bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterizing participants who respond to text, email, phone calls, or postcards in a SARS-CoV-2 prevalence study
Authors: Duszynski Thomas , Fadel William , Dixon Brian , Yiannoutsos Constantin , Menachemi Nir , Halverson Paul
Published: October 2023

Introduction:
Multiple modalities and frequencies of contact are needed to maximize recruitment in many public health surveys. The purpose of the current analysis is to characterize respondents to a statewide SARS-CoV-2 testing study whose participation followed either the postcard, phone outreach or electronic means of invitation. In addition, we examine how participant characteristics differ based upon the number of contacts needed to elicit participation.
Methods
Study participants were randomly selected to represent Indiana residents and were invited to participated via postcard, text/emails, and/or robocalls/texts based upon available contact information. The modality and frequency of contacts that prompted participation was determined by when the notification was sent and when the participant registered for the study. Chi square analyses were used to determine difference between groups and significant findings were analyzed using multinomial logistic regression.
Results
Respondents included 3,658 individuals and were stratified by postcards (7.9%), text/emails (26.5%), and robocalls/text (65.7%) with 19.7% registering after 1 contact, 47.9% after 2 contacts, and 32.4% after 3 contacts encouraging participation. Females made up 54.6% of the sample and responded at a higher rate for postcards (8.2% vs. 7.5%) and text/emails (28.1 vs. 24.6%) as compared to males (χ2 = 7.43, p = 0.025). Compared to males, females responded at a higher percentage after 1 contact (21.4 vs. 17.9%, χ2 = 7.6, p = 0.023). With respect to age, those over 60 years respondent least often following 1 contact and most often after 2 contacts (χ2 = 27.5, p < 0.001). The regression model reinforced that participant sex (p = 0.036) age (p = 0.005), educational attainment (p = < 0.0001) were predictors of participation along with free testing (p = 0.036).
Discussion
Researchers should be aware that the modality of contact as well as the number of prompts used could influence differential participation in public health surveys by different demographic groups. Our findings can inform researchers wanting to increase participation from targeted demographic groups by using certain modalities and frequencies of contact in any study that relies on selective participation by study subjects.
Association of pet exposure with allergic disease incidence and all-cause mortality: Nhanse database analysis
Authors: Zhang Lili , Liu Xiangliang , Ge Tingwen , Li Yuguang , Wang Hongyi , Li Fangqi , Xing Weiwei , Cui Jiuwei
Published: October 2023

Objective: The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the association between pet exposure with the incidence of allergic disease and all-cause mortality.
Methods: The primary results of our study were the incidence of allergic diseases and all-cause mortality. The relevant data of 2005-2006 in Nhanse database were used, including clinical basic information, serum index, disease information and death information, etc. Association between pets and allergic disease was assessed by a logistic regression model. Association of pet exposure with all-cause mortality was assessed using a Cox proportional risk model.
Results: A total of 4082 subjects aged 20 years or older were enrolled in this study, of which 1776 (43.5%) had contact with pets and 2306 (56.5%) had no contact with pets. The incidence of allergic rhinitis, hay fever, asthma and eczema in pet contact group was significantly higher than that in non-pet contact group. A logistic regression model showed that exposure to cats was associated with hay fever (OR:1.419; 95%CI 1.037,1.942), allergic rhinitis (OR:1.300; 95%CI 1.046,1.616) were significantly associated with a higher incidence. Exposure to dogs and asthma (OR:1.361; 95%CI 1.085, 1.707), eczema (OR:1.402; 95%CI 1.039,1.891) were significantly associated with a higher incidence. According to models of all-cause mortality, owning a cat or owning two types of pets (cat, dog) is associated with reduced all-cause mortality, especially among male. In female, only a reduction in all-cause mortality was observed with cat ownership.
Conclusions: In American adults, pet ownership, especially dog and cat exposure, may increase the risks of allergic diseases but decrease the risk of all-cause mortality.
Growth and diet of the invasive mosquitofish Gambusia affinis in lotic and lentic habitats in Japan
Authors: Hashimoto Shinji , Kaneko Shota , Chiba Natsumi
Published: October 2023

To understand the success of non-native fish invasions, it is important to clarify their tolerance to habitat differences and their adaptations to these habitats with regard to feeding habits. In this study, the invasive characteristics of the non-native fish Gambusia affinis were examined in order to determine its growth and feeding habits in different habitats (lotic and lentic). Fish specimens were collected from October 2021 to November 2022 from the Nakaibori Stream (lotic) and from May to December 2022 from the Nagatsugawa Reservoir (lentic). Growth indices (total length: TL, eviscerated weight: EW, and condition factor: CF) for both habitats showed that TL and EW were significantly lower for lotic than for lentic habitats. However, the CF of the lotic habitat was higher than that of the lentic habitat. The vacuity index (VI) for the lotic habitat was more than five times higher than that for the lentic habitat. The food range of G. affinis in the lentic habitat comprised 14 food items, which mainly included members of Diptera. However, in the lotic habitat, only eight of these were consumed, with members of Formicidae being the most common, followed by plants (mostly filamentous algae). Zooplankton were not consumed in the lotic habitat. Both the lotic and lentic habitats had relatively low niche breadths (0.39). The feeding strategy of G. affinis was determined to be closely related to changes in habitat prey assemblages and possibly indicates competition for food with native fish species.
Primary site surgery of de novo advanced HR+/HER2- breast cancer in the era of CDK4/6 inhibitors treatments: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Lu Guanyu , Jia Lin , Yang Ruohan , Lv Zheng , Cui Jiuwei
Published: October 2023

