bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanism of Subsurface Deformation Transmission and Geomechanical Response Inversion in Carbon Capture and Storage Project: Integrating Small Baseline Subset-Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar, Mechanical Experiments, and Numerical Simulation
Authors: Ye Xiaoqi , Yu Ziwang , Xu Tianfu , Zhang Yanjun , Guo Liangliang
Published: November 2024

In the context of carbon capture and storage (CCS) engineering, ensuring the stability of the caprock is paramount to mitigating CO2 leakage, thus constituting a pivotal engineering challenge in CO2 geological sequestration. With the injection of CO2, pore pressure accumulates within the reservoir, bringing forth risks including diminished effective stress within the formation, surface deformation, occurrence of microseismic events, and potential caprock failure. Therefore, it is necessary to explore the geomechanical issues in CCS projects. This study focuses on the Daqingzijing in the Jilin Oilfield as the study area, utilizing the small baseline subset (SBAS)-interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) method to conduct a deformation time-series analysis in the well group area under injection and production conditions. The results reveal variations in deformation sensitivity among the sites, with surface displacements correlated to fluid injection and production, demonstrating temporal delays. At the H79 North block, the time effect is relatively minimal, with rapid propagation of formation deformation. Surface displacement in the H46 block appeared 4 months later than behind cumulative fluid volume changes. By conducting triaxial creep tests on shallow mudstone samples from the Songliao Basin under various triaxial stress states, a constitutive creep equation for caprock rocks was obtained. The numerical models of elastic and creep constitutive equations were established. The results show that the creep model exhibits superior accuracy by comparing with InSAR monitoring data (the root mean square error values of elastic and creep constitutive geomechanical models were 6.7 mm and 1.7 mm, respectively). Additionally, based on the experimental and simulation results, this study explores the transfer mechanisms of formation deformation and the inverse relationship between deformation and pore pressure. This study provides theoretical support for the geomechanical safety analysis in corresponding CCS projects.
Mechanisms characterizing DOM migration in coal mining subsidence areas
Authors: Xu Jing , Gao liangmin , Yang Jinxiang , Xia Jieyu , Song Han , Liu Yanjun , Zhang Kai , Wu Lin , Shu Xin
Published: November 2024

The migration mechanism of DOM in water, soil and sediment t from the coal mining subsidence area of Huabei Xutuan Mine were investigated using three-dimensional fluorescence-parallel factor analyses (EEMs-PARAFAC), self-organized neural networks (SOM), and Fourier infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). According to the SOM model, Neuron 13, the representative of soil, and Neuron 36, representative of sediment, were categorized as protein-like, whereas Neuron 27, representative as water, was categorized as humus-like. Based on the PARAFAC results, water C1 and C2, soil C1, and sediment C1 and C3 were humus-like fractions, and water C3, soil C2, C3, and sediment C2 were protein-like fractions. The DOM in the water, soil, and sediment samples was mainly endogenous and had a low degree of humification. The FT-IR results showed that the DOM in the water body had more humus-like functional groups related to microbial decomposition, and the soil around the subsidence area was sunken and flooded to form the sediment. Therefore, the soil and sediment samples showed more protein moieties related to biological activities.
The serum cholesterol level of choledocholithiasis patients was significantly lower than that of healthy people
Authors: Li Linzhen , Hu Tulan , Wang Di
Published: November 2024

Background and purpose
Choledocholithiasis is a common disease. The specific pathogenesis of choledocholithiasis is still unclear. The objective of this study was to investigate whether serum cholesterol level is related to the incidence of choledocholithiasis.
Patients and Methods:
A total of 169 choledocholithiasis patients were include in this study. We investigated whether total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high density lipoprotein (HDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL), TC/TG, LDL/HDL in choledocholithiasis patients differed from that in healthy people.
Results
There were 64 male and 105 female patients. There were no statistically significant difference in age (P = 0.927), TC/TG (P = 0.516) and LDL/HDL (P = 0.139) between the two groups. There were significant differences in TC (P<0.001), TG (P = 0.006), HDL (P<0.001) and LDL (P = 0.001) between the two groups. The TC, TG, HDL, LDL in the choledocholithiasis patients group were significantly lower than that in the healthy population. In the subgroup analysis, we further investigate whether above parameters in choledocholithiasis patients differed from that in healthy people by gender. There was no significant difference in TG (P = 0.182), TC/TG (P = 0.982), LDL/HDL (P = 0.392) between the male choledocholithiasis patients group and the male healthy population group. There were significant differences in TC (P = 0.001), HDL (P = 0.014) and LDL (P = 0.026) between the two groups. There were no significant difference in TC/TG (P = 0.590), LDL/HDL (P = 0.116) between the female choledocholithiasis patients group and the female healthy population group. There were significant differences in TC (P<0.001), TG (P = 0.016), HDL (P<0.001) and LDL (P = 0.009) between the two groups.
Conclusions
The serum TC, HDL and LDL in choledocholithiasis patients were significantly lower than those in healthy people, and TG in female patients was significantly lower than that in healthy people, but there was no difference in male patients.
The required experience of open pancreaticoduodenectomy before becoming a specialist inhepatobiliary and pancreatic surgeons: A multicenter, cohort study of 334 open pancreaticoduodenectomies
Authors: Fuji Tomokazu , Umeda Yuzo , Takagi Kosei , Hioki Masayoshi , Yoshida Ryuichi , Endo Yoshikatsu , Yasui Kazuya , Nobuoka Daisuke , Mitsuhashi Toshiharu , Fujiwara Toshiyoshi
Published: November 2024

