bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Applicability of Gravity Separation Method on the Ashashire Gold Ore Deposit from Benishangul Gumuz Region, Western Ethiopia
Authors: Kabeta Misganu , Sisay Mulugeta , Gebreyohannes Goitom
Published: May 2024

The study was conducted to determine the applicability of gravity separation method on the Ashashire gold ore deposit Benishangul gumuz region, western Ethiopia. The Ashashire composite were produced to provide sufficient mass for this study and experiment includes sample preparation, mineralogical analysis of gold and associated element, gravity concentration, and data interpretation and analyzing. During the study, a grind optimization was conducted on the composites sample with varying grind size to evaluate the effect of grind size on gold recovery. The ore was moderately ground to the standard grind size of 80% - passing 106µm, 75µm, 53µm and this nominal size was selected for the preliminary assessment for concentration optimization for this deposit. The gravity testing comprised three-stage concentration using knelson concentrator. High recovery of gold from the gravity concentrates was achieved from the second gravity concentration. Based on the laboratory experimental result analysis, a grind size of P80 75µm is selected as optimal size for the Ashashire gold deposit. Increasing the grind size from P80 of 75µm to106µm decrease recovery rate from 75 % to 54 % or decreasing the grind size from P80 of 75µm to 53µm decrease gold recovery rate to 37%. The native gold grain in the ores is mostly associated with quartz and fine gold is closely associated with pyrite. According to analysis of the fire assay, chemical, and mineralogical data, only gold and telluride is commercially valuable elements in the ores. Predominantly gold was occurs in the native form of Au-Te. The sample subjected to gravity separation assayed about 2.6 g/t Au.
Ice formation and its elimination in cryopreservation of oocytes
Authors: Abdelhady Abdallah , Mittan-Moreau David , Crane Patrick , McLeod Matthew J. , Cheong Soon Hon , Thorne Robert E.
Published: May 2024

Damage from ice and toxicity of ice-inhibiting cryoprotective agents (CPAs) are key issues in assisted reproduction of humans, domestic animals, and endangered species using cryopreserved oocytes and embryos. Ice formed in bovine oocytes (similar in size to oocytes of humans and most other mammals) after rapid cooling and during rapid warming were examined using synchrotron-based time-resolved x-ray diffraction. Using cooling rates, warming rates and CPA concentrations of current practice, oocytes show no ice after cooling but always develop large ice fractions — consistent with crystallization of most free water — during warming, so most ice-related damage must occur during warming. Increasing cooling rates allows oocytes soaked as in current practice to remain essentially ice free during both cooling and warming. Much larger convective warming rates are demonstrated and will allow routine ice-free cryopreservation with smaller CPA concentrations. These results clarify the roles of cooling, warming, and CPA concentration in generating ice in oocytes and establish the structure and grain size of ice formed. Ice formation can be eliminated as a factor affecting post-thaw oocyte viability and development in many species, improving outcomes and allowing other deleterious effects of the cryopreservation cycle to be independently studied.
CoNFiLD: Conditional Neural Field Latent Diffusion Model Generating Spatiotemporal Turbulence
Authors: Wang Jian-Xun , Du Pan , Parikh Meet , Fan Xiantao , Liu Xin-Yang
Published: May 2024

This study introduces the Conditional Neural Field Latent Diffusion (CoNFiLD) model, a novel generative learning framework designed for rapid simulation of intricate spatiotemporal dynamics in chaotic and turbulent systems within three-dimensional irregular domains. Traditional eddy-resolved numerical simulations, despite offering detailed flow predictions, encounter significant limitations due to their extensive computational demands, restricting their applications in broader engineering contexts. In contrast, deep learning-based surrogate models promise efficient, data-driven solutions. However, their effectiveness is often compromised by a reliance on deterministic frameworks, which fall short in accurately capturing the chaotic and stochastic nature of turbulence. The CoNFiLD model addresses these challenges by synergistically integrating conditional neural field encoding with latent diffusion processes, enabling the memory-efficient and robust probabilistic generation of spatiotemporal turbulence under varied conditions. Leveraging Bayesian conditional sampling, the model can seamlessly adapt to a diverse range of turbulence generation scenarios without the necessity for retraining, covering applications from zero-shot full-field flow reconstruction using sparse sensor measurements to super-resolution generation and spatiotemporal flow data restoration. Comprehensive numerical experiments across a variety of inhomogeneous, anisotropic turbulent flows with irregular geometries have been conducted to evaluate the model's versatility and efficacy, showcasing its transformative potential in the domain of turbulence generation and the broader modeling of spatiotemporal dynamics.
Recent ice melt above a mantle plume track is accelerating the uplift of southeast Greenland
Authors: Weerdesteijn Maaike , Conrad Clinton
Published: May 2024

