bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DEVELOPMENT OF A METHODICAL APPROACH TO THE MAINTENANCE OF HIGHWAYS IN THE WINTER PERIOD TAKING INTO ACCOUNT WORLDWIDE EXPERIENCE
Authors:   National Transport University, Smirnov Anatolii
Published: September 2022

The article examines models and proposes a methodical approach to highway maintenance in the winter period, taking into account world experience. It was determined that the assessment of winter road maintenance measures performed in different countries takes different forms according to: quality indicator or standard; cost accounting and analysis; organized management system; standards for inspection and monitoring of works; measurement of conformity of service provision; analysis of complaints from users of the road network; methods of forecasting and prevention of certain winter phenomena. It is proposed to use the WSI (FHWA) index, which is calculated on the basis of the average value of daily snowfall and the recorded minimum and maximum temperature on average for the season, to assess the severity of the impact of weather on winter maintenance. It is recommended that the results of precipitation forecasting and the level of the WSI index be used as a basis for determining the operational level of service, which forms a set of potential measures for winter road maintenance. It is proposed to justify the level of service based on models of winter maintenance and forecasting measures that allow to form a methodical approach to highway maintenance. A methodological approach has been developed, which is based on the use of a mathematical model of road maintenance in the winter period, which is a function of minimizing the accumulated indicators of the quality of winter maintenance of road elements depending on their weight for maintenance.
MODERN PROGRAMS FOR PROCESSING DATA OF GEODESIC DIMENSIONS
Authors:   National Transport University, Dovhopoliuk Liudmyla , Ignatov Serhiy ,   National Transport University, Neizvestna Natalia ,   National Transport University
Published: September 2022

Modern software used for processing field geodetic surveys was studied. Every year, geodetic production faces new tasks that require a quick and correct solution. The modern level of automation of geodetic work is characterized by the widespread distribution of electronic total stations and satellite receivers, digital aerial photography complexes, field portable computers, as well as multifunctional software packages. This requires the use of new technologies and an automated information processing system, which includes the availability of a software complex for processing field measurement materials, means of automated data entry and graphical information, programs for processing graphics and automated drawing, devices for outputting graphic and textual information. The software for processing the received data of geodetic measurements should be such that the most complex tasks are performed, and at the same time it is easy to use. The development of software tools for processing geodetic measurements will help to reduce the time for camera data processing. The article evaluates the software in terms of the possibility of their practical implementation in the field of geodesy, as well as in terms of accessibility, comprehensibility and the presence of additional functions. An analysis of the functionality of the most widespread in Ukraine modern software complexes for processing the results of ground surveying, such as: CADdy, FieldWorks, Topograd, Topocad, and CREDO, designed for processing the results of geodetic measurements and designing the construction, reconstruction, repair of highways and transport interchanges, was carried out. including public roads, city streets and roads of all technical categories. Based on the analysis of the functionality of modern software complexes designed to process the results of geodetic measurements and the design, reconstruction and capital repair of highways, appropriate conclusions were formed.
Application of network pharmacology in the study of mechanism of Chinese medicine in the treatment of ulcerative colitis: A review
Authors: Zheng Shihao , Xue Tianyu , Wang Bin , Guo Haolin , Liu Qiquan
Published: September 2022

Network pharmacology is a research method based on a multidisciplinary holistic analysis of biological systems, which coincides with the idea of the holistic view of traditional Chinese medicine. In this review, we summarized the use of network pharmacology technology through studying Chinese medicine single medicine or Chinese medicine compound research ideas and methods for the treatment of ulcerative colitis, based on the application of the current network pharmacology in Chinese medicine research, including the important role in the mechanism of the prediction and verification, to search for new ideas for disease diagnosis and treatment, this study summarizes the application of network pharmacology in the treatment of ulcerative colitis in traditional Chinese medicine, including monotherapy and compound therapy, and considers that relevant research studies have fully demonstrated the function characteristics of the multi-component, multi-target, and multi-pathway of traditional Chinese medicine, and can also explain the connotation of “selecting appropriate treatment methods according to the differences and similarities of pathogenesis” of traditional Chinese medicine. Finally, we raised important questions about the prospects and limitations of network pharmacology, such as differences caused by different data collection methods, a considerable lag, and so on.
Predicting liver cancer on epigenomics data using machine learning
Authors: Vekariya Vishalkumar , Passi Kalpdrum , Jain Chakresh Kumar
Published: September 2022

Epigenomics is the branch of biology concerned with the phenotype modifications that do not induce any change in the cell DNA sequence. Epigenetic modifications apply changes to the properties of DNA, which ultimately prevents such DNA actions from being executed. These alterations arise in the cancer cells, which is the only cause of cancer. The liver is the metabolic cleansing center of the human body and the only organ, which can regenerate itself, but liver cancer can stop the cleansing of the body. Machine learning techniques are used in this research to predict the gene expression of the liver cells for the liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC), which is the third biggest reason of death by cancer and affects five hundred thousand people per year. The data for LIHC include four different types, namely, methylation, histone, the human genome, and RNA sequences. The data were accessed through open-source technologies in R programming languages for The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). The proposed method considers 1,000 features across the four types of data. Nine different feature selection methods were used and eight different classification methods were compared to select the best model over 5-fold cross-validation and different training-to-test ratios. The best model was obtained for 140 features for ReliefF feature selection and XGBoost classification method with an AUC of 1.0 and an accuracy of 99.67% to predict the liver cancer.
Hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy versus transarterial chemoembolization for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma: A systematic review with meta-analysis
Authors: Si Tengfei , Huang Zhenlin , Khorsandi Shirin Elizabeth , Ma Yun , Heaton Nigel
Published: September 2022

Background: Interest has revived in the use of hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) for intermediate-advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) while transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) has been a longstanding loco-regional therapy.

