bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prediction of the Lateral Ultimate Bearing Capacity of the RC Pipe Pile with Corrosion-Damaged Partial Length
Authors: Yu Hongyang , Wang Xiaohui
Published: December 2024

For reinforced concrete (RC) pipe pile used in the high-pile wharf in the marine environment, due to the dry–wet cycling in the splash/tidal zone, corrosion of the reinforcing bars in the pipe pile often occurs in this zone. In the present paper, the lateral ultimate bearing capacity of the RC pipe pile with corrosion-damaged partial length is predicted via the finite element method. Corrosion-induced concrete cover cracking, the reduction of effective cross section and strength of steel bars, as well as the bond degradation between steel bars and concrete are considered to predict the lateral ultimate bearing capacity of the corroded RC pipe piles under different axial compression ratios and corrosion levels. The modelling results show that, the ultimate capacity of the corroded RC pipe piles reduces due to the corrosion-damaged partial length. The failure location of the corroded RC pipe piles transfers from the bottom region of the uncorroded pile to the middle-corroded length. The increased axial compression ratio, corrosion level and corrosion-damaged length all affects the ultimate capacity and failure mode of the corroded RC pipe piles.
Enhancing the Performance of Oil Well Cement Strength with Graphene Oxide
Authors: Li Zihe , Xu Jiangtao , Miao Xia , Cao Wei , Zhang Jinqi , Lu Duyou , Yao Xiao
Published: December 2024

This study aims to use graphene oxide to improve the strength properties of oil well cement. The fluidity, setting time, strength properties, and hydration products of oil well cement paste with different GO dosages (0–0.05 wt%) were investigated. The fluidity of cement paste decreased linearly with increasing GO dosage was indicated. The addition of GO not only promoted cement hydration but also reduced the R-index of portlandite, which densified the microstructure of hardened paste and thus enhanced the strength properties. By using a 0.02% dosage of graphene oxide, the compressive strength of oil well cement pastes increased by 28.9% and 11.1% at 1 day and 28 days, respectively. Meanwhile, the flexural strength of cement paste increased by 72.5 and 34.1% compared to control. The enhancement of strength properties reduces the brittleness of oil well cement pastes, and improve wellbore integrity and cementing quality.
Robustness Study and Deformation Pattern Analysis of Multiple Prediction Regression Models for a Panel Rockfill Dam
Authors: Zhu Xinyuan , Zhou Zheng , Tian Jinzhang
Published: December 2024

Panel rockfill dams, due to their cost-effectiveness, short construction periods, high safety standards, and strong adaptability to foundations, have gained rapid development and considerable attention in recent years. However, the inherent material properties and structural behavior of panel rockfill dams change continuously during operation. Particularly, long-term operation results in coordination issues between the panel concrete and the rockfill material, leading to deformations. Regular monitoring and prediction of horizontal displacements in panel rockfill dams are crucial to ensure the dam's safety. This study focuses on the robustness of two prediction regression models, namely, displacement statistical regression models and grey prediction monitoring models, applied to a panel rockfill dam in the Lower Elesai Hydropower Project in Cambodia. The research explores the accuracy, applicability, strengths, and weaknesses of these two commonly used regression models for fitting and predicting deformations, such as displacements, in panel rockfill dams. Furthermore, both prediction regression models are employed to analyze horizontal displacement monitoring data of the panel dam, conducting an in-depth study of deformation patterns. This analysis aims to determine the initial reservoir period's coordination patterns of deformation and provide recommendations based on the findings.
Mechanism Model of Inherent Defects Risks for Buildings Quality Under Inherent Defects Insurance
Authors: Ji Yingbo , Tong Wenjing , Yao Fuyi , Li Hong Xian , Liu Xinnan
Published: December 2024

Inherent defects insurance is one of the practical tools for building quality management, with the inherent defects risk assessment of buildings as its core. Unfortunately, the domestic Technical Inspection Service has failed to build a comprehensive risk system covering the project. As a result, the risk assessment mainly focuses on the construction process inspection, lacking a risk assessment model with theoretical support for the inherent defects. Therefore, the mechanism of inherent defect risks is analysed in this paper to provide a theoretical basis for the risk assessment. This paper identifies the inherent defects risks and risk factors of buildings and constructs the causal mapping and weights among building quality risks based on the Analytic Hierarchy Process of group decisions using expert interviews and questionnaires. It was found that the risk factors of survey and design, concrete pouring, roof waterproofing, and insulation engineering, and the completion review had a significant impact on the inherent defect risks.
Intelligent Analysis Research on Reservoir Dam Structure Settlement Prediction in Coal Mining Subsidence Area
Authors: Chang Qiang , Yan Hao , Zhao Daiyao , Zhang Ning
Published: December 2024

