, artificial neural networks (ANNs) and gene expression programing (GEP), that use data-driven modeling to predict wall pressure spectra (WPS) underneath turbulent boundary layers. Different datasets of WPS from experiments and high-fidelity numerical simulations covering a wide range of pressure gradients and Reynolds numbers are considered. For both ML methods, an optimal hyperparameter environment is identified that yields accurate predictions. Despite a higher memory consumption, ANN models are faster to train and are much more accurate than the GEP models, yielding an order of magnitude lower logarithmic Mean Squared Error (lMSE) than GEP. Novel training schemes are devised to address the shortcomings of GEP. These include (a) ANN-assisted GEP to reduce the noise in the training data, (b) exploiting the low- and high-frequency trends to guide the GEP search, and (c) a stepped training strategy where the chromosomes are first trained on the canonical datasets, followed by the datasets with complex features. When compared to the baseline scheme, these training strategies accelerated convergence and resulted in models with superior accuracy (≈30% reduction in the median lMSE) and higher reliability (≈75% reduction in the spread of lMSE in the interquartile range). The final GEP models captured the complex trends of WPS across varying flow conditions and pressure gradients, surpassing the accuracy of Goody's model.
Novel thorium borides and their hardness and superconductivity under pressure: Ab initio calculations
Authors: Sahoo B. D. , Joshi K. D.
Published: August 2023

With the motivation of searching for new superconductors with better hardness in the Th–B system, we have performed ab initio evolutionary searches for all the stable compounds in this binary system in the pressure range of 0–200 GPa. From our enthalpy of formation calculations, it is found that only ThB4 (Space group No. P4/mbm), ThB6 (Space group No. Pm3¯m), and ThB12 (Space group No. Fm3¯m) compositions are preferred at zero pressure, in accordance with the experimental reports. Under pressure, our calculations predict the thermodynamically stable compositions, ThB (Space group No. R3¯m), Th3B4 (Space group No. R3¯m), ThB2 (Space group No. Amm2), and ThB8 (Space group No. R3¯m) at 54, 19, 35, and 51 GPa, respectively. Furthermore, although the thermodynamical stability of these compounds is predicted to be at high pressures, the possibility of occurrence at 0 GPa due to metastability still exists. The detailed calculations and analysis of the electronic structure and mechanical and thermal properties have been carried out on these materials using the ab initio tool. The P4/mbm phase of ThB4 and the Fm3¯m phase of ThB12 exhibit high hardness of 30.5 and 35.2 GPa under ambient conditions, which is comparable the hard material, B4C. On the other hand, among all the thorium borides, ThB2 shows a high electron–phonon coupling constant of 0.804 and is predicted to have Tc around 12.72 K. In addition, it has been found that the predicted high-pressure compositions, Th3B4 and ThB, display superconductive behavior under pressure. Additionally, various thermophysical quantities such as lattice thermal conductivity, bulk modulus, thermal expansion coefficient, specific heat capacity, and Gibbs free energy under ambient conditions have been determined from these calculations.
Directional fracturing of granite cylinder via nitromethane-based energetic materials driven by electrical wire explosion
Authors: Wang Qian , Hu Yujia , Zhang Meng , Tao Zhanping
Published: August 2023

The combination of electrical wire explosion and low sensitivity energetic materials is an efficient and practical method to generate controllable strong pressure waves, which is a potential alternative to explosives in directional fracturing applications. In this paper, a new configuration of hybrid load is proposed to generate synchronized pressure waves for directional fracturing, with the advantages of lower energy storage and smaller blast-hole diameters. The pressure wave of hybrid load explosion is measured, and the explosion synchronicity of the two loads at the microsecond level is verified by self-illumination images. Then, two-hole granite cylinders are used to verify the feasibility of directional fracturing, and the results show that the double loads explosion formed directional fractures connecting the two holes and a horizontal failure plane. The fracturing process, including fracture initiation, propagation, and connection, is recorded with a high-speed camera and is reproduced in numerical simulation. Based on the experimental and numerical results, the fracture morphology is characterized as four areas, and the fracturing mechanism is analyzed.
Transcriptomic analysis of the ocular posterior segment completes a cell atlas of the human eye
Authors: Monavarfeshani Aboozar , Yan Wenjun , Pappas Christian , Odenigbo Kenechukwu A. , He Zhigang , Segrè Ayellet V. , van Zyl Tavé , Hageman Gregory S. , Sanes Joshua R.
Published: August 2023

Although the visual system extends through the brain, most vision loss originates from defects in the eye. Its central element is the neural retina, which senses light, processes visual signals, and transmits them to the rest of the brain through the optic nerve (ON). Surrounding the retina are numerous other structures, conventionally divided into anterior and posterior segments. Here, we used high-throughput single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq) to classify and characterize cells in six extraretinal components of the posterior segment: ON, optic nerve head (ONH), peripheral sclera, peripapillary sclera (PPS), choroid, and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Defects in each of these tissues are associated with blinding diseases—for example, glaucoma (ONH and PPS), optic neuritis (ON), retinitis pigmentosa (RPE), and age-related macular degeneration (RPE and choroid). From ~151,000 single nuclei, we identified 37 transcriptomically distinct cell types, including multiple types of astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, fibroblasts, and vascular endothelial cells. Our analyses revealed a differential distribution of many cell types among distinct structures. Together with our previous analyses of the anterior segment and retina, the data presented here complete a “Version 1” cell atlas of the human eye. We used this atlas to map the expression of >180 genes associated with the risk of developing glaucoma, which is known to involve ocular tissues in both anterior and posterior segments as well as the neural retina. Similar methods can be used to investigate numerous additional ocular diseases, many of which are currently untreatable.