bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fracture Closure Effects on Producing Gas-Oil Ratio of Hydraulically-Fractured Shale Oil Wells
Authors: Kelly Matthew , Akkutlu I. Yucel
Published: January 2024

Producing gas oil ratio trends in hydraulically-fractured shale oil wells are different than the trends in conventional oil wells. One peculiar behavior is that the ratio stays flat for an extended period of production time, even when the bottomhole flowing pressure is below the bubble point Pb. Several factors may contribute to this trend but the dominant mechanism is not known. The objective of this study is to use a simulation model of reservoir flow in a dynamic permeability field, to show that the in-situ mechanical stresses, namely the fracture closure stresses, could play a significant role on the trend. We considered that the matrix/fracture permeability values reduce as a function of in-situ stress during production, and we show that the reduction due to fracture closure stress is a major control in GOR. Firstly, the reservoir flow simulation study shows that the production with finite conductivity fractures have GOR that is more affected by the closure stress than in the infinite conductivity case. In the former case, below Pb the GOR trend is a complete flatness caused by the stress in the system, while in the latter case a small amount of increase is observed despite the stress in the system. In the finite case, the stress dependence in the fracture has a much greater impact on the GOR than in the matrix. In infinite conductivity case, the stress dependency is similarly important in both the matrix and the fracture permeability. The study considers four cases: In Case 1 the permeability of both the matrix and the fractures are held constant, the static case; Case 2, the permeability of both the matrix and the fractures change, i.e. the dynamic case; Case 3, the fractures permeability changes, but the matrix permeability is kept constant; Case 4, the fractures permeability is kept constant, and the matrix permeability is changes. The difference between cases 1 and 2 is the change in GOR caused by the stress-dependence of permeability field, while Cases 3 and 4 show the relative contributions of the fractures and the matrix. The literature has previously addressed GOR trends due to several factors: the nano-confinement effects on the fluid behavior, production, flow regimes change, formation compressibility, and general stress dependence on the permeability. This article, however, shows that the unpredictable nature of the GOR is mainly due to the hydraulic fractures closure stress. This observation gives a lever of control to the operators. Knowing the differences in GOR with finite and infinite conductivity fractures will challenge the assumptions the operators are making of their wells.
Optimization of Enhanced Geothermal System Operations Using Distributed Fiber Optic Sensing and Offset Pressure Monitoring
Authors: Titov A. , Dadi S. , Galban G. , Norbeck J. , Almasoodi M. , Pelton K. , Bowie C. , Haffener J. , Haustveit K.
Published: January 2024

Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) have emerged as a promising method to generate electricity from geothermal resources in areas that lack natural fractures and/or faults needed to connect injector/production well sets, virtually eliminating dry hole risk. EGS leverages much of the learnings from the past two decades of unconventional developments, connecting horizontal wells with multi-stage stimulations to create connectivity to flow water between wells to mine heat from the subsurface. This paper presents a case study in measuring EGS fracture geometry, utilizing measurements from vertical and horizontal permanent fiber optic cables and offset pressure monitoring. The Devon Quantification of Interference (DQI) analysis is also applied to multi-stage stimulated geothermal wells, integrated with fracture and reservoir simulation.

Fervo Energy, a first mover in EGS, is leading the way in developing this technology. Devon, an industry leader in unconventional oil and gas development, leverages their learnings in this field to optimize EGS operations. Optimal well spacing and completions design, much like in oil and gas, are critical to optimizing for a successful EGS development.

Analysis of strain rate in offset well and multi-well microseismic recorded with fiber optic cables during stimulation and well testing allowed to characterize stimulated reservoir volume created by hydraulic stimulation and optimize well placement. The DQI analysis examined the well-to-well connectivity of the multi-stage stimulation between the two wells in the case study, providing insight into the conductive fracture geometry. The paper also discusses the execution of well preparation, stimulation, and high-level well performance.

This study provides valuable insights into the development of EGS using vertical and horizontal permanent fiber optic cables and offset pressure monitoring. The findings suggest that this approach can be effective in optimizing EGS operations. Fervo Energy’s expertise in EGS development, combined with Devon’s expertise in unconventional oil and gas development, can be leveraged to further advance EGS technology at scale and generate electricity from geothermal resources. This paper serves as a valuable resource for operators looking to optimize EGS operations.
High-Resolution Acoustic Imaging Deployed for Mapping Permanent Fiber Optic Lines
Authors: Pehlke Trent , Simpson Greer , Roberts Andrew , Maxwell Tamara , Chu Julia
Published: January 2024

High-resolution acoustic imaging technology has been developed and deployed to map the downhole location and orientation of fiber optic lines in unconventional oil and gas and carbon capture wells. Fiber optic installations are long term monitoring solutions providing continuous measurement of temperature, sound, or strain. These fiber lines provide significant insight into the operation and optimization of downhole assets but require a large capital investment, typically upwards of a million dollars. By accurately mapping fiber optic lines, operators can prevent damaging or perforating through these costly systems during completion and production operations.

High-resolution acoustic imaging technology allows operators to directly locate and map in-situ fiber optic systems at logging speeds up to ten times faster, with high accuracy, and more efficiently than legacy technologies by overcoming the requirement to install additional costly detection components. The unique sensor probe employs a circumferential array design, comprised of up to 512 individual elements which are electronically controlled from advanced imaging software. The integration of machine vision algorithms has led to a 100% success rate at detecting, orientating, and mapping of fiber optic lines to prevent damaging these costly and critical monitoring installations.

