bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vancomycin-nanofunctionalized peptide-enriched silk fibroin to prevent methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis-induced femoral nonunions in rats
Authors: Bottagisio Marta , Palombella Silvia , Lopa Silvia , Sangalli Fabio , Savadori Paolo , Biagiotti Marco , Sideratou Zili , Tsiourvas Dimitris , Lovati Arianna B.
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Implant-related infections and infected fractures are significant burdens in orthopedics. Staphylococcus epidermidis is one of the main causes of bone infections related to biofilm formation upon implants. Current antibiotic prophylaxis/therapy is often inadequate to prevent biofilm formation and results in antibiotic resistance. The development of bioactive materials combining antimicrobial and osteoconductive properties offers great potential for the eradication of microorganisms and for the enhancement of bone deposition in the presence of infections. The purpose of this study is to prevent the development of methicillin-resistant S. epidermidis (MRSE)-infected nonunion in a rat model.

Methods

To this end, a recently developed in our laboratories bioactive material consisting of antibiotic-loaded nanoparticles based on carboxylic acid functionalized hyperbranched aliphatic polyester (CHAP) that are integrated into peptide-enriched silk fibroin sponges with osteoconductive properties (AFN-PSF) was employed, whose biocompatibility and microbiological tests provided proof of its potential for the treatment of both orthopedic and dental infections. In particular, non-critical femoral fractures fixed with plates and screws were performed in Wistar rats, which were then randomly divided into three groups: 1) the sham control (no infection, no treatment); 2) the control group, infected with MRSE and treated with peptide-enriched silk fibroin sponges incorporating non-drug-loaded functionalized nanoparticles (PSF); 3) the treated group, infected with MRSE and treated with peptide-enriched silk fibroin sponges incorporating vancomycin-loaded functionalized nanoparticles (AFN-PSF). After 8 weeks, bone healing and osteomyelitis were clinically assessed and evaluated by micro-CT, microbiological and histological analyses.

Results

The sham group showed no signs of infection and complete bone healing. The PSF group failed to repair the infected fracture, displaying 75% of altered bone healing and severe signs of osteomyelitis. The AFN-PSF treated group reached 70% of fracture healing in the absence of signs of osteomyelitis, such as abscesses in the cortical and intraosseous compartments and bone necrosis with sequestra.

Discussion

AFN-PSF sponges have proven effective in preventing the development of infected nonunion in vivo. The proposed nanotechnology for local administration of antibiotics can have a significant impact on patient health in the case of orthopedic infections.
Specific fungi associated with response to capsulized fecal microbiota transplantation in patients with active ulcerative colitis
Authors: Chen Qiongyun , Fan Yanyun , Zhang Bangzhou , Yan Changsheng , Chen Zhangran , Wang Lin , Hu Yiqun , Huang Qingwen , Su Jingling , Ren Jianlin , Xu Hongzhi
Published: January 2023

Objective

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is a novel microbial treatment for patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). In this study, we performed a clinical trial of capsulized FMT in UC patients to determine the association between the gut fungal community and capsulized FMT outcomes.

Design

This study recruited patients with active UC (N = 22) and healthy individuals (donor, N = 9) according to the criteria. The patients received capsulized FMT three times a week. Patient stool samples were collected before (week 0) and after FMT follow-up visits at weeks 1, 4, and 12. Fungal communities were analysed using shotgun metagenomic sequencing.

Results

According to metagenomic analysis, fungal community evenness index was greater in samples collected from patients, and the overall fungal community was clustered among the samples collected from donors. The dominant fungi in fecal samples collected from donors and patients were Ascomycota and Basidiomycota. However, capsulized FMT ameliorated microbial fungal diversity and altered fungal composition, based on metagenomic analysis of fecal samples collected before and during follow-up visits after capsulized FMT. Fungal diversity decreased in samples collected from patients who achieved remission after capsulized FMT, similar to samples collected from donors. Patients achieving remission after capsulized FMT had specific enrichment of Kazachstania naganishii, Pyricularia grisea, Lachancea thermotolerans, and Schizosaccharomyces pombe compared with patients who did not achieve remission. In addition, the relative abundance of P. grisea was higher in remission fecal samples during the follow-up visit. Meanwhile, decreased levels of pathobionts, such as Candida and Debaryomyces hansenii, were associated with remission in patients receiving capsulized FMT.

Conclusion

In the metagenomic analysis of fecal samples from donors and patients with UC receiving capsulized FMT, shifts in gut fungal diversity and composition were associated with capsulized FMT and validated in patients with active UC. We also identified the specific fungi associated with the induction of remission. ClinicalTrails.gov (NCT03426683).
Protective efficacy of statins in patients with Klebsiella pneumoniae bloodstream infection
Authors: Xu Qian , Zheng Beiwen , Shen Ping , Xiao Yonghong
Published: January 2023

Background

Patients with bloodstream infection of Klebsiella pneumoniae (BSI-KP) have a high risk of death and septic shock. This study aims to identify the risk factors for mortality and severity in patients of BSI-KP.