Background
Open pancreaticoduodenectomy (OPD) is an essential surgical procedure for expert hepato-biliary-pancreatic (HBP) surgeons. However, there is no standard for how many surgeries must be performed by a surgeon in training before they are considered to have enough experience to ensure surgical safety.
Methods
Cumulative Sum (CUSUM) analysis was performed using the surgical data of OPDs performed during the training period of board-certified expert surgeons of the Japanese Society of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery.
Results
Fourteen HBP surgeons participated in this study and performed 334 OPDs during their training period. The median (interquartile range) values for operative time, blood loss, and length of hospital stay were 455 (397–519) minutes, 450 (234–-716) ml, and 28 (21–38) days, respectively. CUSUM analysis showed inflection points at 20 surgeries performed for operative time. After 20 procedures, operative time was significantly shorter (461 min vs. 425 min, p = 0.021) and blood loss was significantly lower (470 ml vs. 340 ml, p = 0.038). No significant differences between within 20 and after 21 procedures were found in the complication rate (53% vs. 48%, p = 0.424) and rate of in-hospital deaths (1.5% vs.1.4%. p = 0.945)
Up to 20 surgeries, PDAC and another malignant tumor had longer operative time than benign/low malignant diseases (486 min vs 472 min vs 429 min, p < 0.001), and higher blood loss (500 ml vs 502 ml vs 355 ml, p < 0.001). Mortality rate was higher at PDAC cases (5% vs 0% vs 0%, p = 0.01). After the 21 procedures, these outcomes were improved and no differences in by primary disease were observed.
Multivariable analysis showed that within 20 surgeries were independent risk factors of longer operative time (HR2.6, p = 0.013) and higher blood loss (HR2.0, p = 0.049).
Conclusions
To stabilize the surgical outcome of OPD for malignant disease, at least 20 surgeries should be performed at a certified institution during surgeon training.
Trial registration: Clinical trial number: not applicable
GB10, a best-in-class antibody fusion protein targeting VEGF/Ang-2, exhibits promising therapeutic efficacy for neovascular eye diseases
Authors: Wei Xiling , Qiu Yuxin , Shang Wei , Zhang Xiangling , Yang Wenjie , Yang Chengyong , Chen Xi , Li Huiming , Qin Suofu
Published: November 2024

Background
In clinical practice, anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapies have been successfully applied to patients with neovascular eye diseases. However, unmet clinical needs have not yet been fully addressed, as about 20% of patients do not response to anti-VEGF monotherapies, meanwhile, the high frequency of intravitreal (IVT) injections imposes a significant burden on patients. To overcome these challenges, we developed a novel antibody fusion protein GB10 consisting of a VEGF-Trap and an anti-angiopoietin 2 (Ang-2) variable heavy domain of heavy-chain antibody (VHH) to inhibit the pro-angiogenic pathways of VEGF and Ang-2 simultaneously for enhanced and more enduring efficacy. The activity and developability of GB10 were characterized.
Methods
We first explored two categorical formats for molecular construction and selected the format that demonstrated the best activity and CMC-related properties for the generation of GB10. Subsequently, we evaluated the multi-targeting capability of GB10 using bridging enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and bio-layer interferometry (BLI), followed by a side-by-side comparison of the in vitro activities of GB10 and faricimab, the only marketed bispecific antibody for neovascular eye diseases, through assays such as VEGF reporter assay, human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) proliferation, Ang-2 blocking ELISA, and Tie-2 phosphorylation. The in vivo efficacy of GB10 and faricimab was next evaluated using a non-human primate model of laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV). Finally the developability of GB10 was evaluated by intraocular pharmacokinetics and stress test.
Results
GB10 bound VEGF and Ang-2 simultaneously with high affinity, and exhibited superior activity in vitro in inhibiting the VEGF and Ang-2 signaling pathways compared to faricimab. In vivo, GB10 demonstrated greater efficacy and durability compared to faricimab in a CNV model. GB10 also possessed a longer half-life in vitreous measured in a rabbit model. Moreover, GB10 showed excellent injectability and stability at a high-concentration of 140 mg/mL.
Conclusions
The superb efficacy and favorable developability profile make GB10 a potential best-in-class therapy for patients with neovascular eye diseases, warranting further evaluation in clinical settings.
Generative deep learning enables the discovery of phosphorylation-suppressed STAT3 inhibitors for non-small cell lung cancer therapy
Authors: Cai Weiji , Jiang Beier , Yin Yichen , Ma Lei , Li Tao , Chen Jing
Published: November 2024

