bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Post-selection Inference in Multiverse Analysis (PIMA): An Inferential Framework Based on the Sign Flipping Score Test
Authors: Girardi Paolo , Vesely Anna , Lakens Daniël , Altoè Gianmarco , Pastore Massimiliano , Calcagnì Antonio , Finos Livio
Published: April 2024

When analyzing data, researchers make some choices that are either arbitrary, based on subjective beliefs about the data-generating process, or for which equally justifiable alternative choices could have been made. This wide range of data-analytic choices can be abused and has been one of the underlying causes of the replication crisis in several fields. Recently, the introduction of multiverse analysis provides researchers with a method to evaluate the stability of the results across reasonable choices that could be made when analyzing data. Multiverse analysis is confined to a descriptive role, lacking a proper and comprehensive inferential procedure. Recently, specification curve analysis adds an inferential procedure to multiverse analysis, but this approach is limited to simple cases related to the linear model, and only allows researchers to infer whether at least one specification rejects the null hypothesis, but not which specifications should be selected. In this paper, we present a Post-selection Inference approach to Multiverse Analysis (PIMA) which is a flexible and general inferential approach that considers for all possible models, i.e., the multiverse of reasonable analyses. The approach allows for a wide range of data specifications (i.e., preprocessing) and any generalized linear model; it allows testing the null hypothesis that a given predictor is not associated with the outcome, by combining information from all reasonable models of multiverse analysis, and provides strong control of the family-wise error rate allowing researchers to claim that the null hypothesis can be rejected for any specification that shows a significant effect. The inferential proposal is based on a conditional resampling procedure. We formally prove that the Type I error rate is controlled, and compute the statistical power of the test through a simulation study. Finally, we apply the PIMA procedure to the analysis of a real dataset on the self-reported hesitancy for the COronaVIrus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine before and after the 2020 lockdown in Italy. We conclude with practical recommendations to be considered when implementing the proposed procedure.
Predicting wetland soil properties using machine learning, geophysics, and soil measurement data
Authors: Driba Dejene L. , Emmanuel Efemena D. , Doro Kennedy O.
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Machine learning models can improve the prediction of spatial variation of wetland soil properties, such as soil moisture content (SMC) and soil organic matter (SOM). Their performance, however, relies on the quantity of data used to train the model, limiting their use with insufficient data. In this study, we assessed the use of synthetic data constrained by limited field data for training an eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) algorithm used to predict the distribution of soil properties based on geophysical measurements constrained by soil samples.

Materials and methods

A spatial distribution of soil apparent electrical conductivity (ECa) and laboratory measurements of SOM and SMC from twenty-two core samples were acquired at the St. Michael restored wetland near Defiance, Ohio. The correlations between ECa, SOM, and SMC were explored for predicting the spatial distribution of SOM and SMC. We used a Beta Variational AutoEncoder (β-VAE) approach to synthetically generate over 70,000 training data from the original twenty-two data from soil cores. The training data samples were taken from the latent space. The XGBoost algorithm was then trained on the β-VAE generated data and used to predict the spatial distribution of SOM and SMC at the site. We also validated the accuracy of the XGBoost predictions using an original holdout model validation technique.

Results and discussions

The generated synthetic data using the β-VAE include both soil attributes and ECa, which are larger and more diverse than the original training set with an absolute mean reconstructed error for SMC and SOM ranging from 0.018 to 0.022 and 0.026 to 0.041, respectively. This indicates that the β-VAE successfully generated a realistic synthetic dataset and overcame the technical barrier of using limited datasets. In addition, using generated data to expand the original training data helps the XGBoost model make more accurate predictions compared to training on the original data. The XGBoost prediction performance yielded average Lin’s concordance correlation coefficient (LCCC) values of 0.82 and 0.85 for SOM and SMC and a ratio of performance to deviation (RPD) values of 1.92 and 2.22 respectively, indicating a good performance.

Conclusions

This study validated the use of β-VAE to successfully generate synthetic wetland soil datasets with attributes of the original field data that can be effectively used to train the machine learning XGBoost model. The proposed framework offers an efficient solution for mapping the spatial variability of soil property in data-scarce wetland soil environments.
A comprehensive theoretical framework for the optimization of neural networks classification performance with respect to weighted metrics
Authors: Marchetti Francesco , Guastavino Sabrina , Campi Cristina , Benvenuto Federico , Piana Michele
Published: April 2024

In many contexts, customized and weighted classification scores are designed in order to evaluate the goodness of the predictions carried out by neural networks. However, there exists a discrepancy between the maximization of such scores and the minimization of the loss function in the training phase. In this paper, we provide a complete theoretical setting that formalizes weighted classification metrics and then allows the construction of losses that drive the model to optimize these metrics of interest. After a detailed theoretical analysis, we show that our framework includes as particular instances well-established approaches such as classical cost-sensitive learning, weighted cross entropy loss functions and value-weighted skill scores.
Convergence behavior of sovereign bond yields in the EU and COVID-19 government responses
Authors: Christou Christina , Eleftheriou Konstantinos , Patsoulis Patroklos
Published: April 2024