Methods

Data of BSI-KP patients were extracted from the MIMIC IV (Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV) database, and patients infected with only K. pneumoniae in blood were included in this study. The risk factors of 28-day mortality and septic shock in BSI-KP patients were analyzed, respectively.

Results

A total of 279 patients enrolled and the all-cause 28-day mortality rate was 11.8%. The use of statins (OR 0.220, 95% CI 0.060-0.801, p = 0.022) and quinolones (OR 0.356, 95% CI 0.143-0.887, p = 0.027) were both independent protective factors for death within 28 days, while the use of vasoactive drugs (OR 7.377, 95% CI 1.775-30.651, p = 0.006) was a risk factor. Besides, pulmonary disease (OR 2.348, 95% CI 1.126-4.897, p = 0.023), bleeding and coagulation disorders (OR 3.626, 95% CI 1.783-7.372, p < 0.001), respiratory failure (OR 2.823, 95% CI 0.178-6.767, p = 0.020) and kidney dysfunction (OR 2.450, 95% CI 1.189-5.047, p = 0.015) were independent risk factors for patients suffered from septic shock while hypertension was a protective one. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves could well predict the risk of death within 28-day (area under ROC = 0.855, 95% CI = 0.796–0.914, p < 0.001) and septic shock (AUROC = 0.815, 95% CI = 0.755–0.874, p < 0.001) in patients with BSI-KP.

Conclusion

The use of statins could decrease the risk of 28-day mortality in patients of BSI-KP. The risk factor-based prediction model provided evidence for drug treatment in BSI-KP patients. Paying more attention to the strategy of drug treatment will be an optimal way to improve patient’s outcome in clinical practice.
Case report: From monkeypox pharyngitis to myopericarditis and atypical skin lesions
Authors: Sanromán Guerrero María Ascensión , Sánchez Elena Hernández , Ruanes Belén de Nicolás , Fernández-González Pablo , Ugalde Sonia Antoñana , Leal Alejandra González , Fernández Marcelo Sanmartín , Rodríguez Jose Javier Alarcón , Martinez Garcia Laura , Escudero Rosa , Méndez Maria Ángeles Fernández , Zamorano Gómez Jose Luis , Llorente Beatriz Montero , Vivancos-Gallego Maria Jesús
Published: January 2023

Background

A global outbreak of the human monkeypox virus (HMPXV), first identified in May 2022, was declared a health emergency of international concern on 23 July 2022. Before the global outbreak, monkeypox cases were mostly confined to central and west African countries, where this virus is prevalent. Close contact, mainly sexual contact, is supposed to be the main route of transmission, and it is remarkable that the incidence is higher in men who have sexual relationships with other men.

Case summary

A 40-year-old Caucasian man arrived at the emergency department complaining of oppressive epigastric pain extending to the chest after a diagnosis of pharyngitis, which was suspected to be caused by the human monkeypox virus. Based on the clinical symptoms, physical examination, serum cardiac biomarkers, and electrocardiographic findings, he was diagnosed with myopericarditis. The real-time PCR for human monkeypox in skin lesions, urine, plasma, and the oropharyngeal swab was positive. The peak of troponin I was 20.6 ng/ml, and the electrocardiogram showed an upward concavity in the ST segment in diffuse leads, which was in agreement with the previous diagnosis. The presence of edema, subepicardial, and myocardial late gadolinium enhancement, and increased values on T1 mapping in the cardiac MRI were in agreement with the diagnosis of myopericarditis. Antiviral treatment with tecovirimat was started with excellent tolerability. After 6 days, the patient recovered and was discharged.

Discussion

To our knowledge, this is one of the first reported cases of myopericarditis due to human monkeypox infection, which was confirmed by a cardiac MRI following modified Lake Louise criteria. The short span between the onset of the mucocutaneous symptoms and the myocardial damage suggests a pathogenic association. Furthermore, the active viral replication in plasma samples and the negative results on real-time PCR for other viruses support this clinical association.
Fault slip of the 2022 Mw6.7 Menyuan, China earthquake observed by InSAR, and its tectonic implications
Authors: Yang Yuetong , Song Xiaogang , Gong Wenyu , Qu Chunyan
Published: January 2023

In this article the ascending and descending Sentinel-1A satellite data are used to investigate the coseismic slip model of the 2022 Mw6.7 Menyuan earthquake in Qinghai, China. The optimal slip model indicates that this event ruptured two fault segments. The main rupture concentrated on the western Lenglongling fault (LLLF) with a purely left-lateral striking-slip motion. A small part of the eastern Tuolaishan fault (TLSF) section was also ruptured, and the motion on it is mainly oblique slip at depth, with an obvious thrust component. Combined with the rupture characteristics of historical events, GPS velocity map, and slip rate studies, we suggest that the TLSF–LLLF junction is a demarcation point where the deformation partitioning pattern has changed. Along the whole LLLF segment, the oblique convergence has completely partitioned into slip on the purely strike-slipping LLLF and thrusting faults in the north. The TLSF segment accommodates a fraction of compressional shortening, which compensates for the discrepancy in the left-lateral slip rate between the LLLF and TLSF. Such transformation in the strain partitioning pattern is likely to be determined by the geometric relationship between the fault strike and the direction of regional block movement.
Magnetic anomaly lineations in the Northeastern South China Sea and their implications for initial seafloor spreading
Authors: Wu Zhaocai , Zhang Jialing , Xu Mingju , Li Hailong
Published: January 2023

