bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Screening for comorbid autoimmune disease should be considered in children with ANA positive juvenile idiopathic arthritis – results from the south-Swedish juvenile idiopathic arthritis cohort
Authors: Dahlberg Alma , Tydén Helena , Jöud Anna Saxne , Kahn Fredrik , Berthold Elisabet
Published: June 2024

Background
There is no consensus or clinical guidelines for screening routines of autoimmune disease in individuals with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), since results are conflicting whether the risk for such conditions is increased or not among individuals with JIA. The aim of this study was to investigate if the frequency of comorbid autoimmune conditions is increased after JIA diagnosis in a validated population-based JIA cohort in southern Sweden.
Methods
Autoimmune comorbidities were evaluated in a pre-existing population-based JIA cohort of 302 participants, constituting of individuals diagnosed with a validated JIA diagnosis 2000–2010 in southern Sweden. The comorbidities were determined through analysis of diagnosis codes registered after the JIA diagnosis and until 2019. With the use of a reference population of 1510 age- and sex matched individuals, hazard ratios (HR) were calculated with Cox proportional models.
Results
During the study period, 7.7% of the JIA cohort received an autoimmune diagnosis after their JIA diagnosis. Individuals with JIA had an increased risk of autoimmune diseases in general (HR 2.01, 95% CI 1.16–3.51), as well as separately for coeliac disease (HR 3.98, 95% CI 1.44–11.01) compared to the reference population. Antinuclear antibody (ANA) positivity as well as treatment with disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARD) was associated with a significantly increased risk of comorbid autoimmune disease in the JIA cohort, with HR 5.11 (95% CI 1.54–16.96) for ANA positive individuals and HR 7.23 (95% CI 1.65–31.70) for those with DMARD treatment.
Conclusions
Individuals with JIA have a significantly increased risk of being diagnosed with an autoimmune condition after receiving their JIA diagnosis compared to matched references. ANA positivity and DMARD treatment is associated with a further increased risk. Our results emphasize awareness in physicians of additional autoimmune disorders in individuals with JIA and advocate serological screening of autoimmune conditions during follow-up.
Comparison of clinical and neonatal outcomes between day 4 and day 5 embryo transfer cycles stratified by fertilization method
Authors: Tao Linlin , Li Guozhen , Geng Yasong , Guo Yuying , Yang Zhiwei , Dai Haoyang , Zheng Bo , Wang Shusong , Dai Fangfang
Published: June 2024

Background:In IVF-ET cycles, the day of embryo transfer and the fertilization method are related to the success of the pregnancy.Recent evidence indicates that in IVF-ET, the clinical outcomes of embryo transfer on day 4 (D4 ET) were comparable to those of embryo transfer on day 5 (D5 ET).
Few research have compared the clinical and neonatal outcomes of transplants performed on different days and with different fertilization methods.The purpose of this study was to compare the neonatal and clinical outcomes between D4 and D5 ET, stratified by type of fertilization.
Methods:This retrospective cohort study was conducted in the Xingtai Infertility Specialist Hospital between January 2018 and March 2023. A total of 1,622 fresh ART cycles met the inclusion criteria, including 1292 IVF transfers and 330 ICSI transfers.
Conclusions: The clinical pregnancy and neonatal outcomes of D4 transfer were comparable to those of D5 transfer in fresh cycles. To improve clinical pregnancy outcomes and neonatal outcomes, D4 transfer should be given priority when fertilization method is IVF, when the E2 level on the hCG day is ≥3,807pg/ml, or when the LH value is ＜0.67 U/L.
Clinical application of FIGO 2023 staging system of endometrial cancer in a Chinese cohort
Authors: Yu Changmin , Yuan Xinhui , Yao Qianlan , Xu Yuyin , Zhou Xiaoyan , Hu Xin , Yang Huijuan , Wang Huaying , Zhu Xiaoli , Ren Yulan
Published: June 2024

Objective: The International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) 2023 staging system represents a refined classification with a comprehensive and improved prognostic significance for endometrial cancer (EC). Our objective is to further explore the clinical utility of the 2023 FIGO staging system in China.
Methods: In current study, we conducted a retrospective analysis involving 547 patients who received standard surgeries and underwent genetic testing using multigene next-generation sequencing panels between December 2018 and December 2023 at Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center. The genomic and clinical data of all patients were analyzed, and patients were restaged according to the 2023 staging systems.
Results: After rearrangement of FIGO 2023 staging system in 547 cases, 345 cases of stage I, 107 cases of stage II, 69 cases of stage III, and 26 cases of stage IV were observed. The median follow-up duration was 19.0 months. Stage rearrangements occurred in 92/547 (16.8%) patients. 63 cases and 53 cases were re-classified into IAmPOLEmut and IICmp53abn from early stages (stage I and II), respectively, due to the molecular subtype of POLEmut and p53abn. Among stage I diseases, the 3-year PFS rate was 92.7% and 95.3% according to the 2009 and 2023 FIGO staging systems, respectively. The 3-year PFS of stage II patients under the 2023 FIGO staging system was lower than that of 2009 (3-year PFS: 85.0% versus 90.9%), especially in substage IIC and IICmp53abn. 3 cases (12%) of stage IIIA were rearranged into stage IA3, with 3-year PFS rates of 90.9% versus 100%, respectively. In genomic sequencing analysis, the most prevalent gene alterations occur in PTEN and PIK3CA.
Conclusion: Predominant stage reclassifications were observed in early-stage diseases, emphasizing the enhanced precision provided by the new 2023 FIGO staging system in EC prognosis, which may facilitate more accurate therapeutic strategies. Distinct gene alterations also help to understand the characteristics of different subtypes.
Associations between affect and dizziness symptoms: Ecological Momentary Assessment study in functional dizziness
Authors: Hashimoto Kazuaki , Takeuchi Takeaki , Tanobe Kaho , Takeda Noriko , Koyama Akiko , Hashizume Masahiro
Published: June 2024