When constructing a dam in a mined-out area, it is necessary to handle the mined-out area effectively. Analyzing the distribution of mined-out areas is essential to ensure the safety of dam structures. In response to this issue, a machine learning-based method for analyzing the settlement of reservoir dam structures in coal mining subsidence areas is proposed. The method includes the following steps: first, analyze the geological conditions of the mined-out area and calculate the conditions for each depth of the mined-out area. Secondly, analyze the deformation mechanism of the mined-out area and calculate the impact of the mined-out area at representative depths. Next, use machine learning methods to regressively fit the deformation displacement and obtain the deformation function. Finally, validate the predicted depth based on on-site monitoring data and drilling information. The study concludes that deeper mined-out areas lead to larger total displacement, and as the depth increases, the displacement caused by self-weight stress gradually increases. Additionally, the displacement response of the dam load decreases with the increase in depth. The predicted depths align well with the actual depths. The proposed method is reasonable and feasible, providing a basis for reinforcement schemes in mined-out areas.
Research on Cumulative Damage of Reinforced Concrete Short Columns
Authors: Zhou Hongyu , Tang Qi , Zhao Xiaohua , Liu Yanan
Published: December 2024

Reinforced concrete columns are the main load-bearing elements in many structures and are also the elements that bear seismic effects when earthquakes occur. In high-rise buildings, bridges, and other building structures column members also gradually accumulate damage due to fatigue cyclic loading and gradually reduce their load-bearing performance. The design and fabrication of reinforced concrete column members, the application of equal amplitude cyclic loading to them, so that they enter different damage stages, the study of their fatigue damage after the fatigue damage of the load-bearing capacity, deformation capacity, and damage morphology and other damage, to reveal the fatigue damage on the shear performance of the members of the law of influence. The monotonic pushover and low circumferential fatigue proposed static tests of reinforced concrete columns were carried out to study the fatigue shear damage characteristics, damage mechanism, and mechanical properties of the member such as the bearing capacity after the damage. The test process is divided into two stages. In the first stage, a certain number of equal-amplitude cyclic loads are applied to the reinforced concrete column members to bring them to different degrees of damage, and the cumulative damage development law is studied. In the second stage, the members after the accumulated damage were subjected to damage tests under monotonic loading to study their residual bearing capacity and dimensional effects in the damaged state.
Development of gene-in-plasmid DNA reference materials certified by single-molecule counting
Authors: Lee Da-Hye , Yoo Hee-Bong , Hong Kee-Suk , Park Sang-Ryoul , Jeong Sangkyun , Yang Inchul
Published: December 2024

The mole, the SI unit for measuring the amount of a substance, was redefined as a fixed number of entities. This definition enables straightforward quantification of substances by counting individual entities. Counting proves particularly effective for quantifying large and discrete biological entities such as DNA, proteins, viruses, and cells, which are challenging to quantify via traditional physical or chemical methods. In this study, we detail our approach to develop gene reference materials certified through single-molecule counting, which enables mole-traceable measurements. We quantified three plasmid DNA constructs, each carrying a specific gene of interest, via single-molecule counting. The resulting values were cross-validated via digital PCR and LC‒MS. Sequence impurities in the certified reference materials were quantified via single-molecule real-time sequencing, whereas fragment impurities were quantified via two-color digital PCR analysis. We precisely accounted for various sources of uncertainty, including measurement precision, weighing, homogeneity, and impurities, when estimating the total uncertainty of the reference materials. In conclusion, a practical format for gene-based DNA reference materials, a measurement method to achieve metrological traceability, and methods for quantifying fragments and sequence impurities were developed and implemented in this study. We anticipate that our gene-based DNA reference materials will serve as valuable higher-order standards for the calibration of other methods or reference materials for DNA quantification in a variety of bioanalytical applications.
Classical correspondence beyond the Ehrenfest time for open quantum systems with general Lindbladians
Authors: Hernández Felipe , Ranard Daniel , Riedel C. Jess
Published: December 2024

Quantum and classical systems evolving under the same formal Hamiltonian H may exhibit dramatically different behavior after the Ehrenfest timescale

$$t_E \sim \log (\hbar ^{-1})$$

t
E

∼
log

(

ħ

-
1

)

, even as

$$\hbar \rightarrow 0$$

ħ
→
0

. Coupling the system to a Markovian environment results in a Lindblad equation for the quantum evolution. Its classical counterpart is given by the Fokker–Planck equation on phase space, which describes Hamiltonian flow with friction and diffusive noise. The quantum and classical evolutions may be compared via the Wigner-Weyl representation. Due to decoherence, they are conjectured to match closely for times far beyond the Ehrenfest timescale as

$$\hbar \rightarrow 0$$

ħ
→
0

. We prove a version of this correspondence, bounding the error between the quantum and classical evolutions for any sufficiently regular Hamiltonian H(x, p) and Lindblad functions

$$L_{k}(x,p)$$

L
k

(
x
,
p
)

