bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Climate change contribution to the 2023 autumn temperature records in Austria
Authors: Laimighofer Johannes , Formayer Herbert
Published: December 2023

Global monthly mean temperature continuously breaks records in the year 2023 since June till October. This also happened widespread at September and October in Austria, but monthly temperature records on a local scale in the mid latitudes like Austria show less persistence than global or continental averages. This makes the autumn temperature extremes in Austria even more striking. Considering the compound occurrence of such an event at actual climate, results in a return period of 324 years, which makes it extraordinary itself. Considering climate change, the compound event of two consecutive extreme warm months of 2023 yield return periods of about 10 000 years until the second half of the 20th century, which partly exceeds the length of the Holocene. Focusing on moderate compound extremes of the last 10 years (2014 - 2023), these reach return periods of 100 years up to 1960, but are now likely to happen every 15 years. Compound extremes in summer (July and August) present a higher decrease of the return period in Vienna, possible leading to even more severe impacts on ecosystems and society.
Assessment of the oxidative stress intensity and the integrity of cell membranes under the manganese nanoparticles toxicity in wheat seedlings.
Authors: Sieprawska Apolonia , Rudolphi-Szydło Elżbieta , Skórka Magdalena , Telk Anna , Filek Maria
Published: December 2023

A response to manganese nanoparticles was studied in seedlings of two wheat cultivars and a model system of plant cell membranes. Nanoparticles at concentrations of 125 and 250 mg/ml were applied foliarly. The appliction of NPs enhanced the content of Mn in plant cells, indicating its penetration through the leaf surface. The stressful effect in the plant cells was estimated based on changes in the activity of antioxidant enzymes, content of chlorophylls and starch. MnNPs evoked no significant changes in the leaf morphology, however, an increase in enzyme activity, starch accumulation, and a decrease in chlorophyll synthesis indicated the stress occurrence. Moreover, a rise in the electrokinetic potential of the chloroplast membrane surface and the reconstruction of their hydrophobic parts toward an increase in fatty acid saturation was found.
Construction of DNA Fingerprinting with SSR Markers for Xinjiang Cotton Varieties
Authors: GUO Chunping , LIU Jinshan , LIN Zhongxu , WU Yuanlong , PAN Zhenyuan , LEI Jiejie , HOU Xinhe , ZHAO Suqin , YOU Chunyuan , Nie Xinhui
Published: December 2023

Background
Xinjiang is the largest cotton production base and cotton production reserve in China. However, due to repeated use of several breeding backbones parents, the genetic variation of Xinjiang cotton varieties decreased, and it was difficult to identify cotton varieties only based on field morphological characteristics. Therefore, rapid and accurate cotton variety identification and purity detection are of great significance to the protection of new varieties and identification of true and false seeds for the healthy development of cotton seed market in Xinjiang.
Results
In this study, the DNA fingerprints of 240 Xinjiang conventional cotton varieties approved in Xinjiang before 2018 were constructed using SSR (Simple sequence repeats) markers based on capillary electrophoresis. 73 pairs of core primers, which are highly polymorphic, stable and located on 26 cotton chromosomes (select two to three pairs on each chromosome), were screened out from 5152 pairs of SSR primers, and were used to construct the DNA fingerprints in 240 Xinjiang cotton materials. By using the 73 pairs core primers, 381 polymorphic sites were detected. The primer polymorphism information (PIC) ranged from 0.0916 to 0.8039, with an average value of 0.4956. Combined with the characteristic primers and primers of cotton varieties (52, 51, 47 and 47 pairs in Xinluzao, Xinluzhong, Xinhaimian and Xincaimian, respectively), the least primers to construct detailed molecular fingerprints of cotton varieties were selected.
Conclusion
The accurate molecular fingerprint database of 240 cotton varieties approved in Xinjiang up to 2018 was constructed in this study. Which provides an efficient and fast theoretical and technical system for the identification of the purity and authenticity of cotton varieties in Xinjiang, protects the rights and interests of breeders, and is of great significance for promoting the supervision of seed quality in the cotton seed market in Xinjiang.
Molecular Mechanism of colorectal cancer occurrence and Development based on the mechanism of butyrate metabolism related genes
Authors: Yu Miao , Chen Qian , Lu Yiping
Published: December 2023

