bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DRAINAGE SYSTEM TRANSFORMATION TOWARDS EFFECTIVE FLOOD CONTROL WITH EPA SWMM
Authors: Herison Ahmad , Romdania Yuda , Tugiono Subuh , Ashruri  , Zakaria Ahmad , Kusnadi Andi , Mariyanto  , Riyanto Ahmad
Published: October 2024

The village of Kunjir often experiences floods caused by suboptimal drainage systems, land use changes, and revetment construction. The utilization of EPA SWMM proves to be an interesting solution to address flood issues. The research aims to analyze the drainage channel capacity using the EPA SWMM program, assess the tidal influence on the channels, and provide solutions to the existing problems. The method involves hydrological and hydraulic analysis using Microsoft Excel and the EPA SWMM program. Rainfall and topographic data are utilized to determine flood discharge, while existing channel data are used to calculate channel capacity. HWL values are used to analyze the tidal influence on the channels. The modeling process involves creating a network scheme and inputting data into the existing channels. The program is executed, and evaluations are conducted on problematic channels. Redesign planning is implemented by altering channel dimensions and re-running the simulations. The conclusion indicates that channels 2B, 2B1, 2B1 Left, 2C, and 2D cannot accommodate the flow discharge, tidal influence affects channel 1C, Box Culvert, and Downstream River, and solutions include enlarging channels, adding bottom slope to channels, regular maintenance, and installing floodgates to mitigate tidal effects.
Apúntame a la Sala. Etnografía de los usuarios de salas de consumo higiénico, de Rafael Clua García
Authors: Llort Suárez Antoniu
Published: October 2024

El fenómeno de consumo de drogas en las sociedades actuales plantea inevitablemente debates complejos que van desde lo político a lo ético pasando por aspectos sociales, culturales, económicos e incluso medioambientales. Barcelona y, por extensión, Catalunya, atravesó durante las décadas de los 80 y 90, como muchas ciudades españolas, una crisis provocada por la irrupción de la heroína como sustancia de consumo de las clases populares y la inyección como método para suministrársela, hecho que cristalizó sin duda un escenario de riesgo con relación a las infecciones por VIH, hepatitis, altos índices de sobredosis y, sobre todo, visibilizó de manera violenta una crisis social y económica de gran impacto en todo el país. De manera progresiva se implantaron diferentes estrategias para abordar las consecuencias epidemiológicas y sociales de este fenómeno, siendo esta etnografía un testimonio fidedigno de este proceso. ¡Apúntame a la Sala!, es un buen ejemplo de cómo el abordaje antropológico puede aportar datos fundamentales para entender y poder actuar sobre fenómenos sociales complejos y subalternos. El texto esboza meticulosamente la historia de la implantación de las políticas de reducción de daños y riesgos en Catalunya y España en su primer capítulo, una historia cultural que resulta de gran interés por las características diferenciales que presenta el territorio catalán (Parés y Bouso, 2015) en materia de políticas de drogas. Estas se caracterizan por una gran permeabilidad de estas en las capas socioculturales que crearon estructuras propias —principalmente asociaciones de familiares y profesionales— para atajar el problema y también por su alto nivel de desarrollo por parte de las instituciones y eficiencia con relación a los resultados esperados; disminución de muertes por sobredosis y disminución drástica a nivel epidemiológico de infecciones como el VIH y las hepatitis entre personas usuarias de drogas por vía parenteral.
Cryogenic bridging via propagating microwave quantum teleportation
Authors: Salari Vahid , Gohari Kamel Nasser , Rasekh Farhad , Ghobadi Roohollah , Smith Jordan , Oblak Daniel
Published: October 2024

In this study, we investigate the unconditional microwave quantum teleportation of Gaussian states and the feasibility of its realization with real microwave elements between two dilution refrigerators. Our approach involves employing the Braunstein–Kimble protocol for continuous variables, represented in the symplectic domain, with microwave components integrated into a teleportation circuit. This circuit is established between two dilution refrigerators, which are interconnected by a cryogenic link and incorporate a homodyne detector. The proposed framework offers controllability, suitable for implementation within a single refrigerator or between two separate refrigerators. It operates effectively across a temperature range spanning from milliKelvin to 4 K. This platform is useful for advancing superconducting quantum communication within and between refrigeration systems. Its potential extends to facilitating quantum local area networks and enabling distributed quantum computing protocols. Furthermore, we briefly discuss the complex realm of long-range open-air quantum microwave communication under realistic conditions. We also introduce a protocol designed to enhance entanglement distillation of two-mode squeezed states between two refrigerators. This enhancement targets the squeezing factor of the resource and improves the protocol efficiency.
Metabolic light absorption, scattering, and emission (MetaLASE) microscopy
Authors: Restall Brendon S. , Haven Nathaniel J. M. , Martell Matthew T. , Cikaluk Brendyn D. , Wang Joy , Kedarisetti Pradyumna , Tejay Saymon , Adam Benjamin A. , Sutendra Gopinath , Li Xingyu , Zemp Roger J.
Published: October 2024

