bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of a Scalable Parallel Compositional Simulator for Thermo-Hydromechanical Coupling in Fractured Rocks Using an Embedded Discrete Fracture Model
Authors: Wang Tong , Sun Zhixue , Sun Hai , Chen Zhangxin , Yao Jun
Published: January 2024

Numerical simulation of thermo-hydromechanical (THM) coupling in practical complex fractured rocks is an essential but challenging issue for the evaluation and optimization of underground energy production. In this study, we present our work on a scalable parallel compositional simulator for THM coupling, which is suitable for massive 3D polygonal fractures. In addition, we also present the improvements, parallel implementation, and optimization of an embedded discrete fracture model (EDFM). A unified cell-centered grid system based on the finite volume method (FVM) is used for all governing equations, and an extended stencil is adopted for mechanical equations to resolve the low-resolution defect of the traditional FVM. The deformation of both matrix rock and fractures is considered. A sequential fully implicit (SFI) method is adopted to solve THM coupling. This simulator is validated against three analytical solution models. Finally, we apply the simulator to two cases including a multilayered shale gas reservoir with massive natural fractures and a fractured geothermal model using CO2 as a working fluid. We also test the performance and parallel scalability on 1,024 CPU cores with up to 50 million matrix gridblocks and 5.5 million fracture gridblocks. The results show that this simulator can efficiently solve the THM coupling problem in practical massive fractures.
Plasmodium falciparum Growth or Invasion Inhibition Assays
Authors: Beeson James
Published: January 2024

Growth inhibition assays are a well established method to quantify the ability of antibodies, drugs, and other compounds to inhibit the in vitro growth of asexual blood stages of P. falciparum. The assays are widely used to quantify the activity of acquired and vaccine-induced antibodies to P. falciparum, to quantify the activity of antimalarial drugs and evaluate drug resistance. The assay is performed in vitro using human red blood cells.
Evaluation of Push-out Bond Strength and Marginal Adaptation of TotalFill Bioceramic HiFlow,TotalFill Bioceramic and AH Plus Root Canal Sealers in Mandibular Premolar Teeth with Single Canal: A Comparative in-vitro Study
Authors: Al-Hmamey Khulud Nasser , Gawdat Shaimaa Ismail , Hosny Nadia Saeed
Published: January 2024

PICO approach:
P: Population
Mandibular premolar teeth with single oval canal
I: Intervention Ⅰ1
TotalFill Bioceramic HiFlow root canal sealer with single cone technique.
I: Intervention Ⅰ2
TotalFill Bioceramic HiFlow root canal sealer with warm vertical compaction technique.
I: Intervention Ⅰ3
TotalFill Bioceramic root canal sealer with single cone technique.
I: Intervention I4
TotalFill Bioceramic root canal sealer with warm vertical compaction technique.
C: Control
AH Plus root canal sealer with warm vertical compaction technique.
O: Outcome
Primary outcome:
Push-out bond strength
Secondary outcome:
Marginal adaptation.
Development and external validation of a novel nomogram for predicting cancer-specific survival in patients with ascending colon adenocarcinoma after surgery: A population-based study
Authors: Zhang Yifan , Ma Cheng , Qian Xiaoping
Published: January 2024

Background: This study aimed to develop and validate a novel nomogram to predict the cancer-specific survival (CSS) of patients with ascending colon adenocarcinoma after surgery.
Methods: Patients with ascending colon adenocarcinoma were enrolled from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database from 1973 to 2015 and randomly divided into a training set (5930) and a validation set (2540). The cut-off values for age, tumour size, and lymph node ratio (LNR) were calculated via X-tile software. In the training set, independent prognostic factors were identified using univariate and multivariate Cox analyses, and a nomogram incorporating these factors was subsequently built. Data from the validation set were used to assess the reliability and accuracy of the nomogram. and then compared with the 8th edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) tumour-node-metastasis (TNM) staging system. Furthermore, external validation was performed from a single institution in China.
Results: A total of 8470 patients were enrolled from the SEER database, 5930 patients were allocated to the training set, 2540 were allocated to the internal validation set, and a separate set of 473 patients was allocated to the external validation set. The optimal cut-off values of age, tumour size, and lymph node ratio were 73 and 85, 33 and 75, and 4.9 and 32.8, respectively. Univariate and multivariate Cox multivariate regression revealed that age, AJCC 8th edition T, N, and M stage, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), tumour differentiation, chemotherapy, perineural invasion and LNR were independent risk factors for patient CSS. The nomogram showed good predictive ability, as indicated by discriminative ability and calibration, with C statistics of 0.835 (95% CI, 0.823-0.847) and 0.848 (95% CI, 0.830‐0.866) in the training and validation sets and 0.732 (95% CI, 0.664-0.799) in the external validation set. The nomogram showed favourable discrimination and calibration abilities and performed better than the AJCC TNM staging system.
Conclusions: A novel validated nomogram could effectively predict patients with ascending colon adenocarcinoma after surgery, and this predictive power may guide clinicians in accurate prognostic judgement.
Enhanced Prognostic Signature for Lung Adenocarcinoma through Integration of Adjacent Normal and Tumor Gene Expressions
Authors: Hao Mingyue , Li Dandan , Chen Weihao , Xiong Ming , Wang Xinkun , Qiao Yuanyuan , Ma Wei
Published: January 2024

