bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intercept Method for Accurately Estimating Residual Fluid Saturation and Approximate Transient Solutions with Production Time Scales in Centrifuge Core Plug Experiments
Authors: Andersen Pål Østebø
Published: July 2023

The centrifuge experiment is used to measure capillary pressure in core plugs by forced displacement (imbibition or drainage): Strong gravitational forces (imposed by rotation) displace fluid held in place by capillary forces. This setup is also used to measure and establish residual saturation, the saturation where a fluid loses connectivity and can no longer flow. Obtaining this saturation is challenging as the capillary end effect causing outlet fluid accumulation theoretically only vanishes at infinite rotation speed.

First, we derive a novel “intercept method” to estimate residual saturation with a centrifuge: Plotting steady-state average saturation data against inverse squared rotation speed gives a straight line at high speeds where the intercept equals the residual saturation. The linear behavior starts once the core saturation profile contains the residual saturation. The result is theoretically valid for all input parameters and functions, derived assuming uniform gravity along the core at a given speed. Then the saturation profile near the outlet is invariant and compresses at a higher speed. The method was, however, demonstrated numerically to be highly accurate even for extremely nonuniform gravity: The saturation data are linear and the correct residual saturation value is estimated. This is because when the residual saturation enters, most of the end effect profile is located in a narrow part of the core and thus uniformly compressed. Several experimental and numerical data sets validated the method.

Second, an analytical solution (using all relevant input) is derived for transient production toward equilibrium after the rotation speed is increased starting from an arbitrary initial state. For this result, we assume the outlet (or initial) profile compresses also transiently. The displacing and displaced regions have fixed mobilities but occupy different lengths with time. Time as a function of production has a linear term and logarithmic term (dominating late time behavior). Production rate can thus be constant most of the time or gradually reducing, resulting in very distinct profiles. The correlation could fit experimental data well and confirmed the possible profile shapes. A time scale was derived analytically that scales all production curves to end (99.5% production) at same scaled time. The solution predicted similar time scales and trends in time scale with rotation speed and viscosity as numerical simulations. Numerical simulations indicated that the saturations near the residual saturation traveled slowly, which caused production to tail and span 5 log units of time (the analytical solution predicted 2–3). The correlation better matched low-speed data where the residual saturation had not entered.
The Effect of Temperature on the Size and the Deposition of Asphaltene Particles
Authors: Mohammadi Mohammad , Bahrami Masoud , Torkaman Mohammad
Published: July 2023

The deposition of asphaltene as a main component of crude oil is considerably affected by temperature. Despite the studies on influencing factors on deposition and size of asphaltene particles, no experimental research was previously conducted on the simultaneous impact of temperature on asphaltene particle size and deposition. In this study, the asphaltene deposit mass was measured within a Couette device at various temperatures ranging between 20 and 65°C under a constant angular velocity. Furthermore, the asphaltene particle size was simultaneously measured to investigate the relationship between deposition mass and asphaltene particle size and also to validate the concept of critical particle size. A digital microscope was used to measure the size of unstable asphaltene particles in oil. Asphaltene solubility and oil viscosity were measured to understand the deposition mechanisms. The analysis of microscopic images indicated that larger asphaltene particles are produced at higher temperatures. Although the total mass of the deposit was decreased with temperature, the deposition fraction, defined as mass fraction of total unstable asphaltene particles that deposit, was increased. Higher fraction of deposition was found for larger particles that is in contradiction to the previously introduced critical particle size concept. Additionally, the effect of solubility was found to be dominant in comparison with viscosity from the point of view of the total mass of the deposit. For the oil sample investigated in this study, a 45°C increase in temperature reduced the total mass of the deposit by 46.84%.
Effect of Calcium Expansive Additives on the Performance of Granite-Based Geopolymers for Zonal Isolation in Oil and Gas Wells
Authors: Gomado Foster Dodzi , Khalifeh Mahmoud , Saasen Arild , Sanfelix Susana G. , Kjøniksen Anna-Lena , Aasen Jan Aage
Published: July 2023

Geopolymers have emerged as a promising alternative to Portland cement for oil and gas wells. Achieving effective zonal isolation by use of geopolymers may require controlling their expansion. This study investigates the effect of calcium oxide (CaO) as an expansive agent on the performance of geopolymer-based sealing materials. Specifically, we explore the impact of CaO reactivity on various material properties using isothermal calorimetry, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area analysis, linear expansion (LE) test, shear bond strength, compressive strength, and hydraulic bond strength (HBS). Our results indicate that CaO reactivity is a critical factor affecting the properties and performance of geopolymers for zonal isolation. Lower reactivities are associated with longer induction periods and lower heat evolution, which in turn increase LE. While lower reactivity decreases compressive strength, it increases shear bond strength. However, the CaO with the lowest reactivity resulted in a very low HBS due to matrix cracking and leakage. Therefore, optimizing the reactivity of CaO expansive agents is essential to enhancing the properties of geopolymer-based sealing materials for oil and gas wells. Shown in this paper is the successful application of CaO as an expansive agent for granite-based geopolymers at shallow depths in oil and gas wells.
Assessing energy transition vulnerability over nations and time
Authors: Shen Yifan , Shi Xunpeng , Zhao Zhibo , Grafton Quentin
Published: July 2023

