bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Image-recognition-based planar three-dimensional geometric morphology representation of rock discontinuities
Authors: YANG Xuanyu 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

The three-dimensional morphology characteristics of discontinuities have a significant impact on the anisotropy of rock mass. Quantitative representation of these characteristics is crucial for the study of rock mass mechanical behavior. The model utilizes four variables: the height (h), width (d), spacing (x), and extension length (z) of the protrusion. This paper presents a mathematical model for the quantitative representation of the three-dimensional morphology of discontinuities using visible light projection and image binarization. The mathematical model's application method is explained, and the proposed calculation concept for the 3D morphology software design for discontinuities offers a theoretical foundation for related investigations.
Experimental study on how hydrophobic tubing modifies gas wells liquid unloading
Authors: Zhibin Wang , Yiheng Wang , Mengwei Li 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Experimental and theoretical studies on liquid unloading in gas wells show that the critical gas velocities for carrying droplets upward is much smaller than the critical gas velocity for carrying liquid film upward. The latest studies show that the hydrophobic coating can change solid surface wettability, reduce contact area between liquid droplet and solid surface, and can promote the droplet formation from liquid film in annular flow. It is speculated that tubing with a hydrophobic inner wall can reduce the critical gas rate of liquid unloading and modifies gas wells liquid unloading under certain production conditions. However, how hydrophobic tubing modifies gas wells liquid unloading is still unkown. This study present the experimental results of air-water two phase flow in hydrophobic pipe. First, a hydrophobic coating was sprayed on the inner wall of a transparent pipe, and then an experimental loop with a height of 8 m and an inner diameter of 40 mm was built for air-water two phase flow. A comparative experiment was conducted in the pipe with and without hydrophobic coating. The influence of hydrophobic coating on flow pattern characteristics, flow pattern conversion conditions, pressure gradient, liquid holdup, droplet entrainment rate, and critical gas rate was measured. The mechanism of hydrophobic coating improves the liquid carrying capacity of gas wells has been revealed from multiple perspectives.
Hydrolysis of palm kernel meal fibre using a newly isolated Bacillus subtilis F6 with high mannanase activity
Authors: Ong Wei Li , Chan Kam Lock , Suwanto Antonius , Li Zhi , Ng Kian Hong , Zhou Kang 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

High fibre content is the main limitation of using mannan-rich palm kernel meal (PKM) in feeding non-ruminant livestock. Microbial fermentation stands out as a cost-effective and environmentally friendly approach for hydrolysing fibre in lignocellulosic biomass. In this study, a Bacillus subtilis strain F6 with high mannanase secretion capability was isolated from an environmental source. Fermentation of PKM using strain F6 resulted in at least a 10% reduction in its neutral detergent fibre content. Notably, the strain exhibited a rapid response to PKM, with significant mannanase activity detected as early as 6 h, enabling fibre hydrolysis within a short fermentation period. Subsequent transcriptome analysis uncovered potential enzymes involved in PKM fibre degradation, and the purified recombinant enzymes were generated to assess their activity on PKM fibre degradation. β-mannanase GmuG demonstrated strong hydrolysis activity of PKM fibre, and its biochemical properties were determined. Overall, the study reported the isolation of a B. subtilis strain suitable for fibre hydrolysis of mannan-rich biomass, followed by an investigation to identify and characterize the enzyme responsible for fibre degradation.
Nutritional intake and timing of marathon runners. Influence of athlete's characteristics and habits on finishing time
Authors: Jiménez-Alfageme Rubén , Pino-Garrone Florencia , Rodriguez-Sanchez Nidia , Romero-García David , Sospedra-Lopez Isabel , Giménez-Monzó Daniel , Ayala-Guzmán César Iván , Martínez-Sanz José Miguel 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Endurance athletes’ competitions have increased over the decades and marathon races are becoming increasingly popular. Proper nutrition is critical for optimal performance and long-term health in marathon athletes. This study aimed to investigate runners’ nutritional intake, especially fluids, food, and supplements, competing in the Seville Marathon. A descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out to obtain information on the consumption of liquids, food, and supplements. A total of 160 runners who were primarily men (87.5%) aged 42.2 ± 7.3 years who participated in the 2022 Seville marathon took part in the study.
Results
There was no significant difference (p > 0.050) between marathon finish time or sports experience and fluid, CHO, sodium, and caffeine intake pre- and post-competition, except for athletes who met CHO intake recommendations during the competition that were more likely to finish the marathon in less than 180 minutes.
Conclusions
The intake of CHO, sodium and caffeine was low compared to the current recommendations. The intake of fluids was at the lower limit of recommendations. Most athletes did not receive nutritional counselling by a D-N, which may explain why athletes failed to meet specific nutrient recommendations. Future investigations with a larger sample size are warranted to assess the relationship between dietary intake and finish time.
The mechanism by which uniconazole induces the differentiation of male flowers in female Bayberry (Morella rubra) trees
Authors: liu juan , gong biya , zhou changfu , kong youhan , wu juanjuan , zhang ping , yang shuizhi , wang chunmei , liu changwei , Li Xianxin 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background: The deficiency of cross-pollination leads to low yields and poor quality of Chinese bayberry. Obtaining pollen with transparent sources and superior characteristics is the key to enhancing the quality of bayberry and cultivating new varieties of excellent quality.
Main body: We discovered incidentally that spraying tenlobulozole could induce the differentiation of female bayberry flower buds into male flowers. By applying different plant growth regulators on the female branches of bayberry, the flower buds of female bayberry were prompted to transform into male flowers. The flower bud slices and pollen activity were observed, and the mechanism was analyzed by integrating transcriptomics and metabolomics.
Conclusion: The results indicated that spraying uniconazole on the female branches of waxberry trees could induce spring shoots to differentiate into male flowers and generate reproductive active waxberry pollen. The mechanism might be to reduce the transport and content of gibberellin and other plant hormones by inhibiting the expression of critical genes, such as gene-CJ030_MR4G011967. Furthermore, the expression of the gene CJ030_MR0G004521 was promoted to regulate the differentiation of female bayberry flower buds into male flowers. Through this approach, pollen with clear sources and outstanding characteristics can be acquired, resolving issues such as low cross-pollination affinity, ensuring the quality of bayberry, and offering new concepts for bayberry breeding.
Bayesian Semiparametric Inference in LongitudinalMetabolomics Data: The EarlyBird Study
Authors: Sarkar Abhra , Cominetti Ornella , Montoliu Ivan , Hosking Joanne , Pinkney Jonathan , Martin Francois-Pierre , Dunson David B. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

The article is motivated by an application to the EarlyBird cohort study aiming to explore how anthropometrics and clinicaland metabolic processes are associated with obesity and glucose control during childhood. There is interest in inferring therelationship between dynamically changing and high-dimensional metabolites and a longitudinal response. Important aspects ofthe analysis include the selection of the important set of metabolites and the accommodation of missing data in both responseand covariate values. With this motivation, we propose a flexible but parsimonious Bayesian semiparametric joint model for theoutcome and the covariate generating processes, making novel use of nonparametric mean processes, latent factor models,and different classes of continuous shrinkage priors. The proposed approach efficiently addresses daunting dimensionalitychallenges, simplifies imputation tasks, and automates the selection of important predictors. Implementation via an efficientMarkov chain Monte Carlo algorithm appropriately accounts for uncertainty in various aspects of the analysis. Simulationexperiments illustrate the efficacy of the proposed methodology. The application to the EarlyBird cohort study illustrates itspractical utility in enabling statistical integration of different molecular processes involved in glucose production and metabolism.From this study, we were able to show that glucose levels from 5 to 16 years of age is associated with different circulating levelsof metabolites in the blood serum and can be fitted over time for a wide range of shapes of trajectories. Among the metabolitesthat contributed the most to explain the glucose trajectories are involved in different central energy metabolic pathways as wellas other metabolites, which could be used as a tool to generate new hypotheses in understanding obesity and glucose controlduring childhood and adolescence.
Effect of decreased muscle strength in the elderly on cognitive decline
Authors: Kim Namsu , Jeon Geonmin , Lee Jinseok , Kim Dongwook 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Our study aims to explore the relationship between cognitive decline and sarcopenia in the elderly. Additionaly, we seek to identify which specific measures of sarcopenia are most strongly associated with cognitive decline.
Methods
This study involved 1,327 elderly participants (261 men and 1,065 women), all aged 65 and older, who voluntarily agreed to participate after being selected from applicants to a project commissioned by the Sports Support Division of the Gyeongsangnam-do Provincial Government. The survey was conducted over a period of seven months. All variables were assessed through face-to-face interactions. Sarcopenia and frailty were directly evaluated using physical function tests included in the survey items, while the remaining variables were assessed using questionnaires. To investigate the relationship between cognitive impairment and sarcopenia, odds ratios (ORs) were calculated using a logistic regression model.
Results
Factors associated with cognitive impairment included demographic variables such as gender (OR = 1.585, p < .004), age over 86 years (OR = 1.492, p < .029), and residential area (OR = 1.369, p < .016). Disease-related factors included depression (OR = 15.420, p < .001), diabetes (OR = 4.967, p < .001), hypertension (OR = 2.573, p < .001), arthritis (OR = 3.158, p < .001), sarcopenia (OR = 7.386, p < .001), and frailty (OR = 8.399, p < .001), all of which were statistically significant. A detailed analysis of the sarcopenia items revealed that muscle strength reduction (OR = 1.621, p = .029) was statistically significant, indicating a negative impact on cognitive function decline in the elderly.
Conclusion
This study demonstrated that sarcopenia negatively impacts cognitive function decline in the elderly. Specifically, among the sarcopenia survey questions, muscle strength reduction was identified as a significant factor contributing to cognitive decline. These findings underscore the importance of efforts to prevent muscle strength reduction.
Humanized anti-CD11d monoclonal antibodies suitable for basic research and therapeutic applications
Authors: Blythe Eoin N. , Barreira Christy , Fink Corby , Brown Arthur , Weaver Lynne C. , Dekaban Gregory A. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Immunomodulatory agents targeting the CD11d/CD18 integrin are in development for the treatment of several pathophysiologies including neurotrauma, sepsis, and atherosclerosis. Previous rodent models have successfully improved neurotrauma recovery using murine anti-CD11d therapeutic antibodies. Here, we present the progression of anti-CD11d therapy with the development of humanized anti-CD11d monoclonal antibodies. Flow cytometric analysis demonstrated that the humanized anti-CD11d-2 clone binds both human monocytes and neutrophils. Using a THP-1 model, the humanized anti-CD11d-2 clone was then determined to bind both active and inactive CD11d/CD18 conformations without inducing inflammatory cell signaling. Finally, an investigation into the impact of CK2 phosphorylation on CD11d/CD18 expression found that CK2 inhibition downregulated all β2 integrins. By developing humanized anti-CD11d monoclonal antibodies, new tools are now available to study CD11d/CD18 physiology. The subsequent characterization of these humanized anti-CD11d antibodies makes their use in therapeutic interventions possible.
Design and experimental study of a new hydraulic tool for LCM plugging while drilling
Authors: Wang Guohua , Jiang Hailong , Li Wei 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Big Data Analysis from the worldwide field shows that lost circulation is a common phenomenon in drilling and the success ratio of remedial treatment for lost circulation is low. It is not only because of these complexities of the formation, but also because of the poor performances of the plugging materials and technologies. This paper proposes a new method in plugging, which is based on a particular physical method for lost circulation controlling and plugging while drilling. This method is different from these traditional treatments, which only use chemical methods. Through a hydraulic tool manufactured for using in drilling process, the drilling fluid will have a diffluence at a constant rate from the jet of the hydraulic tool which is installed on the drilling pipe and the fluid laden with particles can be injected into the natural or induced fractures of the borehole wall which may lead to lost circulation. Combined with the corresponding drilling fluids which have been tested in the laboratory, the additives such as ground marble, ground nutshells, fibers and graphite in the drilling fluid are quickly pushed into the fractures because of the differential pressure provide by the hydraulic tool, then form a firm seal at the mouth of the fractures which could isolate fluid pressure in the wellbore and prevent effective pressure communication to interfere the extension of the fracture. What’s more, according to the stress cage theory, when these sealing particles which prop the fracture open, act as wedges to compress the rock around the wellbore, the hoop stress could be increased, so that the WPC (wellbore pressure containment) could be improved. In this paper, a lab test and a field experiment are presented. The experiment result reveals that the hydraulic tool is able to force more material into the fracture, bridge at the mouth of the fracture, form a stable plug in the fracture to isolate the hydraulic pressure in the wellbore, and add a nearly impermeable mud-cake on the wellbore wall to change the effective stress concentration around the borehole. The result demonstrates that the hydraulic tool can provide an effective preventive treatment for lost circulation and an improvement of WPC. It is then feasible to avoid lost circulation events when using this hydraulic tool.
Bayesian Analysis of Flood Prediction Using Mixture Models of Weighted Inverse Rayleigh and Gumbel Type-II Distributions
Authors: Ishfaq Muhammad , Noor Farzana , Bhat A. A. , Albalawi Olayan 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

This article develops two components mixture model of weighted inverse Rayleigh distribution (WIR) and Gumbel type-II distribution for estimation and prediction of flood event. The study uses flood data from the Federal Flood Commission of Pakistan (FFC) over 29 years (1990–2018) of the Jhelum River using two gauging stations, Mangla and Rasul, for two catchments (upstream, downstream) each. Two distinct approaches Annual Maximum series (AMS) and Peak over threshold (POT) are used for estimation of parameters of said mixture models in Bayesian context. Bayesian analysis is performed using Square Error Loss Function (SELF) and Quadratic Loss Function (QLF) with gamma and beta informative priors. Bayes estimators and their posterior risks for Weighted Inverse Rayleigh distribution and Gumble-type-II distribution are derived. For the case of Gumbel type-II, both the shape and scale parameters are considered random. A comprehensive study is conducted to thoroughly examine the behavior of derived Bayes estimators and their posterior risks. The study involves comparing various loss functions and aims to explore well-fitted distribution. Additionally, it seeks to determine return periods in order to predict future flood events accurately.
Reusable MgO/Geopolymer nanocomposites with high Adsorption capacity for methylene blue as effects of mixed phase diffraction and optical response changes
Authors: Rinovian Asnan , Daulay Amru , Amin Muhammad , Merita Merita , Suradharmika I Gusti Agung , Labanni Arniati , Heryanto Heryanto , Nasir Muhamad , Akouibaa Ah. , Tahir Dahlang , Rahmat Roni 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Water contamination due to synthetic dyes has continued to increase in recent years and has become a significant environmental problem. The development of effective and sustainable materials to address these problems is essential. A comprehensive study on synthesizing MgO nanoparticles from seawater bittern and compositing them with geopolymer matrix for methylene blue (MB) adsorption was chosen to address the challenge. The SEM results show the presence of MgO which acts like particles attached to the geopolymer grains, and gives a more compact boundary effect. X-ray diffractograms showed structural changes that proved by mixed phase at 2\(\:\theta\:\): 21.12°, 29.47°, and 57.48° indicating the successful synthesis of geopolymer/MgO nanocomposites. Quantitative analysis of the I-R spectra shows the change optical response that proofed by higher \(\:k\) value transitions \(\:\varDelta\:\left(LO-TO\right)\) from 165 cm-1 to 204 cm-1 leading to more specific absorption. Optical response changes correlated with BET analysis with modified surface area of 56.60 m2 g-1 and BJH pore size of 1.92 nm with good consequently \(\:D\left(\%\right)\) >75% degradation performance for MB dye based on UV-Vis absorbance analysis. The maximum adsorption capacity achieved 81.97 mg g-1 with optimum conditions at pH 11 and a contact time of 160 minutes, and the recyclability test shows an efficiency of 59.67% after seven cycles. Finally, synergistic effect between mixed phase diffraction and optical response as a result of dispersion of MgO nanoparticles on geopolymer matrix can be promising candidate as MB adsorbent.
Enhanced mechanical properties of Ti-6Al-4V titanium alloy through laser-assisted burnishing
Authors: Zhang Haotian , Feng Bin , Lin Da , Guo Wei , Cai Yukui , Xue Junqi , Aslam Jawad , Song Qinghua , Wang Bing , Liu Zhanqiang 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

The surface modification of titanium alloys, specifically Ti-6Al-4V, is a critical procedure that significantly augments the material's surface integrity and mechanical properties. This process is of paramount importance in various industries, including aerospace, medical, and automotive sectors. This research introduces a novel method, termed Laser-Assisted Burnishing (LAB), which is engineered to enhance the surface integrity of Ti-6Al-4V. The LAB process parameters, encompassing burnishing temperature, speed, feed rate, force, and number of passes, were meticulously optimized to ameliorate surface characteristics. A comprehensive experimental investigations was undertaken to study the surface generation of LAB-treated Ti-6Al-4V, and the results were systematically analyzed. Key performance indicators such as surface roughness, microhardness, and residual stresses were evaluated under LAB conditions and compared with those obtained via traditional burnishing methods. The LAB process yielded a reduction in surface roughness (Ra) to 0.364µm, an increase in microhardness from 324.4 to 464.8 HV, and notable enhancement in the thickness of hardened layer and compressive residual stress. These results validate the effectiveness of the LAB technique in improving the surface integrity of the Ti–6Al–4V alloy. The primary contributing factor to this enhancement is the augmented plastic deformation facilitated by the transient material softening during LAB process.
Mendelian randomization to assess causality between bone mineral density, fractures and chronic kidney disease
Authors: Wu Jianjun , Wang Beiru , Chen Jingyi , liang Zhu , Chen Tongying , Yang Yifu , Ling Yanpin , Wan Lei , Zhu Genfu , Huang Hongxing 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
This study explores the intricate correlation between kidney function and bone health through Mendelian randomization, focusing on cases of chronic kidney disease (CKD).
Methods
We utilized biomarkers such as serum creatinine (eGFRcrea) and serum cystatin C (eGFRcys) to assess kidney function and examined their impact on bone mineral density (BMD) and fracture risk. Mendelian randomization techniques were employed to analyze these associations.
Results
Our findings indicate that biomarkers of kidney function significantly impact BMD and fracture risk. Specifically, we observed a positive association between CKD and lumbar spine BMD and an inverse relationship between serum cystatin C and heel BMD.
Conclusions
These insights could enhance the management of bone health in individuals with CKD by enabling more precise monitoring and tailored interventions. Future research should further clarify these relationships and explore their potential applications in clinical practice, potentially leading to improved strategies for preventing and treating osteoporosis in at-risk populations.
The clinical characteristics and risk factors of steroid-induced ocular hypertension following 23-gauge pars plana vitrectomy
Authors: Jiang Shuanghong , Yang Hongxia , Yuan Jing , Chen Ting , Ji Zhenyu , Yan Xixi 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background This study aimed to assess the incidence and risk factors for the development of steroid-induced ocular hypertension (SIOH) following 23-gauge (23G) pars plana vitrectomy.
Methods The clinical data of patients treated with 23G vitrectomy from January 2019 to March 2022 was reviewed retrospectively. The incidence and characteristics of SIOH post-operatively and treatment were recorded. The clinical risk factors for developing SIOH were analyzed using logistic regression analysis.
Results Among the 540 eligible patients, 111 (20.56%) cases developed SIOH. The majority (83.78%) of the SIOH cases developed between the third and seventh day postoperatively. Among these cases, 65 (58.56%) patients had an intraoperative pressure (IOP) of 30 mmHg or higher, and 31 (27.9%) had an IOP of 40 mmHg or higher. The IOP of all SIOH patients returned to normal within 1 month following the discontinuation of steroid and IOP-lowering medicine treatment. The independent risk factors for SIOH (IOP ≥23 mmHg) were myopia (odds ratio (OR) 5.22) and silicone oil filling (OR 8.20). For severe SIOH (IOP ≥30 mmHg) myopia and silicone oil filling were also identified as risk factors with an OR of 3.23 and 12.86, respectively. After adjusting the steroid administration pattern, the incidence of all SIOH and severe SIOH decreased to 17.11% and 9.14% respectively.
Conclusions Myopia and silicone oil filling were identified as independent risk factors for the development of SIOH after vitrectomy. Reducing the duration of topical steroid therapy could potentially decrease the incidence of SIOH particularly in high-risk patients.