bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of PAX1 and JAM3 methylation triage efficacy across HPV genotypes and age groups in high-risk HPV-positive women in China
Authors: Liang Hui , Liu Yao , Yin Suyue , Jiang Mengyu , Dou Qiuyan , Wang Hanhan , Liu Jie , Chen Yibo , Liu Pei , Wang Jing , Wang Yishan , Wu Zhe
Published: November 2024

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the clinical utility of PAX1/JAM3 methylation (CISCER) test in triaging high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV)-positive women.

Methods

We enrolled women who underwent opportunistic screening at Cervical Disease outpatient clinics of Xuzhou Maternity and Child Health Hospital, and Yueyang Central Hospital from December 2022 to May 2024. The effectiveness of CISCER and cytology tests in triaging hrHPV+ patients was analyzed.

Results

Among the 436 study participants, 283 (64.9%) had no cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), while 53 (12.2%) had CIN1, 40 (9.2%) had CIN2, 34 (7.8%) had CIN3, and 26 (5.9%) had cervical cancers. The CISCER tests identified all cases of cervical cancer, particularly 2 hrHPV-negative adenocarcinoma cases. In 396 hrHPV+ individuals, the sensitivity of CISCER tests for detecting CIN2+ lesions was 92.6% (95% CI: 87.2-97.9%), with a specificity of 95.7% (95% CI: 93.4-98%), and an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.941 (95% CI: 0.903-0.979), outperforming cytology tests in both HPV16/18+ and non-16/18 hrHPV+ women. Notably, CISCER demonstrated 100% (95% CI: 90-100%) sensitivity in women aged≥50 and 100% (95%CI: 93.6-100%) specificity in women aged<30. Among CIN2+ women, 37.2% (including 3 cancer) showed low-grade cytological changes that could be detected by CISCER. Meanwhile, 52% of CIN2- women exhibited cytological abnormalities but had negative CISCER results. The immediate CIN3+ risk based on positive CISCER results was 54% (95% CI: 43.8-63.9%).

Conclusion

The PAX1/JAM3 methylation detection using cervical exfoliated cells showed superior triage performance for hrHPV-positive patients compared to traditional strategies.
GNA14 may be a potential prognostic biomarker in nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Hao Jinrong , Yu Xia , Xiong Lei , Deng Li , Lian Shifeng , Sun Shijun , Li Xiaoling , Du Yun , Ji Mingfang
Published: November 2024

Background

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a highly invasive malignant tumor. Recurrence and distant metastasis represent the primary causes of treatment failure. This study aimed to identify biomarkers highly associated with NPC and investigate its roles in tumor progression.

Methods

Transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq) data of NPC and normal tissues were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. By analyzing the RNA-seq data, we found that G Protein Subunit Alpha 14 (GNA14) is closely associated with the diagnosis and prognosis of NPC. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to detect the expression of GNA14 in tumor tissues of 165 NPC patients, and we analyzed the relationship between GNA14 expression and patient prognosis. The potential mechanisms by which GNA14 affects tumor prognosis were preliminarily analyzed using bioinformatics analysis.

Results

Analysis of RNA-seq data and IHC showed that GNA14 expression was downregulated in NPC (p < 0.001, p < 0.01, respectively), and low expression of GNA14 was closely associated with poor prognosis. IHC analysis showed that patients with low GNA14 expression had significantly shorter progression-free survival (PFS) and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) than those with high GNA14 expression (p = 0.023, p = 0.008, respectively). Multivariate analysis indicated that the GNA14 expression was an independent risk factor for DMFS (p = 0.030). The DMFS nomogram included GNA14 expression, EBV DNA, and N stage as prognostic factors and the concordance index (C-index) of the nomogram was 0.73. Bioinformatics analysis indicated that NPC patients with low GNA14 expression might represent lower levels of immune cell infiltration and poorer drug sensitivity.

Conclusion

Low GNA14 expression may be a risk factor for poor prognosis in NPC.
Enhancing Multi-Hole Pressure Probe Data Processing in Turbine Cascade Experiments Using Structural Risk Minimization Principle
Authors: Ni Ming , Wei Zuojun , Deng Weimin , Tao Haibo , Ren Guangming , Gan Xiaohua
Published: November 2024

Multi-hole pressure probes are crucial for turbomachinery flow measurements, yet conventional data processing methods often lack generalization for complex flows. This study introduces an innovative approach by integrating machine learning techniques with the structural risk minimization (SRM) principle, significantly enhancing the generalization capability of regression models. A comprehensive framework has been developed, combining SRM-based machine learning regression methods, such as ridge regression and kernel ridge regression, with hyperparameter optimization and S-fold cross-validation, to ensure robust model selection and accuracy. Validated using the McCormick function and applied to VKI-RG transonic turbine cascade measurements, the SRM-based methods demonstrated superior performance over traditional empirical risk minimization approaches, with lower error ratios and higher R2 values. Novel insights from SHAP analysis revealed subtle but significant differences in aerodynamic parameters, including a 0.63122° discrepancy in exit flow angle predictions, guiding the probe design and calibration strategies. This study presents a holistic workflow for improving multi-hole pressure probe measurements under high-subsonic conditions, representing a meaningful enhancement over traditional empirical methods and providing valuable references for practical applications.
Refinement of Control Strategies for Wheel-Fan Systems in High-Speed Air-Floating Vehicles Operating in Atmospheric Pressure Pipelines
Authors: Zhang Kun , Jiao Bin , Bian Yuliang , Liu Zeming , Ma Tiehua , Chen Changxin
Published: November 2024

This study explored the optimization of control systems for atmospheric pipeline air-floating vehicles traveling at ground level by introducing a novel composite wheel-fan system that integrates both wheels and fans. To evaluate the control impedance, the system simulates road conditions like inclines, uneven surfaces, and obstacles by using fixed, random, and high torque settings. The hub motor of the wheel fan is managed through three distinct algorithms: PID, fuzzy PID, and the backpropagation neural network (BP). Each algorithm’s control strategy is outlined, and tracking experiments were conducted across straight, circular, and curved trajectories. Analysis of these experiments supports a hybrid control approach: initiating with fuzzy PID, employing the PID algorithm on straight paths, and utilizing the BP neural network for sinusoidal and circular paths. The adaptive capacity of the BP neural network suggests its potential to eventually supplant the PID algorithm in straight path scenarios over extended testing and operation, ensuring improved control performance.
Hyperspectral Remote Sensing Combined with Ground Vegetation Surveys for the Study of the Age of Rodent Mounds
Authors: Qi Hao , Liu Xiaoni , Ji Tong , Ma Chenglong , Shi Yafei , He Guoxing , Huang Rong , Wang Yunjun , Yang Zhuoli , Lin Dong
Published: November 2024

Background: Rodents severely damage the ecological environment of grasslands, and rodent mounds of different ages require distinct management strategies. Understanding the age of these mounds aids in formulating targeted restoration measures, which can enhance grassland productivity and biodiversity. Current surveys of rodent mounds rely on ground exposure and mound height to determine their age, which is time-consuming and labor-intensive. Remote sensing methods can quickly and easily identify the distribution of rodent mounds. Existing remote sensing images use ground exposure and mound height for identification but do not distinguish between mounds of different ages, such as one-year-old and two-year-old mounds. According to the existing literature, rodent mounds of different ages exhibit significant differences in vegetation structure, soil background, and plant diversity. Utilizing a combination of vegetation indices and hyperspectral data to determine the age of rodent mounds aims to provide a better method for extracting rodent hazard information. This experiment investigates and analyzes the age, distribution, and vegetation characteristics of rodent mounds, including total coverage, height, biomass, and diversity indices such as Patrick, Shannon–Wiener, and Pielou. Spectral data of rodent mounds of different ages were collected using an Analytical Spectral Devices field spectrometer. Correlation analysis was conducted between vegetation characteristics and spectral vegetation indices to select key indices, including NDVI670, NDVI705, EVI, TCARI, Ant, and SR. Multiple stepwise regression and Random Forest (RF) inversion models were established using vegetation indices, and the most suitable model was selected through comparison. Random Forest modeling was conducted to classify plateau zokor rat mounds of different ages, using both vegetation characteristic indicators and vegetation indices for comparison. The rodent mound classification models established using vegetation characteristic indicators and vegetation indices through Random Forest could distinguish rodent mounds of different ages, with out-of-bag error rates of 36.96% and 21.74%, respectively. The model using vegetation indices performed better. Conclusions: (1) Rodent mounds play a crucial ecological role in alpine meadow ecosystems by enhancing plant diversity, biomass, and the stability and vitality of the ecosystem. (2) The vegetation indices SR and TCARI are the most influential in classifying rodent mounds. (3) Incorporating vegetation indices into Random Forest modeling facilitates a precise and robust remote sensing interpretation of rodent mound ages, which is instrumental for devising targeted restoration strategies.
The Application of Straw Return with Nitrogen Fertilizer Increases Rice Yield in Saline–Sodic Soils by Regulating Rice Organ Ion Concentrations and Soil Leaching Parameters
Authors: Bai Tianqi , Ran Cheng , Ma Qiyue , Miao Yue , Li Shangze , Lan Heng , Li Xinru , Chen Qinlian , Zhang Qiang , Shao Xiwen
Published: November 2024

Soil salinization is a severe environmental problem that restricts crop productivity. Straw amendment could increase the fertility of saline–sodic soils by improving soil physical properties and carbon sequestration; however, the chemical mechanism of saline soil improvement via straw reclamation is not clear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of straw return with nitrogen fertilizer on soil leaching characteristics, rice organ ion concentrations, and yield. Therefore, a soil column leaching experiment was conducted in 2021 in Baicheng, Jilin Province, using two straw application rate treatments (0 and 8 t hm−2) and three nitrogen application rate treatments (0, 180, and 360 kg hm−2). The results revealed the following: 1. The combination of straw return and nitrogen fertilizer significantly increased the soil leachate volume, leachate pH, Na+ concentration, and Na+/K+ ratio, thereby reducing Na+ stress on rice; 2. The application of nitrogen fertilizer during straw return effectively minimized soil nitrogen loss by lowering the ammonium and nitrate nitrogen concentrations in the soil leachate; 3. This combination also reduced plant Na+ concentrations while increasing plant K+ concentrations, thus improving the Na+/K+ ratio in the plants; 4. Straw return with nitrogen fertilizer significantly enhanced rice yield, which increased with higher nitrogen application rates. In summary, the integration of straw return with nitrogen fertilizer not only regulates rice salinity tolerance but also boosts rice yield, presenting a novel approach for improving saline–sodic soils.
Modeling Airflow and Temperature in a Sealed Cold Storage System for Medicinal Plant Cultivation Using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)
Authors: Wangkahart Sakkarin , Junsiri Chaiyan , Srichat Aphichat , Laloon Kittipong , Hongtong Kaweepong , Boupha Phaiboon , Katekaew Somporn , Poojeera Sahassawas
Published: November 2024

Effective air circulation is crucial for plant growth, requiring adequate airflow and environmental stability. This study utilized Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to analyze airflow patterns in a controlled testing chamber, focusing on how miniature fan placement affects airflow direction and temperature distribution. Ten case studies were conducted, with the CFD model validated against experimental data collected from six monitoring locations on the plant growth table. Model validation was performed using statistical analyses including coefficient of determination (R2), root mean square error (RMSE), and mean absolute error (MAE). The validation results showed strong agreement between simulated and experimental data, with R2 values of 0.92 for temperature and 0.89 for airflow velocity. Statistical analysis showed significant differences in both airflow and temperature models at the 0.05 level, with the CFD model validation yielding an RMSE of 2.02 and an average absolute error of 1.17. Among the tested configurations, case M1 achieved the highest air velocity (0.317 m/s) and lowest temperature (27.03 °C), compared to M2 (0.255 m/s, 27.17 °C) and M3 (0.164 m/s, 27.18 °C). The temperature variations between cases significantly impacted cold storage efficiency, with case M1’s superior airflow distribution providing more uniform cooling. These findings offer practical guidelines for optimizing ventilation system design in medicinal plant cultivation facilities, particularly in maintaining ideal storage conditions through strategic fan placement and airflow management.
Immunological Responses, Expression of Immune-Related Genes, and Disease Resistance of Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) Fed Diets Supplied with Capsicum (Capsicum annuum) Oleoresin
Authors: Yilmaz Sevdan , Kenanoğlu Osman Nezih , Ergün Sebahattin , Çelik Ekrem Şanver , Gürkan Mert , Mehana Elsayed Eldeeb , Abdel-Latif Hany M. R.
Published: November 2024

A 45-day feeding study was carried out to assess the immune-stimulatory effects of capsicum oleoresin when added to rainbow trout diets. A total of 450 fish (mean weight: 155.20 ± 1.96 g) were distributed into 400 L tanks (30 fish/tank) across five experimental groups: control (CT, 0%), C7 (0.7%), C14 (1.4%), C21 (2.1%), and C28 (2.8%). Each group consisted of three replicate tanks. At the end of this period, hemato-biochemical parameters, innate immune responses, and immune-related gene expression levels were evaluated, and a histological examination of head kidney and liver sections was conducted. Finally, fish in all groups were challenged with Lactococcus garvieae and observed for an additional 20 days. The results revealed that oleoresin supplementation enhanced the immune responses of the treated fish, which was evidenced by the increased globulin, total protein, respiratory burst activity, and total immunoglobulin levels. The highest expression levels of the il-8, il-1β, TGF-β, and SAA genes was noticed in the C7 group, as compared with the results for the other groups. The IgT gene expression levels were higher in all experimental groups than in the CT group, and this increase was at the highest level in the C28 group. Following the bacterial challenge, all experimental groups displayed higher survival rates compared to that of the CT group. These values were 75.93, 72.22, 46.30, 33.33, and 29.63% in the C7, C14, C21, C28, and CT groups, respectively, with the C7 group displaying the highest survival rate among the groups. The histological examination of liver and head kidney tissues revealed that higher doses (in the C21 and C28 groups) showed an increase in cytoplasmic vacuolization, which causes adverse effects on fish health. However, the C7 group displayed normal histological structure in both tissues. Taken together, the most favorable immune responses were achieved in the C7 group, suggesting that 0.7% oleoresin could be applied to rainbow trout to boost immunity and protect the fish from diseases.
Modulatory Effects of Photobiomodulation on Oxidative and Inflammatory Responses in a Murine Model of Periodontitis
Authors: Braga Larissa Trarbach Figueiredo , Ribeiro Isadora Martins , Barroso Maria Eduarda de Souza , Kampke Edgar Hell , Neves Lorena Nascimento Santos , Andrade Sara Cecília , Barbosa Guilherme Heleodoro , Porto Marcella Leite , Meyrelles Silvana Santos
Published: November 2024

Periodontitis, an oral disease initiated by a dysbiotic dental biofilm, has an unclear response to photobiomodulation (PBM) as an adjunctive treatment. This study investigates the effects of PBM on reactive oxygen species (ROS), apoptosis, oxidative stress, and inflammatory markers in a periodontitis model using C57BL/6 mice, divided into four groups: control (C), control + PBM (C + PBM), periodontitis (P), and periodontitis + PBM (P + PBM). An infrared diode laser (808 nm, 133.3 J/cm2, 4 J/session) was applied for three days. PBM reduced superoxide anions, hydrogen peroxide, and apoptosis in gingival cells, while decreasing systemic inflammation and protein oxidation. In the P + PBM group, pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-12p70 decreased, whereas IL-10 increased, suggesting improvements in oxidative stress and inflammation profiles.
Effect of Blood Orange (Citrus sinensis L. Osbeck) Peel Waste as a Feed Additive on the Growth Performance, Digestive Enzyme Activity, Antioxidant Capacity, and Immune Response in Juvenile Black Rockfish (Sebastes schlegelii)
Authors: Lee Tae Hoon , Kim Ki-Tae , Oh Hwa Yong , Park Seo Young , Lee Gyu Jin , Kim Hyun-Soo , Kim Hee Sung
Published: November 2024

This study evaluated bioactive compounds in blood orange (Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck) peel (BOP) as dietary additives. An 8-week feeding trial was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation on the growth performance, body composition, digestive enzyme activity, antioxidant capacity, and immune response of juvenile black rockfish. A total of 1260 juvenile rockfish (1.4 ± 0.01 g) were randomly distributed into seven treatment groups, each with 50 fish per circular tank. The groups were fed seven different diets containing graded levels of 0 (control, BOP0), 1 (BOP1), 2 (BOP2), 3 (BOP3), 5 (BOP5), 7 (BOP7), and 10 (BOP10) g kg−1, respectively. The BOP10 diet significantly enhanced the final weight, weight gain, specific growth rate, protein efficiency ratio, and protein retention in fish. The BOP treatments notably affected the fishes’ whole-body crude protein and lipid contents. Plasma total cholesterol levels of fish fed the BOP0 and BOP1 diets were significantly higher than those fed the BOP7 and BOP10 diets. The activities of trypsin and lipase were significantly affected by dietary BOP levels. The antioxidant enzyme activity in the plasma of fish fed the BOP10 diet was significantly higher than those fed the BOP0 diet. The lysozyme activity and levels of immunoglobulin M and G in fish fed the BOP0 diet were significantly lower than those in fish fed the BOP10 diet. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of BOP at 10 g kg−1 improved the growth performance and overall health of juvenile black rockfish.
Assessing Fluoride Impact in Phosphogypsum: Strength and Leaching Behavior of Cemented Paste Backfill
Authors: Zhang Qinli , Yang Yikun , Wang Daolin , Liu Bin , Feng Yan , Song Zian , Chen Qiusong
Published: November 2024

Phosphogypsum (PG)-based cemented paste backfill (PCPB) is a widely used method for the large-scale disposal of phosphoric acid waste. However, fluoride contaminants in PG pose a significant risk of groundwater pollution. Effective pretreatment methods have been developed to mitigate this issue, but there is limited research on the specific pretreatment standards needed to control fluoride leaching. This study investigates the impact of initial fluoride content (IFC) in PG samples on the strength and leaching behavior of PCPB to establish appropriate pretreatment standards. Pure CaSO4·2H2O and NaF were used to simulate PG samples with varying IFC levels. The findings indicate that lower IFC leads to stronger PCPBs after 28 days of curing. To ensure compliance with Chinese national standards, the initial fluoride concentration must be below 0.0093 wt% to prevent excessive leaching. Microlevel analyses reveal that fluoride influences the hydration reactions of C2S and C3S in cement, affecting the formation of C-S-H and Ca(OH)2. Fluoride is primarily immobilized in PCPB as CaF2, which can either form gypsum crystals within the complex structure or be adsorbed onto hydration products. This research provides crucial insights into the pretreatment standards required for controlling fluoride leaching, offering a foundation for the industrial application of PG.
GAN-Based Map Generation Technique of Aerial Image Using Residual Blocks and Canny Edge Detector
Authors: Si Jongwook , Kim Sungyoung
Published: November 2024

As the significance of meticulous and precise map creation grows in modern Geographic Information Systems (GISs), urban planning, disaster response, and other domains, the necessity for sophisticated map generation technology has become increasingly evident. In response to this demand, this paper puts forward a technique based on Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) for converting aerial imagery into high-quality maps. The proposed method, comprising a generator and a discriminator, introduces novel strategies to overcome existing challenges; namely, the use of a Canny edge detector and Residual Blocks. The proposed loss function enhances the generator’s performance by assigning greater weight to edge regions using the Canny edge map and eliminating superfluous information. This approach enhances the visual quality of the generated maps and ensures the accurate capture of fine details. The experimental results demonstrate that this method generates maps of superior visual quality, achieving outstanding performance compared to existing methodologies. The results show that the proposed technology has significant potential for practical applications in a range of real-world scenarios.
How Much Does the Dynamic F0 Curve Affect the Expression of Emotion in Utterances?
Authors: Yoon Tae-Jin
Published: November 2024

The modulation of vocal elements, such as pitch, loudness, and duration, plays a crucial role in conveying both linguistic information and the speaker’s emotional state. While acoustic features like fundamental frequency (F0) variability have been widely studied in emotional speech analysis, accurately classifying emotion remains challenging due to the complex and dynamic nature of vocal expressions. Traditional analytical methods often oversimplify these dynamics, potentially overlooking intricate patterns indicative of specific emotions. This study examines the influences of emotion and temporal variation on dynamic F0 contours in the analytical framework, utilizing a dataset valuable for its diverse emotional expressions. However, the analysis is constrained by the limited variety of sentences employed, which may affect the generalizability of the findings to broader linguistic contexts. We utilized the Ryerson Audio-Visual Database of Emotional Speech and Song (RAVDESS), focusing on eight distinct emotional states performed by 24 professional actors. Sonorant segments were extracted, and F0 measurements were converted into semitones relative to a 100 Hz baseline to standardize pitch variations. By employing Generalized Additive Mixed Models (GAMMs), we modeled non-linear trajectories of F0 contours over time, accounting for fixed effects (emotions) and random effects (individual speaker variability). Our analysis revealed that incorporating emotion-specific, non-linear time effects and individual speaker differences significantly improved the model’s explanatory power, ultimately explaining up to 66.5% of the variance in the F0. The inclusion of random smooths for time within speakers captured individual temporal modulation patterns, providing a more accurate representation of emotional speech dynamics. The results demonstrate that dynamic modeling of F0 contours using GAMMs enhances the accuracy of emotion classification in speech. This approach captures the nuanced pitch patterns associated with different emotions and accounts for individual variability among speakers. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the vocal expression of emotions and offer valuable insights for advancing speech emotion recognition systems.
Time-Dependent Retarded Microwave Electromagnetic Motors
Authors: Yahalom Asher
Published: November 2024

In a previous work, we showed that Newton’s third law does not strictly hold in a system with remote elements due the finite speed of signal propagation, and thus force imbalance occurs at the system’s center of mass. As the said system is affected by a total force for a finite time interval, mechanical energy and momentum are gained by the system. In early works, we assumed that the bodies were macroscopically charge-neutral. Later, we removed this restriction, thus analyzing the consequences of a possible electrically charged relativistic motor. In the first published paper on this subject, we studied this phenomenon in general but gave only an example of a system reaching a stationary state. In this paper, we shall analyze a charged retarded electromagnetic motor in a more general time-dependent setting, giving specific examples in which the system never reaches a stationary state yet produces steady linear momentum nonetheless. We show that the device is more efficient in the microwave (or higher) frequencies.
Natural Creation of Large Rock Cavern: Can We Construct Them? Jenolan Caves as a Case Study
Authors: Kong Keith , Rajabi Mojtaba , Karlovsek Jurij
Published: November 2024

The Jenolan Caves are the most spectacular limestone caves in Australia. Within this cave system, the Grand Arch, which is 24 m high, 55 m wide, and 127 m long, is the largest open cave in the country. A cave of this size could potentially accommodate small city streets, buildings, and other facilities. This paper examines a stability simulation of the Grand Arch, using numerical models to deduce foundational insights into rock openings under different geological and rock mass conditions. Following this, using numerical analysis, we investigate the creation of a man-made rock opening with the same span, height, and ground conditions of the Grand Arch but formed in two different arch shapes (i.e., with and without rock reinforcement as a stabilization measure). With all stability simulations conducted in this study, a clear explanation to describe the relationship and interaction between various parameters, such as rock mass structure and quality, rock mass strength, and in situ stress field, as well as different arch roofs shapes of the rock opening, is provided. Through its comparisons between natural rock cave and man-made rock openings, this study provides some findings and deep insight, as well as further questioning on creating a large size rock-reinforced cavern in different shapes to be opened in a range of rock conditions.
Microstructure, Texture and Mechanical Properties of Magnesium Alloys Processed by Multi-Directional Forging: A Review
Authors: Zhu Jiaxuan , Zhi Huidong , Yan Zhaoming
Published: November 2024

Magnesium (Mg) and its alloys are currently the lightest structural metals in engineering applications, widely used in aerospace, defense technology, transportation and electronic 3C fields. Plastic deformation is a commonly used method to improve the comprehensive mechanical properties of Mg alloys. Multi-directional forging (MDF), as a severe plastic deformation (SPD) method, is considered as an effective technology for manufacturing large-sized Mg alloys with high strength and toughness. This paper outlines the process principle of MDF and analyzes the microstructure evolution, texture and mechanical properties of Mg alloys processed by MDF. The effect of deformation parameters, such as deformation temperature, accumulative strain and strain rate, and alloying elements on grain refinement, second phase evolution and texture are discussed systematically. Additionally, recent research highlights the Mg alloys with high strength and toughness processed by MDF. Furthermore, the contribution of grain refinement, precipitation, solid solution and texture-strengthening mechanisms on the mechanical properties are revealed. Finally, we conclude the research progress, analyze the shortcomings in development, and recommend further prospects. We hope this review will inspire new ideas on the development of Mg alloys with a high strength and MDF process.
Investigation of the Vortex-Induced Transverse Vibration of Cylinders Near a Plane Wall with the Local Domain-Free Discretization Method
Authors: Qi Haotian , Zhang Yang , Ji Honglei , Sun Zhenye , Zhou Chunhua , Zhu Weijun , Pu Tianmei
Published: November 2024

The vortex-induced vibration of a circular cylinder and two inline circular cylinders near a plane wall at a Reynolds number of 150 is numerically investigated by using a self-developed immersed boundary method called the local domain-free discretization (DFD) method. The cylinders are elastically mounted with a mass ratio of 8/π and a 0 damping ratio and can only vibrate in the transverse direction. The reduced velocity varies from 2 to 9, with an interval of 1. Three gaps, e=0.1D, 1D, and 2D (D is the cylinder diameter), are investigated for the case of an isolated cylinder and two inline cylinders while the center-to-center spacing (L) is 1.5D for the two-inline-cylinders case. A model for the collision of the cylinders with the wall is adopted in which the bouncing back is forced when the gap between the cylinder and the plane wall is smaller than 0.02D. It is observed that the existence of the plane wall significantly affects the cylinder response both in the one-isolated-cylinder and two-inline-cylinders cases. The features, including vibration amplitudes, frequencies, fluid forces, the maximal or minimal gap between the cylinder bottom and the plane wall, and the vortex shedding patterns, are explored in detail. Interactions between the front and rear cylinders and differences between the one-isolated-cylinder and two-inline-cylinders cases are discussed. The research has immense significance for the design of near-wall cylindrical structures, such as the deep-water pipeline system on the seafloor.
Investigation on the Impact of the 2022 Luding M6.8 Earthquake on Regional Low-Frequency Time Code Signals in Northern China
Authors: Zhao Fan , Feng Ping , Qi Zhen , Cheng Langlang , Wang Xin , Huang Luxi , Liu Qiang , Chen Yingming , Ren Xiaoqian , Hua Yu
Published: November 2024

Low-Frequency Time Code time service technology, as an important means of ground-based radio time dissemination, can be divided into ground wave zone and sky wave zone according to different receiving and transmitting distances. Ground waves travel primarily along the Earth’s surface, while sky waves propagate over long distances by reflecting off the ionosphere. This paper utilizes the raw observation data received by the Low-Frequency Time Code dissemination monitoring stations before and after the 6.8 magnitude earthquake in Luding, Sichuan, China on 5 September 2022. A Low-Frequency Time Code time service monitoring system was built in Xi’an to continuously monitor the 68.5 kHz time signal broadcast by the BPC station. The data was then processed and analyzed through visualization. Simultaneously, we analyzed the signal fluctuation for multiple days before and after the earthquake to see the changes in the Low-Frequency Time Code signal during the earthquake. By combining seismic activity, solar activity, and geomagnetic data, this study aims to explore the causes and patterns of signal parameter variations. The results show that the field strength of the Low-Frequency Time Code signal fluctuated significantly within a short period during the earthquake. The value began to decrease about 60 min before the earthquake, dropping by approximately 8.9 dBμV/m, and gradually recovered 2 h after the earthquake. The phase also mutated by 1.36 μs at the time of the earthquake, and the time deviation fluctuated greatly compared to the 2 days before and after. Earthquake occurrences influence ionospheric variations, leading to changes in the sky wave propagation of Low-Frequency Time Code signals. Analysis of the influence of earthquakes on the propagation of Low-Frequency Time Code signals can provide references for research on Low-Frequency Time Code signal propagation models and earthquake prediction.
Advances in Air–Sea Interactions, Climate Variability, and Predictability
Authors: Zhang Wei , Yao Yulong , Chan Duo , Feng Jie
Published: November 2024

Air–sea interaction remains one of the most dynamic and influential components of the Earth’s climate system, significantly shaping the variability and predictability of both weather and climate [...]
Rechargeable Li-Ion Batteries, Nanocomposite Materials and Applications
Authors: El Afia Sara , Cano Antonio , Arévalo Paul , Jurado Francisco
Published: November 2024

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are pivotal in a wide range of applications, including consumer electronics, electric vehicles, and stationary energy storage systems. The broader adoption of LIBs hinges on advancements in their safety, cost-effectiveness, cycle life, energy density, and rate capability. While traditional LIBs already benefit from composite materials in components such as the cathode, anode, and separator, the integration of nanocomposite materials presents significant potential for enhancing these properties. Nanocomposites, including carbon–oxide, polymer–oxide, and silicon-based variants, are engineered to optimize key performance metrics, such as electrical conductivity, structural stability, capacity, and charging/discharging efficiency. Recent research has focused on refining these composites to overcome existing limitations in energy density and cycle life, thus paving the way for the next generation of LIB technologies. Despite these advancements, challenges related to high production costs and scalability remain substantial barriers to the widespread commercial deployment of nanocomposite-enhanced LIBs. Addressing these challenges is essential for realizing the full potential of these advanced materials, thereby driving significant improvements in the performance and practical applications of LIBs across various industries.
Behavioral Analysis of Android Riskware Families Using Clustering and Explainable Machine Learning
Authors: Alani Mohammed M. , Alawida Moatsum
Published: November 2024

The Android operating system has become increasingly popular, not only on mobile phones but also in various other platforms such as Internet-of-Things devices, tablet computers, and wearable devices. Due to its open-source nature and significant market share, Android poses an attractive target for malicious actors. One of the notable security challenges associated with this operating system is riskware. Riskware refers to applications that may pose a security threat due to their vulnerability and potential for misuse. Although riskware constitutes a considerable portion of Android’s ecosystem malware, it has not been studied as extensively as other types of malware such as ransomware and trojans. In this study, we employ machine learning techniques to analyze the behavior of different riskware families and identify similarities in their actions. Furthermore, our research identifies specific behaviors that can be used to distinguish these riskware families. To achieve these insights, we utilize various tools such as k-Means clustering, principal component analysis, extreme gradient boost classifiers, and Shapley additive explanation. Our findings can contribute significantly to the detection, identification, and forensic analysis of Android riskware.
Joint Screening for Ultra-High Dimensional Multi-Omics Data
Authors: Kemmo Tsafack Ulrich , Lin  Chien-Wei , Ahn Kwang Woo
Published: November 2024

Investigators often face ultra-high dimensional multi-omics data, where identifying significant genes and omics within a gene is of interest. In such data, each gene forms a group consisting of its multiple omics. Moreover, some genes may also be highly correlated. This leads to a tri-level hierarchical structured data: the cluster level, which is the group of correlated genes, the subgroup level, which is the group of omics of the same gene, and the individual level, which consists of omics. Screening is widely used to remove unimportant variables so that the number of remaining variables becomes smaller than the sample size. Penalized regression with the remaining variables after performing screening is then used to identify important variables. To screen unimportant genes, we propose to cluster genes and conduct screening. We show that the proposed screening method possesses the sure screening property. Extensive simulations show that the proposed screening method outperforms competing methods. We apply the proposed variable selection method to the TCGA breast cancer dataset to identify genes and omics that are related to breast cancer.
Comparison of Phacoemulsification and Aspiration Parameters in Cataract Surgery: Metal Tip vs. Hybrid Tip
Authors: Ichikawa Kazuo , Ichikawa Kei , Tokiwa Seiji , Sato Yuki , Miyazaki Tomoyuki , Tanaka Yoshiki , Yamamoto Naoki
Published: November 2024

Various tips are available for phacoemulsification in cataract surgery. Evidence-based data can inform ophthalmologists, especially inexperienced ones, on tip selection. We retrospectively evaluated the energy efficiency and other parameters of two ultrasonic phacoemulsification and aspiration tips across different nuclear hardness grades in 342 cataract patients (342 eyes) with nuclear hardness grades II to IV. Surgical procedures, ultrasound settings, and instrumentation were standardized. All surgeries were performed by one experienced doctor. We compared the metal INTREPID® Balanced Tip (M-tip) with the INTREPID® Hybrid Tip (P-tip), which has a polymer coating. The M-tip required significantly less total ultrasound time and cumulative dissipated energy (CDE) than the P-tip for grades III and IV, while the P-tip had a shorter aspiration time and less estimated fluid aspirated for grade II. No differences in corneal endothelial cell loss were observed. Lens rupture rates were low: 0.47% for the M-tip and 0.78% for the P-tip. Multiple regression analysis showed that CDE increased with nuclear hardness. These findings suggest that the M-tip is efficient for harder lenses, while the P-tip may be advantageous for softer lenses, informing optimal tip selection in cataract surgery. Further research is suggested to elucidate their clinical significance.
Decoding the Nexus: Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms Linking Stroke and Neurotoxic Microenvironments in Brain Cancer Patients
Authors: Menounos Spiro , Shen Helen , Tipirneni Shraddha , Bhaskar Sonu M. M.
Published: November 2024

Stroke is an often underrecognized albeit significant complication in patients with brain cancer, arising from the intricate interplay between cancer biology and cerebrovascular health. This review delves into the multifactorial pathophysiological framework linking brain cancer to elevated stroke risk, with particular emphasis on the crucial role of the neurotoxic microenvironment (NTME). The NTME, characterized by oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and blood–brain barrier (BBB) disruption, creates a milieu that promotes and sustains vascular and neuronal injury. Key pathogenic factors driving brain cancer-related stroke include cancer-related hypercoagulability, inflammatory and immunological mechanisms, and other tumor-associated processes, including direct tumor compression, infection-related sequelae, and treatment-related complications. Recent advances in genomic and proteomic profiling present promising opportunities for personalized medicine, enabling the identification of biomarkers—such as oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes—that predict stroke susceptibility and inform individualized therapeutic strategies. Targeting the NTME through antioxidants to alleviate oxidative stress, anti-inflammatory agents to mitigate neuroinflammation, and therapies aimed at reinforcing the BBB could pave the way for more effective stroke prevention and management strategies. This integrative approach holds the potential to reduce both the incidence and severity of stroke, ultimately improving clinical outcomes and quality of life for brain cancer patients. Further research and well-designed clinical trials are essential to validate these strategies and integrate them into routine clinical practice, thereby redefining the management of stroke risk in brain cancer patients.
Pharmacotherapy from Pre-COVID to Post-COVID: Longitudinal Trends and Predictive Indicators for Long COVID Symptoms
Authors: Baalbaki Nadia , Verbeek Sien T. , Bogaard Harm Jan , Blankestijn Jelle M. , van den Brink Vera C. , Cornelissen Merel E. B. , Twisk Jos W. R. , Golebski Korneliusz , Maitland-van der Zee Anke H.
Published: November 2024

Background/objectives: A significant number of COVID-19 cases experience persistent symptoms after the acute infection phase, a condition known as long COVID or post-acute sequelae of COVID-19. Approved prevention and treatment options for long COVID are currently lacking. Given the heterogeneous nature of long COVID, a personalized medicine approach is essential for effective disease management. This study aimed to describe trends in pharmacotherapy from pre-COVID to post-COVID phases to gain insights into COVID-19 treatment strategies and assess whether pre-COVID pharmacotherapy can predict long COVID symptoms as a health status indicator. Methods: In the Precision Medicine for more Oxygen (P4O2) COVID-19 study, 95 long COVID patients were comprehensively evaluated through post-COVID outpatient clinics and study visits. This study focused on descriptive analysis of the pharmacotherapy patterns across different phases: pre-COVID-19, acute COVID, and post-COVID. Furthermore, associations between pre-COVID medication and long COVID outcomes were analyzed with regression analyses. Results: We observed peaks in the use of certain medications during the acute infection phase, including corticosteroids and antithrombotic agents, with a decrease in the use of renin–angiotensin system inhibitors. Consistently high use of alimentary tract medications was found across all phases. Pre-COVID respiratory medications were associated with fatigue symptoms, while antiinfectives and cardiovascular drugs were linked to fewer persisting long COVID symptom categories. Conclusion: Our findings provide longitudinal, descriptive pharmacotherapy insights and suggest that medication history can be a valuable health status indicator in characterizing patients for personalized disease management strategies, considering the heterogeneous nature of long COVID.
Serum Antibodies Against the E5 Oncoprotein from Human Papillomavirus Type 16 Are Inversely Associated with the Infection and the Degree of Cervical Lesions
Authors: Salazar-Piña Azucena , Maldonado-Gama Minerva , Gonzalez-Jaimes Ana M. , Cruz-Valdez Aurelio , Ortiz-Panozo Eduardo , Esquivel-Guadarrama Fernando , Gutierrez-Xicotencatl Lourdes
Published: November 2024