The discovery of phosphorylation-suppressed inhibitors for Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3) presents a novel therapeutic strategy for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Despite the pivotal roles of STAT3 in cancer progression, effective inhibitors remain limited, especially for efficiently suppressing phosphorylation at Try705. This study harnesses generative deep learning to develop a model for de novo design of STAT3 inhibitors that selectively target the phosphorylated form and subsequentially induce cellular apoptosis. Initially, we constructed a generative model utilizing a generative deep learning with transfer learning and virtual screening, trained on existing STAT3 inhibitor datasets to explore the chemical space. We generated a diverse library of candidate compounds, which were subsequently screened through molecular docking and pharmacophore modeling, identifying several promising inhibitors. Compared with HG106, HG110 molecule can efficiently suppress phosphorylation of STAT3, and suppress the nucleus translocation of STAT3 in H441, which stimulated by IL6 pro-inflammatory factor. Rigorous molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were performed to evaluate the stability and interaction profiles of selected candidates within the STAT3 binding site. Among the top candidates, compounds HG106 and HG110 exhibited superior binding affinities compared to known STAT3 inhibitors. The MD simulations confirmed stable conformations and favorable interactions with key residues in the binding pocket, indicating potential for in vivo efficacy. This study demonstrates the power of generative deep learning in accelerating the identification of novel phosphorylation-suppressed STAT3 inhibitors, providing a promising direction for NSCLC therapy.
In silico evaluation of erythrinic alkaloids from Erythrina verna in human crystallographic model GABAA R-β3 (4COF) and GABAA R-α1-β2-γ2 (6X3X)
Authors: Nascimento Marcelo Henrique Santana , Paula Fávero Reisdorfer , Rosa Marcelo Barcellos , Ugalde Gustavo Andrade , Bairros André Valle
Published: November 2024

Erythrina verna, known as mulungu, is a medicinal plant recognized by anxiolytic effects attributed to erythrinic alkaloids. This research aims to enhance our understanding of the mechanism of these alkaloids through in silico studies and explore their potential interaction with GABAA sub-receptors. Molecular modeling and docking simulations were performed to evaluate the conformational structure and interaction energies of the molecules as well as toxicity prediction. Multivariate statistical analyses were utilized to highlight the influence binding affinity. The results indicate strong interactions of the erythrinic alkaloids with key amino acid residues from GABAA receptor while multivariate analysis revealed significant interaction patterns for erythradine and erysortrine. Mutagenic, tumorigenic, irritant, or reproductive risks were not observed in these molecules. So, erythrinic alkaloids exposure demonstrating safety and efficacy as a natural anxiolytic. It also contributes to our understanding of erythrinic alkaloids’ pharmacological effects and supports the further development of natural anxiolytics for therapeutic applications.
A unique lithospheric origin for a diamond from the Rio Sorriso area, Brazil
Authors: Angellotti Antonio , Marras Giulia , Morana Marta , Chariton Stella , Stopponi Veronica , Medeghini Laura , Romano Claudia , Correale Alessandra , Bindi Luca , Kaminsky Felix , Stagno Vincenzo
Published: November 2024

Diamonds provide unique information on the deep Earth’s mantle through the investigation of entrapped minerals and fluids from which pressure-temperature-oxygen fugacity are determined. In this study, we investigated a diamond from the Rio Sorriso area, Juina (Brazil), a site known for the high abundance of discovered sublithospheric diamonds. The studied diamond contains both colorless and greenish optically visible inclusions of Cr-diopside, high-Mg olivine, and enstatite. Thermobarometric estimates of the polished and entrapped inclusions suggest that the diamond likely formed between 4 and 5 GPa, and in the T range 1050–1150°C; in contrast, major and trace elements data from one polished clinopyroxene provide evidence of interaction between the local peridotite and a Na-rich carbonated melt, the growth medium from which the diamond crystallized. Our study, thus, demonstrates that diamonds from underneath the Amazonian craton did not originate solely at lower mantle depths but also within a metasomatized lithospheric mantle.
Integrated apparent trait and gene expression reveal enzymatic browning mechanism in fresh Pinellia ternata
Authors: Tao Jing , Sun Jiayi , Liang Honghong , Li Ruoshi , Tang Min , Wang Yaodeng , Gan Zhengkun , Tang Shunyu , Ai Li , Jiang Guihua
Published: November 2024

The medicinal plant, Pinellia ternata (Thunb.) Breit., known as Banxia, is extensively used in traditional Chinese medicine. However, it is prone to enzymatic browning during natural drying, influencing the color quality and reducing commercial value. This study systematically investigated the molecular mechanism of enzymatic browning in P. ternata by monitoring surface color, polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity, and gene expression by colorimeter, spectrophotometry, and qPCR during different browning periods. The study observed a gradual decrease in lightness (L*), yellowness (b*), and browning index (BI), alongside an increase in redness (a*) and total color difference (ΔE) during the drying process. Notably, a critical period for browning was identified between 6 to 8 hours of drying. Additionally, an upregulation in PPO activity and gene expression was noted during the browning period, with the PPO gene expression strongly and positively correlating with b* and negatively with a*, further substantiating the significant role of PPO in the degree of browning. By integrating phenotypic traits with gene expression analysis, this study unraveled the enzymatic browning mechanism in fresh P. ternata, laying the groundwork for future research aimed at mitigating enzymatic browning in medicinal plants such as P. ternata.
Feedforward Proportional Integral Resonant controller-based current ripple reduction in CL 3 C resonant DC-DC converter
Authors: Rajalakshmi M , Wahab Razia Sultana
Published: November 2024

