bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vessel impacted by structure on the Ohio River : Louisville District
Authors: Swan Kenneth , Kilroy James , Towne Brady , Kress Marin
Published: May 2024

This Dredging Operations Technical Support (DOTS) Program technical note presents the results of a study undertaken by the Navigation Branch, US Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC), Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory (CHL), at the request from the Louisville District (LRL) to examine an incident involving a single vessel and structure in a high-water condition. The vessel-position data used in this request were broadcast from an onboard Automatic Identification System (AIS) transceiver and received by US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)–owned Lock Operations Management Application (LOMA) tower sites located along the Ohio River.
Análise do impacto econômico do absenteísmo em um hospital público durante a pandemia de COVID-19
Authors: Passos Anadelia , Carvalho Vanessa , Passos Eugênio , Pereira Michelly
Published: May 2024

Com a pandemia da COVID-19, uma grande quantidade dos profissionais da saúde adoeceu e se afastou do trabalho. Este estudo objetivou estimar o custo desses afastamentos em um hospital público brasileiro e ajudou a identificar as falhas nos processos de trabalho que levaram ao absenteísmo. É uma avaliação econômica parcial, descritiva, retrospectiva, quantitativa, com dados coletados de prontuários médicos, sobre os custos diretos dos afastamentos. A amostra foi de 793 servidores e 2.166 registros de atestados médicos, de março a dezembro de 2020. Observou-se que: o custo total dos afastamentos foi de R$ 2.603.017,95. As doenças virais representaram o maior custo, seguidas dos problemas relacionados à saúde mental. Os técnicos de enfermagem foram os profissionais que causaram o maior impacto nos afastamentos (27,21%). Portanto, a pesquisa gerou indicadores importantes para nortear os gestores na alocação de recursos e na tomada de decisões durante a pandemia da COVID-19.
Resource utilization and costs related to the management of obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy under the Brazilian supplementary healthcare system´s perspective: results from a modified Delphi panel
Authors: Oliveira Ana Paula , Caluz Naiara , Ribeiro-Pereira Ana Carolina , Fernandes Roberta , Fernandes Fábio , Simões Marcus , Correia Edileide , Dias Ricardo , Ribeiro Henrique , Medeiros Filho Heitor , Barros e Silva Pedro , Ribeiro Gustavo , Decimoni Tassia
Published: May 2024

Objective: To generate data on the costs associated with the diagnosis and treatment of obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) from the perspective of the private health system in Brazil. Methods: A modified Delphi panel including seven different specialists (three clinical cardiologists with experience in obstructive HCM, two hemodynamicists with experience in septal ablation and two cardiac surgeons with expertise in myectomy), from two Brazilian states (São Paulo and Pernambuco), was conducted between August and November 2022. Two rounds of questions about the use of healthcare resources according to the functional class (NYHA I-IV) and a panel in a virtual platform were conducted to obtain the final consensus. Micro-costing defined costs and unit values were determined based on official price lists. Results: The total diagnosis cost per patient was estimated at BRL 11,486.81. The obstructive HCM management costs analysis showed average annual costs per patient of BRL 17,026.74, BRL 19,401.46, BRL 73,310.07, and BRL 94,885.75 for the functional classes NYHA I, NYHA II, NYHA III, and NYHA IV, respectively. The average costs per patient related to procedures in a year were BRL 12,698.53, BRL 13,462.30, BRL 58,841.67, and BRL 75,595.90 for the functional classes NYHA I, II, III, and IV, respectively. Conclusions: The annual costs of HCM management increased according to the functional class, highlighting the need for safe and effective strategies to improve patient’s NYHA functional class while promoting a decrease in the need for invasive therapies.
Passive Sensing for the Prediction of Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors: A Systematic Review and Recommendations for Future Research
Authors: Büscher Rebekka , Winkler Tanita , Mocellin Jacopo , Homan Stephanie , Ciharova Marketa , Breda Ward , Kwon Sam , Larsen Mark E. , Torous John , Firth Joseph , Sander Lasse B.
Published: May 2024

Predicting suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STB) remains challenging. The use of passive sensing data gathered through smartphones and wearables may contribute to overcoming current limitations in STB prediction. In this systematic review, we explored the feasibility and predictive validity of passive sensing for STB. On October 18, 2022, we systematically searched Medline, Embase, Web of Science, PubMed, and PsycINFO. Studies were eligible if they reported on the association between STB and passive sensing through smartphones or wearables, or on the feasibility of passive sensing in this context. The risk of bias was assessed by two independent researchers using the PROBAST tool. Out of 1765 unique records, we identified eight prediction studies, six feasibility studies, and five protocols. Studies found that electrodermal activity, sleep characteristics, heart rate variability, and app usage were associated with STB. However, results on the incremental value of passive data beyond self-report are inconsistent. Risk of bias ratings revealed major shortcomings in methodology and reporting. Studies indicated that passive sensing is feasible in terms of user satisfaction and adherence. In conclusion, there is only limited evidence on the predictive value of passive sensing for the prediction of STB. We highlight important quality characteristics for future research.
Effects of an Onscreen Instructor’s Emotions and Picture Types on Poetry Aesthetic Appreciation
Authors: Wang Yi , Zhang Man , Yu Quanlei , Zhou Zhijin , Paas Fred
Published: May 2024

