bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Scenario reduction-based simulation method for efficient serviceability assessment of earthquake-damaged water distribution systems ​
Authors: Jia Rui , Du Kun , Song Zhigang , Xu Wei , Zheng Feifei
Published: June 2023

Water distribution systems are vulnerable to earthquake damage, highlighting the need to assess their seismic serviceability. While existing simulation-based methods have shown promise in providing accurate assessments, their applicability to large networks is limited by the prohibitive computational burden associated with sampling a sufficiently large space and the prolonger time of simulations. To bridge this gap, this paper introduces a scenario reduction-based simulation method that efficiently evaluates the serviceability of earthquake-damaged WDSs. Specifically, Monte Carlo simulation is first employed to generate a sufficient number of earthquake-damaged scenarios (e.g., 10,000), while a novel linear pressure estimation method (LPEM) is developed to approximate nodal pressures for each scenario. Subsequently, the proposed approach categorizes and selects representative scenarios based on their pressure similarities, enabling the assessment of system serviceability using a reduced set of representative scenarios. This approach significantly reduces the computational load without sacrificing estimation accuracy. The feasibility of the proposed method is evaluated using four benchmark networks, namely Grid, Modena, C-Town, and Exnet, under varying seismic intensities. The application of the LPEM yields promising results, with most errors in nodal pressure estimation below 3 m and all R2 values exceeding 0.9. Furthermore, the proposed scenario reduction approach, utilizing only five representative scenarios, effectively estimates system serviceability with nearly all errors below 10%. Notably, increasing the number of representative scenarios to fifty further reduces most errors to below 5%, demonstrating the effectiveness of the proposed method.
3D video tracking analysis reveals that mosquitoes pass more successfully through holes of a permethrin-treated than an untreated net
Authors: Fatou Mathurin , Müller Pie
Published: June 2023

In addition to killing, mosquito nets treated with permethrin have been claimed to repel mosquitoes, reducing their success in passing through a holed net. We have tested this hypothesis by tracking mosquitoes in a modified World Health Organization tunnel test. In the original assay, mosquitoes are released at one end of the tunnel and have to pass through a holed piece of net to reach the bait at the other end while mortality and feeding rates are recorded upon exposure. Since the original test does not reveal how mosquitoes move within the tunnel, we combined the assay with a 3D infrared video camera system. We tracked susceptible and permethrin-resistant Anopheles gambiae s.s. as they moved in the tunnel and interacted with an untreated or a permethrin-treated net. Surprisingly, while permethrin increased the mortality and reduced the blood-feeding rates, twice as many mosquitoes passed through the holes of the permethrin-treated net. The 3D flight trajectories reveal that upon exposure to a permethrin-treated net, both insecticide susceptible and resistant An. gambiae s.s. show an increased contact-disengagement or ‘excitation’, thereby augmenting their chance of getting through the holes in the net. The study underlines the complexity of behavioural mode of actions of insecticides.
Analysis of risk factors for seizures and short-term reoccurrence of seizures in febrile children with SARS-CoV-2 infection: an observational study
Authors: Jiang Jipeng , Shen Zhengsong , cao jie
Published: June 2023

Background:With the epidemic of the Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2) variant Omicron, its accompanying neurological manifestations have gradually attracted attention.The main objective of this study was to compare seizures in febrile children with and without coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19) and to conduct a short-term follow-up in the COVID-19 positive group to investigate the risk factors for short-term recurrence of seizures in children with febrile seizures(FS).
Methods: Retrospective analysis of patients admitted to the Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University for fever and seizures between October 1 and December 30, 2022.Based on the results of SARS-CoV-2 reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), the patients were divided into a COVID-19 positive group and a COVID-19 negative group.Moreover,we followed up patients in the COVID-19-positive group for 3 months using outpatient or telephone follow-up, and the main content of follow-up included whether the patients had seizures after discharge and whether there were neurological abnormalities.
Results:Compared with the COVID-19-negative group, the COVID-19-positive group had a higher proportion of seizure duration ≥ 15 minutes(18.7%VS5.1%;P=0.001), seizure ≥ 2 time(54.4%VS41.0%;P=0.024), status epilepticus(15.4%VS5.1%;P=0.005), and Electroencephalogram (EEG) abnormalities(29.4%VS13.6%;P=0.016).Seizures ≥2 time[P=0.015,OR(95% CI)=4.632(1.347-15.928)], peak temperature ≤39°C[P=0.001,OR(95% CI)=6.296(2.059-19.254)], and history of convulsions[P=0.005,OR(95% CI)=5.628(1.707-18.550)] were risk factors for recurrence of seizures within a short period of time in children with covid-19 infected febrile convulsions.In the COVID-19 positive group, three patients died and four patients had residual cognitive or motor dysfunction.
Conclusions:The seizures were more severe in the COVID-19 positive group compared to the COVID-19 negative group.In addition, patients with COVID-19 who present with seizures and persistent impaired consciousness need to be alerted to serious neurological disorders such as acute necrotizing encephalopathy.
Urinary microRNA-210-3p as a novel and non-invasive biomarker for the detection of pancreatic cancer, including intraductal papillary mucinous carcinoma
Authors: Imamura Taisuke , Komatsu Shuhei , Nishibeppu Keiji , Kiuchi Jun , Ohashi Takuma , Konishi Hirotaka , Shiozaki Atsushi , Yamamoto Yusuke , Moriumura Ryo , Ikoma Hisashi , Ochiai Toshiya , Otsuji Eigo
Published: June 2023

