bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Study on the effect of acid fracturing fluid on pore structure of middle to high rank coal
Authors: Kang Zhao , Liangwei Li , Kun Li , Shaojie Zuo , Zhizhong Jiang 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Acid fracturing fluids can effectively improve the microporous structure of coal, thereby enhancing the permeability of coal seam and the efficiency of gas drainage. To explore the effects of acid fracturing fluids on the pore structure modification of coal samples from different coal ranks, hydrochloric acid-based acid fracturing fluids were prepared and used to soak four types of medium to high-rank coal in an experiment. High-pressure mercury intrusion and liquid nitrogen adsorption techniques results demonstrated that the acid fracturing fluid can effectively alter the pore structure of coal. However, the modification effect does not exhibit a linear relationship with coal rank. The porosity of fat coal and coking coal increased by approximately 30%, while the surface area of gas coal and fat coal increased by about 20%. The new micropores produced by the acid fracturing fluid will increase the roughness of the fracture surface, but the widening of the original fracture will reduce the tortuosity of the fracture. Only the fractal dimension of lean coal has a significant change, about 6%. Overall, acid fracturing fluid has the best effect on gas coal and coking coal. The research results provide a reference for the selection and application of acid fracturing fluid in coal seam hydraulic fracturing.
Neonatal Hereditary Spherocytosis: A Case Report
Authors: Coramusi Carolina , Lucangeli Natalia , Vadalà Sarah , Parisi Pasquale , Scapillati Maria Eleonora 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background: hereditary spherocytosis is a genetic disorder affecting red blood cell membranes, leading to increased destruction and haemolysis. In neonates, it ranges from asymptomatic to severe cases with anaemia, jaundice, and spleen issues. Early diagnosis through clinical, laboratory, and genetic tests is vital for prognosis. This clinical case is presented due to the rarity of neonatal-onset spherocytosis, providing an opportunity for a literature review.
Case presentation : a full-term baby was born via vaginal delivery with a family history of hereditary spherocytosis. The patient was discharged without complications but was later hospitalized for an unrelated issue, during which haemolytic anemia was detected, leading to the beginning of the diagnostic process and subsequent onset of appropriate therapy with a positive outcome
Conclusions: in cases of neonates with jaundice or anemia, it is crucial to consider neonatal spherocytosis among the differential diagnoses, as early diagnosis allows for appropriate therapy and enables the patient to maintain a normal quality of life.
Patterns of Spatial Covariation in Herbivore Functions on Coral Reefs: Implications for Reef Resilience
Authors: Cook Dana T. , Holbrook Sally J. , Schmitt Russell J. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Persistent shifts to undesired ecological states, such as shifts from coral to macroalgae, are becoming more common. This highlights the need to understand processes that can help restore affected ecosystems. Herbivory on coral reefs is widely recognized as a key interaction that can keep macroalgae from outcompeting coral. Most attention has been on the role ‘grazing’ herbivores play in preventing the establishment of macroalgae, while less research has focused on the role of ‘browsers’ in extirpating macroalgae. Here we explored patterns, environmental correlates and state shift consequences of spatial co-variation in grazing and browsing functions of herbivorous fishes. Grazing and browsing rates were not highly correlated across 20 lagoon sites in Moorea, French Polynesia, but did cluster into 3 (of 4) combinations of high and low consumption rates (no site had low grazing but high browsing). Consumption rates were not correlated with grazer or browser fish biomass, but both were predicted by specific environmental variables. Experiments revealed that reversibility of a macroalgal state shift was strongly related to spatial variation in browsing intensity. Our findings provide insights and simple diagnostic tools regarding heterogeneity in top-down forcing that influences the vulnerability to and reversibility of shifts to macroalgae on coral reefs.
Online vibration state identification of multi-rigid-body system based on self-healing model
Authors: Wang Guoyu , Tian Yang , Hou Chunming , Tong Kewei 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

The paper proposes a multi-rigid-body system state identification method based on self-healing model in order to improve the accuracy and reliability of CNC machine tools. Firstly, considering the influence of the joint surface, the Lagrange method is used to establish the mechanical model of the multi-rigid-body system. We input acceleration information and use the second-order modulation function to complete the online real-time identification of the joint surface parameters, thereby establishing the self-healing mechanical model of the multi-rigid-body system. Then, the system state equation is established by Kalman filter method based on the self-healing mechanical model, and the full information identification of multi-rigid-body system is realized by using acceleration information as input. Finally, the VMC850 vertical machining center is taken as an example to verify that the above method has high accuracy. The online state identification method proposed in this paper can provide real-time data basis for machine tool accuracy compensation and health state estimation.
Mapping Global Cereal Flow at Subnational Scales Unveils Key Insights for Food Systems Resilience
Authors: Jain Shruti 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Enhancing food systems resilience requires a comprehensive understanding of food distribution along global supply chains. This research maps spatially resolved networks of global cereal flows across 3,536 subnational regions within 195 countries employing a modeling pipeline comprising machine learning, data processing, and calibration algorithms to downscale national cereal flow data. The study identifies pivotal exporting and importing regions and evaluates the implications of cereal flows for food systems resilience. It reveals insights into regional self-sufficiency and trade dependencies, such as higher self-sufficiency in the United States, Canada, and India, where domestic inflows dominate consumption, versus regions in Southeast Asia and Europe that rely on a complex mix of domestic and international inflows. The investigation uncovers regional concentration in cereal inflows and outflows at both national and subnational scales, emphasizing the importance of nuanced supply chain analysis to reinforce regional resilience and to adapt to challenges posed by climate change.
An Optimization Approach for Improving Steam Production of Heat Recovery Steam Generator
Authors: Mohammed Awsan , Al-Mansour Moath , Ghaithan Ahmed , Alshibani Adel 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

The heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) is a critical component of a combined cycle power plant, linking the gas turbine to the steam cycle. Optimizing the parameters affecting HRSG’s steam outputs is critical for the design of combined cycle plants to maximize steam cycle efficiency. However, detailed optimization of the HRSG is a difficult task due to the involvement of numerous parameters. Consequently, this paper aims to explore the impact of the parameters affecting the HRSG's ability to generate steam. In addition, response surface methodology is used to build a mathematical relation between the steam production and the input parameter with the aim to determine the optimal values of the parameters that maximize steam production. The proposed model is effectively constructed and tested using real datasets. The findings revealed that although many factors have significant effects on steam production, the most parameters affecting steam production include HP feed gas flow, HP feed gas pressure, and the interaction between LP feed gas pressure and HP feed gas flow. In addition, the results showed that the interaction between the input parameters and the quadratic terms have a significant impact. The results also indicated that the proposed model can predict the future of steam production with an accuracy of 99%. The results also showed that the proposed model selects and provides the optimal HRSG parameter values to maximize steam production within the relevant defined constraints.
Comparative analysis of mitochondrial genomes of Stemona tuberosa Lour. reveals heterogeneity in structure, synteny, intercellular gene transfer, and RNA editing
Authors: Xu De , Wang Tao , Huang Juan , Wang Qiang , Wang Zhide , Xie Zhou , Zeng Dequan , Liu Xue , Fu Liang 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Stemona tuberosa, a vital species in traditional Chinese medicine, has been extensivelycultivated and utilized within its natural distribution over the past decades. While the chloroplast genome of S. tuberosa has been characterized, itsmitochondrial genome (mitogenome) remainsunexplored.
Results
Thispaper presents the assembly of the complete S. tuberosa mitogenome using Illumina and Nanopore sequencing technologies. The assembled mitogenome is 605,873 bp in size with a GC content of 45.63%. It comprises66 genes, including 38 protein-coding genes, 25 tRNA genes, and 3 rRNA genes.We investigated codon usage, sequence repeats, and RNA editing within the mitogenome. Additionally, we conducted a phylogenetic analysis involving S. tuberosa and 17 other taxa to clarify its evolutionary and taxonomic status. This study providesa crucial genetic resource for evolutionary research withinthe genus Stemona and other related genera in the Stemonaceae family.
Conclusion
Our study provides the first detailed analysis of the mitochondrial genome of S. tuberosa, revealing its unique multi-branched structure. We investigated codon usage, sequence repeats, and RNA editing within the mitogenome. Meanwhile, we conducted a phylogenetic analysis involving S. tuberosa and 17 other taxa to clarify its evolutionary and taxonomic status. These investigations provide a crucial genetic resource for evolutionary research within the genus Stemona and other related genera in the Stemonaceae family.
Identification of novel KRASG12D neoantigen specific TCRs and a strategy to eliminate off-target recognition
Authors: Han Xiaojian , Han xiaxia , Hao Yanan , Wang Bozhi , Li Luo , Chen Siyin , Zou Lin , Huang Jingjing , Chen Tong , Wang Wang , Liu Shengchun , Shen Meiying , Jin Aishun 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background: T cell receptor (TCR)–engineered T cells targeting neoantigens originated from mutations in KRAS gene have demonstrated promising outcomes in clinical trials against solid tumors. However, the challenge lies in developing tumor-specific TCRs that avoid cross-reactivity with self-antigens to minimize the possibility of severe clinical toxicities. Current research efforts have been put towards strategies to eliminate TCR off-target recognition.
Methods: Naive T cell repertoire was used for screening KRASG12D-reactive TCRs. Specific TCRs were subsequently identified and their functionality was assessed using TCR Jurkat cells and TCR T cells. Peptide specificity was evaluated using the X-scan assay. To enhance TCR specificity for KRASG12D and reduce their reactivity to self-peptide SMC1A29-38, mammalian TCR display libraries were employed for the design of modification in the complementarity-determining region (CDR).
Results: HLA-A*11:01-restricted TCRs targeting the KRASG12D epitope were isolated, and TCR1 was characterized with superior functional avidity and specificity. Alongside a robust recognition of endogenous KRASG12D epitope, this TCR displayed cross-reactivity with the SMC1A29-38 epitope. With an approach utilizing structural-guided mutations in the CDR-1A region of TCR1, we obtained an engineered TCR variant (TCR1a7). Functional characterization of TCR1a7 showed that this TCR not only exhibited enhanced specificity towards KRASG12D, but also demonstrated successful elimination of the off-target recognition of SMC1A29-38.
Conclusions: TCRs targeting the KRASG12D peptide could be isolated from naive T cell repertoires. Integrating the TCR-pHLA structure with a mammalian TCR library system could serve as a functional strategy to reduce potential cross-reactivity with self-antigens, such as SMC1A29-38. Our findings evidenced an operable method to enhance TCR peptide specificity, while maintaining advanced functional avidity and potent anti-tumor activity.
Analysis of the Willingness and Influencing Factors of Mutual Support for Elderly Care among the Rural Group with the Only Child Lost- Taking the Investigation of Sichuan and Shaanxi Provinces as an Example
Authors: GUO Huining , ZHANG Yuanyuan , WANG Xiaoyan 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Rural mutual support for the elderly is a new way to support the aged in China, combining this approach with “Lost-Only-Child” family in Sichuan and Shaanxi countryside, this paper focuses on their willingness of participating in mutual support for elderly care. which provides a realistic basis for the successful implementation of mutual support for elderly care among the rural “Lost-only-child” group. The survey and interviews were conducted on 415 “Lost-only-child” individuals and related personnel in 13 towns (streets) in Sichuan and Shaanxi provinces to investigate their willingness to participate in mutual support for elderly care. Logistic regression analysis was conducted on 13 items in three categories with seven aspects (i.e. age, gender, location, monthly family income, choice of mutual support method, choice of mutual support cost, and concerns about mutual support) regarding the basic information, economic status and mutual aid situation of “Lost-only-child” individuals. Result shows that the rural “Lost- only-child “group in Sichuan and Shaanxi provinces generally have a willingness to participate in mutual support for elderly care, which is a trend. However, specific differences such as age, location and monthly family income lead to varying degrees of willingness among “Lost-only-child” individuals regarding the choice of mutual support method, cost sharing and concerns about mutual support. Accordingly, this paper putted forward strategies as: the government should do a good job in the coordination of mutual support for the aged, and speed up the process of mutual support for this groups in the countryside; Accelerate the introduction of detailed new policies and regulations on mutual support for the rural “lost-only-child” group and eliminate the concerns of mutual support for this group; Call on and mobilize various social forces to participate in the mutual support of the group, the government, the bereaved and the society to jointly build and share; Further deepened the trust relationship between the group and the government, and the group should change the concept of elderly care and join the mutual assistance as soon as possible.
Inverted L-shaped association between anion gap and all-cause mortality in patients with critical ill atrial fibrillation: analysis of the MIMIC-IV database
Authors: Chen Tianfeng , Zhang Shunshun , Shi Zhewei 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the most common cardiac arrhythmias in critically ill patients and is associated with increased mortality, making it crucial to identify risk factors that contribute to poor prognosis in this high-risk population. The anion gap (AG), a calculated measure of electrolyte imbalance, is widely used to assess metabolic acidosis and has recently been applied to the prognostic evaluation of various cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). However, its prognostic value in AF patients remains unclear. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the association between AG levels and short- and long-term mortality in critically ill AF patients.
Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the fourth edition Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care (MIMIC-IV) database. Critically ill AF patients were categorized into quartiles based on their AG levels at ICU admission. The primary outcomes were 28-day and 365-day all-cause mortality. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, Cox proportional hazards models and restricted cubic splines were used to assess the relationship between AG levels and mortality. Finally, subgroup analyses were performed to evaluate the consistency of the results across different patient characteristics.
Results: A total of 11,218 critically ill AF patients were included. Statistically significant differences were found between survivor and non-survivor groups for AG. According to the Kaplan-Meier curves, patients with higher AG levels had significantly higher risk of 28-day and 365-day all-cause mortality (log-rank P < 0.001). Cox proportional hazards regression analysis revealed that the risk of 28-day and 365-day mortality was significantly greater in the highest AG quartile compared to the lowest. Compared to patients in the lowest AG quartile, those with the highest AG levels had a 1.82 times risk of 28-day mortality (HR=1.82, 95% CI: 1.53-2.16) and a 1.34 times risk of 365-day mortality (HR=1.34, 95% CI: 1.19-1.50) after adjusting for confounders. The restricted cubic spline analysis indicated a linear relationship between AG levels and all-cause mortality. Subgroup analyses further supported the robustness of our findings.
Conclusion: Our findings suggest that AG is an independent predictor of both short- and long-term mortality in critically ill AF patients. Hence, monitoring AG levels may contribute to better risk stratification and clinical decision-making in this population.
Evaluation of Different Classes of Additives on Ash Melting Characteristics of Garden Grass Waste
Authors: Latif Mubashra , Brammer John , Morris John 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

In this work, the ash melting characteristics of crude garden grass waste (GGW) and its additive modulated mixtures were evaluated in a laboratory scale furnace by combusting the samples. For the purpose of understanding and rationalising the complex ash transformation characteristics of crude and additive modulated GGW samples in high-temperature thermochemical units, comprehensive theoretical knowledge and compositional ternary phase diagrams have been utilised in conjunction with the visual evaluation of the sintering degree of ash residues, coupled with their morphology and microchemistry results determined by the SEM-EDX and XRD analysis. This work proved that both raw and calcined eggshells can be utilised as Ca-rich anti-sintering additives as a substitute for commercially available additives such as lime and limestone for the enhancement of melting characteristics of low-melting garden grass ash. Kaolin exhibited the best anti-sintering characteristics for the elimination of ash melting of garden grass waste among all the additive mixtures tested, while no synergistic effects were observed in the Ca-rich and P-rich additive mixtures compared to their pure steams.
A cross-case study comparison of Australian metropolitan and regional cancer nurses’ experiences of work-related stressors and supports
Authors: Parkinson-Zarb Lauren , Duff Cameron , Wang Lena , Mills Jane 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Registered nurses are the largest single professional group working in the field of cancer care and support one of the most vulnerable patient cohorts in the healthcare system. Cancer nurses are known to experience high rates of burnout, but there are significant limitations to current research on the unique stressors experienced by this group of nurses, particularly since the emergence of COVID-19.
Methods
This study employs the Job Demands Resource Model (JD-R model) to better understand the experiences of cancer nurses’ work and describe factors which ameliorate burnout and work-related stress. A multiple case study research design was used in this study, with two groups of cancer nurses making up a total of 30 participants, allocated to separate cases bounded by geographical location. A two-phase study of Australian cancer nurses in metropolitan and regional healthcare services was conducted from 2019–2021. Data included field notes and in-depth interviews. Data analysis used a process of elaborative coding, with a pre-conceived coding framework based on the JD-R model. A combination of thematic analysis and storyline analysis was employed to analyse the data.
Results
A cross-case analysis of similarities and differences identified the job demands affecting cancer nurses, and conversely, any positive job resources which may buffer these demands. Job demands identified in both cases appeared to have similar causes but were more explicitly linked to poor resourcing in the regional case. Job resources identified in both cases were similar, but it was noted how few job resources were available to buffer the many demands inherent in cancer nurses’ work. This multiple case study found that the work of cancer nurses is high in demands and low in resources.
Conclusions Despite challenging work conditions, findings identified a highly engaged workforce. The job resources identified in this study suggest there are modifiable strategies to cultivate a supportive work environment for cancer nurses.
Obesity as a protective factor for cognitive function: a longitudinal study in a middle-aged and older Chinese adults
Authors: Liu Xiaoting , Hu Yingying , Jin Haiyu 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Overweight and obesity may reduce the incidence of dementia and mortality among older adults. We investigated this phenomenon in a seven-year longitudinal study.
Methods
We included 18,808 individuals (aged 45 + years) in four waves from 2011 to 2018 who were not diagnosed with dementia (mean [SD] age: 61.87 [8.88] years). We measured their body mass index (BMI) as a continuous value and categorized them into underweight (< 18.5), normal weight (18.5–23.9), overweight (24.0-27.9), and obesity (≥ 28.0) categories. We assessed cognitive function via the Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status (TICS), immediate recall, delayed recall, visuospatial abilities, and global cognition. We examined the association between BMI and cognitive function using a fixed model with lagged independent variables from prior study waves.
Results
This investigation reveals an inverted U-shaped association between BMI values and cognitive function. First, compared to normal-weight individuals, we found a statistically significantly negative association between underweight and overall cognition (ß = -0.644; 95% CI: -1.318-0.031), while overweight (ß = 0.501; 95% CI:0.079–0.924) and obesity (ß = 0.698; 95% CI :0.064–1.333) were statistically significantly associated with higher cognitive scores. Second, we identified an optimal BMI of 33.4 kg/m2 using the global cognition index. Third, social participation and physical exercise are vital in increasing cognitive function. Finally, a heterogeneity analysis found that male and urban cohorts experience more pronounced cognitive benefits with an increasing BMI.
Conclusion
Mild obesity was associated with improved cognitive function in a middle-aged and older Chinese population.