Optical imaging of metabolism can provide key information about health and disease progression in cells and tissues; however, current methods have lacked gold-standard information about histological structure. Conversely, histology and virtual histology methods have lacked metabolic contrast. Here, we present metabolic light absorption, scattering, and emission (MetaLASE) microscopy, which rapidly provides a virtual histology and optical metabolic readout simultaneously. Hematoxylin-like nucleic contrast and eosin-like cytoplasmic contrast are obtained using photoacoustic remote sensing and ultraviolet reflectance microscopy, respectively. The same ultraviolet source excites endogenous Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (phosphate), flavin adenine dinucleotide, and collagen autofluorescence, providing a map of optical redox ratios to visualize metabolic variations including in areas of invasive carcinoma. Benign chronic inflammation and glands also are seen to exhibit hypermetabolism. MetaLASE microscopy offers promise for future applications in intraoperative margin analysis and in research applications where greater insights into metabolic activity could be correlated with cell and tissue types.
Achiral and chiral ligands synergistically harness chiral self-assembly of inorganics
Authors: Zhang Jun , Wu Kai , Gao Xiaoqing , Zhang Min , Zhou Xin , Bertram Florian , Shen Chen , Zhou Yunlong
Published: October 2024

Chiral structures and functions are essential natural components in biominerals and biological crystals. Chiral molecules direct inorganics through chiral growth of facets or screw dislocation of crystal clusters. As chirality promoters, they initiate an asymmetric hierarchical self-assembly in a quasi-thermodynamic steady state. However, achieving chiral assembly requires a delicate balance between intricate interactions. This complexity causes the roles of achiral-chiral and inorganic components in crystallization to remain ambiguous. Here, we elucidate a definitive mechanism using an achiral-chiral ligand strategy to assemble inorganics into hierarchical, self-organized superstructures. Achiral ligands cluster inorganic building blocks, while chiral ligands impart chiral rotation. Achiral and chiral ligands can flexibly modulate the chirality of superstructures by fully using their competition in coordination chemistry. This dual-ligand strategy offers a versatile framework for engineering chiroptical nanomaterials tailored to optical devices and metamaterials with optical activities across a broad wavelength range, with applications in imaging, detection, catalysis, and sensing.
Van der Waals semiconductor InSe plastifies by martensitic transformation
Authors: Sun Yandong , Ma Yupeng , Zhang Jin-Yu , Wei Tian-Ran , Shi Xun , Rodney David , Xu Ben
Published: October 2024

Inorganic semiconductor materials are crucial for modern technologies, but their brittleness and limited processability hinder the development of flexible, wearable, and miniaturized electronics. The recent discovery of room-temperature plasticity in some inorganic semiconductors offers a promising solution, but the deformation mechanisms remain controversial. Here, we investigate the deformation of indium selenide, a two-dimensional van der Waals semiconductor with substantial plasticity. By developing a machine-learned deep potential, we perform atomistic simulations that capture the deformation features of hexagonal indium selenide upon out-of-plane compression. Unexpectedly, we find that indium selenide plastifies through a martensitic transformation; that is, the layered hexagonal structure is converted to a tetragonal lattice with specific orientation relationship. This observation is corroborated by high-resolution experimental observations and theory. It suggests a change of paradigm, where the design of new plastically deformable inorganic semiconductors can focus on compositions and structures that facilitate phase transformations, going beyond the conventional dislocation slip.
Bioenergetic-active exosomes for cartilage regeneration and homeostasis maintenance
Authors: Liu Xulong , Jiang Shangtong , Jiang Ting , Lan Ziyang , Zhang Xin , Zhong Zhenyu , Wu Xiaodan , Xu Cunjing , Du Yingying , Zhang Shengmin
Published: October 2024

Cartilage regeneration relies on adequate and continuous bioenergy supply to facilitate cellular differentiation and extracellular matrix synthesis. Chondrocytes frequently undergo energy stress under pathological conditions, characterized by disrupted cellular metabolism and reduced adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels. However, there has limited progress in modulating energy metabolism for cartilage regeneration thus far. Here, we developed bioenergetic-active exosomes (Suc-EXO) to promote cartilage regeneration and homeostasis maintenance. Suc-EXO exhibited a 5.42-fold increase in ATP content, enabling the manipulation of cellular energy metabolism by fueling the TCA cycle. With continuous energy supply, Suc-EXO promoted BMSC chondrogenic differentiation via the P2X7-mediated PI3K-AKT pathway. Moreover, Suc-EXO improved chondrocyte anabolism and mitochondrial homeostasis via the P2X7-mediated SIRT3 pathway. In a rabbit cartilage defect model, the Suc-EXO–encapsulated hydrogel notably promoted cartilage regeneration and maintained neocartilage homeostasis, leading to 2.26 and 1.53 times increase in Col2 and ACAN abundance, respectively. These findings make a remarkable breakthrough in modulating energy metabolism for cartilage regeneration, offering immense potential for clinical translation.
Long-term nitrogen deposition reduces the diversity of nitrogen-fixing plants
Authors: Moreno-García Pablo , Montaño-Centellas Flavia , Liu Yu , Reyes-Mendez Evelin Y. , Jha Rohit Raj , Guralnick Robert P. , Folk Ryan , Waller Donald M. , Verheyen Kris , Baeten Lander , Becker-Scarpitta Antoine , Berki Imre , Bernhardt-Römermann Markus , Brunet Jörg , Van Calster Hans , Chudomelová Markéta , Closset Deborah , De Frenne Pieter , Decocq Guillaume , Gilliam Frank S. , Grytnes John-Arvid , Hédl Radim , Heinken Thilo , Jaroszewicz Bogdan , Kopecký Martin , Lenoir Jonathan , Macek Martin , Máliš František , Naaf Tobias , Orczewska Anna , Petřík Petr , Reczyńska Kamila , Schei Fride Høistad , Schmidt Wolfgang , Stachurska-Swakoń Alina , Standovár Tibor , Świerkosz Krzysztof , Teleki Balázs , Vild Ondřej , Li Daijiang
Published: October 2024