Through a series of validation tests and field applications, this paper details how the solid-state imaging probe was used to identify the submillimetric indentations made at each fiber clamps installation. These contact points indicate the depth and phase orientation of each clamp in a well, enabling the generation of a high-resolution fiber optics system map. While legacy ultrasonic tools rely on a direct reflection principle, this novel, intra-steel imaging technology measures diffuse acoustic reflections at any point on, or inside of, the casing steel. Diffuse reflections are highly sensitive to indentations and markings on the casing surfaces; this removes the legacy-technology requirements for excessively slow logging speeds and the installation of costly steel detection bars.

Following successful validation testing, this technology was field deployed and successfully located, oriented, and mapped all the fiber optic clamps ahead of perforating the casing of a carbon capture well. The platform imaged and mapped over 2,060 clamp contact points with a sub-radian azimuthal or phase resolution. In addition to this, high- resolution acoustics have shown fiber optic systems wrap around the casing circumference multiple times, highlighting the inability for fiber optic systems to be accurately installed and oriented. Using this dataset, the operator effectively executed subsequent perforation activities without damaging the fiber optic lines used to monitor the well and reservoir.
Removal efficiency of six typical organic pesticides from water by different oxidation technologies
Authors: Zhu Yuliang , Liu Yucan , Yu Ke , Guo Jinlin , Ji Xianguo , Xu Xinyi , Zhang Yan , Wang Yuxia , Duan Jinming , Sun Hongwei
Published: January 2024

This study presents a comprehensive evaluation of five different oxidation technologies, namely potassium permanganate, sodium hypochlorite, potassium persulfate (PS), Fenton, and UV/PS process, in the context of oxidation degrading six typical organic pesticides (cyromazine, dinotefuran, chloridazon, atrazine, diuron, and tebuconazole) in water. The investigation also extends to the effects of critical operational parameters, encompassing initial catalyst/oxidant concentration and solution pH, on the degradation efficiencies of the five oxidation technologies. The findings disclose a consistent degradation pattern typified by pseudo–first–order reaction kinetics across the spectrum of the six pesticides. Notably, the oxidation by potassium permanganate, sodium hypochlorite, and potassium persulfate exhibited limited removal efficiencies for the six pesticides, so they were unsuitable choices for pesticide removal from water in practical engineering. The Fenton process has a higher removal efficiency than the above three oxidation methods for the six pesticides, with its performance intricately linked to solution pH values and the H2O2/Fe2+ ratio. Interestingly, the removal rates of the six pesticides by the Fenton process show a trend of first increasing and then decreasing with the increase of solution pH values from 2 to 6, and their removal rates reach the highest when the solution pH value is equal to 3. Moreover, the UV/PS process showcases superior effectiveness by consistently registering the highest removal rates among the six pesticides. At a PS concentration of 2.0 mg/L, the pesticides displayed the highest reaction rate constants and removal efficiencies, consistently achieving removal rates exceeding 95% for the six pesticides during the UV/PS process. Consequently, this study demonstrated the applicability of UV/PS process as a potent method for the removal of organic pesticides from aqueous solutions.
The impact of SGLT-2 Inhibitors on Lipid Profiles in Heart Failure Patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Meybodi Seyed Mohammadmahdi , karimi Mohammad Amin , mousazadeh Kourosh , Pakmehr Seyed Abbas , Anar Mahsa Asadi , Alizadeh Alaleh , Poudineh Mohadeseh , Zerangian Nasibeh , Rahmanian Mohammad , Fathi Mobina , Yaghoobpoor Shirin , Rahimi Arash , Mojeni Fariba Arbab , Keylani Kimia , Banihashemian Seyedeh Zahra , Masoodi Mina , Aghazadeh-Habashi Komeil , Ghorbani Atousa , Faridzadeh Arezoo , Deravi Niloofar
Published: January 2024

Background and aim:
Sodium-glucose cotransporter two inhibitors could reduce cardiovascular events by modulating the lipid profile in patients with heart failure, irrespective of diabetes status. In this study, we aimed to assess the effect of SGLT-2 inhibitors on heart failure patients' lipid profiles via a meta-analysis.
Method
PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases were searched up to 2023 to retrieve relevant articles' titles, abstracts, and full text. STATA software was used to conduct the meta-analysis.
Result
Forest plot of fasting blood sugar levels in patients receiving SGLT2 differed significantly compared to control groups (mean difference =-0.08, 95%CI [-0.13, -0.02], p < 0.05). Analysis of lipid profile items, including total cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL, and LDL in HF patients receiving SGLT2, did not show a notable difference from the control group (p > 0.005). However, the mean difference was towards reduction for LDL, cholesterol, and triglycerides and showed an increase in HDL levels. Egger’s test for publication bias revealed some publication bias (p < 0.05).
Conclusion
Our topic analysis did not suggest notable lipid profile alterations. In order to come to a more firm agreement, more research on heart failure subjects is necessary because there is currently insufficient evidence.
Transient interactions between the fuzzy coat and the cross-β core of brain-derived Aβ42 filaments
Authors: Vendruscolo Michele , Milanesi Maria , Brotzakis Z. Faidon
Published: January 2024