This paper aims to investigate the convergence pattern of sovereign bond yields in European Union (EU) countries during the Covid-19 pandemic. To this purpose we employ the Phillips and Sul convergence methodology. We further test whether the above pattern was affected by the intensity of government responses against the Covid-19 dispersion. Our findings indicate the existence of two convergence clubs. Both clubs are composed of countries that have previously been classified as either ‘core’ or ‘periphery’ countries, indicating that in this particular health crisis, this classification is too simplistic. Moreover, our results suggest that the intensity of Covid-19 containment policies had little to no effect in shaping the convergence pattern of sovereign bond yields in the EU. These conclusions are robust even after accounting for the size of the fiscal sector of each country.
Industrial location and urban macroform prediction model based on cellular automata and multi-criteria decision-making methods (ILAUFM)
Authors: Yüzer Mehmet Ali , Yüzer Ayşe Şebnem , Kuru Azem , Yüzer Mehmet Emre
Published: April 2024

The relationships between industrialization and urban regions, as well as technological advancements, innovations, and new work patterns and organizations, significantly impact the structuring of cities. Industrial sectors can become key drivers in shaping the form and macrostructure of a city over time. By examining and evaluating the existing system of structures and relations in the settlements in order to “estimate the land use differentiations” that may arise in the future and “to determine the spatial location of industrial facilities or sites,” a model has been developed. This model aims to predict potential “land use differentiations” and determine the “spatial location selection of industrial facilities or sites” in the future based on the analysis and evaluation of existing structures and relational systems in settlements. The model consists of the integration of the LUCAM, which is based on a cellular automata operating system, along with the “GIS-Based Integrated Industrial Area Location Selection Model,” which evaluates all data under the main headings of natural structure characteristics, socio-economic structure characteristics, and built environment characteristics using weighted overlay analysis. In this article, the general structure of the model developed within the scope of the research and İnegöl sampling are explained. The outputs of this model can be used for alternative separation for logistics centers, residential areas, secondary centers, reinforcement areas, and industrial sites in different settlements. In addition, in the research, a detailed model was designed by integrating decision-makers (central administrations, local administrations, registered users, NGOs) into the urban planning process. The proposed model can be used as a tool in designing transportation and other urban systems (distribution order of equipment areas, green area system, grading of centers, etc.).
Solvability and solution character of a hyperbolic cotangent-type difference equation of second-order
Authors: Tollu Durhasan Turgut , Yazlık Yasin
Published: April 2024

In the present study, we show that the second-order nonlinear difference equation $$\begin{aligned} x_{n}=\frac{x_{n-1}x_{n-2}-a}{x_{n-1}-x_{n-2}},\ n\in \mathbb {N}_{0}, \end{aligned}$$

x
n

=

x

n
-
1

x

n
-
2

-
a

x

n
-
1

-

x

n
-
2

,

n
∈

N
0

,

where $$a\in \left[ 0,\infty \right) $$

a
∈

0
,
∞

and the initial values $$x_{-2}$$

x

-
2

, $$x_{-1}$$

x

-
1

are real numbers, is solvable in closed form and that solutions can be analyzed in detail by the Fibonacci numbers.
On a Formula for All Sets of Constant Width in 3D
Authors: Kawohl Bernd , Sweers Guido
Published: April 2024

In the recent paper “On a formula for sets of constant width in 2D, Comm. Pure Appl. Anal. 18 (2019), 2117–2131”, we gave a constructive formula for all 2d sets of constant width. Based on this result we derive here a formula for the parametrization of the boundary of bodies of constant width in 3 dimensions, with the formula depending on one function defined on $${\mathbb {S}}^2$$

S

2

. Each such function gives a minimal value $$r_0$$

r
0

and for all $$r\ge r_0$$

r
≥

r
0

one finds a body of constant width 2r. Moreover, we show that all bodies of constant width in 3d have such a parametrization. The last result needs a tool that we describe as ‘shadow domain’ and which is explained in an appendix. The construction is explicit and offers a parametrization different from the one given by T. Bayen, T. Lachand-Robert and É. Oudet in “Analytic parametrization of three-dimensional bodies of constant width. Arch. Ration. Mech. Anal., 186 (2007), 225–249”.
A gastric invasive tubular adenocarcinomatous lesion arising from foveolar-type neoplasia: molecular histogenesis
Authors: Sugai Tamotsu , Uesugi Noriyuki , Hamada Koichi , Nagahashi Takayuki , Horikawa Yoshinori , Suzuki Masamichi , Sugimoto Ryo , Yanagawa Naoki
Published: April 2024