While achieving the Paris climate goals and sustainable development goals (SDGs) are two major global challenges of our time, energy transition that plays an essential role in achieving climate targets may create socio-economic hardship. A quantitative assessment of the vulnerability of energy transitions is a prerequisite for national and international policymakers to advance a just energy transition that looks after coordination between energy transitions and socio-economic development. This study proposes to measure energy transition vulnerability from the dimensions of exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity. The results of energy transition vulnerability index (ETVI) scores for 135 nations reveal a huge inequality across nations; moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic has interrupted the decade-long continuous improvement of energy transition vulnerability. Developed countries usually have low energy transition vulnerability than developing countries and the gaps even have been widened. The existing global transition vulnerability could be mitigated by 12.3 p.p and 5.2 p.p if each nation could follow the path of global or climate party group frontiers in achieving the SDGs, despite the scale and drivers of mitigation vary across countries. The study also suggests that heterogeneous transition policies that consider both emissions and vulnerability are required. Our framework and findings could advise policymakers to formulate policies and cooperation strategies to reduce vulnerability, protect vulnerable countries, and make fair energy transition policies nationally and internationally.
LEPA: Low-overhead and Efficient Privacy-preserving Authentication Scheme in VANETs
Authors: Moni Shafika Showkat , Manivannan Dakshnamoorthy
Published: July 2023

The dynamic nature of Vehicular
Ad-hoc Networks (VANETs) necessitate suitable authentication schemes to
prevent intruders from compromising the privacy of vehicles. In order to maintain the privacy of vehicles, several schemes using pseudonyms instead of real IDs of vehicles have been proposed in the literature. When vehicles use
pseudonyms instead of their real IDs in their communication,
authenticating the vehicles becomes an issue. Assigning a single
pseudonym to a vehicle does not solve the problem because, based on a
vehicle's trajectory, an intruder can track the
vehicle. So, a vehicle needs to change its pseudonym frequently. So,
to ensure the privacy of the vehicle, each vehicle should be assigned a pool
of pseudonyms, and the vehicle should be able to pick a pseudonym from the pool and
use it and also change its pseudonym periodically. In many of the existing works, for authentication
purposes, a central entity is used to issue certificates corresponding to each
pseudonym assigned to a vehicle and distribute them to the vehicle so it
can present the certificate to authenticate itself. However, this
approach involves significant computation, storage, and distribution
overhead of the revoked certificates of pseudonyms of malicious
vehicles because each vehicle is assigned a large number of pseudonyms.
We address this issue and propose a Low-overhead and Efficient
Privacy-preserving Authentication (LEPA) scheme for VANETs by
leveraging Merkle Hash Tree (MHT) and Cuckoo Filter (CF). We analyze
and verify the robustness of the LEPA scheme against various
attacks. The performance evaluation demonstrates the efficiency of the
LEPA scheme with respect to authentication overhead.
The behavior of arsenic accumulation in onion (Allium cepa) structures by irrigation water: Effect of phosphates and arsenic on the total bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity
Authors: Saldaña-Robles Noe , Ozuna Cesar , Perea-Grimaldo Diana , Chávez-Gutiérrez Abner , Saldaña-Robles Adriana
Published: July 2023

The presence of arsenic (As) in irrigation water is a threat to agricultural crops as well as human health. The presence of arsenic and phosphorous in irrigation water influences the behavior of bioaccumulation, biotransfer, and total bioactive compounds in the distinct parts of the onion structure. The present work evaluates the behavior of the bioaccumulation and biotransfer of As in the structures of onion (Alliun cepa) through a composite central design and response surface method. The factors employed include the concentration of arsenic (V) and phosphate (V) in the nutritive solution. Additionally, this study analyzes the behavior of the effect that the induced stress has on the total bioactive compounds (phenols and flavonoids) and antioxidant capacity (ABTS and DPPH) in the onion roots. The results showed that the physiological properties, bioaccumulation factors, As transference, as well as the total bioactive compounds in the onion structure, are affected by the competition of As and phosphates (P(V)) in the irrigation water. For concentrations of As and phosphorous of 450 mg L− 1 and 0.30 mg L− 1 respectively in irrigation water, there are negative effects on the equatorial diameter of the bulb, length, weight of leaf, and weight of bulb. Besides, the transference and bioaccumulation factors range from 2.36 to 22.22 and from 2.15 to 7.81 respectively, suggesting that the plant has a translocated ability of As from root to aerial organs and it is possible to accumulate As. Besides, it is found that under the mean conditions of As and phosphorous in irrigation water, a greater production occurs in total phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity (ABTS and DPPH) as a response to the stress generated by As.
The Impact of Tourism Transportation on The Ecological Footprint: Evidence from The Quantile Co-integration Approach for Emerging Countries
Authors: Nazlioglu Elif Hilal , Kilic Emre , Yavuz Ersin
Published: July 2023