A wide range of human disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), are characterised by the aberrant formation of amyloid fibrils. Amyloid fibrils are filamentous structures characterized by the presence of a highly-ordered cross-β core. In many cases, this core structure is flanked by disordered regions, often referred to as fuzzy coat. The structural properties of fuzzy coats, and the way in which they interact with their environments, however, have not been described in full detail to date. Here, we generated the conformational ensembles of two brain-derived amyloid filaments of Aβ42, corresponding respectively to familial and sporadic forms of AD. The approach that we used, called metadynamic electron microscopy metainference (MEMMI), enabled us to provide a characterization of the transient interactions between the fuzzy coat and the cross-β core of the filaments. These calculations indicated that the familial AD filaments are less soluble than the sporadic AD filaments, and that the fuzzy coat contributes to increasing the solubility of both types of filament. In addition, by analyzing the deviations between the density maps from cryo-EM and from the MEMMI structural ensembles, we observed a slowing down in the diffusion of water and sodium ions near the surface of the filaments, offering insight into the hydration dynamics of amyloid fibrils. These results illustrate how the metainference approach can help analyse cryo-EM maps for the characterisation of the properties of amyloid fibrils.
Association of PCSK6 polymorphisms with susceptibility risk of large artery atherosclerotic stroke
Authors: Chen Haiyan , Yun Yanfang , Yang Guixin , Yang Huadan , Jiang Yongming , Wei Baoying , Zhou Yingjie , Yuan Shengshan , Huang Jianjun , Wu Yingning , Huang Jianmin , Li Xuebin
Published: January 2024

Background
Recent studies have shown that PCSK6 is significantly associated with dyslipidemia, inflammatory reaction, cardiovascular diseases, atherosclerosis. However, the relationship between PCSK6 polymorphisms and large artery atherosclerosis stroke has not been reported. We performed this study to investigate whether the PCSK6 polymorphism is associated with risk of large artery atherosclerosis (LAA) stroke in the Chinese population.
Methods
Our study enrolled a total of 432 large artery atherosclerosis stroke cases and 448 healthy controls, cases and controls were genotyped at the polymorphic sites rs1135911 and rs20543. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to analyze the associations between two snps and large artery atherosclerosis stroke susceptibility.
Results
Both rs1135911 and rs20543 were not associated with the distribution of responsible vessel stenosis in ischemic stroke. No significant effect was observed between the rs1135911 polymorphism and LAA stroke. Rs20543 was significantly correlated with LAA stroke (P<0.001), such difference remained statistically significant after adjusting for smoking history, hypertension, hypertriglyceridemia, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, and hyperhomocysteinemia, the difference remained significant (Recessive model: P = 0.000, OR = 0.526, 95%CI = 0.396–0.699 ).
Conclusion
Rs20543 AA genotype may be a protective factor for LAA stroke in Chinese population.
Single-cell RNA sequencing of OSCC primary tumors and lymph nodes reveals distinct origin and phenotype of fibroblasts
Authors: Wang Yuxin , Zhang Qian , Ding Liang , Li Jingyi , Liu Kunyu , Xia Chengwan , Chen Sheng , Huang Xiaofeng , Pu Yumei , Hu Qingang
Published: January 2024

Desmoplasia in fibroblasts within metastatic lymph nodes (MLNs) serves as an indicator of extranodal extension (ENE), which is a critical determinant of distant metastasis and mortality in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). However, systematic studies on fibroblasts in MLNs are lacking. Therefore, this study investigated and characterized the differences in phenotype, function, and origin of fibroblasts between primary tumors (PTs) and lymph nodes (LNs) in OSCC. We generated single-cell maps of PTs and paired MLNs and draining LNs from three OSCC patients. Among 44,052 fibroblasts, we identified two distinct subpopulations of cancer-associated myofibroblastic cells (mCAFs): RGS4+ mCAF1 and COMP+ mCAF2. Notably, mCAF1 and mCAF2 exhibited distinct distributions, with mCAF1 predominantly localized in the PT and mCAF2 in the MLN. Moreover, pseudotime analysis revealed their distinct origins: mCAF1 originated from inherent normal myofibroblastic cells in the PT, whereas mCAF2 originated from fibroblastic reticular cells in the LNs. Further differential analysis and in-vitro functional experiments using primary fibroblasts revealed that, compared to mCAF1, mCAF2 in MLN exhibited weaker crosstalk with immune cells but displayed enhanced extracellular matrix activity, which is closely linked to ENE formation in OSCC. Additionally, we identified two fibroblast subgroups in a transforming state, characterized by relatively low expression of fibroblastic marker genes but expressed specific epithelial canonical markers, indicating a potential epithelial–mesenchymal transition. Our research offers profound insights into the heterogeneity of fibroblasts between the PT and MLN in OSCC, serving as an essential resource for future drug discovery endeavors.
Legg Calve Perthes disease: a retrospective study of pelvic radiographic parameters
Authors: Varela-García María , Torrijos-Pulpón Carlos , Pino-López Laura , Farrag Yousof , Forneiro-Pérez Rocío , Conde-Aranda Javier , Gualillo Oreste , Pino Jesus
Published: January 2024

