bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Completion and Stimulation Design Evolution in Tight Chalk Formations in Offshore Norway
Authors: Nozaki M. , Zwarich N. R. , Prosvirnov M. , Ruysschaert R. , Habib M. A. , Johnson L. A.
Published: February 2024

Lower completion and acid stimulation design for low permeability chalk formations in a series of North Sea Fields were modified from historical/legacy approaches, to improve well performance for both production and injection purposes. The modifications include 1) a stimulation change from high-rate matrix acidizing to acid fracturing, and 2) optimization of ball-activated sliding sleeve design. The improvement in well performance was validated with actual productivity comparison to offset wells. Further improvements are being developed for future extended reach wells.

A ball-activated sliding sleeve completion was chosen for the new, improved, horizontal well completion. Sleeve spacing, the number of sleeves and port sizes were subsequently optimized over the targeted stimulated lateral length by pipe flow modeling and by limited-entry design methods. Optimization of acid fracturing designs was achieved after incorporating critical findings from various laboratory tests that include rotating disk tests, acid-etched fracture conductivity tests, and gel shear history simulator tests. The new acid fracturing treatment designs were generated with the help of numerical simulation that were continuously fine-tuned based on new observations made during treatments and rigorous analysis of bottomhole injection pressures during the treatment.

As a result of the lower completion design optimization process, different size nozzles were introduced into the sliding sleeves to treat up to 5 sleeves per stimulation stage with effective fluid diversion. This allowed 1) using available pumping weather windows effectively in the offshore environment, 2) reducing or eliminating time-consuming wireline perforation runs, 3) limiting the acid exposure to mitigate ball/seat zonal isolation events (i.e., dissolvable balls are not compatible with acid). The new and improved acid fracturing design enabled a reduction of the number of gel/acid cycles from 5 to 3 which reduced stimulation cost without losing stimulation effectiveness. The new design also resulted in productivity enhancements depending on the well location within the structure. The largest performance improvement was observed on wells that were placed further down-flank where reservoir rock is stronger and permeabilities are lower. These wells require more intensive acid fracturing treatment to generate economical and sustainable production rates. Finally, these wells also tend to require less restimulation frequency with time.

This type of analysis work has not been presented previously and it optimizes lower completion for acid fracturing stimulation on a well-by-well basis. Further improvement is expected as stimulation designs and completion technology continue to evolve.
Challenging Error Correction in Recognised Byzantine Greek
Authors: Pavlopoulos John , Kougia Vasiliki , Platanou Paraskevi , Shabalin Stepan , Liagkou Konstantina , Papadatos Emmanouil , Essler Holger , Camps Jean-Baptiste , Fischer Franz
Published: February 2024

Automatic correction of errors in Handwritten Text Recognition (HTR) output poses persistent challenges yet to be fully resolved. In this study, we introduce a shared task aimed at addressing this challenge, which attracted 271 submissions, yielding only a handful of successful approaches. This paper presents the datasets, the most effective methods, and an experimental analysis in error-correcting HTRed manuscripts and papyri in Byzantine Greek, the language that followed Classical and preceded Modern Greek. By using recognised and transcribed data from seven centuries, the two best-performing methods are compared, one based on a neural encoder-decoder architecture and the other based on linguistic knowledge. We show that the recognition error rate can be reduced by both, up to 2.5 points at the level of characters and up to 15 at the level of words, while also elucidating their respective strengths and weaknesses.
HMGA1 orchestrates chromatin compartmentalization and sequesters genes into 3D networks coordinating senescence heterogeneity
Authors: Narita Masashi , Olan Ioana , Ando-Kuri Masami , Parry Aled , Handa Tetsuya , Schoenfelder Stefan , Fraser Peter , Ohkawa Yasuyuki , Kimura Hiroshi , Narita Masako
Published: February 2024

High Mobility Group A1 (HMGA1), an abundant non-histone chromatin protein, has been implicated in embryonic development1, cancer2, and cellular senescence3, but its specific role remains elusive. Here, we combine functional genomics approaches with graph theory to investigate how HMGA1 genomic deposition controls high-order chromatin networks in an oncogene-induced senescence (OIS) model. While the direct role of HMGA1 in gene activation has been described previously, we find little evidence to support this. Instead, we show that the heterogeneous linear distribution of HMGA1 drives a unique 3D chromatin organization. HMGA1-dense loci form highly interactive networks, similar to, but independent of constitutive heterochromatic loci. This is coupled with the exclusion of HMGA1-poor chromatin regions, leading to coordinated gene regulation by repositioning genes. In the absence of HMGA1, the whole process is largely reversed, but many new regulatory interactions also emerge, amplifying the inflammatory senescence-associated secretory phenotype4 (SASP). Such HMGA1-mediated fine-tuning of gene expression contributes to the heterogeneous nature of senescence at the single-cell level. A similar ‘buffer’ effect of HMGA1 on inflammatory signalling is also detected in lung cancer cells. Our study reveals a fundamental HMGA1-mediated mechanism of modulating chromatin compartmentalization and gene regulation in senescence and beyond.
ANFIS and metaheuristic optimization for green supply chain with inspection and rework
Authors: Sharma Nidhi , Jain Madhu , Sharma Dinesh K
Published: February 2024