Biological nitrogen fixation is a fundamental part of ecosystem functioning. Anthropogenic nitrogen deposition and climate change may, however, limit the competitive advantage of nitrogen-fixing plants, leading to reduced relative diversity of nitrogen-fixing plants. Yet, assessments of changes of nitrogen-fixing plant long-term community diversity are rare. Here, we examine temporal trends in the diversity of nitrogen-fixing plants and their relationships with anthropogenic nitrogen deposition while accounting for changes in temperature and aridity. We used forest-floor vegetation resurveys of temperate forests in Europe and the United States spanning multiple decades. Nitrogen-fixer richness declined as nitrogen deposition increased over time but did not respond to changes in climate. Phylogenetic diversity also declined, as distinct lineages of N-fixers were lost between surveys, but the “winners” and “losers” among nitrogen-fixing lineages varied among study sites, suggesting that losses are context dependent. Anthropogenic nitrogen deposition reduces nitrogen-fixing plant diversity in ways that may strongly affect natural nitrogen fixation.
Observation of dynamic nuclear polarization echoes
Authors: Wili Nino , Nielsen Anders B. , Carvalho José P. , Nielsen Niels Chr.
Published: October 2024

It is demonstrated that the time evolution of the electron-nuclear polarization transfer process during pulsed dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) can be reversed on a microsecond timescale, leading to the observation of DNP echoes. The DNP echoes are induced by consecutive application of two pulse trains that produce effective Hamiltonians that differ only in the sign of the effective hyperfine coupling. The experiments have been performed on a frozen solution of trityl radicals in water/glycerol on a homebuilt X-band electron paramagnetic resonance/DNP spectrometer at 80 kelvins. We envisage that DNP echoes will play an important role in future development of pulsed DNP for sensitivity-enhanced nuclear magnetic resonance, hyperfine spectroscopy, and quantum sensing.
Network of artificial olfactory receptors for spatiotemporal monitoring of toxic gas
Authors: Baek Yongmin , Bae Byungjoon , Yang Jeongyong , Cho Wonjun , Sim Inbo , Yoo Geonwook , Chung Seokhyun , Heo Junseok , Lee Kyusang
Published: October 2024

Excessive human exposure to toxic gases can lead to chronic lung and cardiovascular diseases. Thus, precise in situ monitoring of toxic gases in the atmosphere is crucial. Here, we present an artificial olfactory system for spatiotemporal recognition of NO
2
gas flow by integrating a network of chemical receptors with a near-sensor computing. The artificial olfactory receptor features nano-islands of metal-based catalysts that cover the graphene surface on the heterostructure of an AlGaN/GaN two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) channel. Catalytically dissociated NO
2
molecules bind to graphene, thereby modulating the conductivity of the 2DEG channel. For the energy/resource-efficient gas flow monitoring, trust-region Bayesian optimization algorithm allocates many sensors optimally in a complex space. Integrated artificial neural networks on a compact microprocessor with a network of sensors provide in situ gas flow predictions. This system enhances protective measures against toxic environments through spatiotemporal monitoring of toxic gases.
The acid-sensing receptor GPR65 on tumor macrophages drives tumor growth in obesity
Authors: Bagchi Sreya , Yuan Robert , Huang Han-Li , Zhang Weiruo , Chiu David Kung-Chun , Kim Hyungjoo , Cha Sophia L. , Tolentino Lorna , Lowitz Joshua , Liu Yilin , Moshnikova Anna , Andreev Oleg , Plevritis Sylvia , Engleman Edgar G.
Published: October 2024

Multiple cancers, including colorectal cancer (CRC), are more frequent and often more aggressive in individuals with obesity. Here, we showed that macrophages accumulated within tumors of patients with obesity and CRC and in obese CRC mice and that they promoted accelerated tumor growth. These changes were initiated by oleic acid accumulation and subsequent tumor cell–derived acid production and were driven by macrophage signaling through the acid-sensing receptor GPR65. We found a similar role for GPR65 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in obese mice. Tumors in patients with obesity and CRC or HCC also exhibited increased GPR65 expression, suggesting that the mechanism revealed here may contribute to tumor growth in a range of obesity-associated cancers and represent a potential therapeutic target.
Integrated analysis of microbiota and gut microbial metabolites in blood for breast cancer
Authors: Peng Yu , Gu Jiale , Liu Fubin , Wang Peng , Wang Xixuan , Si Changyu , Gong Jianxiao , Zhou Huijun , Qin Ailing , Song Fangfang
Published: October 2024