Here, we report a rare case of a depressed lesion exhibiting both tubular differentiated adenocarcinomatous (TDA) and intraepithelial foveolar neoplasia (IFN) components (with the histological appearance of foveolar hyperplasia due to low-grade atypia). Histologically, the TDA surrounded the IFN, suggesting that the TDA may have originated from the IFN. Therefore, we examined molecular alterations in the TDA and IFN components separately. MUC5AC and MUC6 expression was observed immunohistochemically in both components. p53 expression was wild type in both components, suggesting no mutation of TP53. We investigated allelic imbalances at multiple loci (1p, 3p, 4p, 5q, 8q, 9p, 13q, TP53, 18q, and 22q), mutations (KRAS, BRAF, and GNAS), and DNA methylation and microsatellite status in both components using PCR-based analyses. Although multiple allelic imbalances were common to both components, allelic imbalances at 3p and TP53 were found only in the TDA component. No mutations were found, and DNA methylation status was low epigenotype for both components. Ultimately, this tumor was considered microsatellite stable. Considering the origin of TDA, which is frequently encountered in routine practice, IFN may develop into TDA.
A New Trajectory Reduction Method for Mobile Devices Operating Both Online and Offline
Authors: Diri Samet , Yildirim Mehmet
Published: April 2024

Highly accurate location data have become essential in nearly all contemporary global applications, including but not limited to route planning, processing traffic data, identifying common routes, map matching, and enhancing agricultural productivity. However, the abundance of unnecessary and redundant data leads to various challenges, especially concerning storage, processing, and transmission. Despite the existence of numerous studies aimed at addressing these GNSS data management challenges, the reduction problem is either partially resolved, or enhancements are made to existing solutions in nearly all of them. In this study, a novel reduction method is introduced, offering both a high reduction rate and accuracy, suitable for operation on mobile devices in both offline and online modes. The proposed method uses windowing with reference points during the decision phase to decrease the number of points. By utilizing the angle and its threshold between the decision point and reference points, we achieved a method characterized by low algorithmic complexity and a high reduction rate, suitable for online operation on mobile devices. Experiments and comparisons revealed that the proposed method had a 91.01% reduction in GNSS data which is 7.73% lower, a 5.8744e$$-$$
-
04 RMSE error which is 2e+7 times better, and a 14.54 ms running time which is 25% faster than RDP algorithm. The results indicate that incorporating the proposed method into current methodologies could be beneficial, particularly in scenarios where real-time, high-precision location data are essential.
Analysis and optimization of lead-free perovskite solar cells: investigating performance and electrical characteristics
Authors: Mortadi A. , El Hafidi E. , Nasrellah H. , Monkade M. , El Moznine R.
Published: April 2024

Several studies on solar cells using SCAPS-1D were conducted to investigate their performance, which are typically limited to I–V analysis for DC characterization. Therefore, in the present study, a very wide frequency range from 10–2 Hz to 1012 Hz was employed to explore diffusion processes and investigate the performance of lead-free Perovskite Solar Cells (PSCs) featuring as a novel heterostructure. These investigations concern the optimization of MASnI3 thickness as an absorber. Additionally, the impact of series (Rs) and shunt (Rsh) resistances is also examined. From the I–V analysis, it was determined that the power efficiency (PCE) could be achieved at a thickness of 0.6 µm. Increasing the series resistance (Rs) led to a significant decrease in the fill factor (FF) and (PCE), whereas the shunt resistance (Rsh) demonstrated a notable improvement in both (FF) and (PCE). Analysis of AC characteristics revealed complex impedance (Z*) and modulus (M*) indicative of main ionic transport, recombination, and diffusion processes crucial for optimization. An appropriate equivalent circuit model was developed and validated through deconvolution and theoretical considerations, yielding parameters such as the time constant for each process. It was observed that ionic conductivity and electronic diffusion play key roles in balancing charge collection and recombination losses. The critical influence of series and shunt resistance on low and high-frequency processes was emphasized, underscoring their significance in solar cell efficiency. A strong correlation was established between the evolution of time constants for each process and power conversion efficiency (PCE).
A robust multi-view knowledge transfer-based rough fuzzy C-means clustering algorithm
Authors: Zhao Feng , Yang Yujie , Liu Hanqiang , Wang Chaofei
Published: April 2024

Rough fuzzy clustering algorithms have received extensive attention due to the excellent ability to handle overlapping and uncertainty of data. However, existing rough fuzzy clustering algorithms generally consider single view clustering, which neglects the clustering requirements of multiple views and results in the failure to identify diverse data structures in practical applications. In addition, rough fuzzy clustering algorithms are always sensitive to the initialized cluster centers and easily fall into local optimum. To solve the above problems, the multi-view and transfer learning are introduced into rough fuzzy clustering and a robust multi-view knowledge transfer-based rough fuzzy c-means clustering algorithm (MKT-RFCCA) is proposed in this paper. First, multiple distance metrics are adopted as multiple views to effectively recognize different data structures, and thus positively contribute to clustering. Second, a novel multi-view transfer-based rough fuzzy clustering objective function is constructed by using fuzzy memberships as transfer knowledge. This objective function can fully explore and utilize the potential information between multiple views and characterize the uncertainty information. Then, combining the statistical information of color histograms, an initialized centroids selection strategy is presented for image segmentation to overcome the instability and sensitivity caused by the random distribution of the initialized cluster centers. Finally, to reduce manual intervention, a distance-based adaptive threshold determination mechanism is designed to determine the threshold parameter for dividing the lower approximation and boundary region of rough fuzzy clusters during the iteration process. Experiments on synthetic datasets, real-world datasets, and noise-contaminated Berkeley and Weizmann images show that MKT-RFCCA obtains favorable clustering results. Especially, it provides satisfactory segmentation results on images with different types of noise and preserves more specific detail information of images.
Metaphysical Status of Money and Sustainable Organizations and Ecosystems
Authors: Cardao-Pito Tiago , Abdyrakhmanova Jyldyz
Published: April 2024