The LLC(Inductor-Inductor-Capacitor) DC-DC resonant converter is presently employed for EV charging with high power handling capacity and compact size. The technological advancement urges the need for bidirectional power flow for V2X operation to boost the charging to the next level. The CL3C converter is the ideal choice for that with high power density with Zero voltage and current switching. Apart from that, the high-frequency operation increases the higher order current ripple, which increases the battery temperature and reduces the battery life. As per standard IEC 60086, the low-frequency current ripple should be less than 5% to recuperate the battery life. The Feedforward Proportional Integral Resonant (FF-PIR) controller gives better ripple reduction and improves the converter performance along with better battery life. The results show that the controller improves the efficiency of the converter by reducing the ripple content in the current and enhancing the output voltage for the same input voltage. The FF-PIR controller is best suited for resonant converters to enhance battery charging by increasing the efficacy of the converter. The optimal design of the converter and the tuning of the FF-PIR controller is done, and the performance of the controller with the plant is analyzed. The controller robustness is also addressed for the variation in the frequency.
A Novel Index-Organized Storage Model for Hybrid DRAM-PM Main Memory Database Systems
Authors: Zhang Qian , Gong Xueqing , Khan Hassan Ali , Wei Jianhao , Ren Yiyang
Published: November 2024

Large-scale data-intensive applications need massive real-time data processing.Recent hybrid DRAM-PM main memory database systems provide an effective approach by persisting data to persistent memory (PM) in an append-based manner for efficient storage while maintaining the primary database copy in DRAM for high throughput rates.However, they can not achieve high performance under a hybrid workload because they are unaware of the impact of pointer chasing.In this work, we investigate the impact of chasing pointers on modern main memory database systems to eliminate this bottleneck.We propose Index-Organized storage model that supports efficient reads and updates.We combine two techniques, i.e., cacheline-aligned node layout and cache prefetching, to accelerate pointer chasing, reducing memory access latency. We present four optimizations, i.e., pending versions, fine-grained memory management, Index-SSN, and cacheline-aligned writes, for supporting efficient transaction processing and fast logging.We implement our proposed storage model based on an open-sourced main memory database system.We extensively evaluate performance on a 20-core system featuring Intel Optane DC Persistent Memory Modules. Our experiments reveal that the Index-Organized approach achieves up to 3$\times$ speedup compared to traditional storage models (row-store, column-store, and row+column).
Construction and Validation of a Convenient Death Prediction Model for Pediatric Pneumonia Patients in Intensive Care Units
Authors: Wu Chuan-Fei , Cheng Xue-Li , Bian Xiao-Tian , Jiang Guo-Cheng , Liu Mei-Tong
Published: November 2024

Background: Pneumonia is one of the major diseases threatening the safety of children's lives; however, there are currently few convenient tools available to predict the death risk of children with pneumonia. We explored the risk factors for mortality in pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) patients with pneumonia and developed and validated a mortality risk prediction model.
Methods: A research cohort was established using a public database from a pediatric intensive care unit, including data from 467 cases. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify independent risk factors for mortality in pneumonia patients, and a prediction model was constructed based on these risk levels, resulting in a nomogram.
Results: 1. A total of 351 cases were included for modeling, with 69 in-hospital deaths and 282 in-hospital survivors identified as outcomes. 2. The analysis identified independent risk factors for mortality in pneumonia patients as age in months, white blood cell count, CRP, potassium ion concentration, total bilirubin and application of glucocorticoids. 3. The area under the curve (AUC) for the prediction model was 0.765 (95% CI: 0.705-0.825), with a sensitivity of 0.813 and specificity of 0.578; internal validation demonstrated that the model has good consistency.
Conclusion: A convenient model for predicting the mortality risk of children with pneumonia in PICU has been developed, showing a reasonable level of accuracy.
Revolutionizing Chinese medicine granule placebo with a machine learning four-color model
Authors: Teng Tingting , Zhang Jingze , Miao Peiqi , Liang Lipeng , Song Xinbo , Liu Dailin , Zhang Junhua
Published: November 2024

With the development of new Chinese medicines and the need for clinical double-blind experiments, the use of placebos in Chinese medicine is becoming increasingly important. However, due to the diverse colors and complex color gamut of these particles, existing simulation methods rely on manual comparison and color mixing, leading to high subjectivity and errors. This study addresses this issue by developing a prediction model to accurately simulate the colors of Chinese medicine granules. In this study, 52 commercially available herbal particles were collected. And more than 320 simulated granules were prepared using fillers and four pigments (lemon yellow, carmine, indigo and caramel colors). Their RGB colors were collected using visible light imaging. A granule color prediction model was constructed by machine learning. First, the best clustering model was obtained by optimising the k-value of the Kmeans model. Subsequently, multiple regression models, including Gradient Boosting Regression (GBR), Support Vector Regression (SVR), and Random Forest, were evaluated through network search and cross-validation methods. Among these models, the average R² of the random forest model reached 0.9249, outperforming other models. The prediction model accurately simulated the color of Chinese medicine granules, with an average color difference (ΔE) of 2.7734 and a high RGB value cosine similarity of 0.9999, alongside a 0.9366 similarity in artificial color scoring. This study introduces an innovative approach for the rapid and accurate prediction of granule colors, facilitating the development of clinically applicable placebos in traditional Chinese medicine.
Advancing Robotic Swarms with Blockchain Technology: A Dynamic Two-Factor Authentication Consensus Framework
Authors: Barrion Marck Herzon , Bandala Argel , Maningo Jose Martin , Dadios Elmer , Naguib Raouf
Published: November 2024