Poetry, as a quintessential artistic expression, embodies the essence of language and is integral to language curricula. However, its metaphorical linguistic nature makes its emotional expression intricate and veiled, demanding that learners move beyond literal interpretations to comprehend its deeper meanings and foster aesthetic appreciation. This complexity presents a significant challenge to novice learners. Therefore, this study aimed to enhance learners' aesthetic appreciation of poetry by employing an expressive onscreen instructor and exploring the moderating role of picture type. Undergraduate students (N = 139) were randomly assigned to one of four experimental conditions, following a 2 (Onscreen Instructor’s Expression: neutral vs. expressive) × 2 (Picture Type: representational vs. metaphorically decorative) factorial design. Results revealed that learners with expressive instructors demonstrated greater motivation and aesthetic appreciation compared to those with neutral instructors. Furthermore, the influence of instructor expression on student motivation and aesthetic appreciation was particularly pronounced when utilizing metaphorically decorative pictures. These findings offer practical insights for designing poetic instruction within multimedia environments.
Enhancing Heat Removal and H2O Retention in Passive Air-Cooled PEM Fuel Cell by Altering the Flow-Field Geometry
Authors: Mohsen A.M. , Basem Ali
Published: May 2024

This study presents Cathode flow field designs for passive type air-cooled PEM fuel cell to enhance heat removal and H2O retention. The presented designs come with 5 different three dimensional (3D) patterned designs. First, hypotheses were formed based on the research questions and objectives. Followed by that, a deep literature review was done to collect all the relevant data about Passive air-cooled PEM fuel cell in order to provide a clear pathway for the process of 3D design and simulation. 5 new designs for the cathode flow field were conceived based on the research conducted. The study presents 3D designs sketched in SolidWorks and a CFD fluent simulation performed in ANSYS. The data collected is evaluated in terms of water content, average temperature, and current flux density. The proposed designs show an improvement in enhancing heat removal by 1.33% and improving water retention by 6% independently. However, the current flux density shows a reduction of 0.51% and 0.64% in the final values which is not desirable as one of the objectives of this paper is to enhance the performance of the cell. Nevertheless, the value is relatively small compared to the improvement which shows improvement in the durability of the fuel cell. This paper contributes valuable insights to the ongoing research in PEM fuel cell technology. And also provides essential contributions to the UAV technology.
Molecular mechanisms of MAZ targeting up-regulation of NDUFS3 expression to promote malignant progression in melanoma
Authors: Zhu Yuechun , Feng Yu , Ni Qinxuan , Wu Na , Xie Taiyu , Yun Fang , Zhang Xuedan , Gao Lingnan , Gai Yanlong , Li Enjiang , Yi Xiaojia , Xie Junlin , Zhang Qiao , Yang Zhe , Sai Buqing , Kuang Yingmin
Published: May 2024

Myc-associated Zinc-finger Protein (MAZ) has been implicated in the malignant progression of various tumors. However, its expression and functional relationship of MAZ in melanoma have not been previously investigated. This study confirms elevated expression of MAZ in melanoma, correlating with poor patient prognosis. Furthermore, our findings demonstrate that MAZ enhances melanoma progression by promoting proliferation, migration and invasion. It is worth noting that we found that MAZ can target and regulate NDUFS3 transcription to promote melanoma malignant progression. Predictive modeling indicates that the co-expression of MAZ and NDUFS3 could serve as a novel prognostic marker for melanoma patients.
Carbon Nanostructure Enabled High Performance Thermal Insulating Material
Authors: Jiang Kaili , Yuan Zi , Chen Guo , Zhou Duanliang , Liu Peng , Liu Liang , Fan Shoushan
Published: May 2024

The high-temperature thermal insulation materials (TIM) are critical for aerospace technology. The more thermal insulation it is, the thinner TIM is needed. Here we show that, by stacking super-aligned carbon nanotube (SACNT) films together, SACNT-stacked films (SACNT-SF) can be obtained, which outperforms the traditional TIMs for a wide range of working temperatures. In vacuum, the effective thermal conductivity of SACNT-SF is only 0.004W/m·K at room temperature, and 0.03 W/m·K at 2600℃. Theoretical analysis indicates that the nanometer diameter of the carbon nanotube, the nanoporous and anisotropic structure and the ultra-low density of SACNT-SF, and the high extinction coefficient of sp2-carbon play critical roles in reducing heat conduction via solid skeletons, radiation, and gas medium. The SACNT-SF is nanometer thick and fully flexible, which can be continuously and freely winded on various shapes of surfaces, generating a conformal TIM for a broad spectrum of applications.
The Social Costs of Aviation: Comparing Contrail Cirrus and CO2
Authors: Johansson Daniel , Azar Christian , Pettersson Susanne , Sterner Thomas , Stettler Marc , Teoh Roger
Published: May 2024

Aviation contrail cirrus has important climate impacts. To construct efficient policies to reduce the uncertain, heterogeneous and short-lived climate impacts of contrail cirrus and balance these against the certain, homogeneous and long-lived climate impact of CO2 emissions the climate impact of CO2 and contrail cirrus need to be placed on a common scale. We analyze the social cost of CO2and of contrail cirrus as well their ratio using an updated version of the Dynamic Integrated Climate Economy (DICE) model with three different discount rates and three different future climate pathways. The social cost of contrail cirrus is less sensitive to the discount rate and less affected by the long-term temperature pathway than the social cost of CO2. However, the social cost of contrail cirrus is strongly dependent on specific meteorological conditions, which makes the social cost associated with individual flights vary by several orders of magnitude.
Association of discordant neonatal birth weight and maternal height with risk of preeclampsia: a multi-center retrospective cohort study in China
Authors: ye yunzhen , Xiao Xirong , zhou Qiongjie , Li Xiaotian
Published: May 2024

Background: Uteroplacental mismatch contributes to development of preeclampsia, involving of reduced uteroplacental blood supply and/or increased fetoplacental demands. A comprehensive assessment of uteroplacental supply and fetoplacental demands is essential for risk assessment. Maternal height and neonatal weight, which positively related to uteroplacental supply and fetoplacental demands respectively, were shown to associated with altered risk of preeclampsia independently. However, data to comprehensively evaluate associations of neonatal weight and maternal height with the risk of preeclampsia is lacked.
Methods: A respective cohort study was conducted among all women delivered at 38 secondary or tertiary maternity centers in 14 cities of China during 2011 to 2012 to assess whether discordant neonatal birth weight and maternal height, such as tall mothers with small for gestational age (SGA) or short mothers with large for gestational age (LGA), was associated with altered risk of preeclampsia. Short and tall heights were defined as ≤10th and ≥90th centile of overall maternal height distribution. SGA and LGA were as defined as <10th and >90th centile of birth weight for gestational age and sex. Logistic regressions were conducted to estimate these associations. Mothers of average height with appropriate for gestational age (AGA) neonates were regarded as reference.
Results: The study enrolled 88,673 mothers with singleton pregnancy. The overall incidence of preeclampsia 2.69%. Tall women with SGA neonates underwent highest incidence (19.18%). Compared with mothers of average height with AGA neonates, women of all heights with SGA neonates were at higher risk of preeclampsia, especially among those of tall height (adjusted OR 10.00, 95%CI 6.06-16.48). In contrast, though LGA infants born to short mothers trended to had higher incidence of preeclampsia (3.24% vs 2.35%), no statistical significance was showed.
Conclusions: Those tall women bearing an SGA fetus or short women with LGA fetus had closed associations with preeclampsia. Discordance of maternal height and fetal weight may be a potential indicator for developing preeclampsia.
Comparative Transcriptomaic and Metabolomic analyses provide insights into the responses to High Temperature Stress in Alfalfa (Medicago satave.L)
Authors: Zhou Juan , Tang Xueshen , Li Jiahao , Dang shizhuo , Ma Haimei , Zhang Yahong
Published: May 2024

High temperature stress (HTS) is one of the most severe forms of abiotic stress in alfalfa, With the intensification of climate change, the frequency of high temperature stress will further increase in the future, which will bring challenges to the growth and development of alfalfa. Therefore, untargeted metabolomic and RNA-Seq profiling were implemented to unravel the possible alteration in alfalfa seedlings subjected to different temperature stress (25℃, 30℃, 35℃, 40℃) in this study. Results revealed that HTS significantly altered some pivotal transcripts and metabolites. The number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) markedly up- and down-regulated was 1876 and1524 in T30_vs_CK, 2815 and 2667 in T35_vs_CK, and 2115 and 2226 in T40_vs_CK, respectively. The number for significantly up-regulated and down-regulated differential metabolites was 173 and 73 in T30_vs_CK, 188 and 57 in T35_vs_CK, and 220 and 66 in T40_vs_CK, respectively. It is worth noting that metabolomics and transcriptomics co-analysis characterized enriched in plant hormone signal transduction(ko04705), glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism (ko00630), from which some differentially expressed genes and differential metabolites participated. In particular, the content of hormone changed significantly under T40 stress, suggesting that maintaining normal hormone synthesis and metabolism may be an important way to improve the HTS tolerance of alfalfa. qRT-PCR further showed that the expression pattern was similar to the expression abundance in the transcriptome. This study provides a practical and in-depth perspective from transcriptomics and metabolomics in investigating the effects conferred by temperature on plant growth and development, which provided the theoretical basis for breeding heat-resistant alfalfa.
OX40 expressed in endothelial cells facilitates tumor cells to escape from T-cell surveillance through S1P-YAP axis
Authors: Zhang Bin , He Baoyu , Zhao Rou , Zhang Baogui , Huang Lunhua , Wei Yingying , Yang Dong , Pan Hongli , Liang Jing , Liu Jilan , Yan Yugang , Zhao Mingsheng , Wang Sen , Dong Fengyun , Zhang Junfeng , Zhang Yanhua , Zhang Xu , Zhang Xiao , Dong Guanjun , Xiong Huabao , Bie Qingli
Published: May 2024

Activation of immune cells is currently one of the most promising approaches for the cancer treatment. However, clinical trials for T-cell activation therapy have not reached expected results without explicit reasons. In the present study, we report that the co-stimulatory molecule OX40 is highly expressed in endothelial cells (ECs) of tumor tissues. Clinically, high expression of OX40 in ECs is negatively associated with the prognosis of tumor patients, and this is irrelevant to T-cell activation or not. Analysis of conditional OX40 loss- and gain-of-function transgenic mice demonstrated that OX40 signals promote angiogenesis and facilitate the tumour development. Mechanistically, Lgr5+ cancer stem cells induced high OX40 expression in tumour ECs via EGF-STAT3 signal transduction. In ECs, activated OX40 interacted with Spns2, obstructing sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) export and resulting in its intracellular accumulation. S1P directly bound to YAP, disrupting its interaction with the LATS1 kinase and promoting YAP nuclear translocation. Finally, the YAP inhibitor Verteporfin enhanced the anti-tumour effects of the OX40 agonist. In addition, their combination exhibited greater efficacy than that of the OX40 agonist and anti-PD-1 antibody. Together, the findings revealed a unexpected pro-tumour functions of OX40 activation in ECs, highlighting the impact of non-immune cell compartment on immunotherapy and the complexity of tumour microenvironment.
APOE4 rat model of Alzheimer’s disease: sex differences, genetic risk and diet
Authors: Colarusso Bradley , Ortiz Richard , Yeboah Julian , Chang Arnold , Gupta Megha , Kulkarni Praveen , Ferris Craig F.
Published: May 2024

The strongest genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the Ɛ4 allele of apolipoprotein E (ApoE ɛ4). A high fat diet also adds to the risk of dementia and AD. In addition, there are sex differences as women carriers have a higher risk of an earlier onset and rapid decline in memory than men. The present study looked at the effect of the genetic risk of ApoE ɛ4 together with a high fat/high fructose diet (HFD/HSD) on brain function in male and female rats using magnetic resonance imaging. We hypothesized female carriers would present with deficits in cognitive behavior together with changes in functional connectivity as compared to male carriers. Four-month-old wildtype and human ApoE ɛ4 knock-in (TGRA8960), male and female Sprague Dawley rats were put on a HFD/HSD for four months. Afterwards they were imaged for changes in function using resting state BOLD functional connectivity. Images were registered to, and analyzed, using a 3D MRI rat atlas providing site-specific data on 173 different brain areas. Resting state functional connectivity showed male wildtype had greater connectivity between areas involved in feeding and metabolism while there were no differences between female and male carriers and wildtype females. The data were unexpected. The genetic risk was overshadowed by the diet. Male wildtype rats were most sensitive to the HFD/HSD presenting with a deficit in cognitive performance with enhanced functional connectivity in neural circuitry associated with food consumption and metabolism.
Mobile Applications for Longitudinal Data Collection: Web-based Survey Study of Former Intensive Care Patients
Authors: Molinnus Denise , Mainz Anne , Kurth Angelique , Lowitsch Volker , Nüchter Matthias , Bloos Frank , Wendt Thomas , Potratz Philipp , Marx Gernot , Meister Sven , Bickenbach Johannes
Published: May 2024

Purpose
Mobile health plays an important role in providing individualized information about the health status of patients. Limited information exists on intensive care unit (ICU) patients with the risk of suffering from the post-intensive care syndrome (PICS), summarizing long-term physical, mental and cognitive impairment. This web-based survey study aims to identify specific needs of former ICU patients for utilizing a newly developed, so called Post-Intensive Care Outcome Surveillance (PICOS) app to collect relevant PICS-related parameters.
Methods
A prototype app was developed following interaction principles for interactive systems of usability engineering. Patients from four different German hospitals were asked about demographics, interaction with technology and their perception of the prototype regarding hedonic motivation, perceived ease of use and performance expectancy.
Results
123 patients participated in the survey; a majority owned and used smartphones. Nearly half of respondents would seek help from family members or caregivers. There was a difference in affinity for technology for participants which own a smartphone and those who do not, t(116) = − .97, p = .335, and no significant difference in affinity for technology whether the participants would like support when using the app or not, t(97) = 1.81, p = .073. The average hedonic motivation for using the app was M = 4.44 (SD = 1.304).
Conclusion
This app prototype was perceived as both beneficial and easy to use, indicating success of use by former ICU patients. Due to growing age and ongoing impairment of health, every second patient would need assistance in first app usage.
Effect of acupuncture in patients with postprandial distress syndrome: a multicentre, single-blind, double-dummy, active-controlled, randomized, clinical trial
Authors: Yan Zhaobo , Xu Xuan , Liu Mai-Lan , Murong Zhimiao , Zhong Huan , Luo Rong , Liu Weiai , Du Geshu , Liu Mi , He Haolong
Published: May 2024

Introduction
Postprandial distress syndrome (PDS) is the prominent subtype in patients with functional dyspepsia (FD) and currently lacks a satisfactory treatment. Acupuncture has become a promising alternative and complementary therapy for managing FD. However, high-level clinical evidence supporting the use of acupuncture for FD is limited.
Methods
This study is a multicentre, double-dummy, single-blind, randomized, active-controlled trial. Two hundred and one eligible participants will be randomly assigned into three groups: an acupuncture plus placebo group, an itopride plus sham acupuncture group, and a sham acupuncture plus placebo group. This study consists of a 1-week screening period, a 4-week treatment period, and a 12-week follow-up period. During the intervention period, participants will receive 12 sessions of verum or sham acupuncture treatment (one session per day, three sessions per week, for 4 weeks) along with 50 mg itopride tablets or 50 mg itopride placebo tablets 3 times a day for 20 days (5 continual days a week for 4 weeks). The response rate (patients who had adequate relief of gastric symptoms were considered positive responders) and the elimination rate of cardinal symptoms (postprandial fullness and early satiation) are the primary indicators to evaluate the overall acupuncture effect for PDS. Secondary outcome measures will include the Nepean Dyspepsia Symptom Index (NDSI), the short form-Nepean Dyspepsia Life Quality Index (SF-LQI), and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Participants’ expectations towards acupuncture treatment will also be assessed, and adverse events will be recorded for safety assessment. All analyses will adhere to an intention-to-treat principle.
Discussion
In conclusion, this trial will determine the efficacy and safety of acupuncture for PDS and provide more high-level evidence to support its application in treating FD.
Trial registration
Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2300068001. Registered on 2 February 2023.
Rare host variants in ciliary expressed genes contribute to COVID-19 severity in Bulgarian patients
Authors: Kamenarova Kunka , Kachakova-Yordanova Darina , Baymakova Magdalena , Georgiev Martin , Mihova Kalina , Petkova Veronika , Beltcheva Olga , Argirova Radka , Atanasov Petar , Kunchev Metodi , Andonova Radina , Zasheva Anelia , Drenska Rumiana , Ivanov Ivaylo , Pantileeva Diana , Koleva Veselina , Penev Anton , Lekova-Nikova Diana , Georgiev Delyan , Pencheva Daniela , Bozhilova Radosveta , Ivanova Nevyana , Dimova Ivanka , Plochev Kamen , Popov Georgi , Popivanov Ivan , Gabrovsky Nikolay , Leseva Magdalena , Mitev Vanio , Kaneva Radka
Published: May 2024