Gut microbiota and associated metabolites have been linked to breast carcinogenesis. Evidences demonstrate blood microbiota primarily originates from the gut and may act as a biomarker for breast cancer. We aimed to characterize the microbiota–gut microbial metabolites cross-talk in blood and develop a composite diagnostic panel for breast cancer. We performed 16S rRNA gene sequencing and metabolomics profiling on blood samples from 107 breast cancer cases and 107 age-paired controls. We found that the alpha diversity of the blood microbiota was decreased in breast cancer compared to controls. There were significantly different profiles of microbiota and gut microbial metabolites in blood between these two groups, with nine bacterial genera and four gut microbial metabolites increased in patients, while thirty-nine bacterial genera and two gut microbial metabolites increased in controls. Some breast cancer-associated gut microbial metabolites were linked to differential blood microbiota, and a composite microbiota–metabolite diagnostic panel was further developed with an area under the curve of 0.963 for breast cancer. This study underscored the pivotal role of microbiota and gut microbial metabolites in blood and their interactions for breast carcinogenesis, as well as the potential of a composite diagnostic panel as a non-invasive biomarker for breast cancer.

IMPORTANCE

Our integrated analysis demonstrated altered profiles of microbiota and gut microbial metabolites in blood for breast cancer patients. The extensive correlation between microbiota and gut microbial metabolites in blood assisted the understanding of the pathogenesis of breast cancer. The good performance of a composite microbiota–gut microbial metabolites panel in blood suggested a non-invasive approach for breast cancer detection and a novel strategy for better diagnosis and prevention of breast cancer in the future.
VAL-1221 for the treatment of patients with Lafora disease: study protocol for a single-arm, open-label clinical trial
Authors: Muccioli Lorenzo , Vignatelli Luca , Tappatà Maria , Mazzone Serena , Zenesini Corrado , Armstrong Dustin ,   DEFEAT-LD study group, Michelucci Roberto , Bisulli Francesca
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Lafora disease (LD) is an ultrarare fatal progressive myoclonic epilepsy, causing drug-resistant epilepsy, myoclonus and psychomotor deterioration. LD is caused by mutations in EPM2A or NHLRC1, which lead to the accumulation of polyglucosans in the brain and neurodegeneration. There are no approved treatments for LD. VAL-1221 is a fusion protein comprising the Fab portion of a cell-penetrating antibody and recombinant human acid alpha glucosidase, and has demonstrated an ability to clear polyglucosans. We hypothesise that intravenous infusion of VAL-1221 might be able to degrade cerebral polyglucosans and stabilise or improve disease outcomes. The aim of this study is to assess the safety and preliminary efficacy of VAL-1221 in patients with LD.

Methods and analysis

The study is a phase 2, single-arm, open-label, baseline-controlled clinical trial which will be conducted in a single investigational study centre in Italy, namely the sponsor ‘IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna—Azienda USL di Bologna’. The study will enrol six genetically confirmed patients with mid- to late-stage LD. The global duration of the study for each participant will be 18 months, including screening period, open-label treatment (12 months) and follow-up period. VAL-1221 20 mg/kg will be administered as an intravenous infusion every week for 3 weeks, then every other week. Patients will undergo full clinical assessments at baseline, at an intermediate and at the end-of-treatment visit. The primary objective is to evaluate the safety. The exploratory efficacy endpoints will be related to epilepsy, neuropsychological and motor functions, global assessment and disease burden, in addition to biomarkers. Statistical analyses will be primarily descriptive.

Ethics and dissemination

The study protocol was approved by the local ethics committee (number 232-2023-FARM-AUSLBO-23020, 22 March 2023). The results of this study will be disseminated by the investigators through presentations at international scientific conferences and reported in peer-reviewed scientific journals.

Trial registration number

European Union Clinical Trials Register (EudraCT 2023-000185-34).
Barriers and facilitators for the adoption of peritoneal dialysis: protocol for a systematic review of qualitative studies
Authors: Shankar Ravi , Bundele Anjali , Low Joshua , Hong Wei Zhen , Mukhopadhyay Amartya
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is an effective home-based treatment for end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) that offers several advantages over in-centre haemodialysis, including better quality of life, increased autonomy and lower costs. Despite these benefits, PD remains underused globally, with wide variations in adoption rates across countries. Qualitative studies have explored the experiences, perceptions and decision-making processes of patients, caregivers and healthcare providers regarding PD, but their findings have not been systematically synthesised. This protocol outlines a systematic review of qualitative studies to identify and synthesise the multilevel factors that influence PD adoption.

Methods and analysis

We will conduct a comprehensive search of electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, CINAHL, MEDLINE, The Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, Scopus) and grey literature sources for qualitative studies published in English from each database inception to June 2024 that explore barriers and facilitators to PD adoption. Two reviewers will independently screen titles, abstracts and full texts for eligibility based on predefined criteria. Eligible studies will include those that use qualitative methods (eg, interviews, focus groups, observations) to explore the perspectives of adult ESKD patients, their caregivers and/or healthcare providers on factors influencing PD adoption, initiation or maintenance. Data will be extracted using a standardised form and synthesised using thematic analysis. The methodological quality of included studies will be appraised using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme Qualitative Checklist. Confidence in the review findings will be assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation-Confidence in the Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative research approach.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval is not required as this study will merely synthesise data from published studies. The results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications as well as conference presentations.