Around the periphery of the Greenland ice sheet, Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) stations record uplift, reflecting Earth’s response to past and recent unloading of ice mass. On the southeast coast, near the Kangerlussuaq glacier, GNSS stations show abnormally rapid ground uplift exceeding 12 mm/yr. Current earth deformation models, which employ a layered Earth structure, cannot explain this rapid uplift. We find that 3D models that incorporate a “track” of weakened earth structure, consistent with the passage of Greenland over the Iceland plume, can explain the rapid uplift of southeast Greenland. This uplift is dominated by a viscous response that is accelerated by the low viscosities of the hot plume track. Recent mass loss, occurring during the last millennium and especially within the past few decades, drives most of the uplift. By contrast, uplift due to more ancient deglaciation was exhausted soon after the last ice age, and thus does not contribute significantly today. This rapid viscous response, occurring above regions of weakened mantle, is not usually considered in glacial isostatic adjustment models, but it can affect ice-ocean interactions, and thus retreat rates, of marine terminating glaciers. Such regions will become increasingly important in the near future as deglaciation accelerates.
Geotechnical experimental study about the influence of RHA and SBA agricultural wastes on the engineering improvement of black cotton soils and cost-effectiveness: A case of railway performances in Shire Valley, Malawi
Authors: Nangulama Horris K.
Published: May 2024

Black cotton soil (BCS) improvement to provide stable railway structure foundations is one of the priorities of the Malawi country. BCS has initiated instability to railway structures in the Shire Valley, minimising their lifespan and leaving them non-operation. This necessitated the use of appropriate stabilization methods for the BCS. Several studies have been carried out to stabilise this soil. However, most of the studies adopt conventional admixtures such as lime and cement, which are someway expensive. This study aims to investigate the appropriateness of additives of the RHA and SBA agricultural waste materials for stabilizing BCS, in terms of the dry weight, UCS and CBR of the soils. The BCS was treated with RHA and SBA additives in percentages of 0, 4, 8, 12 and 16. The obtained laboratory experimental results showed that the additives of the RHA and SBA significantly improved the dry densities, compressive strength and penetration properties of the BCS. The study determined that up to 16% of both RHA and SBA can be used to stabilize the BCS for satisfactory engineering performance of railway structures in the Shire Valley. Moreover, the cost effectiveness of railway structures on the treated BCS with the RHA and SBA additives was analysed. The BCS stabilisation with the RHA and SBA was validated, and this research work gives a significant and practical reference on similar studies.
Exploratory Analysis and Predictive Modeling of Social Media Data by Decoding Twitter
Authors: Ramesh S. S. Subashka , Raghavaraju Charith , P Sutharsan. L. , Navis Anton Theodore
Published: May 2024

With a focus on user engagement, content distribution, sentiment analysis, and predictive modeling, the study provides a thorough analysis of Twitter data. Using popular hashtags, tweet sources, and user locations, the analysis starts by visualizing the data using Python libraries like Plotly, Seaborn, and WordCloud. To understand user behavior patterns and extract temporal information, exploratory data analysis techniques are used, and furthermore the dominant sentiment in the dataset, sentiment analysis is also carried out. The research goes one step further and involves training a neural network for classification tasks through machine learning modeling. The outcomes show how to visualize sentiment trends, tweet content, and model performance in an insightful way. The results provide insightful information about sentiment patterns, user interactions, and the dynamics of content dissemination on the Twitter network.
Assessing niche conservatism and invasive potential of the "pompom weed" Campuloclinium macrocephalum (Asteraceae) using ordination and ecological niche modeling
Authors: Farco Gabriela Elizabeth , Moreno Ercilia Maria Sara , Marques Danilo , Neffa Viviana Griselda Solís , Pico Gisela Mariel Via do
Published: May 2024

The assessments of the status of biological invasions and the implementation of mitigation strategies to reduce their detrimental effects on biodiversity represent current challenges for invasion ecology and management. The analysis of niche dynamics provides an effective tool for predicting the invasive potential of alien species, their capacity to thrive and expand and, consequently, for anticipating where they may have detrimental effects. Campuloclinium macrocephalum (Asteraceae) is a perennial herb native to Mexico, Central America, and South America. In the 1960s, this species was introduced into South Africa, where it was initially established in disturbed sites such as roadsides. Subsequently, it invaded natural grasslands, open savannahs and wetlands, displacing native species. In this study, we evaluate the consistency between the native and invaded niche of C. macrocephalum, considering climatic and edaphic variables, and using two approaches: ordination techniques and ecological niche modeling, including reciprocal niche modeling. The results of the niche equivalency and similarity tests, in conjunction with the high niche stability observed in the invaded range, indicate that C. macrocephalum exhibits niche conservatism for. The modeling and the high values of niche unfilling revealed a significant potential for further expansion in the invaded range, towards new areas in the south and southwestern region of South Africa, as well as to the east and west center of the African continent. Consequently, it is crucial to focus attention on these areas to anticipate possible future invasions. These findings provide support for the use of ecological niche models to predict the risk of invasion and the responses to climate change of C. macrocephalum..
Impacts of tree species on soil chemical properties in the reforested urban forests
Authors: Niu Hongyu , Wang Xiaorong , Chen Lu , Liang Shuyi , Shi Mengyao , Zhao Hengyue , Zhang Hongmao
Published: May 2024