Objective
The surgical treatment of the primary site remains controversial in patients with de novo metastatic breast cancer. Recent studies have shown survival benefits of localized surgery for these patients. However, with the improved prognosis linked to novel antitumor agents, it is essential to investigate the role of primary site surgery in the context of new drug treatments for advanced HR+/HER2- breast cancer.
Methods
This retrospective analysis included patients with metastatic breast cancer at diagnosis who were consulted at the First Hospital of Jilin University between 2016 and 2022. We compared the patients' clinical characteristics, treatment regimens, and prognosis between the surgery and non-surgery groups.
Results
A total of 123 patients were included in the study, with 34 patients (27.6%) undergoing primary site surgery. Patients with metastases confined to one organ/site were more likely to undergo surgery. Patients in the surgical group had longer progression-free survival (median 29.5 vs. 19.7 months, p = 0.059) and overall survival (median NA vs. 55.1 months, p = 0.078) compared to patients in the non-surgical group. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses suggested that the selection of first-line systemic therapy regimens, as opposed to surgical treatment, influenced the prognoses of patients. However, for patients who underwent surgery on the primary site while receiving CDK4/6 inhibitors, there was no statistically significant effect on prognosis.
Conclusion
In the case of de novo HR+/HER2- advanced breast cancer, there was an observed trend towards a prognostic benefit for patients who underwent primary site surgery. However, this trend was not statistically significant. In the era of new drug therapies, surgical treatment of the primary site should be performed in addition to an effective systemic therapy. The benefit of surgery in individual patients should be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Non-calcified constrictive pericarditis; Two Case Reports
Authors: LIU Bin , Li Zixi , Gu Jiaru , Sun Huan
Published: October 2023

Background
Non calcific constrictive pericarditis is not uncommon in clinical practice, but timely and accurate diagnosis is a challenge for clinical doctors.
Case presentation
Both patients presented with difficulty breathing and multiple fluid accumulation throughout the body. After receiving treatment for heart failure and underlying diseases, no significant improvement was observed. After a series of screening, partial pericardial dissection was performed and the final diagnosis was confirmed.
Conclusion
The diagnostic and management strategies of this uncommon presentation are discussed.: The diagnostic and management strategies of this uncommon presentation are discussed.
Adenovirus 36 seropositivity influences the expression of anti-adipogenic lncRNAs GAS5 and MEG3 in adipose tissue obtained from subjects with obesity
Authors: Cerda Alvaro , Manriquez Victor , Brito Roberto , Pavez Monica , Sapunar Jorge , Fonseca Luis , Molina Victor , Ortiz Eugenia , Baeza Romilio , Reimer Camila , Charles Maria , Schneider Constance , Hirata Mario , Hirata Rosario
Published: October 2023

Background Adenovirus 36 (Ad-36) promotes adipogenesis and the development of human obesity. Induction of PPARγ by Ad-36 seems to have a central role in maintenance of adipogenic status. There is limited information about epigenetic mechanisms contributing to this process in human adipose tissue. This study evaluated the expression of lncRNAs (ADINR, GAS5 and MEG3) and miRNAs ((miR-18a and miR-140) involved in adipogenic process in visceral adipose tissue (VAT) of subjects with obesity with previous Ad-36 infection (seropositive) and unexposed (seronegative) obese subjects.Methods Obese individuals were grouped according to seroconversion against Ad-36 (Seropositive: Ad-36[+], n = 29; and Seronegative: Ad-36[-], n = 28). Additionally, a group of lean controls (n = 17) was selected to compare with the obese group. The Ad-36 serology was carried out by ELISA. Biopsies of VAT were obtained during an elective and clinically indicated surgery (bariatric or cholecystectomy). RNA extraction from VAT was performed and the expression of PPARG and non-coding RNAs was evaluated by qPCR.Results Ad-36[+] individuals had lower expression of anti-adipogenic lncRNAs GAS5 (p = 0.016) and MEG3 (p = 0.035) compared with Ad-36[-] obese subjects. Ad-36[+] subjects also presented increased expression of the adipogenic miRNA miR-18a (p = 0.042), which has been reported to be modulated by GAS5 through a RNA sponging mechanism during adipogenic differentiation. Additionally, an inverse correlation of GAS5 with PPARG expression was observed (r= -0.917, p = 0.01).Conclusion Our results suggest the participation of non-coding RNAs implicated in adipogenic process in the long-term maintenance of adipogenic status associated with previous Ad-36 infection, probably through the GAS5/miR-18a axis.
Geographic variation in dementia-related adverse events associated with sacubitril/valsartan: Analysis of the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System
Authors: Kim Seong Kyung , Kim Myeong Gyu
Published: October 2023

This study aimed to investigate geographical variation in the risk of dementia-related adverse events (AEs) associated with sacubitril/valsartan. Cases from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System involving patients aged 60 or older with sacubitril/valsartan or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) were analyzed. The reporting odds ratios (RORs) for dementia-related AEs were calculated for each continent and the correlation between MME variants and ROR was analyzed. The risk of broad dementia associated with sacubitril/valsartan usage was significantly lower in Asia and Africa (ROR = 0.53, 95% CI = 0.31–0.91; ROR = 0.34, 95% CI = 0.12–0.96, respectively). The risk was significantly higher in North America (ROR = 1.3, 95% CI = 1.16–1.60). In Europe, the risk of broad dementia was significantly lower (ROR = 0.74, 95% CI = 0.59–0.93), while that of narrow dementia was significantly higher (ROR = 8.76, 95% CI = 2.27–33.90). A strong negative correlation was found between broad dementia risk and the frequency of the rs701109 polymorphism (r = -0.9) and the rs3736187 polymorphism (r = -0.88). There are regional variations in dementia-related AEs associated with sacubitril/valsartan usage, and differences in genetic polymorphisms could be a potential cause.
Artificial Neural Network Modeling for Investigation on the Effect of Deficit Irrigation and Nitrogen Levels on Hay Yield and Quality of Sorghum Sudangrass Hybrid
Authors: KARAER Murat , GÜLÜMSER Erdem , KARDEŞ Yusuf Murat , GÜLTAŞ Hüseyin Tevfik , MUT Hanife , ARSLAN Oğuz
Published: October 2023

Irrigation and fertilization are the most critical inputs to increase productivity in plant production. However, the unconscious use of water resources in agriculture and excessive fertilization create an obstacle to the sustainability of production. Deficit irrigation is an essential and sustainable production strategy applied in regions with limited water resources. Since the experiments need more labour, time, input preparation, and land, it is hard to handle the far-reaching parameters. In this regard, artificial neural networks (ANNs) can be an alternative solution. This study aims to develop an ANN modeling to be trained to forecast the effects of different irrigation water levels and fertilizer doses on the hay yield and some quality traits of herbal parts of Sorghum × Sudan grass (SS) hybrid (Sorghum sudanense vs. Sorghum bicolor) remaining after seed harvesting. The ANN model was developed on the limited field experiments implemented in Bilecik, Turkey, for two years in 2021 and 2022. Experiments were conducted in randomized blocks-split plots design with three replications, three irrigation levels (I100, I60, and I30), and four nitrogen treatments (N0, N50, N100, and N150 kg ha− 1). The hay yield, protein yield, relative feed value (RFV), water use efficiency (WUE), and irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE) were determined in this study. It was determined that the ANN structure, including one hidden layer with five neurons, could successfully be used to obtain the best practice conditions for the handled agricultural activity. According to the field experiments and ANN model, the I80 irrigation with 100 kg ha− 1 nitrogen doses would suit the feed yield and quality of Sorghum × Sudan grass hybrid.
A Pick-and-Place Process Control Based On the Bootstrapping Method for Quality Enhancement in Surface Mount Technology
Authors: Kim Jaewoo , Zhang Zhenxuan , Won Daehan , Yoon Sangwon , Jin Yu
Published: October 2023

Surface Mount Technology (SMT) is a technique in electronic manufacturing to assemble electronic components on the surface of printed circuit boards. The industry has faced new challenges because of the increasing complexity of the assembly process to satisfy requirements such as lightweight, smaller size, and diverse configurations. With the usage of lead-free solder and the trend toward miniaturization in the electronics industry, the misalignment of solder paste has become more problematic. As the size of components decreases, it becomes more challenging to guarantee accurate placement and alignment during the assembly process. Self-alignment is a physical phenomenon during soldering, where components attached to soldered pads experience movement. Self-alignment can enhance the assembly quality by adjusting component positions near the desired position. However, it can lead to assembly defects, such as poor attachment and tombstoning, as components are shifted away from the pad center, resulting in an unbalanced position. Therefore, understanding and correctly using self-alignment becomes significant in modern electronic manufacturing. This research proposes a model that collects data from inspection to estimate the self-alignment strength and find a new placement location that can reduce component misalignment and enhance dimensional requirements for PCB assembly, such as side overhang and end overlap.
In-hospital mortality and functional decline after COVID-19 versus other types of pneumonia in Japan: Effect of underlying kidney disease
Authors: Ikenouchi Ken , Takahashi Daiei , Mandai Shintaro , Watada Mizuki , Koyama Sayumi , Hoshino Motoki , Takahashi Naohiro , Shoda Wakana , Kuyama Tamaki , Mori Yutaro , Ando Fumiaki , Susa Koichiro , Mori Takayasu , Iimori Soichiro , Naito Shotaro , Sohara Eisei , Fushimi Kiyohide , Uchida Shinichi
Published: October 2023

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) affects both life and health. However, the differentiation from other types of pneumonia and effect of kidney disease remain uncertain. This retrospective observational study investigated the risk of in-hospital death and functional decline in ≥ 20% of Barthel Index scores after COVID-19 compared to other forms of pneumonia among Japanese adults, both with and without end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). The study enrolled 123,378 patients aged 18 years and older from a national inpatient administrative claims database in Japan that covers the first three waves of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. After a 1:1:1:1 propensity score matching into non-COVID-19/non-dialysis, COVID-19/non-dialysis, non-COVID-19/dialysis, and COVID-19/dialysis groups, 2,136 adults were included in the analyses. The multivariable logistic regression analyses revealed greater odds ratios (ORs) of death [5.92 (95% CI: 3.62–9.96)] and functional decline [1.93 (95% CI: 1.26–2.99)] only in the COVID-19/dialysis group versus the non-COVID-19/non-dialysis group. The COVID-19/dialysis group had a higher risk of death directly due to pneumonia (OR: 6.02, 95% CI: 3.50–10.8) or death due to other diseases (OR: 3.00, 95% CI: 1.11–8.48; versus the non-COVID-19/non-dialysis group). COVID-19 displayed a greater impact on the musculoskeletal system than other types of pneumonia particularly in ESKD.
Hyaluronic acid stimulation of stem cells for cardiac repair: a cell-free strategy for myocardial infarct
Authors: Jeong Seon-Yeong , Park Bong-Woo , Kim Jimin , Lee Seulki , You Haedeun , Lee Joohyun , Lee Susie , Park Jae-Hyun , Kim Jinju , Sim Woosup , Ban Kiwon , Park Joonghoon , Park Hun-Jun , Kim Soo
Published: October 2023

BackgroundMyocardial infarction (MI), a representative form of ischemic heart disease, remains a huge burden worldwide. This study aimed to explore whether extracellular vesicles (EVs) secreted from hyaluronic acid (HA)-primed induced mesenchymal stem cells (HA-iMSC-EVs) could enhance the cardiac repair after MI.
Results HA-iMSC-EVs showed typical characteristics for EVs such as morphology, size, and marker proteins expression. Compared with iMSC-EVs, HA-iMSC-EVs showed enhanced tube formation and survival against oxidative stress in endothelial cells, while reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in cardiomyocytes. In THP-1 macrophages, both types of EVs markedly reduced the expression of pro-inflammatory signaling players, whereas HA-iMSC-EVs were more potent in augmenting anti-inflammatory markers. A significant decrease of inflammasome proteins was observed in HA-iMSC-EV-treated THP-1. Further, phospho-SMAD2 as well as fibrosis markers in TGF-b1-stimulated cardiomyocytes were reduced in HA-iMSC-EVs treatment. Proteomic data showed that HA-iMSC-EVs were enriched with multiple pathways including immunity, extracellular matrix organization, angiogenesis, and cell cycle. The localization of HA-iMSC-EVs in myocardium was confirmed after delivery by either intravenous or intramyocardial route, with the latter increased intensity. Echocardiography revealed that intramyocardial HA-iMSC-EVs injections improved cardiac function and reduced adverse cardiac remodeling and necrotic size in MI heart. Histologically, MI hearts receiving HA-iMSC-EVs had increased capillary density and viable myocardium, while showed reduced fibrosis.
Conclusions Our results suggest that HA-iMSC-EVs improve cardiac function by augmenting vessel growth, while reducing ROS generation, inflammation, and fibrosis in MI heart.
Multi-task multi-station earthquake monitoring: An all-in-one seismic Phase picking, Location, and Association Network (PLAN)
Authors: Wu Xinming , Si Xu , Li Zefeng , Wang Shenghou , Zhu Jun
Published: October 2023

Earthquake monitoring is vital for understanding the physics of earthquakes and assessing seismic hazards.
A standard monitoring workflow includes the interrelated and interdependent tasks of phase picking, association, and location.
Although deep learning methods have been successfully applied to earthquake monitoring,
they mostly address the tasks separately and ignore the geographic relationships among stations.
Here, we propose a graph neural network that operates directly on multi-station seismic data and achieves simultaneous phase picking, association, and location.
Particularly, the inter-station and inter-task physical relationships are informed in the network architecture to promote accuracy, interpretability, and physical consistency among cross-station and cross-task predictions.
When applied to data from the Ridgecrest region and Japan regions, this method showed superior performance over previous deep learning-based phase-picking and localization methods.
Overall, our study provides for the first time a prototype self-consistent all-in-one system of simultaneous seismic phase picking, association, and location, which has the potential for next-generation automated earthquake monitoring.
Prognostic impact of FAN score in patients receiving nivolumab plus ipilimumab for metastatic renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Yamashita Shimpei , Hamamoto Shuzo , Furukawa Junya , Fujita Kazutoshi , Takahashi Masayuki , Miyake Makito , Ito Noriyuki , Iwamoto Hideto , Kohjimoto Yasuo , Hara Isao
Published: October 2023

FAN score is reportedly associated with prognostic outcomes in patients with urothelial carcinoma being treated with immune check point inhibitors. However, the prognostic impact of pre-treatment FAN score in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) treated with nivolumab plus ipilimumab remains unclear. We retrospectively evaluated the association between pre-treatment FAN score and prognostic outcomes in 154 patients with metastatic RCC treated with nivolumab plus ipilimumab. The pre-treatment FAN score was ‘0’ in 56 patients (36%), ‘1’ in 60 patients (40%), ‘2’ in 37 patients (24%) and ‘3’ in one patient (1%). Progression-free survival was not significantly different between patients with different FAN scores, but second progression-free survival (PFS2), cancer-specific survival (CSS) and overall survival (OS) were significantly different. In multivariable Cox proportional hazard analyses, FAN score ≥ 2 was a significant predictor of poor PFS2 (vs FAN score 0, HR: 2.65, 95% CI: 1.35–5.18, P < 0.01), poor CSS (vs FAN score 0, HR: 3.38, 95% CI: 1.48–7.71, P < 0.01) and poor OS (vs FAN score 0, HR: 3.02, 95% CI: 1.44–6.33, P < 0.01). High pre-treatment FAN score could be a significant independent predictor of poor prognosis in patients receiving nivolumab plus ipilimumab for metastatic RCC.
Initial Clinical Experience with Single-port Robotic Transanal Minimally Invasive Surgery for Rectal Cancer Running head: Single-port robotic transanal minimally invasive surgery for rectal cancer
Authors: Woo Ji Su , Cho Min Jeng , Park In Kyu , Im Yeong Cheol , Kim Kyu Yeol , Park Dong Jin , Yang Songsoo
Published: October 2023