. The error is small when the strength of the diffusion D associated to the Lindblad functions satisfies

$$D \gg \hbar ^{4/3}$$

D
≫

ħ

4
/
3

, in particular allowing vanishing noise in the classical limit. Our method uses a time-dependent semiclassical mixture of variably squeezed Gaussian states. The states evolve according to a local harmonic approximation to the Lindblad dynamics constructed from a second-order Taylor expansion of the Lindbladian. Both the exact quantum trajectory and its classical counterpart can be expressed as perturbations of this semiclassical mixture, with the errors bounded using Duhamel’s principle. We present heuristic arguments suggesting the 4/3 exponent is optimal and defines a boundary in the sense that asymptotically weaker diffusion permits a breakdown of quantum-classical correspondence at the Ehrenfest timescale. Our presentation aims to be comprehensive and accessible to both mathematicians and physicists. In a shorter companion paper, we treat the special case of Hamiltonians that decompose into kinetic and potential energy with linear Lindblad operators, with explicit bounds that can be applied directly to physical systems.
Standard technique in Japan for measuring hepatic venous pressure gradient
Authors: Imai Yusuke , Koizumi Yohei , Hiasa Yoichi , Hirooka Masashi , Tokumoto Yoshio , Yoshida Osamu , Chikamori Fumio
Published: December 2024

Background

Direct measurement of portal venous pressure (PVP) is invasive, so the hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) is commonly measured to evaluate portal hypertension (PH). HVPG is the gold standard for estimating PVP but few reports have covered standardized measurement techniques.

Methods

This study validated standardized techniques for PVP measurement.

Results

In Western countries, electronic transducers are commonly used to measure PVP, whereas the water column method is still frequently applied in Japan. Setting a reference point for accurate PVP measurement is important but complicated. According to Japanese guidelines, the reference point for PVP measurement is 10 cm above the dorsal surface or in the midaxillary line. For simpler determination, the anterior axillary point, defined as the point of convergence between the proximal pectoralis major muscle and arm when both arms are positioned against the trunk in a supine position, can be used as the reference point. New methods, such as endoscopic ultrasound-guided portal pressure gradient, offer less invasive alternatives. Non-invasive methods like elastography measure liver and spleen stiffness, which correlate with HVPG. The Baveno VII criteria incorporate measurements of liver and splenic stiffness for risk stratification. Biomarkers such as type IV collagen, M2BPGi, and FIB-4 score also predict HVPG. The Baveno VII consensus emphasizes the status of HVPG as the gold standard while advocating for non-invasive alternative methods to improve patient care and monitor treatment efficacy.

Conclusions

Continued development of non-invasive tests is crucial for safer, more convenient PH management.
Serum IL-6 concentration is a useful biomarker to predict the efficacy of atezolizumab plus bevacizumab in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Miura Ryoichi , Ono Atsushi , Nakahara Hikaru , Shirane Yuki , Yamaoka Kenji , Fujii Yasutoshi , Uchikawa Shinsuke , Fujino Hatsue , Murakami Eisuke , Kawaoka Tomokazu , Miki Daiki , Tsuge Masataka , Kishi Takeshi , Ohishi Waka , Sakamoto Naoya , Arihiro Koji , Hayes Clair Nelson , Oka Shiro
Published: December 2024

Background

This study aims to identify biomarkers for treatment response of atezolizumab plus bevacizumab (Atezo+Bev) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

96 patients who received Atezo+Bev or lenvatinib as a first-line systemic therapy were enrolled as the training group after propensity score matching (PSM), and 42 patients treated with Atezo+Bev were enrolled as the validation group. 17 serum cytokines were measured by Luminex multiplex assay at the start of treatment. For further assessment of the association between cytokine levels and the tumor microenvironment (TME), immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed on pre-treatment liver biopsy specimens.

Results

In the derivation set, multivariate analysis identified elevated IL-6 as an independent risk factor in the Atezo+Bev group (HR 5.80: p<0.01), but not in the lenvatinib group; in a subset analysis of patients with low IL-6, PFS was longer in the Atezo+Bev training group than in the lenvatinib group (p = 0.02). A validation study also showed a significantly longer prognosis in the low IL-6 group for both PFS (p = 0.0001) and OS (p = 0.03). Serum IL-6 had a positive correlation with tumor IL-6 expression (ρ = 0.56, p < 0.0001) and an inverse correlation with the CD8/CD163-positive cell count ratio (ρ = −0.4, p < 0.01).

Conclusion

Serum IL-6 levels are thought to be involved in the suppression of tumor immunity and are useful in predicting the therapeutic effect of Atezo+Bev treatment.
Generalized convolution quadrature for non smooth sectorial problems
Authors: Guo J. , Lopez-Fernandez M.
Published: December 2024

We consider the application of the generalized convolution quadrature (gCQ) to approximate the solution of an important class of sectorial problems. The gCQ is a generalization of Lubich’s convolution quadrature (CQ) that allows for variable steps. The available stability and convergence theory for the gCQ requires non realistic regularity assumptions on the data, which do not hold in many applications of interest, such as the approximation of subdiffusion equations. It is well known that for non smooth enough data the original CQ, with uniform steps, presents an order reduction close to the singularity. We generalize the analysis of the gCQ to data satisfying realistic regularity assumptions and provide sufficient conditions for stability and convergence on arbitrary sequences of time points. We consider the particular case of graded meshes and show how to choose them optimally, according to the behaviour of the data. An important advantage of the gCQ method is that it allows for a fast and memory reduced implementation. We describe how the fast and oblivious gCQ can be implemented and illustrate our theoretical results with several numerical experiments.
Machine learning-based tropospheric delay prediction for real-time precise point positioning under extreme weather conditions
Authors: Haji-Aghajany Saeid , Rohm Witold , Hadas Tomasz , Bosy Jaroslaw
Published: December 2024