Background Unlike normal colon cells with butyrate acid as the main energy source, cancerous colon cells are more inclined to use glucose. However, the mechanisms ofthe investigation into the modulatory role of butyrate metabolism within the pathophysiology of colorectal cancer (CRC) remains insufficiently explored. Methods In this study, an integrative analysis was conducted four datasets (TCGA-COAD, TCGA-READ, GSE41258, and GSE39582) and a gene set pertinent to butyrate metabolism genes (BMGs). Then, differentially expressed-BMGs (DE-BMGs) were selected by overlapping BMGs, TCGA-DEGs between the CRC and normal groups and GEO-DEGs between the CRC and normal groups, and DE-BMGs were analyzed for enrichment. Then hub genes were screened via protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis. Biomarker selection was refined through the application of the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) coupled with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analytics. Subgroup survival analysis was stratified based on distinctive clinical phenotypes. This was followed by the construction of a regulatory network modeled on competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs). Conclusively, a rigorous validation process was undertaken to corroborate the expression patterns of the postulated biomarkers. Results 63 DE-BMGs was obtained. The enrichment analysis posited a pronounced correlation between DE-BMGs and both the signaling receptor activators activity and the pathways governed by peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR). Subsequently, a total of 6 biomarkers (CCND1,CXCL8,MMP3,MYC,TIMP1, andVEGFA) were acquired by PPI analysis, LASSO regression and ROC curve validation. The survival analysis elucidated notable variances in survival metrics among distinct clinical cohorts. Ingenious pathway analysis (IPA) illuminated that the pathways associated with the identified biomarkers, particularly those implicated in the tumor microenvironment, were perturbed. A comprehensive ceRNA regulatory interaction network was then constructed. Lastly, a computational prediction model was developed for 156 pharmacological agents targeting five key biomarkers:CCND1,CXCL8,MMP3,MYC, andVEGFA. Validation experiments substantiated the upregulation ofCCND1,CXCL8,MYC, andVEGFAin CRC cell lines, an observation that is congruent with existing public database records. Conclusion Six butyrate metabolism-related biomarkers (CCND1,CXCL8,MMP3,MYC,TIMP1, andVEGFA) were screened out to provide a basis for exploring the prediction of diagnosis of CRC.
Multi-objective optimization of external rotor permanent magnet motor based on enhanced whale algorithm
Authors: Lv Pin , Ma Haotian , Su Xunwen , Xu Donghui , Liu Ziyang , Liu Lulu
Published: December 2023

In order to improve the output torque, suppress the torque ripple, and reduce the usage of permanent magnets when applying the external rotor permanent magnet synchronous motor (ERPMSM) as a belt conveyor drive motor, this paper proposed a multi-objective optimization method for ERPMSMs based on the enhanced multi-objective whale algorithm (E-MOWOA), parameter stratification and response surface methodology (RSM). Firstly, a finite element simulation model of the motor was established, and parameter stratification was carried out through Spearman correlation analysis to screen out the layer 1 and layer 2optimization parameters. Secondly, various improvement strategies were introduced for the traditional whale algorithm, and an E-MOWOA improvement strategy was proposed. The effectiveness of the algorithm improvement was verified through algorithm performance testing. Then the multi-objective optimization of parameters were carried out. For the layer 1 optimization parameters, the response surface method was adopted to establish a response surface model, provide regression equations, and use E-MOWOA for iterative optimization. For the layer 2 optimization parameters, parameterized scanning was used for optimization. Finally, a comparative analysis of the optimization effect was conducted through finite element simulation experiments and prototype experiments. The experimental results showed that after optimization, the average output torque of the motor was increased by 4.19%, the cogging torque was reduced by 22.92%, the torque ripple was reduced by 31.34%, the amplitude of the no-load back electromotive force fundamental wave was increased by 13.39%, and the cost of the permanent magnet was reduced by 7.83%, which verified the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed method.
Integrating Petrophysical Characterization and Reservoir Evaluation of the Kafr ELSheikh Formation in Sapphire Field, Nile Delta, Egypt.
Authors: Nagar Ahmed Ahmed El , Abbas Ali Elsayed , Shehab Samir , Sobih Naiem Souilam
Published: December 2023

This study aims to comprehensively examine the petrophysical parameters of the Kafr Elsheikh formation, utilizing iso-parametric maps to analyze key reservoir characteristics, including effective porosity, shale content, net-pay thickness, permeability, hydrocarbon saturation, and water saturation across lateral sections. The primary focus is on four wells—Sapphire 1, Sapphire-Da, Sapphire-Deep 1, and Sapphire-Dh—subjected to a meticulous suite of well logs such as gamma ray, caliper, density, neutron, and resistivity, recorded in Las files. The objective is to evaluate the reservoir potential and developmental trajectory of the Sapphire Field. Findings from the well logging data underscore the exceptional reservoir potential of the Kafr Elsheikh formation, exhibiting effective porosity ranging from 14–34%, water saturation fluctuating between 15% and 45%, gas saturation spanning from 55–85%, and net pay thickness extending from 0.46 m to around 23.8 m. Lithological identification techniques confirm a composite composition of sandstone and shale within the formation. The developmental trajectory of the Sapphire Field indicates discernible increases in effective porosity and hydrocarbon saturation towards the central and northwest-southeast directions, respectively. Notably, Sapphire Da emerges as the most promising well, showcasing an 85% saturation, a 29% effective porosity, and a substantial net pay thickness of 14.04 m. This study highlights the considerable hydrocarbon reserves in the Kafr Elsheikh formation and advocates for additional exploratory and development wells to optimize productivity. The insights derived from iso-parametric maps serve as a valuable resource for future exploration and development endeavors within the Sapphire Field.
Association between Frailty and Senescence from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES): A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: li lin , Xie Rui-Jie , Tian Xiao-Jing , Meng Mi , Ma Hu
Published: December 2023

