bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Research on the fractal characteristics of soil particle distribution and their correlation with soil properties in various forest types: insights from eastern mountainous area of Liaoning Province in Northern China
Authors: Wang Yige , Sun Xiangyang , Li Suyan , Wei Bin 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Soil particle-size distribution (PSD) is one of the most important physical attributes due to its great influence on soil properties related to water movement, soil management, and degradation. Thus, characterizing variations in the PSDs of soil are a major issue in environmental research. To date, the fractal model could well characterize PSD. Furthermore, scientific understanding and evaluation of forest soil quality is the basis for guiding ecological restoration, planting and improvement of forest soil quality of degraded stands and select suitable tree species for afforestation. Therefore, in this research the typical forest types: Pinus koraiensis, Pinus sylvestris var. mongholica, Quercus mongolica, Juglans mandshurica and mixed conifer-broadleaf (Pinus koraiensis × Quercus mongolica) forests in the mountains of eastern Liaoning were taken as the study objects. The topsoil (0–20 cm) and sub-topsoil (20–40 cm) samples, and litter were collected, and the relationship between the soil physiochemical properties and particle size characteristics under natural cultivation measures were evaluated and compared. The results indicated that the soil layer composition of forest land was mainly sand, followed by silt and clay. The particles size characteristics showed well sorted, positive skewness and narrow kurtosis state, and the singular fractal dimension (D) of soil was between 1.82 and 2.75. The mean particle size, D, litter and soil properties in forested land were higher than those in non-forest cover control plots, and the Ds showed an increasing trend from conifer to broadleaf forests and from pure forest of single species to mixed conifer-broadleaf forests, and the recovery effect of topsoil soil was better. Meanwhile, the multifractal dimensions are displayed as capacity dimension > correlation dimension > information dimension, indicating that the PSD is not completely ideal and uniform, thus it is still necessary to use the D to evaluate soil quality in combination with multifractal analysis. In conclusion, we concluded that D is a sensitive and useful index because it quantifies changes in soil properties and it is highly recommended that broadleaf and mixed conifer-broadleaf forests are suitable for local afforestation for soil degradation restoration purpose.
Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Analysis for NE Brazil
Authors: Fonsêca José Augusto Silva da , Nascimento Aderson Farias do , Lasocki Stanisław 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Performing seismic hazard analysis in Stable Continental Regions presents unique challenges due to the low rates of seismicity, long recurrence intervals of significant earthquakes, and limited historical earthquake records. These factors complicate the identification and characterization of active seismic zones and the accurate modelling of seismic hazard. However, assessing seismic hazard in these regions is crucial, especially when considering the presence of critical infrastructure and urban areas where even low-probability, high-impact events can pose significant risks. The Northeast of Brazil stands out as one of the most active seismic areas in South America, with records of events that have caused considerable damage to civil structures in recent decades. We present a Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Analysis for Northeast Brazil, incorporating an updated regional earthquake catalog and newly defined seismic source zones. This study focuses on calculating Peak Ground Acceleration and spectral accelerations for critical locations, including state capitals and key infrastructure sites. The results show that while most of NE Brazil conforms to the current Brazilian seismic design code, certain regions exhibit significantly higher seismic hazards. In some areas, PGA values exceed the design code thresholds for 10% probability of exceedance in 50 years. The disaggregation reveals that local, moderate-magnitude events drive the seismic hazard around some sites, whereas others are more affected by larger, distant earthquakes.