The current economic and societal production system gives money a magnified importance, overlooking other essential flows necessary for human survival and existence. It focuses on monetary indicators like profits, dividends, and GDPs to evaluate organizational production, while often disregarding outputs that harm the biosphere. Money is treated as the constitutive being (ousia) and attributed undemonstrated explanatory properties. Intangible flow theory helps eliminate this metaphysical status of money by recognizing that monetary flows are just one of many necessary flows for human survival and existence. Organizations deliver product-flows that require input-flows from and send output-flows back to the encompassing biosphere, whether they explicitly engage in environmentally friendly activities or not. Therefore, every organization is an ecological entity because it has a relationship with the biosphere, which participates in the manner through which humans integrate into their surrounding environment and relate to other living beings. Eliminating the metaphysical status of money integrates every organization in the biosphere, making organizations accountable for environmental harm caused by their activities. This can be achieved by deconstructing the metaphysical status of money in business models.
Flooded architecture as an adaptation tool for climate change impact—a case study of possible interpretation in Egypt
Authors: Mahmoud Rasha Sayed , Dagher Shereen Abou , Youssef Passant
Published: April 2024

In light of the current global environmental issues, such as floods, underground water problems, and soil salinity, there is a growing need for sustainable architectural and housing solutions that can effectively address the impact of these challenges on food and security (Nation 2002). In Egypt, frequent incidents of flooding and sinking roads and cities are observed, particularly after rainfall or in projects that involve underground water drainage (UN-Habitat 2022). This paper explores the concept of flooded architecture, which involves designing buildings and spaces that are intentionally flooded with water. Through a review of relevant literature and case studies, the paper investigates the potential benefits and drawbacks of this approach nationally inside Egypt, structure, and construction used materials, including its impact on energy efficiency, sustainability, and resilience to natural disasters. The findings suggest that flooded architecture has the potential to offer innovative solutions for a range of environmental and social challenges but also raises important questions around safety, maintenance, and cultural acceptance in Egypt.
Vortex shedding behind porous flat plates normal to the flow
Authors: Cicolin M.M. , Chellini S. , Usherwood B. , Ganapathisubramani B. , Castro Ian P.
Published: April 2024

This work examines the influence of body porosity on the wake past nominally two-dimensional rectangular plates of fixed width

$D$

in the moderate range of Reynolds numbers

$Re = UD/\nu$

(with

$U$

the incoming velocity and

$\nu$

the kinematic viscosity) between 15 000 and 70 000. With porosity

$\beta$

defined as the ratio of open to total area of the plate, it is well established that as porosity increases, the wake shifts from the periodic von Kármán shedding behaviour to a regime where this vortex shedding is absent. This change impacts the fluid forces acting on the plate, especially the drag, which is significantly lower for a wake without vortex shedding. We analyse experimentally the transition between these two regimes using hot-wire anemometry, particle-image velocimetry and force measurements. Coherence and phase measurements are used to determine the existence of regular, periodic vortex shedding based on the velocity fluctuations in the two main shear layers on either side of the wake. Results show that, independent of

$Re$

, the wake exhibits the classical Kármán vortex shedding pattern for

$\beta <0.2$

but this is absent for

$\beta >0.3$

. In the intermediate range,

$0.2<\beta <0.3$

, there is a transitional regime that has not previously been identified; it is characterised by intermittent shedding. The flow alternates randomly between a vortex shedding and a non-shedding pattern and the total proportion of time during which vortex shedding is observed (the intermittency) decreases with increasing porosity.
Measuring dispositional empathy in South African children
Authors: Malcolm-Smith Susan , Pileggi Lea-Ann , Lewis Raphaella
Published: April 2024

Objective:

Empathy is a key factor to examine in development, because of its predictive associations with both aggression and successful prosocial behaviour. However, established measures of empathy for Low-to-Middle Income Countries, including South Africa, are lacking. In children, parent-report measures are key. However, a local study examining empathy and aggression (Malcolm-Smith et al., 2015) found poor psychometric performance for a widely used parent-report measure of dispositional empathy, the Griffith Empathy Measure (GEM). We thus investigated which of two questionnaires measuring dispositional cognitive and affective empathy perform better in this context.

Method:

We contrasted internal consistency reliability of a simplified version of the GEM (SGEM; n = 160) and a parent-report version of the Questionnaire of Cognitive and Affective Empathy (QCAE; n = 440) in a low-mid socio-economic status sample. Convergence between the measures and factor structure were also assessed.

Results:

The parent-report version of the QCAE performed well as a measure of child dispositional cognitive and affective empathy, with good reliability (overall α = 0.90 vs. SGEM α = .63), and confirmatory factor analysis supporting the two-factor structure. The SGEM’s reliability and failure to correlate with QCAE indicated poor psychometric performance.

Conclusion:

This is the first psychometric evaluation of the QCAE as a parent-report measure, and our results indicate that it should prove useful for future assessments of dispositional empathy in children across a variety of contexts.
INVERSE CONNECTION FORMULAE FOR GENERALISED BESSEL POLYNOMIALS
Authors: WOLFRAM D. A.
Published: April 2024

We solve the problem of finding the inverse connection formulae for the generalised Bessel polynomials and their reciprocals, the reverse generalised Bessel polynomials. The connection formulae express monomials in terms of the generalised Bessel polynomials. They enable formulae for the elements of change of basis matrices for both kinds of generalised Bessel polynomials to be derived and proved correct directly.
Agronomic performance of disc chain harrow as a conservation agriculture tool for a one-step cover crop termination and seedbed preparation
Authors: Trevini Mattia , Tosti Giacomo , Benincasa Paolo
Published: April 2024

Cover crops and conservation soil tillage are reconsidered in cropping systems for their several agronomical and ecosystem services. In this frame, an important role is played by cover crop termination and seedbed preparation, which are crucial for a timely and successful establishment of the following cash crop. This work was aimed at testing a disc chain harrow for terminating a cover crop of hairy vetch and preparing a seedbed for soybean and defining its operational characteristics. A total of three trials were carried out to (1) compare two types of discs in two different front + rear combinations and two different working speeds (8 vs. 14 km h−1) in terms of efficacy of hairy vetch termination; (2) evaluate the seedbed preparation by the disc chain in terms of soybean establishment as a following cash crop; (3) evaluate operational characteristics (working speed, fuel consumption, absorbed power, etc.) of the disc chain at the two different speeds. Results demonstrate that the disc chain is a valid tool for cover crop termination and seedbed preparation in a conservation tillage approach. The quality of work was affected by the type of disc and the working speed. The disc chain showed good operating performance, with low mechanical pulling force, low energy requirement for traction, and low fuel consumption as compared to alternative conservation practices for cover crop termination and/or shallow soil tillage.
WILES DEFECT OF HECKE ALGEBRAS VIA LOCAL-GLOBAL ARGUMENTS
Authors: Böckle Gebhard , Khare Chandrashekhar B. , Manning Jeffrey
Published: April 2024

In his work on modularity of elliptic curves and Fermat’s last theorem, A. Wiles introduced two measures of congruences between Galois representations and between modular forms. One measure is related to the order of a Selmer group associated to a newform
$f \in S_2(\Gamma _0(N))$
(and closely linked to deformations of the Galois representation
$\rho _f$
associated to f), whilst the other measure is related to the congruence module associated to f (and is closely linked to Hecke rings and congruences between f and other newforms in
$S_2(\Gamma _0(N))$
). The equality of these two measures led to isomorphisms
$R={\mathbf T}$
between deformation rings and Hecke rings (via a numerical criterion for isomorphisms that Wiles proved) and showed these rings to be complete intersections.

We continue our study begun in [BKM21] of the Wiles defect of deformation rings and Hecke rings (at a newform f) acting on the cohomology of Shimura curves over
${\mathbf Q}$
: It is defined to be the difference between these two measures of congruences. The Wiles defect thus arises from the failure of the Wiles numerical criterion at an augmentation
$\lambda _f:{\mathbf T} \to {\mathcal O}$
. In situations we study here, the Taylor–Wiles–Kisin patching method gives an isomorphism
$ R={\mathbf T}$
without the rings being complete intersections. Using novel arguments in commutative algebra and patching, we generalize significantly and give different proofs of the results in [BKM21] that compute the Wiles defect at
$\lambda _f: R={\mathbf T} \to {\mathcal O}$
, and explain in an a priori manner why the answer in [BKM21] is a sum of local defects. As a curious application of our work we give a new and more robust approach to the result of Ribet–Takahashi that computes change of degrees of optimal parametrizations of elliptic curves over
${\mathbf Q}$
by Shimura curves as we vary the Shimura curve. The results we prove are not attainable using only the methods of Ribet–Takahashi.
Methylation profiles at birth linked to early childhood obesity
Authors: Lariviere Delphine , Craig Sarah J.C. , Paul Ian M. , Hohman Emily E. , Savage Jennifer S. , Wright Robert O. , Chiaromonte Francesca , Makova Kateryna D. , Reimherr Matthew L.
Published: April 2024

Childhood obesity represents a significant global health concern and identifying its risk factors is crucial for developing intervention programs. Many “omics” factors associated with the risk of developing obesity have been identified, including genomic, microbiomic, and epigenomic factors. Here, using a sample of 48 infants, we investigated how the methylation profiles in cord blood and placenta at birth were associated with weight outcomes (specifically, conditional weight gain, body mass index, and weight-for-length ratio) at age six months. We characterized genome-wide DNA methylation profiles using the Illumina Infinium MethylationEpic chip, and incorporated information on child and maternal health, and various environmental factors into the analysis. We used regression analysis to identify genes with methylation profiles most predictive of infant weight outcomes, finding a total of 23 relevant genes in cord blood and 10 in placenta. Notably, in cord blood, the methylation profiles of three genes (PLIN4, UBE2F, and PPP1R16B) were associated with all three weight outcomes, which are also associated with weight outcomes in an independent cohort suggesting a strong relationship with weight trajectories in the first six months after birth. Additionally, we developed a Methylation Risk Score (MRS) that could be used to identify children most at risk for developing childhood obesity. While many of the genes identified by our analysis have been associated with weight-related traits (e.g., glucose metabolism, BMI, or hip-to-waist ratio) in previous genome-wide association and variant studies, our analysis implicated several others, whose involvement in the obesity phenotype should be evaluated in future functional investigations.
P–T Evolution of the Cyclades Blueschist Unit: Constraints on the Evolution of a Nascent Subduction System From Zr‐In‐Rutile (ZiR) and Quartz‐In‐Garnet (QuiG) Thermobarometry
Authors: Spear Frank S. , Wolfe Oliver M. , Thomas Jay B. , Hubbard Julia E. , Castro Adrian E. , Cheney John T.
Published: April 2024

New results that employ Zr‐in‐rutile thermometry (ZiR) and quartz‐inclusion‐in‐garnet (QuiG) barometry constrain the P–T conditions of garnet formation in blueschists and eclogites from the island of Syros, Greece. QuiG barometry reveals that garnet from different regions across the island formed at pressures ranging from 1.1 to 1.8 GPa and ZiR thermometry on rutile inclusions in garnet constrains the minimum temperature of garnet formation to have been 475–550°C. Most importantly, there is no systematic difference in the conditions of garnet formation from different regions across the island and these results are nearly identical to those obtained from the islands of Sifnos and Ios, Greece. A model is proposed whereby the rocks from all three islands were initially metamorphosed along a relatively shallow geotherm of around 11°C/km to a depth of around 45 km and were then subjected to metamorphism along a geotherm of around 7–8°C/km, which could have been caused by either an increase in the dip of the subduction zone or an increase in the rate of subduction. Garnet formed along this steeper geotherm was accompanied by the release of significant H2O from the breakdown of chlorite over a duration of 1 Ma or less based on thermal and diffusion modeling. It is concluded that rocks from Syros, Sifnos and Ios all followed a similar, roughly counter‐clockwise prograde P–T path and that the present outcrop configuration is largely due to a complex exhumation history.
Statistical Features of Polar Cap North and South Indices in Response to Interplanetary and Terrestrial Conditions: A Revisit
Authors: Park Jong‐Sun , Shi Quan Qi , Troshichev Oleg A. , Kim Khan‐Hyuk , Shue Jih‐Hong , Pitkänen Timo , Zhang Hui
Published: April 2024

In this study, we investigate statistical features of polar cap north (PCN) and south (PCS) indices in response to various interplanetary conditions (interplanetary magnetic field [IMF] orientation in three‐dimensions) and terrestrial conditions (seasonal and magnetic local time [MLT] locations of the index stations). The concurrent PCN‐PCS pairs for 1998–2002 and 2004–2018 are divided based on their sign type (positive‐positive, negative‐negative, negative‐positive, and positive‐negative PCN‐PCS pairs) and time coverage (the times when both index stations are in the dawn/dusk MLT sector during northern summer/winter). Analyzing the IMF orientation dependence on the occurrence probabilities of concurrent indices and on the differences between the indices in various sign types for each time coverage reveals that the statistical features in PCN‐PCS pairs obtained in the dawn MLT sector can be largely explained by the effects of the three‐component IMF (related to the polar cap convection patterns) combined with season (related to the hemispheric asymmetry in solar illumination‐induced ionospheric conductance). However, those obtained in the dusk MLT sector are controlled dominantly by seasonal effects rather than IMF orientation effects. Our findings indicate that PCN‐PCS pair data provide local views about the solar wind‐magnetosphere‐ionosphere (SW‐M‐I) coupling system with different control efficiencies of IMF orientation and season depending on the MLT location of the stations. Therefore, introducing polar cap indices recorded simultaneously at various locations in both hemispheres and analyzing them are strongly required to infer global views of the coupled SW‐M‐I system in the open field regions with higher confidence.
Low ACADM expression predicts poor prognosis and suppressive tumor microenvironment in clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Zhou Libin , Yin Min , Guo Fei , Yu Zefeng , Weng Guobin , Long Huimin
Published: April 2024

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) represents a highly frequent renal cancer subtype. However, medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (ACADM) encodes an important enzyme responsible for fatty acid β-oxidation (FAO) and its association with prognosis and immunity in cancers has rarely been reported. Therefore, the present work focused on exploring ACADM’s expression and role among ccRCC cases. We used multiple public databases and showed the hypo levels of ACADM protein and mRNA within ccRCC. Additionally, we found that ACADM down-regulation showed a remarkable relation to the advanced stage, high histological grade, as well as dismal prognostic outcome. As suggested by Kaplan–Meier curve analysis, cases showing low ACADM levels displayed shorter overall survival (OS) as well as disease-free survival (DFS). Moreover, according to univariate/multivariate Cox regression, ACADM-mRNA independently predicted the prognosis of ccRCC. In addition, this work conducted immunohistochemistry for validating ACADM protein expression and its prognostic role in ccRCC samples. KEGG and GO analyses revealed significantly enriched genes related to ACADM expression during fatty acid metabolism. The low-ACADM group with more regulatory T-cell infiltration showed higher expression of immune negative regulation genes and higher TIDE scores, which might contribute to poor response to immunotherapies. In conclusion, our results confirmed that downregulated ACADM predicted a poor prognosis for ccRCC and a poor response to immunotherapy. Our results provide important data for developing immunotherapy for ccRCC.
An adaptive detection model for IPv6 extension header threats based on deterministic decision automaton
Authors: Lin Bin , Zhang Liancheng , Zhang Hongtao , Guo Yi , Ge Shaowei , Fang Yakai , Ren Mingyue
Published: April 2024

The IPv6 extension header mechanism, a new feature of the IPv6 protocol, enhances flexibility and scalability but introduces numerous security threats like firewall evasion and covert channels. Existing threat detection methods face limitations in detection types, universality, and speed. Hence, an adaptive detection model for IPv6 extension header threats (ADM-DDA6) is proposed. Firstly, standard rule sets are designed for common IPv6 extension headers, successfully detecting 70 types of threats from THC-IPv6 and ExtHdr tools using only 20 rules. Secondly, by parsing IPv6 extension headers, matching rules, establishing transition relationships, and deciding packet threat status based on final states (Normal or Abnormal), complex threats like header disorder and header repetition can be detected. Finally, an adaptive rule matching method is introduced, which dynamically selects rule sets based on IPv6 extension header types, effectively reducing rule matching time. Experimental results show that under different threat magnitudes, ADM-DDA6 is 32% faster than Suricata v6.0.12 and 21.2% faster than Snort v3.1.61.0 in detection speed. Additionally, as the number of threats increases, on commodity hardware, ADM-DDA6 incurs only a 0.7% increase in CPU overhead with no significant memory consumption increase, maintains maximum throughput, and exhibits minor performance changes under low and moderate network load conditions.
Neonatal jaundice is associated with increased risks of congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract and concomitant urinary tract infection
Authors: Chou Hsin-Hsu , Huang Lin-Chih , Shen Shang-Po , Tsai Ming-Luen , Chang Yu-Chia , Lin Hung-Chi
Published: April 2024

The link between neonatal jaundice and urinary tract infection (UTI) remains debated, with congenital kidney and urinary tract anomalies (CAKUT) potentially playing a role. This population-based study aimed to analyze the correlations between neonatal jaundice, CAKUT, and concomitant UTI. The study cohort consisted of 2,078,122 live births from 2004 to 2014. We linked several population-based datasets in Taiwan to identify infants with unexplained neonatal jaundice and their mothers. The primary outcome was the rate of CAKUT occurring within 3 years after delivery, and the presence of concomitant UTI during neonatal jaundice hospitalization. Infants with neonatal jaundice had a significantly higher risk of CAKUT (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.24, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.11–1.39) during early childhood. Among the subtypes of CAKUT, obstructive uropathy, vesicoureteral reflux and other CAKUT were associated with an increased risk of neonatal jaundice. Infants who underwent intensive phototherapy, had a late diagnosis (> 14 days of postnatal age) or underwent a prolonged duration of phototherapy (> 3 days) exhibited a higher risk of concomitant UTI compared to other infants with jaundice. Our findings indicate a notable association between neonatal jaundice and increased risks of UTIs in the context of CAKUT. This study underscore the importance of vigilant monitoring and timely interventions for neonates presenting with jaundice, while acknowledging the complexity and variability in the progression of CAKUT and its potential connection to UTIs.
A Microfluidic and Numerical Analysis of Non-equilibrium Phase Behavior of Gas Condensates
Authors: Dorhjie Desmond Batsa , Pereponov Dmitrii , Aminev Timur , Gimazov Azat , Khamidullin Denis , Kuporosov Dmitry , Tarkhov Michael , Rykov Alexander , Filippov Ivan , Mukhina Elena , Shilov Evgeny , Grishin Pavel , Cheremisin Alexey
Published: April 2024

Conventional assumptions about multiphase flow in gas condensate reservoirs often do not correlate with field production. This discrepancy stems from the various mechanisms influencing the multiphase process, which are inadequately represented in numerical models. One of the least understood mechanisms is the influence of the non-equilibrium thermodynamics on the flow in the wellbore region, where the reservoir pressure is below the dew point pressure. To address this problem, experimental and mathematical analyses were conducted using a microfluidic device designed to replicate the flow dynamics in a gas condensate system. The experimental results showed an 11% deviation from the initial pressure of condensate saturation when compared with the conventional assumption of local equilibrium in numerical models. Similarly, there is a 14% deviation between the experimental and simulated volumes of the condensate. These findings underscore the inadequacy of existing models to accurately predict the saturation profile of the condensate phase. A mathematical model based on a relaxation parameter was applied to account for non-equilibrium phase separation and the fog state of the aerosol as observed in the microfluidic experiment. Incorporating a relaxation parameter ($$\tau$$
τ
) enhanced the accuracy of the prediction of the initial pressure of the condensate saturation and an improvement in the prediction of the condensate volumes from 76% to 97.2%. Consequently, it provides a valuable framework and insight on the non-equilibrium phase behavior of gas condensate systems under constant flow regimes.
The relationship between complement C1q and coronary plaque vulnerability based on optical coherence tomography analysis
Authors: Wang Yuan , Zheng Jiawei , Li Qing , Ma Yao , Liu Chang , Deng Jie , Gao Dengfeng
Published: April 2024