Background: Transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS) is widely used for rectal lesion excision, with robot-assisted TAMIS (R-TAMIS) improving surgical ergonomics. The introduction of the da Vinci Single-Port (SP) robot, designed for endoluminal surgery, has brought new possibilities. The primary objective of this study was to assess the technical feasibility and efficacy of SPR-TAMIS. The secondary objective was to analyze perioperative outcomes.
Methods: Between April 2021 and March 2023, we included 14 consecutive rectal cancer patients who underwent SPR-TAMIS. Patient data, surgical specifics, and clinical outcomes were collected to assess SPR-TAMIS safety and feasibility.
Results: The mean patient age was 69.0 years, and all cases underwent full-thickness excisions. The mean tumor diameter was 5.6 cm, positioned 9.8 cm proximally and 6.9 cm distally from the anal verge. Negative margins were achieved in 93% of cases, with one requiring further resection. The mean operative time was 156 minutes, and the median hospital stay was 5.7 days. No mortalities occurred, but two patients experienced minor delayed morbidity manifesting as wound dehiscence and enteritis (Clavien-Dindo grade I). No recurrences were observed during 15 month follow-up.
Conclusions: SPR-TAMIS emerges as a safe and feasible alternative for selected early rectal cancers, offering enhanced visualization and potential advantages for resecting larger or proximal lesions and suturing. Further research should explore expanding its surgical indications.
Investigating Site-Specific Parameters for Seismic Hazard Analysis in Büyükçekmece District of Istanbul: Field Study and HVSR Analysis
Authors: Süleyman Hakan , Çaktı Eser , Dar Emrullah
Published: October 2023

The Büyükçekmece district of Istanbul, situated in a region near North Anatolian Fault, faces significant earthquake risk. This study aims to enhance our understanding of seismic hazards in Büyükçekmece by investigating site-specific parameters. We conducted a comprehensive field study involving seismic ambient vibration measurements at 56 selected locations. The horizontal-to-vertical spectral ratio (HVSR) method was employed to analyze the recorded data, and to obtain fundamental frequencies and approximate bedrock depths. These parameters offer insights into the local soil conditions and site amplification characteristics. The findings of this study reveal that the region exhibits intermediate to strong site amplification due to the contrast between alluvial deposits and Paleozoic bedrock. Peak frequencies ranged from 1.4 to 2 Hz, with amplification factors typically ranging from 1.5 to 2. Bedrock depths varied from 73 to 108 meters, and average shear wave velocities to bedrock (VZ) showed minimal variation (576 to 608 m/s). Correlations between fundamental frequencies (f0) and VS30 values demonstrate the influence of soil properties on ground motion amplification. This study contributes crucial information for seismic hazard assessment and risk reduction in Büyükçekmece. The results are invaluable for informing ground motion simulations, and and facilitating improved earthquake impact predictions. Understanding site-specific characteristics is essential for enhancing the resilience of earthquake-prone regions like Büyükçekmece district of Istanbul. Overall, this research stresses the significance of site-specific investigations in improving our understanding of seismic hazard and risk.
Study on the whole dynamical fracture process of sandstone samples
Authors: Cao Fu , Yang Liping , Li Lian , Li Yuefeng , Wang Qi-zhi , Liu Enlong
Published: October 2023

The single cleavage drilled compression specimens of sandstone were impacted by the large-diameter split Hopkinson pressure bar, the whole model-I dynamical fracture process was successfully observed. A crack propagation gauge is used to monitor the key time moment of dynamic initiation, propagation, arrest and re-initiation, respectively. The fractal crack extension model is used to analysis the propagation speed of tortuous crack, and with further combination of the experimental-numerical-analytical method, to determine dynamic initiation toughness, dynamic propagation toughness, dynamic arrest toughness, and dynamic re-initiation toughness of sandstone. The results show that in the process of crack propagation, the crack propagation path is torturous, for this curved path, the value of the universal function, which is characterized by the crack’s velocity, is smaller than that with a straight path. The dynamic propagation toughness thus obtained is closer to its real value by using the fractal model. Sandstone’s dynamic initiation toughness is greater than the dynamic arrest toughness, and dynamic initiation toughness is slightly bigger than the dynamic re-initiation toughness.
Riemann problem for longitudinal-torsional waves in nonlinear elastic rods
Authors: Chugainova Anna
Published: October 2023

Asymptotics of nonstationary solutions to the Riemann problem are studied for a system of equations describing long small-amplitude longitudinal-torsional waves in nonlinear elastic rods in the presence of dissipation. It is shown that the form of the asymptotics of the solution depends on the dissipation parameters. The asymptotics of a nonstationary solution may correspond to theself-similar solution of the Riemann problem or, for other values of the dissipation parameters, may contain special (nonclassical) discontinuities.
The detection of illegal addition dyes in grain products with graphitized carbon black filled polyamide composite membrane
Authors: Liu Yajie , Liu Xinyu , Yang Yaling , Zhu Yao , He Yahui , Wang Jing , Sun Baoguo
Published: October 2023