Ridge jumps occurred during the spreading process of the South China Sea. Recent research on the lower crustal reflectors event on seismic profiles found at least two southward ridge jumps, but only one has been confirmed by geomagnetic data. Based on magnetic anomalies in the northern South China Sea and the “two ridge jumps” model, this study identified that an early ridge jump occurred at anomaly C10n (28.3 Ma), with a southward jump of 20 km. According to the magnetic lineation distribution in the northern South China Sea, initial spreading was dominated by local punctiform break-up and the oldest anomaly, C12n (∼30.8 Ma), appeared at two turns of COB. In the IODP Expedition 367&368 drilling area, the continuity of magnetic anomalies from Ridge A to Ridge C was enhanced gradually, representing the transition from local magmatism before the final crustal break-up to a stable igneous oceanic crust. The earliest seafloor spreading magnetic lineation in the Northwestern Sub-basin is C12n (∼30.8 Ma) and the magnetic lineation corresponding to the fossil spreading ridge is C10r (∼29 Ma). The average half-spreading rate was ∼27.2 mm/yr. The opening of the Northwestern Sub-basin appears to have been rotated around a fixed point at the west, with a fault at the eastern end formed by the trajectory of the conjugate point moving during seafloor spreading.
Alternating acid and alkaline diagenesis in the Shahejie Formation of E12 structure in the Laizhou Bay Sag, Bohai Bay Basin
Authors: Yang Haifeng , Zhang Shangfeng , Su Ao , Guan Dayong , Wang Yaning , Su Wen
Published: January 2023

The high-quality reservoirs in the Shahejie Formation of the Laizhou Bay Sag, Bohai Bay Basin, Eastern China formed in the Paleogene saline lacustrine environment and show complex diagenetic evolutionary processes caused by alternating acid and alkaline fluids. Through observations under an optical microscope and a scanning electron microscope, casting thin sections, and plane porosity measurements, this study investigated the diagenesis differences in the third member of the Shahejie Formation (Es3 Member) in the root and central portions of a fan delta in the E12 structure in the eastern Laizhou Bay Sag, respectively. The Es3 reservoirs in the well A-1 which have no any hydrocarbon shows, are relatively tight, and have high argillaceous content, poor particle sorting, strong mechanical compaction, and intense carbonate cementation due to long-term activities of alkaline fluids. Moreover, they were not altered by organic acid due to the far lateral distance from source rocks. By contrast, the Es3 reservoirs in the well A-2 with hydrocarbon accumulations, contain an anomalously high porosity zone due to the superimposition of five episodes of alternate acid-alkaline fluids. The diagenetic fluids controlling the formation of the high-quality Es3 reservoirs are sourced from connate saline pore waters, gypsum dehydration, salt diapir, and organic acid. Moreover, chlorite coats in the reservoirs in the well A-2 inhibit secondary overgrowth of quartz and, thus, protect primary pores. The chlorite coats and alkaline-acid dissolution alterations are critical to the formation of the high-quality reservoirs in well A-2.
Prediction of fracture density in a gas reservoir using robust computational approaches
Authors: Gao Guozhong , Hazbeh Omid , Davoodi Shadfar , Tabasi Somayeh , Rajabi Meysam , Ghorbani Hamzeh , Radwan Ahmed E. , Csaba Mako , Mosavi Amir H.
Published: January 2023

One of the challenges that reservoir engineers, drilling engineers, and geoscientists face in the oil and gas industry is determining the fracture density (FVDC) of reservoir rock. This critical parameter is valuable because its presence in oil and gas reservoirs boosts productivity and is pivotal for reservoir management, operation, and ultimately energy management. This valuable parameter is determined by some expensive operations such as FMI logs and core analysis techniques. As a result, this paper attempts to predict this important parameter using petrophysics logs routinely collected at oil and gas wells and by applying four robust computational algorithms and artificial intelligence hybrids. A total of 6067 data points were collected from three gas wells (#W1, #W2, and #W3) in one gas reservoir in Southwest Asia. Following feature selection, the input variables include spectral gamma ray (SGR); sonic porosity (PHIS); potassium (POTA); photoelectric absorption factor (PEF); neutron porosity (NPHI); sonic transition time (DT); bulk density (RHOB); and corrected gamma ray (CGR). In this study, four hybrids of two networks were used, including least squares support vector machine (LSSVM) and multi-layer perceptron (MLP) with two optimizers particle swarm optimizer (PSO) and genetic algorithm (GA). Four robust hybrid machine learning models were applied, and these are LSSVM-PSO/GA and MLP-PSO/GA, which had not previously used for prediction of FVDC. In addition, the k-fold cross validation method with k equal to 8 was used in this article. When the performance accuracy of the hybrid algorithms for the FVDC prediction is compared, the revealed result is LSSVM-PSO > LSSVM-GA > MLP-PSO > MLP-GA. The study revealed that the best algorithm for predicting FVDC among the four algorithms is LSSVM-PSO (for total dataset RMSE = 0.0463 1/m; R2 = 0.9995). This algorithm has several advantages, including: 1) lower adjustment parameters, 2) high search efficiency, 3) fast convergence speed, 4) increased global search capability, and 5) preventing the local optimum from falling. When compared to other models, this model has the lowest error.
Regulation effect of slit-check dam against woody debris flow: Laboratory test
Authors: Xie Xiangping , Wang Xiaojun , Liu Zhenzhen , Liu Zhixuan , Zhao Shenzhou
Published: January 2023