An association between dizziness symptoms and psychological factors has been hypothesized, but evaluating this through questionnaires alone risks recall bias. We aimed to clarify this relationship using the EMA method to reduce bias. Participants comprised 30 patients (16 with persistent postural perceptual dizziness (PPPD), 14 with the others) aged 20–74 years with functional dizziness symptoms. Participants were sent survey forms at random times for 10 days, 890 hierarchical data were obtained. Survey forms were included the Subjective Dizziness Symptoms (SDS) evaluated as medical condition and the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule assessed as affects. Level 1 model revealed: Positive affect (PA) had a negative fixed effect on SDS in both groups, but the group-mean centering of PA was significant only in the others group. Level 2 model revealed: Negative affect (NA) had a significant fixed effect in both groups; however, the interaction between PA and NA was significant only in the others group. A simple slope analysis of the others group revealed that, in participants with higher NA, reduced momentary SDS was associated with higher PA. Functional dizziness symptoms were more severe when PA was low and NA high. Treatment for functional dizziness pathology could begin with PA.
Integrating Bulk-seq and Single-cell-seq Reveals TNFSF9 as a Key Regulator in Microsatellite Instability- Positive Stomach Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Zhou Jianlong , Zhang Yucheng , Liu Yongfeng , Li Jiehui , Zhang Wenxing , Wang Junjiang , Yao Xueqing , Feng Huolun , Zheng Jiabin , Li Yong
Published: June 2024

Background:
Stomach adenocarcinoma (STAD) with microsatellite instability (MSI) have better prognosis compared with nonMSI. This study aims to elucidate the distinctions in the tumor microenvironment (TME) of MSI and explore its potential mechanisms in STAD.
Methods:
We analyzed TME differences between MSI and non-MSI using integrated single-cell RNA sequencing (N = 26) and bulk RNA sequencing (N = 237). Differentially expressed genes unveiled key pathways and hub genes, and TNFSF9 expression was validated through immunohistochemistry (IHC) quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and Western blot analysis (WB).
Results:
The results demonstrated a significant association between MSI and improved prognosis (p < 0.05), along with a higher tumor mutation burden (p < 0.05). Our study revealed increased abundance of antigen-presenting cells (APCs) in MSI, including M1 cells (40.1% vs. 27.9%) and activated dendritic cells (22.1% vs. 10.5%). Signaling pathway and cell communication analyses indicated the enrichment of cytokine-related pathways in MSI. The findings further revealed an increased expression of TNFSF9 by tumor epithelial cells in MSI. Correlation analysis revealed a positive association between TNFSF9 expression and increased APC abundance. IHC, qPCR, and WB validation revealed increased TNFSF9 expression in MSI tumor epithelial cells.
Conclusions:
These results offer new insights into the TME in MSI, emphasizing the significant role of TNFSF9 in mediating MSI status, enhancing immunotherapy efficacy, and improving patient survival in STAD.
Trajectories Of Persisting Covid-19 Symptoms Up To 24 Months After Acute Infection: Findings From The Predi-Covid Cohort Study
Authors: Fischer Aurélie , Zhang Lu , Elbéji Abir , Wilmes Paul , Snoeck Chantal J. , Larché Jérôme , Oustric Pauline , Ollert Markus , Fagherazzi Guy
Published: June 2024

Introduction
: Long COVID is a multisystemic, fluctuating condition inducing a high burden on affected people. Despite the existence of some guidelines, its management remains complicated. We aimed to demonstrate that Long COVID evolution follows different trajectories from the initial infection until 24 months after and to identify the determinants of these trajectories.
Methods
Study participants from the Predi-COVID cohort included between May 2020 and September 2021 were digitally followed from their acute SARS-CoV-2 infection until a maximum of 24 months. Data from 10 common symptoms were collected at study inclusion, and months 12, 15, and 24 and used to create a total symptom score. Impact of symptoms on quality of life (sleep, respiratory quality of life, anxiety, stress, and fatigue) was assessed at month 24 using standardized questionnaires and ad-hoc questions. Latent classes mixed models were used to identify total score symptom trajectories and individual symptoms trajectories.
Results
We included 555 participants with at least 2 different time points available during follow-up. We identified 2 trajectories: T1 “Mild symptoms, fast resolution” (N = 376; 67.7%), and T2 “Elevated and persisting symptoms” (N = 179; 32.3%). Symptom severity was worse in T2 than in T1 at 24 months (high fatigue level: 64.8% vs 19.5%, altered respiratory quality of life: 42.6% vs 4.6%, anxiety: 24.1% vs 4.6%, stress: 57.4% vs 35.6%, and bad sleep: 75.9% vs 51.1%). Fatigue and pain-related symptom frequencies in T2 increased between acute infection and month 12, and remained elevated until 24 months. Women, elevated body mass index, diabetes, and chronic medications were associated with T2.
Conclusion
A third of our study population was in the T2 “Elevated and persisting symptoms” trajectory, presenting high symptom frequencies up to 24 months after initial infection, with a significant impact on quality of life. This work underlined the urgent need to better identify individuals most vulnerable to long-term complications to develop tailored interventions for them.
RETRACTED: Electronically Weakly Coupled 4,4'-Divinylazoarylenes-Bridged Diruthenium Complexes Featuring Two Ru(PiPr3)2Cl(CO) Entities
Authors: Abdel-Rahman Obadah S.
Published: June 2024