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a pneumonia with extremely heterogeneous clinical presentation, ranging from asymptomatic to severely ill patients. Previous studies have reported links between the presence of host genetic variants and the outcome of the COVID-19 infection. In our study, we used whole exome sequencing in a cohort of 444 SARS-CoV-2 patients, admitted to hospital in the period October-2020-April-2022, to search for associations between rare pathogenic/potentially pathogenic variants and COVID-19 progression. We used gene prioritization-based analysis in genes that have been reported by host genetic studies. Although we did not identify correlation between the presence of rare pathogenic variants and COVID-19 outcome, in critically ill patients we detected known mutations in a number of genes associated with severe disease related to cardiovascular disease, primary ciliary dyskinesia, cystic fibrosis, DNA damage repair response, coagulation, primary immune disorder, hemoglobin subunit β, and others. Additionally, we report 93 novel pathogenic variants found in severely infected patients who required intubation or died. A network analysis showed main component, consisting of 13 highly interconnected genes related to epithelial cilium. In conclusion, we have detected rare pathogenic host variants that may have influenced the COVID-19 outcome in Bulgarian patients.
Sedimentary characteristics and evolution of the Toutunhe–Qingshuihe Formation in the central section of the southern margin of the Junggar Basin
Authors: Liu Jiale , Zhang Changmin , Zhang Xianghui , Ji Dongsheng , Zhu Rui
Published: May 2024

Objective: In order to clarify the sedimentary characteristics and sedimentary evolution of Tou Tunhe Formation and Qingshuihe Formation in the middle part of the southern margin of Junggar Basin, the depositional characteristics and sedimentary evolution are discussed based on the measured outcrop profile and the paleoenvironment changes.
Methods: According to the lithofacies division scheme of Maill, the lithology and sedimentary structure of Toutunhe Formation and Qingshuihe Formation in the southern margin of Junggar Basin were analyzed by using the dual attribute method combining lithology and sedimentary structure. Based on the guidance of sedimentology and the changes of paleoenvironment, the law of vertical sedimentary evolution in the study area is discussed.
Results: There are 4 types of conglomerate facies, sandstone facies, siltstone facies and mudstone facies, including 7 types of conglomerate facies, 6 types of sandstone facies, 4 types of siltstone facies and 1 type of mudstone facies. Four sedimentary facies can be divided into lacustrine facies, meander river facies, braided river delta facies and alluvial fan facies, including 16 types of sedimentary microfacies. During the depositional period of the Tou Tunhe Formation in the Middle Jurassic, microfacies and shallow lake subfacies such as distributary channel, natural levee, interdistributary channel and far bank dune developed in the study area, indicating the delta-lake depositional model. Due to the continuous strong tectonic activity in the North Tianshan Mountains, drainage structures were widely developed in the Late Jurassic. During the deposition period of the Qigu Formation, brown red sediments were mostly developed, which was a semi-arid environment with sedimentary microfacies such as channels and point DAMS, and a meanded-river sedimentary model. During the sedimentary period of the Kalaza Formation, the conglomerate changed from reddish-brown to gray, the hot and arid climate ended, and microfacies such as debris flow deposition and channel deposition developed, indicating the sedimentary model of alluvial fan. During the Lower Cretaceous Qingshuihe Formation, the Mongol-Okhotsk Ocean was completely closed, the basin rapidly settled, and the lake transgression was rapid in a large range. The lithology was mainly sandstone and siltstone, and a few fine conglomerates were occasionally found at the bottom, and the sedimentary structures such as small sand-grained bedding, parallel bedding and tabular cross-bedding were widely developed.
Conclusion: The sedimentary characteristics of Toutunhe Formation and Qingshuihe Formation in the middle part of the southern margin of Junggar Basin are analyzed, and the sedimentary evolution law is discussed, which provides a new idea for the distribution of underground sedimentary system.
Newborn Screening for Li-Fraumeni Syndrome: Patient Perspectives
Authors: Beigh Makenna , Vagher Jennie , Codden Rachel , Maese Luke D. , Cook Sabina , Gammon Amanda
Published: May 2024

Background
Li-Fraumeni syndrome (LFS) is an inherited cancer predisposition syndrome with an estimated prevalence of 1 in 3,000–5,000 individuals. LFS poses a significant cancer risk throughout the lifespan, with notable cancer susceptibility in childhood. Despite being predominantly inherited, up to 20% of cases arise de novo. Surveillance protocols facilitate the reduction of mortality and morbidity through early cancer detection. While newborn screening (NBS) has proven effective in identifying newborns with rare genetic conditions, even those occurring as rarely as 1 in 185,000, its potential for detecting inherited cancer predispositions remains largely unexplored.
Methods
This survey-based study investigates perspectives toward NBS for LFS among individuals with and parents of children with LFS receiving care at single comprehensive cancer center in the U.S.
Results
All participants unanimously supported NBS for LFS (n = 24). Reasons included empowerment (83.3%), control (66.7%), and peace of mind (54.2%), albeit with concerns about anxiety (62.5%) and devastation (50%) related to receiving positive results. Participants endorsed NBS as beneficial for cancer detection and prevention (91.7%), research efforts (87.5%), and family planning (79.2%) but voiced apprehensions about the financial cost of cancer surveillance (62.5%), emotional burdens (62.5%), and insurance coverage and discrimination (54.2%). Approximately 83% of respondents believed that parental consent should be required to screen newborns for LFS.
Conclusion
This study revealed strong support for NBS for LFS despite the recognition of various perceived benefits and risks. These findings underscore the complex interplay between clinical, psychosocial, and ethical factors in considering NBS for LFS from the perspective of the LFS community.
A numerical methodology for the generation of Brouwer diagrams for defect chemistry studies
Authors: Abrantes João C.C.
Published: May 2024

The defect chemistry methodology is commonly used to interpret the transport properties of materials and to predict the effects of variable working conditions on the electrical properties and processes that depend on mass transport. Analysis of defect diagrams might be far from trivial, even for materials with simple defect structures, and classical methods are thus based on approximate electroneutrality conditions for different regions of the defect diagrams. Those conditions must be carefully selected, and relevant trends of the defect diagrams require time-consuming algebraic re-arrangements of those neutrality conditions with the relevant mass action constants. The transitions between different regions of the defect diagram are poorly described. The present work proposes an alternative numerical method to solve the overall system without any mathematical simplification. The method has been mainly designed for defect chemistry calculations in oxide materials, using temperature, oxygen partial pressure, and concentrations of additives as independent variables. It is easily extended to include other variables such as the hydrogen and/or water vapor partial pressure. The method also allows simulations of non-equilibrium effects. Mass action constants are combined with the overall neutrality condition and/or mass conservation relations to obtain the concentration of a selected defect versus working conditions. A web application DefChem- Defect Chemistry Toolbox was developed for this purpose. Its applicability is demonstrated for selected case studies. The toolbox is also able to simulate and fit experimental results obtained from different experimental techniques, in particular, from electrical conductivity measurements versus the oxygen partial pressure. The fitting feature can be used to find relevant thermodynamic data for defect chemistry analysis.
Elevated dietary fat alone is not sufficient to decrease AgRP projections in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus in mice
Authors: Yagoub Selma , Chesters Robert , Ott Jonathan , Zhu Jiajie , Cantacorps Lídia , Ritter Katrin , Lippert Rachel
Published: May 2024

Within the brain, the connections between neurons are constantly changing in response to environmental stimuli. A prime environmental regulator of neuronal activity is diet, and previous work has highlighted changes in hypothalamic connections in response to diets high in dietary fat and elevated sucrose. We sought to determine if the change in hypothalamic neuronal connections was driven primarily by an elevation in dietary fat alone. Analysis was performed in both male and female animals. We measured Agouti-related peptide (AgRP) neuropeptide and Synaptophysin markers in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVH) in response to an acute 48h high fat diet challenge. Using two image analysis methods described in previous studies, an effect of a high fat diet on AgRP neuronal projections in the PVH of male or female mice was not identified. These results suggest that it may not be dietary fat alone that is responsible for the previously published alterations in hypothalamic connections Future work should focus on deciphering the role of individual macronutrients on neuroanatomical and functional changes.
Assessment of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices in Artificial Intelligence Among Healthcare Professionals in Mogadishu, Somalia
Authors: Ahmed Mohamed Mustaf , Dirie Najib Isse , Mohamud Abdirahman Khalif , Garba Bashiru , Mohamed Zeinab Omar , Ali Ifrah , Mohamed Abdullahi Abdisalam , Ali Amal Naleye , Hassan Mulki Mukhtar , Asowe Hodo Aideed , Mohamoud Jamal Hassan , Orey Fartun Abdullahi Hassan , Hassan Jihaan , Mohamed Fartun Yasin , Moalim Samira Abdullahi , Musa Shuaibu Saidu , Ogaya Jerico B. , Shomuyiwa Deborah , Okesanya Olalekan John , Othman Zhinya Kawa , Mekonnen Abel Mestie , Adebisi Yusuff Adebayo , III Don Eliseo Lucero-Prisno
Published: May 2024