Woody debris flows (i.e., debris flows carrying wood) are common in mountainous and forested areas. They can cause more severe hazards due to the effects of LW (woody debris larger than 1 m in length and 10 cm in width) compared to debris flows without LW. Mitigation structures for debris flows have considered little of the regulating effect on LW and the influence of LW on the regulation effect of sediment. Thus, model tests were conducted to discuss the regulation effects of slit-check dams on woody debris flow. Research results demonstrated that slit-check dams can effectively regulate woody debris flows without overflows. Once overflow occurs, sediment trapping efficiency and the wood retention rate dramatically decrease. The sediment trapping efficiency of slit-check dams on debris flows without LW shared a linear relationship with the relative opening width, the height-to-width ratio of the opening, and the opening density. However, this was also influenced by the wood retention rate for woody debris flow. A logarithmic relationship between the sediment trapping rate and wood retention rate was obtained. The wood retention rate is mainly determined by the ratio of the LW length to the opening width, the ratio of the LW length to the channel width and the opening density of the slit-check dam. Three draining patterns of woody debris flows at the slit-check dam and three clogging types of LW at the openings of the slit-check dam were observed. Some design criteria for the structure parameters of the slit-check dam were proposed. These research results promote a better understanding of the regulation effect of slit-check dams on woody debris flows and provide a basis for the optimal design of slit-check dams.
Holocene vegetational and climatic history of the Xuguo Co catchment in the central Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Shen Caiming , Liu Kam-biu , Tang Lingyu , Peng Jinlan
Published: January 2023

A 101-cm core was taken from a large lake in the central Tibetan Plateau. Its pollen and loss-on-ignition analyses provide a Holocene vegetational, climatic, and environmental history of the lake catchment. Pollen analysis shows that: dense steppe dominated regional vegetation in the early Holocene (9,200–8,000 cal. yr BP); regional vegetation coverage gradually decreased in the middle Holocene (8,000–4,100 cal. yr BP); and marsh meadow grew on the lake edge and sparse steppe occupied the lake catchment after 4,100 cal. yr BP. Our result also reveals that: 9,200–8,000 cal. yr BP witnessed summer temperature, monsoonal rainfall, and lake-level maxima, as well as few winter and spring aeolian activities and frequent wildfires; 8,000–4,100 cal. yr BP saw a nonlinear decline in temperature, rainfall, lake level, and wildfires; and modern climatic and environmental conditions were established after 4,100 cal. yr BP. Three major monsoon-weakening events at ca. 6,700, 5,800, and 4,100 cal. yr BP were detected by pollen signals and proxies of the climate and environment.
Receiver orientation and event back-azimuth estimation for downhole microseismic monitoring using a probabilistic method based on P-wave polarization
Authors: Yu Zhichao , Huang Dian , Tan Yuyang , He Chuan
Published: January 2023

Microseismic event back-azimuth is an indispensable parameter for source localization in downhole microseismic monitoring, and the accurate orientation of horizontal components of downhole seismic receivers is vital for reliably determining the event back-azimuth. Variation in the monitoring data quality may jeopardize the accuracy of receiver orientation which will further affect the event back-azimuth estimation. To mitigate this issue, we proposed a new probabilistic method based on P-wave polarization analysis for receiver orientation and event back-azimuth estimation. The algorithm constructs the von Mises distribution function using the polarization angle and corresponding rectilinearity of the P-wave, then determines the target angle using the maximum of the probability function. The receiver having the highest rectilinearity from the active-source event is used to quantify a reliable absolute orientation angle, and the relative orientation angles are calculated by the probability distributions based on the measurement angle differences and the associated averages of rectilinearity from all events. After receiver orientation, the P-wave polarization angles with different rectilinearity values are applied to construct the probability distribution functions to estimate the event back-azimuths. By using high-quality events and multi-receiver recordings, our methodology can greatly reduce the unintentional error in receiver orientation and increase event back-azimuth accuracy. We investigate the feasibility and reliability of the proposed method using both synthetic and field data. The synthetic data results demonstrate that, compared to the conventional methods, the proposed method can minimize the variance of the receiver orientation angle and back-azimuth estimation. The weighted standard deviation analysis demonstrates that the proposed method can reduce the orientation error and improve the event back-azimuth accuracy in the field dataset.
Overburden and surface subsidence with slicing paste filling mining in thick coal seams
Authors: Zheng Qiushuang , Wang Changfeng , Pang Lifu
Published: January 2023