Satellite signals from the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) are refracted as they pass through the troposphere, owing to the variable density and composition of the atmosphere, causing tropospheric delay. Typically, tropospheric delay is treated as an unknown parameter in GNSS data processing. Given the growing need for real-time GNSS applications, accurate tropospheric delay predictions are crucial to improve Precise Point Positioning (PPP). In this paper, time-series of tomography data are used for wet refractivity prediction employing Machine Learning (ML) techniques in both Poland and California, under extreme weather conditions including sweeping rain bands and storms. The predicted wet refractivity is implemented for tropospheric delay determination through ray-tracing technique. PPP processing is conducted in both static and kinematic modes using different setups. These are: (1) common PPP, called Com-PPP, (2) Ray-PPP, which applies obtained tropospheric delay on GNSS observations and thus eliminates tropospheric parameters from unknowns, and (3) Dif-PPP, which applies the difference of estimated tropospheric delay from ray-tracing and GNSS measurements to compensate for the remaining tropospheric delay in the observations. The results show that Dif-PPP reduces the Mean Absolute Error (MAE) of the Three-Dimensional (3-D) component between 8 and 33% in static mode compared to the Com-PPP method. Additionally, it can improve the convergence time of the up component in the kinematic mode by between 6 and 17%.
Census-based estimates of Mediterranean Oligocene–Miocene reef carbonate production
Authors: Kiessling Wolfgang , Dimitrijević Danijela , Raja Nussaïbah B. , Frühbeißer Kerstin , Vescogni Alessandro , Bosellini Francesca R.
Published: December 2024

Census-based approaches to reefal carbonate budgets are increasingly being used to project the near-future fate of tropical coral reefs. Some of the census parameters are difficult to achieve in fossil reef systems, which may be the reason why no census-based estimates of fossil reef carbonate production have been published until now. Here, we apply a census-based estimate of gross carbonate production in two reef systems from southeastern Italy to (1) test if reasonable estimates are possible and (2) assess the variability of carbonate production rates over time and reef environment. We confirm that estimates of late Oligocene and late Miocene reef gross carbonate production are within the range of modern coral reefs with the late Oligocene reef front showing the greatest carbonate production (6.1 ± 1.3 kg CaCO3 m−2 year−1) and the late Miocene reef front exhibiting the lowest production (1.7 ± 0.5 kg CaCO3 m−2 year−1). The decline of reef carbonate production from the Oligocene to the Miocene is accompanied by a decline of reef builder biodiversity but driven by the lower coral cover and coral growth rates in the Miocene. The decline of reefal carbonate production may be related to late Cenozoic cooling.
Representation of convex geometries of convex dimension 3 by spheres
Authors: Adaricheva K. , Agarwal A. , Nevo N.
Published: December 2024

A convex geometry is a closure system satisfying the anti-exchange property. This paper, following the work of Adaricheva and Bolat [1] and the Polymath REU (2020), continues to investigate representations of convex geometries with small convex dimension by convex shapes on the plane and in spaces of higher dimension. In particular, we answer in the negative the question raised by Polymath REU (2020): whether every convex geometry of convex dimension 3 is representable by circles on the plane. We show there are geometries of convex dimension 3 that cannot be represented by spheres in any

$$\mathbb{R}^k$$

R

k

, and this connects to posets not representable by spheres from the paper of Felsner, Fishburn and Trotter [44]. On the positive side, we use the result of Kincses [55] to show that every finite poset is an ellipsoid order.
Simulation Expectation
Authors: Thomas Teruji
Published: December 2024

I present a new argument that we are much more likely to be living in a computer simulation than in the ground-level of reality. (Similar arguments can be marshalled for the view that we are more likely to be Boltzmann brains than ordinary people, but I focus on the case of simulations.) I explain how this argument overcomes some objections to Bostrom’s classic argument for the same conclusion. I also consider to what extent the argument depends upon an internalist conception of evidence, and I refute the common line of thought that finding many simulations being run—or running them ourselves—must increase the odds that we are in a simulation.
Complement Inhibition in Chronic Subdural Hematoma Fluid
Authors: Marklund Niklas , Zolfaghari Shaian , Westerberg Gustaf , Ruscher Karsten , Englund Elisabet , Redebrandt Henrietta Nittby
Published: December 2024

Background

Emerging data suggest a complex pathophysiology of chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) to which an inflammatory response might contribute. The complement system is activated in acute traumatic setting, although its role in CSDH is unknown. To investigate the complement system in CSDH pathophysiology, we analyzed blood and hematoma fluid biomarkers, as well as immunohistochemistry of the CSDH membrane and dura.

Materials and Methods

We simultaneously collected CSDH fluid and peripheral blood from 20 CSDH patients at the time of surgery. Biopsies of the dura mater and the CSDH capsule were obtained and analyzed by immunohistochemistry for C5b-C9 or C5a deposition. Biomarkers of inflammation and complement activation were analyzed by a 21-multiplex assay, including Adiponectin, Clusterin, Complement factor C9 and CRP. Complement factor C5a was analyzed separately by a commercial R-plex electrochemiluminescence assay.

Results

Ten biomarkers differed significantly between peripheral blood and paired CSDH of which two were significantly increased in CSDH fluid (Clusterin and Cystatin C). Eight of the significantly altered biomarkers were significantly decreased in CSDH fluid, including C5a, Complement 9 and Adiponectin. There was no immunoreactivity for C5a or the C5b-C9 membrane attack complex in the dura or CSDH membrane.

Conclusions

In CSDH levels of the complement inhibitor Clusterin were increased, whereas levels of C5a and C9 were decreased. Membrane attack complex C5b-C9 was not detected in the membrane or dura surrounding the CSDH. Inhibition of complement could lead to reduced clearance of debris in the CSDH as well as secondary inflammatory reactions.
A hierarchically porous and SLIT3-releasing scaffold for bone tissue engineering applications
Authors: Al-Goraee Ashraf , Al-Shami Abdulrahman , Alshami Ali S. , Dhasarathy Archana , Ismail Nadhem , Guidinger Jadyn , Tayyebi Arash , Talukder Musabbir Jahan
Published: December 2024

One of the most fundamental characteristics of a biomaterial tailored for bone repair and regeneration is its ability to promote bone regeneration and healing of large defects. This work reports producing a functionalized and hieratically porous bone scaffold that significantly supports cell adhesion and proliferation by providing bone mimicry structure and controlled release of protein. The Slit Guidance Ligand 3 (SLIT3) protein was previously tested to promote bone formation and control the resorption process in natural bone healing. In this study, our goal was to design a nanocomposite bone scaffold to be functionalized with SLIT3 protein and then evaluate the uptake and release profile from surface into culture media to support bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) 3D culture. Indirect 3D printing of a polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA), hydroxyapatite nanoparticles, and polydopamine coated (PLGA-HANPs-PDA) was utilized to obtain a hierarchically porous and SLIT3 protein-releasing scaffold. The produced scaffold was evaluated and optimized using chemical, architectural, mechanical, and biological characterization techniques. Optimal physicochemical properties resulted in a unique microstructure with an average pore size of 178.06 ± 45 µm, 63% porosity, and stable and homogenous chemical composition. Mechanical testing demonstrated a compression strength up to 1.5 MPa at 75% strain, with a compression modulus of 0.58 ± 0.05 MPa. Preliminary biological experiments showed that the scaffold exhibited gradual SLIT3 protein release, biodegradability, and reliable biocompatibility for MSC cell culture. Finally, we showed for first time the bioactivity of SLIT3 protein within PLGA-HANPs-PDA scaffold to promote attachment and growth of mesenchymal stem cell (MSCs) seeded in bone mimicry scaffold matrix. The collected findings will serve as a bedrock for thorough and targeted in vitro studies to evaluate anticipated osteogenesis the MSCs.
Neuroprotective Effects of STAT3 Inhibitor on Hydrogen Peroxide-Induced Neuronal Cell Death via the ERK/CREB Signaling Pathway
Authors: Kim Seul-Ki , Kwon Yong-Jin , Seo Eun-Bi , Lee Hyun-Seung , Sohn Jie Ohn , Shin Hyun Mu , Kim Sung Joon , Ye Sang-Kyu
Published: December 2024

This study investigates the neuroprotective potential of STAT3 inhibition in reducing oxidative stress-induced neuronal damage and apoptosis, a major factor contributing to the onset and progression of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Our findings demonstrate that STAT3 inhibitors significantly enhance cell survival and reduce apoptosis in SH-SY5Y cells exposed to hydrogen peroxide. These protective effects are mediated through the ERK/CREB signaling pathway rather than direct suppression of STAT3 phosphorylation. Further analysis revealed that the ERK pathway is a critical mediator of CREB activation following STAT3 inhibition. The protective effects of STAT3 inhibitors were significantly reduced in the presence of the ERK inhibitor PD98059, underscoring the importance of the ERK/CREB axis in neuroprotection. We observed that STAT3 inhibitors promote CREB phosphorylation, leading to the upregulation of immediate early genes such as c-Fos, c-Jun, Arc, Egr-1, NR4A1, and Homer1a, as well as BDNF. These genes are crucial for synaptic plasticity and long-term memory formation, suggesting that STAT3 inhibition may ameliorate cognitive impairments in neurodegenerative conditions. Our results highlight the potential of STAT3 inhibitors to counteract oxidative stress and enhance cognitive functions by modulating the ERK/CREB signaling pathway. These findings provide valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms of STAT3 inhibition and support its therapeutic potential for treating neurodegenerative diseases.
Determining the potential of international passenger rail services with applications to the European night train market
Authors: Rickfelder Tim , Schönberger Jörn
Published: December 2024

Transport demand represents the essential basis in the design of public transport services. Information on this is accordingly a necessary prerequisite for the preparation of supply. In the following, a general approach is presented using the example of the European night train market, with which potentials can be derived despite little knowledge of the mobility needs of the market and demand matrices can be drawn up as a basis for economic calculations. By calculating a heuristic rule, the optimal path through a network in line planning is not exclusively a function of the edge evaluations but considers the node potentials determined this way. Transport demand represents the essential basis in the design of public transport services. Information on this is accordingly a necessary prerequisite for the preparation of supply. In the following, a general approach is presented with which potentials can be derived despite little knowledge of the mobility needs of the market. In the context of graph theory, the potential of nodes is evaluated and these are included downstream to the edge selection in form of a rucksack problem. By calculating a heuristic rule, the optimal path through a network in line planning is therefore not exclusively a function of the edge evaluations but considers the node potentials as well. Based on this demand matrices can be drawn up as a basis for economic calculations. Regarding the current debate on the expansion of night train services in Europe, this approach can be adapted to the conception of an overnight train. An overview of all night trains in Northern, Central and Western Europe in 2021 is provided for this purpose and the suitability of the approach is demonstrated using an example. It will be successful in setting up a route network from which passenger flows can be derived. However, possible adaptions that can be considered as second-best solutions are not taken into account and require further development of the approach.
Response shift results of quantitative research using patient-reported outcome measures: a meta-regression analysis
Authors: Sawatzky Richard , Verdam Mathilde G. E. , Dubuy Yseulys , Sajobi Tolulope T. , Russell Lara , Awosoga Oluwagbohunmi A. , Ademola Ayoola , Böhnke Jan R. , Lawal Oluwaseyi , Brobbey Anita , Anota Amélie , Lix Lisa M. , Sprangers Mirjam A. G. , Sébille Véronique ,   the Response Shift – in Sync Working Group
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Our objectives were to identify characteristics of response shift studies using patient-reported outcomes (PROMs) that explain variability in (1) the detection and (2) the magnitude of response shift effects.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review of quantitative studies published before June 2023. First, two-level multivariable logistic regression models (effect- and sample-levels) were used to explain variability in the probability of finding a response shift effect. Second, variability in effect sizes (standardized mean differences) was investigated with 3-level meta-regression models (participant-, effect- and sample-levels). Explanatory variables identified via the purposeful selection methodology included response shift method and type, and population-, study design-, PROM- and study-quality characteristics.

Results

First, logistic regression analysis of 5597 effects from 206 samples in 171 studies identified variables explaining 41.5% of the effect-level variance, while no variables explained sample-level variance. The average probability of response shift detection is 0.20 (95% CI: 0.17-0.28). Variation in detection was predominantly explained by response shift methods and type (recalibration vs. reprioritization/reconceptualization). Second, effect sizes were analyzed for 769 effects from 114 samples and 96 studies based on the then-test and structural equation modeling methods. Meta-regression analysis identified variables explaining 11.6% of the effect-level variance and 26.4% of the sample-level variance, with an average effect size of 0.30 (95% CI: 0.26-0.34).

Conclusion

Response shift detection is influenced by study design and methods. Insights into the variables explaining response shift effects can be used to interpret results of other comparable studies using PROMs and inform the design of future response shift studies.
Morphological description and molecular characterization of Heterospinus mccordi n. gen. n. sp. (Acanthocephala: Polymorphidae) from cystacanths infecting a non-native crayfish host, Procambarus clarkii (Decapoda: Cambaridae), in South Carolina, USA
Authors: Rothman Gregory K. , Hill-Spanik Kristina M. , Wagner Graham A. , Kendrick Michael R. , Kingsley-Smith Peter R. , de Buron Isaure
Published: December 2024

A new genus and species within the family Polymorphidae Meyer, 1931 were erected to accommodate cystacanths recovered from the mesentery of individuals from a non-native population of the red swamp crayfish Procambarus clarkii (Girard), collected from South Carolina (USA). Morphological characteristics of the specimens collected included in both sexes a spindle-shaped body with a slender hindtrunk, two fields of markedly different sized spines on the foretrunk, the presence of a middle row of smaller scythe-shaped hooks on a proboscis armed with 19–20 longitudinal rows of 14–16 hooks; and in males, six cement glands, absence of genital spines, and a digitiform and spinose bursa (observed inverted). Sequencing portions of both the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) and large subunit ribosomal RNA genes was completed, followed by phylogenetic analysis of a concatenated alignment. Sequences from our specimens appeared in a clade with those of Hexaglandula corynosoma (Travassos, 1915) and Ibirhynchus dimorpha (Schmidt, 1973) but were 27% divergent from both using the COI marker. The genetic divergence of this parasite from other polymorphid genera, along with unique morphological features, justified erecting a new genus and new species. Herein we describe Heterospinus mccordi
n. gen.
n. sp. bringing the total number of genera within the family Polymorphidae to 16, and we emend and update the latest key that was provided for the genera within this family. This is the first record of polymorphids infecting P. clarkii outside of its native range. The definitive host remains unknown.
An Evaluation of Zero-Cost Proxies - from Neural Architecture Performance Prediction to Model Robustness
Authors: Lukasik Jovita , Moeller Michael , Keuper Margret
Published: December 2024