Background: Cancer prognosis-related signatures have traditionally been constructed based on gene expression profiles derived from tumor tissues. However, the potential benefits of incorporating gene expression profiles from normal tissues in improving signature performance have not been explored.
Methods: In this study, we developed three prognosis models for lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) using gene expression profiles from tumor tissues, normal tissues, and a combination (COM) of both, sourced from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). To ensure comparability, we followed the same workflow for all three models.
Results: When applied to the TCGA LUAD dataset, the tumor-derived model exhibited the best overall performance, with the exception of calibration analysis, where the normal-derived model performed better. The COM-derived model demonstrated intermediate performance. To validate the models, we applied them to three independent test datasets. Surprisingly, the COM-derived model showed the best performance, while the normal-derived model showed the worst. Notably, in the overall survival (OS) analysis, the low-risk group defined by the COM-derived model consistently exhibited longer mean survival times. In contrast, the tumor-derived model did not consistently show the same trend. The normal-derived model consistently produced opposite results. In discrimination analysis, no significant differences were observed. The COM-derived model demonstrated good discrimination ability for short time periods, while the tumor-derived model showed better performance for longer periods. In calibration analysis, both the COM and tumor-derived models exhibited similar absolute prediction errors, which were better than those of the normal-derived model. However, the tumor-derived model tended to underestimate survival rates.
Conclusions: Overall, the COM-derived model demonstrated the best generalization ability. The superior performance of the tumor-derived model in the TCGA LUAD dataset might be attributed to overfitting. Additionally, our results suggest that appropriate combinations of gene expression data from tumor and normal tissues can enhance the predictive power of prognosis signatures.
Differentiating Biomarker Features and Familial Characteristics
of B-SNIP Psychosis Biotypes
Authors: Parker David , Trotti Rebekah , McDowell Jennifer , Keedy Sarah , Keshavan Matcheri , Pearlson Godfrey , Gershon Elliot , Ivleva Elena , Huang Ling-Yu , Sauer Kodiak , Hill Scot , Sweeny John , Tamminga Carol , Clementz Brett
Published: January 2024

Idiopathic psychosis shows considerable biological heterogeneity across cases. B-SNIP used psychosis-relevant biomarkers to identity psychosis Biotypes, which will aid etiological and targeted treatment investigations. Psychosis probands from the B-SNIP consortium (n = 1907), their first-degree biological relatives (n = 705), and healthy participants (n = 895) completed a biomarker battery composed of cognition, saccades, and auditory EEG measurements. ERP quantifications were substantially modified from previous iterations of this approach. Multivariate integration reduced multiple biomarker outcomes to 11 “bio-factors”. Twenty-four different approaches indicated bio-factor data among probands were best distributed as three subgroups. Numerical taxonomy with k-means constructed psychosis Biotypes, and rand indices evaluated consistency of Biotype assignments. Psychosis subgroups, their non-psychotic first-degree relatives, and healthy individuals were compared across bio-factors. The three psychosis Biotypes differed significantly on all 11 bio-factors, especially prominent for general cognition, antisaccades, ERP magnitude, and intrinsic neural activity. Rand indices showed excellent consistency of clustering membership when samples included at least 1100 subjects. Canonical discriminant analysis described composite bio-factors that simplified group comparisons and captured neural dysregulation, neural vigor, and stimulus salience variates. Neural dysregulation captured Biotype-2, low neural vigor captured Biotype-1, and deviations of stimulus salience captured Biotype-3. First-degree relatives showed similar patterns as their Biotyped proband relatives on general cognition, antisaccades, ERP magnitudes, and intrinsic brain activity. Results extend previous efforts by the B-SNIP consortium to characterize biologically distinct psychosis Biotypes. They also show that at least 1100 observations are necessary to achieve consistent outcomes. First-degree relative data implicate specific bio-factor deviations to the subtype of their proband and may inform studies of genetic risk.
Light-driven C-H activation mediated by 2D transition metal dichalcogenides
Authors: Zheng Yuebing , Li Jingang , Zhang Di , Guo Zhongyuan , Jiang Xi , Larson Jonathan , Zhu Haoyue , Zhang Tianyi , Gu Yuqian , Blankenship Brian , Chen Min , Wu Zilong , Huang Suichu , Kostecki Robert , Minor Andrew , Grigoropoulos Costas , Akinwande Deji , Terrones Mauricio , Redwing Joan , Li Hao
Published: January 2024

C-H bond activation enables the facile synthesis of new chemicals. While C-H activation in short-chain alkanes has been widely investigated, it remains largely unexplored for long-chain organic molecules. Here, we report light-driven C-H activation in complex organic materials mediated by 2D transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) and the resultant solid-state synthesis of luminescent carbon dots in a spatially-resolved fashion. We unravel the efficient H adsorption and a lowered energy barrier of C-C coupling mediated by 2D TMDCs to promote C-H activation. Our results shed light on 2D materials for C-H activation in organic compounds for applications in organic chemistry, environmental remediation, and photonic materials.
Engagement of Aotearoa New Zealand Dairy farmers with the Restricted Veterinary Medicine process: implications for One Health and antimicrobial resistance – A pilot study.
Authors: Arden Kurt , Rosanowski Sarah , Laven Richard , Mueller Kristina
Published: January 2024