Swarm robotics offers significant advantages by enhancing adaptability, scalability, and reliability. These systems excel in disaster response, environmental monitoring, and search and rescue operations, ensuring functionality despite the failure of individual robots. However, real-world deployment of swarm robotics is hindered by major communication security risks and concerns, making rigorous measures vital to prevent malicious attacks from compromising system integrity and effectiveness. Blockchain technology enhances data integrity and trust. This study introduces a robust Two-Factor Blockchain Consensus (2-FBC) framework, combining off-chain peer verification with an on-chain consensus mechanism. The framework dynamically adjusts peer similarity and trust scores, enabling reliable, decentralized consensus amidst the presence of Byzantine faults. With swarm robotic security research still in its infancy, this work aims to fill a fundamental gap, providing a solution to swarm vulnerabilities. Experimental evaluations using E-puck robots in the ARGoS simulator demonstrate the framework's effectiveness. The 2-FBC approach achieved a mean absolute error of 2.52% in scalability tests, improved accuracy by 19.62% in diverse and challenging environments, and maintained a low error rate of 2.32% against Byzantine attacks. Resource efficiency was confirmed through practical CPU and RAM usage metrics, with the blockchain ledger scaling predictably based on swarm size, ensuring compatibility with the storage capacities of the robots. The results validate the framework’s efficiency, establishing a solid foundation for new deployment opportunities in potentially adversarial environments.
Woody Plant Diversity influences the Purification Efficiency of Simulated Vertical Flow Constructed Wetlands
Authors: Zhu Hong , Wang Yuyang , Shi Xiaodeng , Gu Jiacheng , Zhang Xiaomian , Fang Yaoyao , Zhang Guihua , Yue Chunlei
Published: November 2024

In this study, an experimental system was conducted with 44 microcosms simulating vertical constructed wetlands (CWs), to explore the effect of woody plant species diversity on the purification efficiencies of CWs, and provide a scientific basis for assembling plant communities in CWs. Four woody species, Ligustrum obtusifolium, Hibiscus mutabilis, Hibiscus syriacus and Nerium oleander, were selected to set up species richness levels (1, 2, 4 species) and 11species compositions. The results showed that, the removal efficiency of TN, NH4+-N, TP and TOC in the CWs improved, with woody plant species richness increasing. The microcosms with four-species mixture had significantly higher removal rates of TN, NH4+-N, TP, and TOC, compared with the microcosms with monocultures. The woody plant species compositions had also impact on the pollutant removal capability of microcosms. The mixture of L. obtusifolium × H. mutabilis × H. syriacus × N. oleander exhibited the best purification effect for TN and NH4+-N, while the monoculture of N. oleander performed best for TP and TOC removal. The presence of N. oleander had a significant positive effect on the removal of pollutants in CWs.
A French Foreign Language Lesson for Children with German as a Second Language in Virtual Reality: A Case Study
Authors: Keller Thomas , Bolliger Karin , Massie Britta
Published: November 2024

Students with German as a second language (GSL students) have to cope with a huge volume of language learning. This is increasingly evident in early foreign language lessons in English or French. As a result, GSL students are faced with the challenge of having to learn another foreign language in a foreign language.
As part of this study, a virtual learning unit (VRLU) for communicating in French for children with German as a second language (GSL) was developed using the teaching book "dis donc!" and tested with five GSL children in a sixth grade class. It was investigated how the VRLU affects motivation and to what extent it provides the GSL students with low-threshold access to communication.
The research paradigm for this study is based on "Design Science Research". It combines current language learning and behavioral theories as well as design aspects relating to virtual reality. Diagnostic methods such as direct behavioral observation, flow questionnaires and various interviews were used in four field tests.
It was shown that the VRLU developed specifically for the GSL students had a positive effect on the motivation of the students as well as on the confident and clear speaking of the foreign language French. Various scaffolds (aids) used in the VRLU proved to be effective. The most popular scaffolds among the GSL learners were the explanations in their first language (L1), the modelled repetitions and superimposed dialog boxes.
On the one hand, the data from this study shows the great potential of VRLU for the tailored foreign language acquisition of GSL students. On the other hand, the study also clearly showed that the development of VRLU is a multidisciplinary and time-consuming challenge.
Flow Prediction in Sound-Based Uroflowmetry: A Comprehensive Study
Authors: Alvarez Marcos Lazaro , Arjona Laura , Jojoa-Acosta Mario , Bahillo Alfonso
Published: November 2024

