bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modeling the effects of realistic land cover changes on frozen ground and land surface energy balance over the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau
Authors: Wang Yuxuan , Luo Siqiong , Ren Hongrui , Wang Jingyuan , Chen Zihang , Li Zhuoqun 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Changing vegetation cover effect the land surface energy balance and frozen ground. Incorporating more accurate land cover changes (LCC) data can enhance simulation results. This paper used two sets of highly precise land use data from different time periods to establish a parameter set for plant functional types (PFTs) on Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP) and employed the latest RegCM5.0-CLM4.5 model for sensitivity simulations, aiming to compare the differences in LCC in different years and analyze the impact of LCC on regional climate. The results showed that the realistic LCC significant effected frozen ground and land surface energy balance over the QTP. The entire QTP is in a warming state and the average land surface temperature(LST)increase can reach 0.10°C (in 2000) and 0.36°C (in 2020) respectively. The soil temperature (ST) can change as deep as 280cm, with obvious changes between 2cm and 100cm, which can get 0.07°C (in 2000) and 0.31°C (in 2020). The warming effect makes the thawing area of frozen ground increase in the thawing period and decrease in the freezing period. The correlations of various meteorological elements vary in different regions. The change of vegetation coverage leads to a decrease in albedo, an increase in net radiation (Rn) and air temperatures (Ta). The new PFTs improve the cold bias of the simulation Ta compared to the original PFTs. For the whole area, Rn and albedo (Alb) are the main factors affecting Ta (the correlation index: 0.69 and − 0.76 respectively). Near-surface wind speed (Nws), evaporation (Evp) and surface air density (Sad) are the main factors affecting LST (the correlation index: 0.28, -0.40 and − 0.41 respectively). In summary, the simulation results prove that plateau greening will cause an increase in LST, ST and Ta.
Exploring Causal Effects of Droughts on Air Quality for Environmental Sustainability in China Using VAR Model and Deep Learning Techniques
Authors: Ahmed Maqsood , Zhang Xiang , Shen Yonglin , Ali Shahid , Ma Yuyang 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

China has faced severe and persistent drought conditions over the past few decades. However, the impact of drought on air quality remains insufficiently understood. To address this issue, we employed a VAR model incorporating Granger causality, IRF, and FEVD to investigate the causal relationship between drought, SPEI, and daily concentrations of PM2.5 and PM10 over an 18-year period (2001 to 2018). This approach elucidates the dynamic effects of drought on air quality over time. Furthermore, we developed and compared the performance of four deep learning models, including ANN, DNN, LSTM, and SLSTM, to assess the influence of drought on air pollution levels. Our empirical findings indicate a positive unidirectional causal relationship between the SPEI and air pollutants. During drought periods, we observed an increase in PM2.5 concentrations by 9.08 µg/m3 and PM10 concentrations by 12.46 µg/m3, all within 95% confidence intervals (p<0.05). Furthermore, seasonal analysis revealed that winter exhibited higher concentrations of both PM2.5 and PM10, with increases of 6.83 µg/m3 and 7.62 µg/m3, respectively, compared to other seasons. During droughts, PM2.5 and PM10 levels spike notably, with Southwest and central China facing the highest pollution, especially in PM2.5. Southwest China sees particularly elevated PM10 levels compared to other regions. Furthermore, deep learning models show a significant correlation between droughts and PM2.5 and PM10 levels, with PM2.5 having an average RMSE of 5.76, MAE of 4.217, and R2 of 0.86, and PM10 with an average RMSE of 15.44, MAE of 9.85, and R2 of 0.93. As droughts become more prevalent due to climate change, it is crucial to examine the health consequences of heightened air pollution during these periods, in addition to the conventional health impacts associated with drought.
Pro-apoptotic Smac/DIABLO Acts as an Independent Prognostic Factor in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Silva Fábio França Vieira e , Padín-Iruegas María Elena , Caponio Vito Carlo Alberto , Chamorro-Petronacci Cintia Micaela , Lourenzo-Pouso Alejandro Ismael , García-García Abel , Ballini Andrea , Domenico Marina Di , Suaréz-Peñaranda José Manuel , Pérez-Sayáns Mario 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) poses significant health risks with increasing incidence and mortality rates. In this context, there is an urgent need to explore novel biomarkers to enhance therapeutic strategies and improve survival. Understanding apoptotic evasion in cancer pathogenesis, this pioneering study aims to investigate the correlation between a pro-apoptotic protein Smac/DIABLO and patient prognosis within the OSCC cohort.
Methodology:
Immunohistochemistry was employed to analyze Smac/DIABLO expression and correlate with clinicopathological and prognostic factors during a long-term follow-up.
Results
Smac/DIABLO low expression was associated with worse overall survival (OS), relapse-free survival (RFS), disease-specific survival (DSS), and an increase in risk of lymph node metastasis (LNM) in univariate analyses. Furthermore, multivariate analyses confirmed Smac/DIABLO as an independent prognostic factor, predicting poorer OS, RFS, DSS, and increased likelihood of LNM. Patients with positive Smac/DIABLO expression exhibited three times higher survival probability.
Conclusion
Low proapoptotic protein Smac/DIABLO expression significantly influences prognostic predictions and strongly correlates with poor OSCC outcomes. Enhancing Smac/DIABLO protein expression via Smac/DIABLO mimetic compounds can represent a key point in anti-cancer therapy targeting OSCC.
Evacuation of Lisbon’s Baixa-Chiado Subway Station in Case of Fire
Authors: Borralho Tiago , Rodrigues João Paulo Correia , Santos Cristina Calmeiro dos 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

It is essential to ensure that any building has conditions for a safe evacuation of its occupants. This aspect is essential in subway stations, where evacuation has to be carried out in an upward way, and usually correspond to large structures constituting a single fire compartment. Baixa-Chiado subway station, in Lisbon, Portugal, was selected for studying the evacuation in case of fire, due to its depth, high number of passengers that frequent the station and the existing of two intersecting train lines. A calculation of evacuation time was calculated and the way of evacuation studied, in different fire scenarios, number and location of occupants. The numerical simulations used Fire Dynamics Simulator and Pathfinder softwares, the first for fire spreading and the second for evacuation analysis. The importance of smoke control system, and its rapid activation in case of fire, was highlighted by the results obtained. In situations where this did not occur, there was a significant worsening in the evacuation of the occupants. It was estimated the incapacitation of a significant number of occupants, considering the levels registered for the fractional effective dose. The station's architectural constraints proved to be a crucial factor in the results of the study. This article highlights important results applicable to subway stations around the world.
Adsorption of Arsenic From Aqueous Solution Using Brown Seaweed (Sargassum Polycystum) Derived Biochar Impregnated With Iron Oxide (Fe2o3): Batch and Column Studies Modelling
Authors: Devrajani Satesh Kumar , Ahmed Zubair , Qambrani Naveed Ahmed , Kanwal Sania 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

To investigate the potential of adsorption of arsenic from synthetic water, the brown seaweed (Sargassum polycystum) derived biochar impregnated with iron oxide (Fe2O3) was used. The biochar was produced through pyrolysis, at the temperature of 4000C, of brown seaweed biomass and subsequently impregnated with iron oxide (Fe2O3). The characterization results elucidate that the biochar derived from brown seaweed modified with iron oxide provides more adsorptive sites and surface functional groups for binding arsenic ions. Through the batch study, the arsenic adsorption efficiency of magnetic biochar was investigated by optimizing the influencing parameters such as pH, contact time, arsenic concentration, adsorbent dosage. The maximum arsenic adsorption efficiency was determined 96.7% under the optimized conditions of pH 6, adsorbent dosage of 100 mg, initial arsenic concentration of 0.25 mg/L and the contact time of 90 minutes). The equilibrium isotherms were also employed to analyze the adsorption equilibrium which reveals that both Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms are favorable adsorption process onto the biochar surface, while the kinetics adhered to the pseudo-second-order model, indicating that chemisorption serves as the controlling step in the adsorption mechanism. Through the analysis of breakthrough curves during the column study under controlled conditions, adsorption behavior and capacity were also explored. The results indicated that the column obtained complete saturation after 200 minutes. Furthermore, the investigation showed that the behavior of the column fit both the Adams-Bohart and the Thomas models, indicating the suitability for the large scale application. It can be concluded that these results support the possibility that iron-modified biochar made from macroalgae could be a useful tool for eliminating arsenic from water.
Shifting trade from feed to food reduces agricultural nitrogen loss and GHG emissions in U.S. and China
Authors: Zhang Xin , Wang Yanyu , Davidson Eric , Gu Baojing 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Current U.S.-China agricultural trade primarily consists of crops used for animal feed, which are pivotal in China's livestock production. Trade policies between these nations have been predominantly driven by economic interests and political relations, but here we show that they also have large consequences for nitrogen pollution, which also merits consideration. More than 40% of nitrogen in feed is lost into the environment as manure, exacerbating nitrogen pollution in China while increasing energy and water consumption for producing synthetic fertilizer in the U.S. Instead of trading feed, trading animal-derived food would lower overall nitrogen pollution and alter its distribution. Transitioning from trading feed to food could reduce total nitrogen loss and greenhouse gas emissions by over 30%, significantly cutting manure pollution in China and reducing synthetic fertilizer use through substitution by manure in the U.S. Transitioning to greater food trade would increase nitrogen losses and associated environmental damage costs in the U.S. However, increased losses could be mitigated by over 40%, resulting in comparable environmental impacts to the current feed trade situation, by recovering and diverting plant-based human food waste for animal feed and increasing manure recycling. The U.S. agricultural trade revenue would increase by US$11 ± 3 billion. Optimizing agricultural trade portfolio between China and the U.S. considering the impacts on both the environment and the economy could benefit both countries.
Seasonal velocity patterns and deforming bed processes associated with different subglacial drainage systems.
Authors: Hart Jane , Baurley Nathaniel , Bonnie Amy , Robson Benjamin , Bragg Graeme , Martinez Kirk 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

We use a series of unique techniques (wireless in situ subglacial probes; web connected GNSS) along with remotely sensed data to record a continuum of subglacial hydrology from channelized to braided behaviour associated with four soft bedded temperate glaciers. We argue this continuum may be affected by till grain size and subaqueous processes. In addition, we are able to quantify sedimentary processes associated with these different hydrologies. Although we have used a multi-data stream here, we suggest it is possible to solely use glacier velocity data, derived from Sentinel-1 imagery, to distinguish the different hydrological types. This is important because the water at the base of the glacier (in both water bodies and the till) is a key driver of glacier behaviour and the rate of sea level rise, but direct measurements of the basal environment are rare, hence the importance of our remote sensing data.
Equine coronavirus infection and replication in equine intestinal enteroids
Authors: Kambayashi Yoshinori , Nemoto Manabu , Ochi Akihiro , Kishi Daiki , Ueno Takanori , Tsujimura Koji , Bannai Hiroshi , Kawanishi Nanako , Ohta Minoru , Suzuki Tohru 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

In this study, equine intestinal enteroids (EIEs) were generated from the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum and inoculated with equine coronavirus (ECoV) to investigate their suitability as in vitro models with which to study ECoV infection. Immunohistochemistry revealed that the EIEs were composed of various cell types expressed in vivo in the intestinal epithelium. qRT-PCR and electron microscopy showed that ECoV had infected and replicated in the EIEs. These results suggest that EIEs can be novel in vitro tools for studying the interaction between equine intestinal epithelium and ECoV. (88 words)
Laser Interferometry for High-Speed Railway Health Inspection using Telecom Fiber along the Line
Authors: Wang Bo , Wang Guan , Song Dongqi , Pang Zhongwang , Wang Fangmin , Dai Hongfei , Li Wenlin 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

The health inspection of widespread High-Speed Railway (HSR) network is crucial to maintain the regular transportation, particularly as the velocity of high-speed trains continues to escalate. To narrow the long inspection period of current track recording vehicle (TRV) method, we have implemented a laser interferometer sensing system to turn those existing fiber cables within HSR cable ducts into effective sensing elements. Based on the distributed vibration sensing of daily passing trains, an average power spectrum density (A-PSD) indicator is used to assess the health of HSR infrastructures. During the observation over one year, A-PSDs of 4 typical infrastructures remain stable, indicating their robust health despite challenging environmental conditions. To demonstrate the sensitivity of A-PSD indicator, we analyze the sensing results of a rail section before and after track maintenance, which shows distinctive A-PSD features corresponding to different levels of creep deformation. Additionally, the sensing system can also report other ambient vibrations, such as seismic waves after propagation of over 300 km. It demonstrates the fiber sensing system not only has the ability to act as a real-time supplementary tool for HSR health inspection, but also has potential to establish a large sensing network.
Longitudinal prediction of DNA methylation to forecast epigenetic outcomes
Authors: Leroy Arthur , Teh Ai Ling , Dondelinger Frank , Alvarez Mauricio A. , Wang Dennis 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Interrogating the biological changes at early stages of life requires longitudinal profiling of molecules, but biosamples may not always be available.
Results
We introduce a probabilistic and longitudinal machine learning framework based on multi-mean Gaussian processes, accounting for individual and gene correlations across time. We show that this method can simultaneously predict methylation status at multiple genomic sites at future ages of children (age 5–7) using methylation data from earlier ages (0–4). Less than 10% difference between observed and predicted methylation values is found in approximately 95% of CpG sites. We show that predicted methylation profiles can be used to estimate other molecular phenotypes, such as epigenetic age, at a specific time point and enable association tests with health outcomes measured at the same time point.
Conclusion
This machine learning approach enables longitudinal studies of development, ageing and disease progression to use molecular data from a limited number of time points.
Explaining the Factors of Smoking Behavior among Adolescents in Isfahan City: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Rahimi Majid , Eslami Ahmad Ali , rezaei hajar 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background: Reducing the age of smoking and its onset during adolescence is one of the public health concerns that can cause many problems for adolescents. Despite numerous studies, smoking behavior is still increasing in this group of society, which requires understanding the actual analysis of this tendency according to the cultural and social conditions of adolescents. Therefore, this qualitative study was conducted to explain the factors of smoking behavior among adolescents in Isfahan.
Methods: The present study is a qualitative research of content analysis using the conventional approach. Participants were selected through available sampling in schools and recreational places in Isfahan. The data collection method was conducted in in-depth interviews without structure in individual and group interviews among 20 adolescents who met the study's criteria and continued until data saturation. To analyze the data, content analysis provided by Graneheim and Lundman was used.
Results: After analyzing the data, 201 primary codes were determined and after summarizing, the codes were summarized in 3 main themes and 9 sub-themes. The main categories included individual factors (benefit, personal and psychological characteristics), interpersonal factors (Friendship-centered, family function), and social factors (school function, law enforcement, and regional culture).
Conclusions: The present study showed that although adverse consequences of smoking were known, stimuli such as media, emotionality, curiosity, and imitation lead to smoking in adolescents. Therefore, media literacy training and life skills such as thoughtful decision-making and emotional intelligence enhancement are useful. On the other hand, adolescents' shame and not smoking in religious places are other protective factors of smoking in adolescents
A Novel Rhodamine B Derivative as a “Turn-on” Fluorescent Probe for Cu 2+ with High Selectivity and Sensitivity
Authors: Liu Li , Zou Ting , Li Tianrong 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

The quantity of “turn-on” probes for Cu2+ is relatively small, and the interference of other metal cations is obvious. In this research, a rhodamine B-based probe, 1-phenyl-3-methyl-5-hydroxypyrazole-4-benzoyl(rhodamine B) hydrazone (RBHP), was synthesized and characterized by 1H NMR, electrospray ionization mass spectrum, elemental analyses, and X-ray single crystal diffraction. Selectivity studies on RBHP to metal cations, and fluorescence and UV–vis absorption spectra titrations of Cu2+ were also conducted. RBHP showed an extremely low fluorescence background signal in acetonitrile and could produce a “turn-on” fluorescent response to Cu2+. While, Na+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+, Mn2+, Fe2+, Co2+, Ni2+, Zn2+, Cd2+, Cr3+, Al3+ and Fe3+ induced no interference or very weak interference for the detection of Cu2+. RBHP could recognize Cu2+ with a low limit of quantification at 15 µM (~ 0.95 mg/L). RBHP revealed a possibility as a “turn-on” fluorescent probe for Cu2+ with high selectivity and sensitivity.
Machine learning to preoperatively determine histological differentiation of mass-forming intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Zhou Qiang-qiang , Zhong Jun-yuan 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Objective We aim to establish a machine learning model by extracting the radiomic features from CT images and integrating clinical features to preoperatively predict the histological differentiation of mass-forming ICC. Material and Method: Clinical data and CT images were retrospectively collected from 109 ICC patients (male to female = 63:46) in our hospital from January 2013 to October 2023. The machine learning classification algorithms used in this study were random forest (RF), XGBoost (Extreme Gradient Boosting), k-nearest neighbors (KNN), and logistics regression (LR). The area under the curve of the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) of the model on each class, as well as the macro and micro averages were calculated to comprehensively evaluate the model performance.SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) was used to explain the output of the optimal model. Results Concomitant cirrhosis was more likely to occur in poorly differentiated ICC (p < 0.01), while elevated ALT and AST were more common in moderately differentiated ICC (p = 0.02). The RF model constructed based on radiomic features had moderate performance, with a macro-averaged AUC of 0.72, and an AUC of 0.69 for poorly differentiated ICC, 0.7 for moderately poorly differentiated ICC, and 0.71 for moderately differentiated ICC. Both the clinical features model and the fusion model of clinical + radiomic features performed relatively poorly, with a macro-averaged AUC of 0.51 and 0.57, respectively. Conclusion We directly classified the three histological differentiations of 109 ICC cases and found that the radiomics model performed moderately well. This suggested that a radiomics feature model alone might perform better in classification than a fusion model and that the addition of clinical features.
Paediatric maxillofacial fractures have increased in incidence and their nature and aetiology have changed during three decades
Authors: Kirvelä Aura , Suominen Anna Liisa , Puolakkainen Tero , Snäll Johanna , Thorén Hanna 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

The safety of children’s living environment is affected by several factors. Safer living environments have been offered as one explanation to decreases in children’s fractures. Earlier studies provide evidence of a decreasing trend in children’s fractures in the past decades. The objective of this study was to investigate demographic and clinical features of paediatric maxillofacial fractures during three time periods. A retrospective cross-sectional single-centre study was designed. The study included 474 patients aged ≤ 15 years admitted to Helsinki University Hospital in Finland with maxillofacial fractures during 1980–1989, 1993–2002 and 2013–2018. Maxillofacial fractures increased by 25% during the study period. The increase was greater in boys (28%) than in girls (19%), and significant in age groups 0–5 years (71%) and 13–15 years (32%). Exclusively mandibular fractures decreased by 20%, while exclusively midfacial fractures increased more than four-fold and exclusively upper-third fractures five-fold. Being hit by object and falls from height increased more than two-fold. A temporary increase in assaults and decrease in bicycle accidents in the middle period of the study was observed. During the three decades, paediatric maxillofacial fractures have increased and both fracture type and underlying aetiology have changed. These findings reflect improvements in diagnostics, traffic safety, regulations and technology. The role of factors such as interpersonal violence and economic fluctuation on the incidence of childhood maxillofacial fractures is discussed.