Aims: Reforestation has been considered as an effective way to mitigate the adverse environment impacts from urbanization, while the role of different reforested forests on urban soil is not well known. This study aims to detect the forest soil properties across urban-nonurban gradients and explore whether and how the reforested trees affect urban soil.
Methods: We collected soil and litter samples in reforested forests in Wuhan (a megacity in central China), measured their chemical properties, and compared them with the surrounding nonurban forests. We then investigated the effects of three common reforested trees Pinus massoniana, Camphora officinarum and Quercus variabilis on the urban forest soils.
Results: We found that forest soils were more acidic but lower of N content in the urban areas than in the nonurban areas. There were significant differences in litter chemical properties (pH, organic C, N, P) among the forests planted with different trees, while only the differences in pH and P were consistent with those of forest soils. Furthermore, the more C. officinarum in an urban forest, the higher the pH in the soils, indicating a potential function of mitigating the soil acidification.
Conclusions: Although urbanization changed forest soil chemical properties, the tree species used in reforestation can affect urban forest soils through producing litter with various properties. Therefore, the biological method, i.e. planting appropriate trees will be a natural solution to address the soil problems in urban areas.
Urban Microclimate Dynamics: A Multivariate Copula Analysis Utilizing Extreme Value Theory
Authors: TOMAR SAGAR , Kulkarni Kishor S. , Kumar Sunil
Published: May 2024

This paper investigates urban microclimate dynamics through a comprehensive analysis integrating statistical methods. Statistical analyses, including the Kolmogorov-Smirnov (KS) test and the Augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) test, assess the consistency of observed data distributions and the stationarity of key variables using 40 CPCB monitoring stations in Delhi. Additionally, yearly trend analyses employing the Sequential Mann-Kendall (SQMK) test unveil notable fluctuations in atmospheric parameters, such as PM 2.5, PM 10, relative humidity, wind speed, wind direction, and atmospheric temperature. An analysis of Land Use Land Cover (LULC) changes from 2018 to 2023 shows significant agricultural, urbanization, and natural landscape shifts. Urban green spaces decrease from 42.47–35.36%, while built-up areas increase from 22.43–30.53%. KS test results indicate varying deviations from normal distribution, with p-values ranging from 1.29 E-30 to 0. Significant trend changes are observed in PM 2.5 and PM 10 concentrations in 2023, with over 150 and 300 instances, respectively, alongside notable wind speed and direction variability. These findings and the advancement of urban microclimate dynamics pave the way for sustainable urban development and climate resilience strategies.
Pandemic Profiteering at a Time of Crisis: Using Python to Detect Fraud in COVID-19 Testing and Treatment Payments
Authors: Amponsah Isaac Asamoah
Published: May 2024

Background
During the pandemic, the Centre for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) introduced waivers and rule flexibilities to address rising COVID-19 cases. This included expanding telehealth services to urban areas, along with various testing options such as surveillance testing, school and workplace testing, self-tests, and more inpatient settings such as nursing homes. The federal and state governments also covered COVID-19 testing, vaccination and treatment for the uninsured population, creating opportunities for fraud and unnecessary testing, double billing, kickbacks, and deceased billing, mainly for monetary gain, by unscrupulous healthcare providers.
Aim
The study aims to safeguard the integrity of public health resources as well as government preparedness in the wakeup of future unforeseen crises.
Methodology:
The study adopted an unsupervised learning approach. Using Python programming, the study employed the use of Isolation Forest to detect healthcare providers who had anomalies in the payment for COVID-19, treatment and vaccination by the HRSA. The study also adopted an official search enquiry into official U.S. Government websites such as the FBI, USDOJ, and HHS-OIG for schemes relating to COVID-19 testing and treatment.
Results
The isolation forest algorithm, set at a 5% contamination level, identified 1,890 healthcare providers (7.64% of total claims) as having anomalies. These providers had an average total claim amount of approximately 7.5 million. The highest anomaly claim amounted to 646 million, primarily attributed to “Claims Paid for Testing”. These results support the recommendations given to the HRSA by the Office of Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS-OIG), emphasizing the need for identifying and addressing improper payments.
Conclusion/Recommendation:
Protecting public health resources requires preventing fraud in the healthcare industry. Strong education programs for healthcare workers are crucial, as are vigilant oversight and collaboration between federal and state agencies. Additionally, this study emphasizes how crucial it is to use official government resources—such as the FBI, HHS-OIG, USDOJ, and CDC—to efficiently detect and prevent fraudulent activities. By putting these suggestions into practice, healthcare programs such as COVID-19 testing can be made more reliable, and public health resources will not be misused.
Biostratigraphy, Paleoenvironment and Hydrocarbon Potential of Fika Member of Pindiga Formation, Gongola Sub-basin, Northern Benue Trough, Ne Nigeria
Authors: Abubakar Muhammed Salam , Yandoka Babangida M. Sarki , Usman Musa Bappah
Published: May 2024