Aim: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of patients with unresectable HCC treated with HAIC or TACE to look for differences in survival, adverse events, mortality and downstaging.

Methods: All studies published before 29 July 2022 were identified by searching PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane Library databases for patients with unresectable HCC and received HAIC or TACE as initial treatment. Data extracted from studies was statistically analysed using RevMan5.3 software.

Results: A total of one randomized controlled trial (RCT) and 7 cohort studies (5 retrospective, 2 prospective) including 1,060 (TACE group: 534, HAIC group: 526) patients were screened. Compared with the TACE group, patients who received HAIC as initial therapy had better overall survival (OS) (HR = 0.53, 95%CI [0.40, 0.69]) and progression-free survival (PFS) (HR = 0.54, 95%CI [0.40, 0.72]). Further subgroup analysis revealed that HAIC showed priority over TACE on prognosis outcome regardless of tumour stage, especially in patients with advanced portal vein tumour thrombus (PVTT). Utilization of port system will not boost the efficacy of HAIC whereas using a replaced-microcatheter for each procedure could better reduce the progressive disease (PD) rate (RR = 0.55, 95%CI [0.40, 0.76]). The pooled RR favoured the HAIC group with regard to partial response (PR) (RR = 2.87, 95%CI [2.18, 3.78]) and this was validated by both GRADE summary and trial sequential analysis. The rate of resection after treatment was higher in the HAIC group (RR = 2.37, 95%CI [1.54, 3.66]), whilst no difference was found with procedure-related mortality (RR = 0.56, 95%CI [0.13, 2.38]) between two groups. Compared with the traditional chemotherapy regimen (fluorouracil/leucovorin/oxaliplatin) FOLFOX-HAIC appears to be better in improving the treatment efficacy.

Conclusion: Patients with unresectable HCC could potentially benefit more from HAIC rather than standard TACE treatment. A re-evaluation of HAIC as a treatment option in intermediate and advanced HCC is warranted.
The role of circadian rhythm in osteoporosis; a review
Authors: Tian Yihao , Ming Jian
Published: September 2022

Osteoporosis is characterized by a high incidence rate, with significant effects on people’s lives. The underlying mechanisms are complex, with no treatments for the condition. Recent studies have indicated that melatonin can be used to treat osteoporosis by promoting osteoblast proliferation and differentiation, and inhibiting osteoclast differentiation. Specifically, in vivo mechanisms are initiated by stabilizing biological rhythms in bone tissue. In healthy organisms, these biological rhythms are present in bone tissue, and are characterized by bone formation during the day, and bone resorption at night. When this rhythm is disrupted, osteoporosis occurs. Thus, taking appropriate medication at different times of the day could produce different effects on osteoporosis rhythms. In this review, we characterized these processes, and provided treatments and management strategies for individuals with osteoporosis.
Application of near-infrared fluorescence imaging in lingual lymph node screening and drainage pattern observation for tongue cancer
Authors: Zhu Yaoping , Xiao Tao , He Yijia , Hong Xiaowei , Zhou Ting , Da Mingjie , Ge Sumeng , Xie Diya , Wang Zhiyong
Published: September 2022

Objective: Lingual lymph node (LLN) metastasis is regarded as an indicator of unfavorable prognosis and a crucial sign of the high degree of primary tumor aggressiveness. However, detecting LLN metastasis is an important but frequently overlooked aspect of diagnosis and surgical treatment planning. The study aims to identify LLNs by intraoperative near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence imaging with indocyanine green absorbed into human serum albumin (ICG: HSA) and describe the presence of lymphatic drainage channels from the floor of the mouth in patients with tongue carcinoma.

Materials and Methods: 21 patients diagnosed with cT1-T4 squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the tongue margin and scheduled to undergo tumor resection and unilateral neck dissection were enrolled. After exposing the neck, the patients were injected with 0.3 ml of ICG: HSA (500 μM) in three quadrants around the tumor, excluding the mucous membrane of the basal region cavity. Employing a near-infrared fluorescence imaging system, the fluorescence of levels I, II, III, and IV was measured during neck dissection.