Consumption behaviors of tourists and energy consumption of tourism enterprises can cause environmental damage on nature. While environmental pollution in tourism regions as a result of these environmental deteriorations can affect the decisions of tourists, consumption behaviors of tourists in tourism regions can also affect local environmental quality. In this context, the main motivation of the study is to empirically examine the impact of tourism transportation, which is an important component of national income, on environmental pollution in emerging countries. The number of international tourists’ arrivals is used for the tourism, and the ecological footprint is used for the environmental pollution. The number of international tourists is handled in 3 categories: air, water, and land. Analyzes are carried out for 16 emerging countries covering the period 1995-2018. Engle and Granger (1987) co-integration test and the quantile co-integration test proposed by Xiao (2009) which provides the theoretical basis for examining the asymmetric structure in the data set are used as the analysis method. Compared to the conventional testing methodology, the quantile co-integration test provides more evidence for the existence of a co-integration relationship. Therefore, this indicates the efficiency gain of using quantile methods. The increase in international tourist transportation in all countries with a co-integration relationship increases environmental pollution. In addition, the relationship between variables behaves differently in different quantiles. In this context, it has been concluded that there is an asymmetrical adjustment process depending on the sign and size of the shocks. Lastly, it is found that the effects of air, water, and land transportation types on environmental pollution differ on a country basis.
Systematic Comparison Suggesting Intranasal Administration was the Best Clinical Practice among the Three Transplantation Ways of Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells (hUC-MSCs) in Hypoxic-ischaemic brain damage (HIBD) Rat Model
Authors: LIU WENTING , Zhou Linyan , Zheng Kun , Zhang Ruibo , He Guangzhen , Xu Jinyun , Jiang Hao , Ren Lan , Zhou Miao , Gu Jiaowei
Published: July 2023

Aims
Hypoxic-ischaemic brain damage (HIBD) remains a common sequelae of various nervous system diseases. Human umbilical cord derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) transplantation was considered to be promising in treating HIBD. However, it remains open the best administration way to transplant hUC-MSCs. In this study, we systematically compared the three administration ways —— the intravenous, the intracerebral and the intranasal administration for the first time to guide the best clinical practice.
Methods
The HIBD rat models were built on postnatal day 7(PN7). And rats were divided into five groups: sham, HIBD, HIBD + IV (intravenous administration), HIBD + IN (intranasal administration) and HIBD + IC (intracerebral administration). The behavioral experiments were used to compare the motor function、learning and memory function improvement of three administration ways, where the motor function of rats on PN10 and PN21 were evaluated by hanging wire and vertical pole test, and the learning and memory function of rats were evaluated by the Morris water maze (MWM) test. Moreover, the pathological tests were used to compare the pathological repair effects of three administration ways: the morphological changes of brain tissue were tested by Haematoxylin and eosin staining; the proliferation of reactive astrocytes were compared by detecting the expression of glial fibrillar acidic protein (GFAP), and the number of neuronal apoptosis in cortex and hippocampus were compared by TUNEL staining.
Results
The motor function of rats in HIBD group was significantly lower than that in sham group on the PN10, both in hanging wire and vertical pole tests (P < 0.0001). This shows the effectiveness of our HIBD model. According to the hanging wire test, the improvement of motor function in HIBD + IN group and HIBD + IC group were more obvious than that HIBD + IV group (P < 0.05), but no significant difference between HIBD + IN group and HIBD + IC group(P > 0.05).
RETRACTED: The Impact of Investment Priming on Donations to Social Causes: Evidence from Two Field Experiments
Authors: Briley Donnel , An Jake , Danziger Shai , Levi Shai
Published: July 2023

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
A Framework for Demonstrating Practical Quantum Advantage: Racing Quantum against Classical Generative Models
Authors: Hibat-Allah Mohamed , Mauri Marta , Carrasquilla Juan , Perdomo-Ortiz Alejandro
Published: July 2023

Generative modeling has seen a rising interest in both classical and quantum machine learning, and it represents a promising candidate to obtain a practical quantum advantage in the near term. In this study, we build over a proposed framework for evaluating the generalization performance of generative models, and we establish the first quantitative comparative race towards practical quantum advantage (PQA) between classical and quantum generative models, namely Quantum Circuit Born Machines (QCBMs), Transformers (TFs), Recurrent Neural Networks (RNNs), Variational Autoencoders (VAEs), and Wasserstein Generative Adversarial Networks (WGANs). After defining four types of PQAs scenarios, we focus on what we refer to as potential PQA, aiming to compare quantum models with the best-known classical algorithms for the task at hand. We let the models race on a well-defined and application-relevant competition setting, where we illustrate and demonstrate our framework on 20 variables (qubits) generative modeling task. Our results suggest that QCBMs are more efficient in the data-limited regime than the other state-of-the-art classical generative models. Such a feature is highly desirable in a wide range of real-world applications where the available data is scarce.
Sea surface temperatures governed the development and longevity of the Great Barrier Reef
Authors: Petrick Benjamin , Reuning Lars , Pfeiffer Miriam , Auderset Alexandra , Schwark Lorenz
Published: July 2023