The Fika Member, a crucial stratigraphic unit within the Pindiga Formation, represents a significant geological entity with substantial implications for understanding the regional paleoenvironmental evolution and hydrocarbon prospectivity. This study integrates biostratigraphic analyses, sedimentological investigations, and hydrocarbon potential assessments to elucidate the depositional history, paleoenvironmental conditions, and source rock prospect of the Fika Member. Facies and their stratigraphical distribution analyses were conducted on the Fika Shale exposed mainly at Gabukka Stream 1 and 2. Twenty (20) samples collected were subjected for standard palynological and foraminifera analyses. A standard method of palynomorphs extraction that involves the use of Hydrofluoric and Hydrochloric acid was employed. For foraminifera analysis, washing and sieving method was used. It was found that agglutinated foraminifera are the dominance taxa in ten (10) out the twenty (20) samples studied. Based on the colours of the agglutinated foraminiferal and Foraminiferal Color Index (FCI) values suggest low thermal maturity for both oil and gas generation. The foraminiferal assemblages indicate marginal marine (fluvio marine) to shallow inner neritic environments. This is supported by the sedimentological data which indicates a shallow marine depositional environment. The biostratigraphic data suggest Santonian age for the Fika Member.
Improved PMGAT for Human-Object Interaction Detection through Graph Sampling-based Dynamic Edge Strategy (GraphSADES)
Authors: Zhang Jiali , Yunos Zuriahati Mohd , Haron Habibollah
Published: May 2024

One of the challenges in training graph neural networks (GNNs) applied to human-object interaction (HOI) is the computational complexity associated with updating and aggregating the information of all connected nodes in dense graph data, which results in a long training time and poor convergence efficiency. In particular, the parallel multi-head graph attention network (PMGAT), a graph neural network model, has achieved promising results in HOI detection by capturing the interactive associations between keypoints through local feature modules and multi-head graph attention mechanisms. However, to address the challenge of computational complexity, this study proposes a graph sampling-based dynamic edge strategy called GraphSADES to improve the PMGAT. GraphSADES reduces computational complexity by dynamically sampling a subset of edges during the training process while maintaining the precision of the original model. Initially, an object-centered complete graph is constructed, node updates are performed to obtain the initial attention coefficients, and importance coefficients are computed. Subsequently, a dynamic edge sampling strategy is adopted to reduce the computational complexity by randomly selecting a subset of edges for updating and aggregating the information in each training step. Through experimental comparative analysis, GraphSADES-PMGAT maintains the precision of the PMGAT model, and the models are trained using ResNet-50 and ViT-B/16 as backbone networks. On the dataset, HICO-DET, Floating Point Operations (FLOPs) for computational complexity are decreased by 40.12% and 39.89%, and the training time is decreased by 14.20% and 12.02%, respectively, and the convergence efficiency is the earliest to converge after 180 epochs. On the V-COCO dataset, under the same backbone network condition as HICO-DET, FLOPs decreased by 39.81% and 39.56%, training time decreased by 10.26% and 16.91%, respectively, and the convergence efficiency was the earliest to converge after 165 epochs. Specifically, GraphSADES-PMGAT maintains comparable precision while reducing FLOPs, resulting in a shorter training time and improved convergence efficiency compared to the PMGAT model. This work opens up new possibilities for achieving efficient human-object interaction detection.
Supine versus Prone Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy: A Comparison of Efficacy and Safety in Elderly Patients with Staghorn Kidney Stones
Authors: Polat Hakan , Sungur Ubeyd , Danacioglu Yavuz Onur , Akdag Azad , Polat Salih , Eksi Mithat , Karadag Serdar , Kargi Taner , Evren Ismail , Bitkin Alper
Published: May 2024

To compare percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) performed in the supine position with PNL performed in the prone position in terms of efficacy and safety in elderly patients with staghorn kidney stones. The data of patients over 65 years who underwent PNL surgery due to staghorn stones at our clinic between 2012 and 2022 was retrospectively screened. Complications were listed according to the modified Clavien-Dindo grading system, along with demographic characteristics and intraoperative and postoperative data. The patients were followed up for one month, during which their stone-free status was recorded. Of the total of 112 patients, 48 ​​(42.9%) underwent supine PNL (Group-1) and 64 (57.1%) underwent prone PNL (Group-2). There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of demographic characteristics or stone characteristics (p>0.05). The number of pelvicalyceal accesses, operation time, hemoglobin decrease, blood transfusion rate, length of hospital stay, and complication rate were statistically significantly higher in Group-2 compared to Group-1 (p<0.05). However, the groups did not statistically significantly differ in relation to the change in blood creatinine value, stone-free status, or final stone-free status (p>0.05). PNL, in both supine and prone positions, is a safe and effective method for the treatment of kidney stones in elderly patients. The advantages of the supine position compared to the prone position in these patients are fewer complications, a lower transfusion rate, and a shorter operating time.
Synergistic effect of noble metal Pt and Zn0.25Cd0.75S QDs on ZnO: Broad spectral response and its outstanding photocatalytic performance
Authors: Liu Yating , Zhao Xiaodan , Hu Tianyu , Sun Yingru , Li Siyu , Ding Siqi , Yu Yan , Li Li
Published: May 2024