The focus of present article is to investigate a supply chain inventory model along with inspection and stock dependent demand with use of green technology to reduce carbon emissions. Products that are decaying, or those that change over time, have a high sensitivity to the environment in terms of temperature, carbon emission, humidity, waste disposal, etc. This study develops a profit maximization model in the presence of deterioration, preservation, imperfect production, inspection error, rework, stock and price-dependent demand. The three carbon emission strategies are proposed to reduce the expenses in different carbon emissions scenarios. The suggested approach may be used to determine the optimal production period, preservation investment, and level of green investment. The solution of the non-linear constraint optimization is provided by using a penalty method in metaheuristic approaches. In order to conduct a sensitivity analysis for the essential model parameters, a numerical example is presented. The soft computing results produced by DE and PSO are compared with the results obtained by Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) technique.
Robustly learning the Hamiltonian dynamics of a superconducting quantum processor
Authors: Eisert Jens , Hangleiter Dominik , Roth Ingo , Fuksa Jonas , Roushan Pedram
Published: February 2024

The required precision to perform quantum simulations beyond the capabilities of classical computers imposes major experimental and theoretical challenges. The key to solving these issues are highly precise ways of characterizing analog quantum simulators. Here, we robustly estimate the free Hamiltonian parameters of bosonic excitations in a superconducting-qubit analog quantum simulator from measured time-series of single-mode canonical coordinates. We achieve the required levels of precision in estimating the Hamiltonian parameters by maximally exploiting the model structure, making it robust against noise and state-preparation and measurement (SPAM) errors. Importantly, we are also able to obtain tomographic information about those SPAM errors from the same data, crucial for the experimental applicability of Hamiltonian learning in dynamical quantum-quench experiments. Our learning algorithm is highly scalable both in terms of the required amounts of data and post-processing. To achieve this, we develop a new super-resolution technique coined tensorESPRIT for frequency extraction from matrix time-series. The algorithm then combines tensorESPRIT with constrained manifold optimization for the eigenspace reconstruction with pre- and post-processing stages. For up to 14 coupled superconducting qubits on two Sycamore processors, we identify the Hamiltonian parameters---verifying the implementation on one of them up to sub-MHz precision---and construct a spatial implementation error map for a grid of 27 qubits. Our results constitute a fully characterized, highly accurate implementation of an analog dynamical quantum simulation and introduce a diagnostic toolkit for understanding, calibrating, and improving analog quantum processors.
A proof of concept phase II study with the PDE-4 inhibitor roflumilast in patients with mild cognitive impairment or mild Alzheimer’s disease dementia (ROMEMA): study protocol of a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, between-subjects trial
Authors: Possemis Nina , Verhey Frans , Prickaerts Jos , Blokland Arjan , Ramakers Inez
Published: February 2024

• Background
Research into the neurobiological underpinnings of learning and memory has demonstrated the cognitive-enhancing effects associated with diverse classes of phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors. Specific PDE inhibitors have been identified to improve neuronal communication through selective inhibition of PDE activity. Roflumilast, a PDE4 inhibitor, has demonstrated efficacy in enhancing episodic memory in healthy adults and elderly participants with pronounced memory impairment, indicative of amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment (aMCI). In alignment with these findings, the present protocol aims to provide a proof of concept phase II of the potential of roflumilast to aid patients diagnosed with (a)MCI or mild Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) dementia.
• Methods
The study will be conducted according to a double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled, between-subjects design. Participants with (a)MCI and mild AD dementia will be recruited through the Memory Clinic at the Maastricht University Medical Centre+ (MUMC+) in Maastricht, the Netherlands, alongside outreach through regional hospitals, and social media. The study will have three arms: placebo, 50 µg roflumilast, and 100 µg roflumilast, with a treatment duration of 24 weeks. The primary outcome measure will focus on the assessment of episodic memory, as evaluated through participants’ performance on the 15-word Verbal Learning Task (VLT). Our secondary objectives are multifaceted, including an exploration of various cognitive domains. In addition, insights into the well-being and daily functioning of participants will be investigated through interviews with both the participants and their (informal) caregivers, we are interested in the well-being and daily functioning of the participants.
• Discussion
The outcomes of the present study aim to elucidate the significance of the PDE4 inhibition mechanism as a prospective therapeutic target for enhancing cognitive function in individuals with (a)MCI and mild AD dementia. Identifying positive effects within these patient cohorts could extend the relevance of this treatment to encompass a broader spectrum of neurological disorders.
Trial registration:
The Medical Ethics Committee of MUMC + granted ethics approval for the 4th version of the protocol on September 10th, 2020. The trial was registered at the European Drug Regulatory Affairs Clinical Trials (EudraCT) registered on the 19th of December 2019 (https://www.clinicaltrialsregister.eu/ctr-search/trial/2019-004959-36/NL) and Clinicaltrial.gov (NCT04658654, https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04658654?intr=roflumilast&cond=mci&rank=1) on the 8th of December 2020. The Central Committee on Research Involving Human Subjects (CCMO) granted approval on the 30th of September 2020.
Epidural injection of hydromorphone for postoperative pain after episiotomy: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Lu Yixing , Liu Siyan , Jing Shunzhong , Peng Wei , Lin Yunan
Published: February 2024