The Great Barrier Reef (GBR) is by far the largest reef system in the modern ocean. Recently, it has been severely affected by coral bleaching due to human-induced warming. To date, however, the influence of temperature on the origin and long-term evolution of the GBR remains enigmatic. The only available sea surface temperature (SST) proxy data set extending beyond the origin of the GBR shows little variability. It has therefore been argued that other environmental factors must have been responsible for the development of the GBR. Here, we present a TEX86H-derived temperature proxy record from ODP Site 820. It demonstrates for the first time that the onset of reef growth on the outer shelf was preceded by a sharp rise in temperature from ~ 26°C before Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 17 to ~ 28°C starting at MIS 17. After that, reconstructed temperatures remained relatively high (26 to 29°C). This period culminated in the development of a barrier reef system at MIS 13, suggesting that relatively stable SSTs were critical to its evolution. The glacial MIS 12 showed a renewed cooling to temperatures of ~ 25°C. From MIS 11 to the present, the glacial to interglacial temperature fluctuations approximate 3 to 4°C, with MIS 11 and 5 as particularly warm interglacials. The relatively warm temperatures after MIS 18 likely promoted extensive reef growth even during the glacials. These glacial reefs likely contributed to the persistence of the GBR over several glacial-interglacial cycles since the Middle Pleistocene. The evolution of the GBR, therefore, appears to be closely linked to seawater temperature. Our data suggest that sustained periods of optimal temperatures are a prerequisite for the development and maintenance of the GBR.
The prophylactic effect of intranasal Dexamethasone in reducing postoperative sore throat. A novel clinical trial.
Authors: Shetabi Hamidreza , Momeni Ehsan
Published: July 2023

Background: Sore throat is the most common complication of tracheal intubation and is an unpleasant complication in patients who undergo general anesthesia with tracheal intubation. Considering the importance of reducing the incidence of postoperative sore throat (POST) and increasing patient satisfaction, in this study we discussed the effectiveness of intranasal dexamethasone in reducing the incidence of POST in patients under general anesthesia.
Methods: This double-blind randomized clinical trial study was carried out on 96 patients over 18 years of age who were candidates for elective eye surgery from July 2019 to March 2020 at Faiz Hospital in Isfahan. The patients were divided randomly into two groups of 48 to receive intranasal Dexamethasone (IND) or intranasal normal saline (INS), administration of drugs was immediately after endotracheal intubation. Demographic data, the presence of sore throat, cough, and hoarseness during the stay in the recovery as well as in the ward (up to 24 hours) were recorded and analyzed by SPSS software version 23.
Results: The results of the current study showed that percentage of sore throat, cough and hoarseness during the stay in the recovery room and 2 hours after entering the ward in the IND group was significantly lower than the INS group (P value<0.001). but at 6, 12, and 24 hours after the stay in Ward, despite the lower frequency of these symptoms in the IND group compared to the INS group, there was no significant difference between the two groups (P value>0.05).
Discussion: This is an innovative clinical trial that evaluate the prophylactic effect of intranasal Dexamethasone in reducing postoperative sore throat. This research shows that intranasal administration of dexamethasone can reduce post-operative sore throat, hoarseness, cough and improve the quality of stay in the recovery room.
The trial was registered with the identification number IRCT20180416039326N7 (date: 31/5/2019) in the Clinical Trials Registration Center of Iran.
Chloroplast transformation for bioencapsulation and oral delivery using the immunoglobulin G fragment crystallizable (Fc) domain
Authors: LaManna Lisa , Chou Chih-Hsuan , Lei Hanqin , Barton Elisabeth R. , Maliga Pal
Published: July 2023

Proinsulin Like Growth Factor (prolGF1) and myostatin (Mstn) regulate muscle regeneration when intravenously delivered. We set out to test if chloroplast bioencapsulated forms of these proteins may serve as a non-invasive means of drug delivery through the digestive system. We created tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) plants carrying GFP-Fc1, proIGF-I-Fc1, and Mstn-Fc1 fusion genes, in which fusion with the immunoglobulin G Fc domain improved both protein stability and absorption in the small intestine. No transplastomic plants were obtained with the Mstn-Fc1 gene, suggesting that the protein is toxic to plant cells. proIGF-I-Fc1 protein levels were too law to enable in vivo testing. However, GFP-Fc1 accumulated at a high level, enabling evaluation of chloroplast-made Fc fusion proteins for oral delivery. Tobacco leaves were lyophilized for testing in a mouse system. We report that the orally administered GFP-Fc fusion protein (5.45 µg/g GFP-Fc) has been taken up by the intestinal epithelium cells, evidenced by confocal microscopy. GFP-Fc subsequently entered the circulation where it was detected by ELISA. Data reported here confirm that chloroplast expression and oral administration of lyophilized leaves is a potential delivery system of therapeutic proteins fused with Fc, with the advantage that the proteins may be stored at room temperature.
Effect of mindfulness-based interventions on people with prehypertension or hypertension-A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: chen qiongshan , du shizheng , liu hui
Published: July 2023