Background Aging is an inevitable phenomenon of biological processes, and frailty, one of its key symptoms, usually reflects a decline in the body's functional and adaptive capacity. In this study, we aimed to investigate the association between frailty index (FI) and phenotypic age using quantitative measures. Herein, a cross-sectional study in a U.S. population reinforces current clinical knowledge that frailty promotes accelerated aging in phenotypic age. Methods In this cross-sectional study, data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were utilized, encompassing 11,918 participants aged 20 years and older. The analyses employed multiple logistic regression and restricted cubic splines (RCS). Additionally, subgroup analyses stratified by covariates were performed. Results This study included 11,918 adult participants with complete data. After adjusting for all confounding factors, a significant positive correlation was observed between FI and phenotypic age [2.04 (1.89, 2.18)], indicating that for every 0.1 increase in FI score, the phenotypic age increased by 2.04 years. Further subgroup analysis demonstrated that this association was significant only in some subgroups. Conclusion We observed a correlation between FI and the accelerated aging represented by phenotypic age. Our findings warrant further confirmation in future, more extensive prospective studies.
Evaluation of the High-Energy-Flood of mid-July 2021 as a Morphologic Driver in the Ahr Valley
Authors: Wolf Stefanie , Stark Nina , Holste Ina , Lehmkuhl Frank , Römer Wolfgang , Burghardt Lisa , Schüttrumpf Holger
Published: December 2023

Background:
This study explores morphologic changes in the Ahr River, Germany, caused by the high-energy flood in mid-July 2021. Infrastructure systems influence river morphology, but causal relationships are challenging to establish. The study aims to assess the flood's significance as a morphological driver using the Lateral Mobility Index (LMI), as well as the impact of infrastructure on morphodynamics in terms of formation of mud deposits and stagnant water pools, considering three focus areas of about 1 to 5 km river length.
Results:
The LMI is derived from orthophotos. For the 2021 high-energy event, an increased LMI suggests an increasing change in river course and morphology. Post-flood, the LMI in focus areas 1 (furthest upstream, LMI of 1.5) and 3 (at the Rhine confluence, LMI of 3.2) surpasses the historic LMI by a factor of about 3. Focus area 3 exhibits the highest activity and focus area 2 (LMI between 0.25 and 0.70) the lowest. The area of mud deposits and stagnant water pools increased immediately after the flood, especially in focus area 3. Over the following months, initial post-flood mud deposits washed away but also rebuilt to some degree later on.
Conclusions:
The LMI enabled to quantitatively identify a rare and significant morphological disruption in the Ahr River’s lateral development in three focus areas, and thus, serves as additional proof that the flood of mid-July 2021 was a high-energy event impacting local river geomorphology. Infrastructure impacted the formation of mud deposits and stagnant water zones during and after the flood, with additional influence from factors such as driftwood and valley width. The data suggested a phase of resuspension of sediments after the flood, likely due to cleanup and ad-hoc river management, highlighting the need for continued river monitoring.
Prognostic value of a mandibular canal staging system for primary lesions in patients with lower gingival squamous cell carcinoma: a multicenter, retrospective study
Authors: Yamakawa Nobuhiro , Okura Masaya , Hasegawa Takumi , Otsuru Mitsunobu , Sakai Hironori , Hirai Eiji , Rin Shin , Yamada Shin-ichi , Yanamoto Souichi , Yokota Yusuke , Umeda Masahiro , Kurita Hiroshi , Ueda Michihiro , Akashi Masaya , Kirita Tadaaki
Published: December 2023

Background
The Union for International Cancer Control and American Joint Committee on Cancer tumor staging system is used globally for treatment planning. As it may be insufficient for tumor staging of lower gingival carcinomas, we proposed the mandibular canal tumor staging system. In this study, we aimed to compare the two systems for such tumor staging and to identify prognostic markers.
Methods
This multicenter, retrospective study included patients with lower gingival squamous cell carcinoma who underwent radical surgery during 2001–2018. We compared survival rates (Kaplan–Meier estimator) and patient stratification according to the two systems.
Results
The proposed system yielded more balanced patient stratification than the existing system. Progression in the tumor grade according to the proposed system was associated with a poorer prognosis. The 5-year overall and disease-specific survival rates for the entire cohort were 74.9% and 81.8%, respectively. Independent factors affecting overall survival were tumor stage according to the proposed system, excision margins, and number of positive nodes, whereas those affecting disease-specific survival were excision margins and number of positive nodes.
Conclusions
Subsite-specific tumor classification should be used for patients with oral cancer, and our results suggest that mandibular canal tumor classification may be effective for patients with lower gingival carcinoma.
Prediction of the axial compression capacity of stub CFST columns using machine learning techniques
Authors: megahed khaled , Mahmoud Nabil , Abd-Rabou Saad
Published: December 2023