Perineal incision resulting in post-partum pain and impact on puerperal life was the focus of our study. We recruited postpartum mothers who had undergone vaginal delivery to receive labor analgesia and episiotomy with an epidural injection of 0.5 mg hydromorphone to assess the therapeutic effects of postpartum analgesia. The participants were randomly allocated into two groups: the control group (Group NS) received an epidural injection of an equal amount of saline, while the study group (Group HY) received an epidural injection of 0.5 mg hydromorphone. We collected relevant data from electronic medical records to compare the differences between the two groups. The intervention group demonstrated lower pain scores at 4, 8, 12, 16, and 24 hours compared to the control group (p < 0.001). Additionally, a higher number of patients in the control group required pain medication (7 (15.9%) compared to 1 (2.3%); P = 0.028). The study group experienced higher rates of vomiting (P = 0.002) and itching (P < 0.001). However, there were no differences between the two groups in terms of urinary retention, dyskinesia, respiratory depression, dizziness, or neonatal feeding. The epidural injection of 0.5 mg hydromorphone proved to be effective in alleviating pain caused by maternal episiotomy and did not negatively affect neonatal feeding. Clinical trial registration: http://www.chictr.org.cn/usercenter.aspx identifier: ChiCTR2200064687. Subject terms: Labor analgesia, Episiotomy, Hydromorphone, Neonatal feeding
Polyphenolic profile and evaluation of the antimicrobial, antidiabetic, anti-Alzheimer and larviscidal activities of Linum trigynum L.
Authors: Chebchoub Soumiya , Kabouche Zahia , Bellouche Djedjiga , Kabouche Ahmed
Published: February 2024

In this study, we investigated the polyphenolic composition of the n-butanol fraction of Linum trigynum L. (BELTr), a medicinal plant from the Linaceae family that grows in Algeria, using RP–UHPLC–ESI–QTOF–MS technique and evaluated its antimicrobial, larviscidal and inhibition of α-amylase and butyrylcholinestrase (BChE) potentials. Fifty six polyphenols were identified in the BELTr with isomers of vicenin-2 and orientin, and isovitexin as the major compounds. The extract showed a significant inhibition of BChE (IC50: 112.45 ± 3.93 µg/mL) and a good inhibition of α-amylase (IC50: 2.25 ± 4.05 mg/mL). In addition, the BFLTr exhibited antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538P, Salmonella enterica ATCC 13076, Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633, Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC 13883, Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 19433, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853, as well as a yeast strain, Candida albicans ATCC 1031, with MICs values ranging between 250 and 500 µg/mL and a weak larviscidal effect. Hence, the extract could be used as alternative treatment for the management of oxidative stress and for prevention from diabetes and Alzheimer's diseases.
Crossing planetary boundaries could lead to Hothouse Earth
Authors: Chavez Erik , Ghil Michael , Rombouts Jan
Published: February 2024

The climate system is nonlinear and affected by both natural variability and several types of forcing(1). The impact of anthropogenic forcing and environmental change on several of the system’s nonlinear processes has led to considerable concern about the crossing of planetary boundaries(2) and the tipping of regional subsystems(3–5), due to their potentially irreversible consequences. On the global level, these nonlinear effects have been shown to have given rise to bistability(6) and chaotic behavior(7) in the system’s past(8–10) and could do so in its future(11). However, specific mechanisms for a sudden tipping to an alternate stable “hothouse,”(12) several degrees warmer than the present climate, have not been explored so far to a satisfactory extent(13,14). Here we show that a highly simplified energy balance model of globally averaged temperature T representing the radiative budget, coupled with global carbon dioxide dynamics, does exhibit such an alternate stable hothouse climate with T higher by roughly 10 C than the present. The model captures two biogeophysical mechanisms, which lead to the crossing of planetary boundaries that in turn trigger a global tipping to such a hothouse. The two regional mechanisms are (i) the decrease of terrestrial albedo due to the darkening of ice sheets by pervasive algal blooming(15–19); and (ii) the limits of vegetation adapting to increased environmental stress and, hence, the reduction of its carbon absorbtion(20–22).
Rapid and Efficient Route for Chitosan Blends with Fish Collagen and Aloe Vera Exudate
Authors: Gonçalves Pâmella Rayo de Luar Campos , Penha Roseane Silva , Rocha Jaciene Jesus Cardoso , Guimarães Amanda Ribeiro , Bezerra Cicero Weelington Brito
Published: February 2024

Biomaterials based on chitosan (CS), in combination with other biopolymers such as collagen (CL) and aloe vera (AV), are of interest to medicine as well as the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries, with a wide range of applications in those fields due to their characteristics of non-toxicity, biocompatibility, low cost and biodegradability. The combination of chitosan and those biopolymers has been frequently used as ointments for burns and other skin injuries. In this work, the selective precipitation and co-precipitation techniques were used to prepare and characterize chitosan blends combined with different portions of fish collagen and aloe vera biopolymers. The employed methods are simple, fast and safe, and require minimal infrastructure and prioritize the interaction between the biopolymers or their miscibility, with no segregated phases observed in the obtained blends. The syntheses were analyzed according to their yields, 4-hydroxyproline content (in CS/CL blends), and the materials were characterized by bromatological analyses (CS, CL, and AV), viscosity, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The experimental results have confirmed the occurrence of spontaneous interactions between the biopolymers through the formation of blends, which exhibited individual characteristics proportional to the variation of biopolymers in chitosan, thus indicating the efficiency of the syntheses routes.
Correlation analysis of vertebral artery hemodynamic differences and clinical symptoms due to craniocervical junction abnormalities: based on computational fluid dynamics
Authors: Zhang Zeyuan , Ai Xin , Xu Yuanzhi , Wang Yuqiang , Zhang Shuhao , Zhao Yao , Zhou Ruifang , Tang Rui , Wang Limin , Liu Yilin
Published: February 2024

Background and purpose
Patients with craniocervical junction abnormalities (CJA) often exhibit vertebral artery (VA) abnormalities, and identifying these abnormalities can be beneficial for assessing patient symptoms and developing treatment plans.
Material and Methods
Sixty patients with CJA were admitted to our department from January 2018 to June 2022. Sixty healthy people were selected to undergo combined head and neck CTA, and the CTA images were imported into CFD-related software. The results were used to visualize and derive the lumen diameter (D), peak systolic velocity (PSV), mean blood flow velocity (MV), wall pressure (WP), wall shear stress (WSS) and other related data of vertebral arteries in different segments, and cross-sectional planes of the vertebral arteries at different segments were constructed to calculate the quantity of blood flow (Q) and the ratio of each index in each segment. The dizziness handicap inventory (DHI) was chosen to assess patient dizziness symptoms, and a multinomial logistic model was used to analyze the correlation between differences in vertebral artery hemodynamics due to patients with CJA and clinical symptoms such as dizziness.
Results
Compared with those in the control group, the mean DV3−V4, D\(\frac{\text{V}3-\text{V}4}{\text{V}1-\text{V}2}\)、QV3−V4、Q\(\frac{\text{V}3-\text{V}4}{\text{V}1-\text{V}2}\) of VA in the CJA group were significantly lower; the PSVV3−V4, PSV\(\frac{\text{V}3-\text{V}4}{\text{V}1-\text{V}2}\)、MVV1−V2、MVV3−V4、MV\(\frac{\text{V}3-\text{V}4}{\text{V}1-\text{V}2}\), WP and WSS in the CJA group were significantly greater; and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). According to the multinomial logistic regression analysis, for every 0.02 unit decrease in QV3−V4, the risk of increasing the DHI score to a higher grade increased by 40.49% compared with the original basis.
Conclusions
The V3-V4 segment of the vertebral artery in patients with CJA differs from that in the normal population in terms of hemodynamics, such as D, V, WP, and WSS, especially Q, and these differences lead to the occurrence of clinical symptoms such as dizziness and vertigo. The quantity of blood flow is negatively correlated with DHI, and age is positively correlated with DHI.
Dexamethasone and vitamin D loaded scaffolds for bone engineering
Authors: Boaro Leticia , de Azevedo Tarciso , Barbosa Kawane , Camarena Denisse , Troncoso Caio , Catalani Luiz , Moreira Maria Stella , Goncalves Flavia
Published: February 2024

Vitamin D and dexamethasone are known for their anti-inflammatory effects and have shown promise in promoting bone regeneration due to their role in mineralizing hard tissues. The aim of this study was to synthesize and characterize PLLA electrospun membranes that incorporate both vitamin D and dexamethasone and evaluate their potential for in vitro bone conduction and differentiation. PLLA membranes were synthesized, associating 5% dexamethasone and vitamin D in the ratios 1:1; 1:2; and 2:1, along with a drug-free control group. The membranes were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The biological aspects of the scaffold were assessed using human cells from the periodontal ligament (hPDLSC). Cell proliferations were evaluated by Alamar Blue assay on days 1, 7, and 14 of culture. Cell differentiation in scaffolds was assessed by alizarin red assay after 21 days. The results were analysed using to one-way ANOVA (fibber diameter and alizarin red assay) or Kruskal –Wallis test (proliferation assay). Scanning electron microscopy showed an increase in fibber diameter with the addition of drugs, with the membrane with a 2:1 ratio of vitamin D/dexamethasone having the greatest average diameter. There was no difference in the proliferation of hPDLSCs with materials at 1 and 14 days; PLLA membrane with 5% vitamin D/ dexamethasone at 1:1 showed the greatest mineralization of the extracellular matrix, indicating better bone differentiation of hPDLSCs. It can be concluded that among the synthesized membranes, the membrane with the same ratio between vitamin D and dexamethasone was the one with the best osteodifferentiation ability of hPDLSCs.
A model for predicting risk of early recurrence in patients undergoing radiofrequency ablation for early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Yen Yi-Hao , Kee Kwong-Ming , Hung Chao-Hung , Chen Chien-Hung , Hu Tsung-Hui , Wang Jing-Houng , Lin Chih-Yun
Published: February 2024