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Real-time Monitoring by Interferometric Light Microscopy of Phage Suspensions for Personalised Phage Therapy
Authors: Lapras Benjamine , Merienne Camille , Eynaud Emma , Usseglio Lea , Marchand Chloe , Medina Mathieu , Kolenda Camille , Briot Thomas , Laurent Frederic , Pirot Fabrice
Published: June 2024

Phage therapy uses viruses (phages) against antibiotic resistance. Tailoring treatments to specific patient strains requires stocks of various highly concentrated purified phages. It therefore faces challenges: titration duration and specificity to a phage/bacteria couple; purification affecting stability; and highly concentrated suspensions tending to aggregate. To address these challenges, interferometric light microscopy (ILM), characterising particles (size, concentration, and visual homogeneity) within minutes, was applied herein to myovirus phage suspensions. Particle concentration was linearly correlated with phage titre (R²>0.97, slope: 3 particles/plaque forming units (PFU)) at various degrees of purification, allowing to estimate phage titre for suspensions ≥3.108 PFU/mL, thereby encompassing most therapeutic doses. Purification narrowed and homogenised particle distribution while maintaining therapeutic concentrations. When compared to dynamic light scattering, electrophoretic mobility, and UV/Visible-spectroscopy, ILM best detected aggregates according to our homemade scoring. The present proof-of-concept positions ILM as a valuable quality control tool for phage suspensions, paving the way for further investigations.
Development and Validation of a Prognostic Model for Patients with Heart Failure with reduced Ejection Fraction
Authors: Yuan Jia-Lin , Huang JingYan , Liang SangYu , Liu HuaTong , Hong ChuangXiong , Chen HuiBing , Sun Le , Chen QiuXiong
Published: June 2024

Prognostic predictive model for patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) is scarce. This study aimed to develop a prognostic model for HFrEF patients. This retrospective cohort enrolled 211 eligible patients with HFrEF, the median follow-up of this cohort was 16 months, the one-year mortality rate was 26.1%(55/211). Cox regression showed that age, history of coronary artery disease (CAD), glucose (Glu), and the use of beta-blockers were independent predictors of the occurrence of all-cause mortality in patients with HFrEF after discharge. The cohort was divided into the development set (N = 120) and the validation set (N = 91) in a ratio of 6:4. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression and cox regression screened out 4 variables for the development of the model, including age, sex, serum creatinine (sCr) and use of beta-blockers). A nomogram was constructed, it has a C indexes 0.76 (95%CI 0.67–0.84), AUC of ROC curve of 1 year mortality of the model was 0.79 (95%CI 0.68–0.89), indicating a good differentiation of the model. Calibration plot of the model was drawn and revealed a good calibration. The DCA plots showed that when the threshold probability was between 3 ~ 77% (development group), the model adds benefit to the patients. This model is sure to cast some light on clinical medicine for HFrEF.
Chemotherapy sequence in advanced pancreatic cancer – still a matter of debate?
Authors: Schlick Konstantin , Huemer Florian , Seymer Alexander , Horvard Lena , heregger Ronald , Greil Richard , Djanani Angela , Gerger Armin , Weiss Lukas , Riedl Jakob
Published: June 2024