Background: The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) in various sectors has revolutionized problem-solving approaches, particularly in healthcare. Developed countries have invested significantly in AI research and applications in healthcare, while low-income countries such as Somalia lag due to various challenges. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of AI among healthcare professionals in Somalia and explore their familiarity with AI technologies and practices.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from January 1, 2024, to March 15, 2024, among 441 healthcare professionals in Somalia, using an online questionnaire. The questionnaire assessed the participants' sociodemographic information, knowledge of AI applications in healthcare, attitudes towards AI capabilities, and practical experience with AI in healthcare.
Results: Most participants demonstrated good knowledge of AI (67.6%) and a positive attitude towards its potential in healthcare (80.5%). However, a significant gap was observed in the practical application of AI, with 79.1% of the respondents reporting poor practice. The study also found that sociodemographic factors such as age, gender, and income level did not significantly influence knowledge or attitudes towards AI but did affect its practical use. Professionals in certain fields such as midwifery and public health are more likely to use AI in their work. Knowledge and attitude scores were also significant predictors of practice scores.
Conclusion: Healthcare professionals in Somalia demonstrate a good understanding and positive attitudes towards AI but encounter challenges in its practical application. This study emphasizes the necessity of an enhanced infrastructure, technical expertise, and data access to fully utilize AI's potential in healthcare. It also highlights the significance of addressing ethical considerations and implementing regulations to ensure responsible use of AI in healthcare. Efforts are needed to translate awareness and receptiveness into effective practice, which could result in a better healthcare system.
Asymmetric time-sequence for multiple-exposure 3D PTV
Authors: Scarano Fulvio , Hysa Ilda , Guerra Adrian Grille , Tuinstra Marthijn , Sciacchitano Andrea
Published: May 2024

Making use of a single-frame to record multiple exposures (ME) of the tracer particles has the potential to simplify the hardware needed for 3D PTV measurements, especially when dealing with high-speed flows. The analysis of such recordings, however, is challenged by the unknown time-tag of each particle exposure, alongside their unknown organization into physical trajectories (trajectory-tag). Using a sequence of illumination pulses with a constant time separation leads to the well-known directional ambiguity problem, whereby it is not possible to distinguish the direction of motion of the tracer particles. Instead, coding the temporal information into a specific sequence of illumination pulses with irregular time separation results in a unique sequence of positions in the image, similar to a trace. The asymmetric pattern of the trace needs to be recognized, and a kinematic similarity criterion is introduced that selects traces most similar to the time sequence. Combining the latter with a criterion that favors trace regularity (minimum velocity fluctuations). The numerical implementation of the technique is challenged by the combinatorial growth of the calculations. The algorithm is applied to a 3D experiment and results are benchmarked against the time-resolved analysis (single-frame, single-exposure) with the Shake-the-Box method. Traces with a three-pulses yield a detection rate of 85%. The latter declines with the number of pulses. Conversely, the error rate rapidly vanishes with the samples number, which confirms the reliability of trace detection criterion when more pulses are comprised in the sequence. Potential methods to accelerate the ME recordings analysis are presented. The remaining bottlenecks hampering the direct application of the technique are also introduced and shortly discussed.
Unveiling the Evolutionary, Structural, and Regulatory Insights of a Novel Urocanate Hydratase in Acinetobacter sp. Strain DF4
Authors: Abd-El-Haleem Desouky
Published: May 2024

This study delves into the characterization of a novel urocanate hydratase enzyme identified in Acinetobacter sp. strain DF4, emphasizing its taxonomic distribution, conservation patterns, and functional implications. The investigation revealed a skewed taxonomic distribution of ORF1 homologs primarily within the Pseudomonadota phylum, highlighting its deeply conserved function, particularly in Gammaproteobacteria and Acinetobacter species. Homology analyses confirmed close relationships to known urocanate hydratases across bacterial species, reinforcing its role in histidine catabolism pathways. Structural analyses revealed distinct sub-domains within ORF1, suggesting potential NAD binding sites and functional roles. Conservation patterns of the NWCEFD and NWEHFN motifs across diverse organisms underscored their evolutionary significance and potential functional conservation. Post-translational modification predictions indicated multiple phosphorylation and N-myristoylation sites that may impact protein function. Transcriptional regulation elements identified in the ORF1 sequence suggested a complex regulatory network, with putative binding sites for various transcription factors and elements essential for translation initiation and RNA polymerase binding. These findings collectively provide valuable insights into the evolutionary relationships, structural features, and regulatory mechanisms governing the novel urocanate hydratase enzyme in Acinetobacter sp. strain DF4.
Malaria case management in an area with civil unrest in Cameroon: A retrospective study from 2006–2021
Authors: Ndang Ndong Henry , Mengnjo Njodzela Christian , Masumbe Palmer Netongo , Soniran Olajoju Temidayo , Chu Chuo Ennestine , Chiabi Eugene , Amambua-Ngwa Alfred , Cheng Ndong Ignatius
Published: May 2024

Background
Malaria remains a serious health challenge; thus, the need for continual improvements in treatment regimens and the adoption of new treatment guidelines to enhance case management is vital. We report trends in malaria case management over a 16-year period at the Jakiri Health Centre in Cameroon, an area that has been plagued with civil unrest since 2016.
Methods
Data were collected retrospectively from consultation, laboratory, and prescription registers and double entered into Excel. Analysis was conducted using SPSS statistics and Microsoft Excel.
Results
A total of 3,800 febrile patients visited the outpatient department (OPD), and 8,324 prescriptions were received by patients. Of these prescriptions, 11.6% (964) were anti-malarials, 3.5% (291) were ferrous sulfate (FS), 40.8% (3,396) were antibiotics (AB), and 44.1% (3,673) were analgesics. The antimalarials prescribed were artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) 83.2% (802) and quinine (Q) 16.8% (162). No ACTs were prescribed between 2006 and 2011. The 5 to < 15 years age group received the highest proportion of ACTs (42.3%), followed by the 1 to < 5 years age group (31.8%). Males were more likely to be prescribed ACTs than females were (OR = 1.336, 95% CI 1.141–1.564; p < 0.0001). Between 2006 and 2013, the number of quinine prescriptions increased from 17.2% (21) in 2006 to a peak of 26.1% (30) in 2009 and progressively decreased to 0% between 2014 and 2019. Antibiotic prescription rates were high across all age groups. Analgesics were prescribed to all patients across age groups for malaria-positive patients. The prescription of antimalarials to malaria-negative patients was relatively low over time.
Conclusion
This study demonstrated that recommended malaria treatment guidelines have been adopted by the Jakiri Health Centre, which has transitioned from quinine as a first-line treatment to ACTs. ACTs were not used in the facility until 2012. The prevalence of malaria is still very high, and most anti-malaria treatments are appropriate. However, antibiotics and analgesics were found to be highly prescribed.
Search and Explore: Symbiotic Policy Synthesis in POMDPs
Authors: Andriushchenko Roman , Bork Alexander , Češka Milan , Junges Sebastian , Katoen Joost-Pieter , Macák Filip
Published: May 2024

This paper marries two state-of-the-art controller synthesis methods for partially observable Markov decision processes (POMDPs), a prominent model in sequential decision making under uncertainty. A central issue is to find a POMDP controller - that solely decides based on the observations seen so far - to achieve a total expected reward objective. As finding optimal controllers is undecidable, we concentrate on synthesising good finite-state controllers (FSCs). We do so by tightly integrating two modern, orthogonal methods for POMDP controller synthesis: a belief-based and an inductive approach. The former method obtains an FSC from a finite fragment of the so-called belief MDP, an MDP that keeps track of the probabilities of equally observable POMDP states. The latter is an inductive search technique over a set of FSCs, e.g., controllers with a fixed memory size. The key result of this paper is a symbiotic anytime algorithm that tightly integrates both approaches such that each profits from the controllers constructed by the other. Experimental results indicate a substantial improvement in the value of the controllers while significantly reducing the synthesis time and memory footprint.
The impact of LV filling pressure indexed to cardiac output on exercise capacity in HF subjects
Authors: Huang Wei-Ming , Chen Chiao-Nan , Chang Hao-Chih , Liu Yen-Tung , Wu Yen-Tze , Tseng Tzu-Ying , Cheng Hao-Min , Yu Wen-Chung , Chiang Chern-En , Chen Chen-Huan , Sung Shih-Hsien
Published: May 2024

Purpose
Exercise intolerance is the most common symptom of patients with heart failure (HF), regardless of the phenotypes. We aim to investigate the determinants of exercise capacity in chronic stable HF with reduced, mildly reduced, preserved, and recovered ejection fraction (EF).
Methods
Ambulatory HF subjects were recruited for a combined cardiopulmonary exercise test and exercise stress echocardiography. Impaired exercise capacity was referred to a peak oxygen consumption (peak VO2) of < 14 ml/kg/min, and a minute ventilation-carbon dioxide production relationship (VE/VCO2 slope) of > 34 was defined as ventilatory inefficiency.
Results
Among 66 participants, there were 16 HF with reduced EF, 18 HF with mildly reduced EF, 12 HF preserved EF, and 20 HF recovered EF. Diastolic dysfunction indices were independently predictive of impaired exercise capacity (odds ratio and 95% confidence intervals: 3.847, 1.369–10.810). GLS at rest was independently correlated with ventilatory inefficiency (1.404, 1.050–1.877). Among the exercise indices, the peak medial E/e' to cardiac output ratio was independently associated with impaired exercise capacity (3.478, 1.313–9.214) and peak GLS was best related to ventilatory inefficiency (1.403, 1.076–1.828).
Conclusions
Among resting and exertional echocardiographic variables, the peak medial E/e' to cardiac output ratio, a non-invasive assessment of exertional left ventricular filling pressure indexed to cardiac output, was the major determinant of exercise capacity in patients with different HF phenotypes.
A Superhydrophobic Coating with Sturdy Abrasion and Weather Resistance
Authors: Qi Yang , Xiao Yongtian , Zhu Maiyong , Shen Xiaojuan , Li Songjun
Published: May 2024

Here, we developed a lotus-leaf-resembling superhydrophobic coating with sturdy abrasion and weather resistance. By taking the sturdiness of the superhydrophobicity into account, this coating was created by incorporating a zinc-mediated superhydrophobic surface that was rough and ultraviolet-resistant into a polyurethane layer capable of strong wear resistance. By spraying the zinc-mediated perfluorosilane and a polyurethane suspension onto an aluminum flake, the lotus-leaf-resembling superhydrophobic coating was thus prepared. The resulting coating displayed the natural superhydrophobic phenomena with a contact angle of up to 157.1° and a rolling angle of 4.2°, greater or smaller by depending on the dosage of zinc. The adoption of zinc to the prepared coating not only mediated the rough surface texture but also extra granted the ultraviolet resistance. In couple with the strong wear resistance of the substrate layer, the proposed superhydrophobic coating provided the expected sturdy abrasion and weather resistance. The development of the superhydrophobic coating shares a prospect with practical applications, especially outdoor applications.