To overcome the difficulties of overburden failure and surface subsidence induced by the slicing mining of extra-thick coal seams, slicing filler paste is typically utilized. In this paper, a continuous curved beam mechanical model of paste filling mining was established by theoretical analysis against the background of the 3305 working face of Yangcheng Coal Mine, the main controlling factors of surface subsidence were analyzed using an orthogonal experiment method (OEM) and an analytic network process (ANP) coupled comprehensive assignment, and the vertical displacement distribution of the overlying rock under different filling intensity was simulated using numerical simulation software. The following main findings were obtained. First, the elastic modulus of the backfill is the primary regulating factor, as demonstrated by the results. Second, the greater the filling body’s elastic modulus, the more efficiently it carries the overburden load and minimizes the maximum surface subsidence. Third, the distance from the open-cut mine likewise reflects the degree of surface subsidence, with the amount of subsidence increasing as the distance from the mine increases.
Attribution analysis of runoff evolution in Kuye River Basin based on the time-varying budyko framework
Authors: Huang Tingting , Wang Zhihui , Wu Zhiyong , Xiao Peiqing , Liu Yu
Published: January 2023

The underlying surface parameters in the Budyko framework (such as parameter n in the Choudhury–Yang equation) are crucial for studying the relationship between precipitation, evapotranspiration, and runoff. It is important to accurately quantify the influence of climate and human activities on the evolution of underlying surface characteristic parameters. However, due to the spatiotemporal heterogeneity of underlying surface parameters, it is often difficult to accurately quantify these relationships. In this study, taking the Kuye River Basin located in the northern Loess Plateau as the research object, we first used trend analysis and non-linear regression methods to estimate the evolution characteristics of runoff and underlying surface parameter n. We then determined the contribution of runoff changes by using the elasticity coefficient method under the 9-year moving average window. The results showed that: 1) the Kuye River Basin runoff underwent a sudden change in 1997, and the complex human activities are the main reasons for the sharp runoff decrease. 2) In addition to precipitation and potential evapotranspiration, temperature changes will alter the basin’s underlying surface parameters, ultimately changing the runoff. Moreover, climate change first inhibited and then promoted the runoff reduction trend. 3) Human activities, represented by changes in vegetation coverage and coal mining, considerably influenced runoff evolution in Kuye River Basin. More importantly, the change of runoff in the Kuye River Basin caused by coal mining is approximately four times that of the normalized vegetation index. This study can improve the applicability of the Budyko framework in the Loess Plateau sub-basin and provide scientific guidance for water resource management.
Physical simulation of remaining oil distribution in the 3rd-order architecture unit in beach sand reservoir
Authors: Liu Taixun , Fawad Nadir , Li Chao , Li Haitao , He Ruiwu , Xu Jian , Ahmad Qazi Adnan
Published: January 2023

Introduction:Oilfield development’s primary objective has changed in recent years as a result of a deeper focus on oilfield exploration and possible reservoir oil extraction. These days, the distribution and characteristics of residual oil are hot topics.

Methodology:This research study provides a physical simulation of the remaining oil distribution in the third-order architectural unit in the beach reservoir. Based on the reservoir geometry and compositional sequence, the third-order architecture unit in a beach sand reservoir can be divided into three types: layered, plate-like, and trough-like architecture units.

Results and Discussion:A water-flooding simulation experiment is performed to find the distribution pattern of remaining oil (shortened as RO and used hereafter) and the controlling effect of the mudstone interlayer. The simulation results revealed that in the layered architecture unit with reverse-graded bedding, RO is mainly distributed between interlayers and accumulates at the bottom in fine-grain sands. The horizontal distribution of the mudstone interlayer has a profound effect on blocking the longitudinal migration of fluid. Second, in the plate-like architecture unit with uniform grain size, RO is mainly found in the middle portion of the model, separated by clay interlayers, with irregular presence of RO in the upper and lower part of the model. The oblique distribution of the clay interlayer has a significant effect on blocking the lateral migration of the fluid. Thirdly, in the trough-like architectural unit with normal-graded bedding, the RO is mainly distributed on top of the model in fine-grain sands and on the ridge-like parts formed by the interlayer’s intersection.

Conclusion:A trough-like clay interlayer can promote fluid movement. RO distribution patterns from the current experiment can be used to explore the remaining oil in beach sand reservoirs of similar oilfields.
The stability evaluation of clay tunnels via the non-linear deterioration of physical and mechanical properties of surrounding rocks
Authors: Huang Jun , Liu Xingwang , Ma Zongyuan , Lv Gao , Dang Kangning
Published: January 2023

Simple, fast, and reliable methods for the stability evaluation of tunnels can facilitate the construction and development of tunneling projects. The problems related to tunnel stability at this stage can be well analyzedviatheoretical analysis method, model test method, or numerical analysis method. On the other hand, those methods are hard to be effectively analyzed these projects with higher importance, shorter decision and design period, and more urgent construction period. This paper proposed research works on the stability evaluation of clay tunnels. Firstly, a state function with the variables of stress and strain state is presented to predict the stress and strain states of surrounding rocks caused by tunnel excavation, which characterize the physical-mechanical state of surrounding rocks (also called stability state). Secondly, the non-linear deterioration of the physical and mechanical properties of surrounding rocks will be simulated, and the expressions and calculation methods of the tunnel stability reserve factor will be yielded. Finally, the results of the proposed method were compared with the strength reduction method and the limit equilibrium method with a clay tunnel example. The comparison between the three feature points of the arch crown, sidewall, and arch bottom showed that the stability reserve factor of the clay tunnel was smaller than those of the strength reduction method and the limit equilibrium method. The values of limit displacement obtained by the proposed method were closer to the field monitoring data than that of the strength reduction method. Therefore, this study could be better applied to the stability evaluation of clay tunnels.
Analysis of the seismic effects of the local slope site of Longtoushan market town in Ludian Ms6.5 earthquake
Authors: Du Liting , Jin Liguo , Zhou Zhenghua
Published: January 2023

In the Ludian Ms6.5 earthquake (Yunnan, China), Longtoushan market town and its vicinity showed significant differences in earthquake damage. To explain this phenomenon, this paper discusses the local engineering geological conditions, local topographic effects, and seismic response of the soil layer in Longtoushan market town. The results show that complex topography and varied engineering geological conditions will lead to significant differences in ground motion, and then lead to significant differences in building earthquake damage. Slope topography has an obvious influence on ground motion. From the foot of the slope to the top of the slope, the degree of influence gradually increases, and the influence in different directions is different, as shown: the closer to the top of the slope, the more significant the difference. This indicates that the serious damage to buildings built on the slope is caused by the amplification effect of local terrain and the differential effect of ground motion. Although the site belongs to Class II site, the near-surface geotechnical properties and their combination characteristics, the physical state and thickness of the overlying soil layer, the variation characteristics of shear wave velocity, the non-linear dynamic characteristics of the soil, and other factors play a decisive role in the amplification degree of ground motion. The significant difference in ground motion on the surface of the slope site leads to a significant difference in seismic damage to buildings on the site. The covering soil layer has a significant effect on the acceleration response spectrum. The conclusions obtained in this paper can provide a scientific basis for the site selection of engineering construction and seismic design of building structures.
Multi-scale interactive network in the application of DAS seismic data processing
Authors: Wang Hongzhou , Lin Jun , Shao Dan , Dong Xintong , Li Yue
Published: January 2023

Distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) is regarded as a novel acquisition technology for seismic data. Compared with conventional electrical geophones, DAS has a series of obvious advantages including low-cost, high spatial resolution, good coverage, and strong resistance to the harsh environment. Noise attenuation is an essential step in seismic data processing. However, there are two main difficulties faced by the denoising task of DAS seismic data. On the one hand, some background noise in DAS seismic data, such as optical low-frequency noise, horizontal noise, and fading noise, is unique and not presented in the conventional seismic data; on the other hand, the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of DAS seismic data is relatively low. Recently, a convolutional neural network (CNN) has shown superior denoising performance compared to the traditional method. To follow this promising trend, we propose a multi-scale interactive convolutional neural network (MSI-Net) and apply it to denoise the challenging DAS seismic data. Different from most of the existing CNN architecture used in seismic data denoising, the MSI-Net considers both coarse-scale and fine-scale features by improving the inherent serial convolution to multi-scale parallel convolution, which is beneficial to recover detailed information. Moreover, we utilize some connections to achieve the information interaction between different scales, which promotes the flow of information and enables the network to extract more informative multi-scale features from the DAS seismic data. Moreover, both synthetic and real examples demonstrate that the proposed MSI-Net can effectively attenuate a variety of unique DAS background noise and also completely recover the weak signals. Compared with conventional CNN architecture, MSI-Net exhibits better performance in global SNR and local details.
The predictive value of preoperative luteinizing hormone to follicle stimulating hormone ratio for ovulation abnormalities recovery after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Liu Fashun , Li Yue , Ye Zhenxiong , Jiang Xiaohua , Liu Ruichen , Li Zhen , Ma Chiye
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Obesity-related ovulation abnormalities (OA) affect fertility. LSG is the most frequent bariatric operation. However, no research has identified a reliable indicator for predicting OA recovery after LSG. The purpose of this research was to examine the prognostic usefulness of preoperative the luteinizing hormone (LH) to follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) ratio (LFR).

Methods

Our department conducted a prospective study from 2016 to 2021. Venous blood was typically tested 3 days before surgery to get the preoperative LFR. Descriptive data, preoperative and postoperative variables were also collected. Binary logistic regression related preoperative LFR with OA recovery. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve evulated preoperative LFR’s predictive capability.

Results

A total of 157 women with a complete follow-up of one year were included. LFR was the only factor linked with OA (P < 0.001). AUC (area under the ROC curve) = 0.915, cutoff = 1.782, sensitivity = 0.93, and specificity = 0.82.

Discussion

Overall, LSG has a favorable surgical result, with a %TWL of 66.082 ± 12.012 at 12 months postoperatively. Preoperative sexual hormone levels, as expressed by LFR, has the potential to predict the fate of OA following LSG at one year post-operatively.
The relationship between glucose and the liver-alpha cell axis – A systematic review
Authors: Pixner Thomas , Stummer Nathalie , Schneider Anna Maria , Lukas Andreas , Gramlinger Karin , Julian Valérie , Thivel David , Mörwald Katharina , Mangge Harald , Dalus Christopher , Aigner Elmar , Furthner Dieter , Weghuber Daniel , Maruszczak Katharina
Published: January 2023

Until recently, glucagon was considered a mere antagonist to insulin, protecting the body from hypoglycemia. This notion changed with the discovery of the liver-alpha cell axis (LACA) as a feedback loop. The LACA describes how glucagon secretion and pancreatic alpha cell proliferation are stimulated by circulating amino acids. Glucagon in turn leads to an upregulation of amino acid metabolism and ureagenesis in the liver. Several increasingly common diseases (e.g., non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity) disrupt this feedback loop. It is important for clinicians and researchers alike to understand the liver-alpha cell axis and the metabolic sequelae of these diseases. While most of previous studies have focused on fasting concentrations of glucagon and amino acids, there is limited knowledge of their dynamics after glucose administration. The authors of this systematic review applied PRISMA guidelines and conducted PubMed searches to provide results of 8078 articles (screened and if relevant, studied in full). This systematic review aims to provide better insight into the LACA and its mediators (amino acids and glucagon), focusing on the relationship between glucose and the LACA in adult and pediatric subjects.
Association of obesity with headache among US children and adolescents: Evidence from NHANES 1999-2004
Authors: Bu Xin-Xin , Zhu Liang-Hua , Wang Ze-Mu , Lu Chao , Chen Hui , Yu Di
Published: January 2023

Background

Children and adolescents increasingly commonly suffer from obesity and headache. It has been confirmed that there is an association between obesity and headache in adults; however, evidence of such an association in paediatric populations is still controversial. Therefore, this study examined the relationship between obesity and headache among children and adolescents in the US.

Methods

The cross-sectional data of 3948 participants were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2004. Weighted logistic regression models were applied to investigate the association between obesity and headache. Subgroup analysis stratified by sex and age was performed to explore the potential difference in the association of paediatric obesity with headache. The performance of paediatric obesity on headache was assessed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.

Results

The present study involved 3948 participants, of whom 713 (18.1%) had headache. Compared to those without headache, participants with headache tended to be girls and adolescents, have less calcium intake, and have higher levels of body mass index (BMI), C-reactive protein (CRP), serum ferritin and triglycerides (TGs) (all P < 0.05). After fully adjusting for potential confounders, the ORs with 95% CIs for headache were 1.03 (0.58–1.54) and 1.25 (0.68–2.30) for overweight and obese participants in comparison with normal-weight controls, respectively, implying no association of paediatric obesity with headache independent of other potential confounding factors. In addition, although higher odds of headache were noted in girls and adolescents (aged 10–17 years), no statistically significant difference was found across any subgroups. The area under the ROC (AUC) of paediatric obesity on headache was 0.634.

Conclusions

In summary, our study indicated that obesity is not associated with headache among US children and adolescents. Further prospective studies with larger sample size are needed to validate our findings.
Ignition characteristics of methane-air mixture at low initial temperature
Authors: Yang Chao , Han Qing , Liu Haibo , Wang Yuanyuan , Cheng Ran
Published: January 2023

In this paper, FLUENT software coupled with the chemical reaction mechanism is used to study the ignition characteristics of methane-air mixtures at low temperature. Variations of the main free radical concentrations, the critical conditions for a successful ignition and the chemical reaction rate of each elementary reaction for a failure ignition are obtained, respectively. Results indicate that the consumption of methane immediately affects the concentration distribution of carbon monoxide, which presents the opposite relationship with that of methane. Mass fractions of the intermediate products and H, O free radicals are low in the burnt zone and unburnt zone, whereas reach the maximum on the flame front. OH is not only the intermediate free radical, but also the combustion product remained by the intermediate reactions. At a low temperature of 150 K, the critical radius and temperature of methane ignition are 4.6 mm and 1180 K, respectively. When ignition radius is smaller than the critical value, the failed ignition of methane is caused by the termination of the elementary reactions: R8: H + O2 = OH + O, R9: OH + O = O2 + H, R12: O + H2O = 2OH and R13: 2OH = O + H2O. However, when ignition temperature is lower than the critical value, because of the failed initiation of elementary reaction R1: CH4 = CH3 + H, the combustion of methane is not occurred.
Research on market trading strategy of multi-microgrid intelligent power distribution system based on Bi-level optimization
Authors: Weichong Lei , Wenyao Sun , Yi Zhao , Mingfei Ban
Published: January 2023