Results: LLNs were detected in four patients and were identified as metastatic LLNs in all 21 patients. The near-infrared fluorescence imaging system showed the existence of lymphatic drainage channels in the floor of the mouth. In patients receiving peritumoral injection of ICG: HSA, the mean fluorescence intensity (MFI)of metastatic lymph nodes (LNs) (178.4 ± 64.39, mean ± SD) was higher than that in non-metastatic LNs (132.0 ± 76.5, mean ± SD) (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: NIR fluorescence imaging with ICG: HSA could be used for intraoperative identification of LLNs and assist in the determination of metastatic lymph nodes for tongue carcinoma patients. Additionally, this finding demonstrates the feasibility of near-infrared fluorescence imaging in defining lymphatic drainage channels in the head and neck.
Improved solid-phase microextraction extraction procedure to detect trace-level epichlorohydrin in municipal water systems by HS-SPME-GC/MS
Authors: Lei Ping , Wang Lu , Yan Yun , Deng Wubin , Gao Jingsi , Zhu Jia , Liang Miaoqing , Wen Jiaheng , Lv Jianfeng , Zhou Jianfeng
Published: September 2022

Epichlorohydrin (ECH) is toxic to humans via multiple routes and is a potential carcinogen. The accurate measurement of ECH at trace level (<0.1 μg/L) is still an obstacle hindering the monitoring and regulation of municipal water systems. In this study, an improved headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) procedure is developed and optimized to extract and enrich ECH with high sensitivity, accuracy, and precision. A total 17.4-time enhancement in extraction efficiency is achieved compared with the default condition. Specifically, the AC/PDMS/DVB fiber offered a 4.4-time enhancement comparing with the PDMS/DVB fiber. The effects of different mineral salts in SPME were studied and it was found that an addition of 3 g Na₂SO₄ in the SPME head achieved an additional 3.3-time increase. The pattern how sodium sulfate enhanced ECH extraction by salting out is discussed. The optimization of extraction conditions (pH = 7, 35°C, and 20 min extraction duration) brought another 1.2 times further. Combined with gas chromatography with mass spectrometry, the optimized method exhibits curve linearity in the range of 0.02–1.00 μg/L with an R2 of 0.998. The limit of detection, precision, and accuracy of the method are 0.006 μg/L, 2.6%–5.3%, and −3.5% to −2.0%, respectively. The recovery of ECH spiking in tap water and surface water was investigated, with recovery rates of 88.0%–116% and 72.5%–108%, respectively. Adhering to the requirements of existing water quality regulations, our method shows a high potential to be applied in drinking water quality monitoring and water treatment process assessment.
Synthesis and characterization of new 1,4-dihydropyran derivatives by novel Ta-MOF nanostructures as reusable nanocatalyst with antimicrobial activity
Authors: Ahmad Irfan , Jasim Saade Abdalkareem , Yasin Ghulam , Al-Qargholi Basim , Hammid Ali Thaeer
Published: September 2022

Novel Ta- MOF was synthesized under mild conditions by ultrasound irradiations. The sample was characterized by SEM, FTIR, XRD, XPS, TG and BET technique. The final structures showed high physicho-chemical properties including narrow particle size distribution, homogenous morphology, high thermal stability and remarkable surface area. Ta- MOF synthesized in this study was used as a catalyst in the synthesis of 1,4-dihydropyran derivatives. The results proved that it has a high catalyst capability. Its advantages include high recyclability, less reaction time with higher efficiency and synthesis of new1,4-dihydropyran derivatives. In the following, antimicrobial activity including antifungal and antibacterial activity of Ta- MOF nanoparticles based on Minimum Inhibitory Concentration, Minimum Fungicidal Concentration and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration were evaluated. The synthesized Ta- MOF, in addition to high catalytic properties, showed high antimicrobial activity with MIC value between 16 and −256 μg/ml, and can be introduced as an agent against bacteria and fungi.
Advances in IgA glycosylation and its correlation with diseases
Authors: Ding Li , Chen Xiangqin , Cheng Hongwei , Zhang Tiantian , Li Zheng
Published: September 2022

Immunoglobulin A (IgA) is the most abundant immunoglobulin synthesized in the human body. It has the highest concentration in the mucosa and is second only to IgG in serum. IgA plays an important role in mucosal immunity, and is the predominant antibody used to protect the mucosal surface from pathogens invasion and to maintain the homeostasis of intestinal flora. Moreover, The binding IgA to the FcαRI (Fc alpha Receptor I) in soluble or aggregated form can mediate anti- or pro- inflammatory responses, respectively. IgA is also known as one of the most heavily glycosylated antibodies among human immunoglobulins. The glycosylation of IgA has been shown to have a significant effect on its immune function. Variation in the glycoform of IgA is often the main characteration of autoimmune diseases such as IgA nephropathy (IgAN), IgA vasculitis (IgAV), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, compared with the confirmed glycosylation function of IgG, the pathogenic mechanism of IgA glycosylation involved in related diseases is still unclear. This paper mainly summarizes the recent reports on IgA’s glycan structure, its function, its relationship with the occurrence and development of diseases, and the potential application of glycoengineered IgA in clinical antibody therapeutics, in order to provide a potential reference for future research in this field.
UV-irradiating synthesis of cyclodextrin–silver nanocluster decorated TiO2 nanoparticles for photocatalytic enhanced anticancer effect on HeLa cancer cells
Authors: Wang Hongying , Xing Ze , Sun Yan , Jing Yingjie , Zhang Jian , Li Xinyao , Zhang Hailiang , Shakoor Adnan , Guo Junsheng
Published: September 2022

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) has emerged as a viable choice for several biological and environmental applications because of its high efficiency, cheap cost, and high photostability. In pursuit of this purpose, the research of its many forms has been influenced by these unique aspects. The development of novel TiO2-based hybrid materials with enhanced photocatalytically induced anticancer activity has gained tremendous attention. Here, we have developed a novel photocatalytic material (TiO2–Ag NPs@-CD) by decorating ultrasmall silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) with per-6-thio-β-cyclodextrin (SH-β-CD) on TiO2 NPs. TiO2–Ag NPs@-CD were characterized by employing various characterization techniques and evaluated for their anticancer activity against HeLa cancer cells using an MTT assay. The biocompatibility of the designed nanoparticles was determined on two normal cell lines, namely, 3T3 and human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). The results show that the TiO2–Ag NPs@-CD induced superior cytotoxic effects on HeLa cancer cells at a concentration of 64 μg/ml. Live-dead staining and oxidative stress investigations demonstrated that cell membrane disintegration and ROS-induced oxidative stress generated by TiO2-Ag NPs@-CD inside HeLa cancer cells are the contributing factors to their exceptional anti-cancer performance. Moreover, TiO2-Ag NPs@-CD exhibited good biocompatibility with 3T3 and hMSCs. These results indicated that the combination of all three components—a silver core, SH-β-CD ligands, and TiO2 nanoparticles—produced a synergistic anticancer effect. Hence, the TiO2-Ag NPs@-CD is a promising material that can be employed for different biological applications.
Exploring the potential role of citizen science in the warning value chain for high impact weather
Authors: Tan Marion Lara , Hoffmann David , Ebert Elizabeth , Cui Alicia , Johnston David
Published: September 2022

Preparing and delivering warnings to the public involves a chain of processes spanning different organizations and stakeholders from numerous disciplines. At each stage of this warning chain, relevant groups apply their expertise, but sharing information and transmission of data between groups is often imperfect. In diverse research fields, citizen science has been valuable in filling gaps through contributing local data. However, there is limited understanding of citizen science's role in bridging gaps in the warning value chain. Citizen science research projects could help improve the various aspects of the warning value chain by providing observations and evaluation, data verification and quality control, engagement and education on warnings, and improvement of accessibility for warnings. This paper explores the research question: How can citizen science contribute to the warning value chain? Two workshops were held with 29 experts on citizen science and the warning value chain to answer this question from a high impact weather perspective. The results from this study have shown that citizens, at individual or collective capacity, interact throughout the chain, and there are many prospects for citizen science projects for observations, weather, hazard, and impact forecasting, to warning communication and decision making. The study also revealed that data quality control is a main challenge for citizen science. Despite having limitations, the findings have shown that citizen science can be a platform for increasing awareness and creating a sense of community that adds value and helps bridge gaps in the warning value chain.
Shifting microbial communities perform anaerobic oxidation of methane and methanogenesis in sediments from the Shenhu area of northern south China sea during long-term incubations
Authors: Kong Yuan , Lei Huaiyan , Cheng Weidong , Wang Bin , Pan Fulong , Huang Fanfan
Published: September 2022

Microbial communities and their associated metabolic activities, methanogenesis and anaerobic oxidation of methane (AOM), are the key components of carbon biocycles in continental margin sediments. The composition and diversity of microbial communities in a methanic environment have been widely investigated, but identifying direct correlations between microbial communities and their activities remains a challenge. Here, we investigated shifting microbial communities that performed methanogenesis and AOM in long-term incubations (the longest is up to 199 days). AOM, methanogenesis, sulfate reduction and iron reduction occurred during the incubation, and 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed that some bacteria were maintained or even enriched during the incubation compared to the environmental samples. In contrast, archaeal diversity was reduced, and only some uncultured archaea belonging to the phylum Bathyarchaeota were enriched after treatment with a high sulfate concentration (29.38 mM), suggesting that sulfate might promote their enrichment. Well-known anaerobic methanotrophic archaea (ANME) were not detected, and SEEP-SRB1, which is in syntrophy with ANME, decreased to approximately zero after the incubation. The abundance of known methanogens, such as genera Methanococcoides and Methanosarcina, increased slightly in some incubations but was still present at a low relative abundance (<0.15%). Incubation with a lower sulfate concentration (4 mM) and higher iron content resulted in greater δ13CO2 accumulation, indicating that iron may be the additional electron acceptor for AOM. Based on these results, other unknown or unconventional phylotypes or pathways of methanogenesis and AOM may occur during the incubation. Thus, the diversity of methanogens and anaerobic methanotrophs warrants further investigation.
Dynamic reconstruction of the hydrocarbon generation, accumulation, and evolution history in ultra-deeply-buried strata
Authors: Song Zezhang , Ding Xiaoheng , Zhang Benjian , Ge Bingfei , Tian Xingwang , Chen Xiao , Ma Kui , Peng Hanlin , Wang Yunlong , Yang Dailin
Published: September 2022