Purpose
Legg Calve Perthes disease (LCPD) is a paediatric hip disorder caused by ischemia of the femoral epiphysis, sometimes causing femoral head deformity. This study aims to determine if previously validated pelvic obliquity in skeletally immature patients through radiographic parameters for assessing acetabular retroversion in developmental dysplasia of the hip are applicable to patients with LCPD and its prognostic value.
Methods
A retrospective observational study of patients with Legg Calve Perthes disease was carried out, in which 4 pelvic parameters were studied: Ilioischial Angle, Obturator Index, Sharp’s Angle and Acetabular Depth-Width Ratio (ADR), analysing the differences between the healthy and affected hips. and subsequently, it is assessed whether the differences in these parameters may have a prognostic value in the outcome of the disease.
Results
Statistically significant differences have been obtained in the ilioischial angle, obturator index and ADR, between the affected and healthy hip. But regarding its value in the prognosis of the disease, only the Acetabular Depth Width Ratio has shown to have a predictive value of the outcome of the disease.
Conclusions
The present study showed that the pelvic parameters studied differ between the healthy and the diseased hip, but only one of them, the ADR, seems to have significance on the evolution and prognosis of the disease. More studies with a larger sample size are necessary, but we believe that studies on pelvic obliquity may open a new line of research in Legg Calve Perthes disease.
Investigating mining-induced disasters using earth observation time series data in the coal mines of Talcher region, Odisha
Authors: Behera Akash , Rawat Kishan Singh
Published: January 2024

The coal mining industry plays a pivotal role in powering the global energy demand, but it is not without environmental consequences. One of the significant environmental challenges associated with coal mining is mining-induced subsidence, which can result in ground deformation, land surface displacement, and infrastructure damage. This study focuses on investigating mining-induced subsidence in the Talcher region of Odisha, India, a prominent coal mining area, using earth observation time series data. The research leverages state-of-the-art satellite imagery and remote sensing techniques to monitor and analyze the subsidence patterns and trends in the Talcher coal mines. Over time, mining activities in the region have led to ground deformation and surface displacement, impacting the local environment and communities. This study utilizes a comprehensive time series of satellite data, including synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and optical imagery, to track subsidence and land surface changes. The objectives of this investigation include identifying areas susceptible to subsidence, quantifying the magnitude and rate of ground movement, and assessing the potential impact on local infrastructure and ecosystems. By utilizing earth observation data, it becomes possible to gain a deeper understanding of the dynamics of subsidence in the coal mining areas. The findings of this study are valuable not only for understanding the environmental repercussions of mining in the Talcher region but also for developing mitigation strategies and land-use planning to minimize the impact on local communities and the environment. This research contributes to the growing body of knowledge on mining-induced subsidence and provides insights into how earth observation data can be used to monitor and manage the consequences of coal mining in similar regions. Ultimately, the results of this study may inform policy decisions and sustainable mining practices to strike a balance between energy production and environmental conservation.
Metacommunity structure of benthic foraminifera in Rio de Janeiro coastal lagoons
Authors: Belart Pierre , Lorini Maria Lucia , Figueiredo Marcos Souza Lima , Bonetti Carla , Laut Lazaro
Published: January 2024

Metacommunity theory addresses local interactions and regional processes, offering a powerful framework to comprehend the species composition of a region and the factors that shape its structure along environmental gradients. By incorporating spatial dynamics, the metacommunity analysis explores the relationships that govern the ecological communities at different spatial scales. The objective of this work is to describe the structure of a metacommunity of living foraminifera, to relate it to physical and chemical variables of water and sediment, and to identify the environmental characteristics associated to the assemblages. A total of 534,416 living foraminifera, belonging to 65 species, were collected at 106 stations across five tropical urban coastal lagoons along the coast of the Rio de Janeiro State (Brazil), subjected to a strong salinity gradient. The results of the Elements of Metacommunity Structure (EMS) analysis identified four distinct assemblages of living foraminifera across the lagoonal systems. These metacommunities fitted a quasi-nested pattern, with the total variation explained by a shared influence of environmental factors (primarily hydrological drivers associated with marine influence, such as salinity, pH, and temperature) and spatial predictors. Organic enrichment descriptors (TOC, TS, CHO, PTN, LIP) played a secondary role in the ordination of the sites. The findings of this work demonstrate the potential of the EMS approach as a valuable tool for establishing a baseline in environmental monitoring plans.
Neural circuits underlying context-dependent competition between defensive actions in Drosophila larva
Authors: Jovanic Tihana , Lehman Maxime , Barré Chloé , Hasan Md Amit , Flament Benjamin , Autran Sandra , Dhiman Neena , Soba Peter , Masson Jean-Baptiste
Published: January 2024

To ensure their survival, animals must be able to respond adaptively to threats within their environment. However, the precise neural circuit mechanisms that underlie such flexible defensive behaviors remain poorly understood. Using neuronal manipulations, machine-learning-based behavioral detection, Electron Microscopy (EM) connectomics and calcium imaging in Drosophila larva, we have mapped the second-order interneurons differentially involved in the competition between different defensive actions and the main pathways to the motor side putatively involved in inhibiting startle-type behaviors and promoting escape behaviors in a context dependent manner. We found that mechanosensory stimulation modulates the nociceptive escape sequences and inhibits C-shape bends and Rolls in favor of startle-like behaviors. This suggests a competition between mechanosensory-induced startle responses and escape behaviors. Structural and functional connectivity revealed that the second order interneurons receive their main input from projection neurons that integrate mechanosensory and nociceptive stimuli. The analysis of their postsynaptic connectivity in EM revealed that they make indirect connections to the pre-motor and motor neurons. Finally, we identify a pair of descending neurons that could modulate the escape sequence and promote startle behaviors. Altogether, these results characterize the pathways involved in the startle and escape competition, modulated by the sensory context.
Contact Diode Laser for Posterior Laryngofissure in Pigs: Comparison Between 980nm and 1470nm Wavelengths
Authors: Rodrigues Isaac Faria Soares , Cardoso Paulo Francisco Guerreiro , Silva Natalia Aparecida Nepomuceno da , Correia Aristides Tadeu , Minamoto Helio , Bibas Benoit Jacques , Costa Natalia de Souza Xavier , Vasquez Marilia Wellichan Mancini , Dolhnikoff Marisa , Pego-Fernandes Paulo Manuel
Published: January 2024

Objective: To compare two different wavelengths of the surgical Contact Diode Laser (CDL) for producing a posterior laryngofissure in live pigs.
Methods: Anesthetized pigs underwent a tracheostomy and an anterior laryngofissure through a cervicotomy. They were randomly selected for the CDL wavelength and power (980nm wavelength: Ppeak power of 10W, 15W, and 20W, or 1470nm wavelength: Ppeak 3W, 5W, 7W, 10W). At the end of the experiment, the laryngotracheal specimen was extracted and sent for histology and morphometry measurements (incision size, depth, area, and lateral thermal damage). Hemodynamic data and arterial blood gases were recorded during the incisions. Statistical analysis of the comparisons between the parameters and groups had a level of significance of p <0.05.
Results: Twenty-six pigs were divided into CDL 980nm (n=11) and 1470nm (n=15). There was a larger incision area at the thyroid level in the 980nm CDL and a larger distance between borders in the tracheal level. There were no significant differences in the lateral thermal damage between the two groups and among the power levels tested.
Conclusion: Both wavelengths tested showed similar results in the various combinations of power levels without significant differences in the lateral thermal damage. The posterior laryngofissure incision can be performed safely by combining both wavelengths at low and medium power levels.
Implications of unconventional histological subtypes on magnetic resonance imaging and oncological outcomes in patients who have undergone radical prostatectomy
Authors: Kurokawa Koichiro , Yamada Yasutaka , Sakamoto Shinichi , Horikoshi Takuro , Sato Kodai , Namba Sakie , Kubota Yoshihiro , Kanesaka Manato , Fujimoto Ayumi , Takeuchi Nobuyoshi , Shibata Hiroki , Sazuka Tomokazu , Imamura Yusuke , Tsuzuki Toyonori , Uno Takashi , Ichikawa Tomohiko
Published: January 2024

The prognostic significance of unconventional histology (UH) subtypes including intraductal carcinoma of the prostate (IDC-P), ductal adenocarcinoma, and cribriform pattern has been investigated for prostate cancer (PCa). However, little is known about magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features and the oncological impact of tumor localization in localized PCa with UH. Clinical data of 211 patients with acinar adenocarcinoma (conventional histology [CH]) and 82 patients with UH who underwent robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) were reviewed. Patients with UH are more likely to be older and have higher Gleason grade group, higher Prostate Imaging-Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) v2.1 score, and larger TV than those with CH. Multivariate analysis identified the presence of UH as an independent prognostic factor for biochemical recurrence (BCR) (hazard ration (HR) = 2.41, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.22–0.79, P = 0.0073). No significant difference in BCR was seen regarding tumor localization (transition zone [TZ] or peripheral zone [PZ]) in patients with UH (P = 0.8949), whereas PZ cancer showed shorter BCR-free survival in patients with CH (P = 0.0174). PCa with UH was associated with higher BCR than PCa with CH among resection margin (RM)-negative cases (P < 0.0001). Further, increased PI-RADS v2.1 score did not correlate with larger TV in UH (P = 0.991), whereas a significant difference in TV was observed in CH (P < 0.0001). The prognostic significance of UH tumor was independent of tumor localization, and shorter BCR-free survival was observed even in RM-negative cases, indicating an aggressive subtype with micro-metastatic potential. Furthermore, UH tumors may decrease visibility on MRI. These findings will help optimal perioperative management for PCa with UH.
Narrative Mobile Video Game-based Cognitive Training to Enhance Frontal Function in Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Choi Yeseul , Lim Jae-Sung , Choi Hagyun , Ryu Yong Hoe , Seong Eunkyung , Park Inseok , Kang Dong Won , Lee Jae-Hong , Kang Dong-Wha
Published: January 2024

Although cognitive training has been proposed as a possible therapeutic modality for mild cognitive impairment (MCI), most serious games focus on specific tasks. This study aimed to investigate the feasibility and efficacy of narrative video game-based cognitive intervention for MCI. A four-week (± 1-week) mobile game intervention was given to 17 MCI participants (mean age (SD) = 72.8(4.75)). At baseline and post-intervention, the participants received neuropsychological tests and a depression scale. Frontal function was assessed using the Corsi block-tapping test, Color Word Stroop Test, Controlled Oral Word Association Test, Digit Symbol Coding, and Trail Making Test-Elderly’s Version; depression was assessed using the GDS. User’s compliance and gaming experience were also evaluated. MCI patients showed significant improvements in frontal function, particularly in Digit Symbol Coding (mean (SD) = 0.47(0.49), p < .001), phonemic fluency (mean (SD) = 0.39(0.55), p < .01), and Trail Making Test Part B (mean (SD) = 0.85 (1.26), p = 0.01). Each frontal subtest’s mean z-score was increased (mean (SD) = 0.44(0.38), p < .001). Block span and depression scale remained unchanged. High adherence rates (122.35%) and favorable feedback on the gaming experience indicated that the game intervention’s usability boosted patients’ motivation and engagement. Our findings demonstrate that narrative game-based cognitive intervention was not only beneficial but also enjoyable for elderly MCI.
The Effect of Weight Self-Stigma on Social Appearance Anxiety in People With Obesity
Authors: kavak mustafa , erkan fatma melike , gültekin abdurrezzak , arslan mustafa , budak funda kavak
Published: January 2024

Background
Obese individuals are exposed to stigma and social appearance anxiety. Internalized weight stigma negatively affects mood, self-esteem, body image in obese individuals.
Aims
The aim of this study is to determine the effect of internalized weight stigma on social appearance anxiety in obese individuals.
Methods
The sample size of the study, which was conducted as a relational descriptor, consisted of 224 patients. "Descriptive Characteristics Form", "Internalized Weight Bias Scale" and "Social Appearance Anxiety Scale Adolescent Form" were used as data collection tools in the research.
Results
It was determined that there was a statistically strong positive correlation between internalized weight stigma and social appearance anxiety of obese individuals participating in the study (p < 0.05). In addition, it was determined that internalized weight stigma had statistical significance in explaining social appearance anxiety in obese individuals and predicted it at a rate of 67% (p < 0.05).
Conclusions
Considering the scale total score average in the study, it was found that the internalized weight stigma/bias and social appearance anxiety of obese individuals were high.
Decoding Predicted Musical Notes from Omitted Stimulus Potentials: Comparison of Familiar and Unfamiliar Melodies
Authors: Ishida Kai , Ishida Tomomi , Nittono Hiroshi
Published: January 2024

Electrophysiological studies have investigated predictive processing in music by examining event-related potentials (ERPs) elicited by the violation of musical expectations. While several studies have reported that the predictability of stimuli can modulate the amplitude of ERPs, it is unclear how specific the representation of the expected note is. The present study addressed this issue by recording the omitted stimulus potentials (OSPs) to avoid contamination of bottom-up sensory processing with top-down predictive processing. Decoding of the omitted content was attempted using a support vector machine, which is a type of machine learning. ERP responses to the omission of four target notes (E, F, A, and C) at the same position in familiar and unfamiliar melodies were recorded from 24 participants. The results showed that the omission N1 and the omission mismatch negativity were larger in the familiar melody condition than in the unfamiliar melody condition. The decoding accuracy of the four omitted notes was significantly higher in the familiar melody condition than in the unfamiliar melody condition. These results suggest that the OSPs contain discriminable predictive information, and the higher the predictability, the more the specific representation of the expected note is generated.
Association of Postoperative C-Reactive Protein with Use of Cetylpyridinium Chloride in Perioperative Oral Management: Sub-analysis of a Mouthwash Intervention Study
Authors: Kamijo Junpei , Otagiri Hiroki , Yanai Kota , Tobata Haruko , Sakai Hironori , Kurita Hiroshi
Published: January 2024

Purpose
Perioperative oral management (POM) reduces the risk of postoperative complications. We previously conducted a randomized controlled feasibility study using povidone iodine (PVP-I) or 0.05% cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) in POM and found that perioperative self-care with CPC product may support antibiotic-induced changes in the oral flora. In this sub-analysis, we investigated how use of PVP-I or CPC products in the perioperative period affects postoperative changes in C-reactive protein (CRP).
Methods
Subjects who received PVP-I (n = 38) and CPC (n = 40) were divided based on a CRP threshold of 5 mg/dL. Tongue bacteria counts, operational taxonomic unit (OTU) counts, and Shannon Index immediately before surgery were compared in the high CRP (≥ 5 mg/dL) and low CRP (< 5 mg/dL) by Mann-Whitney U test. Dependent variables were selected from univariate results and stepwise multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed.
Results
There were significantly more patients with high CRP in the PVP-I group than in the CPC group. High CRP cases in the CPC group had significantly higher OTU counts and Shannon Index compared to low CRP cases in this group. Stepwise multivariate logistic regression analysis showed significant effects of the product (odds ratio 0.34) and Shannon Index (odds ratio 3.18).
Conclusion
Results of this study suggested that the use of CPC in POM was associated with lower CRP level. CRP is known to increase during postoperative period because of tissue inflammation. Shannon Index for tongue coating measured immediately before surgery is significantly lower in CPC group and may causes decreased CRP level.
Trial registration number
: UMIN000030919 (Date of registration: January 21, 2018)
A Privacy-Sharing Approach to IoT Based on Secure Multi-Party Computation
Authors: Ma Li , Zhang Bo , Li Yang , Fu YingXun , Ma DongChao
Published: January 2024

Edge computing nodes close to the perception layer of the IoT system have security risks such as privacy data leakage and unauthorized access. In response to such security risks, a privacy data sharing model for the Internet of Things based on secure multi-party computation is proposed. By running a reliable third-party alliance chain service on the edge computing node, the private data calculation relationship between the sensing layer devices is registered in the alliance chain chain code service, and a Bloom filter that records the trust status of the sensing layer device is constructed in the chain code.. A publicly verifiable private data sharing model that combines on-chain identity auditing and off-chain secure multi-party computation is constructed to achieve secure sharing of private data between sensing layer devices. Experiments show that the proposed method has more advantages in terms of task overhead and security.
Dual objective nonlinear PD sliding mode control based on an adaptive reference model for an active suspension system
Authors: Yuan Shipeng , Shao Sujuan , Nan Yang , Ma Chicheng , Wu Yuting , Sun Zhonghui , Liu Jiangduo
Published: January 2024

This article focuses on the study of nonlinear active suspension tracking control problems based on an adaptive reference model. To mitigate the drawback of compromised ride comfort caused by tracking errors while tracking the adaptive trajectory of body displacement, the paper explores a tracking controller with dual objectives. This includes a nonlinear PD controller for tracking the adaptive desired trajectory and a sliding mode controller concerning body velocity and acceleration. This approach ensures that the body displacement approximately tracks the desired trajectory while significantly improving ride comfort, additionally, this control method has the advantages of structural simplicity and insensitivity to tracking errors, implying that control parameters can be easily tuned, and control inputs can be effectively reduced. The stability of the controlled system is demonstrated through the Lyapunov stability theory, and a range for the body displacement tracking error is derived. Finally, the performance of the controller is tested on an experimental platform, with results indicating a substantial reduction of 69.22% and 54.66% in the RMS values of body acceleration under bump and random excitation, respectively.
Enhancement of nonlinear optic effect of the second harmonic generation in plasmonic waveguide using graphene and pyramid-shape gold nanoparticles
Authors: tootoonchi Atro , Karamdel Javad , Naderi Ebadollah , Olyaee Hassan Ghalami Bavil
Published: January 2024

This study introduces a novel approach to significantly enhance the Second Harmonic Generation (SHG) in plasmonic waveguides by integrating pyramid-shaped gold nanoparticles within a graphene matrix. Leveraging graphene's exceptional electrical, thermal, and optical properties, we optimize the nonlinear optical response, achieving unprecedented efficiency in SHG processes. Our investigation reveals that the geometric configuration, specifically the aspect ratio and spatial arrangement of gold nanoparticles, critically influences the magnitude of plasmonic light absorption and SHG enhancement. Furthermore, we explore the synergetic effect of incorporating a gold-silver nanoparticle alloy, demonstrating a substantial improvement in SHG performance over traditional gold nanoparticle setups. Through systematic tuning of nanoparticle characteristics and strategic material pairing, our work unveils a pathway to highly efficient, graphene-enhanced plasmonic devices for advanced optical applications, marking a significant stride in the field of nonlinear photonics.
Spatiotemporal Variability of Climatic Factors in Response to Vegetation Cover Change In Bangladesh
Authors: Rimi Reshma Afroz , Hossain S. M. Nawshad
Published: January 2024

Climate change and its impact on environment is become the hot topic in the world. Bangladesh is a highly populated developing and agro-based economic country. Impact of several climatic factors such as rainfall, air temperature, humidity on agriculture is immense. But changes found in the trend of these climatic factors in here. This research aimed to detect the trend of three climatic factors, rainfall, temperature, and humidity over last 42 years (1981–2022) and along this, to explore the relation between vegetation coverage and climatic factors. The entire analysis is conducted for Upazilla level in Bangladesh. Maan-Kendal Test and Sen slope estimation is followed to detect the trend of three climatic factors and multiple regression model, Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR) Model and Ordinary Least Square (OLS) Regression Model is applied to explore the relationship between vegetation coverage and climatic factors. Positive trend is found for rainfall (24–147 mm/year) and humidity (0.16% − 0.47%) but negative trend is detected for temperature (− 0.03 to 0.00 ℃) for some Upazilla in Bangladesh. By GWR model, ranges of very weak to weak influence of vegetation coverage on the climatic factors are found for most of the Upazilla in Bangladesh. From the results of OLS, very strong correlation is found between the change rate of vegetation coverage and climatic factors for most of the Upazilla in Bangladesh especially the Upazilla of Sylhet and Chittagong Division. As Upazilla Master Plan is initiated in Bangladesh for each Upazilla, the outcomes of this research will help the policy makers to take the suitable plan for environment as well as agricultural development for each Upazilla through which sustainable development can be ensured.
Clinical application of LC-MS/MS to detect fat-soluble vitamins in gastric cancer
Authors: Sun Li , Gao Qianqian , Shen Yan , Sun Wangwei , Yao Yongliang
Published: January 2024

Purpose
Gastric cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors, with the incidence and mortality ranking among the top four malignant tumors in the world. In recent years, more and more studies have reported that fat-soluble vitamins are involved in tumor metabolism. However, the sensitivity and specificity of conventional detection methods are low, while liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) has the advantages of high sensitivity, high specificity, high stability and wide linear range, which makes up for the shortcomings of immunological methods. The purpose of this study was to accurately detect the content of fat-soluble vitamins in GC patients by LC-MS/MS, and to clarify the necessity of preoperative determination and regular postoperative monitoring.
Methods
Serum 25(OH)D3, 25(OH)D2, VA, VE and VK1 levels in gastric cancer patients and healthy volunteers were detected by LC-MS/MS.
Results
The results showed that the levels of serum 25(OH)D3, 25(OH)D2, VA and VK1 in gastric cancer patients were significantly lower than those in healthy volunteers, and there was no significant difference in VE content.
Conclusion
This study suggests that patients with gastric cancer should timely detect and supplement fat-soluble vitamins and LC-MS/MS will provide a more accurate detection protocol for the clinic.
Robust Transfer Learning for High-Dimensional Penalized Linear Regression with t-distributed Error
Authors: Pan Lulu , Yu Yongfu , Qin Guoyou
Published: January 2024

Background: This paper studies the robust transfer learning for high-dimensional penalized linear regression with t-distributed error (Trans-PtLR), using information from diverse available source datasets to improve the estimation and prediction of the target data, accounting for the problem that normal linear regression is sensitive to outliers or heavy-tailed errors.
Method: In transfer learning with known transferable sources, we propose the PtLR model with an unknown degrees-of-freedom of the t distribution to transfer information from heterogeneous sources to the target. Assuming the error term follows a t distribution, the computation of maximum likelihood estimation of model effects and degrees-of-freedom is achieved via a coordinated descent algorithm nested inside the expectation conditional maximization (ECM) algorithm. To avoid negative transfer, a data-driven transferable source detection algorithm is applied to exclude non-informative sources. The performance of the proposed Trans-PtLR is evaluated through extensive simulation studies and an application using Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) data to predict gene expression levels.
Result: We compare the performance of Trans-PtLR and transfer learning for penalized normal linear model (Trans-PNLR) under different data patterns. Simulation results indicate that the Trans-PtLR substantially outperforms Trans-PNLR in estimation and variable selection accuracy when outliers and heavy-tail are present in the data. In application, Trans-PtLR can further reduce the average relative prediction error by 42.2%, outperforming Trans-PNLR with an average reduction of 23.7%.
Conclusion: The proposed transfer learning for penalized t-linear regression (Trans-PtLR) offers robustness and flexibility to accommodate complex data with outliers and heavytails.
Epidemiological Survey of Cardiometabolic Multimorbidity and Related Risk Factors in Chinese Population: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Xu Siying , Wang Wenbin , Wang Jiabin , Cai Anping , Jiang Xiaofei , Feng Yingqing
Published: January 2024

Background
The widespread prevalence of Cardiometabolic Multimorbidity (CMM) presents significant challenges to global public health. While previous studies have primarily examined individual cardiometabolic diseases, there has been limited research on CMM. As such, we intend to assess the prevalence of CMM and identify predictive risk factors within the Chinese population which will hold considerable implications for the future management of CMM.
Methods
We employed data from The China Patient-Centered Evaluative Assessment of Cardiac Events Million Persons Project (China-PEACE MPP), enrolling a total of 102,358 participants aged 35–75 years. CMM was defined as the simultaneous presence of two or more of the following diseases: diabetes, hypertension, stroke, and coronary heart disease. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed on demographic variables and modifiable factors associated with CMM to identify its risk predictive factors.
Results
The participants, with an average age of 54.27 years, comprised 60.5% of women. The overall prevalence of CMM was 11.6%, with hypertension and diabetes coexisting as the most common comorbid combination at 8.5%. Multifactor logistic regression analysis revealed that increasing age (45–54 years (OR = 2.62, 95%CI: 2.39–2.88), 55–64 years (OR = 5.27, 95%CI: 4.83–5.78), and 65–75 years (OR = 8.36, 95%CI: 7.62–9.18) compared to 35–44 years), current alcohol consumption (OR = 1.23, 95%CI: 1.12–1.34), TG ≥ 2.3mmol/L (OR = 1.69, 95%CI: 1.61–1.78), recent use of lipid-lowering medications (OR = 3.47, 95%CI: 3.21–3.74), and recent use of antiplatelet aggregators (OR = 3.67, 95%CI: 3.33–4.04) were associated with an increased risk of CMM. Conversely, a reduced occurrence of CMM was associated with being female (OR = 0.74, 95%CI: 0.70–0.78), other marital statuses (OR = 0.91, 95%CI: 0.85–0.97), education level of high school or above (OR = 0.90, 95%CI: 0.85–0.94), annual household income not less than 50,000 yuan (OR = 0.93, 95% CI: 0.89–0.98, p = 0.004), and HDL-C ≥ 1.0mmol/L (OR = 0.84, 95%CI: 0.79–0.90).
Conclusions
In the general population of China, over one-tenth of individuals are affected by CMM, indicating a high current prevalence of the condition. This highlights the imperative for China to develop targeted intervention measures focusing on the risk factors of CMM to prevent its occurrence and progression, effectively manage the condition, and reduce associated adverse outcomes and healthcare resource consumption.