Zero-cost proxies are nowadays frequently studied and used to search for neural architectures. They show an impressive ability to predict the performance of architectures by making use of their untrained weights. These techniques allow for immense search speed-ups. So far the joint search for well performing and robust architectures has received much less attention in the field of NAS. Therefore, the main focus of zero-cost proxies is the clean accuracy of architectures, whereas the model robustness should play an evenly important part. In this paper, we analyze the ability of common zero-cost proxies to serve as performance predictors for robustness in the popular NAS-Bench-201 search space. We are interested in the single prediction task for robustness and the joint multi-objective of clean and robust accuracy. We further analyze the feature importance of the proxies and show that predicting the robustness makes the prediction task from existing zero-cost proxies more challenging. As a result, the joint consideration of several proxies becomes necessary to predict a model’s robustness while the clean accuracy can be regressed from a single such feature. Our code is available at https://github.com/jovitalukasik/zcp_eval.
α-Pyrrolidinooctanophenone facilitates activation of human microglial cells via ROS/STAT3-dependent pathway
Authors: Sakai Yuji , Hattori Junta , Morikawa Yoshifumi , Matsumura Toshihiro , Jimbo Shunsuke , Suenami Koichi , Takayama Tomohiro , Nagai Atsushi , Michiue Tomomi , Ikari Akira , Matsunaga Toshiyuki
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Pyrrolidinophenone derivatives (PPs) are amphetamine-like designer drugs containing a pyrrolidine ring, and their adverse effects resemble those of methamphetamine (METH). Microglial activation has been recently suggested as a key event in eliciting the adverse effects against dysfunction of the central nervous system. The aim of this study is to clarify the mechanisms of microglial activation induced by PPs.

Methods

We employed the human microglial cell line HMC3 to assess microglial activation induced by PPs and evaluated the capacities for proliferation and interleukin-6 (IL-6) production that are characteristic features of the activation events.

Results

The WST-1 assay indicated that viability of HMC3 cells was increased by treatment with sublethal concentrations (5–20 µM) of α-pyrrolidinooctanophenone (α-POP), a highly lipophilic PP, whereas it was decreased by treatment with concentrations above 40 µM. Treatment with sublethal α-POP concentrations up-regulated the expression and secretion of IL-6. Additionally, α-POP-induced increase in cell viability was restored by pretreating with N-acetyl-l-cysteine, a reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger, and stattic, an inhibitor of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), respectively, suggesting that activation of the ROS/STAT3 pathway is involved in the α-POP-induced activation of HMC3 cells. The increases in cell viability were also observed in HMC3 cells treated with other α-POP derivatives and METH.

Conclusions

These results suggest that enhanced productions of ROS and IL-6 are also involved in microglial activation by drug treatment and that HMC3 cell-based system is available to evaluate accurately the microglial activation induced by abused drugs.
Post-mortem diagnosis of malaria in decomposed and embalmed body
Authors: Kusior Magdalena , Piniewska-Róg Danuta , Wojtas Marta , Sanak Marek , Maciów-Głąb Martyna , Moskała Artur
Published: December 2024

The diagnosis of malaria during the autopsy of a decomposed corpse may prove challenging. Macroscopic changes are non-specific and may include, among others, cerebral oedema, pulmonary oedema, hepatosplenomegaly and, on occasion, the presence of petechiae. The most effective diagnostic tools for malaria are the examination of blood smears and the use of rapid immunochromatographic tests. As a result of the progressive putrefaction of the corpse and blood hemolysis, classical tests are no longer viable. Consequently, the sole remaining option is the utilisation of real-time reaction (RT-PCR) to ascertain the presence of plasmodium DNA in specific organs. This study concerns the diagnosis of a fatal form of cerebral malaria in a 23-year-old Caucasian male who had travelled to Africa. The autopsy was conducted at a local hospital, after which the body was embalmed and stored in cold storage for a period of 8.5 months. Subsequently, the corpse was transported to Poland, where a further forensic autopsy was conducted. A significant challenge was to confirm the presence of malaria in a corpse that had been embalmed several months prior to the investigation. Samples were obtained from internal organs for genetic analysis to determine the presence of parasite DNA. An RT-PCR test was conducted on genetic material obtained from the brain, heart, lungs, kidney, liver, and spleen. The presence of Plasmodium falciparum genetic material was identified in samples obtained from the brain, lungs, kidney, liver, and spleen. These findings substantiated the post-mortem diagnosis of a severe form of cerebral malaria, which was the underlying cause of death.
Progression and perspectives in disease modeling for Juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia
Authors: Fu Shengyuan , Guo Yao , Peng Zhiyong , Zhang Dengyang , Chang Zhiguang , Xiao Yan , Zhang Qi , Yu Liuting , Chen Chun , Chen Yun , Zhao Yuming
Published: December 2024

Juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML) is a rare myeloproliferative neoplasm occurring in infants and young children. JMML has been shown to be resistant to all conventional cytotoxic chemotherapy drugs, and current curative therapies still rely on hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, which carries a high risk of relapse post-transplantation. This underscores the urgent need for novel treatment strategies. However, the rarity of JMML poses a major limitation for research, as it is difficult to collect substantial primary research material. To gain a deeper insight into the underlying biological mechanisms of JMML, researchers are continuously improving and developing preclinical research models to better emulate the disease. Therefore, this review aims to delineate the various experimental models currently employed in JMML, including patient-derived cell-based models, cell models, and animal models. We will discuss the characterization of these models in the context of JMML, hoping to provide a valuable reference for researchers in this field.
Reduced Neurite Arborization in Primary Dopaminergic Neurons in Autism-Like Shank3B-Deficient Mice
Authors: Bacova Zuzana , Havranek Tomas , Mihalj Denisa , Borbelyova Veronika , Kostrubanicova Kristina , Kramarova Michaela , Ostatnikova Daniela , Bakos Jan
Published: December 2024

Despite many studies on dopamine changes in autism, specific alterations in midbrain dopamine neurons projecting to the striatum and cortex remain unclear. Mouse models with diverse SH3 domain and ankyrin repeat containing protein 3 (Shank3) deficiencies are used for investigating autistic symptoms and underlying neurobiological mechanisms. SHANK3 belongs to postsynaptic proteins crucial for synapse formation during development, and disruptions in SHANK3 structure could lead to impaired neurite outgrowth and altered dendritic arborization and morphology. Therefore, we aimed to investigate whether Shank3 deficiency (Shank3B) leads to changes in the morphology of primary neuronal cell cultures from dopaminergic brain regions of neonatal mouse pups and whether it results in alterations in synaptic proteins in dopaminergic nerve pathway projection areas (striatum, frontal cortex). Significantly reduced neurite outgrowth was observed in primary dopaminergic neurons from the midbrain and striatum of Shank3-deficient compared to WT mice. A decrease in Synapsin I immunofluorescence signal in the cortical neurons isolated from Shank3-deficient mice was found, although neurite arborization changes were less severe. Importantly, the deficit in the length of the longest neurite was confirmed in primary cortical neurons isolated from Shank3-deficient mice. No changes in the gene expression of synaptic proteins were observed in the striatum and frontal cortex of Shank3-deficient mice, but an altered gene expression profile of dopaminergic receptors was found. These results show structural changes of dopaminergic neurons, which may explain autistic symptomatology in the used model and provide a basis for understanding the long-term development of autistic symptoms.
Harnessing Geo-Diversity: Geosites and Geotourism in Uganda's Albertine Region
Authors: Kayima Patrick , Karasiewicz Tomasz
Published: December 2024

The Albertine Region of Uganda, an integral part of the Great Rift Valley, have a diverse array of geosites with exceptional geoheritage value. Despite the region's immense geological, geomorphological, structural, palaeontological, stratigraphic and mineralogical significance, as well as its potential as a prime geotourism destination, there is a scarcity of comprehensive studies on its geoheritage within the global geotourism literature. This research examined and assessed key geosites in the Albertine Region, emphasizing their educational value and unique geological characteristics that could attract geotourists. The study employed a rigorous methodology combining cartographic analysis, scientific literature review, GIS data integration, and field surveys to identify and evaluate the geosites based on their educational and touristic potential. The geosites were classified into thematic groups, including waterfalls, hot springs, glacial features, caves, rare mineral occurrences, and bedrock exposures. The evaluation revealed that several geosites possess considerable geotourism and educational potential, with some receiving high scores for both educational value and geotourism attractiveness. To capitalise on this potential and generate economic benefits for Uganda, a two-pronged approach is recommended, involving collaboration between government agencies and educational institutions to promote geosites and actively identify and develop potential sites. By doing so, the Albertine Region can be transformed into a premium geotourism destination in Uganda, generating economic benefits for the country while safeguarding its invaluable geoheritage.
Review of detection, prediction and treatment of fluid loss events
Authors: Amish Mohamed , Khodja Mohamed
Published: December 2024

Lost circulation has the potential to cause formation damage, wellbore instability and a blowout. Many methods have been introduced, but there is no industry-wide solution available to predict lost circulation due to some constraints in the field. It is essential to predict the onset of loss of circulation to mitigate its effects, reduce operational costs and prevent the risk to people and the environment. A wide range of methods, techniques and treatments, including environmentally friendly materials, are reviewed to mitigate the loss of circulation. Conventional and intelligent methods are presented for detecting and predicting lost circulation events. Using oil field data such as fluid parameters, drilling parameters and geological parameters, artificial intelligence can predict fluid losses using supervised machine learning (ML). Several ML models for predicting fluid loss are reviewed in this paper, and other possible applications are discussed. The sample size, field location, input and output features, performance and ML algorithms are extracted. The paper provides an inclusive presentation of the ML workflow for fluid loss prediction and is anticipated to help and support both drilling engineering practitioners and researchers in the resolution of drilling challenges, with recommendations for future development.
Questions in linear recurrence I: The $$T\oplus T$$-recurrence problem
Authors: Grivaux Sophie , López-Martínez Antoni , Peris Alfred
Published: December 2024

We study, for a continuous linear operator T acting on an F-space X, when the direct sum operator

$$T\oplus T$$

T
⊕
T

is recurrent on the direct sum space

$$X\oplus X$$

X
⊕
X

. In particular: we establish the analogous notion for recurrence to that of (topological) weak-mixing for transitivity/hypercyclicity, namely quasi-rigidity; and we construct a recurrent but not quasi-rigid operator on each separable infinite-dimensional Banach space, solving the

$$T\oplus T$$

T
⊕
T

-recurrence problem in the negative way.