Background: Hypertension and prehypertension has been widely recognized as the main contributor of global mortality. Evidence shows mindfulness-based interventions may reduce blood pressure and improve mental health. However, the effect of mindfulness-based interventions on blood pressure and mental health has not been fully understood.
Methods: Potential studies published before May 24th 2023 were identified by searching Embase, Ovid Emcare, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Web of Science, Cochrane, PubMed, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang database, and VIP China Science. Additionally, two grey databases were searched: Mednar, WorldWideScience.org. The risk of bias in the included studies was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Assessment tool. The random-effects meta-analyses were conducted using Review Man 5.4 software and the key outcomes are presented as mean difference or standard mean difference and the 95% confidential interval.
Results: Searches returned 802 studies in total, of which 12 were included (N = 715). The duration of interventions was 8 weeks in 10 trials and 6 weeks in one trial. Pooled effect sizes indicated reductions in systolic blood pressure (MD = -9.12, 95% CI [-12.18, -6.05], p < 0.001), diastolic blood pressure (MD = -5.66, 95% CI [-8.88, -2.43], p < 0.001), anxiety (SMD = -4.10; 95% CI [-6.49, -1.71], p < 0.001), depression (SMD = -1.70, 95 %CI [-2.95, -0.44], p < 0.001) and perceived stress (SMD = -5.91, 95 %CI [-8.74, -3.09], p < 0.001) at post-intervention. The findings from subgroup analyses are favorable for MBIs regardless of gender and baseline blood pressure with regard to BP reduction, with a more profound effect observed in participants with higher pre-intervention blood pressure.
Conclusions: The results provide evidence for the positive role of mindfulness-based interventions in hypertension management. More large randomized control trials with sufficient statistical power and long-term follow-up are needed.
Registration: The protocol had been registered with Prospero on October 2nd 2021 (registration NO. CRD42021282504).
Highly Directional and Carrier Density-Independent Plasmons in Quasi-One-Dimensional Electron Gas Systems
Authors: Zhao Mingwen , Gao Han , Zhang Xuejin , Ding Chao , Ma Xikui , Wang Mingzheng , Li Yangyang
Published: July 2023

Hyperbolic materials (HMs) have garnered significant attention for their distinct electromagnetic response characteristics. Recent advancements in developing meta hyperbolic surfaces through intricate substrate patterning have enabled the realization of highly-directional hyperbolic surface plasmons, which play a crucial role in optoelectronic devices. In this study, we expand the possibility of natural two-dimensional (2D) materials in achieving exceptional electromagnetic scenarios akin to those observed in meta hyperbolic surfaces. Notably, natural hyperbolic 2D materials provide inherent advantages in terms of simplicity, predictability, and lower losses compared to meta-surfaces. By employing first-principles calculations, we unveil the possibility of achieving this mechanism in a realistic 2D material, specifically the RuOCl2 monolayer. Our results demonstrate that the RuOCl2 monolayer sustains carrier-density-independent and broadband low-loss hyperbolic responses across the terahertz to ultraviolet spectral range, owning to the highly-anisotropic electronic band structures characterized by quasi-one-dimensional electron gas (Q1DEG). These findings shed light on the integration of hyperbolicity in natural 2D materials, opening new avenues for the design and development of novel optoelectronic devices and nanoscale imaging systems.
Epithelioid Hemangioma of the Nasal Cavity with Atypical Features: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.
Authors: Makhoul Mikhael , Hourseau Muriel , Nassereddine Hussein , Hamad Walid Abou , Khoueir Nadim
Published: July 2023

Introduction: We report a unique case of a patient with epithelioid hemangioma (EH) of the nasal cavity showing atypical histological features diagnosed using Next-Generation targeted RNA Sequencing that revealed a GATA6-FOXO1 fusion transcript.
The patient’s main concern and important clinical findings: It is a 53-year-old man who was experiencing recurrent episodes of right epistaxis. Nasal endoscopy revealed an exophytic well defined lesion at the head of the right middle turbinate.
The primary diagnosis, interventions, and outcomes: the lesion was resected endoscopically under general anesthesia. Microscopic examination revealed solid sheets of epithelioid tumor cells with some slit-like vascular channels with moderate to severe nuclear atypia. Tumor cells were positive for ERG, CD31, CD34 and GATA6 immunostainings. The proliferation index (Ki-67) was relatively high. A Next-Generation targeted RNA Sequencing shows a GATA6-FOXO1 fusion transcript confirming the diagnosis of epithelioid hemangioma with atypical features. No clinical recurrence was detected on nasal endoscopy during the 12 months follow-up period.
Conclusion:EH of the head and neck region is a diagnostic challenge for both head and neck surgeons and pathologists. The diagnosis is confirmed through histological and immunohistochemical analysis.
Heterogeneity and Geographical Location in Italian Business Networks
Authors: Correani Luca , Ceccarelli Valentina , Morganti Patrizio
Published: July 2023

Business network agreements (BNAs) are an innovative policy tool that allow firms to co- operate on common projects by sharing skills and knowledge. BNAs can be set up either by firms working in the same geographical area or by firms geographically distant among each other. Focusing on Italian networks, we conduct a cross-section empirical analysis to investi- gate the relationship between the average geographical distance among firms in a network and an entropy index measuring the degree of heterogeneity of the activities carried out by network firms. It emerges that the geographical agglomeration of network firms is significantly related to a lower value of the entropy index, though in this case the network tends to be composed by a small number of firms.
JEL classification: L14, L22, O25
A predictive analytics solution matching job seekers' talent and employers' demands based on machine learning
Authors: Rahmani Hamed , Groot Wim , Rahmani Amir Mohammad
Published: July 2023