Background:
Reducing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) requires a multidisciplinary One Health approach, which necessitates buy-in from all stakeholders. In Aotearoa New Zealand, where the dairy industry is one of the largest users of antibiotics, there are ongoing efforts to optimise antibiotic usage (AMU) to minimise the development of AMR. These include regulations around the veterinary authorisation of the use of antibiotics by farmers without the need for a specific prescription (“the RVM process”) and programmes such as the New Zealand Veterinary Association’s antibiotic ‘Traffic Light System’. The goal of this pilot study was to develop and trial a questionnaire to determine how much Aotearoa dairy farmers understand about One Health, AMR, the RVM process and how their actions regarding AMU affect the wider environment.
Methods:
A 55-question semi-structured questionnaire was piloted on 15 dairy farms in the Manawatu district of the North Island of Aotearoa via an in-person semi-structured interview between September and November 2021.
Results:
None of the interviewed farmers knew of the term One Health. However, the majority found the RVM process to be of use on their farm, although admitted they generally felt frustration regarding AMR, seeing it as a blockage to productivity, and lacked awareness regarding how their actions were related to its development. Of the farmers interviewed over half had not heard of the traffic light system, and of those who had, one admitted they refused to adhere to it.
Conclusions:
This study’s novel findings have highlighted that there are notable gaps within dairy farmer understanding of AMU, AMR and One Health as well as highlighting that veterinarians are not keeping their clients informed of their important role and engagement within One Health. There is still a lot more work to do with regards to vets, farmers and industry representatives working together to embrace One Health. Simple solutions would be to encourage farmers returning unused drugs to their veterinarians for correct disposal and to actively engage farmers further regarding AMU and AMR, so that these end-product users do not feel disconnected from the process.
Unraveling the Intertwined Threads of Insomnia and Sarcopenia in Cognitive and Functional Decline in Octogenarians
Authors: Filho Elias Rocha de Azevedo , Koeche Cristiane , Bueno Flavia Fagundes , de Nóbrega Otávio Toledo , Alves Vicente Paulo , Silva Henrique Salmazo da , Moraes Clayton Franco , Freitas Wladimir M. , Campos-Staffico Alessandra M. , de Carvalho Luiz Sérgio Fernandes
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Although insomnia and sarcopenia may seem unrelated in the context of older adult health, recent evidence has revealed shared underlying pathophysiological pathways. However, the extent to which these two factors jointly impact crucial clinical outcomes still needs to be determined. This study aimed to elucidate the associations of insomnia and sarcopenia with cognitive impairment and functional decline, shedding light on potential mechanistic connections.
Methods: In this observational study, we scrutinized data collected from 493 individuals aged ≥80 years between 2016 and 2018. Sarcopenia was assessed using the EWGSOP2 criteria, insomnia was assessed using the Insomnia Severity Index, functional status was assessed using the Instrumental Activity of Daily Living Scale, and cognition was assessed using the Mini Mental Condition Examination. The baseline assessments included blood lipid, IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, and CRP levels and DNA methylation.
Results: Insomnia alone was not associated with cognitive impairment or functional dependence. However, sarcopenia alone increased the odds of cognitive impairment by a factor of 2.6 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2 - 5.6, p = 0.011), although it did not impact functional decline. When examined together, insomnia and sarcopenia were associated with 4.8-fold increased odds of cognitive impairment (95% CI 2.1 - 10.9, p <0.001) and 7.1-fold increased odds of functional decline (95% CI 1.7 - 29.0, p = 0.007) compared to those with neither condition. Lipid profiles and inflammatory marker levelsdid not differ, but sarcopenic individuals had significantly greater DNA methylation (p <0.001).
Conclusions: Insomnia and sarcopenia synergistically increase the risk of cognitive impairment and functional decline among long-lived older adults. Sarcopenia alone impacted cognition in individuals, whichcould be related to the increase in inflammation-independent DNA methylation observed among individuals with sarcopenia.
Point mutations in the ygiV promoter region lead to cystobactamid resistance and reduced virulence in E. coli
Authors: Müller Rolf , Risch Timo , Kolling Dominik , Mostert Dietrich , Seedorf Tim , Heimann Dominik , Kohnhäuser Daniel , Deschner Felix , Fries Franziska , Solga Danny , Hilgers Jil-Sophie , Dastbaz Jan , Hirsch Anna , Brönstrup Mark , Kirschning Andreas , Herrmann Jennifer , Sieber Stephan
Published: January 2024

Antimicrobial resistance is one of the major health threats of the modern world. Thus, new structural classes of antimicrobial compounds are needed in order to overcome existing resistance. Cystobactamids as such a new compound class inhibit the well-established target bacterial type II topoisomerases while exhibiting superior antibacterial and resistance-breaking properties. Understanding potential mechanisms of emerging resistances is crucial in the development of novel antibiotics as they directly impact the future therapeutic application and market success. Therefore, the frequency and molecular basis of cystobactamid resistance in Escherichia coli was analyzed. High-level resistant E. coli mutants were selected and found to harbor single nucleotide polymorphisms in the promotor region of the ygiV gene, causing an upregulation of the respective protein. These stable mutations are contrary to what was observed as resistance genotype in the structurally related albicidins, where ygiV gene amplifications were identified causing resistance. Overexpression of YgiV in the mutants was additionally amplified upon cystobactamid exposition, showing further adaptation to this compound class under treatment. YgiV binds cystobactamids with high binding affinity, thereby preventing their interaction with the antimicrobial targets topoisomerase IV and DNA gyrase. Additionally, we observed stabilization of the gyrase cleavage complex by YgiV itself, suggesting a further protective effect against topoisomerase poisoning. Moreover, tested cystobactamid-resistant mutants show reduced motility and fimbrial protein expression, indicating an overall decreased virulence and potentially pathogenicity, associated with ygiV promotor mutations.
Validity of a visual analogue scale to measure and value perceived level of sanitation – evidence from Ghana and Mozambique
Authors: Cheung Ho Hei , Adriano Zaida , Dwumfour-Asare Bismark , Nyarko Kwabena B. , Scott Pippa , Nala Rassul , Brown Joe , Cumming Oliver , Ross Ian
Published: January 2024