The evolution mechanism of hydrocarbons in ultra-deeply-buried and ultra-old strata is the core issue of petroleum geology moving towards Deep Earth. Reconstructing the evolutionary history of ultra-deeply-buried hydrocarbons is the key to shedding light on deep hydrocarbon accumulation and evolution mechanisms. Furthermore, it can help point out directions for oil and gas exploration in Deep Earth. Anyue gas field in the central Sichuan Basin is the Frontier of deep natural gas exploration in China. This study selected the natural gas reservoirs of the Upper Sinian Dengying Formation in the central Sichuan Basin as the research object. By integrating analysis of natural gas geochemical characteristics, source rock evaluation, reservoir bitumen-source correlation, inclusion analysis, one-dimensional and two-dimensional hydrocarbon accumulation simulations, the generation and evolution of hydrocarbons in different structural regions, namely the inherited paleo-uplift and slope area in central Sichuan Basin, have been dynamically restored and compared. The results show that: 1) The natural gas of the ultra-deeply-buried Sinian Dengying formation in central Sichuan is typical oil-cracking gas from the paleo-oil reservoir. The Sinian gas is mainly sourced from the Qiongzhusi/Maidiping Formation. 2) The formation of Sinian gas reservoirs includes three stages: the formation of paleo-oil-reservoirs; the cracking of paleo-oil-reservoirs into paleo-gas-reservoirs; the adjustment of the paleo-gas-reservoirs. 3) Source rock and reservoir evaluation, quantitative solid bitumen analysis, and hydrocarbon accumulation simulation show that the natural gas accumulation conditions in the slope area are better than in the inherited uplift area. The scale of the paleo-oil-reservoirs in the slope area may be greater than that in the inherited uplift area.
Thermal simulation experimental study on the difference of molecular structure evolution between vitrinite and inertinite in low-rank coal
Authors: Qin Rongfang , Wang Lu , Cao Daiyong , Wang Anmin , Wei Yingchun , Li Jing
Published: September 2022

In order to carry out an in-depth study of the differences in the molecular structure evolution of the vitrinite and the inertinite during coalification, the chemical structure of 13 groups of vitrinite and inertinite with different coal ranks were comprehensively characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and13C nuclear magnetic resonance (13C NMR). The correlation of structure parameters and vitrinite random reflectance (Ro, ran) were analyzed. The results show that three evolution stages of vitrinite were observed withRo, ranat 0.35%–0.90%, 1.20%–2.67%, and 3.03%–4.20%, and two evolution stages of inertinite were marked withRo, ranat 0.35%–2.07% and 2.07%–4.20%. Thefa, DOC, I,fa',faH,faN,faB, Xb, La, Lc, and Naveof inertinite are always larger than vitrinite, whereas the A(CH2)/(CH3),fal,fal*,falH, d002of inertinite are always smaller than vitrinite. WhenRo, ran= 0.35%–0.90%, the oxygen-containing functional groups and aliphatic structure of vitrinite fall off rapidly, the condensation degrees of the aromatic ring, La, Lc, and Naveincrease, whereas the lengths of side chains and d002decrease. WhenRo, ran= 1.20%–2.67%, the vitrinite structure variation follows the same trend as the first stage, but the evolution rate is significantly lower. WhenRo, ran= 0.35%–2.07%, the oxygen-containing functional groups, methyl groups, and methylene groups of inertinite fall off at a slower rate than those of vitrinite. The aromaticity, condensation degree, aromatic carbon content, and order degree of microcrystalline structure also increase at a rate less than that of vitrinite. The vitrinite and inertinite structure variation becomes flat, and the structures of both macerals are similar in the high metamorphic stage. The content of oxygen-containing functional groups and aliphatic chain length decrease to the lowest, whereas the aromaticity increases to the maximum. This study contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the chemical structure differences between vitrinite and inertinite, which can provide a theoretical reference for the clean utilization of coal and coalbed methane (CBM) exploration and development.
A state-of-the-art review and prospect of gas hydrate reservoir drilling techniques
Authors: Wei Na , Pei Jun , Zhao Jinzhou , Zhang Liehui , Zhou Shouwei , Luo Pingya , Li Haitao , Wu Jiang
Published: September 2022

Securing energy means grasping the key link in the national development and security strategy. Under the goals of carbon peak and carbon neutrality, the overall tendency of energy development is to increase the proportion of natural gas while stabilizing oil consumption, and the global primary energy is entering the era of natural gas. Gas hydrate in deep seabed shallow strata and extremely cold permafrost regions has piqued the interest of researchers due to its abundant resources, widespread distribution, and high energy density. Although the drilling of hydrate wells is still fraught with unknowns and challenges due to the technological barriers between countries, complex on-site working conditions, and unique physical chemical properties, accumulation forms, and occurrence characteristics of gas hydrate, more than ten successful trial productions around the world have opened the door of hope for the development of this potentially new energy. The gas hydrate reservoir drilling technique is the frontier and hotspot of scientific and technological innovation and competitiveness around the globe today, reflecting the level of oil and gas technical advancement. At the national level, it possesses strategic and revolutionary features. Innovative drilling techniques, scientific well location layout, appropriate wellbore structure and well trajectory design, efficient drilling fluid, qualified drilling and completion equipment, and successful pressure-temperature preserved coring may all provide a strong guarantee for the successful completion of gas hydrate wells. This review comprehensively reviews the drilling techniques and engineering measures that can be used to develop gas hydrate. It focuses on the research advancement of important hydrate drilling technologies and the enlightening significance of these developments in the application of hydrate drilling. This work will deliver valuable experience as well as comprehensive scientific information for gas hydrate exploration and drilling.
The prevalence of MAFLD and its association with atrial fibrillation in a nationwide health check-up population in China
Authors: Lei Fang , Qin Juan-Juan , Song Xiaohui , Liu Ye-Mao , Chen Ming-Ming , Sun Tao , Huang Xuewei , Deng Ke-Qiong , Zuo Xiuran , Yao Dongai , Xu Li-Juan , Lu Huiming , Wang Gang , Liu Feng , Chen Lidong , Luo Jie , Xia Jiahong , Wang Lin , Yang QiongYu , Zhang Peng , Ji Yan-Xiao , Zhang Xiao-Jing , She Zhi-Gang , Zeng Qiang , Li Hongliang , Cai Jingjing
Published: September 2022

Background and aims

The epidemiological characteristics of MAFLD and its relationship with atrial fibrillation (AF) are limited in China. Therefore, we explored the epidemiological characteristics of MAFLD from adults along with the association of MAFLD and 12-ECG diagnosed AF in a nationwide population from health check-up centers.

Methods

This observational study used cross-sectional and longitudinal studies with 2,083,984 subjects from 2009 to 2017. Age-, sex-, and regional-standardized prevalence of MAFLD was estimated. Latent class analysis (LCA) was used to identify subclusters of MAFLD. Multivariable logistic regression and mixed-effects Cox regression models were used to analyze the relationship between MAFLD and AF.

Results

The prevalence of MAFLD increased from 22.75% to 35.58% during the study period, with higher rates in males and populations with high BMI or resided in northern regions. The MAFLD population was clustered into three classes with different metabolic features by LCA. Notably, a high proportion of MAFLD patients in all clusters had overweight and prediabetes or diabetes. The MAFLD was significantly associated with a higher risk of AF in the cross-sectional study and in the longitudinal study. In addition, the coexistence of prediabetes or diabetes had the largest impact on subsequent AF.

Conclusion

Our findings suggested a high prevalence of MAFLD and a high prevalence of other metabolic diseases in the MAFLD population, particularly overweight and glucose dysregulation. Moreover, MAFLD was associated with a significantly higher risk for existing and subsequent subclinical AF in the Chinese population.
Novel genes and variants associated with congenital pituitary hormone deficiency in the era of next-generation sequencing
Authors: Bando Hironori , Urai Shin , Kanie Keitaro , Sasaki Yuriko , Yamamoto Masaaki , Fukuoka Hidenori , Iguchi Genzo , Camper Sally A.
Published: September 2022

Combined pituitary hormone deficiency (CPHD) is not a rare disorder, with a frequency of approximately 1 case per 4,000 live births. However, in most cases, a genetic diagnosis is not available. Furthermore, the diagnosis is challenging because no clear correlation exists between the pituitary hormones affected and the gene(s) responsible for the disorder. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) has recently been widely used to identify novel genes that cause (or putatively cause) CPHD. This review outlines causative genes for CPHD that have been newly reported in recent years. Moreover, novel variants of known CPHD-related genes (POU1F1 and GH1 genes) that contribute to CPHD through unique mechanisms are also discussed in this review. From a clinical perspective, variants in some of the recently identified causative genes result in extra-pituitary phenotypes. Clinical research on the related symptoms and basic research on pituitary formation may help in inferring the causative gene(s) of CPHD. Future NGS analysis of a large number of CPHD cases may reveal new genes related to pituitary development. Clarifying the causative genes of CPHD may help to understand the process of pituitary development. We hope that future innovations will lead to the identification of genes responsible for CPHD and pituitary development.
Pediatric percentiles for transient elastography measurements - effects of age, sex, weight status and pubertal stage
Authors: Brunnert Lina , Puasa Ika Damayanti , Garten Antje , Penke Melanie , Gaul Susanne , Grafe Nico , Karlas Thomas , Kiess Wieland , Flemming Gunter , Vogel Mandy
Published: September 2022

Background and aims

Transient Elastography is a non-invasive, cost-efficient, non-ionizing, observer-independent and reliable method to detect liver fibrosis using Liver Stiffness Measurement (LSM) and the degree of fat accumulation in the liver using Controlled Attenuation Parameter (CAP). This study aims to derive reference values for both measures from healthy children and adolescents. Further, we aim to assess the potential influence of age, sex, puberty, and BMI-SDS on CAP and LSM.

Methods

Within the LIFE Child study, amongst others, anthropometric data and pubertal status were assessed. Transient Elastography (TE) was performed using the FibroScan® device in a population-based cohort at 982 study visits of 482 healthy children aged between 10 and 18 years. Percentiles for LSM and CAP were estimated, and the effects of age, sex, puberty and weight status were assessed through hierarchical regression models.