Study registration

PROSPERO, CRD42024570521.
Implementation of a standardised questionnaire for documenting preoperative respiratory illness in paediatric patients
Authors: Winterberg Abby Victoria , Richmond Stacie , Tighe Nathaniel T G , Buckley Jennifer , Buck David Winthrop
Published: October 2024

Paediatric patients often present with symptoms of respiratory illnesses in the weeks leading up to surgery. Current or recent illness can increase the risk of experiencing perioperative respiratory complications. Ideally, children with recent illnesses should be identified before coming to the hospital to determine the safest course of action. We recognised that our system lacked a standardised process for documenting preoperative respiratory illness during the preoperative phone call. The global aim of this quality improvement initiative was to decrease paediatric perioperative respiratory adverse events. The SMART Aim (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound) was to increase the percentage of patients with standardised documentation of preoperative respiratory illness from 0% to 90% by 1 March 2023. Implementation of a standardised preoperative illness questionnaire increased standardised illness documentation from 0% to 95%. Nurses quickly adopted this intervention and easily integrated it into their routine workflow. Clinical leaders elected to implement the intervention electronically across all three operating room (OR) locations (main OR, satellite location and procedure centre). Future implementation of additional standardised preoperative processes will be needed to improve the global aim of decreasing perioperative respiratory complications.
Characteristics and health insurance profile of brought-in-dead children in a rural tertiary hospital
Authors: Owobu Adaugo Chizoma , Ike Chiedozie , Ogbogu Michael , Chukwu IfeanyiChukwu , Onyeke Frank , Ugbeni Henrietta , Apeleokha Matthew
Published: October 2024

Background

Despite the regular occurrence of brought-in-dead (BID) phenomenon, little is known about their prevalence, pattern and prehospital contributors in rural settings in Nigeria. In addition, the impact of health insurance in this context has not been described in our locale. Our study aimed at identifying the characteristics and access to health insurance of paediatric BID cases.

Design

A cross-sectional, retrospective study in the paediatric emergency department of a rural tertiary hospital.

Methods

Data were obtained from the medical records of BID cases from January 2019 to December 2023. Their sociodemographic details, the nature and duration of preceding illnesses/complaints, prior treatment, referral and health insurance types were obtained.

Results

Sixty-seven (1.38%) of the 4872 admissions were BID. Their ages ranged between 12 hours and 14 years with a male:female ratio of 1.1:1. Forty-four (69.84%) were under 5s. Acute encephalitis syndrome, gastroenteritis and sepsis/severe malaria were the most prevalent presumed causes of death. Prior to arrival, 30.56% had obtained treatment outside the hospital setting (medicine vendors, herbal treatment, home nurse and religious centres). Almost half of the referrals were informal referrals by family and neighbours. None (0%) presented health insurance records nor was brought in by an ambulance.

Conclusion

Infectious diseases were the most common presumed causes of death and under 5s bore the greatest burden of BID. The healthcare choices were poor, but the informal sociocultural support system was strong. There was a dearth of health insurance enrolment, a poor patient referral and transfer system, and poor documentation of BID cases. We identify the need for concerted health education, improved patient referral and transfer, well-coordinated death registration and appropriate health insurance schemes in rural communities.
Effect of aortic valve phenotype and sex on aorta dilation in patients with aortic stenosis
Authors: Fleury Marie-Ange , Tastet Lionel , Bernard Jérémy , Shen Mylène , Capoulade Romain , Abdoun Kathia , Bédard Élisabeth , Arsenault Marie , Chetaille Philippe , Beaudoin Jonathan , Bernier Mathieu , Salaun Erwan , Côté Nancy , Clavel Marie-Annick , Pibarot Philippe , Hecht Sébastien
Published: October 2024

Background

Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is often associated with a concomitant aortopathy. However, few studies have evaluated the effect of the aortic valve (AV) phenotype on the rate of dilation of the aorta. This study aimed to compare the progression rate of aorta dimensions according to AV phenotype (BAV vs tricuspid AV (TAV)), fusion type and sex in patients with aortic stenosis (AS).

Methods

310 patients with AS (224 TAV and 86 BAV) recruited in the Metabolic Determinants of the Progression of Aortic Stenosis study (PROGRESSA,NCT01679431) were included in this analysis. Doppler echocardiography was performed annually to assess AS severity and measure ascending aorta (AA) dimensions. Baseline and last follow-up visit measurements were used to assess the annualised change.

Results

Median AA annualised change was larger in BAV versus TAV (0.33±0.65 mm/year vs 0.21±0.56 mm/year, p=0.04). In the whole cohort, BAV phenotype and higher low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels were significantly associated with fast progression of AA dilation in univariate analysis (OR 1.80, 95% CI 1.08 to 2.98, p=0.02; 1.37, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.80, p=0.03, respectively). AA dilation rate did not vary according to the BAV subtype (p=0.142). Predictors of AA progression rate were different between valve phenotypes, with higher apolipoprotein B/apolipoprotein A-I ratio, higher baseline peak aortic jet velocity (Vpeak) and smaller baseline AA diameter in the TAV cohort (all p<0.05) versus absence of hypertension, higher LDL levels and smaller baseline AA diameter in the BAV cohort (all p<0.02). In men, higher baseline Vpeakand smaller baseline AA (p<0.001) were independently associated with increased annualised AA dilation, while in women, higher LDL levels (p=0.026) were independently associated with faster AA dilation.

Conclusion

This study suggests that BAV is associated with faster dilation of the AA. Predictors of AA dilation are different between valve phenotype and sex, with higher LDL levels being associated with faster AA dilation in BAV.
Effects of graphene oxide composite additive on the species abundance and diversity of microorganisms in saline–alkali soil
Authors: Song Jie , He Xianbo , Qiao Jun , Zhao Jianguo , Chen Zhiwen , Ren Jing , Ma Guibin
Published: October 2024

Saline–alkali soil is common in north China, especially in the Datong district in north Shanxi province. Improving the soil will benefit the environment and society. Graphene oxide (GO) has been shown to benefit agricultural and forest soils. Herein, we explore three different experimental conditions of CK (CK means irrigated with tap water), CJ (CJ means 0.2 g of bacteria addition and irrigated with tap water), and CJ25 (CJ25 means 0.2 g of composited bacteria plus 25.0 mg/L of GO added and irrigated with tap water) for saline–alkali soil by the addition of optimized amounts of GO and external bacteria. Our results show that the addition of 25.0 mg/L GO and microbial agents increases the number of bacteria and fungi in the soil and improves the species abundance of bacteria and fungi in the saline–alkali soil, while having little effect on species richness. The GO and bacterial treatment increased the abundance of Proteobacteria, Actinobacteriota, Chloroflexi, Pseudomonas, Ascomycota, Mortierella, and Fusarium. These bacteria have been shown to produce proteolytic enzymes and cellulases that decompose lignin and cellulose in litter, and thus play important roles in carbon and nutrient cycling. The addition of GO and microorganisms provides a viable way to improve saline–alkali soils.
Relativistic and nonrelativistic Landau levels for Dirac fermions in the cosmic string spacetime in the context of rainbow gravity
Authors: Oliveira R. R. S.
Published: October 2024

In this paper, we study the relativistic and nonrelativistic Landau levels for Dirac fermions in the cosmic string spacetime in the context of rainbow gravity in [Formula: see text]-dimensions, where we work with the curved Dirac equation with minimal coupling in cylindrical coordinates. Using the tetrads formalism of General Relativity, we obtain a second-order differential equation. Solving this differential equation, we obtain a generalized Laguerre equation as well as the relativistic Landau levels for the fermion and antifermion, where such energy levels are quantized in terms of the quantum numbers n, [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], and explicitly depends on the rainbow functions [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], charge parameter [Formula: see text], cyclotron frequency [Formula: see text], curvature parameter [Formula: see text], and on the square rest energy [Formula: see text] and square z-momentum [Formula: see text], respectively. Posteriorly, we study the nonrelativistic limit of the system, where we obtain the nonrelativistic Landau levels. In both cases (relativistic and nonrelativistic), we graphically analyze the behavior of Landau levels for the three-rainbow gravity scenarios as a function of the magnetic field B and of the curvature parameter [Formula: see text]. In addition, we also compared our problem with other works, where we verified that our results generalize several particular cases in the literature.
IMPROVEMENT OF CORROSION RESISTANCE OF 2024 ALUMINUM ALLOY BY Y(NO3)3⋅6H2O MODIFICATION AND HOLE SEALING TREATMENT
Authors: ZHANG D. F. , LIU H. , ZHENG R. , CHEN X. W. , ZHANG G. H. , CAI L. P.
Published: October 2024

In order to obtain better corrosion resistance, the micro-arc oxidation (MAO) coating after adding (Y(NO3)[Formula: see text]H2O was sealed by TiO2 sol–gel method. Dynamic polarization curves and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy show that the prepared samples (Y(NO3)[Formula: see text]H2O content was 1.5[Formula: see text]g/L) have good corrosion resistance ([Formula: see text]A[Formula: see text]) in 3.5[Formula: see text]wt.% NaCl aqueous solution. Afterward, the samples with a concentration of 1.5 g/L of Y(NO3)[Formula: see text]H2O were sealed by TiO2 sol–gel. Through SEM, XRD and electrochemical test, it is found that the surface of the film is smooth, the phase is mainly in the form of Anatase-TiO2 and has better corrosion resistance ([Formula: see text]A[Formula: see text]). This showed that sealing the doped 2024 aluminum alloy MAO film can significantly reduce the corrosion sensitivity and corrosion rate of the film.
Ontology in Dance Domain—A Survey
Authors: Paul Soumen , Das Partha Pratim , Rao K. Sreenivas
Published: October 2024

This article presents a literature review on the domain of dance research that exploits ontology artifacts to manage their domain knowledge. Any dance form around the world is rich in knowledge because of its historical and geographical diversity, movement rules, and interpretive aspects. Researchers found various approaches to manage this knowledge base, among which the ontology development process is preferred by most people owing to its superficial and easy-to-manage characteristics. However, the heterogenic use of ontology in different dance research aspects demands an organized study to understand its contributions to the domain. Our survey approach toward this objective starts with a systematic literature selection and further grouping them into four categories based on ontology involvement. Second, we discuss each group of articles by their contributions and the level of ontology involvement. Third, a novel evaluation framework is proposed, which assesses each selected article based on 19 attributes from ontology quality, development, and applications perspectives. We rank each article into three qualitative measures, i.e., High (H), Medium (M), and Low (L), for our attribute set based on our understanding. Finally, we comprehensively analyze the outcomes of our qualitative assessment to present the current research status and their limitations in the candidate domain. This review aspires to be a cornerstone resource, enlightening researchers about the current landscape and future prospects of ontological involvement in dance research.
An Effective Method of Analysing Student Performance Using Fuzzy Numbers
Authors: Revathi A. N. , Karpagam A. , Suguna M. , Salahuddin
Published: October 2024

In the context of rapid scientific and technological advancements, engineering is increasingly becoming a vital career choice. However, students from rural areas often encounter significant challenges in their engineering studies and extracurricular activities, leading to higher dropout rates compared to their urban counterparts. To address this issue, we have developed a mathematical model that utilises fuzzy numbers and Newton’s method to strategically prioritize core engineering activities. This model is designed to account for the unpredictability of student performance and aims to bridge the educational gap between urban and rural students. By focusing on essential activities, our approach seeks to enhance academic outcomes and increase success rates for engineering students across diverse educational settings. This innovative method provides a novel solution to the persistent educational disparities, offering a pathway to more equitable and effective engineering education for all students.
Optimization Management of Storage Location in Stereoscopic Warehouse by Integrating Genetic Algorithm and Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Zhang Shuhong , Zheng Xianghui , Xu Fan , Wang Suzhen , Zhang Qixia , Cao Yuan
Published: October 2024

The management of a three‐dimensional warehouse is a key part of the upper computer monitoring and management system for three‐dimensional warehouses. Currently, there are problems such as unreasonable planning and inability to respond to real‐time demands. Therefore, further improvement is needed to optimize the management of storage locations. The main purpose of the research is to achieve better storage stability and improve storage and retrieval efficiency. First, the study constructed a multiobjective mathematical model based on the weight, frequency of use, and category of the goods. Three objective functions were constructed. Therefore, the operational efficiency of the stacker crane and the turnover rate of items were improved. Meanwhile, the overall stability of the shelves was ensured, and the management efficiency of the warehouse was improved. At the same time, the study introduced the GA‐PSO algorithm to solve the mathematical model and optimize the goods location planning. These results confirmed that the proposed algorithm had significantly lower iteration times than traditional particle swarm optimization in different warehouse sizes and types of goods. The iteration required to reach the optimal value in Situation 1 was only 80, which was 90 fewer than PSO. Meanwhile, in Situation 2, the optimization results of the proposed algorithm in four objective functions were as high as 42.94%, 26.03%, 30.72%, and 46.15%, respectively, which increased by 1.20%, 8.04%, 5.61%, and 7.38% compared to PSO. The proposed algorithm can achieve more efficient and intelligent warehouse management, improving the efficiency and accuracy of logistics operations. It is significant for logistics industry development and enterprise competitiveness enhancement.
The Effects of Land Use and Land Cover Changes on the Land Surface Temperature Over Northeast China
Authors: Yuan Guanghui , Ding Ran , Liu Yubao , Zhang Lei , Xu Haixiang
Published: October 2024

To investigate the impacts of land use and land cover change (LULCC) on regional climate in Northeast China, the weather research and forecasting (WRF) model was run with the satellite land cover type, vegetation fraction (Fg), leaf area index, and albedo in 2001 and 2018, respectively, and the results were compared. The major LULCC during 2001–2018 were conversions from grasslands to croplands over the central regions of Northeast China and conversions from woody savannas to deciduous broadleaf forests in the northern and eastern portions of Northeast China. The changes in Fg and albedo are highly correlated with the daytime land surface temperature (Ts). From 2001 to 2018, the daytime Ts is decreased (increased) over the central regions of Northeast China by more than 1 K in summer (winter). There is also a widespread, about 1 K, cooling in the spring and autumn temperatures. The changes of the nighttime Ts and the daytime Ts from 2001 to 2018 are similar in summer, autumn, and winter, but the nighttime Ts changes are comparatively smaller. Analysis of the surface energy budget and the biophysical effects found that the cooling of the daytime Ts over the central regions of Northeast China in spring, summer, and autumn from 2001 to 2018 can be attributed to a decrease of absorbed shortwave radiation and an increase of latent heat flux corresponding to LULCC. This cooling is weakened by the decrease of the sensible heat flux. In contrast, the widespread warming trend of the daytime Ts in winter is mainly due to an increased net shortwave radiation, which offsets the cooling effects of surface fluxes. During the nighttime, the soil heat flux contributes the most to the changes of Ts.
Increment of Academic Performance Prediction of At‐Risk Student by Dealing With Data Imbalance Problem
Authors: Cu Nguyen Giap , Nghiem Thi Lich , Ngo Thi Hoai , Nguyen Manh Tuong Lam , Phung Hong Quan
Published: October 2024

Studies on automatically predicting student learning outcomes often focus on developing and optimizing machine learning algorithms that fit the data captured from different education systems. This approach has a fatal weakness when it is used for disadvantaged groups, such as those with academic warnings or who have dropped out, because these groups are often much smaller than other common groups in number. The imbalanced data that have class distribution skew create a big challenge to training good classification models. The significant approach to tackle this challenge is applying oversampling methods to increase the number of minor classes; however, generating good new samples from the existing instances of a minor class is still a hard issue and requires new investigation. This study presents two new methods of handling data imbalance based on the original algorithms SMOTE and adaptive synthetic sampling (ADASYN), called Improved SMOTE (I_SMOTE) and Improved ADASYN (I_ADASYN). These modifications involve a new selecting fit candidate method based on a new similarity measurement and a roulette wheel selection to generate synthetic data samples. The aim is to rebalance data and therefore improve the prediction accuracy of minor groups. The proposal methods were designed and applied to education datasets, and they were tested on public datasets and a dataset collected from a Vietnamese university for evaluation. The experimental results on learning datasets showed the high potential of novel algorithms, I_SMOTE and I_ADASYN, for student academic performance problems in general and at‐risk student groups especially. Empirical results proved that the recall, precision, and F1‐score of the minority class of I_SMOTE and I_ADASYN are strongly better than the original balancing algorithms. Besides, the I_SMOTE and I_ADASYN also improve relatively by 6.6% and 8.0% of the ROC area compared to the original SMOTE and ADASYN, respectively.
A Mathematical Analysis of the Impact of Immature Mosquitoes on the Transmission Dynamics of Malaria
Authors: Sualey Nantogmah Abdulai , Akuka Philip N. A. , Seidu Baba , Asamoah Joshua Kiddy K.
Published: October 2024

This study delves into the often‐overlooked impact of immature mosquitoes on the dynamics of malaria transmission. By employing a mathematical model, we explore how these aquatic stages of the vector shape the spread of the disease. Our analytical findings are corroborated through numerical simulations conducted using the Runge–Kutta fourth‐order method in MATLAB. Our research highlights a critical factor in malaria epidemiology: the basic reproduction number . We demonstrate that when is below unity , the disease‐free equilibrium exhibits local asymptotic stability. Conversely, when surpasses unity , the disease‐free equilibrium becomes unstable, potentially resulting in sustained malaria transmission. Furthermore, our analysis covers equilibrium points, stability assessments, bifurcation phenomena, and sensitivity analyses. These insights shed light on essential aspects of malaria control strategies, offering valuable guidance for effective intervention measures.
Athlete Monitoring Systems in Elite Men’s Basketball: Challenges, Recommendations, and Future Perspectives
Authors: Burger Jakob , Henze Alexander-Stephan , Voit Thomas , Latzel Richard , Moser Othmar
Published: October 2024

Athlete monitoring systems (AMSs) provide a centralized platform for integrating, processing, analyzing, and graphing various monitoring data to help coaches manage the rigorous demands of elite men’s basketball players, who frequently participate in high‐stress games with minimal recovery time. This review synthesizes current challenges in deploying AMSs, underscores their role in injury prevention and performance optimization, and discusses technological advances that could enhance their utility. Key challenges include selecting appropriate monitoring methods based on human and financial resources, accuracy of data collection, real‐time data processing, and personalization of training regimens. Due to the weaknesses and limitations of each monitoring method, it is recommended that both objective (e.g., external load data, heart rate measures, and biomarkers) and subjective (athlete‐reported outcome measures) monitoring data be integrated into an AMS to provide a holistic insight of the athlete’s health and readiness. In addition, decision support systems integrated into an AMS can help coaches quickly gain an overview of their players’ current condition and make informed decisions about daily load and recovery management. In this context, future perspectives suggest the potential for AMSs to incorporate predictive analytics and artificial intelligence to further enhance decision‐making processes in elite men’s basketball. Our findings underscore the need for continued innovation and rigorous validation of AMS technologies to ensure they meet the evolving demands of professional sports environments.
The Darboux Transformation for a New Fractional Schrödinger Equation Hierarchy
Authors: Zhu Xiao-ming , Zhang Jian-bing , Chen Shou-ting
Published: October 2024

It is well established that many integrable soliton equations can be constrained from the famous AKNS system. In this paper, aiming to generate new integrable soliton equations, the potentials of the AKNS system are constrained to a pair of fractional conjugate ones. The resulted equations include two fractional Scrödinger equations which are integrable for their own Lax pairs. Furthermore, odd‐soliton solutions are obtained through N‐fold Darboux transformations. Dynamic properties of the obtained solutions are analyzed in detail. These results suggest that the AKNS system allows a new type of potential constraints.

PACS: 02.30.Ik, 05.45.Yv.
A View of Myeloid Transformation through the Hallmarks of Cancer
Authors: Fernández-Maestre Inés , Cai Sheng F. , Levine Ross L.
Published: October 2024

The development of myeloid malignancies is influenced by a range of cell-intrinsic and cell-extrinsic factors, which can be conceptualized using the hallmarks of cancer. Although many facets of myeloid transformation are similar to those in solid tumors, there are also notable differences. Unlike solid tumors, hematologic malignancies typically exhibit fewer genetic mutations, which have been well characterized. However, understanding the cell-extrinsic factors contributing to myeloid malignancies can be challenging due to the complex interactions in the hematopoietic microenvironment. Researchers need to focus on these intricate factors to prevent the early onset of myeloid transformation and develop appropriate interventions.

Significance: Myeloid malignancies are common in the elderly, and acute myeloid leukemia has an adverse prognosis in older patients. Investigating cell-extrinsic factors influencing myeloid malignancies is crucial to developing approaches for preventing or halting disease progression and predicting clinical outcomes in patients with advanced disease. Whereas successful intervention may require targeting various mechanisms, understanding the contribution of each cell-extrinsic factor will help prioritize clinical targets.