This study aims to explore novel microRNAs in urine for screening and predicting clinical characteristics in pancreatic cancer (PC) patients using a microRNA array-based approach. (1) Four oncogenic microRNAs (miR-744-5p, miR-572, miR-210-3p, and miR-575) that were highly upregulated in the urine of PC patients compared to healthy individuals were identified by comprehensive microRNA array analysis. (2) Test-scale analysis by quantitative RT-PCR for each group of 20 cases showed that miR-210-3p was significantly upregulated in the urine of PC patients compared to healthy individuals (P = 0.009). (3) Validation analysis (58 PC patients and 35 healthy individuals) confirmed that miR-210-3p was significantly upregulated in the urine of PC patients compared to healthy individuals (P < 0.001, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve = 0.79, sensitivity: 0.828, specificity: 0.743). We differentiated PCs into invasive ductal carcinoma (IDCa) and intraductal papillary mucinous carcinoma (IPMC) groups. In addition to urinary miR-210-3p levels being upregulated in IDCa over healthy individuals (P = 0.009), urinary miR-210-3p levels were also elevated in IPMC over healthy individuals (P = 0.0018). Urinary miR-210-3p can differentiate IPMC from healthy individuals by a cutoff of 8.02 with an AUC value of 0.762, sensitivity of 94%, and specificity of 63%. (4) To test whether urinary miR210-3p levels reflected plasma miR-210-3p levels, we examined the correlation between urinary and plasma levels. Spearman's correlation analysis showed a moderate positive correlation (ρ = 0.64, P = 0.005) between miR-210-3p expression in plasma and urine. Urine miR-210-3p is a promising, non-invasive diagnostic biomarker of PC, including IPMC.
On-farm managed trials and machine learning approaches for understanding variability in soybean yield in Northern Ghana
Authors: Buernor Alfred Balenor , Kabiru Muhammad Rabiu , Chaouni Bouchra , Akley Edwin K. , Raklami Anas , Silatsa Francis B. T. , Asante Michael , Dahhani Sara , Bouraqqadi Anis , Hafidi Mohamed , Jibrin Jibrin Mohammed , Jemo Martin
Published: June 2023

Background and aim : Soybean seeds inoculation with effective rhizobia (Rh) strains and phosphorus (P) application are agricultural best practices that enhance grain yield. However, in Northern Ghana, where these practices are progressively under adoption, unpredictable yield, and poor understanding of factors of yield variation often limit its potential. We assessed the influencing factors to soybean yield variability from biophysical and managed input variables (Rh inoculants, P rates, and sources). Methods On-station and on-farm soybean plots were inoculated with three Rh inoculants (Rh1, Rh2, and Rh3), treated with two P rates (0 and 30 kg P ha-1), and two P sources [rock phosphate and Triple superphosphate forms]. Yield data was predicted using the random forest (RF) model, and factors of yield variability were assessed using the linear mixed models and the forward redundancy analysis (rda). Results The yield prediction accuracy was greater for the on-station experiment compared to the on-farm dataset with a trained coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.77 and 0.66, respectively. The top variables of yield prediction were the Rh × P fertilizer, P sources, Rh strains, and exchangeable soil Mg2+concentrations. The Rh × P treatment increased soybean grain yield by 3.0 and 3.9 folds for the on-farm and on-station trials respectively, compared to the control. Conclusion The RF model and the forward rda unearthed a significant contribution of the soil exchangeable Mg2+to the yield variation. The mechanisms underlying the role of Mg on soybean growth deserve further research investigations to increase soybean production in Ghana sustainably.
Utility of the Minimum Apparent Diffusion Coefficient in Decreasing Unnecessary Biopsy Rates for Suspected Breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging Lesions: A Single-Centre, Retrospective Study
Authors: Wu Fang , Xu Fangyi , Su Dongying , Song Xia , He Jie , Hu Hongjie
Published: June 2023

Purpose: Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) helps identify malignant breast lesions and reduce unnecessary breast biopsies. However, previous research has primarily focused on the mean ADC (ADCmean) rather than the minimum ADC (ADCmin). Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate ADCmin’s ability to decrease unnecessary biopsy rates and determine the threshold of the ADCmin for clinical implementation.
Methods: In this single-centre, retrospective study, we included 497 patients with 548 magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-detected Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) 3, 4, or 5 lesions. Using a negative likelihood ratio of 0.1, we selected the ADC value with the highest specificity as the ADC threshold (ADCnl, including ADCnl-min and ADCnl-mean). Diagnostic performance indices were calculated using the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Differences in the area under the curves were assessed using the Hanley and McNeil test. Contingency table analysis was employed to compare the biopsy rate reduction efficacy.
Results: The ADCmin showed comparable diagnostic performance to the ADCmean. The ADCmin and ADCmean values of 1.39×10−3 mm2/s and 1.52×10−3 mm2/s, respectively, were determined as thresholds. Upon applying the ADCnl-min and ADCnl-mean to the validation cohort, unnecessary biopsies of BI-RADS 4 and 5 lesions were reduced by 26.2% and 26.7%, respectively. The reduction in biopsies did not differ significantly between the ADCnl-min and ADCnl-mean.
Conclusion: The ADCmin has the same ability to reduce unnecessary biopsies as the ADCmean. An ADCnl-min of 1.39×10−3 mm2/s or an ADCnl-mean of 1.52×10−3 mm2/s may help avoid one-quarter of unnecessary biopsies classified as BI-RADS 4 and 5 lesions.
Prediction of hourly PM10 concentration through a hybrid deep learning-based method
Authors: Molaei Sahar Nasabpour , Salajegheh Ali , Khosravi Hassan , Nasiri Amin , abadi Abbas Ranjbar Saadat
Published: June 2023

Air pollution can have detrimental effects on human health as well as the environment. Particulate Matter (PM), as a global issue, is a type of air pollution that consists of small particles suspended in the air. Therefore, it is crucial to estimate and monitor levels of PM in the air in order to protect public health and the environment. This study proposed a novel hybrid method to apply the capability of two various deep learning models, namely, the encoder-decoder convolutional neural network and the Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) model for PM10 prediction. The first model was utilized as a data argumentation method to enhance dataset diversity, and the LSTM model employed meteorological parameters and spatiotemporal factors to estimate the PM10 levels. The proposed technique achieved performance resulting in a coefficient of determination value of 0.88 and a mean absolute error value of 7.24. The results confirm that the developed hybrid method as an effective tool of PM prediction can be used to inform decision-making about policies and actions to reduce PM levels.
Construction and Optimization of a Biocatalytic Route for Menthone Amination
Authors: Zhu HuiJue , Pan Jiang , Li ChunXiu , Chen FeiFei , Xu JianHe
Published: June 2023

(+)-Neomenthylamine is an important industrial precursor used to synthesize high value-added chemicals. Here, we report a novel biocatalytic route to synthesize (+)- neomenthylamine by amination of readily available (−)-menthone substrate using ω-transaminase. By screening a panel of ω-transaminases, an ω-transaminase from Vibrio fluvialis JS17 was identified with considerable amination activity to (−)-menthone, and then characterization of enzymatic properties was conducted for the enzyme. Under optimized conditions, 10 mM (−)-menthone was transformed in a mild aqueous phase with 4.7 mM product yielded in 24 h. All raw materials were cheap and by-products were easily removed. This method underscores the potential of biocatalysts in the synthesis of unnatural terpenoid amine derivatives.
Assessment of the New Kinetically Limited Linear Driving Force Model for Predicting Diffusion Limited Adsorption Breakthrough Curves
Authors: Adegunju Sulaimon A. , Amalraj Pravin B. C. A. , Holland Charles E. , Nicholson Marjorie J. , Ebner Armin D. , Ritter James A.
Published: June 2023

The new kinetically limited linear driving force (KLLDF) model was assessed against the traditional LDF model in the prediction of twelve different ternary and quaternary experimental breakthrough curves. These breakthrough curves comprised mixtures of CO2, N2 and CH4 in He adsorbed on carbon molecular sieve MSC 3K 172 and were conducted at various pressures (30, 50 and 100 psia) and at ambient temperature. The LDF and KLLDF models were implemented in the dynamic adsorption process simulator (DAPS) with the loading dependent LDF mass transfer coefficients and the single gas equilibrium adsorption isotherms measured independently with gravimetric uptake experiments. To make the comparison between the LDF and the KLLDF models as fair as possible, they utilized the same set of thermodynamic and kinetic parameters in DAPS, with no adjustments to any of them. Both the LDF and KLLDF models provided reasonable predictions of the experimental breakthrough curves and in-bed temperature histories, with general trends of no CH4 uptake, gradual N2 uptake and fast CO2 uptake. However, the KLLDF model always provided better predictions, especially when CO2 was present. The results revealed that the traditional LDF model led to depressed adsorbed phase loadings of CO2, thereby underpredicting its breakthrough time in all cases. This depression stemmed from the equilibrium loading in the LDF driving force of the LDF model depending on the gas phase partial pressure of each component outside the pore structure. In contrast, the KLLDF model corrects this issue by making the equilibrium loading in its LDF driving force dependent on the actual loading of each component inside the pore structure. In conjunction with the extended mixed gas Langmuir model, the KLLDF model is perhaps the more appropriate model to use instead of the LDF model for any multicomponent adsorbate-adsorbent systems, whether diffusion limited or not, since it reduces to the LDF model for systems that do not exhibit significant diffusional limitations.
Emergent superconductivity in doped ferroelectric hafnia
Authors: Duan Xu , Liu Shi
Published: June 2023

Superconductivity and ferroelectricity, representing two distinct forms of ordered states, are typically not found together in the same system, making it even more difficult to create a connection between them. Here, supported by first-principles calculations, we propose that Anderson-Blount’s ferroelectric-like metal can be manifested in electron-doped ferroelectric Pca21 HfO2. In this system, polar phonons and consequently ferroelectricity are not affected by the presence of itinerant electrons. We find that a nonpolar optical phonon, being strongly coupled to doped electrons, can acquire a pronounced electron-phonon coupling strength to activate conventional Bardeen-Cooper-Schrieffer superconductivity. The displacements of polar oxygen atoms in Pca21 HfO2 create a link between ferroelectricity and superconductivity, enabling a tunable superconducting temperature ranging approximately from 10 to 30 Kelvin. Owing to hafnia's compatibility with silicon, we suggest HfO2-based ferroelectric superconductors present an opportunity to construct high-performing hybrid integrated systems utilizing switchable quantum states.
Non-aureus staphylococci and mammaliicocci isolated from dairy cow milk and their relationships with the presence of mastitis: a retrospective investigation
Authors: Addis Maria Filippa , Locatelli Clara , Penati Martina , Poli Sara Fusar , Monistero Valentina , Zingale Lucia , Rota Nicola , Gusmara Claudia , Piccinini Renata , Moroni Paolo , Bronzo Valerio
Published: June 2023

Non-aureus staphylococci and mammaliicocci (NASM) have been associated with bovine mastitis and increased milk somatic cell count (SCC) but their relationships with mammary gland health at the species level are not completely understood. The implementation of MALDI-TOF MS in milk microbiology is generating large and dependable datasets with the potential of providing useful information in this respect. We present the retrospective analysis of 17,213 milk samples sent to our laboratory in 2021–2022, including 13,146 quarter samples from cows with subclinical (SCM) or clinical mastitis (CM) from 104 farms, and 4,067 composite herd survey (HS) samples from 21 farms. NASM were isolated from 21.12% of SCM, 11.49% of CM, and 15.59% of HS milk samples. The three most frequently identified NASM in SCM milk were Staphylococcus chromogenes (33.33%), S. haemolyticus (26.07%), and S. epidermidis (10.65%); these were significantly associated with the presence of SCM (p < 0.05) together with S. microti and S. hyicus. The three most frequently identified NASM in CM milk were S. chromogenes (31.69%), S. haemolyticus (21.42%), and Mammaliicoccus sciuri (18.38%); however, no significant associations were found between NASM species and CM. The three most frequently identified NASM in HS milk were S. chromogenes (44.49%), S. epidermidis (17.84%), and S. haemolyticus (17.23%), with S. chromogenes being isolated in all the farms sending HS milk (100%). In conclusion, this retrospective study contributes to expanding our knowledge on the epidemiology of NASM at the species level and provides further insights on their relationships with mammary gland health in modern dairy farms.
Ultra-precision milling and grinding for large-sagittal MgF2 aspheric optical elements
Authors: Wei Qiancai , Lei Pengli , Fan Fei , Zhong Bo , Zhou Lian , Wang Zhenzhong , Zheng Nan , Ma Houcai , Zhang Hao
Published: June 2023

Ultra-precision machining for large-sagittal aspheric optical elements has become one of the research hotspots in the world's processing and manufacturing field in recent years. This paper mainly studies the processing of large-sagittal MgF2 aspheric optical components, analyzes the grinding tracks of two different grinding methods, and seeks the best grinding method. Experimental research was carried out on three milling modes in the rigid grinding process. In the processing method of pressed milling, the rotational speed of the workpiece has the most significant effect on the surface roughness. The surface roughness Ra can be reduced by reducing the grain size of the grinding wheel and adjusting the processing parameters. Through the cylindrical milling method, the surface roughness Ra measured with the D46 grinding wheel in the direction of rotation can reach the minimum, which is 0.7–0.8µm. In the fine grinding stage, the circumferential grinding and endface grinding models are established, and the simulation analysis and experimental verification of the trajectory of the abrasive particles in the two grinding methods are carried out. The comparison shows that with endface grinding, the surface of the component is removed evenly in both directions. When the grain size is 28µm, the surface roughness Ra∥ and Ra⊥ of face grinding are the smallest. Among them, Ra∥ is 0.0458 µm, and Ra⊥ is 0.0369 µm. This study is of great significance in improving the machining efficiency and accuracy of large-sagittal aspheric optical elements.
Impact of COVID-19 lockdowns on pediatric injury attendances in different population groups in Israel: an interrupted time-series analysis, 2018-2022.
Authors: Bernstine Tomer , Edelstein Michael , Krupik Danna
Published: June 2023

Background
Lockdowns and quarantines during the COVID-19 pandemic influenced healthcare services’ usage patterns such as emergency department (ED) attendances. During the pandemic, Israel issued three lockdowns (March-May 2020, September-October 2020, December 2020-February 2021) to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Little is known about the impact of these lockdowns on ED attendance for injuries in the diverse population of Northern Israel.
Methods
We conducted a retrospective time series analysis. We extracted data from medical records of all northern Israeli children aged 0–17 years old who attended Ziv Medical Center (ZMC) emergency department (ED) due to injury, between 01/01/2018 and 10/02/2022. We compared volume and characteristics of ED attendances during lockdown periods to the same time periods in the 2 years before the pandemic and 1 year after the lockdowns, using chi-square tests.
Results
7,619 northern children attended ZMC ED during the time periods of the study for injuries and were analyzed. Mean attendance numbers during lockdowns decreased compared to previous years, with an increase in injuries proportion (67.8% (1502/2216) vs. 52.7% (2038/3868) p < 0.001). The proportion of 0–4 years old attending for injuries during the lockdown increased compared to pre-pandemic (39.68% vs. 30.7%, p < 0.0001). Minority populations attendances decreased (27.47% vs. 30.71% p = 0.02). Hospitalization rates increased (13.21% vs. 10.65% p = 0.01). Post-lockdown periods saw a return to the pre-pandemic age and ethnicity distribution.
Conclusions
Compared to previous years, the volume of injuries was lower during lockdowns for all ages. Older children’s injuries may have been prevented by lockdowns, possibly because of restrictions on outdoor activities. A lower proportion of attendance from minority groups suggest different health seeking behavior patterns during emergencies compared to the general population. Understanding these differences will help better plan for future emergencies.
Scaling Analysis of Droplet Forces in Electrocoalescence: Effect of Frequency and Waveform on Dehydration Efficiency
Authors: Esteves Bárbara de F. , Castor Carlos , Pinto José C. , de Souza Marcio Nele
Published: June 2023

Millisecond-scale electric fields and minute-to-hour sedimentation times complicate the direct simulation of electrocoalescence. A scale analysis of the electrocoalescence process was performed, leading to the conclusion that the dielectrophoretic (DEP) force is the primary force involved. Since the dielectrophoretic force does not change direction during electrocoalescence and the electric field timescale is much smaller than droplet sedimentation, an average DEP force is proposed for analyzing the electrocoalescence process. This uncouples the dynamics of the electric field and sedimentation, simplifying the understanding of the process.As the DEP force drives droplets toward the electrodes, droplet-to-electrode coalescence becomes an important mechanism. The frequency effect on electrocoalescence was examined in light of droplet oscillation. A non-dimensional number, similar to the Deborah number, was defined for the electrocoalescence process. It was demonstrated that high frequencies enhance electrocoalescence by protecting large droplets from breaking. The theoretical derivations were successfully applied to interpret batch electrocoalescence data under various waveforms, voltages, and frequencies.
Exploitation of distant Antarctic habitats by juvenile macaroni penguins: conservation implications
Authors: Thiebot Jean-Baptiste , Bost Charles-André
Published: June 2023

The at-sea ecology of marine migratory species has been unevenly studied across life-cycle stages, which limits our understanding of how distant marine ecosystems may be connected. The macaroni penguinEudyptes chrysolophusis the largest avian consumer of marine resources in the world, however no at-sea distribution data are available on this species’ juvenile birds. In this study we successfully tracked nine juvenile macaroni penguins during their post-fledging dispersal from Kerguelen Is., a key population in the southern Indian Ocean. Fledglings crossed the Antarctic Polar Front to the south and unexpectedly reached the Marginal Ice Zone after two months at sea, travelling up to 2,500 km to the southeast of their colony until transmissions ceased. The fact that abundant predators such as juvenile macaroni penguins target Antarctic sea ice habitats to forage is fundamentally new for the species and has important consequences for the management of Antarctic prey resources. Our study brings new elements that clarify the species’ ecology during a critical stage of its life cycle, and expand its known connectivity to adjacent ecosystems; these findings will help refining conservation strategies for the southern Indian Ocean populations.
Myths and misconceptions about human behavior and mental processes held by introductory psychology students: A BISTOPS collaborative research project
Authors: Cameron E. Leslie , Khanna Maya
Published: June 2023

Many people embrace myths and misconceptions about human behavior and mental processes, and even taking a course in psychology does not necessarily reduce these misconceptions and beliefs in myths. Holding such misunderstandings can have serious consequences on the decisions people make in their lives. Most studies about psychological myths have focused on relatively small samples and single institutions. A group of researchers, unified by an enduring focus on student learning as an area of research, convened at the Biennial International Seminar on the Teaching of Psychological Science in 2018 to study this issue. We sought to explore the prevalence of these myths and misunderstandings of students who have just completed an introductory psychology course. Thus far our collaboration has generated data from over 1000 introductory psychology students at 7 institutions across the United States and we have confirmed that there is widespread endorsement of many myths. We also surveyed those students’ instructors and found a negative correlation between the amount of time faculty spend debunking myths and myth endorsement. In this paper we briefly describe the process of developing this research project and our initial findings. We also outline the future directions we plan to take, including reconsidering how the introductory course could be taught to maximize the reduction of misconceptions about human behavior and mental processes. We conclude by discussing some of the strengths, limitations and difficulties of this collaborative project.
Occult appendix pathology in patients undergoing colorectal cancer resection: is there a role for incidental appendectomy?
Authors: Fabio Francesco , Ravi Prabhu , Allievi Niccolo , Khan Kashuf A , Abduelraheim Abu , Moran Brendan
Published: June 2023

Purpose
The risk to benefit balance of incidental appendectomy in patients undergoing left colorectal cancer resection is unclear. The aim is to assess the proportion of histologically abnormal appendices in patients undergoing colorectal cancer resection in a unit where standard of care is appendectomy, with consent, when left-sided resection is performed.
Methods
Retrospective study on prospectively collected database, conducted in a single tertiary-care centre. Overall, 717 consecutive patients undergoing colorectal cancer resection between January 2015 and June 2021 were analysed. The primary outcome was the proportion of histologically abnormal appendix specimens at incidental appendectomy. Secondary outcome was complications from incidental appendectomy.
Results
Overall, 576/717(80%) patients had appendectomy at colorectal cancer surgery. In total, 234/576(41%) had a right-/extended-right hemicolectomy or sub-total colectomy which incorporates appendectomy, and 342/576(59%) had left-sided resection (left-hemicolectomy, anterior resection or abdomino-perineal excision) with incidental appendectomy.
At definitive histology, 534/576(92.7%) had a normal appendix. The remaining 42/576(7.3%) showed abnormal findings, including: 14/576(2.4%) inflammatory appendix pathology, 2/576(0.3%) endometriosis, 8/576(1.4%) hyperplastic polyp, and 18/576(3.1%) appendix tumours, which encompassed 6 low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasms (LAMN), 3 carcinoids and 9 serrated polyps.
In the 342 patients who had incidental appendectomy, 10(2.9%) had a neoplasm (2 LAMN, 3 carcinoids and 5 serrated polyps). There were no complications attributable to appendectomy.
Conclusion
Patients undergoing left sided colorectal cancer surgery with an appendix in situ may benefit from a co-incidental appendectomy to treat the small proportion of synchronous neoplasms and eradicate the risk of metachronous appendicitis or a subsequent appendix tumour.
Existence results for a hybrid system of mixed differential equations with sequential fractional derivatives
Authors: SARIKAYA Mehmet Zeki , Benmehidi Hammou , DAHMANI Zoubir
Published: June 2023

In this paper, we are interested in studying a hybrid system of sequential type by applying the Caputo and Hadamard fractional derivatives, using the fixed point principle, we establish new result for the existence and uniqueness of solutions. Another result is established by using Schaefer's fixed point theorem. At the end, an example is given.
2020 Mathematics Subject Classification. 30C45, 39B72, 39B85.
Hybrid Multi-Response Optimization and Analysis of UFSW Process Using Entropy Measurement: Effect of Tool Deviation on mechanical properties of an optimum joint
Authors: BOUKRAA Moustafa , Chekifi Tawfiq , MADANI Tahar , AISSANI Mouloud , BENMALAK Toufik , SETTAR Abdelhakim , LEBAAL Nadir
Published: June 2023

This study focuses on enhancing weld joints of AA2017 aluminum alloys obtained through the UFSW (Underwater Friction Stir Welding) process. An integrated method utilizing Grey relational entropy measurement as a multi-response optimization tool was employed. The objective was to improve the performance of the weld joint by optimizing the process parameters, including advanced speed, tool rotation speed, and forging force, to enhance tensile strength, elongation, and microhardness. The L9 orthogonal design with three factors and three levels was utilized, and subsequent analysis of variance and confirmation tests were conducted. Furthermore, the influence of lateral deviation of the welding tool on the mechanical properties and microstructural characteristics of the optimal joint was investigated. Experimental results aligned well with the outcomes predicted by the proposed mathematical model, affirming the effectiveness of the optimization method. Notably, the study demonstrated an increase in weld joint efficiency from 68.55–93% through the implementation of the optimization approach. The welding tool deviation ranging from − 1.5 mm to 1.5 mm showed that the tensile strength of the optimal joint decreases while the strain rate increases when the offset was on the advancing side (AS).
Biological treatment of nitrocellulose: investigation on structural and thermodynamic properties
Authors: Huang Juan , Zhang Alei , Xue Huihui , Zhou Jie , Ding Yajun , Xiao Zhongliang
Published: June 2023

Biological method is a sustainable method for various waste polymers treatment due to green, low-cost, mild condition and simple operation. In this study, a novel biological method to process nitrocellulose (NC) to obtain NC with low nitrogen via nitrate ester removal using fungal Chaetomium elatum was proposed. With the extension of time (6 d), the N% of NC declined continuously from 13.06% to 11.71%. Structure properties were investigated by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Laser Raman co-focal microspectrometry (Raman), which showed the intensity of energetical groups (O-NO2, -NO2) decreased. Most importantly, the thermal decomposition properties were performed using Thermogravimetric analysis (TG) and Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis, where the kinetic parameters of thermal decomposition reaction with DSC were calculated by three traditional methods: Friedman-Reich-Levi, Flynn-Wall-Ozawa and Kissinger-Akahira-Sunose. It indicated that the weight-loss ratio of bio-treated NC decreased from 86.33% to 66.20% and the activation energy (Ea) increased first and then reduced as the increase of denitrification time, which demonstrating thermostability of bio-treated NC was enhanced. Hence, this structure exploration and thermodynamic analysis provide new method for further investigation of the mechanism of the biological denitrification process and the assessment safety of bio-treated NC.
Productive viral infections in oligotrophic marine waters
Authors: Varona Natascha , Hesketh-Best Poppy , Stiffler Alexandra , Garcia Sofia , Scholten Yun , Haas Andreas , Little Mark , Coutinho Felipe Hernandes , Vermeij Mark , Luque Antoni , Silveira Cynthia
Published: June 2023

Viral lysis of dominant bacterial groups is accepted as the main mechanism through which viruses impact marine microbial communities. However, the structure of virus-bacteria infection networks and the abundance of their members have yet to be empirically characterized in situ. Here, we tackled this problem by building the virus-bacteria infection network of an oligotrophic environment using proximity-ligation, prophage integration, and CRISPR spacers. This network of 1388 previously undescribed virus-host pairs was integrated with community rank-abundance curves using direct counts of bacteria and viruses to identify productive viral infections. The same dominant viruses remained abundant across samples, but productive infections were poorly explained by viral and host abundances. This suggests that slow turnover rates maintain the abundance top-ranked, while viruses with medium-to-low abundances infecting heterotrophs are more productive. We predict that these non-dominant viruses contribute significantly more to biogeochemical cycling and host ecology due to their high turnover rates.
Mixed effects models for large-sized clustered extremes
Authors: Momoki Koki , Yoshida Takuma
Published: June 2023

Extreme value theory (EVT) provides an elegant mathematical tool for statistical analysis of rare events. Typically, when data are collected from multiple clusters, analysts want to preserve cluster information, such as region, period, and group. To consider large-sized cluster information in extreme value analysis, we incorporate the mixed effects model (MEM) into the regression technique in EVT. In the field of small area estimation, it is well known that the MEM is an important tool for providing reliable estimates of large-sized clusters with small sample sizes. In the context of EVT for rare event analysis, the sample size of extreme value data for each cluster is often small. Therefore, the MEM may contribute to improving the predictive accuracy of extreme value analysis. This motivates us to verify the effectiveness of the MEM in EVT through theoretical studies and numerical experiments, including its application to the risk assessment of heavy rainfall in Japan.
MSC Classification: 62F12 , 62H11 , 62J05
Integration of aberrant alternative splicing events and RNA binding proteins revealed their potential regulation in diabetic foot ulcers
Authors: Wang Mengyan , hao Qingzhi , Ma Ruiping , qin hongsong , luo ailing
Published: June 2023

Background
Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is one of the most serious complications of diabetes and the main cause of non-traumatic amputation in diabetic patients. Disruption of alternative splicing (AS) and RNA binding proteins (RBPs) has been proven to cause a variety of diseases, including DFU. But the regulatory network of RBPs-AS and its underlying functions in DFU remain unclear.
Methods
Whole transcriptome data of ulceration tissues were analyzed to identify dysregulated AS and RBPs, comprising ulceration tissues from thirteen DFU patients (seven patients with healed ulcers and six patients with unhealed ulcers, the DFU group) and eight normal samples (the control group). We identified the differentially expressed genes (DEGs), regulated alternative splicing events (RASEs), and changes in immune infiltration between DFU and control tissues. Finally, co-expression analysis was performed to establish the regulatory network of RBPs-AS-immune infiltration in DFU tissues.
Results
DEG analysis showed that 4478 and 4514 genes were differentially expressed in healed and unhealed DFU tissues, respectively. Gene functional analysis showed that many DEGs were enriched in immune and inflammatory pathways. Many RASEs were identified between unhealed DFU and control tissues. Functional analysis showed that genes with RASEs were primarily enriched in apoptosis pathways. According to immune infiltration analysis, the percentage of memory B cells and activated mast cells were higher in the DFU group than in the control group. According to the co-expression analysis, the ratio values of RASEs in apoptosis-associated genes were related to the percentage of infiltrated immune cells in DFU tissues. In addition, the co-expression network showed that differentially expressed RBPs (DE RBPs) could regulate the RASEs and affect the immune infiltration in DFU tissues. Finally, we found that the aberrant expressions of DCN, HSP90AA1, SMAD7, YWHAG, YWHAZ, KPNA2, S100A16, and DUSP14 would affect the AS of FAT1, COL12A1, UPP1, EIF5A and AKAP13 in DFU tissues.
Conclusion
Our results showed that DE RBPs may play a role in wound healing in DFU by regulating the AS of pre-mRNAs, especially immune inflammation- and apoptosis-related pre-mRNAs, and may continue to play a role in DFU regardless of the healing state.
Dispersal differences and determined factors of invasive alien plants along roadside in three habitats, Encheng national nature reserve, China
Authors: Dai Wanting , Guo Chaodan , Li Junsheng , Zhao Caiyun
Published: June 2023

Invasive alien plants cause major losses to native biodiversity. Nature reserves are crucial in resisting invasion, but resistance varies by habitats. To explore the variations and factors that determine invasive alien plant dispersal patterns in different habitats, we investigated abandoned land, eucalyptus plantations, and natural secondary forests in Encheng National Nature Reserve, Guangxi. Our results showed a significant decrease in invasive alien plants with increasing distance from roads in secondary forest, while there was no significant trend in the two other habitats. No significant trends were observed in the distribution of invasive alien plants within the soil seed bank in the three habitats perpendicular to the road direction. Invasive alien plant composition varied with the distance from the road and was found to be similar both aboveground and in the soil seed bank. Factors influencing invasive species composition at different road edges differed by habitats, abandoned land was affected by average human flow, average traffic flow, and distance to the village, eucalyptus plantations by pH, average human flow, native herb richness of soil seed bank, and road width, and secondary forest by road width, road grade, and native herb richness and density. Our results indicated that the secondary forest resists plant invasion better than eucalyptus plantations and abandoned land, moreover, native herbs play important roles in resisting invasive species in both secondary forest and eucalyptus plantations. To target invasive alien plants in nature reserves, prioritize the abandoned land and plantation forests based on our findings.
Prolonged preoperative sedentary time is a risk factor for postoperative ileus in patients with colorectal cancer: a propensity score-matched retrospective study
Authors: Yanagisawa Takuya , Tatematsu Noriatsu , Horiuchi Mioko , Migitaka Saki , Yasuda Shotaro , Itatsu Keita , Kubota Tomoyuki , Sugiura Hideshi
Published: June 2023

Purpose
This study aimed to investigate the association between prolonged preoperative sedentary time (ST) and postoperative ileus (POI) after adjusting for confounders in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC).
Methods
This single-center retrospective study enrolled 155 consecutive patients who underwent surgery for primary CRC. A diagnosis of POI was made by the surgeons if the Clavien-Dindo classification (CD) grade is ≥ 2 within 30 days after surgery. Preoperative ST was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire usual week short version (Japanese version). Patients were classified into two groups (ST < 6 h/day and ST ≥ 6 h/day) based on results from the questionnaire, and data were analyzed using a propensity score-matching strategy to adjust for confounders. In addition, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to identify the optimal cutoff value of preoperative ST for predicting POI.
Results
Of the 155 patients, 134 were included in the analysis. POI occurred in 16 (11.9%) patients of overall patients and 11 (12.5%) of the 88 matched patients. The logistic regression analysis after propensity score-matching showed that prolonged preoperative ST (ST ≥ 6 h/day) was associated with POI (odds ratio 5.40 [95% confidence interval: 1.09 − 26.60], p = 0.038). The ROC curve analysis indicated that the optimal cutoff value of preoperative ST for predicting POI was 6 h/day.
Conclusion
Prolonged preoperative ST is a risk factor for POI in patients with CRC. Therefore, reducing preoperative ST may play an important role in preventing POI.
Replacement of Dietary Fish Protein With Bacterial Single Cell Protein Results in Decreased Adiposity Coupled With Liver Expression Changes in Female Danio Rerio
Authors: williams michael , GREEN GEORGE B.H. , PALMER JOSEPH W. , FAY CHRISTIAN X. , CHEHADE SOPHIE B. , LAWRENCE ADDISON L , BARRY ROBERT J. , POWELL MICKIE L. , HARRIS MELISSA L. , WATTS STEPHEN A.
Published: June 2023

Background
Effective use of Danio rerio as a preclinical model requires standardization of macronutrient sources to achieve scientific reproducibility across studies and labs. Our objective was to evaluate single cell protein (SCP) for production of open-source standardized diets with defined heath characteristics for the zebrafish research community. We completed a 16-week feeding trial using juvenile D. rerio 31 days post-fertilization (dpf) (10 tanks per diet, 14 D. rerio per tank) with formulated diets containing either a typical fish protein ingredient or a novel bacterial SCP source. At the end of the feeding trial, growth metrics, body composition, reproductive success, and bulk transcriptomics of the liver (RNAseq on female D. rerio only with confirmatory rtPCR) were performed for each diet treatment.
Results
D. rerio fed the SCP containing diet had body weight gains equivalent to the D. rerio fed fish protein, and females had significantly lower total carcass lipid, indicating reduced adiposity. Reproductive success was similar between treatments. Genes differentially expressed in female D. rerio provided the bacterial SCP compared to females given fish protein were overrepresented in the gene ontologies of metabolism, biosynthesis of cholesterol precursors and products, and protein unfolding responses.
Conclusion
These data support the development of an open-source diet utilizing an ingredient that correlates with improved health profiles and reduced variability in notable outcomes.
Portal Vein Thrombosis after Cetuximab and 5-Fluorouracil Therapy in a Patient with Advanced Colon Cancer and Decompensated Cirrhosis: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Liu Fangyu , Xu Yongmei , Yang Guowang , Guo Yuhong , Nian Jiayun
Published: June 2023

Background Treatment options for advanced colon cancer are mainly combinations of chemotherapy and targeted drugs. However, poor physical health and medication intolerance limit the choice of anticancer drugs. Colon cancer with cirrhosisis a particular patient group that poses a challenge to clinical treatment.
Case presentation This article presents a case of a patient in the decompensated stage of cirrhosis who was diagnosed with advanced colon cancer. The initial presentation was a nodule on his navel named the Sister Mary Joseph’s nodule, which was later confirmed by biopsy and PET-CT as one of the metastases of colon cancer. The patient was treated with Cetuximab and 5-Fluorouracil at a below-guideline dose, however, portal vein thrombosis developed and led to death. This entire process, from diagnosis to death, occurred within a span of three months.
Conclusion Cancers with cirrhosis are a special group that deserves more attention. There is no unified treatment guideline for these patients, especially those with extrahepatic primary tumors. We should be more cautious when choosing treatment for such patients in the future. Both chemotherapy and targeting may potentially induce portal vein thrombosis, which appears to have a higher incidence and worse prognosis than other diseases.
Short-term effects of modified-chitosan and biochar on physicochemical and microbial characteristics of soil in semi-arid regions, Iran
Authors: Heidari Fateme , Tilaki Ghasem Ali Dianati , Kooch Yahya , Abdollahi Mahdi
Published: June 2023

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.