Results

There was a strong age dependency for LSM with higher values for older children, most pronounced in the upper percentiles in boys. Contrarily, CAP was relatively stable across the age span without considerable difference between boys and girls. We found a significant positive correlation between BMI-SDS and both CAP and LSM for BMI-SDS >1.28. For BMI-SDS < 1.28, the association was also positive but reached statistical significance only for CAP. Further, the association between BMI-SDS and CAP was significantly stronger in younger than in older children. There was no association between pubertal status and CAP. For LSM, we found that children with a high BMI-SDS but not children with normal weight had significantly higher LSM values in Tanner stage 4.

Conclusions

Age, sex, pubertal status and weight status should be considered when interpreting LSM and CAP in pediatric patients to facilitate and improve early detection of abnormal liver function, which is associated with common pathologies, such as NAFLD.
Association of rs2910164 in miR-146a with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A case–control and meta-analysis study
Authors: Chang Wei-Wei , Wen Li-Ying , Zhang Liu , Tong Xin , Jin Yue-Long , Chen Gui-Mei
Published: September 2022

Objective

Several studies have shown that miR-146a rs2910164 (C > G) is associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) susceptibility, but the results are still controversial. This study is divided into two parts, and one is to explore the relationship between miR-146a rs2910164 polymorphism and the genetic susceptibility of T2DM in Chinese Han population. Second, a meta-analysis on the basis of a larger sample size was used to determine whether this is a susceptibility gene for T2DM.

Methods

A case–control study including 574 T2DM patients and 596 controls was used to evaluate the association of miR-146a rs2910164 polymorphism with the risk of T2DM in Chinese Han People. Then, we systematically searched studies investigating the correlation between miR-146a rs2910164 polymorphism and T2DM susceptibility published before April 2022 from PubMed, Web of Science, Wanfang, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure database, and a meta-analysis including six studies was carried out. The results were expressed by odds ratio (OR) and its 95% confidence interval (95% CI).

Results

In a case–control study, we found that there were no statistical differences in genotype frequencies between T2DM and control group. Subgroup analysis showed that, compared with the CC genotype, CG + GG genotype was associated with a decreased risk of T2DM in the subgroup of individuals ≥ 65 years old (OR = 0.75; 95% CI: 0.58–0.98; Padjusted = 0.032) and BMI < 18.5 (OR = 0.16; 95% CI: 0.03–0.89; Padjusted = 0.037). In overall meta-analysis, significant heterogeneity was detected. No significant association between miR-146a rs2910164 polymorphism and T2DM was observed in all genetic models under random effects models. Subgroup analysis revealed that there was a significant difference in genotype frequencies between the T2DM and control group in recessive model (CC vs. CG + GG: OR = 1.79; 95% CI: 1.08–2.96; PQ = 0.307, I2 = 4.0%) and homozygote model (CC vs. GG: OR = 1.79; 95% CI: 1.07–3.00; PQ = 0.216, I2 = 34.7%) in Caucasians.

Conclusion

The results of our study demonstrate that the miR-146a rs2910164 polymorphism might have ethnicity-dependent effects in T2DM and may be related to T2DM susceptibility in Caucasians.
Audible acoustic characteristics of epoxy resins with partial discharge
Authors: Zhang Guozhi , Chen Kang , Zhang Xiaoxing
Published: September 2022

The epoxy resin is the main solid insulating material for electrical equipment. PD (partial discharge) is an important factor leading to epoxy resin aging or failure. Fault detection technology based on audible acoustic imaging has the advantages of real-time monitoring, visibility, and flexibility and is gradually being used in the field of electrical equipment insulation state monitoring. However, the audible voiceprint features of epoxy resins with typical PD defects are not clear, which is not conducive to effective detection and fault diagnosis. Therefore, in this study, the study of audible voiceprint features of epoxy resins with a metal burr, pollution, metal foreign matters, and surface discharge defects was carried out. The discharge audible signals were obtained, and their time and frequency domain features were analyzed. The results show that the discharge audible signals of four PD defects can reflect the occurrence of PD simultaneously with pulse current signals. But the characteristics are obviously different in the time domain, which are embodied in listening perception, persistence, amplitude, and phase. In the frequency domain, the frequency spectra of discharge audible signals of four defects are mainly 5–10 and 13–24 kHz. Furthermore, the three feature vectors of frequency spectrum complexity, high-frequency energy factor, and maximum frequency point are extracted, which can well distinguish the discharge audible signals of four PD defects.
Global antimony supply risk assessment through the industry chain
Authors: Li Junhui , Xu Deyi , Zhu Yongguang
Published: September 2022

Antimony is a type of critical metal for the energy transition. The antimony industry chain is distributed among the major developed and developing countries around the world. With the development of clean energy technology, the demand for antimony in photovoltaic and energy storage fields will increase significantly. Considering the significant changes in the global demand for antimony products and the serious supply shortage, people should pay more attention to the supply risk of related products of the antimony industry chain. In this paper, we propose a new integrated index to evaluate the supply risk of antimony industry chain related products, including Herfindahl Hirschman index, global governance index, human development index, global innovation index, and betweenness centrality in complex networks. Meanwhile, seven commodities in the antimony industry chain are selected for empirical analysis from 2011 to 2019. The results show that countries with high supply risks of the industry chain upstream include Canada, France, Germany, India, Japan, Thailand, and the United Kingdom. And, Australia, India, Japan, Thailand, and Vietnam are with high supply risks in the midstream of the industry chain. Meanwhile, Canada, India, Japan, and Thailand are with high downstream supply risks. Some countries, like China, the United States, and Germany, play a core role in different sectors of the industry chain. International competitive relations of countries have caused a high supply risk of products related to the antimony industry chain. The supply risk of the antimony industry chain shows that countries must strengthen industrial division and cooperation to maximize their interests. It is suggested to take the country-specific measures to mitigate supply risks, including establishing national inventories of critical materials, overseas investment, strengthening the guidance of industrial policies, and accelerating infrastructure construction.
Carbon emission reduction calculation for the green transformation of traditional hotel design
Authors: Qiu Jing , Guo Zhiru , Sun Chuanwang
Published: September 2022