Sound-based uroflowmetry (SU) offers a non-invasive alternative to traditional uroflowmetry (UF) for evaluating lower urinary tract dysfunctions, enabling home-based testing and reducing the need for clinic visits. This study compares SU and UF in estimating urine flow rate and voided volume in 50 male volunteers (aged 18–60), with UF results from a Minze uroflowmeter as the reference standard. Audio signals recorded during voiding were segmented and machine learning algorithms (gradient boosting, random forest, and support vector machine) estimated flow parameters from three devices: Ultramic384k, Mi A1 smartphone, and Oppo smartwatch. The mean absolute errors (MAE) for flow rate estimation were 2.55, 2.49 and 2.86 ml/s, with R² values of 84%, 83%, and 79%, respectively. Analysis of the Ultramic384k’s frequency range showed that the 0–8 kHz band contained 83% of significant components, suggesting higher sampling frequencies are unnecessary. A 1000 ms segment size was optimal for balancing computational efficiency and accuracy. Lin’s concordance coefficients for urine flow and voided volume using the smartwatch (0–8 kHz, 1000 ms) were 0.9 and 0.85, respectively, demonstrating that SU is a reliable, cost-effective alternative to UF for estimating key uroflowmetry parameters, with added patient convenience.
COVID-19 and the Online Gaze: Transferring Trauma Informed Practices Online
Authors: Brown Bethany L. Van , Crocetto Johanna
Published: November 2024

As faculty and students continue to acclimate learning in a post-COVID world, a better understanding of student and faculty experiences during COVID can help inform successful online pedagogies for the future. One emergent debate is whether faculty should require students to turn on their video cameras in a synchronous class as a way of taking attendance and measuring engagement. Some say requiring cameras during class is contrary trauma-informed teaching practices. Others argue that asking students to turn their cameras on is reasonable request. Through an online survey, this exploratory study invited full-time undergraduate students to respond to closed- and open-ended questions regarding their experiences with synchronous classes and video camera use during the pandemic. Findings point to a concept we name the “Online Gaze,” which illustrates power imbalances between students and instructors that can emerge during online synchronous classes. The authors argue that the online gaze warrants the need for trauma-informed practices to be transferred to online classes.
Clinical outcomes of medial collateral ligament reconstruction using a gracilis tendon: A retrospective study
Authors: Sanada Takaki , Iwaso Hiroshi , Honda Eisaburo , Sameshima Shin , Goto Kazumi , Inagawa Miyu , Ishida Yutaro , Kuzuhara Ryota , Matsuo Koji
Published: November 2024

Purpose: Use of a gracilis tendon in medial collateral ligament (MCL) reconstruction has not been reported widely yet. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the clinical outcomes of MCL reconstruction using a gracilis tendon.
Methods: Primary superficial medial collateral ligament (sMCL) reconstruction was performed using a gracilis tendon in 10 knees in 10 athletes, involving three isolated MCL injuries, four MCL and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, and three MCL and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injuries cases. Return-to-play, clinical outcome, and re-injury incidence were investigated retrospectively.
Results: All athletes returned to their previous sports level. The mean times of return-to-sports in the cases of isolated MCL reconstruction, concomitant ACL reconstruction, and concomitant PCL reconstruction were 6.2, 9.8, and 11.7 months, respectively. According to the valgus stress test, medial joint gapping improved from 3.5 mm preoperatively to 0.2 mm at 1 year postoperatively. Graft rupture occurred in 10% (1/10) of cases.
Conclusions: MCL reconstruction using a gracilis tendon provided reliable stability and clinical outcomes. Thus, MCL reconstruction using a gracilis tendon is widely indicated for not only multiple ligament injury cases but also isolated MCL injury cases.
A Prospective Comparative Evaluation of Automatic Trial Matching Tools in a Molecular Tumor Board
Authors: GUEGUEN Lilia , OLGIATI Louise , BRUTTI-MAIRESSE Clément , SANS Alric , TEXIER Vincent LE , VERLINGUE Loic
Published: November 2024

Background
Numerous publicly available automatic trial matching tools help patients and their caregivers searching all the possible clinical trials related to certain health conditions. While this technology can enhance access to therapeutic innovations, frequent errors may expose to over-solicitation and disappointment. This study evaluates the performance of these tools.
Methods
We screened publicly available trials matching tools and performed a non-interventional prospective evaluation on sequential patients at the Centre Leon Berard’s Molecular Tumor Board. We manually reviewed the trial’s selection criteria and the patient's recruitment status to confirm the eligibility or not. We computed standard classification metrics: precision and recall, and search engine-specific metrics: Average Precision (AP@k) and Normalised Discounted Cumulative Gain (NDCG@k), for the first 3 (@3) clinical trials returned.
Results
Between April 3 and June 12, 2024, we systematically analysed 157 patients affected by various types of metastatic cancers with 4 clinical trial matching tools from the 19 screened: Klineo and ScreenAct from France, Trialing from Spain, and DigitalECMT from the United Kingdom. Each patient had 2.19 trials proposed on average, and 38% had no trials suggested. We evaluated 2164 patients-trials pairs, validating 37.9% on the selection criteria and 84.5% on patients recruitment status. The mean performances of the tools were precision = 0.33 (median = 0.20), recall = 0.32 (median = 0.25), AP@3 = 0.45 (median = 0.50), and NDCG@3 = 0.34 (median = 0.30). Klineo had significantly better performance than the 3 other tools. The most frequent error across all tools concerned the type of gene variants requested by the selection criteria. Using all the tools, we observed that 26% of patients without clinical trials at CLB could have been oriented to other sites.
Conclusion
In their current form, most publicly available automatic clinical trial matching tools in oncology may expose patients to erroneous orientations. Nevertheless, they have the potential to increase the access to clinical trials by screening multiple investigator sites.
Vibration analysis of running wheel for straddle monorail vehicles
Authors: Zengchuang Zhao , Pingbo Wu , Lihui Ren
Published: November 2024