In this paper, based on the modification of semiconductor ZnO by solid solution heterojunction and noble metal photoreduction, Pt/Zn0.25Cd0.75S QDs/ZnO composite with a broad spectral response was synthesized, and crystal structure, morphology, optical properties, specific surface area and electrochemical properties of composites were investigated and discussed. The prepared composite has a skeleton structure, in which the solid solution Zn0.25Cd0.75S mainly exists in the form of quantum dots (QDs), and Pt is mostly simple nanoparticles. After ZnO was modified by solid solution ZnxCd1−xS QDs and precious metal Pt with surface plasmon resonance effect, the composite has strong light absorption ability in the visible region. Compared with the ZnO monomer, the specific surface area of the nanoparticle framework has a significant enhancement, thus increasing the active sites for the photocatalytic reaction. In addition, the results of the transient photocurrent response tests and the electrochemical impedance tests show that Pt/Zn0.25Cd0.75S QDs/ZnO composite has a better carrier separation efficiency with the fastest electron transfer rate and the lowest charge transfer resistance compared with other reference systems. Furthermore, the composite exhibit excellent photocatalytic performance in the multi-mode photocatalytic degradation of dye molecules. The results of photocatalytic water splitting into hydrogen show that the hydrogen production capacity of Pt/Zn0.25Cd0.75S QDs/ZnO composite is 33.67 mmol·g− 1 in 8 h, which is 207 times higher than that of commercially available P25. Combined with the results of the capture experiments, it is finally determined that the possible photocatalytic mechanism of the composite Pt/Zn0.25Cd0.75S QDs/ZnO is more inclined to be the effect of "Z-type" heterostructure.
Multiple serous effusions：toxoplasmosis in a case with severe aplastic anemia.case report
Authors: wang xiaoning , Li Hao , Ma Le , REN JUAN , Zhao Jing , Zhang Mei , He Pengcheng
Published: May 2024

Toxoplasmosis is a rare parasitic disease that can cause fatal multi-organ failure in immunocompromised patients. Non-specificity of the symptoms and confirm diagnosis of tachyzoites in fluids or tissues by microscopic examination resulting in a delay before diagnosis.
A 28-year-old woman with severe aplastic anemia received stem cell transplantation seven months ago, presented with fever.Computed Tomography scan and ultrasonography showed moderate pleural, pericardial, peritoneal, and pelvic effusions. Metagenomic next generation sequencing of blood and alveolar lavage fluid were done, 11082 and 17154 sequence readings of toxoplasma gondii were detected and accounting for 1.34% and 17.09% of genome coverage respectively. Then, Marrow aspirate smears showed toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites and pseudocyst.
These data confirm that highlights the need for enhance vigilance against toxoplasma gondii infection in stem cell transplantation patients with multiple serous effusions and fever.
Observer-based H∞Model Predictive Control for Nonlinear Discrete-time Systems with Bounded Disturbance
Authors: Zhang Yigang , Liu Yiqi
Published: May 2024

This study introduces an observer-based H∞ model predictive control strategy, designed for discrete-time nonlinear systems affected by bounded disturbances. Initially, an output-feedback control strategy is utilized to parameterize control actions over an infinite interval and to estimate the system state. This strategy is integrated into model predictive control (MPC) to achieve optimal control and state tracking within the closed-loop system. Subsequently, the Takagi-Sugeno (T-S) fuzzy logic model is employed to address the nonlinear terms of the system, and the H∞ performance index is used to mitigate the adverse effects of bounded disturbances on system output. With the assistance of Lyapunov stability theory and linear matrix inequalities (LMI) optimization method, sufficient conditions to ensure the system's asymptotic convergence are provided. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method, a numerical example and an engineering application example are presented.
Ultralow-dose irradiation enables engraftment and intravital tracking of disease initiating niches in clonal hematopoiesis
Authors: Dissanayake Wimeth , Lee Kevin , MacLiesh Melissa , Hong Cih-Li , Yin Zi , Kawano Yuko , Kaszuba Christina , Kawano Hiroki , Marples Brian , Becker Michael , Bajaj Jeevisha , Calvi Laura M. , Yeh Shu-Chi A.
Published: May 2024

Recent advances in imaging suggested that spatial organization of hematopoietic cells in their bone marrow microenvironment (niche) regulates cell expansion, governing progression, and leukemic transformation of hematological clonal disorders. However, our ability to interrogate the niche in pre-malignant conditions has been limited, as standard murine models of these diseases rely largely on transplantation of the mutant clones into conditioned mice where the marrow microenvironment is compromised. Here, we leveraged live-animal microscopy and ultralow dose whole body or focal irradiation to capture single cells and early expansion of benign/pre-malignant clones in the functionally preserved microenvironment. 0.5 Gy whole body irradiation allowed steady engraftment of cells beyond 30 weeks compared to non-conditioned controls. In-vivo tracking and functional analyses of the microenvironment showed no change in vessel integrity, cell viability, and HSC-supportive functions of the stromal cells, suggesting minimal inflammation after the radiation insult. The approach enabled in vivo imaging of Tet2+/- and its healthy counterpart, showing preferential localization within a shared microenvironment while forming discrete micro-niches. Notably, stationary association with the niche only occurred in a subset of cells and would not be identified without live imaging. This strategy may be broadly applied to study clonal disorders in a spatial context.
Distinct Network Patterns Emerge from Cartesian and XOR Epistasis Models: A Comparative Network Science Analysis
Authors: Sha Zhendong , Freda Philip , Bhandary Priyanka , Ghosh Attri , Matsumoto Nicholas , Moore Jason , Hu Ting
Published: May 2024