The green transformation design of traditional hotels aims to reduce the consumption of materials and energy and reduce the emission of harmful substances. Carbon emission, usually used to measure energy consumption, is a representative indicator to evaluate the effect of the green transformation process. This paper adopts the emission factor method to measure the carbon emission reduction in the process of hotels’ green transformation from the whole life cycle of hotels, and the results show that: 1) From the perspective of the hotel life cycle, the construction process is the stage with the most carbon emissions. 2) From the perspective of a single hotel, high-star hotels have larger emissions than low-star hotels; 3) As the number of three and four-star hotels far exceeds the five-star hotels, overall, four-star hotels ranked first in total emission reduction. 4) From the perspective of provinces, the hotel industry emission reduction potential of different provinces varies greatly, among which Guangdong, Zhejiang, and Jiangsu provinces are at the top of the list. The future carbon reduction potential of the Chinese hotel industry is very considerable. The content of this paper enriches the research in the field of carbon emission measurement and also provides a reference for the management agency to designate the carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goals of the hotel industry.
Research on the spatial correlation and drivers of industrial agglomeration and pollution discharge in the Yellow River Basin
Authors: Qin Yuming , Zhang Hao , Zhao Huimin , Li Di , Duan Ye , Han Zenglin
Published: September 2022

The spatial auto-correlation analysis approach is used to examine the agglomeration features and geographical correlation of industrial agglomeration and pollutant discharge using 91 prefecture-level cities in the Yellow River Basin from 2005 to 2020 as the research target. The Yellow River Basin and the upper, middle, and lower reaches were investigated for the effects of industrial agglomeration on industrial pollution emissions. The Dubin model of the spatial panel is used to investigate the drivers of industrial pollution from both indirect effects and direct effects. The findings indicated that ① the spatial pattern of industrial pollution agglomeration and industrial agglomeration in the Yellow River Basin has spatial convergence; ② the global clustering characteristics of industrial pollution in the Yellow River Basin are apparent. The global correlations of the three pollutants are industrial wastewater > industrial smoke and dust > industrial SO2; there is a spatial association between industrial agglomeration and pollution agglomeration, and there are differences in the spatial interconnection between industrial agglomeration and the accumulation of different pollutants; ③ from the overall point of view of the Yellow River Basin, industrial agglomeration will reduce the pollution levels of industrial wastewater, industrial SO2, and industrial smoke and dust. From the perspective of different regions, industrial agglomeration in the upper, middle, and lower reaches is conducive to the decline of industrial pollution, and the role is in the middle, downstream, and upstream in order from large to small; and ④ the Yellow River Basin’s industrial pollution is primarily caused by population agglomeration, industrial structure, environmental regulation, opening to the outside world, and economic development. Their effects on industrial wastewater, industrial SO2, industrial smoke, and dust pollution vary.
Niche expansion by indigenous fish species following the introduction of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in a subtropical river system, upper Blyde River, South Africa
Authors: Maimela Lerato T. , Chimimba Christian T. , Zengeya Tsungai A.
Published: September 2022

The introduction of alien predatory fish such as rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) can have a significant effect on indigenous fish communities such as altering the structure and dynamics of food webs. Quantifying the trophic niche utilised by the alien fish species is therefore important to aid our understanding of how their feeding strategies might aid establishment, define their functional role and inform on potential impacts. This study assessed food web interactions between fish communities in river reaches that are invaded by O. mykiss and sections that are free of invasions in the upper Blyde River catchment, South Africa. It specifically evaluated the hypothesis that O. mykiss invasion is likely to lead to a decrease in the trophic functional diversity through predation and that indigenous fish will shift their trophic niche to either minimise competition with, or avoid predation, by O. mykiss. Gut content and stable isotope analyses were used to determine trophic interactions. Fish communities in uninvaded areas utilised fewer and similar food sources and occupied lower trophic levels, than fish communities in invaded areas. Oncorhynchus mykiss fed mainly on invertebrates and at trophic levels similar to and or lower than indigenous fishes. This suggests that their current impact on indigenous fish communities is mainly through competition for resources. We posit that O. mykiss invasions reduced the abundance of indigenous fishes and thereby reduced predation pressure on aquatic invertebrates, with a knock-on effect on the trophic interrelationships among fish assemblages. Our findings are consistent with other studies in South Africa that have shown that the impacts of O. mykiss invasion can lead to a decline and fragmentation of indigenous species populations and niche shifts.