Concrete-filled steel tubular (CFST) columns have extensive applications in structural engineering due to their exceptional load-bearing capability and ductility. However, existing design code standards often yield different design capacities for the same column properties, introducing uncertainty for engineering designers. Moreover, conventional regression analysis fails to accurately predict the intricate relationship between column properties and compressive strength. To address these issues, this study proposes the use of two machine learning (ML) models – Gaussian process regression (GPR) and symbolic regression (SR). These models accept a variety of input variables, encompassing geometric and material properties of stub CFST columns, to estimate their strength. An experimental database of 1041 datasets was compiled from various research papers, including circular, rectangular, and double-skin stub CFST columns. In addition, a dimensionless output variable, referred to as the strength index, is introduced to enhance model performance. Through performance metrics, the GPR model emerges as the most accurate and reliable from the evaluation results. In addition, simple and practical design equations for the different types of CFST columns have been proposed based on the SR model. To validate the efficiency of the introduced models, predictions from these models are compared with those from two established standard codes and various ML studies. The developed ML models and proposed equations can predict the compressive strength of stub CFST columns with reliable and accurate results, making them valuable tools for structural engineering. Furthermore, the Shapley additive interpretation (SHAP) technique is employed for feature analysis. The results of the feature analysis reveal that column slenderness ratio and concrete strength parameters negatively impact the compressive strength index.
The high-efficiency integration medical humanities and practice: the teaching reform in abdominocentesis
Authors: Jiang Jie , Zeng Jiahui , Gu Jingtao , Wang Zheng , Han Liang
Published: December 2023

Background
This study evaluates a teaching reform of the high-efficiency integration of medical humanities and medical practice through an abdominocentesis operation.
Methods
The study population included 80 students, randomly divided into two groups. The operation of control group followed the syllabus and operational guidance; and the operation of intervention group followed the information of additional humanities and potential discomfort based on the same guidance. They were asked to select the fixation position of drainage on the skin of abdomen for the patients experienced an abdominocentesis operation.
Results
The basic and specialty medical courses showed no statistically significant differences in control and intervention group (p>0.05). A total of 80 students, 18/40 (45%) students in control group and 6/40 (15%) students in intervention group selected the fixed positions in area A. 22/40 (55%) students in control group and 34/40 (85%) students in intervention group selected in area B. The data revealed significant differences between two groups (p<0.05). Next, all the students informed detailed discomfort caused by the drainage tube, including skin pulling pain or friction pain. Interestingly, no one chose area A, and 34/40 (85%) students in control group and 35/40 (87.5%) students in intervention group selected the fixed positions in area B1. 6/40 (15%) students in control group and 5/40 (12.5%) students in intervention group selected in area B2. The data showed no differences between two groups (p>0.05).
Conclusion
Our teaching attempt realized the high-efficiency integration of medical humanities and medical practice in abdominocentesis.
Bidirectional Rapid Reductor in Minimally Invasive Treatment of Proximal Humeral Fractures: A Case Series
Authors: Wu Penghuan , Yang Na , Yang Sifan , Wang Yu , Zheng Zhanle , Zhang Yingze
Published: December 2023

Purpose
The minimally invasive treatment of proximal humeral fractures (PHFs) represents one of the most challenging problems in orthopedic surgery. This study aims to describe a percutaneous surgery approach involving an originally designed traction device to enhance the closed reduction for PHFs. Furthermore, the clinical outcomes of this minimally invasive technique are assessed.
Methods
This prospective study was conducted between October 2019 and September 2020 at the Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, involving patients diagnosed with proximal humeral fracture. The primary outcomes assessed at the one-year follow-up included: (1) the neck-shaft angle and (2) the Constant-Murley scores.
Results
A total of 12 patients were included in this study, comprising 3 males and 9 females, with an average age of 67.58 ± 10.76 years. All patients had their fractures healed without secondary displacement at the one-year follow-up. There were no instrument-related complications during operation. Postoperatively, superficial infection was found in one patient and donor-site morbidity was found in another patient. Upon final evaluation, the observed neck-shaft angle was with an average of 136.66 ± 7.83° (range from 124.8 to 149.8); all patients’ neck-shaft angle were normal. The Constant-Murley score was categorized as excellent in 7 patients (58.3%) and good in 5 patients (41.7%).
Conclusion
The bidirectional rapid reductor device shows promising effects in enhancing the efficacy of minimally invasive treatment of PHFs.
The 90% minimum effective volume of 0.5 ropivacaine for Ultrasound-guided femoral nerve block: A biased coin up-and-down design.
Authors: Xuan Qinghang , Pan Ruoying , Xu Shaqi , Zhang Ting , Zhang Mengqi , Yin Guangfen , Peng Jing
Published: December 2023

Background:The ultrasound-guided femoral nerve block is commonly employed in lower limb surgeries; however, there is presently a paucity of precise research regarding the optimal dosage of local anesthetic agents. This study aims to determine the 90% minimum effective volume (MEV90) for ultrasound-guided femoral nerve block.
Methods: All patients received an ultrasound-guided femoral nerve block with 0.5% ropivacaine at an initial volume of 0.12 mL/mm2 of cross-sectional nerve area. In cases of a successful block, the next patient received the same volume with a probability of 0.89, and the volume was decreased by 0.04 mL/mm2 of cross-sectional nerve area with a probability of 0.11. In the event of block failure, the volume was increased by 0.02 mL/mm2 cross-sectional nerve area. Following 45 successful block cases, the MEV90 of local anesthetic was determined using the centered isotonic regression method.
Results: Centred isotonic regression analysis revealed that the MEV90 for the femoral nerve block is 0.182 mL/mm2, with a 95% confidence interval ranging from 0.160 to 0.278 mL/mm2.
Conclusions:The application of 0.182 mL/mm2 of 0.5% ropivacaine allows for precise dosing, resulting in a femoral nerve block effect and concurrently reducing the potential for local anesthetic poisoning.
Trial registration：We registered the study prospectively at chinese Clinical Trial Registry(https://www.chictr.org.cn)(Ref. No. ChiCTR2300077426，Date of Registration:2023-11-08 )
Agricultural drought-driven mechanism of coupled climate and human activities in the karst basin of southern China
Authors: Pan Shan , He Zhonghua , Gu Xiaolin , Xu Mingjin , Chen Lihui , Yang Shuping , Tan Hongmei
Published: December 2023

The timely and accurate agricultural drought monitoring and an analysis of drought-driven mechanisms in karst basins in the context of global warming are of great significance for drought disaster monitoring and sustainable ecological development in a basin. In this paper, based on MODIS data, meteorological and topographic data and land use data from 2001 to 2020, we used the Sen slope, the Mann-Kendall test and geographic detector to explore the agricultural drought driving mechanism of climate change and human activities in the karst basin of southern China from 2001 to 2020. The results showed that 1) the annual and seasonal scale rainfall and temperature in the karst basin in southern China had an increasing trend; the spatial distribution of rainfall mainly showed a gradual increase from west to east, and the temperature gradually increased from east to west. 2) The intensity of agricultural drought in southern China showed a decreasing trend in the year, spring, summer, and autumn and an increasing trend in the winter; moreover, the spatial variation in drought increased significantly in the year and the western part in the four seasons and decreased significantly in the year, the southern part in autumn, and the central part in spring and winter. 3) The drought intensity of agricultural drought in the southern Chinese karst climate change and human activities in the watershed had a significant impact on agricultural drought, with climate change driving drought the most, followed by watershed characteristics, and human activities driving drought to a lesser extent; multifactor coupling drove drought follows: rainfall (q = 0.424) > temperature (q = 0.340) > elevation (q = 0.219) > land utilization (q = 0.188 ) > population density (q = 0.061) > slope (q = 0.057). Therefore, revealing the mechanism of agricultural drought in the karst basin through the study of this paper has important theoretical significance and technical guidance for drought relief in the karst area.
A transcriptomic pan-cancer signature for potential implications in prognosis and treatment based on disulfidptosis-related gene
Authors: Xu Xiao , Xie Jun , Lu Shenyi , Cai Songqi , Song Zhenyu
Published: December 2023

Background
Disulfidptosis is a new type of regulated cell death that involves cytoskeletal collapse, induced by excessive disulfide bond formation. However, understanding of the biological characteristics and clinical significance of disulfidptosis in pan-cancers remains limited.
Methods
We obtained transcriptome data from TCGA via UCSC Xena. Based on the expression of disulfidptosis-related genes (DRG), we constructed a consensus DRG-related signature (DRGS) using the LASSO Cox regression model. A nomogram incorporating the DRG score was developed as a quantitative tool for predicting prognosis. We utilized the z-score algorithm to integrate gene expression characteristics and activity of specific pathways. Comprehensive analyses were performed to investigate tumor microenvironment and mutation profiles. We evaluated the responses of subgroups to immunotherapy and conducted drug screening. Finally, we utilized immunofluorescence (IF) to evaluate the expression of hub genes in patients with ovarian cancer (OV).
Results
The DRGS was considered a prognostic factor for various types of cancer, with higher scores indicating more unfavorable outcomes. DRGS can also serve as a predictive indicator for various malignant biological processes. The independent prognostic significance for survival was confirmed using multivariate analysis. The group characterized by high expression levels of inverted formin 2 (INF2) demonstrated an attenuated response to palbociclib treatment and an immunosuppressive phenotype. In OV, INF2 was associated with poor clinical outcomes.
Conclusion
Our study demonstrated a prognostic DRGS, which holds great promise as a robust tool for uncovering clinical characteristics, predicting survival outcomes, and reflecting the response to targeted therapy across various cancer types.
A machine learning approach for predicting the best solution heuristic for a large scaled Capacitated Lotsizing Problem
Authors: Kärcher Jens , Meyr Herbert
Published: December 2023

For some NP-hard lotsizing problems, many different solution heuristics exist, but they have different solution qualities and computation times depending on the characteristics of the problem instance. The computation times of the individual solution heuristics increase significantly with the problem size, so that testing all available solution heuristics for large problem instances requires extensive time. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a method that allows a prediction of the best solution heuristic for the respective problem instance without testing all available solution heuristics. The Capacitated Lotsizing Problem (CLSP) is chosen as the problem to be solved, since it is well researched and several different solution heuristics exist for it. The CLSP addresses the problem of determining lotsizes on a production line given limited capacity, product-dependent setup costs, and deterministic, dynamic demand for multiple products. The objective is to minimize setup and inventory holding costs. Five different forecasting methods are presented. One of them is a two-layer neural network called CLSP-Net. It is trained on small problem instances, which can be solved very fast with the considered solution heuristics. Nevertheless, CLSP-Net is able to predict the best solution heuristic even for large problem instances.
Maternal employment patterns after childbirth and child mental health with 4 to 6 years of age
Authors: Kurz Deborah , Peter Raphael S. , Braig Stefanie , Genuneit Jon , Rothenbacher Dietrich
Published: December 2023

Background: The evidence on maternal employment after childbirth and subsequent child mental health is controversial, and maternal employment is often assessed at only one point in time.
Methods: In this prospective birth cohort study analyzing 536 families, we estimated trajectory classes of maternal employment 0-36 months postpartum. We used multivariable linear regression models to examine possible associations between (1) trajectory classes and (2) maternal employment status at 12 months postpartum with child mental health at 4, 5, and 6 years of age.
Results: We identified five different trajectory classes and found substantial adverse associations with later mental health only among boys. For boys, trajectory classes 2 and 3 (characterized by relatively high maternal working hours/week) were associated with worse mental health at ages 5 and 6 compared to class 1 (relatively low or no working hours/week). For girls, in contrast, class 5 (increasing and subsequently decreasing working hours/week) was associated with better mental health compared to class 1. In addition, a positive association between part-time employment at 12 months postpartum and later mental health among boys was found.
Conclusion: Maternal employment may be associated with children's mental health between the ages of 4 and 6, although an appropriate definition of exposure is needed as the time of assessment is important. Whether there are gender differences in the associations of maternal employment with child mental health, or whether this is an issue susceptible to parental perception requires further investigation.
A Real-time Framework for HD Video Defogging using modified Dark Channel Prior
Authors: Wu Xinchun , Chen Xiangyu , Wang Xiao , Zhang Xiaojun , Yuan Shuxuan , Sun Biao , Huang Xiaobing
Published: December 2023

Foggy weather reduces the quality of video capture and seriously affects the normal work of video surveillance, remote sensing monitoring, and intelligent driving. Many methods have been proposed to remove video haze. However, under the premise of ensuring real-time performance, their defogging effect needs to be further improved. This paper improves the dark channel prior (DCP) dehazing algorithm, and designs a defogging framework that takes into account good dehazing effect and real-time processing. First, an adaptive threshold segmentation algorithm is proposed, which can well solve the serious color cast problem in brighter areas in DCP. Second, an algorithm for preserving image details using gradients is proposed, which achieves agood balance between detail preservation and computational efficiency. Then, each frame of video is evenly divided into a plurality of sub-areas, and the sub-ares are sequentially processed in a pipeline manner, which improves calculation efficiency. Finally, a high-definition real-time video defogging framework with a resolution of 1920×1080 and 60 frames/s is realized on the ZYNQ7035.
Exploring the Impact of Virtual Reality on Developing EFL Learners’ Speaking Skills in Situated Learning
Authors: Yan Weijian , Lowell Victoria , Yang Li
Published: December 2023

The utilization of Virtual Reality (VR) has proven effective in enhancing the speaking skills of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners by providing an authentic learning environment conducive to situated learning. This exploratory mixed-method study explored the impact of VR-enhanced instruction on EFL learners' speaking skills and their perception of the learning experience within the context of situated learning. 16 first-year undergraduate students majoring in English at a Chinese public university participated in role-playing speaking exercises through the desktop-based VR application, Immerse. The research employed various instruments, including a pretest and a posttest covering comprehension, pronunciation, fluency, grammar, and vocabulary. Additionally, participants filled out a presurvey detailing demographic information and a post-survey assessing their overall perception of the learning experience in VR. Semi-structured interviews were also conducted. Quantitative analysis of the test results revealed a significant improvement in learners' speaking performance (t (15) = 7.69, p < 0.01, Cohen's d = 1.79), with notable enhancements in vocabulary, fluency, and grammar. A thematic analysis of the interview and open-ended responses in the post-survey supported the quantitative findings, emphasizing that authentic contexts in the VR environment can help EFL learners enhance knowledge comprehension and retention, engagement and motivation, and knowledge transfer to real life, which can facilitate situated learning.
Electroacupuncture attenuates degeneration by upregulating of aquaporins via the cAMP/PKA pathway in a rabbit model of disc degeneration
Authors: Wang Min , Huang Jia-Bao , Zou jing , Huang Guofu
Published: December 2023

Background
Intervertebral disc degeneration(IVDD) is characterized extracellular matrix (ECM) decrease and water loss which is one of the main causes of LBP. Electroacupuncture (EA) has long been used to release low back pain with IVDD. To investigate whether EA can upregulate aquaporins(APQs) in IVDD via the cAMP/PKA pathway in a rabbit model of disc degeneration.
methods
A homemade loading device was adapted to induce a disc degeneration model. After 28 days, EA treatment was performed. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), diffusion weighted imaging (DWI), and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) were performed to evaluate the AQP content and water diffusion.The AQP protein expression in discs was observed by Western blotting and immunofluorescence staining (IFC). Using linear correlation analysis, the relationship between radiology images and AQPs contains was measured. The levels of cAMP and PKA were examined by using ELISA, and the expressions of AQPs and the cAMP/PKA signaling pathway and its related molecules were examined by using quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blot analysis.
Results
EA intervention decreased the MRI grades, fractional anisotropy (FA) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values. IFC showed an apparent increase in AQP 1 and 3 immunoreactions after EA intervention. MRI grades negatively correlated with the AQP1, 3 protein content, but a positive correlation was found between FA and ADC value and AQP protein expression. The levels of cAMP and PKA were significantly increased after EA intervention in rabbits with IDD. The mRNA and protein expression levels of AQP1 and 3, p-CREB, eIF-2, Actin, MAP1A, MAP1B, MAP2, MAP4, and Tau were significantly decreased in the model group as compared with the sham group, and the expression levels were partially restored after EA intervention.
Conclusion
EA may attenuate degeneration through regulating the AQPs expression, which may be mediated by the cAMP/PKA pathway.
The clinical characteristics and nomograms for the prognosis of patients with primary pelvic malignancies: A SEER population-based analysis
Authors: Ren Gang , Wang Xin , Wang Xishun , Zhang Jiangchao , Cui Yinpeng , Liu Zhenjiang
Published: December 2023

Background and Objective: Primary pelvic malignancies are infrequent, and they exhibit unique clinical characteristics. This study aimed to determine the risk factors and develop nomograms to predict cancer-specific survival (CSS) and overall survival (OS) in patients with primary pelvic malignancies.
Methods: Patients with primary pelvic bone malignancies between 2000 and 2019 were selected from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were applied to determine the independent prognostic factors. Nomograms were developed to predict the likelihood of CSS and OS. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, calibration curves, and decision curve analysis (DCA) curves were utilized to evaluate the performance of the nomograms.
Results: The clinical data of 2,231 patients with primary pelvic malignancies were retrieved from the SEER database. A total of 534 patients, all with complete survival and treatment data, were included in this study. Among the primary pelvic malignancies, chondrosarcoma was the most prevalent, comprising 316 cases, followed by osteosarcoma with 132 cases, Ewing sarcoma with 59 cases, chordoma with 23 cases, and giant cell tumor of bone with 4 cases. Independent prognostic factors for CSS and OS included age, tumor size, International Classification of Diseases for Oncology (ICD-O)-3 histology code, tumor extent, tumor differentiation grade, and surgery at the primary tumor site. Nomograms incorporating these prognostic factors were developed, demonstrating an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.785 for CSS and 0.808 for OS.
Conclusion: Nomograms for the prediction of CSS and OS in patients with primary pelvic malignancies were developed, which may serve as a reliable reference for clinicians when making clinical decisions.
Unravelling stroke gait deviations with movement analytics, more than meets the eye: a case control study
Authors: Pan Jing Wen , Sidarta Ananda , Wu Tsung-Lin , Kwong Wai Hang Patrick , Ong Poo Lee , Tay Mathew Rong Jie , Phua Min Wee , Chong Wei Binh , Ang Wei Tech , Chua Karen Sui Geok
Published: December 2023

This study aimed to identify and quantify the kinematic and kinetic gait deviations in post-stroke hemiplegic gait with matched healthy controls using Statistical Parametric Mapping (SPM). Fifteen chronic stroke patients and 15 matched healthy were recruited. During a 10-m walking task, joint angles, ground reaction forces (GRF), and joint moments were collected, analyzed, and compared for an entire gait cycle. The results showed that generally, when comparing the stroke patients’ affected hemiplegic and less affected, contralateral limbs with the control group, SPM identified significant differences in the late stance phase and early swing phase in the joint angles and moments in bilateral limbs (all p < 0.005). In particular, vertical and anteroposterior components of GRF were significantly different in various periods of the stance phase (all p < 0.005), while mediolateral component showed no differences between the two groups. The SPM method was able to describe abnormal gait cycle patterns in both the affected and less affected limbs with significant differences when compared with the control group. The findings draw attention to significant quantifiable gait deviations in the less affected post-stroke limb which may provide rehabilitation professionals with new insights with potential impact on gait retraining strategies.
Cholesterolized TLR7 agonist liposomes combined with radiotherapy elicit antitumor immunity through oxidized mitochondrial DNA- driven inflammasome pathway
Authors: Han Xuejiao , Cheng Yuan , Wan Dandan , Alu Aqu , Zhang Ziqi , Bi Zhenfei , Wang Manni , Hong Weiqi , Chen Siyuan , Chen Li , Wei Yuquan , Wei Xiawei
Published: December 2023

Background
Radiotherapy is fundamental in the treatment of malignancies; however, its ability to consistently control tumor recurrence and metastases remains limited. There has been significant interest in exploring innovative immunomodulatory strategies that can enhance antitumor immunity by synergistically combining novel immunostimulatory agents with radiotherapy. The objective of this study was to investigate the antitumor efficacy and mechanism of cholesterolized TLR7 agonist liposomes, 1V209-Cho-Lip, in combination with radiotherapy.
Methods
Mouse tumor models were applied to validate the antitumor efficacy of 1V209-Cho-Lip combined with radiotherapy. Changes in the immune microenvironment were analyzed using flow cytometry. In vitro, primary mouse bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) were utilized to investigate the activated pathway. Casp1−/− mice were used to confirm the crucial role of caspase-1 in the antitumor effect of 1V209-Cho-Lip combined with radiotherapy.
Results
The combination of 1V209-Cho-Lip with radiotherapy demonstrated a synergetic antitumor effect and reduced spontaneous lung metastasis in 4T1 and B16-F10 tumor models. This combined therapy effectively promated dendritic cell (DC) maturation and activated effector and memory CD8+ T cells. Specifically, oxidized mitochondria DNA (ox-mtDNA) released from irradiated tumor cells, as DAMPs, synergized with 1V209-Cho-Lip to activate the inflammasome pathway in DC, leading to the production of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and maturation of DC. The antitumor efficacy of 1V209-Cho-Lip combined with radiotherapy was impaired in Casp1−/− mice.
Conclusions
Our findings highlight the potential of combining 1V209-Cho-Lip and RT as a promising anticancer treatment strategy, providing a proof-of-concept for translation to early-phase clinical trials.
Assessing hierarchies by their consistent segmentations
Authors: Gutman Zeev , Vij Ritvik , Najman Laurent , Lindenbaum Michael
Published: December 2023

Current approaches to generic segmentation start by creating a hierarchy of nested image parti- tions and then specifying a segmentation from it. Our first contribution is to describe several ways, most of them new, for specifying segmentations using the hierarchy elements. Then, we consider the best hierarchy-induced segmentation specified by a limited number of hierarchy elements. We focus on a common quality measure for binary segmentations, the Jaccard index (also known as IoU). Optimizing the Jaccard index is highly non-trivial, and yet we propose an efficient approach for doing exactly that. This way we get algorithm-independent upper bounds on the quality of any segmentation created from the hierarchy. We found that the obtainable segmentation quality varies significantly depending on the way that the segments are specified by the hierarchy elements, and that representing a segmentation with only a few hierarchy elements is often possible. (Code is available).
From Black Box to Transparency: the hidden costs of XAI in NGN
Authors: Corona Julio , Rodrigues Pedro , Almeida Leonardo , Teixeira Rafael , Antunes Mário , Aguiar Rui
Published: December 2023

As the 5G era progresses and the research community shifts its focus to the future 6G era, an unprecedented surge in the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques for network development and operation is expected. AI is envisioned to play a crucial role in 6G networks, enabling intelligent network management, enhanced user experience, higher security, and unprecedented levels of connectivity. However, the opaque nature of Machine Learning (ML) models has prompted a shift towards Explainable AI (XAI) techniques to enhance decision-making transparency and auditability. Despite the promises of XAI, computational costs remain a critical consideration. This study investigates the temporal and energy costs associated with four prominent XAI techniques: SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP), Local Interpretable Model-agnostic Explanations (LIME), Permutation Importance (PI), and Morris Sensitivity (MS). These techniques are applied to four ML models in two distinct 5G network scenarios. Our results show that MS emerged as the most time-efficient and energy-conserving XAI method, demonstrating consistent feature relevance across various ML models and datasets, affirming its efficacy in explaining model decisions.
Ventricular Septation of the Double-Inlet Ventricle: Over Three Decades of Follow-Up
Authors: Nguyen Stephanie N. , Quaegebeur Jan M. , Corda Rozelle , Shah Amee , Setton Matan I. , Bacha Emile A. , Goldstone Andrew B.
Published: December 2023

Background
There is renewed interest in septation of the double-inlet ventricle as an alternative to Fontan palliation. We examined our septation experience with over 30 years of follow-up.
Methods
We retrospectively reviewed patients with double-inlet ventricle from 1990–2011. Patients with two adequate atrioventricular valves, a volume-overloaded ventricle, and no significant subaortic obstruction were septation candidates.
Results
Of 98 double-inlet ventricle patients, 9 (9.2%) underwent attempted septation via a one-stage (n = 2, 22.2%) or two-stage (n = 7, 77.8%) approach. Ages at primary septation were 7.5 and 20.2 months. In the staged group, median age at the first and second stage was 8.3 months [range: 4.1–14.7] and 22.4 months [range: 11.4-195.7], respectively. There were no operative mortalities. Median follow-up was 18.8 years [range: 0.4–32.9] and 30-year transplant-free survival was 77.8%±13.9%. Both single stage patients are alive and in sinus rhythm; 1 underwent bilateral outflow tract obstruction repair 27 years later. Of 7 patients planned for two-stage septation, there was 1 interval mortality and 1 deferred the second stage. Five patients underwent the second stage; 1 required early reintervention for a residual neo-septal defect and 1 underwent right atrioventricular valve replacement 28 years later. Three patients required a pacemaker preoperatively (n = 1) or after partial septation (n = 2). At latest follow-up, 7 patients have normal biventricular function and no significant valvulopathy. All remain NYHA functional class I.
Conclusions
Select double-inlet ventricles may be septated with excellent long-term outcomes. Reconsideration of this strategy is warranted to avoid the sequelae of Fontan circulation.