This article is based on the tire six component force test and wheel hub fatigue test of a certain type of straddle monorail vehicle, and analyzes the reasons for the abnormal phenomenon of the vehicle's wheel hub. Firstly, the vehicle connecting rod was calibrated in the laboratory to obtain the "force strain" coefficient of the connecting rod under tension and compression conditions. The accuracy of this calibration was verified by comparing it with the experimental results; Subsequently, the dynamic displacement of the vehicle and the strain of the connecting rod were obtained by installing displacement sensors at different positions, and the six component force data of the tire was obtained; Finally, based on the IIW standard, the fatigue strength of the wheel hub under AW0 and AW3 operating conditions was evaluated, and the dynamic stress of the wheel hub during emergency braking, the dominant frequency of the dynamic stress of the wheel hub, and the influence of polygonal wear on the dynamic stress of the wheel hub were analyzed. The results show that the maximum dynamic loads of the vertical force of the running wheel, the lateral force of the guide wheel, and the lateral force of the stabilizing wheel are all within the limit load range, and there is a certain safety margin to ensure safe operation; Under the IIW standard, there are 1 point and 3 points on the wheel hub under AW0 and AW3 working conditions that do not meet the fatigue strength criterion requirements, and there are no abnormalities in the other indicators; During emergency braking, there was no abnormal change in the dynamic stress of the wheel hub, and the polygonal wear of the tire shoulder had little effect on the dynamic stress of the wheel hub. This explains the abnormal phenomenon of the vehicle's wheel hub and provides an important reference for subsequent wheel hub design.
Meta-analysis of Comprehensive Prognostic Evaluation in Patients with Atrial FibrillationComplicated by Heart Failure after Catheter Ablation
Authors: Zhang Xiaoting , Wei Meng , Xue Pengjie , Tang Baopeng
Published: November 2024

Atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure (HF) often coexist, posing increased risks of HF events, rehospitalization, mortality, and stroke. While antiarrhythmic drugs have limitations, catheter ablation (CA) has emerged as a preferred rhythm control treatment for AF, yet its clinical outcomes remain inconclusive. Previous meta-analyses have predominantly included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or cohort studies with limited sample sizes and outcome measures, which do not comprehensively and accurately reflect the clinical prognosis of patients with AF and HF following CA. However, the high prevalence of AF and HF comorbidity and the significant economic burden it imposes underscore the importance of focusing on the clinical prognosis of these patients. This meta-analysis systematically includes high-quality RCTs and cohort studies in evidence-based medicine, comprising a total of 34 studies and 777,668 patients.Meta-analysis revealed that CA significantly reduced the risk of HF events (RR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.51–0.77), cardiovascular (CV) mortality (RR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.45–0.66), CV hospitalization (RR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.71–0.93), all-cause mortality (RR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.46–0.70), all-cause rehospitalization (RR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.76–0.996),AF recurrence (RR, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.36–0.57), and stroke (RR, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.57–0.83) when compared to NCA. CA demonstrated superior benefits in improving outcomes for patients with AF and HF, including HF events, mortality, rehospitalization, AF recurrence and incidence of stroke. Additionally, CA shows similar therapeutic effects in improving cardiac structure, cardiopulmonary function, and quality of life.These findings support the efficacy of CA in managing AF and HF.
Intravesical Delivery Enhances Anti-Tumor Efficacy by Activating CD8+ T Cells with High CD69 and Low PD-1 Expression in Bladder Cancer.
Authors: Chen Rui , Ding Shuangfeng , Fu Xiaocong , Liu Gang
Published: November 2024

Bladder cancer is recognized as one of the most prevalent malignant tumors within the urinary system. The conventional treatment approach for bladder cancer typically involves a combination of surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. However, the efficacy of current treatment modalities remains suboptimal, prompting ongoing efforts to develop novel and more effective therapeutic strategies to better address the clinical demands of bladder cancer management.
In this study, we utilized the orthotopic mouse model to assess the effectiveness of intravesical conventional chemotherapy alone and in combination with immunotherapy for treating bladder cancer. The anti-tumor effect was analyzed by determining bioluminescence imaging (BLI), while histopathological analysis was conducted to evaluate the tumor proliferation and invasion capabilities upon treatment. Additionally, alterations in the immune microenvironment within different treatment methods were studied through flow cytometry for various T-cell markers.
BLI and tumor weights analysis revealed that the intravesical route of doxorubicin administration produced better treatment efficacy than the conventional chemotherapy through the intraperitoneal route and combination of doxorubicin and anti-PD-L1 i.p administration. Histopathological analysis and proliferation markers (Ki-67 staining) revealed significant differences across the intravesical, conventional chemotherapy, and immune combination therapy groups. Importantly, intravesical treatment was more effective in reducing tumor cell proliferation compared to the other groups. FACS analysis revealed the route of administration significantly impacted the immune response in the tumor microenvironment. Our results demonstrate that both intravesical and conventional doxorubicin chemotherapy led to a significant decrease in CD8+ T cell expression (p < 0.01), while intravesical treatment exhibited a more pronounced activation of CD8+ T cells, as evidenced by increased CD69 expression. Treg cells also showed moderate reductions in the conventional chemotherapy and immune combination therapy groups. Notably, the intravesical approach activated CD8+ T cells more effectively and reduced the expression of the exhaustion marker PD-1 compared to immune combination therapy. Overall, these findings highlight the potential of intravesical doxorubicin delivery to activate CD8+ T cells and reduce immune exhaustion, enhancing its anti-tumor efficacy. These results suggest that intravesical administration may be a viable treatment option for bladder cancer in clinical settings.
Knowledge, Attitude and Practice towards Induced Abortion among Women of Kazakhstan: cross-sectional study
Authors: Blushinova Ayaulym , Orazalina Ainash , Shalgumbayeva Gulnar
Published: November 2024

Background. Unsafe abortion accounts for a significant proportion of maternal deaths. Different studies show that the knowledge, attitude and practice in relation to induced abortion are limited among women. Therefore, determining the level of knowledge attitude and practice among women towards induced abortion is important
Objective to assess knowledge, attitude and practice towards to induced abortion among women of Kazakhstan.
Methods The cross-sectional study was employed among 240 women from different region of Kazakhstan from Mart to August, 2023. We used a convenience sampling for this study. The questionnaire was developed independently in accordance with international findings and experience and underwent a validation process. SPSS version 20.0 was used for data analysis. Quantitative and qualitative variables are presented as frequency/percentage. A logistic regression model was fitted to identify factors associated with history of abortion. Statistical significance was defined at a p-value < 0.05 and a corresponding 95% confidence interval.
Result In this study, the majority of the survey participants (74.6%) are familiar with abortion methods. two-thirds (61.7%) of women had medium level of knowledge. Only 66 (27.5%) of respondent had positive attitude towards induced abortion. General practice to abortion of half study population was revealed as medium (49.3%). 67 (27.9%) participants had history of abortion. Living in Southern Kazakhstan [AOR=0.786: 95%CI (0.276, 2.242)], in Eastern Kazakhstan [AOR=0.635: 95%CI (0.216, 1.870)], and in the Central and Northern regions [AOR=0.287: 95%CI (0.106-0.779)], a history of 3-4 pregnancies [AOR=10.16: 95%CI (1.879, 54.89), five or more pregnancies [AOR=9.911: 95%CI (1.557, 63.07)], and one to two pregnancies [AOR=1.414: 95%CI (0.289, 6.905)] were associated with history of abortion.
Conclusions. Participants’ knowledge had medium level and majority of the subjects had negative attitudes regarding induced abortion. Half of study participants had medium level towards the practice for induced abortion. Factors associated with history of induced abortion were region of living, quantity of pregnancy
Genetic Parameters Estimation and Identification of Promising Rice Genotypes Grown in Normal Irrigation Condition Using MGIDI Index
Authors: Roka Punam , Adhikari Bhim Nath , Shrestha Suraj , Roka Dikshya , Adhikari Avilasha , Dawadi Dharma Raj
Published: November 2024

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) was first domesticated in China around 9,000 years ago, is a key global food source providing approximately 130 kilocalories per 100-gram serving, and the global rice market is projected to reach a record production of 527.6 million tons in 2024/25. The Multi-Trait Genotype-Ideotype Distance Index (MGIDI) is an effective tool for selecting desirable genotypes in breeding programs, aimed at enhancing genetic diversity and crop performance by integrating multiple traits into a single score using weighted Euclidean distance and Principal Component Analysis (PCA). This study evaluated 24 rice genotypes, including twenty-two pipeline varieties from the National Rice Research Program and two control varieties, using the MGIDI and Best Linear Unbiased Prediction (FAI-BLUP) methods. Significant genotype effects (p < 0.005) were observed for days to flowering (DTF) and days to maturity (DTM), indicating strong genetic control. In contrast, moderate effects were noted for leaf number (LN) and grain yield (YD). Broad-sense heritability estimates ranged from 0.2 for tiller number (TN) to 1 for DTF, with DTM also exhibiting high Heritability (> 0.8). Three principal components were retained, explaining 79.5% of the total trait variation, with factor Analysis grouping traits into three factors: FA1 (DTF, DTM, YD), FA2 (TN, LN), and FA3 (PLL, PASQM). Selection gains for MGIDI were 11.99% for traits targeted for enhancement and − 4.78% for traits requiring reduction, while FAI-BLUP showed gains of 3.30% for leaf number (LN) and 1.96% for tiller number (TN). Selected genotypes included IR13N152, NR2191-21-1-1-1-1, and NR2224-7-1-1-2-2. The analysis highlighted NR 2191-2-1-1-1-1-1 as performing well across traits, while SVIN 372 exhibited overall weaknesses. MGIDI and FAI-BLUP effectively identified superior genotypes, contributing to balanced trait selection and enhanced breeding efficiency.