Background: The humoral immune response against human papillomavirus (HPV) has been suggested as a source of biomarkers for the early detection of cervical cancer (CC). Therefore, we aimed to characterize the antibody response against HPV16 E5 in the natural history of cervical cancer and to determine its usefulness as a biomarker of HPV-associated cervical lesions. Methods: This study was conducted at the Cuautla General Hospital, Morelos, Mexico, with women (18 to 64 years) who agreed to participate. Samples were obtained from 335 women with cervical lesions and 150 women with negative Papanicolaou tests. HPV genotyping was performed by PCR and pyrosequencing, and anti-E5 antibodies were detected by slot blot. Results: The overall anti-E5 antibodies prevalence in the study was 17.9%, with the higher prevalence observed in the no lesion (NL, 49.4%) group, and with a downward trend according to the degree of the cervical lesion, from cervical intraepithelial neoplasia-1 (CIN1, 32.2%) to CIN2 (11.5%) and CIN3/CC (6.9%). The logistic regression model showed negative associations of anti-E5 antibodies with CIN1 (OR = 0.38), CIN2 (OR = 0.42), and CIN3/CC (OR = 0.32) groups, being statistically significant. Contrast analysis showed an inverse relationship between anti-E5 antibodies with HPV DNA and the CIN1 (OR = 0.35), CIN2 (OR = 0.39), and CIN3/CC (OR = 0.31) groups. Conclusions: These results suggest that anti-E5 antibodies could be associated with clearance of infection in women without lesions and with CIN1 lesions since an inverse relationship was observed between the presence of HPV DNA and anti-E5 antibodies. In contrast, with progression from CIN2/CIN3 to CC, the relationship was reversed, as the anti-E5 antibodies disappeared, and the frequency of the viral genome increased.
Current Therapeutic Opportunities for Estrogen Receptor Mutant Breast Cancer
Authors: Palaniappan Murugesan
Published: November 2024

Estrogen receptor α (ERα) drives two out of three breast cancers and therefore ERα is a major therapeutic target for ER-positive breast cancer patients. Drugs that inhibit ERα activity or block estrogen synthesis in the body are currently being used in the clinic to treat ER-positive breast cancer and have been quite successful in controlling breast cancer progression for the majority of patients. However, ER-positive breast cancer often becomes resistant to these endocrine therapies, leading to endocrine-resistant metastatic breast cancer, a very aggressive cancer that leads to death. Recent large-scale genomic studies have revealed a series of activating somatic mutations in the ERα gene (ESR1) in endocrine-resistant metastatic breast cancer patients. Of these, Y537S and D538G mutations are found at a much higher rate in patients with metastatic breast cancer. Remarkably, these mutations produce an ERα with much higher transcriptional activity than wild type in the absence of estradiol, and traditional endocrine therapy has poor efficacy against ER mutants. Therefore, the development of new drugs that target ER mutants is an unmet clinical need for endocrine-resistant metastatic breast cancer. This review summarizes the recent preclinical and clinical trials targeting estrogen receptor mutant breast cancer.
A Network Analysis Approach to Detect and Differentiate Usher Syndrome Types Using miRNA Expression Profiles: A Pilot Study
Authors: Thelagathoti Rama Krishna , Tom Wesley A. , Jiang Chao , Chandel Dinesh S. , Krzyzanowski Gary , Olou Appolinaire , Fernando Rohan M.
Published: November 2024

Background: Usher syndrome (USH) is a rare genetic disorder that affects both hearing and vision. It presents in three clinical types—USH1, USH2, and USH3—with varying onset, severity, and disease progression. Existing diagnostics primarily rely on genetic profiling to identify variants in USH genes; however, accurate detection before symptom onset remains a challenge. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), which regulate gene expression, have been identified as potential biomarkers for disease. The aim of this study is to develop a data-driven system for the identification of USH using miRNA expression profiles. Methods: We collected microarray miRNA-expression data from 17 samples, representing four patient-derived USH cell lines and a non-USH control. Supervised feature selection was utilized to identify key miRNAs that differentiate USH cell lines from the non-USH control. Subsequently, a network model was constructed by measuring pairwise correlations based on these identified features. Results: The proposed system effectively distinguished between control and USH samples, demonstrating high accuracy. Additionally, the model could differentiate between the three USH types, reflecting its potential and sensitivity beyond the primary identification of affected subjects. Conclusions: This approach can be used to detect USH and differentiate between USH subtypes, suggesting its potential as a future base model for the identification of Usher syndrome.