Few studies have reported models predicting early recurrence in patients undergoing radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We aim to present such a model. We enrolled 791 patients with newly diagnosed early-stage HCC (i.e., within Milan criteria) and Child–Pugh class A liver disease undergoing percutaneous RFA. Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan − Meier method with the log-rank test. Cox proportional hazards analysis was used to identify prognostic factors associated with early recurrence (i.e., recurrence within two years after RFA). Internal validation was performed with a bootstrapping method. Early recurrence was identified in 270 (34.1%) patients. Multivariate analysis showed that multiple tumors (HR = 1.450; 95% CI = 1.098–1.914; p = 0.009), alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) ≥ 20 ng/ml (HR = 1.614; 95% CI = 1.268–2.054; p < 0.001), and Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score (HR = 1.026; 95% CI = 1.003–1.049; p = 0.025) were associated with early recurrence. We constructed a predictive model with these variables. This model provided three risk strata for recurrence-free survival (RFS): low risk, intermediate risk, and high risk, with two-year RFS of 63%, 57%, and 40%, respectively (p < 0.001). Calibration plots showed overall high agreement between the predictions made by the model and observed outcomes. In conclusion, we developed a risk prediction model to predict early recurrence in patients undergoing RFA for early-stage HCC.
Chemical profiling and cytotoxicity screening of agarwood essential oil (Aquilaria sinensis) in brine shrimp nauplii and cancer cell lines
Authors: Chan Sook Wah , Lakeh Mahmoud Valizadeh , Wang Xin , Teoh Ming-Li , Loh Kar Min , Wong Won Fen , Looi Chung Yeng
Published: February 2024

Agarwood essential oil (AEO) has gained attention from healthcare industries due to its numerous pharmacological properties. However, a comprehensive understanding of the chemical composition and its cytotoxic property is lacking. The objective of this study was to investigate the chemical profile as well as the cytotoxic concentration range of AEO derived from Aquilaria sinensis wood. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was employed to identify the AEO components. Results showed that sesquiterpenes and sesquiterpenoids constitute 95.85% of the AEO. Among the major compounds identified are allo-aromadendrene (13.04%), dihydro-eudesmol (8.81%), α-eudesmol (8.48%), bulnesol (7.63%), τ-cadinol (4.95%), dehydrofukinone (3.83%), valerenol (3.54%), cis-nerolidol (2.75%), agarospirol (2.72%), dehydrojinkoh-eremol (2.53%), selina-3,11-dien-9-al (2.36%), guaiol (2.12%) and caryophyllene oxide (2.0%). The presence of volatile quality marker compounds such as 10-epi-ϒ-eudesmol, aromadendrane, β-agarofuran, α-agarofuran, γ-eudesmol, agarospirol and guaiol, indicates that the extracted AEO is of premium grade. Interestingly, the AEO displayed moderate to high toxicity in brine shrimp lethality test (BLST). All studied tumor cell lines (MDA-MB-231, HepG2, B16F10) exhibited varying degrees of sensitivity to AEO, which resulted in time and dose-dependent reduction of cell proliferation. Our findings showed that AEO contains bioactive components that may be exploited in future studies for the development of anti-cancer therapeutics.
An Accreting Supermassive Black Hole Buried in a Faint Dwarf Galaxy
Authors: Paswan Abhishek , das mousumi , K Rubinur
Published: February 2024

In the last decade, there have been several discoveries of Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN) in dwarf galaxies including an AGN in an ultra-compact dwarf galaxy with a Black Hole mass >106 M⊙. However, finding a Supermassive Black Hole (SMBH) in a dwarf Low Surface Brightness (LSB) galaxy is rare. We report the discovery of a Seyfert type-2 class AGN which is associated with a nuclear SMBH of mass 1.4+0.7-0.8 × 107 M⊙ in a dwarf, LSB galaxy (μ0,r > 23.8 mag/arcsec2), which was previously thought to be an outlying emission blob around a large spiral galaxy LEDA 1678924. The AGN is also associated with an extended narrow-line region (ENLR) of projected length ∼ 14.5 kpc. The dwarf LSB galaxy, which we call MJ0818+2257, is separated by an absolute distance of ∼ 4 Mpc from the galaxy LEDA 1678924. Our current analyses, which includes the detection of the optical counterpart of MJ0818+2257 and its ionized gas kinematics, indicates that the dynamical mass within the ionized gas disk is > 5.3 × 109 M⊙. This is large compared to its stellar mass < 3 × 109 M⊙ and suggests that MJ0818+2257 is moderately dark matter-dominated. Our detection of a SMBH in a bulgeless, LSB dwarf galaxy raises questions about the growth of SMBHs in low-luminosity galaxies and suggests the possibility of detecting heavy, seed black holes from early epochs in LSB dwarf galaxies in the low redshift universe.
On the effectiveness of Settlement Procedure in the presence of bilateral cross ownerships
Authors: Fotis Panagiotis N , Tselekounis Markos
Published: February 2024

According to the Settlement Procedure, a reduction on cartel fines is granted to firms admitting their participation in a cartel agreement. In this paper, we derive the required cartel fine reduction that fulfils the objective of competition authorities to induce all cartel firms to settle. Our results reveal that for any given cartel reduction fine, there is a particular level of cartel detection probability that makes each firm indifferent between staying in the cartel and settling with the competition authority. We show that such reduction is negatively correlated with the likelihood that the cartel would be detected. The presence of bilateral cross ownership provides each firm with higher incentives to enter the Settlement Procedure. The intuition behind this result is that bilateral cross ownerships soften competition, which, in turn, increases the preference of firms for settling. Therefore, the presence of bilateral cross ownerships among rival firms may enhance the effectiveness of the settlement procedure, as opposed to their negative impact on competition under a Leniency Program. Lastly, as firms become more asymmetric, the inefficient firm has more incentives to settle, as opposed to the efficient firm which prefers the cartel formation.
JEL Classification: D43; K21; L13; L41
Breastfeeding and lung function of children: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Li Ming , Wang Chao , Wang Jiamin , Li Gang
Published: February 2024

There are many benefits of breastfeeding for children, women and society but robust evidence that breastfeeding is favorable for the lung function of children is lacking. To evaluate the associations of breastfeeding with the lung function of children with no known respiratory disease and to determine which lung function parameters are related to breastfeeding, the PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library were searched from their inception to 11 Oct 2023. Observational studies (cohort, cross-sectional or case-control designs) were included. A random-effects model was used to estimate the combined β if significant heterogeneity was detected(P < 0.05 or I2 > 50%); otherwise, the fixed-effects model was applied. The outcomes measured were forced expiratory volume in one second(FEV1), forced vital capacity(FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second to forced vital capacity(FEV1/FVC), peak expiratory flow(PEF) and other relevant lung function parameters. Compared with children with never-breastfeeding, children with ever-breastfeeding had better FEV1(β:19.34 ml; 95%CI:6.05,32.64; P = 0.004) and FVC(β:75.68 ml; 95%CI:24.40,126.97; P = 0.004). Additionally there was a slight statistical significance for FVC(β:17.45 ml; 95%CI:-0.43,35.33; P = 0.06). Furthermore, compared with the breastfed for less than 3 to 4 months, Children who had been breastfed for 3 to 4 months or more had better FEV1(β:19.86 ml; 95%CI:4.21,35.51; P = 0.01),FVC(β:31.90 ml; 95%CI:7.87,55.93; P = 0.009) and PEF(β:75.68 ml; 95%CI:24.40,126.97; P = 0.004). No significant difference was detected in FEV1/FVC between breastfed and non-breastfed children(β:-0.28; 95%CI:-0.99,0.44; P = 0.44) or between those breastfed for less than 3 to 4 months and those breastfed for more than 3 to 4 months(β:-0.48; 95%CI:-1.45,0.48; P = 0.33). This systematic review and meta-analysis revealed that being breastfed or breastfed for more than 3 to 4 months seemed to be favorable for the improvement of lung function in children aged 6–16 years. And additional high-quality evidence is needed.
Comparing Cb1 Receptor Girk Channel Responses to Receptor Internalization Using a Kinetic Imaging Assay
Authors: Andersen Haley , Vardakas Duncan , Lamothe Julie , Perault Tannis , Walsh Kenneth , Laprairie Robert
Published: February 2024

The type 1 cannabinoid receptor (CB1R) mediates neurotransmitter release and synaptic plasticity in the central nervous system. Endogenous, plant-derived, synthetic cannabinoids bind to CB1R, initiating the inhibitory G-protein (Gi) and the β-arrestin signaling pathways. Within the Gi signaling pathway, CB1R activates G protein-gated, inwardly-rectifying potassium (GIRK) channels. The β-arrestin pathway mediates CB1R expression on the cell surface through receptor internalization. Because of their association with analgesia and drug tolerance, GIRK channels and receptor internalization are of interest to the development of pharmaceuticals. This research used immortalized mouse pituitary gland cells transduced with a pH-sensitive, fluorescently-tagged human CB1R (AtT20-SEPCB1) to measure GIRK channel activity and CB1R internalization. Cannabinoid-induced GIRK channel activity is measured by using a fluorescent membrane-potential sensitive dye. We developed a kinetic imaging assay that visualizes and measures CB1R internalization. All cannabinoids stimulated a GIRK channel response with a rank order potency of WIN55,212-2 > (±)CP55,940 > Δ9-THC > AEA. Efficacy was expressed relative to (±)CP55,940 with a rank order efficacy of (±)CP55,940 > WIN55, 212-2 > AEA > Δ9-THC. All cannabinoids stimulated CB1R internalization with a rank order potency of (±)CP55,940 > WIN55, 212-2 > AEA > Δ9-THC. Internalization efficacy was normalized to (±)CP55,940 with a rank order efficacy of WIN55,212-2 > AEA > (±)CP55,940 > Δ9-THC. (±)CP55,940 was significantly more potent and efficacious than AEA and Δ9-THC at stimulating a GIRK channel response; however, no significant differences between potency and efficacy were observed with CB1R internalization. No significant differences were found when comparing a cannabinoid’s GIRK channel and CB1R internalization response. In conclusion, AtT20-SEPCB1 cells can be used to outline cannabinoid-induced CB1R internalization. While cannabinoids display differential Gi signaling when compared to each other, this does not extend to CB1R internalization, which is mediated by β-arrestins.
Mineral Characterization, fruit and leaf physiology of Citrus reticulata comparative to citrus canker stress in Sargodha, Punjab
Authors: Nawaz Rab , Nadeem Muhammad , Abbas Toqeer , Shah Anis Ali
Published: February 2024

Pakistan's economy greatly benefits from citrus production since these fruits are sold and consumed all over the world. Nevertheless, there are difficulties associated with cultivating citrus fruits, such as illnesses brought on by bacteria, viruses, and fungus. The quantity and quality of fruit that is produced might be negatively impacted by these challenges as well as difficulties obtaining the proper nutrients. One tough problem is citrus canker, which is caused by a harmful germ called Xanthomonas axonopodis. This germ affects many types of citrus fruits all over the world. This study looked closely at how citrus canker affects the leaves and the quality of the fruit in places like Sargodha, Bhalwal, Kotmomin, and Silanwali, which are big areas for growing citrus in the Sargodha district. What we found was that plants without the disease had more chlorophyll in their leaves compared to the sick plants. Also, the healthy plants had better amounts of important minerals like calcium, magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus in their fruits. But the fruits with the disease had too much sodium, and the iron levels were a bit different. The fruits with the disease also didn't have as much of something that protects them called antioxidants, which made them more likely to get sick. This study helps us understand how citrus canker affects plants and fruit, so we can think of ways to deal with it.
Superposition Formula of arbitrary functions to a (3+1)-demensional Boiti-Leon-Manna-Pempinelli equation
Authors: Wang Wenjing , Sudao Bilige , Shao Hangbing
Published: February 2024

The (3+1)-dimensional Boiti-Leonon-Manna-Pempinelli equation was studied by using Hirita bilinear method. In this paper, we successfully derived the multi-solutions of this equation by superposition $M$-arbitrary functions. Some solutions from previous studies were found when $M$ took a specific value and the test functions took particular functions. Thus, the recieved solutions were more general compared to the previous studies. A variety of new solutions can be obtained by choosing different values of the parameter $M$ and test functions $f$ in this paper, i.e., the localized solutions generated by $M$-positive quadratic functions, the mixed solutions consisting of the localized wave solutions and the kink wave solutions, and the mixed solutions consisting of a trigonometric function and exponential functions. Meanwhile, their corresponding physical plots are displayed to analyze their physical significance and dynamic properties.
Assessing First-Cycle Primary School English Language Teachers’ Speaking Proficiency
Authors: Baisa Girma , Worabu Rufael Disaasaa , Belachew Teshale Tefera
Published: February 2024

This research aimed to assess the speaking proficiency of English teachers in the first-cycle primary school, utilizing a convergent mixed design methodology. Employing a sophisticated probability sampling technique, fifteen and ten English teachers from primary schools in East Wollega Zone were randomly selected for Oral Proficiency Tests (OPT) and classroom observations, respectively. Descriptive statistics analysis revealed a significant deficiency in the speaking proficiency of English teachers, with the combined mean of speaking proficiency components (M=2.65) falling below the required standard. Independent sample t-tests indicated poor proficiency levels in OPT outcomes for both male and female teachers, with p-values surpassing .05 for all components except pronunciation. This comprehensive assessment, combining quantitative and qualitative investigations, illuminated consistently below-average in speaking proficiency components among English teachers. The findings underscore the critical need for targeted interventions and professional development initiatives to enhance the speaking proficiency of English language teachers at the primary education level. The research significantly contributes valuable insights by pinpointing specific areas of deficiency in English teachers' speaking proficiency and emphasizing the urgency of addressing these shortcomings through tailored interventions. The identification of pronunciation as a potential area for improvement underscores the intricate nature of language proficiency. In conclusion, these findings serve as a pivotal foundation for future research endeavors and policy considerations directed at enhancing the overall quality of English language instruction during the early stages of education. The identified proficiency gaps underscore the necessity for focused efforts to uplift the capabilities of English teachers, thereby contributing to a more effective language learning environment at the primary education level.
Population Genomics and Genetic Diversity of the Invasive Chrysanthemum Lace Bug (Corythucha Marmorata) Across Its Invasive Range in Japan
Authors: Contreras-Negrete Gonzalo , Meza-Lázaro Rubi N. , Benites Pilar , Becerra-Lira Víctor E. , Sakata Yuzu , Ohgushi Takayuki , Craig Timothy P. , Itami Johanne , Zaldívar-Riverón Alejandro , Lopez Antonio Hernandez
Published: February 2024

The escalating global movement of alien species, facilitated by increased trade and travel, poses a pressing need to comprehend their invasive potential and the consequent ecological and economic ramifications. Despite a growing body of evidence on rapid evolutionary shifts in invasive species, comprehensive insights into the genetic variability underlying these adaptations are constrained by limited genomic resources. Understanding the role of genetic variation in the success or failure of biological invaders is crucial,. This study focuses on the chrysanthemum lace bug, Corythucha marmorata, as a model 2system to investigate the interplay of genetic variation, local adaptation, and invasion dynamics. Our analysis reveals a low genetic structure among countries, with significant genetic differentiation observed within populations. The scarcity of private alleles suggests a limited number of independent sources for the invader populations. Furthermore, the prevalence of a single genetic cluster indicates potential novel-selection pressures, potentially influenced by the host plant. The lace bug's specialization on goldenrod is emphasized despite reports of exploiting various hosts.
Comparative efficacy of erector spinae plane and quadratus lumborum blocks in managing postoperative pain for total abdominal hysterectomy: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: BARAN Onur , ŞAHİN Ayhan
Published: February 2024

Background: Effective postoperative pain management after total abdominal hysterectomy is crucial for patient recovery and satisfaction. This study compared the efficacy of the erector spinae plane block and quadratus lumborum block in reducing postoperative opioid consumption and pain in patients with total abdominal hysterectomy.
Methods: In this prospective, randomized controlled trial, 90 patients undergoing total abdominal hysterectomy were divided into three groups: ESPB, QLB, and control. The primary outcome was postoperative opioid consumption. Secondary outcomes included pain scores assessed by the visual analog scale at predetermined times and the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting. Statistical significance was determined using analysis of variance, the Mann–Whitney U test, and the Kruskal–Wallis test.
Results: The ESPB and QLB groups showed a significant reduction in postoperative opioid consumption compared with the control group (p < 0.001 for both comparisons). Pain scores were significantly lower in the ESPB and QLB groups than in the control group at 2, 6, and 24 h postoperatively (p < 0.001 at each time point). The incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting was lower in the ESPB and QLB groups than that in the control group; however, this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.029). No significant differences were observed in opioid consumption or pain scores between the two groups.
Conclusions: Both the erector spinae plane and quadratus lumborum blocks effectively reduced postoperative opioid consumption and pain in patientswith total abdominal hysterectomy. These techniques offer a promising approach for postoperative pain management, potentially reducing the need for opioids.
IRB Number: 2022.206.11.07
Clinical Trial Registry Number: NCT05675657
Illuminating the functions of the understudied Fructosamine-3-kinase (FN3K) using a multi-omics approach reveals new links to lipid, carbon, and co-factor metabolic pathways
Authors: Kannan Natarajan , Shrestha Safal , Taujale Rahil , Katiyar Samiksha
Published: February 2024

Fructosamine-3-kinases (FN3Ks) are a conserved family of repair enzymes that phosphorylate reactive sugars attached to lysine residues in peptides and proteins. Although FN3Ks are present across the tree of life and share detectable sequence similarity to eukaryotic protein kinases, the biological processes regulated by these kinases are largely unknown. To address this knowledge gap, we leveraged the FN3K CRISPR Knock-Out (KO) cell line alongside an integrative multi-omics study combining transcriptomics, metabolomics, and interactomics to place these enzymes in a pathway context. The integrative analyses revealed the enrichment of pathways related to oxidative stress response, lipid biosynthesis (cholesterol and fatty acids), carbon and co-factor metabolism. Moreover, enrichment of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) binding proteins and localization of human FN3K (HsFN3K) to mitochondria suggests potential links between FN3Ks and NAD-mediated energy metabolism and redox balance. We report specific binding of HsFN3K to NAD compounds in a metal and concentration-dependent manner and provide insight into their binding mode using modeling and experimental site-directed mutagenesis. By identifying a potential link between FN3Ks, redox regulation, and NAD-dependent metabolic processes, our studies provide a framework for targeting these understudied kinases in diabetic complications and metabolic disorders where redox balance is altered.
Catheter ablation as a potential treatment alternative for atrial fibrillation among patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Ping Yang , Guoqiang Wang , Tiantian Ai , Mingbao Song , Xuejun Yu , Xiaoying Liao
Published: February 2024

Background
In patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation is a useful alternative to drug-induced rhythm control. However, the efficacy of this procedure in patients with heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the outcomes of the radiofrequency catheter ablation procedure for atrial fibrillation in patients with HFpEF.
Methods
The retrospective cohort study included 144 patients with a left ventricular ejection fraction ≥ 50% who underwent catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation for the first time. We compared clinical outcomes, including freedom from atrial arrhythmia recurrence at 12 months, symptom severity decrease measured using the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) score, and all-cause hospitalizations between patients with HFpEF and those without HF.
Results
Among the 144 patients, 43 (29.9%) had HFpEF and 101 (70.1%) did not have HF. At the 12-month follow-up, significant difference was found in the recurrence rate of atrial arrhythmia between the two groups (41.9%, HFpEF group vs. 13.9%, non-HF group; P < 0.001). Nonetheless, no significant difference was noted in the decrease in symptom severity, evaluated using the reduction in EHRA scores, between the two groups (-1.30 ± 0.60 vs. -1.42 ± 0.55; P = 0.273). Similarly, no significant difference was observed in all-cause hospitalizations between the two groups (9.3% vs. 4.0%; P = 0.239). After adjusting for HFpEF, atrial fibrillation type, age group (age ≥ 75 vs. <75 years), atrial fibrillation duration, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and left atrial diameter, a significant association was noted between HFpEF and increased probability of atrial fibrillation recurrence (hazard ratio: 2.56; 95% confidence interval: 1.17–5.61; P = 0.018).
Conclusions
Despite the significantly lower incidence of arrhythmia-free survival within 12 months of follow-up in patients with HFpEF than in those without HF, catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation significantly reduced symptom severity. The study findings suggest catheter ablation as a potential treatment alternative for atrial fibrillation in patients with HFpEF.
Python algorithm for Calculation of Total Phenolic Compounds in Vegetable Oils with Smartphone Image analysis
Authors: Vucane Sanita , Cinkmanis Ingmars , Sabovics Martins
Published: February 2024

In this research, a Python algorithm was developed that calculated one of the total concentrations of phenol in vegetable oils using the RGB colour system. The algorithm converts data obtained in the RGB colour system into absorbance values using NumPy, Pandas, Matplotlib and SciPy libraries. It allows for complex data calculations and analyses that are particularly accurate and more efficient than traditional methods such as MS Excel. Algorithm development is divided into six stages: library import, user data input and processing, absorbance calculations, linear regression and calibration curve drawing, data analysis and saving results in Excel format. The algorithm offers flexible use in both local Python development environments and online platforms such as Kaggle (https://www.kaggle.com/). It can also be used in the analyses of other plant extracts or chemical substances, where interpretations of RGB colour system data are used as a basis. This algorithm opens up new possibilities in scientific data analysis by taking advantage of modern technology and programming language.