The Covid-19 Pandemic has led to an increase in online recruitment. Many job seekers and employers post information about their talents, characteristics, and demands on job search websites where a large amount of data is cumulated in an unparsed way. Therefore, job seekers and employers cannot always find their way through this. This research used a sample of data from the most dependable employment and job search website in Iran. By examining the database provided by the website, the study aims to identify, cluster, predict and analyze data related to job seekers and the labour market. This study utilized the CRISP-DM methodology to analyze job seeker and employers' demands data, utilizing clustering algorithms such as self-organizing maps (SOM), Fuzzy C-means (FCM), K-Means, and latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA), with validation using the silhouette criterion. Then Multi-layer Perceptron (MLP), Naive Bayes, Learning Vector Quantization (LVQ), Support Vector Machine (SVM), and Language Model (LM) classification algorithms were used for prediction and classification processes. Results showed that the SOM algorithm had the best clustering with an average silhouette index of 0.92 for job seekers and 0.89 for the labour market. The MLP algorithm with SOM clustering was chosen as the best algorithm for prediction and classification processes with an accuracy of 0.83 which is a relatively high level of accuracy in predictive analytics.
JEL code: J23, J21, J24, C38, C55.
The deubiquitinating enzyme USP4 regulates BRCA1 stability and function
Authors: Shao Genze , Guo Xueyuan , Ma Yanfang , Liu Runyu , Zhang Ting , Li Qin , Chang Fen , Deng Jingcheng , Duan Junyi , Li Li , Su Yanrong
Published: July 2023

BRCA1 plays a suppressive role in breast tumorigenesis. Ubiquitin-dependent degradation is a common mechanism that regulates BRCA1 protein stability, and several ubiquitin ligases involved have been identified. However, the deubiquitinating enzyme for BRCA1 remains less defined. Here, we report that the deubiquitinase USP4 interacts with, deubiquitinates and stabilizes BRCA1, maintaining the protein level of BRCA1. USP4 knockdown results in a decreased BRCA1 protein level, impairment in homologous recombination mediated double-stranded break repair, and increased genome instability, and confers resistance to DNA damage-inducing agents and PARP inhibitors. Ectopic expression of USP4 stabilizes BRCA1 and reverse the effects caused by USP4 knockdown. Moreover, USP4 is low expressed in human breast cancer tissues and its low expression correlates with poorer survival of patients. Furthermore, we identified several loss-of-function mutations of USP4 in human gynecological cancers, the catalytic activity of which or their interaction with BRCA1 is disrupted. Together, we reveal that USP4 is a deubiquitinase for BRCA1. USP4 positively regulates the stability and function of BRCA1 through deubiquitination, and plays important role in the suppression of breast cancer.
Neoadjuvant Immunotherapy combined with Chemoradiotherapy VS. Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy for Locally Advanced Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma(cStageII-III): A Multi-center Prospective Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Huang Xu , Tang Han , Jiao Heng , Yin Jun , Wang Hao , Xu Wenyi , Yin Hao , Yang Shuyi , Wang Qingle , Zeng Mengsu , Jiang Dongxian , Hou Yingyong , Du Shisuo , Zeng Zhaochong , Li Yin , Chen Keneng , Li Zhigang , Han Yongtao , Shen Weiyu , Chen Qixun , Jiang Hongjing , Fan Hong , Jiang Bo , Liao Yongde , Tan Lijie
Published: July 2023

background
Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) combined with surgery has been suggested as the standard treatment for locally advanced ESCC. Meanwhile, CHECKMATE-577 has suggested that immunotherapy may be effective in controlling tumor recurrence and metastasis. According to PALACE-1, Neoadjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy combined with immunity may be more beneficial for patients. Therefore, it is meaningful to further study whether the combination of nCRT and immunotherapy has better effects in the treatment of ESCC.
methods
NCT04973306 is designed as a multicenter, prospective, randomized, Phase II/Phase III clinical trial discussion, investigating the safety and efficacy of nCRT plus tumor immunotherapy compared with nCRT. A total of 476 patients with locally advanced resectable ESCC (stage cII-III) are randomly assigned to neoadjuvant immunotherapy combined with chemoradiotherapy (arm A) or nCRT (arm B) with a 1:1 allocation ratio. The primary endpoint of the first phase of the study was pCR. Overall survival assessed with a minimum follow-up of 36 months served as the study's main goal during the second phase (OS). Secondary outcomes are R0 resection rate, positive lymph node rate and response, number of lymph nodes cleared, tumor regression grade (TRG) of primary tumor, and disease-free survival (DFS) between the two groups
discussion
This trial aims to study whether nCRT plus tumor immunotherapy yields superior benefits for curative treatment of ESCC and the survival. Trial registration number is NCT04973306.
Deep learning-based Fast Volumetric Image Generation for Image-guided Proton FLASH Radiotherapy
Authors: Chang Chih-Wei , Lei Yang , Wang Tonghe , Tian Sibo , Roper Justin , Lin Liyong , Bradley Jeffrey , Liu Tian , Zhou Jun , Yang Xiaofeng
Published: July 2023

Objective: FLASH radiotherapy leverages ultra-high dose-rate radiation to enhance the sparing of organs at risk without compromising tumor control probability. This may allow dose escalation, toxicity mitigation, or both. To prepare for the ultra-high dose-rate delivery, we aim to develop a deep learning (DL)-based image-guide framework to enable fast volumetric image reconstruction for accurate target localization for proton FLASH beam delivery.
Approach: The proposed framework comprises four modules, including orthogonal kV x-ray projection acquisition, DL-based volumetric image generation, image quality analyses, and water equivalent thickness (WET) evaluation. We investigated volumetric image reconstruction using kV projection pairs with four different source angles. Thirty patients with lung targets were identified from an institutional database, each patient having a four-dimensional computed tomography (CT) dataset with ten respiratory phases. Leave-phase-out cross-validation was performed to investigate the DL model’s robustness for each patient.
Main results: The proposed framework reconstructed patients’ volumetric anatomy, including tumors and organs at risk from orthogonal x-ray projections. Considering all evaluation metrics, the kV projections with source angles of 135° and 225° yielded the optimal volumetric images. The patient-averaged mean absolute error, peak signal-to-noise ratio, structural similarity index measure, and WET error were 75±22 HU, 19±3.7 dB, 0.938±0.044, and -1.3%±4.1%.
Significance: The proposed framework has been demonstrated to reconstruct volumetric images with a high degree of accuracy using two orthogonal x-ray projections. The embedded WET module can be used to detect potential proton beam-specific patient anatomy variations. This framework can rapidly deliver volumetric images to potentially guide proton FLASH therapy treatment delivery systems.
Bioelectrical impedance and lung function - associations with gender and central obesity: results of the EpiHealth study
Authors: Qvarfordt Mikaela , Lampa Erik , Cai Gui-Hong , Lind Lars , Elmståhl Sölve , Svartengren Magnus
Published: July 2023

Background
Obesity is associated with various health problems, including respiratory impairment; moreover, it is a major public health concern. There is a lack of a consensus in healthcare on how body fat should be assessed in relation to lung function. In this study, we aimed to investigate how bioelectrical impedance contributes to predicting reduced lung function in relation to waist circumference in cases of increased adipose tissue, using data from a large Swedish population study.
Methods
In total, 22,706 participants (aged 45–75 years) were included in the study. The relationships between fat mass, waist circumference, and lung function were analysed using weighted quantile sum regression.
Results
The results showed that waist circumference was more important than trunk fat mass (variable weights 0.68 and 0.28, respectively) in men, but the opposite was true for waist circumference and trunk fat in women (variable weights 0.23 and 0.77). Both sexes were significantly associated with decreased lung function (FEV1, FVC, and z-scores).
Conclusions
Our results suggest that trunk fat should be considered when assessing the impact of adipose tissue on lung function and should potentially be included in the health controls.
Adverse Childhood Experience, Parental Bonding, and Fatherhood as Parenting Vulnerabilities to Social Anxiety Severity in Iranian Context
Authors: Heshmati Rasoul , Abbasoghli Parisa Haji , Pour Nazanin Seyed Yaghoubi , Asgarabad Mojtaba Habibi
Published: July 2023

The present study aimed to examine the association between adverse childhood experiences, parental bonding, fatherhood, and social anxiety symptoms among emerging adults in an Iranian context. In a cross-sectional study, self-reports measuring fatherhood, parental bonding, anxious thoughts, and childhood trauma were administered to 242 university students with social anxiety symptoms. The data were analyzed using multiple linear regression. Individuals with adverse childhood experiences displayed more social anxiety symptoms (R2 = .32) than others. Moreover, fatherhood (R2 = .28), paternal bonding (R2 = .26), and maternal bonding (R2 = .26) were all significantly and equally associated with variance in social anxiety symptoms. Our findings revealed that adverse childhood experiences, fatherhood, and both maternal and paternal bonding significantly correlated to social anxiety symptoms later in adulthood. Accordingly, it is vital to assess the significance of each factor that contributes to social anxiety in order to develop community-based prevention packages and reduce the prevalence of social anxiety in society.
Designing Transparent Piezoelectric Metasurfaces for Adaptive Optics
Authors: Li Fei , Qiao Liao , Gao Xiangyu , Ren Kaile , Qiu Chaorui , Liu Jinfeng , Jin Haonan , Dong Shuxiang , Xu Zhuo
Published: July 2023

Simultaneously generating various vibration modes with ultrahigh strains in a piezoelectric device is highly desired for high-technology fields to achieve multi-functionalities. However, the traditional approach for designing multi-degrees-of-freedom systems is to bond together several multilayer piezoelectric stacks, which generally leads to a cumbersome and complicated structure. Here, we proposed to achieve various types of ultrahigh strains in a wide frequency range by using a transparent piezo matasurface (PM). As an example, a PM consisting of ten pieces of transparent Pb(In1/2Nb1/2)O3-Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3-PbTiO3 (PIMNT) single crystal units was designed and characterized. The newly designed PM can produce ultrahigh strains (ε3 = 0.38%), and thus generate the linear motions along the X-, Y- and Z-axis, the rotary motions around the X-, Y- and Z-axis as well as the coupled motions. A PM adaptive lens with both autofocus (AF) and optical image stabilization (OIS) functions was demonstrated in the present work. The PM adaptive lens can realize a wide range of focal length (35.82 cm to ∞) and the effective image stabilization with relatively large displacements (i.e., 5.05 μm along the Y-axis) and tilt angles (i.e., 44.02′ around the Y-axis). This research may inspire miniaturization and integration for multi-degrees-of-freedom systems.
Application of the Boruta Algorithm to assess the multi-dimensional determinants of malnutrition among children under five years living in southern Punjab, Pakistan
Authors: Saleem Javeria , Zakar Rubeena , Butt Muhammad Salman , Aadil Rana Muhammad , Ali Zulfiqar , Bukhari Gul Mehar Javaid , Ishaq Muhammad , Fischer Florian
Published: July 2023

Background: A nutrient deficit caused by malnutrition has physical and clinical manifestations. Globally, there were 47 million wasted children under the age of five in 2019. One in four were located in sub-Saharan Africa, with half being in South Asia. This study aims to apply the Boruta algorithm to identify the determinants for malnutrition among children under five living in Dera Ghazi Khan one of the marginalized districts of densely populated Punjab province in Pakistan.
Methods: A multicenter cross-sectional study design was used to collect data from 185 severe acute malnutrition children aged under five years visiting the OTPs centers located in Dera Ghazi Khan, Punjab, Pakistan. A purposive sampling technique was used to collect data using a pretested structured questionnaire from parents/caregivers regarding family sociodemographic characteristics, child nutrition, and biological and healthcare characteristics. Anthropometric measurements including height, weight, and mid-upper arm circumference were collected. The data was analyzed using the Boruta package in R studio.
Results: This study included 185 children, with a mean age of 15.36 ± 10.23 months and had MUAC of 10.19 ± 0.96 cm. Boruta analysis identifies age, mid-upper arm circumference, weaning practices, and immunization status as significant determinants for weight-for-height prediction in children under five. The study identifies Boruta algorithm determinants for weight-for-age prediction, with MUAC and Income per month as confirmed. Under five age, income per month, exclusive breastfeeding and immunization status resulted as important determinants for undernutrition.
Conclusion: Age, weaning methods, immunization status, and household income are all associated with malnutrition and undernutrition in children under five. Malnutrition must be addressed by collaborative efforts from all areas, including dietary knowledge and growth factors.
Liver X receptor alpha ensures blood-brain barrier function by suppressing SNAI2
Authors: de Wit Nienke , Vacondio Davide , Nogueira-Pinto Henrique , Coenen Loet , Mulder Inge , Fontijn Ruud , Hof Bert van het , Fung Wing Ka , Jongejan Aldo , Kooij Gijs , Rozemuller Annemieke , Zelcer Noam , de Vries Helga
Published: July 2023

In Alzheimer’s disease (AD) more than 50% of the patients are affected by capillary cerebral amyloid-angiopathy (capCAA), which is characterized by localized hypoxia, neuro-inflammation and loss of blood-brain barrier (BBB) function. Moreover, AD patients with or without capCAA display increased vessel number, indicating a reactivation of the angiogenic program. The molecular mechanism(s) responsible for BBB dysfunction and angiogenesis in capCAA is still unclear, preventing a full understanding of disease pathophysiology. The Liver X receptor (LXR) family, consisting of LXRα and LXRβ, was reported to inhibit angiogenesis and particularly LXRα was shown to secure BBB stability, suggesting a major role in vascular function. In this study we unravel the regulatory mechanism exerted by LXRα to preserve BBB integrity in human brain endothelial cells (BECs) and investigate its role during pathological conditions. We report that LXRα ensures BECs identity via constitutive inhibition of the transcription factor SNAI2. Accordingly, deletion of brain endothelial LXRα is associated with impaired DLL4-NOTCH signalling, a critical signalling pathway involved in vessel sprouting. A similar response was observed when BECs were exposed to hypoxia, with concomitant LXRα decrease and SNAI2 increase. In support of our cell-based observations, we report a general increase in vascular SNAI2 in the occipital cortex of AD patients with and without capCAA. Importantly, SNAI2 strongly associated with vascular amyloid beta deposition and angiopoietin like 4, a marker for hypoxia. In hypoxic capCAA vessels, the expression of LXRα may decrease leading to an increased expression of SNAI2, and consequently BECs de-differentiation and sprouting. Our findings indicate that LXRα is essential for BECs identity, thereby securing BBB stability and preventing aberrant angiogenesis. These results uncover a novel molecular pathway essential for BBB identity and vascular homeostasis providing new insights on the vascular pathology affecting AD patients.
Small RNA sequencing provides insights into molecular mechanism of flower development in Rhododendron pulchrum Sweet
Authors: Fang Bo , Huang Zhiwei , Sun Yirong , Zhang Wanjing , Yu Jiaojun , Zhang Jialiang , Dong Hongjin , Wang Shuzhen
Published: July 2023

Rhododendron pulchrum Sweet, a member of the Ericaceae family possessing valuable medicinal and horticultural properties, is widely distributed in the temperate regions. Though serving as bioindicator of metal pollution, the molecular mechanism regulating flowering in R. pulchrum is very limited. Illumina sequencing was performed to clarify the function of miRNAs in the synthesis of anthocyanin at different developmental stages. Totally, 722 miRNAs belonging to 104 families were screened, and 84 novel mature miRNA sequences were predicted. The miR166, miR156, and miR167-1 were dominant families. In particular, 126 miRNAs were significantly differentially expressed among four different flowering stages. Based on integrated GO and KEGG function annotations, the miRNA target genes were mostly involved in metabolic pathways, plant hormone signal transduction, mitosis and regulation of biosynthetic processes. Totally, 593 genes were differentially regulated by miRNAs during the flower development process. In pigment biosynthesis and signal transduction processes, gra-miR750 significantly regulated the expression of flavonoid 3’,5’-hydroxylase; aof-miR171a, aof-miR171b, aof-miR171c, cas-miR171a-3p, and cas-miR171c-3p could regulate the expression of DELLA protein; aof-miR390, aof-miR396b, ath-miR3932b-5p, cas-miR171a-3p, aof-miR171a, and aof-miR171b regulated BAK1 expression. This research showed great potentials for genetic improvement of flower color traits for R. pulchrum and other Rhododendron species.