Background Epistasis, the phenomenon where the effect of one gene (or variant) is masked or modified by one or more other genes, can significantly contribute to the observed phenotypic variance of complex traits. To date, it has been generally assumed that genetic interactions can be detected using a Cartesian, or multiplicative, interaction model commonly utilized in standard regression approaches. However, a recent study investigating epistasis in obesity-related traits in rats and mice has identified potential limitations of the Cartesian model, revealing that it only detects some of the genetic interactions occurring in these systems. By applying an alternative approach, the exclusive-or (XOR) model, the researchers detected a greater number of epistatic interactions and identified more biologically relevant ontological terms associated with the interacting loci. This suggests that the XOR model may provide a more comprehensive understanding of epistasis in these species and phenotypes. To further explore these findings and determine if different interaction models also make up distinct epistatic networks, we leverage network science to provide a more comprehensive view into the genetic interactions underlying BMI in this system.
Results Our comparative analysis of networks derived from Cartesian and XOR interaction models in rats (Rattus norvegicus) uncovers distinct topological characteristics for each model-derived network. Notably, we discover that networks based on the XOR model exhibit an enhanced sensitivity to epistatic interactions. This sensitivity enables the identification of network communities, revealing novel trait-related biological functions through enrichment analysis. Furthermore, we identify triangle network motifs in the XOR epistatic network, suggestive of higher-order epistasis, based on the topology of lower-order epistasis.
Conclusions These findings highlight the XOR model's ability to uncover meaningful biological associations as well as higher-order epistasis from lower-order epistatic networks. Additionally, our results demonstrate that network approaches not only enhance epistasis detection capabilities but also provide more nuanced understandings of genetic architectures underlying complex traits. The identification of community structures and motifs within these distinct networks, especially in XOR, points to the potential for network science to aid in the discovery of novel genetic pathways and regulatory networks. Such insights are important for advancing our understanding of phenotype-genotype relationships.
Novel crossover and recombination hotspots massively spread across human genome
Authors: Ohadi Mina , Arabfard Masoud , Khamse Safoura , Alizadeh Samira , Vafadar Sara , Bayat Hadi , Tajeddin Nahid , Maddi Ali M.A. , Delbari Ahmad , Khorshid Hamid R Khorram
Published: May 2024

Background
The recombination landscape and subsequent natural selection have vast consequences in evolution and speciation. However, most of the recombination hotspots in the human genome are yet to be discovered. We previously reported hotspot colonies of CG-rich trinucleotide two-repeat units (CG-TTUs) across the human genome, several of which were shared, with extensive dynamicity, as phylogenetically distant as in mouse.
Results
Here we performed a whole-genome analysis of AT trinucleotide two-repeat units (AT-TTUs) in human and found that the majority (96%) resided in approximately 1.4 million colonies, spread throughout the genome. In comparison to the CG-TTU colonies, the AT-TTU colonies were significantly more abundant and larger in size. Pure units and overlapping units of the pure units were readily detectable in the same colonies, signifying that the units are the sites of unequal crossover. Subsequently, we analyzed several of the AT-TTU colonies in several primates and mouse. We discovered dynamic sharedness of several of the colonies across the primate species, which mainly reached maximum complexity and size in human.
Conclusions
We report novel crossover and recombination hotspots of the finest molecular resolution, and evolutionary relevance in human. In respect of crossover and recombination, the human genome is far more dynamic than previously envisioned.
Experimental investigation on the hydraulic fracture initiation and propagation of temporary plugging and acid fracturing in a large-scale true triaxle simulation
Authors: Kong Xiangwei , Huang Hao , Sun Tengfei
Published: May 2024

The study investigates the initiation and propagation of multi-fractures during temporary plugging and diverting acid fracturing in deep carbonate reservoir rocks with tight formations. An orthogonal experiment using prepared carbonate outcrop rock mass simulated a genuine triaxle scenario for temporary plugging multi-fracture network acid fracturing. Analysis of 3D section scans revealed the roughness of fractured surfaces caused by acidization, helping understand the effects of different types and amounts of temporary plugging agents combined with changes in acid injection displacement on initiation process and morphological complexity during propagation when forming these temporarily plugged fractures. Design parameters for temporary plugging acid fracturing were optimized based on criteria such as fracture pressure, transformed area, and pre- and post-plug acid fracturing transformation indexes. The concentration of the temporary plug agent affects the pressure-bearing capacity of the plug layer, but excessive pumping or rapid compression can damage fibers. Rigid particle plugs allow for quicker steering, while flexible particle plugs enable slower steering. The turning and propagation of acid fracturing fractures show unsteady behavior. The sensitivity factors affecting temporary plugging acid fracturing are ranked as follows: type of temporary plugging agent > acid injection displacement > dosage of temporary plugging agent. For optimal design parameters in a temporary plugging acid fracturing process, it is recommended to use H-type particle temporary plugging agent at a dosage of 10 g and an acid injection displacement rate of 400 mL/min. Increasing both the concentration and pumping displacement rate can enhance its steering ability; however, incorporating fibers and particles into the mixture is advisable to improve stability within the plugged layer as well as throughout acid fractures.
PCL Injury Following High Energy Trauma: Associated Injuries and Postoperative Complications “Insights from a National Registry Study”
Authors: Bingol Izzet , Oktem Umut , kaymakoglu mehmet , Kolac Ulas Can , Kamaci Saygin , Korkmaz Izzet , Fidanci Ali Aykut , Ata Naim , Ulgu M. Mahir , Birinci Suayip , Karaaslan Fatih , turhan egemen , Atay Ozgur Ahmet , Kocaoglu Baris
Published: May 2024