Two billion people globally lack access to a basic toilet, and sanitation is a critical determinant of health and wellbeing. Evaluations of sanitation programmes typically measure disease or behaviour, and visual analogue scales (VAS) have not been used to measure users’ feelings about their level of sanitation. In this study, we assess the validity of a sanitation VAS numbered 0–10, with end-anchors best and worst imaginable sanitation. In Kumasi, Ghana, we surveyed 291 participants before and after uptake of a container-based sanitation service. In Maputo, Mozambique, we surveyed 424 participants from treatment groups of a prior trial. We assessed construct validity by testing hypothesised associations between VAS scores and toilet characteristics, and by respondents valuing three hypothetical sanitation states. We assessed responsiveness by comparing VAS with/without interventions. There was evidence (p < 0.05) for 60% of hypothesised associations in Ghana, and 100% in Mozambique. For responsiveness, there was a 3.4 point increase (2.1 SD) in VAS 10 weeks post- intervention in Ghana, and a 2.9 point difference (1.3 SD) in Mozambique. In valuation exercises, the mean was higher (p < 0.001) for the objectively better state. The sanitation VAS could be useful in economic evaluation, in valuing sanitation states or levels of service, to identify which improvements achieve quality of life gains most efficiently.
Associated factors of frailty in patients with chronic heart failure: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Liu Si , Xiong Xiao-yun , Liu Meng-die , Xiang Qin , Zhang Mei-jun , Chen Hua
Published: January 2024

Background: Although some researchers have explored the influencing factors of frailty in chronic heart failure (CHF) patients, frailty is affected by many factors, and their conclusions are inconsistent. This review aims to systematically evaluate the factors affecting frailty in CHF patients to provide an evidence-based basis for risk prediction, treatment plans, and the prevention of health outcomes in clinical settings.
Methods: EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, Chinese Biological Medicine (CBM), CNKI, and Wan Fang databases were searched up to August 10, 2023, to identify observational studies to assemble the factors affecting frailty in CHF patients. Two independent reviewers assessed the quality of included studies using corresponding assessment tools. RevMan 5.4 was used for meta-analysis and sensitivity analysis. Stata 18 MP was used for publication bias assessment.
Results: 14 articles including 4310 patients were included. 16 influencing factors were identified, and the factors with statistical significance were age (OR=1.11, 95% CI=1.07-1.16, p<0.001), NYHA functional class (OR=3.15, 95% CI=2.46-4.04, p<0.001), albumin (OR=0.86, 95% CI=0.77-0.95, p=0.005), haemoglobin (OR=0.86, 95% CI=0.76-0.97, p=0.01), cerebrovascular accidents (OR=2.31, 95% CI=1.49-3.06, P<0.001), number of comorbidities (OR=1.24, 95%CI=1.05-1.47, P=0.01), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (OR=0.88, 95% CI=0.78-0.99, p=0.03), duration of hospitalization (OR=1.14, 95% CI=1.05-1.23, p=0.001) and left atrial diameter (OR=1.12, 95% CI=1.05-1.20, P=0.0006).
Conclusions: While this review and meta-analysis found that age, NYHA functional class, albumin, haemoglobin, cerebrovascular accidents, comorbidity, LVEF, duration of hospitalization, left atrial diameter were associated with frailty in patients with chronic heart failure, the study heterogeneity shows the need for better-designed studies to further clarify the influencing factors of frailty in CHF patients and develop disease prediction models based on an algorithm for predicting the risk of frailty more accurately.
The prognosis model of glioblastoma was constructed based on lactic acid metabolism-related genes
Authors: Lu Feng , Jiang Xiaohang , Zheng Guangwei , Zeng Guangming
Published: January 2024

Related studies have shown that lactate played a key role in immune escape and metastasis. Exploring the roles of lactic acid metabolism-related genes (LRGs) in glioblastoma (GBM) has great significance for clinic treatment of GBM.The target genes were obtained by intersecting the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and the module genes. Biomarkers of GBM were screened out to construct the survival risk model, and the nomogram of GBM was constructed to clinically predict the survival of GBM patients. Moreover, the gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and the tumor micro-environment analysis were conducted to study the functions of different risk groups and the potential mechanism of GBM. Furthermore, the drug sensitivity analysis were carried out to provide theoretical support for clinical treatment of GBM.The risk score was constructed with six biomarkers, including CALN1, CDHR1, CRTAC1, GNAL, SLC7A14, and SPHKAP, and SLC7A14 was negative factors of GBM. Based on it, the prognostic model was constructed with age, IDH status, grade, and risk score. Noticeable, the clinical risk of GBM were associated with proliferation, migration, apoptosis, and immune related signaling pathways. In addition, the level of immune escape was higher in high risk group, and samples in high risk group were more sensitive to Vinorelbine_2048, Paclitaxel_1080, Docetaxel_1007, Gefitinib_1010, Erlotinib_1168, and etc. drugs. In this study, we identified six LRGs, including CALN1, CDHR1, CRTAC1, GNAL, SLC7A14, and SPHKAP. These findings might help to deepen the understanding of the regulatory mechanism of LRGs in GBM.
Social Network Analysis of Ant Group
Authors: Rong Runsheng
Published: January 2024

Through constructing animal social network structures based on the relationships between individual ants of two groups of ants, this essay utilizes social network analysis methods to compare the degree of concentration and utilization power on resource and information of these two groups.
A Mixed Media Approach Using Locally Available Neutralizing Materials for the Passive Treatment of Acid Mine Drainage
Authors: Pocaan Joshua Pascual , Turingan Casey Oliver A. , Tabelin Carlito Baltazar , Zoleta Joshua B. , Arima Takahiko , Park Ilhwan , Ito Mayumi , Orbecido Aileen H.
Published: January 2024

Acid mine drainage (AMD)—the strongly acidic and highly polluted effluents from mine sites—are generally managed via active or passive treatment. Active treatment strategies are effective but requires continuous input of energy, chemicals and manpower making them unsustainable in the long term. Because of this, passive treatment is explored as a more sustainable alternative especially for abandoned and legacy mines. Recent studies of the authors have explored the use limestone and waste materials like low-grade ores (LGO), fly ash (FA), and concrete wastes for AMD treatment and found that although these materials generated alkalinity individually, they could only partially remove sulfate (SO42−) and some heavy metals. To address this limitation, a mixed media approach using these four materials is proposed to neutralize the pH of AMD and maximize heavy metals (Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, and Al) and SO42− removal. A total of twenty (20) mixtures of the four materials were identified based on the response surface methodology (RSM) experimental design. Laboratory-scale experiments using simulated AMD were performed to assess the performance of each mixture by monitoring the pH, oxidation-reduction potential (Eh), electrical conductivity (EC), metal concentrations, and SO42− concentration. Based on the results, three optimized mixed media compositions were identified in wt%: (i) 43% LGO, 40% limestone, 17% CW; (ii) 44% LGO, 51% limestone, 6% CW; and (iii) 89% limestone, 11% LGO. Overall, simulated AMD passively treated by the optimized mixed media compositions met the Philippine effluent standards except for SO42−. Simulated AMD treated by the optimized mixed media achieved pH values of < 9 and removal efficiencies for Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, and Al of about 99%, 99%, 98%, 70%, and 96%, respectively.
On the suitability of a Convolutional Neural Network based RCM-Emulator for fine spatio-temporal precipitation.
Authors: Doury Antoine , Somot Samuel , Gadat Sébastien
Published: January 2024

High resolution climate models are necessary to capture local precipitation but are too expensive to explore the uncertainties associated with future projections. To solve this resolution-uncertainty dilemma, Doury et al (2022) proposed a neural network based RCM-emulator for the near-surface temperature, at a daily and 12km-resolution. It uses existing RCM simulations to learn the relationship between low-resolution predictors and high resolution surface variables. When trained the emulator can be applied to any GCM simulation to produce ensembles of high resolution emulated simulations. This study assess the suitability of applying the RCM-emulator for precipitation thanks to a novel asymmetric loss function targeting to reproduce the entire precipitation distribution over any grid point.
In perfect model evaluation, the resulting emulator shows striking ability to reproduce the RCM original series with an excellent spatio-temporal correlation. In particular, a very good behaviour is obtained for the two tails of the distribution, measured by the number of dry days and the 99th quantile. Moreover, it creates consistent precipitation objects with a slight lack of precision. The emulator quality holds for all simulations of the same RCM, with any driving GCM, ensuring transferability of the tool to GCMs never downscaled by the RCM.
A first showcase of downscaling GCM simulations showed that the RCMemulator brings significant added-value with respect to the GCM as it produces adequate high resolution spatial structure and extremes’ intensity. Nevertheless, further work is needed to understand the differences that occur with the RCM and establish a relevant evaluation framework for GCM applications.
Anticoagulant protein C p.Lys193del mutation and promoter region polymorphisms :common genetic risk factors of deep venous thrombosis in Chinese population
Authors: Wei Xuqian , Yi Xiaolei , Chen Weibin , Tang Jin , Dai Jing
Published: January 2024

Background:
Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is a common condition that is fatal and has a high occurrence. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of anticoagulant protein C (PC) mutation p.Lys193del and promoter polymorphisms in patients with DVT in China.
Methods:
180 subjects with venous thrombosis and 103 normal controls were tested for PC activity and subjected to PCR to amply PROC two regions for genetic analyses for PROC promoter polymorphisms and the p.Lys193del mutation, respectively.
Results:
PC activity in the deep venous thrombosis patients was 65.52±25.94, and 111.70±19.98 for the normal control population (P<0.05). Through we found 13 cases of p.Lys193del mutation in the DTV patients, with a positive rate of 7.2%, while in normal controls we detected 1 heterozygous mutation of p.Lys193del, and a positive rate of only 0.97%. This difference in mutation frequency was statistically significantly different between the two group (P<0.05). In the PROC promoter region, the distribution of alleles -1654 C,-1641 G, -1476 T in deep venous thrombosis patients and normal controls was significantly different (P<0.05). The genotype homozygous for the -1654C/C, -1641gG/G, -1476T/T, difference frequencies between the two groups was statistically significant (P<0.05).
Conclusions:
PROC gene p.Lys193del mutation accounts for about 7.2% of the incidence of venous thrombosis in Chinese people. The genotype homozygous for the -1654C/C, -1641gG/G, -1476T/T, can also be considered a risk factor of DVT in Chinese People.
Development and application of the TRV-induced gene-silencing system in different Rhododendron species
Authors: Xu Yunyun , Cui Yumeng , Chen Hanyu , Pu Ya , Zhang Chunying , Huang He
Published: January 2024

Rhododendron is one of the top ten traditional flowers in China, with high ornamental and medicinal values. However, molecular research on this species has been impeded by the lack of efficient molecular genetic techniques. Virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) technology is an effective tool for analyzing gene functions, which has been successfully applied to many plant species. But there have been no reports of VIGS system for Rhododendron. In this study, tobacco rattle virus (TRV) was chosen to infect Rhododendron micranthum using phytoene desaturase (PDS) as the reporter gene. After the inoculation of pTRV2-RmPDS by leaf injection, photobleaching phenomena appeared in the newly developed leaves and the qRT-PCR assay demonstrated that RmPDS was successfully silenced. Then three parameters including the developmental stage, the Agrobacterium concentration and the inoculation temperature were examined to optimize the system. The silencing efficiency was increased from 2.4% to 11.4% and the optimized conditions were as follows: the developmental stage of the two true-leaf stage, the adjustment of the inoculation solution to a final OD600=1.5 and the inoculation temperature of 18 ℃. To further validate the system, the most optimal combination was used to infect other six rhododendron genotypes. R. mucronulatum, R. ovatum, R. × pulchrum, R. simsii and R. yedoense displayed the silenced phenotype of PDS as expected. We successfully established TRV-mediated VIGS technology in Rhododendron which could evaluate and characterize the function of plant genes without the need for cumbersome tissue culture.
Research on the dynamic characteristics of hydrodynamic bearing subjected to base shock loads
Authors: Huang Shizhang , Chen Feng , Chen Yong
Published: January 2024

The safety of hydrodynamic bearings can be significantly affected by base shock loads. This study focuses on investigating the shock dynamic characteristics of hydrodynamic bearings by combining the Euler equations, transient average Reynolds equation, and the asperity contact model. A tribo-dynamic model of hydrodynamic bearings under base shock load is established in this research. To validate the model, the corresponding drop shock tests are conducted on the hydrodynamic bearings, and the experimental and computational results show good agreement, confirming the reliability of the dynamic model. Building upon this foundation, a series of numerical simulations are performed to analyze the influence of various factors on the shock response of hydrodynamic bearings. The results indicate that the shock stiffness of hydrodynamic bearings gradually increases due to base shock loads. The anti-shock resistance capability of hydrodynamic bearings exhibits anisotropic behavior. Additionally, the shock stiffness also exhibits a nonlinear increase with the rotating speed. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the shock response of hydrodynamic bearings and provide valuable insights for designing hydrodynamic bearings with enhanced anti-shock resistance.
Preoperative Risk Factors for 90-day Postoperative Mortality Outcome in Patients With Non-occlusive Mesenteric Ischemia
Authors: Uchino Makoto , Kitaguchi Daichi , Furuya Kinji , Owada Yohei , Ogawa Koichi , Ohara Yusuke , Akashi Yoshimasa , Hashimoto Shinji , Enomoto Tsuyoshi , Oda Tatsuya
Published: January 2024

Purpose
The mortality rate of non-occlusive mesenteric ischemia remains despite surviving the acute postoperative period with tremendous treatment efforts, including emergency surgery, which is challenging. This study explored the preoperative risk factors for 90-day postoperative mortality in patients with non-occlusive mesenteric ischemia.
Methods
This was a single-center retrospective cohort study. Patients diagnosed with non-occlusive mesenteric ischemia who underwent emergency surgery between August 2014 and January 2023 were included in this study. All patients were divided into survival-to-discharge and mortality outcome groups at the 90-day postoperative follow-up. Preoperative factors, including co-morbidities, preoperative status of vital signs and consciousness, blood gas analysis, blood test results, and computed tomography, were compared between the two groups.
Results
Twenty patients were eligible for this study, and 90-day mortality was observed in 10 patients (50%). The mortality outcome group had significantly lower HCO3- (20.9 vs. 14.6, p = 0.006) and higher lactate (4.4 vs. 9.4, p = 0.023) compared with the survival outcome group. The median postoperative time to death was 19 [2–69] days, and five patients (50%) died after postoperative day 30, mainly because hemodialysis was discontinued due to hemodynamic instability in patients requiring hemodialysis.
Conclusion
Low preoperative HCO3- and high lactate levels may be preoperative risk factors for 90-day postoperative mortality in patients with non-occlusive mesenteric ischemia. However, patients on hemodialysis die from discontinuing hemodialysis even after surviving the acute postoperative phase. Hence, indications for emergency surgery in patients with risk factors for postoperative mortality should be carefully determined.
Study on the failure mechanism of high-temperature granite under two cooling modes
Authors: Li Chun , Zhang Chunwang , Hu Yaoqing , Meng Tao , Feng Gan
Published: January 2024

In the geothermal development of hot dry rock (HDR), both the drilling of the wellbore and the heat exchange of the heat reservoir involve the effects of different cold and hot conditions on the high-temperature rock mass. The testing machine for rock mechanics was used to conduct a uniaxial compression test and carry out micro testing on the treated samples; furthermore, with the help of scanning electron microscopy the fracture mechanism of granite subjected to different temperatures and cooling methods was studied. The results show: (1) With the gradual increase in temperature, the compressive strength of granite under the two cooling methods gradually decreases. (2) The failure modes of the samples under the two cooling methods are mainly shear failure of the "Y" type. The degree of damage of the sample under water cooling is significantly greater than that under natural cooling. Electron micrographs could confirm these results. (3)It can be obtained by testing the mineral composition and element changes of granite at different temperatures. When the temperature reaches 600℃, its change is more pronounced. The results of this study can provide a theoretical reference for the failure of the wellbore and the degree of fracture of the thermal reservoir rock mass during geothermal development.
A modified Green-Naghdi fractional order model and its application to thermoelectric semi-space heated by a moving heat source
Authors: Hassaballah Abaker A. , Hendy Mohamed , Ezzat Magdy
Published: January 2024

Classical Green-Naghdi (GN-II) model may have trouble accurately forecasting the thermo-mechanical behavior of electro-thermoelastic materials if memory-dependent impact is not taken into account. As results, we shall construct a new mathematical model of the Green-Naghdi (GN-II) theory, based on fractional order of heat transfer. A few theories are offered as limit examples. The method of the matrix exponential, which constitutes the basis of the state-space approach of modern theory, is used. Laplace transforms are utilized. The formulation is applied to half-space problem exposed to a uniform magnetic field and heated by a moving heat source with a constant speed. A numerical method is employed for the inversion of the Laplace transforms. The effects of several estimates of the figure-of-merit quantity, heat source speed, fractional parameter, magnetic number, and thermal shock parameter are considered.
Examining the challenges and opportunities of talent acquisition and recruitment in urban retail stores
Authors: Anika Afrin
Published: January 2024

The urban retail industry in Bangladesh has experienced significant growth, contributing to the overall economic development of the region. To remain competitive in this dynamic and fast-paced sector, urban retail stores must focus on attracting and retaining talented employees who can contribute to their success. This research explores the challenges and opportunities associated with talent acquisition and recruitment in urban retail stores in Bangladesh. The study was conducted using a questionnaire-based survey, with a sample size of 120 participants comprising employees, HR managers, and recruitment specialists from various urban retail stores. The survey covered important aspects such as recruitment processes, challenges faced in attracting top talent, and strategies employed to improve talent acquisition. Findings from the research highlight several critical challenges faced by urban retail stores in talent acquisition. The competitive labor market and the perception of the retail industry as a low-paying and high-stress environment hinder the attraction of skilled candidates. High turnover rates in the retail sector lead to increased recruitment costs and reduced organizational productivity. Moreover, the rapid changes in consumer preferences and the demand for digital skills present additional obstacles in recruiting candidates with the right skill set. Based on the research findings, the study proposes a set of actionable recommendations for urban retail stores to optimize talent acquisition efforts. Enhancing employer branding, offering competitive compensation and benefits packages, investing in employee training and development, leveraging technology for recruitment, and collaborating with educational institutions are among the key strategies suggested to attract and retain top talent. Additionally, offering flexible work arrangements and emphasizing opportunities for professional growth can appeal to potential candidates seeking stable and fulfilling careers. Implementing these recommendations can help urban retail stores build a skilled and committed workforce, gain a competitive edge in the labor market, and ensure long-term success in the dynamic retail industry of Bangladesh. The research underscores the critical importance of effective talent acquisition and recruitment strategies for the success and competitiveness of urban retail stores. By adopting innovative and proactive approaches to talent acquisition, retail establishments can address challenges, improve employee retention, and foster a positive work environment that attracts skilled employees. The study's insights provide valuable guidance for retail store managers, HR professionals, and stakeholders to make informed decisions in talent acquisition, contributing to the sustained growth and profitability of urban retail stores in Bangladesh.
Efficacy and prognosis of different chemotherapy frameworks in neoadjuvant treatment for HER2-positive breast cancer under targeted therapy：a real-world retrospective observational study
Authors: He Pengfei , Kang Wenli , Gao Fei , Wang Huibo , Zhang Kejie , Zhao Ziqi , Zhang Ruifeng , Huang Xiatian , Zhang Guoqiang , Shan Ming
Published: January 2024

Purpose
The optimal neoadjuvant chemotherapy regimen for early-stage human epidermal growth factor receptor 2(HER2)-positive breast cancer in the context of anti-HER2 therapy is unclear. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of anthracycline and non-anthracycline regimens, under different HER2 blocking conditions, on the efficacy and long-term prognosis of neoadjuvant chemotherapy for HER2-positive breast cancer.
Methods
In this real-world retrospective observational study, 270 patients treated with neoadjuvant therapy for stage II-III HER2-positive breast cancer in our center, were analyzed. All of these patients received neoadjuvant chemotherapy with anthracyclines or non-anthracyclines in the context of anti-HER2 therapy.
Results
Between 2016 and 2022, 270 patients met the inclusion criteria. The median follow-up time was 36.6 months (range 12.5–85.8 months). Of the 124 patients in the anthracycline group, 60 (48.4%, 95% CI 39.5–57.3) achieved pCR. 84 (57.5%, 95% CI 49.4–65.6) of the 146 patients in the non-anthracycline group achieved pCR (p = 0.133). Under single-target therapy, the pCR in anthracycline group and non-anthracycline group were 44.8% and 53.8%, respectively (P = 0.216). Under dual-target therapy, the pCR rates were 60.7% and 63.6% for both (p = 0.795). In the non-anthracycline treatment group under dual-target therapy, the pCR was 81.8% and 51.5% for platinum-containing and platinum-free regimens, respectively (p = 0.022). It was more pronounced in hormone receptor(HR)-positive patients. Multivariate analysis showed that HR status༈OR: 1.810;95%CI1.090-3.005༛p = 0.022༉, choice of targeted therapy༈OR༚1.883༛95%CI1.072-3.306༛p = 0.028༉and HER2 status༈OR༚4.216༛95%CI1.459-12.188༛p = 0.008༉were independent predictors of pCR. The estimated 3-year DFS rates were 93.5% and 85.9% in the non-anthracycline and anthracycline groups, respectively (p = 0.029). The 3-year OS was 96.1% and 93.3%, respectively (p = 0.118). The 3-year DFS in the non-anthracycline and anthracycline groups of patients with RCB 2 was 94.7% and 76.5%, respectively (p = 0.037). Especially in non-pCR patients treated with dual target therapy, patients treated with non-anthracyclines had better DFS benefit (p = 0.033). Patients who achieved pCR had better DFS (95% vs 85.9%; p = 0.001) and OS (97.2% vs 93.4%; p = 0.013) than those who did not.
Conclusion
In the neoadjuvant therapy of HER2-positive early-stage breast cancer patients, the use of platinum-containing non-anthracycline chemotherapy in the context of targeted therapy is an effective regimen for improving the long-term prognosis of patients. (particularly the long-term prognosis of non-pCR patients). In particular, patients with HR-positive breast cancer have better benefits under dual-target therapy.
LIA-V2X: A Lightweight identity mutual and batch authentication protocol for V2X Communication in Internet of Vehicles
Authors: liu Jiaxing , Xu Shengwei , liu Runsheng , Tian Yu , Zhu Xiaopeng , Xie Jianguo
Published: January 2024

Vehicular Ad hoc Networks (VANETs) hold significant importance within the domain of the Internet of Things. However, they face a critical issue concerning security threats. Criminals use open channels to eavesdrop, and tamper with messages to lock and control vehicles, which can lead to safety issues such as car accidents and privacy leaks. Most current approaches fail to adequately address the challenges of low-cost vehicles, anonymity, traceability, and revocation. Hence, we have developed LIA-V2X, a lightweight identity authentication scheme based on SM2 public key cryptography algorithm based on 256-bit ECC. It incorporates ECDH (Elliptic Curve Diffie-Hellman) key agreement and anonymous authentication techniques, enabling batch processing when multiple vehicles simultaneously enter a specific area, which can enhance communication efficiency. Furthermore, we have conducted both formal security analysis and informal security analysis utilizing the real number or random (RoR) oracle model to validate the security of our scheme in countering various malicious attacks within the IoV environment. Compared to existing identity authentication schemes for IoV, our scheme demonstrates improved performance in function and security features.
Ototoxic and Nephrotoxic Drugs in Neonatal Intensive Care Units: Results of a Spanish and Italian Survey
Authors: Arribas Cristina , Decembrino Nunzia , Raffaeli Genny , Amodeo Ilaria , González-Caballero Juan Luis , Riaza Mónica , Ortiz-Movilla Roberto , Massenzi Luca , Gizzi Camilla , Araimo Gabriella , Cattarelli Donatella , Aversa Salvatore , Martinelli Stefano , Frezza Simonetta , Orfeo Luigi , Mosca Fabio , Cavallaro Giacomo , Garrido Felipe
Published: January 2024

Background. Neonates face heightened susceptibility to drug toxicity, often exposed to off-label medications with dosages extrapolated from adult or pediatric studies. Premature infants in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) are particularly at risk due to underdeveloped pharmacokinetics and exposure to multiple drugs. The study aimed to survey commonly used medications with a higher risk of ototoxicity and nephrotoxicity in Spanish and Italian NICUs.
Methods. A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted in Italian and Spanish NICUs using a web-based survey with 43 questions. A modified Delphi method involved experts refining the survey through online consensus. Ethical approval was obtained, and responses were collected from January to July 2023. The survey covered various aspects, including drug-related ototoxic and nephrotoxic management, hearing screening, and therapeutic drug monitoring.
Results. Responses from 131 participants (35.9% from Spain and 64.1% from Italy) revealed awareness of drug toxicity risks. Varied practices were observed in hearing screening protocols, and a high prevalence of ototoxic and nephrotoxic drug use, including aminoglycosides (100%), vancomycin (70.2%), loop diuretics (63.4%), and ibuprofen (62.6%). Discrepancies existed in guideline availability and adherence, with differences between Italy and Spain in therapeutic drug monitoring practices.
Conclusions. The study underscores the need for clinical guidelines and uniform practices in managing ototoxic and nephrotoxic drugs in NICUs. Awareness is high, but inconsistencies in practices indicate a necessity for standardization, including the implementation of therapeutic drug monitoring and the involvement of clinical pharmacologists. Addressing these issues is crucial for optimizing neonatal care in Southern Europe.