Potential of a soil-dwelling predatory mite as a biological control agent against root-knot nematode on a tomato model
Authors: Prado Thais Juliane , Luquet Martin , Soares Pedro Luiz Martins , Azevedo Emiliano Brandão , Castilho Raphael de Campos 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

The root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid & White) is considered one of the most important pest nematodes in world agriculture, as well as one of the most difficult to control. Laboratory investigation has shown this nematode to be suitable for the development and reproduction of the soil predatory mite Protogamasellopsis zaheri Abo-Shnaf, Castilho & Moraes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of P. zaheri as a biological control agent against M. incognita on a model plant, with and without the concurrent release of the free-living nematode Rhabditella axei (Cobbold) (Rhabditidae) as a supplementary food source for the predator. The experiments were conducted in a greenhouse setting and the chosen model plant was a potted dwarf tomato plant, cultivar Micro-Tom. The release of P. zaheri, either alone or in combination with the free-living nematode, reduced the population of M. incognita by approximately 33% and 51%, respectively, compared to the negative control in which they were not released. This reduction likely contributed to the elimination of the losses caused by the root-knot nematode to the tomato plants, increasing the fresh tomato yield by approximately 24 and 45% compared to the control. The present study demonstrated the ability of P. zaheri to reduce the population of M. incognita in the rhizosphere, as well as a positive effect on fresh tomato yield, particularly when the free-living nematode was used as supplementary food to the predatory mite. The promising results obtained in the present study suggest that the release of P. zaheri could play a positive role in an integrated pest management program for areas infested with root knot nematode. However, further testing in commercial varieties is necessary to confirm its applicability.
The cultural landscape characteristics of traditional villages in Southeast Guizhou: An analysis conducted on the basis of village names
Authors: Chen Hongmei , Choong Chee Keong , Li Jing , Liu Yingjin , Tian Ting 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

There exists a strong correlation between place names and cultural landscapes, with traditional village cultural landscapes encompassing both tangible landscape elements and intangible cultural relationships that are highly summarized by village names. This paper employs place names as a means to investigate the distinctive characteristics of the cultural landscape in traditional villages located in southeast Guizhou. By classifying, collecting, and analyzing the place names of 415 traditional villages, the following findings were obtained: (1) The traditional village cultural landscapes exhibit prominent features of ethnic diversity. (2) The traditional village cultural landscapes resonate with the surrounding natural environment. (3) The traditional village cultural landscapes are abundant in historical and cultural structure information. Through semantic comprehension of place names and analysis of historical data, diverse interpretive approaches can be applied to comprehensively comprehend the intricacies inherent within the traditional village cultural landscape, thereby facilitating its scientific preservation and sustainable development.
Study of Ionospheric Scintillations over Indian Region Using NavIC/IRNSS Signal
Authors: Kothawale Nagesh , Kamble Supriya , Kamble Shridhar , Maner Karishma , Mane Ravindra , Chikode Prashant , Bose Anindya , Vhatkar Rajiv 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

The IRNSS (Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System) is an indigenously developed satellite system that provides round-the-clock, real-time navigational services over the Indian subcontinent. Ionospheric perturbations are the most severe threat to radio propagation. A parameter such as Total Electron Content (TEC) is a helpful indicator for understanding ionospheric dynamics. In this paper, the data obtained from the receiver stations at Panhala (Maharashtra) and Burdwan (West Bengal) are analyzed. The data is recorded at the frequency of 1 Hz. Derived parameters like STEC (Slant Total Electron Content), S4 Index of Scintillation were calculated. For a pointed study, the data was taken from only certain days characterized by heightened geomagnetic activity. In addition, particular emphasis was given to the variability of all the relevant parameters concerning the long-term solar cycle, i.e., solar maxima and minima. For the study of ionospheric composition during the maximum and minimum phase of the 24th solar cycle, data was collected from two different stations located at Bangalore and Hyderabad for the years corresponding to the solar maximum and solar minimum, and TEC was calculated for the concerned time. The diurnal variation of TEC as recorded by different receiver stations for a single day was also studied. The scintillation index S4 denotes how the signal is disturbed in its amplitude. Scintillation events are characterized based on their respective S4 index values as weak, moderate, and strong during solstice and equinox months in the solar maximum and minimum years.
Effectiveness of a cognitive-behavioral sleep intervention for adolescents with ADHD: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Keuppens Lena , Marten Finja , Baeyens Dieter , Boyer Bianca , Roose Annelore , Becker Stephen , Danckaerts Marina , Oord Saskia Van der 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Objective: Sleep problems are frequent and impairing in adolescents with ADHD. This randomized controlled trial investigates the effectiveness of a newly developed CBT sleep intervention for adolescents with ADHD – SIESTA.