To determine the association between complement C1q and vulnerable plaque morphology among coronary artery disease (CAD) patients. We conducted a retrospective observational study of 221 CAD patients admitted to The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University. Intravascular optical coherence tomography was utilized to describe the culprit plaques’ morphology. Using logistic regression analysis to explore the correlation between C1q and vulnerable plaques, and receiver operator characteristic (ROC) analysis assess the predictive accuracy. As reported, the complement C1q level was lower in ACS patients than CCS patients (18.25 ± 3.88 vs. 19.18 ± 4.25, P = 0.045). The low complement-C1q-level group was more prone to develop vulnerable plaques. In lipid-rich plaques, the complement C1q level was positively correlated with the thickness of fibrous cap (r = 0.480, P = 0.041). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses suggested that complement C1q could be an independent contributor to plaques’ vulnerability. For plaque rupture, erosion, thrombus, and cholesterol crystals, the areas under the ROC curve of complement C1q level were 0.873, 0.816, 0.785, and 0.837, respectively (P < 0.05 for all). In CAD patients, the complement C1q could be a valuable indicator of plaque vulnerability.
Biological characteristics of molecular subtypes of ulcerative colitis characterized by ferroptosis and neutrophil infiltration
Authors: Sun Shaopeng , Mao Yuqing , Le Sihua , Zheng Mingxu , Li Menglin , Chen Yifei , Chen Jiajia , Fan Yihong , Lv Bin
Published: April 2024

Clinical ulcerative colitis (UC) is a heterogeneous condition. Moreover, medical interventions are nonspecific, and thus, treatment responses are inconsistent. The aim of this study was to explore the molecular subtypes and biological characteristics of UC based on ferroptosis and neutrophil gene sets. Multiple intestinal mucosa gene expression profiles of UC patients in the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database were downloaded. Unsupervised clustering methods were used to identify potential molecular subtypes based on ferroptosis and neutrophil gene sets. Multiple immune infiltration algorithms were used to evaluate the biological characteristics of the molecular subtypes. Machine learning identifies hub genes for molecular subtypes and analyses their diagnostic efficacy for UC and predictive performance for drug therapy. The relevant conclusions were verified by clinical samples and animal experiments. Four molecular subtypes were identified according to the ferroptosis and neutrophil gene sets: neutrophil, ferroptosis, mixed and quiescent. The subtypes have different biological characteristics and immune infiltration levels. Multiple machine learning methods jointly identified four hub genes (FTH1, AQP9, STEAP3 and STEAP4). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis revealed that the four hub genes could be used as diagnostic markers for UC. The clinical response profile data of infliximab treatment patients showed that AQP9 and STEPA4 were reliable predictors of infliximab treatment response. In human samples the AQP9 and STEAP4 protein were shown to be increased in UC intestinal samples. In animal experiments, the ferroptosis and neutrophil phenotype were confirmed. Dual analysis of ferroptosis and neutrophil gene expression revealed four subgroups of UC patients. The molecular subtype-associated hub genes can be used as diagnostic markers for UC and predict infliximab treatment response.
Liproxstatin-1 attenuates acute hypertriglyceridemic pancreatitis through inhibiting ferroptosis in rats
Authors: Xiang Xuelian , Xu Mengtao , Liu Li , Meng Nuo , Lei Yu , Feng Yong , Tang Guodu
Published: April 2024

Ferroptosis is closely associated with inflammatory diseases, including acute pancreatitis (AP); however, the involvement of ferroptosis in hypertriglyceridemic pancreatitis (HTGP) remains unclear. In the present study, we aimed to explore the relationship between lipid metabolism and ferroptosis in HTGP and the alleviating effect of liproxstatin-1 (Lip-1) in vivo. This study represents the first exploration of lipid metabolism and endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) in HTGP, targeting ferroptosis as a key factor in HTGP. Hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) was induced under high-fat diet conditions. Cerulein was then injected to establish AP and HTGP models. Lip-1, a specific ferroptosis inhibitor, was administered before the induction of AP and HTGP in rats, respectively. Serum triglyceride, amylase, inflammatory factors, pathological and ultrastructural structures, lipid peroxidation, and iron overload indicators related to ferroptosis were tested. Moreover, the interaction between ferroptosis and ERS was assessed. We found HTG can exacerbate the development of AP, with an increased inflammatory response and intensified ferroptosis process. Lip-1 treatment can attenuate pancreatic injury by inhibiting ferroptosis through lipid metabolism and further resisting activations of ERS-related proteins. Totally, our results proved lipid metabolism can promote ferroptosis in HTGP by regulating ACSL4/LPCAT3 protein levels. Additionally, ERS may participate in ferroptosis via the Bip/p-EIF2α/CHOP pathway, followed by the alleviating effect of Lip-1 in the rat model.