bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unintended consequences of dieting: How restrictive eating habits can harm your health
Authors: Habib Ashna , Ali Tooba , Nazir Zainab , mahfooz Arisha , Inayat Qurat-ul-Ain , Haque Md Ariful
Published: October 2023

The text explores the negative aspects of dieting. Dieting has been more common in recent years as more people strive to adhere to strict food plans in an effort to achieve their desired body weight and form. Unfortunately, this strategy may have unforeseen repercussions that could have a negative impact on one’s health. Insufficient calorie intake, for instance, might deprive the body of vital nutrients, resulting in malnutrition and a weakened immune system. Similar to too-restricted diets, irregular periods and even infertility can result from a disruption in the hormonal balance. Furthermore, dieting can lead to psychological distress, which in turn promotes disordered eating behaviors such as binge eating, purging, and other eating disorders. These disorders have the potential to have a long-term negative impact on physical and mental health, and in some situations, they may even be fatal. It’s important to exercise caution and knowledge when it comes to various diet regimens that are advertised on social media and online.
Carol Read’s 101 Tips for Teaching Primary Children
Authors: Read Carol
Published: October 2023

This concise book is authored by the highly-regarded educator and author, Carol Read and draws on her significant expertise in teaching children aged 6-12. It considers all aspects of children's development in primary language teaching, along with linguistic outcomes, and offers a wide range of methodological tips and practical ideas.
Mark Hancock’s 50 Tips for Teaching Pronunciation
Authors: Hancock Mark
Published: October 2023

This compact, user-friendly book draws on Mark Hancock's wealth of experience and knowledge of the topic. It gives a broad overview of the practical issues and challenges involved in teaching pronunciation, provides practical tips for teachers and addresses the questions of what to teach and how to teach it.
Experiences of a Graduate Student Guided by Henry Stommel
Authors: Halpern David
Published: October 2023

While much has been written about Professor Henry M. Stommel as a scientist, little has been said about his role as a supervisor of graduate students. I had been at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology only 5 months, with no knowledge or experience of the ocean, when Stommel suggested I search for internal gravity waves in Massachusetts Bay. This essay describes my experiences under Stommel's tutelage.
Compounding Heatwave‐Extreme Rainfall Events Driven by Fronts, High Moisture, and Atmospheric Instability
Authors: Sauter Christoph , Catto Jennifer L. , Fowler Hayley J. , Westra Seth , White Christopher J.
Published: October 2023

Heatwaves have been shown to increase the likelihood and intensity of extreme rainfall occurring immediately afterward, potentially leading to increased flood risk. However, the exact mechanisms connecting heatwaves to extreme rainfall remain poorly understood. In this study, we use weather type data sets for Australia and Europe to identify weather patterns, including fronts, cyclones, and thunderstorm conditions, associated with heatwave terminations and following extreme rainfall events. We further analyze, using reanalysis data, how atmospheric instability and moisture availability change before and after the heatwave termination depending on whether the heatwave is followed by extreme rainfall, as well as the location of the heatwave. We find that most heatwaves terminate during thunderstorm and/or frontal conditions. Additionally, atmospheric instability and moisture availability increase several days before the heatwave termination; but only if heatwaves are followed by extreme rainfall. We also find that atmospheric instability and moisture after a heatwave are significantly higher than expected from climatology for the same time of the year, and that highest values of instability and moisture are associated with highest post‐heatwave rainfall intensities. We conclude that the joint presence of high atmospheric instability, moisture, as well as frontal systems are likely to explain why rainfall is generally more extreme and likely after heatwaves, as well as why this compound hazard is mainly found in the non‐arid mid and high latitudes. An improved understanding of the drivers of these compound events will help assess potential changing impacts in the future.
Prognostic models predicting transition to psychotic disorder using blood-based biomarkers: a systematic review and critical appraisal
Authors: Byrne Jonah F. , Mongan David , Murphy Jennifer , Healy Colm , Fӧcking Melanie , Cannon Mary , Cotter David R.
Published: October 2023

Accumulating evidence suggests individuals with psychotic disorder show abnormalities in metabolic and inflammatory processes. Recently, several studies have employed blood-based predictors in models predicting transition to psychotic disorder in risk-enriched populations. A systematic review of the performance and methodology of prognostic models using blood-based biomarkers in the prediction of psychotic disorder from risk-enriched populations is warranted. Databases (PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO) were searched for eligible texts from 1998 to 15/05/2023, which detailed model development or validation studies. The checklist for Critical Appraisal and Data Extraction for Systematic Reviews of Prediction Modelling Studies (CHARMS) was used to guide data extraction from eligible texts and the Prediction Model Risk of Bias Assessment Tool (PROBAST) was used to assess the risk of bias and applicability of the studies. A narrative synthesis of the included studies was performed. Seventeen eligible studies were identified: 16 eligible model development studies and one eligible model validation study. A wide range of biomarkers were assessed, including nucleic acids, proteins, metabolites, and lipids. The range of C-index (area under the curve) estimates reported for the models was 0.67-1.00. No studies assessed model calibration. According to PROBAST criteria, all studies were at high risk of bias in the analysis domain. While a wide range of potentially predictive biomarkers were identified in the included studies, most studies did not account for overfitting in model performance estimates, no studies assessed calibration, and all models were at high risk of bias according to PROBAST criteria. External validation of the models is needed to provide more accurate estimates of their performance. Future studies which follow the latest available methodological and reporting guidelines and adopt strategies to accommodate required sample sizes for model development or validation will clarify the value of including blood-based biomarkers in models predicting psychosis.
A novel approach to visualize clinical benefit of therapies for chronic graft versus host disease (cGvHD): the probability of being in response (PBR) applied to the REACH3 study
Authors: Hollaender Norbert , Glimm Ekkehard , Gauvin Jennifer , Stefanelli Tommaso , Zeiser Robert
Published: October 2023

Overall response rate (ORR) is commonly used as key endpoint to assess treatment efficacy of chronic graft versus host disease (cGvHD), either as ORR at week 24 or as best overall response rate (BOR) at any time point up to week 24 or beyond. Both endpoints as well as duration of response (DOR) were previously reported for the REACH3 study, a phase 3 open-label, randomized study comparing ruxolitinib (RUX) versus best available therapy (BAT). The comparison between RUX and BAT was performed on ORR and BOR using all randomized patients, while DOR was derived for the subgroup of responders only. Here we illustrate the application of the probability of being in response (PBR), a graphical method presenting simultaneously the time to first response and subsequent failure using all randomized patients. In REACH3, PBR showed an earlier time to first response, a higher probability of being in response and a longer duration of response for RUX compared to BAT. PBR is a clinically easily interpretable measurement and can serve as a novel efficacy endpoint to assess treatments for chronic graft versus host disease.
Total neoadjuvant therapy in oesophageal and gastro-oesophageal junctional adenocarcinoma
Authors: Clements Hollie A. , Underwood Tim J. , Petty Russell D.
Published: October 2023

Adenocarcinoma of the oesophagus and gastro-oesophageal junction represent a large burden of cancer death in the Western World with an increasing incidence. In the past two decades, the overall survival of patients on a potentially curative treatment pathway has more than doubled due to the addition of perioperative oncological therapies to surgery. However, patients often fail to respond to oncological treatment or struggle to complete their treatment after surgery. In this review, we discuss the current evidence for total neoadjuvant therapy and options for assessment of treatment response.
Targeting cancer-associated adipocyte-derived CXCL8 inhibits triple-negative breast cancer progression and enhances the efficacy of anti-PD-1 immunotherapy
Authors: Huang Renhong , Wang Zheng , Hong Jin , Wu Jiayi , Huang Ou , He Jianrong , Chen Weiguo , Li Yafen , Chen Xiaosong , Shen Kunwei
Published: October 2023

Cancer-associated adipocytes (CAAs), one of the primary stromal components, exhibit intimate crosstalk and release multiple cell factors mediating local and systemic biological effects. However, the role of CAAs in the regulation of systemic immune responses and their potential value in the clinical treatment of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) are not well described. Transcriptome sequencing was performed on CAA and normal adipocyte (NA) tissues isolated from surgically resected samples from TNBC patients and healthy controls. Cytokines, including C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 8 (CXCL8, also known as IL-8), secreted from NAs and CAAs were compared by transcriptome sequencing and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Proliferation, migration and invasion assays were employed to analyze the role of CAAs and CAA-derived CXCL8 (macrophage inflammatory protein-2 (MIP2) as a functional surrogate in mice). TNBC syngraft models were established to evaluate the curative effect of targeting CXCL8 in combination with anti-PD-1 therapies. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), western blotting (WB), polymerase chain reaction (PCR) array, flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and immunofluorescence (IF) were applied to analyze immune cell infiltration and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers. Specifically, we demonstrated that CAAs and CAA-derived CXCL8 played important roles in tumor growth, EMT, metastasis and tumor immunity suppression. CAA-derived CXCL8 remodeled the tumor immune microenvironment not only by suppressing CD4+ T and CD8+ T immune cell infiltration but also by upregulating CD274 expression in TNBC. The combination of targeting the CXCL8 pathway and blocking the PD-1 pathway synergistically increased the tumor immune response and inhibited tumor progression. Thus, our results highlight the molecular mechanisms and translational significance of CAAs in tumor progression and immune ecosystem regulatory effects and provide a better understanding of the potential clinical benefit of targeting CAA-derived CXCL8 in antitumor immunity and as a new therapeutic moiety in TNBC.
The chromatin network helps prevent cancer-associated mutagenesis at transcription-replication conflicts
Authors: Bayona-Feliu Aleix , Herrera-Moyano Emilia , Badra-Fajardo Nibal , Galván-Femenía Iván , Soler-Oliva María Eugenia , Aguilera Andrés
Published: October 2023

Genome instability is a feature of cancer cells, transcription being an important source of DNA damage. This is in large part associated with R-loops, which hamper replication, especially at head-on transcription-replication conflicts (TRCs). Here we show that TRCs trigger a DNA Damage Response (DDR) involving the chromatin network to prevent genome instability. Depletion of the key chromatin factors INO80, SMARCA5 and MTA2 results in TRCs, fork stalling and R-loop-mediated DNA damage which mostly accumulates at S/G2, while histone H3 Ser10 phosphorylation, a mark of chromatin compaction, is enriched at TRCs. Strikingly, TRC regions show increased mutagenesis in cancer cells with signatures of homologous recombination deficiency, transcription-coupled nucleotide excision repair (TC-NER) and of the AID/APOBEC cytidine deaminases, being predominant at head-on collisions. Thus, our results support that the chromatin network prevents R-loops and TRCs from genomic instability and mutagenic signatures frequently associated with cancer.
Copula-based risk aggregation with trapped ion quantum computers
Authors: Zhu Daiwei , Shen Weiwei , Giani Annarita , Ray-Majumder Saikat , Neculaes Bogdan , Johri Sonika
Published: October 2023

Copulas are mathematical tools for modeling joint probability distributions. In the past 60 years they have become an essential analysis tool on classical computers in various fields. The recent finding that copulas can be expressed as maximally entangled quantum states has revealed a promising approach to practical quantum advantages: performing tasks faster, requiring less memory, or, as we show, yielding better predictions. Studying the scalability of this quantum approach as both the precision and the number of modeled variables increase is crucial for its adoption in real-world applications. In this paper, we successfully apply a Quantum Circuit Born Machine (QCBM) based approach to modeling 3- and 4-variable copulas on trapped ion quantum computers. We study the training of QCBMs with different levels of precision and circuit design on a simulator and a state-of-the-art trapped ion quantum computer. We observe decreased training efficacy due to the increased complexity in parameter optimization as the models scale up. To address this challenge, we introduce an annealing-inspired strategy that dramatically improves the training results. In our end-to-end tests, various configurations of the quantum models make a comparable or better prediction in risk aggregation tasks than the standard classical models.
An investigation into a semi-porous channel's forced convection of nano fluid in the presence of a magnetic field as a result of heat radiation
Authors: Jalili Bahram , Shateri Amirali , Akgül Ali , Bariq Abdul , Asadi Zohreh , Jalili Payam , Ganji Davood Domiri
Published: October 2023

This study investigates the impact of heat radiation on magnetically-induced forced convection of nanofluid in a semi-porous channel. The research employs Akbari-Ganji's and Homotopy perturbation methods to analyze the effects of multiple parameters, including Hartmann number, Reynolds number, Eckert number, radiation parameter, and suction parameter, on the flow and heat transfer characteristics. The results demonstrate that increasing Reynolds number, suction, and radiation parameters increases temperature gradient, providing valuable insights into improving heat transfer in semi-porous channels. The study validates the proposed methods by comparing the results with those obtained from other established methods in the literature. The main focus of this work is to understand the behavior of nanofluids in semi-porous channels under the influence of magnetic fields and heat radiation, which is essential for various industrial and engineering applications. The future direction of this research includes exploring the effects of different nanoparticle shapes and materials on heat transfer performance and investigating the influence of other parameters, such as buoyancy forces and variable properties, on the flow and heat transfer characteristics. The findings of this study are expected to contribute to the development of more efficient thermal management systems in the future.
Analysis of thyroid function and related factors in narcolepsy patients
Authors: Wang Hongli , Jia Mingrui
Published: October 2023

The loss of hypocretin is thought to be the main pathophysiological mechanism of narcolepsy. There is strong evidence that hypocretin is related to the regulation of endocrine functions and depression. To explore thyroid hormone levels in narcolepsy patients was our aim. In addition, further is to analyze the relationship between thyroid hormone levels and sleep quality, anxiety, and depression in narcolepsy patients. There are 40 patients with narcolepsy and 40 healthy controls (HCs) were conducted. Blood samples were explored for thyroid function. Correlation analysis between thyroid hormones and clinical characteristics of narcolepsy was performed using Pearson or Spearman. Narcolepsy patients had significantly lower free thyroxine (FT4) levels in comparison to controls (p < 0.001). No subject was diagnosed with primary hypothyroidism. There were 4 (10%) subjects with subclinical hypothyroidism. The serum FT4 levels were positively correlated with HAMA14 score (r = − 0.343, p = 0.030) by Pearson correlation analysis. The serum TSH levels and HAMD24 score (r = − 0.807 p ˂0.001), and ESS score (r = − 0.317, p = 0.046) both showed a negative correction. Hypocretin deficiency may be associated with the regulation of thyroid hormones in narcolepsy patients. The serum thyroid hormones may affect the severity and neuropsychological functions of narcolepsy patients.
Clinico-radiologic subtypes and therapeutic observation of acute Marchiafava-Bignami disease
Authors: Zhang Yan-li , Ran Chao , Xu Chao , Li Wei
Published: October 2023

We aimed to investigate the clinico-radiologic features of acute Marchiafava-Bignami disease (MBD) and its evolutionary process after effective treatment through subgroup comparison. The clinical and MRI data of 23 patients with acute MBD were retrospectively analyzed and divided into type A (12 cases, with entire callosal involvement) and type B (11 cases, with focal callosal involvement). The clinical assessments and MRI findings (before and after treatment) were compared between the two subtypes. Compared with type B, type A had lower MoCA (Montreal Cognitive Assessment) scores at admission (16.50 ± 1.73 vs 18.27 ± 1.68, P = 0.021) and were more common with extracallosal involvement (66.67% vs 18.18%, P = 0.036) and longer illness duration (18.3 ± 2.1 days vs 15.6 ± 2.4 days, P = 0.012). During the treatment, the residual lesion in the splenium was more common in type A (58.33% vs 9.09%, P = 0.027). After treatment, the MoCa scores of both subtypes gradually increased (P < 0.001), and the callosal and extracallasal lesions disappeared completely. Clinico-radiologic typing of acute MBD is related to the severity of early symptoms, but not to the prognosis. Complete clinico-radiologic recovery is possible for both subtypes with combined treatment. The clinico-radiologic reversibility is helpful for accurate diagnosis and therapeutic evaluation.
Periodic fluctuations in reading times reflect multi-word-chunking
Authors: Lo Chia-Wen , Anderson Mark , Henke Lena , Meyer Lars
Published: October 2023

Memory is fleeting. To avoid information loss, humans need to recode verbal stimuli into chunks of limited duration, each containing multiple words. Chunk duration may also be limited neurally by the wavelength of periodic brain activity, so-called neural oscillations. While both cognitive and neural constraints predict some degree of behavioral regularity in processing, this remains to be shown. Our analysis of self-paced reading data from 181 participants reveals periodic patterns at a frequency of $$\sim$$
∼
 2 Hz. We defined multi-word chunks by using a computational formalization based on dependency annotations and part-of-speech tags. Potential chunk outputs were first generated from the computational formalization and the final chunk outputs were selected based on normalized pointwise mutual information. We show that behavioral periodicity is time-aligned to multi-word chunks, suggesting that the multi-word chunks generated from local dependency clusters may minimize memory demands. This is the first evidence that sentence processing behavior is periodic, consistent with a role of both memory constraints and endogenous electrophysiological rhythms in the formation of chunks during language comprehension.
Retrospective judgments of confidence in a complex span task
Authors: Lau Giovanny , Moulin Chris J. A. , Portrat Sophie
Published: October 2023

Although the study of metamemory monitoring originated in predictions for simple span tasks, the study of metacognition for working memory (WM) has been somewhat neglected in comparison with long-term memory. We aimed to fill this gap by exploring the ability to self-assess WM operations. Thirty-four participants performed 16 series of complex span tasks and rated their confidence in a verbal recall paradigm. We manipulated the cognitive load based on the TBRS model in order to analyze the role of attentional resources on both WM and metacognitive evaluations. As expected, we found that recall is affected by cognitive load and we found standard serial position effects. Interestingly, metacognitive evaluations followed the same pattern, and measures of metacognitive sensitivity suggest that participants are able to make item-by-item retrospective judgments reflective of their performance. We discuss how these results contribute to our understanding of metacognitive access to newly-formed WM contents.
Imaging low-energy positron beams in real-time with unprecedented resolution
Authors: Berghold Michael , Burwitz Vassily Vadimovitch , Mathes Lucian , Hugenschmidt Christoph , Guatieri Francesco
Published: October 2023

Particle beams focused to micrometer-sized spots play a crucial role in forefront research using low-energy positrons. Their expedient and wide application, however, requires highly-resolved, fast beam diagnostics. We have developed two different methods to modify a commercial imaging sensor to make it sensitive to low-energy positrons. The first method consists in removing the micro-lens array and Bayer filter from the sensor surface and depositing a phosphor layer in their place. This procedure results in a detector capable of imaging positron beams with energies down to a few tens of eV, or an intensity as low as $${35}\,{\hbox {e}^+/\hbox {s/mm}^{2}}$$

35

e
+

/

s/mm
2

when the beam energy exceeds 10 $${\hbox {keV}}$$
keV
. The second approach omits the phosphor deposition; with the resulting device we succeeded in detecting single positrons with energies upwards of $${6}\,{\hbox {keV}}$$

6

keV

and efficiency up to 93%. The achieved spatial resolution of 0.97 $$\upmu \hbox {m}$$

μ
m

is unprecedented for real-time positron detectors.
Exploring new subgroups for irritable bowel syndrome using a machine learning algorithm
Authors: Mousavi Elahe , Hassanzadeh Keshteli Ammar , Sehhati Mohammadreza , Vaez Ahmad , Adibi Peyman
Published: October 2023

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a complicated gut-brain axis disorder that has typically been classified into subgroups based on the major abnormal stool consistency and frequency. The presence of components other than lower gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, such as psychological burden, has also been observed in IBS manifestations. The purpose of this research is to redefine IBS subgroups based on upper GI symptoms and psychological factors in addition to lower GI symptoms using an unsupervised machine learning algorithm. The clustering of 988 individuals who met the Rome III criteria for diagnosis of IBS was performed using a mixed-type data clustering algorithm. Nine sub-groups emerged from the proposed clustering: (I) High diarrhea, pain, and psychological burden, (II) High upper GI, moderate lower GI, and psychological burden, (III) High psychological burden and moderate overall GI, (IV) High constipation, moderate upper GI, and high psychological burden, (V) moderate constipation and low psychological burden, (VI) High diarrhea and moderate psychological burden, (VII) moderate diarrhea and low psychological burden, (VIII) Low overall GI, and psychological burden, (IX) Moderate lower GI, and low psychological burden. The proposed procedure led to the discovery of new homogeneous clusters in addition to certain well-known Rome sub-types for IBS.
Relation of serum uric acid levels to readmission and mortality in patients with heart failure
Authors: Li Zengpan , Yuan Jie , Hu Encong , Wei Diyang
Published: October 2023

Data on the association between uric acid (UA) levels and clinical outcomes, such as readmission and mortality, in patients with heart failure are scarce. This study explores whether UA exhibits an independent association with the composite endpoint (clinical outcome during 6 months after discharge, including mortality and 6-month readmission) in patients with chronic heart failure while controlling for other covariates. This study was an observational retrospective study. A cohort of 1943 consecutive patients diagnosed with chronic heart failure, who were admitted between December 2016 and June 2019, was included in the study. Data were sourced from PhysioNet. The independent variable analyzed was the UA level, and the dependent variable was a composite endpoint comprising mortality and 6-month readmission. The study had 1943 participants, of which 91.04% were aged more than 60 years and 58.05% were female. The fully-adjusted model yielded a positive correlation between UA levels (per 10 µmol/L) and the composite endpoint as well as readmission, following adjustment for confounding variables (HR = 1.01, 95% CI 1.00–1.01). Notably, a non-linear relationship was observed between UA levels and the composite endpoint, particularly readmission, with a J-shaped correlation observed between UA levels and both the composite endpoint and readmission. Overall, we found that the serum UA levels at admission were independently and positively associated with the risk of the composite endpoint (clinical outcomes during 6 months after discharge), especially readmission after adjusting other covariates. A J-shaped relationship was observed between UA levels and the composite endpoint and readmission.
Hypersensitivity of myelinated A-fibers via toll-like receptor 5 promotes mechanical allodynia in tenascin-X-deficient mice associated with Ehlers–Danlos syndrome
Authors: Kamada Hiroki , Emura Kousuke , Yamamoto Rikuto , Kawahara Koichi , Uto Sadahito , Minami Toshiaki , Ito Seiji , Matsumoto Ken-ichi , Okuda-Ashitaka Emiko
Published: October 2023

Deficiency of an extracellular matrix glycoprotein tenascin-X (TNX) leads to a human heritable disorder Ehlers–Danlos syndrome, and TNX-deficient patients complain of chronic joint pain, myalgia, paresthesia, and axonal polyneuropathy. We previously reported that TNX-deficient (Tnxb−/−) mice exhibit mechanical allodynia and hypersensitivity to myelinated A-fibers. Here, we investigated the pain response of Tnxb−/− mice using pharmacological silencing of A-fibers with co-injection of N-(2,6-Dimethylphenylcarbamoylmethyl) triethylammonium bromide (QX-314), a membrane-impermeable lidocaine analog, plus flagellin, a toll-like receptor 5 (TLR5) ligand. Intraplantar co-injection of QX-314 and flagellin significantly increased the paw withdrawal threshold to transcutaneous sine wave stimuli at frequencies of 250 Hz (Aδ fiber responses) and 2000 Hz (Aβ fiber responses), but not 5 Hz (C fiber responses) in wild-type mice. The QX-314 plus flagellin-induced silencing of Aδ- and Aβ-fibers was also observed in Tnxb−/− mice. Co-injection of QX-314 and flagellin significantly inhibited the mechanical allodynia and neuronal activation of the spinal dorsal horn in Tnxb−/− mice. Interestingly, QX-314 alone inhibited the mechanical allodynia in Tnxb−/− mice, and it increased the paw withdrawal threshold to stimuli at frequencies of 250 Hz and 2000 Hz in Tnxb−/− mice, but not in wild-type mice. The inhibition of mechanical allodynia induced by QX-314 alone was blocked by intraplantar injection of a TLR5 antagonist TH1020 in Tnxb−/− mice. These results suggest that mechanical allodynia due to TNX deficiency is caused by the hypersensitivity of Aδ- and Aβ-fibers, and it is induced by constitutive activation of TLR5.
Usage of fractional order $${\textrm{PI}}^\lambda {\textrm{D}}^\mu$$ controller as AQM algorithm
Authors: Marszałek Karol , Domański Adam , Milik Adam
Published: October 2023

The article describes the Usage of fractional order $${\textrm{PI}}^\lambda {\textrm{D}}^\mu$$

PI

λ

D

μ

controller as AQM algorithm. The alternative, integer-based calculation process for $${\textrm{PI}}^\lambda {\textrm{D}}^\mu$$

PI

λ

D

μ

controller is proposed and tested in numerical analysis, simulation environment, and Linux-based testbed environment with real-life devices. The FPGA design for the calculation process is presented. Experimental evaluation and setup process for AQM in the network is presented.
Artificial intelligence-based framework for precise prediction of asphaltene particle aggregation kinetics in petroleum recovery
Authors: Sharifzadegan Ali , Behnamnia Mohammad , Dehghan Monfared Abolfazl
Published: October 2023

The precipitation and deposition of asphaltene on solid surfaces present a significant challenge throughout all stages of petroleum recovery, from hydrocarbon reservoirs in porous media to wellbore and transfer pipelines. A comprehensive understanding of asphaltene aggregation phenomena is crucial for controlling deposition issues. In addition to experimental studies, accurate prediction of asphaltene aggregation kinetics, which has received less attention in previous research, is essential. This study proposes an artificial intelligence-based framework for precisely predicting asphaltene particle aggregation kinetics. Different techniques were utilized to predict the asphaltene aggregate diameter as a function of pressure, temperature, oil specific gravity, and oil asphaltene content. These methods included the adaptive neuro-fuzzy interference system (ANFIS), radial basis function (RBF) neural network optimized with the Grey Wolf Optimizer (GWO) algorithm, extreme learning machine (ELM), and multi-layer perceptron (MLP) coupled with Bayesian Regularization (BR), Levenberg–Marquardt (LM), and Scaled Conjugate Gradient (SCG) algorithms. The models were constructed using a series of published data. The results indicate the excellent correlation between predicted and experimental values using various models. However, the GWO-RBF modeling strategy demonstrated the highest accuracy among the developed models, with a determination coefficient, average absolute relative deviation percent, and root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.9993, 1.1326%, and 0.0537, respectively, for the total data.
Cohabitation with aggressive hosts: description of a new microhisterid species in nests of a ponerine ant with ecological notes
Authors: Pérez-Lachaud Gabriela , Degallier Nicolas , Gomy Yves , Elías-Gutiérrez Manuel , Rocha Franklin H. , Lachaud Jean-Paul
Published: October 2023

A new clown beetle species, Bacanius neoponerae, is described from Mexican nests of the arboreal ponerine ant Neoponera villosa found in the tank bromeliad Aechmea bracteata. Adult beetles were found in brood chambers or inner refuse piles, but also outside the ant nests, in decaying organic matter between the bromeliad leaves. No direct interactions between ants and microhisterid beetles could be observed. Several lines of evidence suggest a close relationship either with the ants, specific microhabitats within the ant nests or the bromeliads. Sample site elevation, colony size, monthly rainfall and collecting site were the main variables predicting the association. Almost half of the N. villosa colonies were associated with the microhisterids, and larger colonies favored their presence, especially during the driest months of the year. Two specimens were found in a nest of another ant species, Camponotus atriceps, also inhabiting A. bracteata. The new species is the seventh of the genus Bacanius reported from Mexico. This is the second time a species of this genus is associated with ants, and the fourth record of a histerid beetle cohabiting with ponerine ants. The small size of these beetles and their very protective body structure may facilitate their cohabitation with such aggressive hosts.
Effectiveness of acute myocardial infarction interventions on selected outcomes among community dwelling-older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Banharak Samoraphop , Metprommarat Alin , Mahikul Wiriya , Jeamjitvibool Thanakrit , Karaket Anusorn
Published: October 2023

The older adult is an influential group experiencing acute myocardial infarction, delaying treatment and causing a high mortality rate. Factors related to their delay differ from other age groups, and their specific characteristics are barriers to recognizing their symptoms and learning new information. Therefore, specific innovative methods related to their limitations and needs should be considered when developing interventions promoting on-time treatment. This study aims to review intervention details and their effects on knowledge, belief, decision-making, rate of calling 911, and mortality among community-dwelling older adults at risk or after a first myocardial infarction compared to receiving usual care or no intervention. The 12 databases were searched unlimitedly until July 30, 2022. The two researchers independently reviewed the articles, and the third reviewer broke the tight when disagreement was found. Data were extracted, kinds of interventions were grouped, and intervention details were summarized narratively. Finally, the selected outcomes were analyzed by meta-analysis using a fixed and a random-effects model. Eleven articles were for final review. Interventions were categorized into eight groups: direct mail, community-based, multi-group health education, innovation methods, tailored education, structured education, tricked intervention promoting memory and concern, and nurse-based case management. Finally, the meta-analysis found that only innovative methods could increase the rate of calling 911 and taking aspirin (Odd ratio = 2.55; 95% CI = 1.01-6.44). In contrast, there were no statistically significant differences in the rate of affecting time to first unplanned readmission or death and time delay to the emergency room. Results recommended that effective and specific interventions must be developed and strengthened to promote older adults surviving acute myocardial infarction.

Clinical Trial Registration Number: PROSPERO CRD42021247136.
Systematic pharmacology-based strategy to explore the mechanism of Semen Strychni for treatment of papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Mao Jingxin , Tang Lijing , Fang Ling , Tian Cheng , Zhu Zhaojing , Li Yan
Published: October 2023

The aim of the study was to investigated the mechanism ofStrychnos nux-vomicaL. (Semen Strychni, SS) against papillary carcinoma thyroid (PTC) by combined of network pharmacology and experimental verification. By searching the TCMSP, SEA and SwissTarget Prediction database, the main active ingredients and related targets were obtained. Utilizing Venny 2.1.0 String database and Cytoscape 3.7.2 to screened the intersection target and constructed protein–protein interaction (PPI) network diagram. Using R 4.0.4 software carried out the enrichment analysis of GO and KEGG. HPLC was carried out using LC-20A modular HPLC system to identify the bioactive compound brucine present inSS. Molecular docking was performed using Discovery 2019 software. The inhibition rate was detected by CCK8 method. Western blot was used to detect the expression levels of brucine anti-PTC related pathway proteins. 14 active components were screened out, of which 4 main components showed tight relationship with PTC.SSmay play the anti-PTC role by acting on two main pathways (TNF signaling pathway and MAPK signaling pathway) and mediating various biological functions. HPLC analysis revealed that brucine was a suitable marker for standardization of theSS. 4 active components exhibit strong binding energy with core protein. Brucine could significantly reduce the activity of BCPAP cells compared with isobrucine, stigmasterol, (+)-catechin. Brucine may reduce the protein expression levels of IL-6, VEGFA, JUN, TP53, 1L1B, PTGS2, BCL2, CASP3, CASP8, and CASP9 while increase the protein expression levels of BAD, cleaved-CASP3, cleaved-CASP8, and cleaved-CASP9 in BCPAP cells, respectively. The active components ofSSagainst PTC mainly include isobrucine, stigmasterol, (+)-catechin, brucine. Among them, brucine exhibits the strongest anti-PTC activity in BCPAP cells, which may reduce the PTC-related protein expression levels. Therefore,SSmay exhibits the anti-PTC activities through multiple targets and pathways.
Summer paleohydrology during the Late Glacial and Early Holocene based on δ2H and δ18O from Bichlersee, Bavaria
Authors: Prochnow Maximilian , Strobel Paul , Bliedtner Marcel , Struck Julian , Bittner Lucas , Szidat Sönke , Salazar Gary , Schneider Heike , Acharya Sudip , Zech Michael , Zech Roland
Published: October 2023

Isotope-based records provide valuable information on past climate changes. However, it is not always trivial to disentangle past changes in the isotopic composition of precipitation from possible changes in evaporative enrichment, and seasonality may need to be considered. Here, we analyzed δ2H on n-alkanes and δ18O on hemicellulose sugars in sediments from Bichlersee, Bavaria, covering the Late Glacial and Early Holocene. Our δ2Hn-C31 record documents past changes in the isotopic composition of summer precipitation and roughly shows the isotope pattern known from Greenland. Both records show lower values during the Younger Dryas, but at Bichlersee the signal is less pronounced, corroborating earlier suggestions that the Younger Dryas was mainly a winter phenomenon and less extreme during summer. δ18Ofucose records the isotopic composition of the lake water during summer and is sensitive to evaporative enrichment. Coupling δ2Hn-C31 and δ18Ofucose allows calculating lake water deuterium-excess and thus disentangling changes in the isotopic composition of precipitation and evaporative enrichment. Our deuterium-excess record reveals that the warm Bølling–Allerød and Early Holocene were characterized by more evaporative enrichment compared to the colder Younger Dryas. Site-specific hydrological conditions, seasonality, and coupling δ2H and δ18O are thus important when interpreting isotope records.
Orange juice containing Pediococcus acidilactici CE51 modulates the intestinal microbiota and reduces induced inflammation in a murine model of colitis
Authors: de Oliveira Vieira Karolinny Cristiny , da Silva Ana Beatriz Batista , Felício Suelen Aparecida , Lira Fábio Santos , de Figueiredo Caíque , Bezirtzoglou Eugenia , Pereira Valéria Cataneli , Nakagaki Wilson Romero , Nai Gisele Alborghetti , Winkelströter Lizziane Kretli
Published: October 2023

The management of inflammatory bowel diseases has been widely investigated, especially ulcerative colitis. Thus, studies with the application of new probiotic products are needed in the prevention/treatment of these clinical conditions. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effects of probiotic orange juice containing Pediococcus acidilactici CE51 in a murine model of colitis. 45 male Swiss lineage mice were used, divided into five groups (n = 9): control, colitis, colitis + probiotic (probiotic orange juice containing CE51), colitis + placebo (orange juice) and colitis + sulfasalazine (10 mg/kg/Weight). The induction of colitis was performed with dextran sodium sulfate (3%). The treatment time was 5 and 15 days after induction. Histopathological analysis, serum measurements of TNF-α and C-reactive protein and metagenomic analysis of feces were performed after euthanasia. Probiotic treatment reduced inflammation in the small intestine, large intestine and spleen. The probiotic did not alter the serum dosages of TNF-α and C-reactive protein. Their use maintained the quantitative ratio of the phylum Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes and increased Lactobacillus helveticus with 15 days of treatment (p < 0.05). The probiotic orange juice containing P. acidilactici CE51 positively modulated the gut microbiota composition and attenuated the inflammation induced in colitis.
Non-uniform failure and differential pressure relief technology of roadway under irregular goafs in deep close-distance coal seams
Authors: Yin Shuaifeng , Zheng Xinjian , Wang En , Kang Qingtao , Zhang Xiaoming
Published: October 2023

In response to the control problems of large-deformation roadways in close-distance coal seams, taking a typical roadway under irregular goafs and residual coal pillar in deep close-distance coal seams as the background, the characteristics of mine pressure and key difficulties in surrounding rock control of roadway are explored and an improvement strategy for controlling surrounding rock is proposed. The stress expression in roadway floor under the influence of residual coal pillar is derived by theoretical calculation. The peak lines of deviatoric stress and vertical stress in roadway after the mining of the upper coal seam are obtained by numerical simulation. The roadway is divided into two key zones: ordinary zone and disturbance zone by residual coal pillar, and the disturbance range of roadway below residual coal pillar is determined to be 44.60 m. It reveals the differential, asymmetric, and non-uniform distortion and failure laws of roadway at different positions under irregular goafs and residual coal pillar. The differential control technology named asymmetric support in ordinary zone of roadway and combined support and drilling pressure relief in disturbance zone below residual coal pillar is proposed. The feasibility of differential pressure relief and control technology has been verified through on-site engineering test, which ensures the safety and stability of roadway and provides technical references for surrounding rock control in similar deep and complex roadways.
Basophils absence predicts poor prognosis and indicates immunosuppression of patients in intensive care units
Authors: Chen Xiao , Zhu Xiaofeng , Zhuo Huichang , Lin Jiandong , Lin Xian
Published: October 2023

Immune cells and immunity are associated with the prognosis of patients with critical illness. Here, medical records retrospectively extracted from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV were used for screening an immune-related biomarker in intensive care units (ICU) patients and applied for validating the identified indicator in septic patients. In this work, the count of innate immune cells, basophils, harbored a superior role in predicting ICU patients’ prognosis compared with those of other blood immune cells (OR 0.013, 95% CI 0.001, 0.118, P < 0.001). Importantly, basophils absence during ICU stay was positively correlated with the 28-day mortality of ICU patients and served as an independent predictor of ICU patients’ prognosis (OR 3.425, 95% CI 3.717–3.165, P < 0.001). Moreover, the association between critical illness progression, poor outcome, and basophils absence was verified in septic patients. Subsequent investigations revealed the positive relationship between basophils absence and immunosuppression, and suggested the potential of basophils-mediated immunity in predicting the 28-day mortality of ICU patients. Collectively, we identify basophils absence during ICU stay as a novel and unfavorable indicator for evaluating the prognosis of ICU patients and recognizing a branch of ICU patients potentially suitable for intensified treatment and immunoenhancement therapy.
Impact of probe sonication and sulfuric acid pretreatment on graphene exfoliation in water
Authors: Mohammedture Meriam , Rajput Nitul , Perez-Jimenez Ana Isabel , Matouk Zineb , AlZadjali Shroq , Gutierrez Monserrat
Published: October 2023

Graphene is a 2D material with promising commercial applications due to its physicochemical properties. Producing high-quality graphene economically and at large scales is currently of great interest and demand. Here, the potential of producing high-quality graphene at a large scale via water-phase exfoliation methods is investigated. By altering exfoliation parameters, the production yield of graphene and flake size are evaluated. Pretreatment of the precursor graphite powder using acidic solutions of H2SO4 at different concentrations is found to increase further the yield and structural quality of the exfoliated graphene flakes. These findings are confirmed through various spectroscopy and surface characterization techniques. Controlling flake size, thickness, and yield are demonstrated via optimization of the sonication process, centrifuge time, and H2SO4 pretreatment.
Predicting mortality in brain stroke patients using neural networks: outcomes analysis in a longitudinal study
Authors: Someeh Nasrin , Mirfeizi Mani , Asghari-Jafarabadi Mohammad , Alinia Shayesteh , Farzipoor Farshid , Shamshirgaran Seyed Morteza
Published: October 2023

In this study, Neural Networks (NN) modelling has emerged as a promising tool for predicting outcomes in patients with Brain Stroke (BS) by identifying key risk factors. In this longitudinal study, we enrolled 332 patients form Imam hospital in Ardabil, Iran, with mean age: 77.4 (SD 10.4) years, and 50.6% were male. Diagnosis of BS was confirmed using both computerized tomography scan and magnetic resonance imaging, and risk factor and outcome data were collected from the hospital’s BS registry, and by telephone follow-up over a period of 10 years, respectively. Using a multilayer perceptron NN approach, we analysed the impact of various risk factors on time to mortality and mortality from BS. A total of 100 NN classification algorithm were trained utilizing STATISTICA 13 software, and the optimal model was selected for further analysis based on their diagnostic performance. We also calculated Kaplan–Meier survival probabilities and conducted Log-rank tests. The five selected NN models exhibited impressive accuracy ranges of 81–85%. However, the optimal model stood out for its superior diagnostic indices. Mortality rate in the training and the validation data set was 7.9 (95% CI 5.7–11.0) per 1000 and 8.2 (7.1–9.6) per 1000, respectively (P = 0.925). The optimal model highlighted significant risk factors for BS mortality, including smoking, lower education, advanced age, lack of physical activity, a history of diabetes, all carrying substantial importance weights. Our study provides compelling evidence that the NN approach is highly effective in predicting mortality in patients with BS based on key risk factors, and has the potential to significantly enhance the accuracy of prediction. Moreover, our findings could inform more effective prevention strategies for BS, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes.