bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Soil Stockpile Age Does Not Impact Vegetation Establishment in a Cold, Arid Natural Gas Field
Authors: Curran Michael F. , Sorenson Joshua R. , Robinson Timothy J.
Published: May 2024

Land reclamation is critical to ensure surface disturbance associated with natural gas development is not permanent. Soil management is critical to reclamation success, especially in arid environments. Typically, natural gas well pad construction involves stripping topsoil to allow for equipment to be on level ground and placing it into a stockpile. After well pad construction, soil is respread and seeded to initiate interim reclamation. Previous research has shown that soil disturbance during natural gas well pad construction and subsequent reclamation in cold, arid environments is highest at the stripping and respreading phases, with minimal soil activity occurring during the stockpile phase. Other research has shown that additional soil disturbances after reclamation is initiated may exacerbate soil damage, limiting revegetation potential. Here, we examine soil stockpiles that are 1 to 7 years old in the Jonah Infill natural gas field for vegetation emergence and vegetation cover using an image analysis software called SamplePoint. In a 10-week greenhouse experiment, we found vegetation cover across stockpile age classes increased uniformly during the study period but that there was no significant difference in the rate of vegetation cover increase or percentage vegetation cover over time. These findings suggest it may be better to keep soil stockpiled in cold, arid natural gas fields when it is uncertain if additional construction activities will be required on a well pad location rather than respreading soil with a chance that redisturbance is necessary.
Vergilendirme Aktörlerinin Blockchain Teknolojisi Tutumları Üzerine Bir Araştırma: Isparta İli Örneği
Authors: Akıncı Kaan Yalçın , Göze Kaya Dilek
Published: May 2024

Globalleşen teknolojik dönüşümler mali yenilikleri de beraberinde getirmektedir. Blockchain teknolojisinin gelişimiyle iktisadi kavramların zaman ve mekan kısıtlamalarının değişimi görülmektedir. Blockhain teknolojik alt yapısının bilginin merkezsiz bir şekilde eş anlı kayıt imkanı sunarak bilgi güvenliği sağladığı bilinmektedir. Blockchain teknolojisi, karşılıklı güven mekanizmasını sağlayarak geriye dönük bilgilerin değiştirememesi özelliğiyle güvenilir işlem, şeffaf ve hesap verilebilir bir sistemi oluşturmaktadır. Bu kapsamda blockchain teknolojik alt yapısının vergilendirme süreçlerinde etkinliği önem arz etmektedir. Araştırmamızda bireylerin yaşam standartlarını, yaşlarını, çalışma düzeylerini, mesleklerini, davranış kalıplarını ve konuya bakış açılarındaki farklılıkları belirlemeyi amaçlayan anket yöntemi uygulanmıştır. Araştırma kapsamında anket uygulanarak bilgi toplanmıştır. Mali uzmanlara gerçekleştirilen anket uygulaması kapsamında katılımcıların saha çalışması kapsamında blokzincir teknolojisinin muhasebe ve vergilendirme alanlarına etkisi hakkında görüşler alınmıştır. Hiç şüphesiz kamu muhasebe ve vergilendirme alanlarında blokzincir teknolojisinin AR-GE çalışmalarının bir an önce başlaması gerektiği düşünülmektedir. Vergi ve muhasebe alanlarında etkin bir sistemin kurulması için mali uzmanların blockchain teknolojisi teknik ve kapsamlı eğitimlerin verilmesi gerekliliği önem arz etmektedir. Vergi ve muhasebe uzmanlarına yönelik yapılan çalışma, uzmanların blockchain bakış açısını değerlendirmesi ve geliştirilmesi kapsamında literatüre katkı sunması beklenmektedir.
Strategic Dimensions Affecting to Innovation Performance in the Healthcare Sector: A Systematic Literature Analysis
Authors: Güner Şeyma , Köse İlker , Topaylı Enise , Yıldız Ayşe Elif
Published: May 2024

The study systematically analyzes the literature's reflections to determine the dimensions and criteria affecting innovation performance in the healthcare sector and healthcare organizations. In order to achieve this goal, studies published between 2018 and 2022 in the Web of Science and Google Scholar databases are searched with the keywords "innovation" and "healthcare.” Out of 1,103 studies, 52 that met the screening criteria are included in the research analysis. The results show that the dimensions affecting innovation performance in the health sector and health institutions can be grouped as organizational culture, leadership, human resources, organizational structure, knowledge acquisition and knowledge sharing, cooperation, policy and management support, and technology. As a result of the study, explanations of the scope of each dimension are given, and suggestions are presented as to which areas healthcare organizations that want to increase their innovation performance should focus on improving. It is thought that healthcare organizations that want to evaluate their current innovation performance can also measure and assess within the scope of the exact dimensions.
Implementing Real-time Visitor Counter Using Surveillance Video and MobileNet-SSD Object Detection: The Best Practice
Authors: Al Musalhi Nasser , Al Wahaibi Ali Mohammed , Abbas Mohammed
Published: May 2024

إن معرفة عدد الأشخاص في المباني والمنشآت يساهم بشكل كبير في المحافظة على سلامة الزائرين وكذلك توفير معلومات مفيدة لإدارة تلك المؤسسات. تهدف هذه الورقة الى استخدام الذكاء الصناعي والاستفادة من كاميرات المراقبة في معرفة عدد الأشخاص المتواجدين في مبنى ما. قام الباحثون ببناء قاعدة بيانات بسيناريوهات مختلفة لتنفيذ تجارب متنوعة لمعرفة افضل ممارسة ممكنة في استخدام هذا النوع من العدادات. ومن خلال تلك التجارب حقق الباحثون نتائج متميزة في السيناريوهات التي تتكون من شخص واحد او شخصين باتجاهين منفصلين حيث وصلة نسبة الدقة الى 100%.
Estimating Tourist Growth at Destination Sites: A Mathematical Equation and a Connectivity Model Through Mobile Application
Authors: Mazumder Dilwar. I. , Vashisht Someshvar. K. , R. Pugalarasu , S. Rajasekaran
Published: May 2024

لقد سعى باحثو العلوم الاجتماعية إلى عرض الأدبيات المختلفة لأنظمة التوصية المتنقلة الفردية لمساعدة أصحاب المصلحة في قطاع السياحة. إن التحدي المتمثل في صياغة معادلة رياضية للتنبؤ بالنمو السياحي في مواقع محددة ينشأ بسبب الظروف البيئية المتنوعة الفريدة لكل وجهة. يسعى هذا البحث إلى تطوير نموذج لتطبيقات الهاتف المحمول يعزز الاتصال بين أصحاب المصلحة الرئيسيين في مجال السياحة. داخل التطبيق، يمكن لأصحاب المصلحة استرداد المعلومات حول الآخرين بسهولة والتفاعل مباشرة مع السلطات ذات الصلة دون الخروج من التطبيق. يوفر التطبيق أيضًا إرشادات ملاحية للوجهات السياحية. وتستكشف الدراسة معدل النمو النوعي للسياح، بافتراض تضاعف أعداد السياح بعد فترة زمنية محددة. في حين أنه قد يكون هناك نمو هائل مبدئي في أعداد السياح في الوجهة، إلا أن العدد يستقر في النهاية. تم استخدام معادلة مونود مع المعادلة السياحية للحصول على تمثيل شامل في هذه الدراسة. بالإضافة إلى ذلك، يتعمق البحث في التحليل الرسومي لشروط الجدوى التي يقترحها نموذج الاتصال الخاص بـCasagrand i و Rinaldi. و من الضروري ملاحظة أن هذا التحليل يظل مجردًا، وأن إنشاء نموذج رياضي رياضي قابل للتطبيق عالميًا لكل وجهة يكاد يكون مستحيلًا.
In vivo effects of biosilica and spongin-like collagen scaffolds on the healing process in osteoporotic rats
Authors: Cruz Matheus Almeida , Sousa Karolyne Santos Jorge , Avanzi Ingrid Regina , Souza Amanda , Martignago Cintia Santi , Delpupo Fernanda Vieira Botelho , Simões Mariana Carvalho , Parisi Julia Risso , Garcia Livia Assis , Oliveira Flávia , Granito Renata Neves , Laakso Eva Liisa , Renno Ana
Published: May 2024

Due to bioactive properties, introducing spongin-like collagen (SPG) into the biosilica (BS) extracted from marine sponges, would present an enhanced biological material for improving osteoporotic fracture healing by increasing bone formation rate. Our aim was to characterize the morphology of the BS/SPG scaffolds by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the chemical bonds of the material by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and evaluate the orthotopic in vivo response of BS/SPG scaffolds in tibial defects of osteoporotic fractures in rats (histology, histomorphometry and immunohistochemistry) in 2 experimental periods (15 and 30 days). SEM showed that scaffolds were porous, showing the spicules of BS and fibrous aspect of SPG. FTIR showed characteristic peaks of BS and SPG. For the in vivo studies, after 30 days BS and BS/SPG showed a higher amount of newly formed bone compared to the first experimental period, observed both in the periphery and in the central region of the bone defect. For histomorphometry, BS/SPG presented higher %BV/TV compared to the other experimental groups. After 15 days, BS presented higher volumes of collagen type I. After 30 days, all groups demonstrated higher volumes of collagen type III compared to volumes at 15 days. After 30 days, BS/SPG presented higher immunostaining of osteoprotegerin compared to the other experimental groups at the same experimental period. The results showed that BS and BS/SPG scaffolds were able of improving bone healing. Future researches should focus on the effects of BS/SPG on longer periods in vivo studies.
Characterization of titania self-aligned nanotubes prepared under various conditions for the photoelectrochemical water splitting
Authors: Mendioroz Lucas N. , Andrade Victoria A. Gomez , Claro P. Cecilia dos Santos , Perez M Dolores , Viva Federico A.
Published: May 2024

TiO2 nanotubes were grown by anodization of Ti sheets in an ethylene glycol solution. The then prepared nanotubes were tested with and without heat treatment at 450 ºC, for the water splitting process. The heat treatment was shown to increase the photocurrent from 4.9 µA cm-2 to 56,8 µA cm-2 while being illuminated at 0.7 V vs. SHE. Modification of the nanotubes was carried out by electroreduction on both, the heat treated and untreated samples and its photoactivity evaluated. A comparison of photon-to-current was made between the nanotubes before and after reduction. It was found that after reduction (black titania), an increase in photocurrent was observed, although there was no change detected in the absorbed wavelengths. Finally, high-purity (>99.6%) and commercially pure (99%) Ti sheets were used to grow TiO2 nanotubes with no clear difference in photocurrents (61.5 µA cm-2 vs 65.4 µA cm-2 while illuminated at 0.7 V vs. SHE).
Experimental study on the flexural performance of concrete hollow composite slabs with tightly connected panel sides
Authors: Chen Xudong , Ma Qinyong
Published: May 2024

In order to investigate the mechanical performance and failure modes of laterally connected precast hollow core composite slabs with board-side dense splicing, static model bending performance tests were conducted on three tightly connected hollow composite slabs and one seamless hollow composite slab under monotonic loading. The failure mode, crack distribution, bending bearing capacity, and bending stiffness of additional steel bars at the joints of the board were analyzed. The results indicate that, under normal operating conditions, the flexural performance development of concrete hollow composite slabs with tightly connected panel sides is generally consistent with that of the non-spliced cast hollow composite slab. Under ultimate conditions, tearing or brittle fracture failure at the joint interface is prone to occur in the composite slabs, resulting in a reduced flexural bearing capacity. With the increase joints, the flexural capacity of the hollow composite slab is decreased by 17.1%; while positioning the joints away from the most unfavorable stress section, the flexural stiffness of the section will be improved by 13.5%. Single-seam tightly connected concrete hollow composite slabs on the panel sides meet the design requirements for bidirectional stress performance, effectively enhancing construction efficiency, shortening construction periods, and reducing construction costs.
MHD Ternary Hybrid Nanofluid Flow Over A Radiated Rotating Disk With Partial Slip Conditions
Authors: Aljuaydi Fahad , Islam Saeed
Published: May 2024

This paper explores the complexity of three-dimensional Von-Karman flow in a water-based ternary hybrid nanoliquid system caused by a spinning disc with radially linear stretching. The surface is regarded as a primary contributor to radiative heat transfer, with the inclusion of ohmic and viscous dissipations caused by the medium. In addition, a magnetic field with a consistent strength and direction is applied along the axis. The nanostructures present include spherical magnetite, cylindrical alumina, and platelet-shaped silver. An extensive examination of similarity solutions is conducted for the governing partial differential system under significant multi-slip boundary conditions. The converted system is analysed using the MATLAB pre-existing code, bvpa4c. The study centres on doing a comparative investigation of magnetic nanoparticles, numerous slips, and radiation effects on the given problem. Significantly, higher rotation rates have a beneficial effect on both the radial and axial movement of the surface. The heat transfer rate is positively affected by an increase in the radiation parameter, while it is negatively affected by a rising Eckert number.
Analog Reservoir Computing via Double-Gate Morphotropic Phase Boundary Transistors
Authors: Kwon Daewoong , Kim Jangsaeng , Park Eun Chan , Shin Wonjun , Koo Ryun-Han , Han Chang-Hyeon , Kang He Young , Jeong Jae Kyeong
Published: May 2024

Analog reservoir computing (ARC) systems have attracted attention owing to their efficiency in processing temporal information. However, the distinct functionalities of the system components pose challenges for hardware implementation. Herein, we report a fully integrated ARC system that leverages material versatility of the ferroelectric-to-morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) hafnium zirconium oxides integrated onto indium–gallium–zinc oxide thin-film transistors (TFTs). MPB-based TFTs (MPBTFTs) with nonlinear short-term memory characteristics are utilized for physical reservoirs and artificial neuron, while nonvolatile ferroelectric TFTs mimic synaptic behavior for readout networks. Furthermore, double-gate configuration of MPBTFTs enhances reservoir state differentiation and state expansion for physical reservoir and processes both excitatory and inhibitory pulses for neuronal functionality with minimal hardware burden. The seamless integration of ARC components on a single wafer executes complex real-world time-series predictions with a low normalized root mean squared error of 0.28. The material-device co-optimization proposed in this study paves the way for the development of area- and energy-efficient ARC systems.
Data-Driven Model for Solar Panel System Performance Decision Making: Longitudinal Assessment of Dust Accumulation and Panel Efficiency Degradation
Authors: Hunaiti ziad , Banibaqash Ayed , Abbod Maysam , Huneiti Zayed Ali
Published: May 2024

The deployment of solar panels plays a vital role in generating clean energy and fulfilling countries' targets for carbon reduction. However, to sustain the energy output of solar panels, regular monitoring and maintenance are crucial. This is particularly significant in countries potentially adverse environments, such as Qatar, where dust poses a significant challenge to solar panel performance, leading to energy degradation. In response to this challenge, this paper proposes a data-driven model that facilitates cost-effective monitoring of homes solar panels and enables decision-makers to make informed decisions by leveraging Generated to Consumed Electrical Energy Ratio data. The model aims to address the impact of dust accumulation on solar panels and support the efficient management of solar panel system,
A Self-Powered, Soft, and Multifunctional Triboelectric-Electrohydrodynamic Pump
Authors: Xu Minyi , Li Fangming , Sun Shuowen , Wan Xingfu , Sun Minzheng , Zhang Steven
Published: May 2024

Soft pumps have promised to revolutionize various industries including soft robotics, wearable devices, microfluidics and biomedical devices. However, low efficiency and limited power supply constrain their prolonged operation. Here, we report a self-powered triboelectric-electrohydrodynamic (TEHD) pump, which combines a soft electrohydrodynamic pump driven by an electrostatic generator, specifically a triboelectric nanogenerator; TEHD operates by collecting ambient energy and converting it into a high voltage power source, which is able to power the electrohydrodynamic pump without the need of external power supply. The performance is studied with and without power management circuit enhancement, and pressure of 4.49 kPa and flow rate of 502 mL/min could be achieved. Self-powered applications of soft actuator-driven processes, oil pumping in a microfluidic chip, and oil purification are also performed, demonstrating TEHD’s versatility. The TEHD pump holds promising applications, and offers new insights for the development of fully self-powered systems.
Hydrological Modelling of the Yerrakalava River Basin, Andhrapradesh, India
Authors: Ande Ravi
Published: May 2024

The Flooding is a frequent occurrence near the eastern coast of India in the lower Yerrakalava River basin (2402 km2). This area is a part of the Kolleru-Upputeru watershed. There isn't a practical, functional flood model to analyses this floods. Consequently, the hydrological model research region has been selected as the Yerrakalava River Basin. Using the spatial database created for this purpose, with data on rainfall, soil, slope, drainage, geology, geomorphology, and land use/cover, The HEC-HMS Event Hydrological model for the Yerrakalava River Basin was constructed. Additionally, this work offers validation, calibration, sensitivity values, and flood prognostics for the model HEC-HMS. The HEC-HMS model generates most of the required input parameters. HEC-Geo HMS and ArcGIS 9.3 are the tools used to accomplish. Recession constant, X, threshold base flow, and Muskingum K are the calibrated factors that are taken into consideration. The model performs well when its efficiency value is higher than 0.82 after calibration and validation. As a result, when paired with the Thiessen polygon rainfall technique, SCS transform, recession base flow, Muskingum routing, and daily rainfall, the Yerrakalava River Basin's HEC-HMS model works remarkably well. The outcomes demonstrate that curve numbers have a greater impact on the HEC-HMS model.
Preparation and evaluation of salt tolerant delayed- crosslinking fracturing fluid system in ultra-deep high temperature wells
Authors: Jian Cheng , Yu Yi , Yu Dingze , Chen Ping , Yan Jin , Chen Xuefeng
Published: May 2024

The Tarim area, characterized by deep reservoirs, high temperatures, and limited fresh water resources, necessitates a fracturing fluid system that exhibits excellent temperature shear resistance, low friction, and salinity tolerance. This study presents the development of a zwitterionic hydrophobic polymer, HPC-5, as an effective thickener using five types of polymeric monomers, including AM, AA, DMC, AMPS, and a non-ionic hydrophobic monomer. The method employed for synthesis was free-radical polymerization in solution. The zwitterionic design imparts great salt tolerance to HPC-5, and the apparent viscosities of HPC-5 solutions can maintain comparably high values with 6×104 ppm NaCl or CaCl2 concentration. Meanwhile, the molecules of HPC-5 associate with each other to form tight net structures, resulting in an excellent viscoelasticity of the solution. To achieve high pump rate during hydraulic fracturing operation in ultra-deep reservoirs, the delayed crosslinking agent ZDC-L was prepared for forming a delayed crosslinking gel fracturing fluid system using reservoir brine, and the drag reduction rate can reach over 70% before crossing link within 4minutes. Under pH = 4 conditions, the crosslinking time can be significantly delayed to over 4 minutes while maintaining exceptional temperature resistance up to 160 ℃ for the gel. These properties make it highly suitable for hydraulic fracturing operations in ultra-deep wells with temperatures reaching up to 7000m depth at pump rates of 4 ~ 5m3/min.
On Human Motor Coordination: The Synergy Expansion Hypothesis
Authors: Tessari Federico , West Aaron Michael , Hogan Neville
Published: May 2024

The search for an answer to Bernstein’s degrees of freedom problem has propelled a large portion of research studies in human motor control over the past six decades. Different theories have been developed to explain how humans might use their incredibly complex neuro-musculo-skeletal system with astonishing ease. Among these theories, motor synergies appeared as one possible explanation. In this work, the authors investigate the nature and role of synergies and propose a new theoretical framework, namely the “expansion hypothesis”, to answer Bernstein’s problem. The expansion hypothesis is articulated in three propositions: mechanical, developmental, and behavioral. Each proposition addresses a different question on the nature of synergies: (i) How many synergies can humans have? (ii) How do we learn and develop synergies? (iii) How do we use synergies? An example numerical simulation is presented and analyzed to clarify the hypothesis propositions. The expansion hypothesis is contextualized with respect to the existing literature on motor synergies both in healthy and impaired individuals, as well as other prominent theories in human motor control. The expansion hypothesis provides a novel and testable framework to better comprehend and explain the nature, use and evolution of human motor skills.
Analysis of Brand Building Path for Campus Marathon Races
Authors: Lin Yongsheng , Cai Chuanming , Li Lin
Published: May 2024

Sports, as a discipline in higher education institutions, serves as one of the focal points of university functions. It is essential to explore how to better develop campus sports, enhance students' physical health, foster a campus sports atmosphere, and improve the competitiveness and reputation of the institution. This paper begins with qualitative research from the perspective of human-centered management, drawing upon the theories of dissipative structures and event branding elements, to propose research hypotheses. Subsequently, a quantitative study is conducted, utilizing a questionnaire survey based on the Xiamen Polytechnic University campus marathon event in 2023. The structural equation modeling is employed to conduct empirical analysis and construct the behavioral path for constructing the university marathon event brand.
The research findings indicate that event activities are the premise for shaping the campus marathon event brand. Event organization plays a crucial role in brand shaping, while event culture serves as the core element. Event services provide the necessary support for brand building. Based on these findings, this study proposes a four-step path for the host of university events: taking sports activities as the leading force, actively encouraging student participation in sports activities, and creating a sports atmosphere; establishing organizational management departments to ensure the sustainable development of activities; incorporating event culture to deepen the connotation of the event brand; and providing comprehensive event services to enhance the event experience.
The research outcomes not only fill the gap in quantitative research in this field but also provide solutions for talent development in higher education institutions, the cultivation of a campus sports atmosphere, and the fostering of marathon branded events.
Phenotypic and molecular characterization of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) circulating into environments in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
Authors: Ouédraogo Ganamé Abasse , Kaboré Boukaré , Traoré Roukiatou , Ouédraogo Henri Sidabéwindin , Cissé Hama , Bassolé Ismael Henri Nestor , Tchoumbougnang François , Savadogo Aly
Published: May 2024

Meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) diagnostic techniques are not very easy in rattan practices in Burkina Faso and West African. This is main difficulty of good MRSA surveillance in this region. Thus, to consolidate MRSA data in locality that, 33 strains of S. aureus were tested for susceptibility to cefoxitin according using standard method. In addition, the genetic determinants including mecA gene and SCCmec cassettes were searched using conventional PCR technic to same strains. These protocols made it possible to obtain prevalence’s of 42.42% (14/33) and 18.18% (6/33) respectively of S. aureus resistant to cefoxitin and positive in Chrom MRSA ID® agar medium. From 33 S. aureus studied, 6 strains (18.18%) and 7 strains (21.21%) all of human origin were respectively positive for mecA resistance gene and SCCmec IVa cassette. This study brought circulating MRSA in the city of Ouagadougou. These MRSA harbor mecA resistance genes and SCCmec IVa cassettes.
Investigating the impact of gut microbiota on gastric cancer through the involvement of immune cells: a comprehensive Mendelian randomization study and mediation analysis
Authors: Wang Chao , Wang Jia , Guan Wenxian , Fei Bojian
Published: May 2024

Purpose
Recent observational studies have highlighted the role of altered gut microbiota (GM) involving the activation of the host immune system in the development of gastric cancer (GC), but the exact causal relationship and mechanisms at play are still not fully understood.
Materials and Methods
We used two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) and Two-step mediation MR analysis with genetic data from published GWAS to examine the causal effect of 207 taxa and 205 bacterial pathways on GC. We focused on 731 immune cell traits as potential mediators. The primary methodological approach employed was inverse variance-weighted (IVW) estimation, augmented by a range of alternative estimators, notably the Bayesian weighted MR method.
Results
Our study indicated that four taxa and five bacterial pathways demonstrated a negative correlation with GC, while one taxon and two bacterial pathways showed a positive association. There was no evidence of reverse causality found in the reverse MR analysis. Additional validation was performed through sensitivity analyses. Mediation MR analyses revealed that the GM influences GC through various phenotypes of 16 immune cells acting as mediators. For example, s_Alistipes_sp_AP11 inhibited GC through NKT %T cell (total effect: -0.3234, mediation effect: 0.0212). The mediating effect further elucidates the complex relationship between GMs, immune cell traits, and their combined effects on GC.
Conclusions
Our research demonstrates a genetic connection between specific GMs and GC, emphasizing the possible role of immune cells as mediators, and the findings offer valuable perspectives on potential therapeutic strategies aimed at manipulating GM to address GC.
Metabolomic changes in mice induced by copper exposure: systematic analysis and exploration of toxicity mechanisms
Authors: Xiao Shuai , Gong Linqiang , Zhao Shiyuan , Chu Xue , Li Fengfeng , Zhang Yazhou , Song Fangqiang , Jiang Pei
Published: May 2024

Copper, an essential trace element, is indispensable for the growth and physiological functions of living beings, influencing several critical processes like cellular energy production, antioxidant defense, communication within cells, and functioning of enzymes. However, when copper levels exceed normal limits, it can lead to significant health issues. Recent investigations into the adverse effects of copper have shed light on its toxicological impacts, particularly focusing on metabolic alterations in certain organs. Yet, comprehensive research that examines the primary organs at risk from copper toxicity through a metabolomic lens remains scarce. In this study, an untargeted metabolomics strategy was adopted to assess how copper exposure alters organ metabolites leveraging gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) with the aim of identifying possible biomarkers and investigating their association with metabolic pathway disorders. Male C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned to different experimental groups and metabolite levels in different organs were measured using GC-MS. Analyses showed very different metabolite profiles between groups, with 11, 32, 12, 18, 16, 15, 9, and 27 metabolites identified and 14 metabolites altered in serum, liver, kidney, muscle, hippocampus, cortex, lung, and pancreas, respectively, and examined the relationship between metabolites and metabolic pathways. Our findings reveal that copper is closely associated with disruption of metabolic pathways, and that copper can trigger a wide range of toxic effects through multiple pathways, such as triggering oxidative stress, interfering with mitochondrial function, altering enzyme function, weakening the body's ability to detoxify, and interfering with cell signaling. These findings reveal the complex mechanisms of copper toxicity and provide valuable information for the development of preventive and therapeutic measures for copper toxicity.
Biofilm formation and antimicrobial resistance in Enterobacterales isolated from cases of septicemia-Protocol
Authors: Devi Akoijam Nisha , Mudey Gargi
Published: May 2024

Introduction: This is a presentation of a study protocol in order to evaluate biofilm formation in enterobacterales causing septicemia so that clinical issues regarding increase in infections due to antimicrobial resistance can be solved.
Materials and methods: This is a study protocol of a prospective cross sectional simple random sampling method. A total of 100 patients blood samples will be included in the study. The bacteria from blood culture bottles will be isolated and identified using Bac-T Alert 3D/VITEK ID/Conventional method. Biofilm formation from cases of septicemia will be identified by tube method and tissue culture plate method.
Presence of biofilm production will be detected by tube method .and tissue culture plate
method Reference strain of positive biofilm producer Klebsiella pneumoniae 700603 will be
used as control. Isolates positive by both the methods will be labelled biofilm producers.
Their antimicrobial resistance will be studied.
Antibiotic susceptibility will be carried out by Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method as per
CLSI recommendations. The medium, Muller Hilton Agar (MHA) will be used.
Quality control strains of Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC
25923), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853) will be used to validate the results of antibiotic susceptibility test.
Results: This is an ongoing study protocol, and we are expecting the analysis of the results in July 2024.
Conclusion: The ability of Enterobacterales to form biofilms and acquire antimicrobial resistance significantly contributes to the pathogenesis of septicemia and treatment failure. Understanding the mechanism of formation and antimicrobial resistance will help design effective treatment and therapeutic strategies.
Categories: Microbiology, experiment
Effect of CYP2D6 and ABCB1 polymorphisms on pharmacokinetics and efficacy of aripiprazole in pediatric tic disorders
Authors: Xin Yingying , Gao Liuliu , Li Sichan , Wang Jun , Chen Chen , Tuo Yali , Nie Gang , Li Ruizhen , Sun Dan , Fu Yongli , Wang Yang , Liu Zhisheng
Published: May 2024

Backgrounds: Aripiprazole(ARI) is the first-line treatment for tic disorders (TD). It is metabolized by cytochrome P450(CYP)2D6(CYP2D6) and ATP‐binding cassette, sub-family B, member 1(ABCB1) genes. However, whether the clinical efficacy/pharmacokinetics of ARI will be influenced by genetic polymorphisms is not clear.
Methods: CYP2D6 and ABCB1 genotyping was performed. The pharmacokinetic parameters of ARI and DARI were obtained by the population pharmacokinetic model established previously. Drug response after ARI administration was evaluated according to reduction rate of Yale Global Tic Severity Scale score.
Results: The DARI/ARI metabolic ratios(MRs) of AUC0-t, Cmin and Cmax at the steady state were significantly associated with polymorphisms of rs1135840, rs5030865, rs1058164, rs28371702, rs1065852, rs1080989. The clearance(CL) of ARI were influenced by rs1135840, rs5030865, rs1080989. Rs16947, rs29001518, rs1080985 were correlated with CL of DARI. CYP2D6 polymorphisms(rs5030865) variant was associated with volume of distribution(V) of DARI. ABCB1(C3435T) rs1045642 influenced V or ARI. Rs1065852, rs1080989 was significantly associated with drug response of ARI in children with TD.
Conclusion: Clinical efficacy of TD was related with polymorphisms of rs1065852, rs1080989 and CYP2D6 genotyping was recommended in ARI treatment. More evidence and researches are needed to support the role of ABCB1 SNPs in ARI metabolization.
Exploring the potential immune cells related to the heredity of acute pancreatitis based on Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Mo Shaojian , Ling Ruiqi , Zhao Xuchen , Hu CongZhong , Liu Jiao , Xu Yingying , Xu Jiale , Xu Musen , Gao Fei , Fu Xifeng , Tian Yanzhang
Published: May 2024

Objective
Through Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis method, exploring the potential innate immune cells associated with acute pancreatitis.
Methods
This study is based on publicly available genetic data, and selects SNP related to immune cells from the immune cell data set after filtering a series of steps, and matches SNP related to immune cells as covariates for MR analysis from the AP data set.Five regression model analysis methods, including MR Egger, weighted median (WME), inverse variance weighting (IVW), simple model, and weighted model, were used to analyze the causal relationship between these immune cells and AP, and to verify the diversity of results. ity, heterogeneity and robustness.
Results
This study found that 36 types of immune cell phenotypes have potential causal relationships with AP, and further correction revealed that 4 types of immune cells have causal relationships with AP, including CD14+ CD16- OR=0.93 (95%CI=0.899-0.970, P=0.00045), CD28 OR=0.87 (95%CI=0.801-0.937,P=0.00036),CD14+ OR=0.93 (95%CI=0.897-0.971,P=0.00068),Mo MDSC OR=1.07 (95%CI=1.030-1.113, P=0.00049).The study was assessed by IVW and MR-Egger tests (P>0.05), indicating that there was no heterogeneity in the study. After the MR-Egger intercept test P>0.05, it indicated that the data did not have multiple effects and the study results were robust. The leave-one-out method removed SNPs one by one and did not find SNPs that had a large impact on the causal association estimates, indicating that the results were robust.
Conclusions
Our study found by MR that increased levels of CD14+CD16-, CD28, CD14+ may be protective factors for AP, and increased level of Mo MDSC may be a risk factor for AP. These four types of immune cells are potential immune cells genetically associated with AP.
Physical Activity Mitigates Negative Effects of Serum Cotinine Induced by Tobacco on the Risk of Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Xu Liya , Dong Xiaosheng , Gao Zan , Sun Tingting , Zhou Cailiang , Wen Xu , Hou Xiao
Published: May 2024

Introduction/Objective: This study aims to assess the complex interactions between tobacco exposure, confirmed through serum cotinine (SC) levels, physical activity (PA), and the likelihood of developing metabolic syndrome (MetS). Methods This study involved 8,423 adults from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) spanning the years 2007 to 2018. The logistic regression and quantile regression analyses were conducted to estimate the associations among SC, PA and the risk of MetS with its components. We also investigated the sex differences on these outcome variables via the analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the Chi-square test. Results The covariate-adjusted logistic regression analysis results suggest that SC concentration (unit: ng/mL) was significantly and positively associated with MetS (OR: 6.41, 95%CI: 5.81–7.08), abdominal obesity (OR: 1.92, 95%CI: 1.75–2.11), hypertension (OR: 2.70, 95%CI: 2.46–2.96), hyperglycemia (OR: 12.50, 95%CI: 10.63–14.71), hypertriglyceridemia (OR: 2.10, 95%CI: 1.90–2.33), and low HDL-C (OR: 1.61, 95%CI: 1.46–1.77). PA energy consumption (unit: MET*h/wk) was significantly and negatively associated with MetS (OR: 0.56, 95%CI: 0.51–0.61), abdominal obesity (OR: 0.71, 95%CI: 0.65–0.78), hypertension (OR: 0.55, 95%CI: 0.50–0.60), hyperglycemia (OR: 0.59, 95%CI: 0.52–0.67), and hypertriglyceridemia (OR: 0.84, 95%CI: 0.76–0.93). For males, an increase of 6 MET*h/wk in PA energy consumption compensated for the risk impact of 1 ng/mL SC on MetS. Similarly, for females, an increase of 7 MET*h/wk in PA energy consumption compensated for the risk impact of 1 ng/mL SC on MetS. Conclusions This study indicates a positive correlation between SC concentration and a higher risk of MetS, while energy expenditure through PA was inversely related to the increased risk of MetS. Additionally, there appears to be a compensatory effect between PA energy expenditure and SC levels on the risk of developing MetS.
The Impact of High-Altitude Migration on Cardiac Structure and Function: A One-Year Prospective Study
Authors: Deng Ming-dan , Zhang Xin-jie , Feng Qin , Wang Rui , He Fen , Yang Feng-wu , Liu Xian-mei , Sun Fei-fei , Tao Jie , Li Shuang , Chen Zhong
Published: May 2024

Background
The trend of human migration to terrestrial high altitudes (HA) has been increasing over the years. However, the long-term impact of this migration on cardiac structure and function remains unclear. This prospective study aimed to investigate the changes in cardiac structure and function in healthy young male lowlanders following long-term migration to HA.
Methods
A total of 122 Chinese healthy young males were divided into two groups: those migrating to altitudes between 3600 meters and 4000 meters (low HA group, n = 65) and those migrating to altitudes between 4000 meters and 4700 meters (high HA group, n = 57). Traditional echocardiographic parameters were measured at sea level, one month, and one year after migration to HA.
Results
All four cardiac chamber dimensions, areas, and volumes decreased after both one month and one year of HA exposure. This reduction was more pronounced in the high HA group than in the low HA group. Bi-ventricular diastolic function declined after one month of HA exposure, while systolic function decreased after one year. Notably, these functional changes were not significantly influenced by altitude differences. Dilation of the pulmonary artery and a progressive increase in pulmonary artery systolic pressure were observed with both increasing exposure time and altitude. Additionally, decreased diameter of the inferior vena cava and reduced bicuspid and tricuspid blood flow velocity indicated reduced blood flow following migration to HA.
Conclusions
One year of migration to HA is associated with decreased blood volume and enhanced hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction. These factors contribute to reduced cardiac chamber size and slight declines in bi-ventricular function.
Link fault tolerability of 3-ary n-cube based on $g$-good-neighbor $r$-component edge-connectivity
Authors: Zhang Qifan , Zhou Shuming , Yang Lulu
Published: May 2024

High-performance computing relies heavily on parallel and distributed systems, which promptes us to establish both qualitative and quantitative criteria to assess the fault tolerability and vulnerability of the system’s underlying interconnection networks. Consider the scenario in which large-scale link failures disconnect the interconnection network, resulting in several components and each processor has multiple neighboring processors. In this scenario, the fault tolerability of the system can be measured by ggood- neighbor r-component edge-connectivity, denoted by λg,r(G), which is defined as the minimum number of edges whose removal results in a disconnected network with at least r connected components and each vertex has at least g neighbors. It combines the strategies of g-good-neighbor edge-connectivity and component edge-connectivity. In this paper, the g-good-neighbor (r + 1)-component edge-connectivity of 3-ary n-cube is investigated. This work is the first attempt enhancing link fault tolerability for 3-ary ncube under double constraints in the presence of the large-scale faulty links, which breaks down the inherent idea that pose one limitation on the resulting network. In addition, our results cover the work of Xu et al. ([IEEE Trans. Reliab., 71 (3) (2022)]) and Li et al. ([J. Parallel Distrib. Comput., 27 (2024)]). Finally, the compared results reveal that the g-good-neighbor (r+1)-component edge-connectivity is almost r times the size of g-goodneighbor edge-connectivity and much larger than (r + 1)-component edge-connectivity in
3-ary n-cube.
Simultaneous in situ monitoring of belowground, stem and relative stomatal hydraulic conductances of grapevine demonstrates a soil-texture specific transpiration control
Authors: Delval Louis , Jonard François , Javaux Mathieu
Published: May 2024