Background:
Managing advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (aPDAC) is challenging, particularly in determining the optimal sequence of chemotherapy protocols. Despite a 5-year survival rate of only 3%, recent data from the US National Cancer Database indicate significant improvements in median overall survival (OS) for patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer over the past decade. This progress is attributed to enhanced chemotherapy regimens, the introduction of (new)-adjuvant chemotherapy, improved surgical techniques, and centralized treatment in high-volume centers.
Methods:
We conducted a retrospective cohort study at three Austrian academic centers, including patients with histologically confirmed primary locally advanced or metastatic PDAC who received first-line chemotherapy with either FOLFIRINOX (FFX) or gemcitabine + nab-paclitaxel (GN), followed by second-line treatments with GN or nanoliposomal irinotecan with fluorouracil + leucovorin (nal-IRI/5-FU) after progression. The study's primary endpoints were second progression-free survival (PFS2) and OS. Statistical analyses employed propensity score matching and inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) to balance the groups and estimate the impact of the treatment sequences on outcomes.
Results:
Among 455 screened patients, 118 met the inclusion criteria, with 73 receiving FFX followed by GN and 45 receiving GN followed by nal-IRI/5-FU. The median OS was 15.4 months, and PFS2 was 11.5 months for the entire cohort. The GN-nal-IRI/5-FU sequence showed a trend toward improved OS compared to the FFX-GN sequence (HR = 0.57, p = 0.07), with comparable PFS2 between the two regimens (HR = 0.87, p = 0.58). Baseline characteristics differed significantly between the groups, necessitating the use of IPTW to ensure comparability.
Discussion:
This study is the largest to date comparing the efficacy of FFX followed by GN versus GN followed by nal-IRI/5-FU in aPDAC. The GN-nal-IRI/5-FU sequence demonstrated a potential survival benefit, although not statistically significant. The results suggest that both treatment sequences are viable, particularly where access to newer agents is limited. The study's retrospective nature and baseline differences between groups are acknowledged limitations.
Conclusion:
For patients suitable for triplet therapies, starting with NALIRIFOX or mFOLFIRINOX is supported by recent phase 3 trials. For those not fit for such intensive regimens, GN followed by nal-IRI/5-FU remains a valid strategy. Further prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Portuguese cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture 2.0
Authors: Freitas Elsa , Silva Carina , Eiras Margarida
Published: June 2024

Background
As patient safety continues to be a global priority, it is crucial to emphasize the assessment and development of Patient Safety Culture to advance healthcare quality and safety initiatives worldwide. This study focused on the assessment of patient safety culture in Portuguese hospitals, specifically through the translation and cultural adaptation of the Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture 2.0 (HSOPSC 2.0) for the Portuguese context.
Methods
The research involved a two-phase study design, including translation, cultural adaptation, and psychometric analysis of the HSOPSC 2.0. The study sample comprised seven public hospitals from different regions in Portugal, ensuring a diverse representation within the Portuguese National Health System. Analysis of the data involved statistical methods such as Structural Equation Models, Exploratory Factor Analysis, Confirmatory Factor Analysis, and composite reliability analysis.
Results
The results showed that the translated version of HSOPSC 2.0 (PT-HSOPSC 2.0) had good internal consistency and construct validity. Therefore, the instrument is reliable and valid for assessing Patient Safety Culture in Portuguese healthcare settings. The analysis revealed both strengths and areas for improvement in the patient safety culture in Portuguese hospitals. Strengths included teamwork and management support for patient safety, while opportunities for improvement were related to open communication and hospital management.
Conclusion
This study contributes significantly to enhancing patient safety culture assessment in Portuguese healthcare settings by updating and validating the Portuguese version of HSOPSC 2.0.
Trees versus Neural Networks for enhancing tau lepton real-time selection in proton-proton collisions
Authors: Yaari Maayan , Barron Uriel , Dominguez Luis Pascual , Chen Boping , Barak Liron , Etzion Erez , Gyres Raja
Published: June 2024

This paper introduces supervised learning techniques for real-time selection (triggering) of hadronically decaying tau leptons in proton-proton colliders. By implementing classic machine learning decision trees and advanced deep learning models, such as Multi-Layer Perceptron or residual neural networks, visible improvements in performance compared to standard threshold tau triggers are observed. We show how such an implementation may lower selection energy thresholds, thus contributing to increasing the sensitivity of searches for new phenomena in proton-proton collisions classified by low-energy tau leptons. Moreover, we analyze when it is better to use neural networks versus decision trees for tau triggers with conclusions relevant to other problems in physics.
Detection and Mitigation of DDoS attacks based on Multi-dimensional Characteristics in SDN
Authors: Wang Kun , Fu Yu , Duan Xueyuan , Liu Taotao
Published: June 2024

Due to the large computational overhead, underutilization of features, and high bandwidth consumption in traditional SDN environments for DDoS attack detection and mitigation methods, this paper proposes a two-stage detection and mitigation method for DDoS attacks in SDN based on multi-dimensional characteristics. Firstly, an analysis of the traffic statistics from the SDN switch ports is performed, which aids in conducting a coarse-grained detection of DDoS attacks within the network. Subsequently, a Multi-Dimensional Deep Convolutional Classifier (MDDCC) is constructed using wavelet decomposition and convolutional neural networks to extract multi-dimensional characteristics from the traffic data passing through suspicious switches. Based on these extracted multi-dimensional characteristics, a simple classifier can be employed to accurately detect attack samples. Finally, by integrating graph theory with restrictive strategies, the source of attacks in SDN networks can be effectively traced and isolated. The experimental results indicate that the proposed method, which utilizes a minimal amount of statistical information, can quickly and accurately detect attacks within the SDN network. It demonstrates superior accuracy and generalization capabilities compared to traditional detection methods, especially when tested on both simulated and public datasets. Furthermore, by isolating the affected nodes, the method effectively mitigates the impact of the attacks, ensuring the normal transmission of legitimate traffic during network attacks. This approach not only enhances the detection capabilities but also provides a robust mechanism for containing the spread of cyber threats, thereby safeguarding the integrity and performance of the network.
The dual effect of work rumination in the relationship between challenge stress and innovative behavior: A moderated mediation model of information literacy
Authors: yao lifeng , li siqi , yao liping , jia qin , dai jing
Published: June 2024