Purpose
The posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) is a vital knee stabilizer. While PCL injuries are rare, high-energy traumas can lead to total ruptures, with accompanying injuries requiring surgery. This study aims to investigate the demographics, concomitant injuries, and postoperative complications of patients who underwent PCL reconstruction due to high-energy trauma in a large patient sample.
Methods
Patients who underwent PCL reconstruction from 2016 to 2022 were retrospectively evaluated using data from a nationwide personal health recording system. Patient demographics, injury mechanisms, associated fractures, soft tissue injuries, and postoperative complications were collected from patient notes, clinical visits, and surgical notes. Individuals with a PCL injury following high-energy trauma (car accident, falls from height, motorcycle accident) with a minimum follow-up of 1 year were included in the study.
Results
The study included 416 patients with a mean age of 32.4 years. Isolated PCL injuries (n = 97, 23.3%) were observed less frequently than multiple-ligament injuries (n = 319, 76.7%). Most cases were treated with single-stage surgery (86.8%), while staged surgeries were performed in a minority of cases (13.2%). There was no relationship between trauma mechanisms and multiple-ligament involvement, accompanying injuries, or postoperative complications. Surgeries following car accidents were more likely to occur as staged surgeries (p = 0.014). Additionally, the complication rates for staged surgeries and younger patients (≤ 18 years) were significantly higher (p = 0.009).
Conclusion
High-energy trauma-induced PCL injuries are often associated with severe concurrent knee injuries with multiple ligament involvement. PCL reconstructions following car accidents are more likely to be staged. These findings highlight the importance of careful consideration in managing these cases to minimize complications, particularly in younger age groups.
Level of evidence: Level III
Predictive modeling of response to repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in treatment-resistant depression
Authors: Benster Lindsay , Weissman Cory , Suprani Federico , Toney Kamryn , Afshar Houtan , Stapper Noah , Tello Vanessa , Stolz Louise , Poorganji Mohsen , Daskalakis Zafiris , Appelbaum Lawrence , Kohn Jordan
Published: May 2024

Identifying predictors of treatment response to repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) remain elusive in treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Leveraging electronic medical records (EMR), this retrospective cohort study applied supervised machine learning (ML) to sociodemographic, clinical, and treatment-related data to predict depressive symptom response (>50% reduction on PHQ-9) and remission (PHQ-9 < 5) following rTMS in 232 patients with TRD (mean age: 54.5, 63.4% women) treated at the University of California, San Diego Interventional Psychiatry Program between 2017 and 2023. ML models were internally validated using nested cross-validation and Shapley values were calculated to quantify contributions of each feature to response prediction. The best-fit models proved reasonably accurate at discriminating treatment responders (Area under the curve (AUC): 0.689 [0.638, 0.740], p < 0.01) and remitters (AUC 0.745 [0.692, 0.797], p < 0.01), though only the response model was well-calibrated. Both models were associated with significant net benefits, indicating their potential utility for clinical decision-making. Shapley values revealed that patients with comorbid anxiety, obesity, concurrent psychiatric medication use, and more chronic TRD were less likely to respond or remit following rTMS. Patients with trauma and former tobacco users were more likely to respond. Furthermore, delivery of intermittent theta burst stimulation and more rTMS sessions were associated with superior outcomes. These findings highlight the potential of ML-guided techniques to guide clinical decision-making for rTMS treatment in patients with TRD to optimize therapeutic outcomes.
Development of a predictive nomogram for sepsis in patients with urolithiasis-related obstructive pyelonephritis
Authors: Tsai Yi-Chun , Huang Yu-Hsuan , Niu Kuang-Yu , Yeh Hsin-Tzu , Lu Sz-Wei , Lo Yu-Tai , Tsai Yu-Chen , Chen Chen-Bin , Yen Chieh-Ching
Published: May 2024

Background: In patients with urolithiasis-related obstructive pyelonephritis (UROP), sepsis represents a critical and concerning complication that can substantially increase the mortality rate. This study aimed to identify the risk factors for sepsis in UROP patients and to develop a predictive nomogram model.
Methods: We analyzed data from 148 patients who met the UROP criteria and were admitted to Chang Gung Memorial Hospital between January 1, 2016, and December 31, 2021. The primary outcome evaluated was the incidence of sepsis, as defined by the most recent Sepsis-3 guidelines. To identify potential risk factors for sepsis, we employed the Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression technique. Subsequently, we utilized multivariable logistic regression to construct the predictive model.
Results: There were a total of 102 non-sepsis cases and 46 sepsis cases. The sepsis group showed significantly lower systolic blood pressure (p < 0.001), a higher heart rate (p = 0.002), a higher shock index (SI) (p < 0.001), a more prevalent history of diabetes mellitus (DM) (p = 0.015), and the mean hospital length of stay was significantly longer (p < 0.001). The laboratory results indicated a higher rate of positive blood culture in the sepsis group (60.9% vs 33.3%, p = 0.002), increased serum white blood cell counts (17.2 ± 10.9 103/uL vs 12.8 ± 6.4 103/uL, p = 0.014), a higher proportion of bandemia (26.1% vs 4.1%, p < 0.001), elevated CRP levels (19.9 ± 9.8 mg/dL vs 9.9 ± 9.9 mg/dL, p < 0.001), and a higher neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) (23.6 ± 20.3 vs 12.9 ± 10.1, p < 0.001). Risk factors for sepsis in multivariable analysis were a history of DM (OR = 4.24, p = 0.007), SI (x10-1) (OR = 1.55, p < 0.001), CRP (mg/dL) (OR = 1.08, p = 0.005), and NLR (x10) (OR = 1.58, p = 0.007).
Conclusions: Our study demonstrated that patients with UROP who have DM, higher SI, higher NLR, and elevated CRP levels are significantly more likely to develop sepsis. These insights may aid in risk stratification, and it is imperative that clinicians promptly initiate treatment for those identified as high risk.
The effect of miR-20b on breast cancer cell proliferation and related mechanism
Authors: Li Wei , He Pengjuan , Cui Xiaochen , Zhang Taotao
Published: May 2024

Background and Purpose
Breast cancer is the the most common malignant tumor of women, and contributes to the main cause of death of female malignant tumors. Although there are many mutated oncogenes and anti-oncogenes during the course of breast cancer formation, it is not clear that the specific molecular mechanism to maintain the malignant proliferation of tumor cells. Studies have shown that microRNAs (miRNAs) display specific expression in different tumor tissues and play an important role in the development of tumors. The purpose of this paper is to explore the influences of miR-20b on the breast cancer cell proliferation and the regulation function of miR-20b to the targeted genes.It will provide evidence for diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer and lay a foundation for its clinical targeted diagnosis and treatment.
Methods
We analyzed the expressive levels of miR-20b within cancer tissue and corresponding normal tissue adjacent to carcinoma of 10 breast cancer patients, as well as the normal breast epithelial cell lines MCF-10A and SKBR3, MCF-7, and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell lines through quantitative PCR (qPCR). MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell line was up-regulated by miR-20b, and the effect of miR-20b on proliferation ability of breast cancer cells were detected by MTT and colony formation assay. The effect of miR-20b on the tumor formation ability of 231 breast cancer cells was detected by the breast cancer model of BALB/c mice. we used the bioinformatics to predict the possible downstream target genes, and verified it through luciferase experiment. Finally, the regulation effect of miR-20b on target genes was detected by qPCR and western blot in mRNA and protein levels.
Results
The present study confirmed that the expressive level of miR-20b were significantly reduced in breast cancer tissue and cells. MTT and colony formation data showed that miR-20b inhibited the proliferation ability of 231 breast cancer cells, and the breast cancer model of BALB/c nude mice showed that miR-20b inhibited the tumor formation ability of 231 breast cancer cells. The luciferase experiment confirmed that hypoxia inducible factor-α(HIF-α)was a potential downstream target gene of miR-20b. Finally we found by qPCR and western blot that miR-20b could inhibit the expression of target gene HIF-α in mRNA and protein levels.
Conclusions
MiR-20b can inhibit the proliferation of breast cancer cells. MiR-20b can inhibit the expression of target gene HIF-α in mRNA and protein levels.
Modeling the Interaction of L-Hydroxyproline, a Constituent of Collagen, with a Hydrated TiO2 lattice at Varied Concentrations: Examining Surface and Long-Range Effects
Authors: Valentini Maria , Caboni Pierluigi , Sanna Giovanni , Pisu Massimo , Pieroni Enrico
Published: May 2024

This study investigates the interaction between L-hydroxyproline (LHP), a key component of collagen, and a hydrated titanium dioxide (TiO2) lattice at various LHP concentrations. It represents the first step toward a broader project aimed at recycling agri-food wastes and byproducts, particularly mussel byssus, to enhance existing nano-coatings and design new ones. We performed gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of byssus, which revealed 22 metabolites, confirming glycine, L-proline, and particularly LHP as key biomolecules. Subsequently, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations provided insights into LHP-lattice interaction mechanisms, revealing the TiO2 lattice's ability to align LHP rings near-perpendicular to the lattice surface and near-parallel to each other, facilitated by the LHP tail functional group. This indicates optimal LHP packing, particularly close to the surface, and the formation of durable bonds between LHPs and lattice atoms. The analysis, particularly radial distribution functions, indicates that lattice-driven organizing interactions extend from the surface region to the bulk liquid phase thanks to the LHP– and water–mediated contributions. Overall, the simulation provides a chemical-physics rationale to explain improved collagen adhesion to the TiO2 lattice, contributing to understanding collagen-TiO2 interactions, and offering valuable insights for nanomaterials, biomaterials, tissue engineering, and biomedical applications.