Herein, graphitized carbon black (GCB) filled polyamide (PA) composite (PA@GCB) membrane extraction combined with ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem four-stage mass spectrometry (UPLC–MS/MS) was used for rapid detection of 12 illegal addition dyes in grain products. GCB was used as an adsorbent in the composite membrane. When samples were pretreated by the PA@GCB composite membrane, the illegal addition dyes were absorbed by GCB into the surface and pore of the composite membrane, while most other ingredients were passed through the composite membrane. Then, the illegal addition dyes were eluted from the membrane by different solvents to be analyzed by UPLC–MS/MS. The recovery of the dyes was ranged from 71–124%, and the precision was between 3 and 14. The results showed that the PA@GCB composite membrane would be used as a new pretreatment method for detecting multicomponent illegal addition dyes in grain products, which was rapid, simple, reliable accurate and safety.
Outcomes of Gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy in Primary Congenital Glaucoma Treatment: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Lai Junyi , Qiao Yunsheng , Tan Chen , Chen Junyi
Published: October 2023

Background:
This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy (GATT) in Chinese patients with primary congenital glaucoma (PCG) and identify factors influencing surgical success.
Methods:
Fourteen patients (24 eyes) diagnosed with PCG who underwent gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy were recruited, and data on intraocular pressure (IOP), antiglaucoma medication, surgery-related complications, and additional treatments were collected during preoperative and postoperative visits. Surgical success was defined as IOP ≤ 21 mmHg and a reduction of >30% from baseline, with (partial success) or without (complete success) antiglaucoma medication.
Results:
Mean preoperative IOP was 30.41 ± 6.09 mmHg. At the final visit, mean IOP reduction was 16.1 ± 9.1 mmHg (52%), and 19 of 24 eyes were topical medication–free. IOP was significantly decreased at each postoperative visit compared with baseline (P < 0.05 for all time points). Cumulative proportions of complete and partial success were 79.2% and 95.8%, respectively, at three years postsurgery. Patients without prior antiglaucoma procedures, without postoperative IOP spikes, and those undergoing complete trabeculotomy exhibited improved surgical prognosis. No permanent vision-threatening complications occurred in the 24 eyes by the end of the respective follow-ups.
Conclusion:
Gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy emerged as a safe and effective procedure for PCG treatment, characterized by outstanding IOP reduction efficacy and high surgical success rates.
Evaluation of the cultural heritage buildings in an ancient district of Antakya after the Kahramanmaras earthquakes (Mw 7.7 and Mw 7.6)
Authors: Ersoy Selahattin
Published: October 2023

This study aims to present field research and evaluate the common failure types for most of the cultural heritage buildings in an ancient district of Antakya (Antioch) after the two consecutive devastating earthquakes occurred in Kahramanmaraş, Turkey on February 6, 2023. The first one occurred at 04:17 (01:17 UTC), a moment magnitude (Mw) 7.7 (AFAD, Disaster, and Emergency Management Presidency), an earthquake occurred in Pazarcık-Kahramanmaraş and it was followed by another earthquake at 13:24 (10:24 UTC), an Mw 7.6 earthquake at Elbistan-Kahramanmaraş. For the post-reconnaissance evaluation of the cultural heritage buildings in Antioch, a field trip was arranged to the site. Since the aftershocks were happening, the field trip was extremely dangerous, especially around damaged or heavily damaged structures. The use of laser scanners made it possible for safer documentation of these structures. The cultural heritage structures studied herein are in an ancient part of Antakya (ancient Antioch) called Kurtuluş Caddesi (Rue Jadid, yeni cadde). Damages on the registered heritage buildings in this study are classified as in different damage levels. One of the most common failure types observed is the out-of-plane movement of the walls. Exhaustion of the in-plane strength capacity of the walls is followed by an out-of-plane mechanism. Many other failure types are either due to the absence of engineering practices or false restoration practices. As a case study, some of these structures are examined by simplified limit analysis and the results are presented. Even though restoring these structures depends on many variables and various stakeholders, a simple guide for restoration is provided for the elimination of similar problems for future events.
Performance of Large Language Models (LLMs) in Providing Prostate Cancer Information
Authors: Alasker Ahmed , Alsalamah Seham , Alshathri Nada , Almansour Nura , Alsalamah Faris , Alghafees Mohammad , AlKhamees Mohammad , Alsaikhan Bader
Published: October 2023

Prostate cancer, the second most common cancer in men worldwide, is highly complex regarding diagnosis and management. Hence, patients often seek knowledge through additional resources, including AI chatbots such as Generative Pre-trained Transformers (ChatGPT) and Google Bard. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of LLMs in providing educational content on prostate cancer. Common patient questions about prostate cancer were collected from reliable educational websites and evaluated for accuracy, comprehensiveness, readability, and stability by two independent board-certified urologists, with a third resolving discrepancies. Accuracy was measured on a 3-point scale, comprehensiveness on a 5-point Likert scale, and readability using the Flesch Reading Ease (FRE) Score and Flesch–Kincaid FK Grade Level. A total of 52 questions on general knowledge, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of prostate cancer were provided to three LLMs. Although there was no significant difference in the overall accuracy of LLMs, ChatGPT demonstrated superiority among the LLMs in the context of general knowledge of prostate cancer (p = 0.018). ChatGPT Plus achieved higher overall comprehensiveness than ChatGPT and Bard (p = 0.028). For readability, Bard generated simpler sentences with the highest FRE score (54.7, p < 0.001) and lowest FK Reading Level (10.2, p < 0.001). ChatGPT and Bard generate accurate, understandable, and easily readable material on prostate cancer. These AI models might not replace healthcare professionals but can assist in patient education and guidance.
Cavitation and crack nucleation in thin hyperelastic adhesives
Authors: Rheinschmidt Florian , Drass Michael , Schneider Jens , Rosendahl Philipp Laurens
Published: October 2023

The present study investigates in the failure of adhesive bondings with structural silicone sealants. Point connectors of two circular metal adherends bonded with DOWSILTM TSSA are subjected to tensile loading. We formulate and use a constitutive law that captures volumetric softening owing to the formation of cavities. Therein, cavitation is considered a process of elastic instability which is homogenized with a pseudo-elastic approach. Ultimate failure initiating from the free edges is predicted employing the framework of finite fracture mechanics. The concept requires both a strength-of-materials condition and a fracture mechanics condition to be satisfied simultaneously for crack nucleation. For the former, we use a novel multiaxial equivalent strain criterion. For the latter, we employ literature values of the fracture toughness of DOWSILTM TSSA. The predicted onset of cavitation and ultimate failure loads are in good agreement with our experiments. The proposed model provides initial crack lengths that allow for the derivation of simple engineering models for both initial designs and proof of structural integrity while simultaneously extending the range of usability of the structural silicone compared to standardized approaches.
Multiple Layers Complexity Allocation with Dynamic Control Scheme for High-Efficiency Video Coding
Authors: Fang Jiunn-Tsair , Chen Ju-Kai
Published: October 2023

High-efficiency video coding (HEVC) has significantly improved coding efficiency; however, its quadtree (QT) structures for coding units (CU) substantially raise the overall coding complexity. This study introduces a novel complexity control scheme aimed at enhancing HEVC encoding efficiency. The proposed scheme operates at multiple layers, including the group of pictures (GOP) layer, frame layer, and coding tree unit (CTU) layer. Each coding layer is assigned a limited coding complexity based on the remaining coding time. Particularly noteworthy is the dynamic scheme implemented to activate the complexity control method. To further expedite encoding, an efficient algorithm is developed for the CTU layer. Experimental results indicate that the 0.46% and 0.98% increases in BD-rate under the target complexity are reduced to 80% and 60% of the complexity constraint, respectively. The rate-distortion performance surpasses existing state-of-the-art complexity control methods, demonstrating the effectiveness of the proposed approach in enhancing HEVC encoding efficiency.
Reliability and validity of the cancer-related dysfunctional beliefs and attitudes about sleep scale in cancer patients
Authors: Gao Ziyun , Gao Zihan , Zheng Chen , Ma Jianing , Zhao Ying , Zhang Lin , Guo Leilei
Published: October 2023

Background:Insomnia is a common health problem among cancer patients, which is not only a physical problem but also a psychological problem. Sleep plays an important role in the mental and somatic rehabilitation of cancer patients, and the sleep beliefs and attitudes of cancer patients are key factors in improving their sleep situation and quality of life. The aim of this study was to translate the Cancer-Related Dysfunctional Beliefs and Attitudes about Sleep (C-DBAS-14) scale into Chinese and to validate its reliability and validity in cancer patients.Method:This study utilized a cross-sectional design. The C-DBAS-14 scale was translated into Chinese. The reliability of the scale was measured by internal consistency, split-half reliability and retest reliability. The validity of the scale was assessed through the content validity indicators, exploratory factor analysis and validation factor analysis.Result:The Cronbach’s coefficient of the Chinese version of the C-DBAS-14 was 0.932, the split-half reliability coefficient was 0.908, and the test-retest reliability was 0.857. The four-factor model was obtained using exploratory factor analysis, explaining 75.360% of the variance, with each item loading greater than 0.4 on the common factor. The results of the confirmatory factor analysis revealed that all indicators of model fit were within an acceptable range, indicating a well-fitting model.Conclusion:The Chinese version of the C-DBAS-14 has good reliability and validity among cancer patients. It can be used to measure the sleep beliefs and attitudes of Chinese cancer patients.
Associations between left-behind characteristics and children’s psychological symptoms: A cross-sectional study from China
Authors: Liu Cong , Xu Yan , Sun Hao , Yuan Yan , Lu Jinkui , Jiang Jing , Liu Ningling
Published: October 2023

Background
Parents-child separation poses a significant challenge for children who are left behind (LBC). However, limited empirical evidence exists regarding the correlation between left-behind characteristics and the psychological symptoms of LBC. This study investigated psychological symptoms among LBC and explored associations between left-behind characteristics and those symptoms.
Methods
Using stratified cluster sampling, 1,832 LBC aged 13–18 years from three cities in East China were selected for analysis. Participants’ depression and anxiety symptoms were assessed with the Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9) and the General Anxiety Disorder 7 (GAD-7), respectively. Chi-square tests were used to compare differences in detection rates of psychological symptoms among LBC in different groups. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to infer associations between left-behind characteristics and psychological symptoms.
Results
our study showed that depression and anxiety symptoms were detected in 32.86% and 33.24%, respectively, of participating LBC. Univariate analysis showed statistically significant differences in detection rates of depression symptoms by gender, grade, and timing of parent-child separation. Statistically significant differences were observed in anxiety symptom rates by gender, grade, type of caregiver, and timing of mother-child separation. Multivariate analysis indicated a positive association between LBC’s anxiety symptoms and mother-child separation that occurred during post-primary school, and type of caregiver (father only or mother only). Our findings confirm a positive correlation between left-behind characteristics and anxiety symptoms among LBC.
Conclusion
The timing of mother-child separation and type of caregiver are potential risk factors for the development of anxiety symptoms in this population.
Altered DNA methylation and Dnmt expression in obese uterus may cause implantation failure
Authors: Bozdemir Nazlican , Kablan Tuba , Sukur Gozde , Cinar Ozgur , Uysal Fatma
Published: October 2023