Background
Nurses encounter significant challenge stress, which has the potential to influence their innovative behavior. However, the precise mechanisms underlying this phenomenon remain unclear. This study sought to examine the mediating role of work rumination in the relationship between challenge stress and innovative behavior. Additionally, it aimed to explore the moderating role of information literacy in the association between work rumination and innovative behavior among Chinese nurses.
Methods
A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 533 nurses from 25 hospitals in China in May 2024. Participants were instructed to complete an online questionnaire designed to measure challenge stress, work rumination, information literacy, and innovative behavior. The data collected from the questionnaire was subsequently analyzed using mediation and moderated mediation analyses, carried out with the aid of the PROCESS macro in SPSS.
Results
Challenge stress was positively associated with innovative behavior (r = 0.142, p < 0.01) and work rumination (r = 0.348, p < 0.01). Work rumination partially mediated the relationship between challenge stress and innovative behavior (indirect effect: 0.279, 95% CI [0.199, 0.362]). Affective rumination had a negative indirect effect (Effect=-0.135, 95% CI [-0.222, -0.043]), while problem-solving pondering had a positive indirect effect (Effect = 0.121, 95% CI [0.064, 0.182]). Information literacy moderated the relationship between work rumination and innovative behavior (interaction term β = 0.069, p = 0.019), with the mediating effect being stronger among nurses with higher information literacy (Effect = 0.204, 95% CI [0.121, 0.287]).
Conclusion
Work rumination plays a mediating role in the relationship between challenge stress and nurses' innovative behavior. Specifically, problem-solving pondering exerts a positive influence, while affective rumination exerts a negative influence. Information literacy enhances the positive mediating effect of work rumination. These findings underscore the significance of promoting positive work rumination and information literacy to cultivate innovative behavior among nurses who encounter challenge stress.
Crossroads of Choice: A qualitative study of the factors influencing decisions to transition from sex work among women engaged in sex work in Southern Uganda
Authors: Nattabi Jennifer , Bahar Ozge Sensoy , Nabayinda Josephine , Nabunya Proscovia , Kiyingi Joshua , Kizito Samuel , Namuwonge Flavia , Nsubuga Edward , Witte Susan S. , Ssewamala Fred M.
Published: June 2024

Background
Women Engaged in commercial Sex Work (WESW) are exposed to behavioral, biological, and structural factors that exacerbate their risk to HIV infection and other sexually transmitted infections. While commercial sex work may appear voluntary, WESW are more likely to be constrained to selling sex due to limited viable alternatives. To effectively support this vulnerable group of women, it is critical to understand factors that facilitate and impede their decisions to transition from sex work into other careers or jobs. The current study explored women’s decision to transition from sex work into other careers or jobs.
Methods
Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 53 WESW aged 20–47 enrolled within a larger study-Kyaterekera study, a randomized clinical trial (N = 542) implemented in 19 HIV hotspots in the Southern region of Uganda. Participants were selected based on their intervention attendance (high/medium/low attendance). The interviews were conducted in Luganda the widely spoken language in the study area to explore the factors influencing women’s decisions to from transition from sex work to other jobs or careers. The main interview question used for this study was, “What are some of the factors that may influence whether you would transition from sex work to other jobs or vocations?”. All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and translated into English. Thematic analysis in Dedoose software was used to analyze the data.
Results
Participants reported three primary types of decisions, including considering leaving sex work, deciding to leave, and continuing sex work. The emerging themes from the interviews were categorized into individual and structural level facilitators and barriers to leave sex work. Individual level factors included issues of stigma, discrimination, and aging as factors that facilitated women’s decision to leave sex work. At the structural level, factors which include interpersonal stigma and discrimination (from immediate family and community members), physical and sexual violence and income related factors were identified as facilitators and barriers to leaving sex work.
Conclusion
Our study highlights the complex decision-making processes among WESW as they navigate transitions to alternative jobs or careers. By advocating for multifaceted interventions and policies tailored to the diverse challenges faced by WESW, our study contributes to a more informed approach to supporting their transition out of sex work.
Analysis of the Impact of Inclined Grooves on the Interior Surface of Shaped Charge Liners on the Post-Penetration Damage Effects of Fragmentation Clouds
Authors: Zhou Peng , Li Rujiang , Zhou Dan
Published: June 2024

Due to the fact that traditional oxygen-free copper liners rely on the Monroe effect to generate a metal jet for penetrating target armor, resulting in the formation of a fragment cloud and residual jet particles post-armor penetration, which inflict damage on the target, there is a need to enhance the damaging effect of the metal jet after penetrating armor. In this regard, an internally inclined groove liner is designed based on the traditional oxygen-free copper liner. By varying the groove depth and quantity, the post-penetration effects are investigated using the Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) algorithm. The results indicate that increasing groove depth affects the maximum coalescence velocity of the fragment cloud. Furthermore, the number of inclined grooves is positively correlated with the maximum coalescence velocity of the fragment cloud and has a certain impact on the maximum fragment divergence angle. A complex relationship is observed between groove depth and average single-hole area, with variations at different depths, potentially influencing the area of small expansion holes. Differences are found in the average total single-hole area and maximum expansion hole area among different groove groups, notably in the widespread distribution of single-hole areas within the 8-groove group, potentially leading to greater unevenness in expansion hole areas. Numerical simulations and experimental results demonstrate that the liner with inclined grooves generates larger perforation areas compared to the intact liner, indicating enhanced lateral killing effects. The close agreement between experimental and numerical simulations suggests that the design of inclined grooves effectively enhances the post-damage performance of the liner.
Correlation-free large-scale probabilistic computing with true-random chaotic oscillator p-bit
Authors: Lee Woojin , Kim Hyunjin , Jung Hyundo , Choi Yohan , Jeon Jinwoo , Kim Chulwoo
Published: June 2024

Probabilistic computing—quantum-inspired computing that uses probabilistic bits (p-bits)—has emerged as a powerful method owing to its fast search speed and robust connectivity. Previous works used linear feedback shift registers (LFSRs) or stochastic magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs) to implement p-bits. However, in large-scale problems, periodicity and correlation issues in LFSR p-bits and inherent variations in MTJ-based p-bits with narrow stochastic regions lead to unreliable results when seeking the appropriate solution. Therefore, we propose a fully CMOS frequency-scalable p-bit implemented with a discrete-time flipped-hook tent-map chaotic oscillator. The proposed chaotic oscillator produces high-quality noise voltage that is uniformly distributed across the entire supply voltage range, enabling aligned responses of p-bits free from calibration and an input resolution of 8 bits. In contrast to LFSR-based p-bits with hardware-dependent correlation, the chaotic oscillator p-bits could factorize semiprimes with lengths up to 64 bits without changing hardware size. The chaotic oscillator exhibited an energy efficiency of 4.26 pJ/bit at 1.8 V supply voltage. The robustness and the high randomness of the proposed chaotic oscillator p-bit suggest a new direction of a p-bit scalable to large-scale probabilistic computing.
Estimating effects of ocean environmental conditions on summer flounder (Paralichthys dentatus) distribution using R-INLA
Authors: Deen Samar , Jauss Verena , Sullivan Patrick
Published: June 2024

The spatial distribution of summer flounder (Paralichthys dentatus) in relative abundance in survey samples differs over time with changes in environmental factors, such as bottom depth, bottom salinity, bottom temperature and sea surface temperature (SST). In 1991–2014 NOAA Fisheries have collected data on fish abundance and environmental covariates through their Fall and Spring bottom trawl surveys. We use a conditional autoregressive (CAR) model with these environmental covariates under the R-INLA framework and fit the observations over an irregular survey strata lattice. Results indicate that distributions of summer flounder stock seasonally correlate well with regional-climate-driven changes in bottom depth, bottom temperature and sea surface temperature. Estimating spatial autocorrelation and a second-order random walk in time both as fixed and random effects improved model performance. However, our study shows that such models can often inadvertently be over parameterized when including higher order interaction terms between spatial and temporal random effects. This can lead to inflated variances in the estimates and predictions as well as lengthening model convergence times. Therefore, when constructing models of this type, care should be taken in identifying the level of model complexity as well as the structural and statistical assumptions being made.
Revealing Large-Scale Surface Subsidence in Jincheng City's Mining Clusters Using MT-InSAR and VMD-SSA-LSTM Time Series Prediction Model
Authors: Yang Fan , Zhi Menghui , An Yan
Published: June 2024

Jincheng City's mining areas have long been plagued by surface subsidence, posing significant threats to local residents' safety and impacting the region's economic and social stability. Understanding and effectively monitoring the driving factors and mechanisms of surface subsidence are crucial for devising scientific prevention measures and promoting the sustainable development of mining areas. This article aims to comprehensively reveal the large-scale surface subsidence phenomenon in Jincheng City's mining clusters by utilizing advanced remote sensing technology and machine learning models, identifying its main driving forces, and predicting future subsidence trends to provide scientific evidence for geological disaster prevention in mining areas. The study employs Multi-Temporal Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (MT-InSAR) technology, using both Permanent Scatterer Interferometric SAR (PS-InSAR) and Small Baseline Subset Interferometric SAR (SBAS-InSAR) techniques for cross-validation, to confirm the existence of surface subsidence. Further, by integrating Variational Mode Decomposition (VMD), Singular Spectrum Analysis (SSA), and Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks, a high-precision time series prediction model (VMD-SSA-LSTM) was developed. The results indicate that from 2018 to 2021, the surface subsidence rates in Jincheng City ranged from − 34 to 34 millimeters per year, with significant variations in subsidence levels across different areas. Gaoping City exhibited the highest subsidence, with rates ranging from − 34 to 5 mm per year, while Yangcheng County showed the most pronounced subsidence changes. These variations are primarily attributed to mining activities, land use changes, and adverse geological conditions in Jincheng City. This study unveils the large-scale surface subsidence phenomenon in Jincheng City's mining clusters, marking the first comprehensive ground deformation monitoring analysis of small mining clusters across four cities in Jincheng. The development of a high-precision surface subsidence prediction model provides new insights for scientifically understanding geological disasters in mining areas. These findings are significant for formulating effective geological disaster prevention measures and land management policies.
Numerical analysis on the MHD flow control of the hypersonic vehicle inlet
Authors: Li Hao , Huang Hulin , Zhu Guiping
Published: June 2024

Under the assumption of the low magnetic Reynolds number, the coupled model of the turbulent flow field and the electromagnetic field is established to simulate the flow characteristics of Weakly Ionized Gas (WIG) in the inlet under the MHD (Magnetohydrodynamic) effect. Results show that WIG has more active thermodynamic properties than that of air in inlet. Specifically, at the throat, the thermal conductivity of WIG is augmented by 1.64 times compared to that of air. For the inlet with an MHD acceleration zone, the separation shock waves will be fallen on the third ramp and converted into the reattachment shock waves here. And the separation bubbles generated by the reattachment shock waves are weakened due to the multiple reflections before entering the isolator, hence, the wall pressure and the skin friction coefficient have a decrease in the isolator. Nevertheless, in the inlet with an MHD deceleration zone, the separation shock waves will be fallen precisely at the throat under the effect of the countercurrent Lorentz force, so that the separation shock waves are directly transformed into reattachment shock waves at the throat and all reflected into the isolator, which leads to the peak manifestation of the wall pressure and the skin friction coefficient in the isolator.
Design and Signal Decoding Test Verification of Dual-Channel Round Inductosyn Decoding Circuit
Authors: Wang Jianyuan , Hu Zhuochen , Chen Jinbao , Wang Jian , Zhou Yiling
Published: June 2024

During the in-orbit operation of spacecraft, permanent magnet synchronous motors are commonly used as power sources in the drive mechanisms of solar panel arrays and the high-precision servo control systems based on satellite. Apart from the performance of the motors themselves and the software control algorithms, the accuracy of the entire control system is also influenced by angle sensors used to detect the rotor position of the motors. As a high-precision angular measuring instrument, the inductosyn possesses excellent environmental adaptability and a long service life. Effectively utilizing the inductosyn can greatly enhance the performance of servo control systems. To address the complexity of the decoding process for dual-channel round inductosyn-to-digital converters, this paper proposes a design of the decoding circuit for dual-channel round inductosyn based on the parallel synchronization decoding method of two AD2S1210 RDC decoding chips. The decoding circuit amplifies the excitation signal outputted by the AD2S1210 for driving the round inductosyn, and processes the sine and cosine induction signals outputted by the round inductosyn through filtering, amplification, and other methods, by using analog circuitry, the output signals of the dual-channel round inductosyn are processed to meet the input requirements of the AD2S1210. Finally, through both Multisim simulation experiments and physical experiments, it was verified that the decoding circuit designed in this paper can process the input/output signals of the dual-channel round inductosyn and AD2S1210, successfully achieving the intended functionality. This greatly simplifies the signal decoding process for the dual-channel round inductosyn.
Tracking chromatin structure changes by single-cell multi-epigenomics with RNA polymerase II binding profiles
Authors: Ohkawa Yasuyuki , Harada Akihito , Fujii Takeru , Tomimatsu Kosuke , Kato Michiko , Ito Miho , Maehara Kazumitsu , Sato Shoko , Kurumizaka Hitoshi , Sato Yuko , Kimura Hiroshi
Published: June 2024

Transcription factor-bound chromatin structures regulate cell lineages in multicellular organisms. Single-cell epigenomics has the potential to reveal lineage determination on chromatin structure, but the methodology is still in development. Here, we develop single-cell combinatorial-indexing multi-target Chromatin Integration Labeling followed by sequencing (sci-mtChIL-seq) as a single-cell multi-epigenomics approach, which enables simultaneous single-cell analysis of both RNA polymerase II binding to chromatin and epigenomic factors such as transcription factors/histones. We apply sci-mtChIL-seq to analyze the binding dynamics of skeletal-muscle-specific transcription factor MyoD during mouse embryonic myogenesis. Based on RNA polymerase II-bound gene profiles, single-cells are efficiently classified into myogenic-clusters and ordered pseudotemporally. MyoD exhibits genome-wide binding in the muscle-progenitor-cell population, but in myocytes, this transitions toward enrichment in muscle-specific genes on active chromatin. Thus, sci-mtChIL-seq can be a powerful tool to analyze epigenomic dynamics in cell fate determination.
Enhanced Tire Road Friction Coefficient Estimation Through Interacting Multiple Model Design based on Tire Force Observation
Authors: Wan Wenkang , Sheng Kai , Cai Qing , Ao Lei , OuYang Nan , Feng Haoxuan
Published: June 2024

Accurately understanding the Tire-Road Friction Coefficient (TRFC) interaction is crucial for enhancing overall vehicle control performance. However, existing estimation methods heavily rely on the accuracy of tire modeling, which may not predict TRFC effectively under poor modeling accuracy or changing operating conditions. This paper proposes an interacting multiple-model TRFC estimation method using tire force observation. Firstly, taking advantage of the observation capabilities of distributed drive electric vehicles, a longitudinal force estimator with unknown inputs is designed. Simultaneously, a lateral force observer based on adaptive sliding mode observer (ASMO) is developed, fully utilizing the onboard sensor data of the vehicle. A TRFC estimator with square root cubature Kalman filter, incorporating square root filtering, is proposed to reduce algorithm complexity while ensuring accuracy. Finally, an interacting multiple-model mechanism is specifically developed for both pure longitudinal dynamics and combined conditions. Through Carsim-Matlab co-simulation and high TRFC test conditions of a real vehicle equipped with a 6-axis wheel transducer, it is shown that the algorithm proposed in this article can accurately estimate tire force and TRFC under various maneuvering conditions and different TRFC conditions. Based on the comparison with traditional algorithms, it shows that our proposed algorithm has higher estimation accuracy and robustness.
Management practices, local habitat features, and landcover associated with Scarab and Carabid beetle occupancy and abundance in restored grasslands
Authors: Franzem Thomas P. , Ferguson Paige F.B.
Published: June 2024

Restoration and conservation of grasslands is necessary to retain ecosystem services and grassland biodiversity. However, grassland restoration and conservation often focus on plant communities and do not take ecologically important animal taxa, such as insects, into account. We investigated how occupancy probabilities of beetles in the families Scarabaeidae and Carabidae were related to management practices, local landcover, and habitat features in a degraded grassland system, the Black Belt Prairie. We collected beetles from 24 sites and analyzed species detection/non-detection data and family-level abundance data with Bayesian hierarchical models. Vegetation diversity, burn frequency, agricultural landcover, and disturbed landcover were positively associated with occupancy probability, while urban landcover was negatively associated with occupancy probability, consistent with results from previous studies. We found variations in species’ habitat requirements leading to positive relationships with basal area and years since last burn for some morphospecies and negative relationships with these covariates for other morphospecies. Our results and the literature indicate variable responses to seeded versus unseeded restoration, highlighting a subject where increased understanding could advance restoration efforts. Our results indicate Solenopsis invicta has a direct negative relationship with insect communities; there has been debate in the literature about whether the negative effect associated with S. invicta has been due to S. invicta or a correlated disturbance event. Our study advances understanding about habitat associations of grassland insects and about an understudied grassland ecoregion, which can inform management of Black Belt Prairies and grasslands generally.
Long-term effects of farmyard manure addition on soil organic matter molecular composition: C transformation as a major driver of energetic potential
Authors: Simon Carsten , Miltner Anja , Mulder Ines , Kaiser Klaus , Lorenz Marcel , Thiele-Bruhn Sören , Lechtenfeld Oliver J.
Published: June 2024

Long-term addition of farmyard manure (FYM) supports the accumulation of microbial C and soil organic matter (SOM), but the effects on energy storage remain unknown. In particular, it remains unresolved whether FYM or the stimulation of microbial transformations explains the increased microbial imprint. The latter would suggest that the accumulation of SOM transformation products controls energy storage, rather than FYM directly. We hypothesized that the overlap with original FYM signatures could be used as a measure of SOM transformation and its effect on SOM's nominal oxidation state of C (NOSC) and energetic potential ΔG0Cox. We employed solid-state laser desorption ionization Fourier transform mass spectrometry (LDI-FT-ICR-MS) to study molecular signatures of FYM samples and topsoil from four long-term field experiments receiving FYM, and unfertilized controls. In line with bulk elemental analysis, LDI-FT-ICR-MS suggested that FYM addition increased SOM's energetic potential (0.7 – 1.2 kJ/mol C). FYM addition changed SOM composition by 3 - 16% of ion abundance as compared to controls, being larger in longer-running field experiments. Markers unrelated to original FYM signatures (i.e., indirect effects) explained 67 – 84% of molecular changes while markers directly related to FYM explained only 2 – 12%. FYM addition shifted molecular composition to higher H/C, O/C and m/z, and lower aromaticity. Accumulated molecules had higher energetic potentials and were, despite being chemically similar to original FYM, elevated in mass, suggesting potential use of FYM-derived building blocks for microbial synthesis of larger molecules. Vanishing molecules showed lower energetic potential, mirroring the higher oxidation state of water-extractable organic matter, which pointed to an increased solubility of SOM. Our results indicate a uniform shift in SOM properties upon FYM addition, but highlight the role of site-specific trajectories of SOM compositional change. We discuss the implications of FYM-induced microbial transformations for energy storage and long-term stability of SOM.
BRITISH INTELLECTUALS AND THE INTERNATIONAL MOVEMENT FOR CULTURE AND PEACE IN THE SECOND HALF OF THE 1930S
Authors: Рудая О.И.
Published: June 2024

В статье рассматривается участие британских интеллектуалов в организации и деятельности международного движения в защиту культуры и цивилизации от фашизма. Особое внимание автор уделяет характеристике международных конгрессов и конференций, проходивших в Европе во второй половине 1930-х годов, а также роли гражданской войны в Испании в политизации интеллигенции Великобритании. Показан вклад ее представителей в защиту культуры и мира от фашистской идеологии и агрессии.

The article examines the participation of British intellectuals in the organization and activities of the international movement for the protection of culture and civilization from fascism. The author pays special attention to the characteristics of international congresses and conferences held in Europe in the second half of the 1930s, as well as the role of the Spanish Civil War in the politicization of the British intelligentsia. The contribution of its representatives to the protection of culture and peace from fascist ideology and aggression is shown.