Method: Adolescents with ADHD and sleep problems (N = 92, Mage = 14.36, SD = 1.43, 47% males) were randomized to receive SIESTA next to treatment as usual targeting ADHD (SIESTA+TAU) or TAU only. Adolescent and parent ratings, actigraphy and sleep diaries, were collected at pre-, post-, and at 4 month follow-up test. A linear mixed effects model was used with an intent-to-treat approach.
Results: Results indicated significant improvement in SIESTA+TAU compared to TAU from pre- to post-test on sleep hygiene (partial eta squared = .21), chronic sleep reduction (partial eta squared = .15), and sleep-wake problem behaviors (partial eta squared = .05). Actigraphy and sleep diaries showed no significant differences, with both groups improving on sleep diaries. The improvements in sleep hygiene were maintained at follow-up (partial eta squared = .09). Of secondary outcomes, depressive symptoms reduced significantly more from pre- to post-test in SIESTA+TAU than in TAU only (partial eta squared = .09).
Conclusions: This study indicates that SIESTA is effective at improving sleep hygiene, perceived sleep problems, and depressive symptoms in adolescents with ADHD. However, to maintain long-term effects, booster sessions may be beneficial.
A Comparison of Quality and Readability of ChatGPT-4 generated and Human-generated Patient Education Materials for Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Lower Kirk , Lin Jia , Jenkin Deanne , Campbell Chantal , Seth Ishith , Morris Mathew , Adie Sam 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Purpose
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential role of artificial intelligence, specifically ChatGPT-4, in generating patient education materials (PEMs) for total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The aim of our study was to compare the quality and readability of PEMs for TKA generated by ChatGPT-4 with those created by human experts, to assess the potential for the use of AI in patient education.
Methods
We assessed the quality and readability of TKA PEMs produced by ChatGPT-4 and six reputable human-generated websites. Readability was compared using Flesch-Kincaid Reading Grade Level and Flesch-Kincaid Reading Ease. The quality of information was compared using the DISCERN criteria.
Results
ChatGPT-4 PEMs demonstrated a significantly higher reading grade level and lower reading ease score compared to human-generated PEMs < 0.001. There was no difference in reliability and quality of information.
Conclusion
The utility of ChatGPT-4 for producing TKA patient education materials is currently limited by readability issues, leading to a recommendation against its use. Future AI enhancements should prioritise readability to ensure information is more accessible. Effective collaboration between AI developers and healthcare professionals is vital for improving patient education outcomes.
NPC type three-level PV grid-connected inverter S-FCS-MPC control strategy
Authors: An Aimin , Wu Yan , Li Xiangui , Qin Yuwei 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Due to constraints from external environmental factors and grid faults, traditional maximum power point tracking (MPPT) and inverter control methods often fail to achieve optimal power output in photovoltaic systems.This can result in misclassification and suboptimal dynamic performance. To address these challenges, we propose a simplified finite set model predictive control (S-FCS-MPC) for grid-connected PV systems. Our system employs a neutral point-clamped (NPC) topology, integrating MPPT and space vector modulation (SVPWM) techniques.Initially, high efficiency is attained by controlling the front stage with an adaptive particle swarm optimization-conductance increment (APSO-INC) approach to accurately identify the maximum power point, while model predictive control (MPC) is used to track the MPP and regulate the boost converter. Subsequently, we simplify the voltage vector for the NPC-type 3-level PV grid-connected inverter, selecting the optimal voltage vector based on the optimal value function, and applying the corresponding switching states to the inverter’s power semiconductors to facilitate grid connection.The proposed system is simulated and evaluated under various dynamic conditions using Matlab/Simulink. The results demonstrate that our algorithm effectively maintains DC-side voltage balance and significantly reduces computational effort compared to traditional methods, confirming its feasibility.
Predicting Lung Cancer Survival with Attention-based CT Slices Combination
Authors: Paolo Domenico , Greco Carlo , Ippolito Edy , Fiore Michele , Ramella Sara , Soda Paolo , Tortora Matteo , Bria Alessandro , Sicilia Rosa 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Accurate prognosis of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) is crucial for enhancing patient care and treatment outcomes. Despite the advancements in deep learning, the task of overall survival prediction in NSCLC has not fully leveraged these techniques, yet. This study introduces a novel methodology for predicting 2-year overall survival (OS) in NSCLC patients using CT scans. Our approach integrates CT scan representations produced by EfficientNetB0 with a soft attention mechanism to identify the most relevant slices for survival risk prediction, which are then analyzed by a risk-assessment network. To validate our method and ensure reproducibility, we employed the public LUNG1 dataset and a smaller private dataset. Our approach was compared to a benchmark 3D network and two variants of our methodology: on the LUNG1 it outperformed the competitors achieving a mean Ctd-index of 0.584 over 10-fold cross-validation. On the LUNG1 we also demonstrated the adaptability of our method with 4 other 2D backbones replacing the EfficientNetB0, confirming that our mechanism of combining 2D slice representations to construct a 3D volume representation is more effective for OS prediction compared to a traditional 3D approach. Finally, we used transfer learning on the private dataset, showing that it can significantly enhance performance in limited data scenarios, increasing the Ctd-index by 0.076 compared to model without transfer learning.
Comparison of outcomes and cost-effectiveness of simultaneous and staged total hip arthroplasty using the anterolateral-supine approach
Authors: Kurishima Hiroaki , Yamada Norikazu , Noro Atsushi , Tanaka Hidetatsu , Takahashi Shusuke , Tsuchida Kyota , Mori Yu , Aizawa Toshimi 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Purpose
This study compared the outcomes and cost-effectiveness of simultaneous bilateral total hip arthroplasty (simBTHA) and staged BTHA (stgBTHA) using the anterolateral-supine approach (ALSA).
Methods
Patients underwent bilateral ALSA THA between August 2015 and January 2023 were included in this single-center retrospective cohort study and divided into two groups: simBTHA and stgBTHA. Demographic and surgical data, time to ambulation after surgery, leg length discrepancy (LLD), clinical scores, complications, revisions, readmission or death within 90 days of discharge, total cost, and length of stay (LOS) were analyzed.
Results
129 patients (simBTHA group: 104 patients; stgBTHA group: 25 patients) were included. The preoperative American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status significantly differed between the two groups (P < 0.01), but other demographic data were similar. The median total surgical time was significantly shorter in the simBTHA group than in the stgBTHA group (156 min vs. 175 min, P = 0.02). There were no significant differences in blood loss, blood transfusion rates, time to ambulation, LLD, complications, or readmission rates between the two groups, and no deaths occurred within 90 days. The median total cost and LOS were significantly lower and shorter in the simBTHA group than in the stgBTHA group (both P < 0.01).
Conclusions
The simBTHA group demonstrated outcomes comparable to the stgBTHA group without an increase in complications, revision surgeries, or readmission rates, along with reduced costs and shorter LOS. If a patient is evaluated as having adequate physical health, simBTHA may be a safe and socially preferable option, leading to a quicker recovery.
A CDDP-Cross-Linked Nanoprodrug for Combination Therapy Based on Dual-Augmented Cascade Reactions
Authors: Du Chang , Zhang Xueliang , Zhou Yingnan , Xie Yu , Zheng Liangshun , Ding Yue , Li Ziqiang , Ding Jin 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Catalytic cascade transformations have garnered widespread attention in addressing the clinical application of chemodynamic therapy (CDT) with insufficient intracellular hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) levels. However, developing a cascade nanoreactor with specific stimuli-triggered activation for achieving synergistic therapy remains a significant challenge under tumor microenvironment. Herein, we develop a pH/GSH dual-responsive CDDP-cross-linked nanoprodrug (NP-CDDP/GOD) to co-deliver glucose oxidase (GOD) and cisplatin (CDDP) for chemotherapy/starvation therapy and dual-augmented cascade catalytic chemodynamic therapy. The NP-CDDP/GOD with a CDDP-cross-linked core is established based on the host-guest interaction between ferrocene and cyclodextrin, as well as the coordination interaction between CDDP and carboxy group. Once internalized by tumor cells, NP-CDDP/GOD is disassembled rapidly by pH/GSH-triggered behavior and then released GOD and CDDP. The CDDP is reduced by GSH to elevate H2O2 level for further augmenting CDT. Simultaneously, the released GOD can consume glucose and generate H2O2 for starvation therapy. Both the inherent and super-generated H2O2 are decomposed into high-toxicity •OH initiated by ferrocene via Fenton reaction for enhanced CDT. By regulating the signal pathways related to apoptosis of tumor, the orchestrated cooperative effect of chemotherapy/starvation therapy dual-augmented cascade catalytic CDT present remarkable therapeutic efficacy with 96.52% of tumor inhibitory rate. Therefore, the CDDP-cross-linked nanoprodrug provides a potential candidate for cascade chemotherapy/starvation therapy/chemodynamic therapy.
RNA-based Indicators of Cellular Senescence Predict Aging Health Outcomes in the Health and Retirement Study
Authors: Wu Qiao , Klopack Eric , Kim Jung Ki , Arpawong Thalida , Thyagarajan Bharat , Cole Steve , Faul Jessica , Zhou Fengxue , Crimmins Eileen 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Cellular senescence, a hallmark of aging, can be quantified through the expression levels of genes related to cell cycle arrest (CCA), macromolecular damage (MD), and the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). How cellular senescence links to sociodemographic characteristics, behavioral factors, and age-related health outcomes in representative populations remains unknown. Using a nationally representative subsample from the U.S. Health and Retirement Study with RNA sequencing data, we calculated five RNA-based cellular senescence scores: CCA, MD, SASP, a summary senescence score, and SenMayo. Linear regression models assessed their associations with sociodemographic and behavioral factors (N=3,580), as well as age-related health outcomes, including mortality (N=3,554), multimorbidity (N=3,580), biological age acceleration (N=2,660), and epigenetic age acceleration (N=3,580). Senescence scores increased with age (β=0.04–0.13, all p<0.043), except for CCA, which decreased (β=-0.05 to -0.09, all p<0.019). Women (β=0.04, p=0.021) and individuals with class II obesity (β=0.08, p<0.001) exhibited higher senescence levels. All senescence scores, except CCA, were significantly associated with epigenetic aging, accelerated biological age, multimorbidity, and 6-year mortality (all p<0.001). These associations remained significant after adjusting for GrimAge indicating that cell senescence adds to the explanation of health outcomes by epigenetic mechanisms . RNA-based senescence scores enhance our understanding of aging mechanisms related to physiological decline and health outcomes.
Artery formation in intestinal wall and mesentery by intestine-derived Esm1+ endothelial cells
Authors: Adams Ralf , Bovay Esther , Kruse Kai , Watson Emma , Mohanakrishnan Vishal , Stehling Martin , Berkenfeld Frank , Pitulescu Mara , Kahn Mark 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Arterial blood transport into peripheral organs is indispensable for developmental growth, homeostasis and tissue repair. While it is appreciated that defective formation or compromised function of arteries is associated with a range of human diseases, the cellular and molecular mechanisms mediating arterial development remain little understood for most organs. Here, we show with genetic approaches that a small subpopulation of endothelial cells inside the intestinal villi of the embryonic mouse, characterized by the expression of endothelial cell-specific molecule 1 (Esm1/endocan), gives rise to arterial endothelium in the intestinal wall but also in the distant mesenteric vasculature. This involves cell migration but also substantial changes in morphology and gene expression. Immunohistochemistry and single cell RNA-sequencing confirm that intestinal Esm1+ cells have a distinct molecular profile and the capacity to undergo arterial differentiation. Genetic approaches establish that artery formation by the progeny of Esm1+ cells requires integrin β1 and signaling by the growth factor VEGF-C and its receptor VEGFR3. The sum of these findings demonstrates that Esm1+ cells inside the villus capillary network contribute to the formation of intestinal and mesenteric arteries during development.