Obesity is defined by increased adipose tissue volume and has become a major risk factor for reproduction. Recent studies have revealed a substantial link between obesity and epigenetics. Epigenome is dynamically regulated mainly by DNA methylation. DNA methylation, which is controlled by DNA methyltransferases (Dnmts), has been widely investigated since it is essential for imprinting and regulation of gene expression. In our previous study we showed that level of Dnmt1, Dnmt3a and global DNA methylation was dramatically altered in testis and ovary of high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice. However, it has not yet been demonstrated that effect of HFD on Dnmts and global DNA methylation in mice uterus. Therefore, in the present study, we aimed to evaluate the impact of HFD on the level of Dnmt1, Dnmt3a, Dnmt3b, Dnmt3l and global DNA methylation in uterus. Our results showed that HFD significantly altered levels of Dnmts and global DNA methylation in the uterus. Total expression of Dnmt1, Dnmt3a and Dnmt3b significantly upregulated while level of Dnmt3l and global DNA methylation dramatically decreased (p < 0.05). Furthermore, we observed that expression of Dnmt3b and Dnmt3l significantly increased in endometrium including gland and epithelium (p < 0.05). Although Dnmt3b was the only protein whose expression significantly increased, level of global DNA methylation and Dnmt3l remarkably decreased in stroma and myometrium (p < 0.05). In conclusion, for the first time, our results show that obesity dramatically changes global DNA methylation and expression of Dnmts, and decreased DNA methylation and Dnmt expression may cause abnormal gene expression, especially in the endometrium.
Application of lipid metabolism-based indicators in constructing prognostic prediction models for anemia with end-stage renal disease and genomics to explore gene-chemical-anemia relationships
Authors: Du Yinke , Yin Shuhui , Zhang Mo , Geng Ye , Guo Guangying , Yao Li
Published: October 2023

Background
Patients on hemodialysis (HD) for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) have poor anemia and prognosis, and this retrospective study from a multicenter in China aimed to investigate the effects of anemia prediction and treatment attainment by constructing model.
Methods
1652 patients with ESRD on maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) from September 2021 to June 2022 were selected. After screening the validated factors into the prediction model of random forest regression (RF), the interaction effect was subsequently validated by applying the boosted regression tree method (BRT) and generalized additive model (GAM), and finally the gene-chemical-disease triad was used to verify the potential mechanism of the main predictors.
Results
Patients with anemia were mainly affected by social cognitive function and renal burden in quality of life. Low levels of HGB under biochemical indicators synergistically predicted anemia onset in ESRD patients with low levels of TRF and high levels of GLU, Meanwhile, the combined effect of high MCHC and low WBC, high TC and high TSAT affected the effect of Hb compliance. The key chemical predictors of anemia are GLU, TC, HDL, Cr, etc., which are influenced by key genes such as EPO and TNF through lipid and atherosclerosis and other mechanisms of lipid metabolism and energy metabolism.
Conclusions
We developed models for predicting the onset of anemia and Hb attainment effects in ESRD patients and validated the potential mechanisms of their lipid metabolism-associated factors by establishing a gene-chemical-disease triad.
Enhancing Security in Mobile Ad Hoc Networks: Detection and Isolation of Smart Black Hole Attacks using Universal Sink Detection Technique in Graph Theory
Authors: MEKKAOUI Kheireddine , TEGGAR Hamza , Houacine Abdelkrim
Published: October 2023

Network security is of utmost importance due to the ever-increasing number of connected devices and the growing sophistication of threats. Mobile Ad hoc networks (MANETs), characterized by their non-infrastructure and self-configured peer networks, are particularly vulnerable to various types of attacks. Therefore, it is imperative to implement an efficient Intrusion Detection System (IDS) capable of rapidly detecting attacks and alerting users to any malicious activities occurring on the network. Among the numerous threats faced by MANETs, the black hole attack stands out as one of the most serious. Originating from Denial of Service attacks, this type of threat has been extensively studied, and several solutions have been proposed. However, these solutions have become ineffective against the emergence of a new generation of black holes, known as smart black holes, which can circumvent most existing countermeasures. To address the challenge posed by smart black holes, we propose an IDS that focuses on early detection and isolation of malicious nodes. Our approach leverages locally shared information from neighboring nodes and utilizes the universal sink detection method derived from graph theory. Through simulations conducted in NS2, we have evaluated the effectiveness of our proposed approach. The results validate the efficiency of our system, as it enables prompt detection and isolation of smart black holes, leading to significant improvements in Packet Delivery Ratio (PDR) and throughput, with average enhancements of 97% and 90%, respectively. Consequently, our approach not only preserves network performance but also mitigates the impact of smart black hole attacks.