With the continuous promotion of the “dual carbon” idea, future power generation will rely heavily on renewable energy sources. As an effective utilization form of clean power sources, it is of positive significance to study the trading strategy of microgrids in the intelligent power distribution system under the influence of carbon quota. In this research, a bi-level optimization method is used to build a trading model of the distribution-side power market, with the upper-level planning aiming to reduce the cost of distribution system operators and the lower-level planning aiming to increase the revenue of microgrids. Secondly, the genetic algorithm and sequential quadratic planning algorithm are applied to the upper and bottom models to determine the optimal clearing strategy for the microgrid and the optimal scheduling scheme for the distribution system operator, respectively. Finally, a typical day is used as an example to analyze in detail the market trading strategy of a multi-microgrid intelligent distribution system under the influence of carbon quota, and the effectiveness of the method described in this paper is verified.
Analysis on the digital transformation index system of enterprise’s low carbon business performance based on AHP-DEA
Authors: Xie Jie
Published: January 2023

With the arrival of the low carbon era, enterprises, as the main body of the market economy, must take the road of low carbon operation whether to fulfill their social responsibilities or to seek enterprise development. However, Chinese enterprises started late to understand the low-carbon economy. So far, except for a few state-owned enterprises, some leading private enterprises and foreign-funded enterprises, they have made remarkable achievements in low-carbon emission reduction. Most enterprises in China have not realized the importance of low carbon emission reduction. In order to step out of the “high carbon” era and coordinate economic development and environmental protection, China must solve the problem of low-carbon transformation of small and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises. How to measure the degree of low carbon transformation, and how the government objectively evaluates the degree of low carbon economic development of enterprises, with a view to formulating corresponding standard incentives and punishment measures for them. It is urgent to establish a sound, reasonable and feasible low carbon operation management indicator system, and comprehensively evaluate the information related to low carbon operation of SMEs through reasonable selection of indicators. According to the connotation of low-carbon enterprises, the economic benefits of enterprises are closely combined with environmental benefits. A set of low carbon operation performance evaluation index system including economy, technology and environment has been constructed. The AHP index weight is calculated by establishing the AHP model and the Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) index weight is calculated by establishing the DEA model. On this basis, the grey relational evaluation model based on AHP-DEA is established. Then the paper evaluates the performance of representative enterprises’ low carbon operation. Propose corresponding improvement suggestions for the problems reflected in the low carbon operation performance ranking of enterprises and the scoring of various indicators. The research results show that the algorithm has high efficiency and the accuracy of model evaluation is 95.51%. To a certain extent, this study makes up for the research results of the impact of digital transformation on corporate strategic performance, and also provides ideas for the research of corporate financial performance evaluation.
Optimization of structural and operational parameters for the multi-size sinter vertical waste heat recovery with the objective of the income exergy
Authors: Zhang Sizong , Huang Linjing , Liu Xiaohong , Wang Hui
Published: January 2023

To be consistent with the actual production, this paper establishes the 2-D steady-state mathematical model of the porous media to numerically analyze influences of structural and operational parameters on the vertical cooling process by applying particle characteristic parameters, and heat transfer and resistance correlations of the multi-size sinter. Considering comprehensive effects of the temperature and pressure drop, the operating and structural parameters are optimized with the objective of the maximum income exergy of the gas. Results show that the numerical model established in this paper can well predict the gas-solid heat transfer process in the sinter bed with the maximum error of 7%. Besides, the income exergy of the gas increases and decreases with the sinter outlet temperature and gas outlet temperature increasing, respectively. The reduction in the equivalent particle diameter is conducive to improving the income exergy. What’s more, the income exergy of the gas first ascends and then descends with the increase of the flow rate ratio of gas to sinter and the height of the sinter layer. Therefore, optimal values of the flow rate ratio of the gas to sinter and the height of the sinter layer are 1,050–1,540 m3·h−1 and 7–11.5 m within the scope of this study, respectively.
A novel investment strategy for renewable-dominated power distribution networks
Authors: Fei Zhao , Longjiang Xue , Jingliang Zhu , Ding Chen , Jinghui Fang , Jun Wu
Published: January 2023

Aiming at the problem of insufficient adaptability to the new elements of the new power system in the current distribution network investment method, this paper innovatively proposes a distribution network investment method based on the new power system. By constructing a source-grid-load-storage-side investment calculation model, the investment in the new power system can be accurately calculated. First, the distributed power investment is calculated from the two aspects of new construction and renovation. Secondly, construct the grid investment demand and grid investment capacity measurement model, and obtain the grid side investment model by weighted summation. Then, a model for calculating the scale of investment that can be saved due to demand-side response is constructed, and the cost of demand response is subtracted to obtain a model for calculating the scale of investment that can be saved on the load side. Finally, the energy storage side investment calculation model is constructed from the power supply side, grid side, user-side energy storage investment, and energy storage investment benefit. The research results are applied to the empirical area, and scientific guidance is provided to realize the precise investment in the area.