Background and aims Assessing the interrelationships between belowground, stem and stomatal hydraulics, under various edaphic conditions, is essential to enhance understanding of how grapevine (Vitis vinifera) responds to drought. This work aimed to understand the roles of belowground and stem hydraulics of the soil-grapevine system on the transpiration control of in situ grapevine during drought.Methods We simultaneously monitored soil water potential, stem water potential, leaf water potential and actual transpiration and investigated how belowground, stem and relative stomatal hydraulic conductances of in situ grapevines evolve and coordinate during a drought event on different soil types.Results Stomatal response was triggered by a decrease of belowground hydraulic conductance, but not by xylem cavitation in the stem. Stomata started to close at less negative soil water potential in sand than in loam and stomatal downregulation is sharper in coarse-textured than in fine-textured soils. Despite these contrasted responses to soil water potential, we observed, for the first time on in situ perennial plants such as grapevine, that the onset of stomatal closure was at the same belowground hydraulic conductance for each subplot, independently of the soil texture.Conclusion These findings prove that in situ grapevines coordinate short-term hydraulic mechanisms (e.g. stomatal regulation) and longer-term growth (e.g. root:shoot ratio). These belowground and aboveground adjustments should therefore be soil-texture specific.
Loop unrolling optimization for dual SIMD extension
Authors: Yao Jinyang , Liu Lili , Fu Xuanyu , Liu Wenbo , Wu Wei , Shan Zheng
Published: May 2024

SIMD extensions are playing an increasingly important role in high-performance computing and artificial intelligence fields. To fully utilize these components, various manufacturers and institutions have implemented many optimizations for SIMD extensions, with dual SIMD extension pipeline optimization being one of them. This method generates instructions suitable for parallel execution of the integrated dual SIMD extension on processors by unrolling vectorizable loops in programs. It is integrated into a mainstream compiler GCC as an optimization pass and can be enabled with just one compilation option. Experiments were conducted on an SW421 processor, testing standard benchmark suites such as SPEC CPU 2006 and NPB. The experiments showed that after using this optimization pass, programs generated by the compiler can fully utilize the dual SIMD extension during execution. Compared with turning on the autovectorization option, the method has an acceleration effect on multiple applications in the test set, and the execution efficiency is improved by an average of 5.6% and a maximum of 14%.
Empirical Study to Compare Theperformance of Novel Cpu Implementationof Deep Learning Algorithms Withgpu-based Implementations
Authors: Al-Sobeh Eslam , Jararweh Yaser , Jarrah Prof. Moath
Published: May 2024

Deep learning architectures and algorithms have shown promising results in differentapplications. However, training deep learning algorithms is a time-consuming step and researchers used graphics processing unit (GPU) accelerators in order to achieve an acceptable execution time, especially for real life applications. Sub-LInear Deep Learning Engine (SLIDE) is a relatively new work that aims at speeding up deep learning using only central processing unit (CPUs) implementation. Additionally, TorchSLIDE used PyTorch libraries to speed up SLIDE by 2.6X. This research study attempts to provide an empirical comparison for four models which are: PyTorch baseline CPU, PyTorch baseline GPU, TorchSLIDE, and SLIDE. In the experiments, we used a server with 10 cores (Intel i9-7900X) and NVIDIA Quadro P4000 (GP104GL) GPU. Five datasets were used in the evaluation which are: Amazon-670K, Delicious-200K, AmazonCat-13K, LF-AmazonTitles-131K, and Wiki10-31K. Based on the experiments, Py-Torch baseline GPU outperforms the other three implementations and achieved the highest accuracy in less time compared with the others for all datasets. Moreover, SLIDE outperformed TorchSLIDE when using the AmazonCat-13K dataset.
Alk1/Endoglin signaling restricts vein cell size increases in response to hemodynamic cues and limits ribosomal biogenesis
Authors: Diwan Zeenat , Kang Jia , Tsztoo Emma , Siekmann Arndt F.
Published: May 2024

Hemodynamic cues are thought to control blood vessel hierarchy through a shear stress set point, where flow increases lead to blood vessel diameter expansion, while decreases in blood flow cause blood vessel narrowing. Aberrations in blood vessel diameter control can cause congenital arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). We show in zebrafish embryos that while arteries behave according to the shear stress set point model, veins do not. This behavior is dependent on distinct arterial and venous endothelial cell (EC) shapes and sizes. We show that arterial ECs enlarge more strongly when experiencing higher flow, as compared to vein cells. Through the generation of chimeric embryos, we discover that this behavior of vein cells depends on the Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP) pathway components Endoglin and Alk1. Endoglin (eng) or alk1 (acvrl1) mutant vein cells enlarge when in normal hemodynamic environments, while we do not observe a phenotype in either acvrl1 or eng mutant ECs in arteries. We further show that an increase in vein diameters initiates AVMs in eng mutants, secondarily transmitting higher flow to arteries. These enlarge in response to higher flow through increasing arterial EC sizes, fueling the AVM. Finally, single cell sequencing results and immunofluorescence analysis indicate that increases in vein EC sizes in eng mutants are likely caused by increases in ribosome biogenesis and downregulation of the translational inhibitor dap1b. This study thus reveals a mechanism through which BMP signaling limits vein EC size increases in response to flow and provides a framework for our understanding of how a small number of mutant vein cells via flow-mediated secondary effects on wildtype arterial ECs can precipitate larger AVMs in disease conditions, such as hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT).