bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Building the Fracture Network Model for the Okuaizu Geothermal Field Based on Microseismic Data Analysis
Authors: Darisma Dian , Mukuhira Yusuke , Okamoto Kyosuke , Aoyogi Naoki , Uchide Takahiko , Ishibashi Takuya , Asanuma Hiroshi , Ito Takatoshi 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Understanding the flow behavior in a geothermal reservoir is important to manage sustainable geothermal energy extrapolation and contribute to the growth of further geothermal energy usage. Fluid flow in geothermal reservoirs generally occurs in complex existing fracture systems in which reservoirs are situated in highly fractured rock. To model such a fracture system as a discrete fracture model, a fracture’s location and orientation are computed with a statistical process and observational data. In many cases, 1D borehole logging data still has not been well worked. In this study, we use microseismic data to build a fracture network system and extract the detailed position and dimension of fractures. This study uses microseismic data recorded at the Okuaizu Geothermal Field, Fukushima prefecture, Japan, from 2019 to 2021. First, we located the hypocenter locations, removing the effect of uncertainty in velocity structure related geothermal fluids. Then, we relocated and clustered the seismic events based on waveform similarity. Then, we analyze each cluster to define fracture orientation using principal component analysis (PCA) and focal mechanism (FM). We used the P polarity with the S/P ratio as a constraint for a better fault plane solution. With PCA, we also can extract the fracture dimension of each cluster. Our clustering analysis showed that clusters were not always plannar as fractures, and we interpreted them as fracture zones. According to the consistency between the PCA and FM, each cluster/fracture zone was identified into three conceptual models to characterize the fracture network system in this field. The proposed model shows variations in the orientation of small fractures within the fracture zone. We characterized the spatial variation of the fracture distribution and orientations in the reservoir with these models and exhibited the fracture network system of this field. The fracture zone near the injection well has strike N-S, and the dip is above 80°, but the fracture zone in the northeastern part of the injection well has strike in NW-SE with a dip between 60° and 80°. The fracture network system estimated from this study is crucial for robust reservoir modeling as our model is more realistic, observation-orientated, and includes local anomalies of the reservoir properties.
Metabolic flexibility and liver function following leucine supplementation during caloric restriction
Authors: Pathak Kaveri , Soares Mario , Yun Zhao , Calton Emily 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background. Metabolic flexibility (MF) is the capacity to switch from fat to carbohydrate utilization when required, and MF is constrained in the metabolic syndrome (MetS). We determined whether l-leucine (Leu) supplementation enhanced resting energy expenditure (REE), respiratory quotient (RQ), MF, insulin sensitivity and liver function during caloric restriction (CR).
Methods. Thirty-seven participants at risk of MetS completed a parallel, double-blind RCT comparing Leu vs placebo during CR. REE and RQ were measured before and every 15 min for 2hr following an OGTT. Blood samples were assayed for clinical chemistry, liver function tests (LFT) and fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21). Stumvoll’s insulin sensitivity index (ISI), fatty liver index (FLI) and integrated area under response curves were calculated for REE (iREE) and RQ (iRQ). Metabolic flexibility was defined by iRQ following the OGTT. All measurements were made at the start and end of the trial.
Results. Adjusted for pre-trial values and other covariates, fasting REE, RQ, ISI, LFTs, FLI or FGF21 were not different. There were no differences in postprandial iREE, 2hr_FGF21 or 2hr_ISI. However, Leu resulted in a significantly greater iRQ following CR. Partial correlations indicated that iRQ was significantly related to 2hr_ISI (r = 0.53;p = 0.002) and negatively to fasting alanine amino transferase (ALT) (r= -0.52;p = 0.001). iREE was significantly but negatively related to other liver function parameters.
Conclusion. Leu supplementation improved MF over CR but did not impact REE, ISI and liver function. Overall, there were significant interrelationships between energy metabolism, ISI and liver function.
Changes of leucine-rich alpha 2 glycoprotein could be a marker of changes of endoscopic and histologic activity of ulcerative colitis
Authors: Aoyama Yuki , Hiraoka Sakiko , Yasutomi Eriko , Inokuchi Toshihiro , Tanaka Takehiro , Takei Kensuke , Igawa Shoko , Takeuchi Keiko , Takahara Masahiro , Toyosawa Junki , Yamasaki Yasushi , Kinugasa Hideaki , Kato Jun , Okada Hiroyuki , Otsuka Motoyuki 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Leucine-rich alpha 2 glycoprotein (LRG) is one of the promising serum biomarkers for disease activity of ulcerative colitis (UC). However, several previous reports suggested that the correlation of absolute values of LRG with endoscopic/histologic activity was superior to that of CRP but inferior to those of fecal markers. Here, we focused on the correlation between the changes of LRG and the changes of endoscopic and histologic activity of UC, in comparison to the changes of fecal calprotectin (Fcal), fecal immunochemical test (FIT), and C-reactive protein (CRP). Patients with UC who underwent two or more colonoscopies were enrolled. The comparison of the changes in marker levels with the change of endoscopic/histologic activity in 123 paired colonoscopies of 79 patients revealed that the strength of the correlation in LRG (r = 0.42/0.40) was almost similar to that of fecal markers (Fcal; r = 0.50/0.39 and FIT; r = 0.41/0.40) and better than that of CRP (r = 0.22/0.17). LRG is equivalent to fecal markers and superior to CRP, when inferring changes in disease activity of UC based on changes in its level.
Assessing current environmental conditions and Climate Change Influences on Syngonanthus nitens (Bong.) Ruhland: An Endemic Species and Economic Resource for Extractive Communities as Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems
Authors: Mendes Débora Sampaio , Borges Cláudia Eduarda , Oliveira Eduarda Aparecida , Batista Adriene Caldeira , Conceição Crislaine Alves , Duque Tayna Sousa , Araújo Fausto Henrique Vieira , Moreira Vinicius Henrique , Nascimento Vanessa Gonçalves do , Coelho Fernanda de Aguiar , Farnezi Priscila Kelly Barroso , Silva Ricardo Siqueira da 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Capim dourado, also known as sedinha, refers to the everlasting flower Syngonanthus nitens (Bong.) Ruhland (Eriocaulaceae), prized for its use in crafting and as a significant income source for communities in Minas Gerais, Bahia, and Tocantins, Brazil. This plant is also utilized in the creation of highly valued jewelry and accessories on the global market. This study aims to ascertain the thermal and humidity thresholds of S. nitens while mapping and predicting its current and future distribution. Initially, distribution data was gathered through a literature review, supplemented by biological temperature and humidity data collected from the Quilombola Raiz Community in Minas Gerais and a germination experiment conducted at the Integrated Multi-User Research Laboratory of the Jequitinhonha and Mucuri Valleys (LIPEMVALE). Climate Index (CLIMEX) parameters were defined using biological information and occurrence locations. Maps were generated using ArcGIS. The optimal temperature range for S. nitens development is between 18°C and 24°C, with minimum and maximum thresholds of 5°C and 40°C respectively. Ninety-two occurrence records were found, all situated in South America, aligning with high climate suitability regions as per the model predictions. Future projections for 2050 and 2100 indicate a decrease in areas suitable for S. nitens. These findings provide crucial insights for decision-making, necessitating measures such as widespread monitoring, collaborative conservation efforts, and the establishment of sustainable use zoning to manage S. nitens effectively.
Cardiac structure and function of elite Australian jockeys differs to the general population: An observational cross-sectional study.
Authors: Farley Angela , Bennett Hunter , Eston Roger , Perry Rebecca 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
The objective of this study was to compare measures of cardiac structure and function of professional jockeys to that of the general population. To determine if there are differences in heart structure and function detected using echocardiography in registered Australian jockeys when compared to the general population. It was hypothesised that remodelling of cardiac structure and function would be detected in jockeys when compared to the general population. The cardiovascular changes resulting from the physical demands of thoroughbred racing remain unexplored in this population of athletes. Australian jockeys and participants from the general population underwent two-dimensional (2D) echocardiography, which included all standard views and measurements in accordance with the American Society of Echocardiography guidelines. Each measurement was compared between groups using a Mann-Whitney U test.
Results
Forty-six Australian jockeys (35 ± 12 years) and thirty-three age- and gender-matched (36 ± 13 years) participants from the general population participated in this study. Jockeys were shorter (1.64 ± 0.07 vs. 1.75 ± 0.09m, p < 0.001), lighter (56.5 ± 6.0 vs. 74.2 ± 12.9kg, p < 0.001) and had a lower body surface area (BSA) (1.55 ± 0.17m2 vs.1.9 ± 0.2m2, p < 0.001). Jockeys had a larger absolute left ventricular (LV) end diastolic volume (LVEDV) than the control group (120 ± 18.2 ml vs.109.3 ± 29.0 ml, p = 0.05) which had a larger variation when indexed for BSA (78.0 ± 12.2 ml/m2 vs. 57.5 ± 13.3 ml/m2, p < 0.001). Absolute LV mass did not differ between groups (123.8 ± 36.7g vs 124.2 ± 35.3g, p = 0.92), however jockeys demonstrated higher LV mass index (79.4 ± 18.1g/m2 vs 65.2 ± 15.4g/m2, p < 0.001). Both groups demonstrated clinically normal LV ejection fraction (LVEF) with jockeys being slightly higher, but not clinically different (60.8 ± 5.2% vs. 57 ± 3%, p < 0.001). Despite this, stroke volume (SV) was lower for jockeys than the control group (64.1 ± 12.6mL vs 75.7 ± 20.7mL), however, when indexed for BSA differences were not significant (p = 0.32). Left atrial volume index (LAVi) was larger in jockeys (33.4 ± 6.5mL/m2 vs. 26.3 ± 7.0mL/m2, p < 0.001). There were no differences in global longitudinal strain (GLS) (-19.3 ± 3.0 vs. -19.8 ± 1.6%, p = 0.52).
Conclusions
Jockeys have a distinct cardiac structure and function compared to the general population. Differences are attributed to chronic physiological demands of racing and should be considered in future research involving jockeys and by practitioners working with jockey athletes.
Dual automatic relevance determination for linear latent variable models and its application to calcium imaging data analysis
Authors: Li Yuzhe , Funamizu Akihiro , Kuhn Bernd , Doya Kenji 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

In the analysis of high-dimensional data, applying dimensionality reduction techniques is often necessary. However, setting an suitable criterion for determining the extent of dimensionality reduction often poses a challenge. The use of automatic relevance determination (ARD) in a linear latent variable model, such as Bayesian PCA, offers a way to automatically identifying the effective dimensionality of the latent space. However, conventional ARD methods often fail to extract sparse representation of latent variables in dealing with noisy, non-Gaussian, or nonlinearly observed data, such as calcium imaging data. To encourage the sparsity of the latent space, we proposed a dual ARD method in a linear latent variable model that applies ARD priors to both loading weights and latent variables. We first detailed our dual ARD method and mathematically analyzed how the dual ARD priors promote more sparsity in the latent space. We then evaluated the performance of the dual ARD methods against existing dimensionality reduction techniques using both simulated datasets and actual calcium imaging data. While conventional methods could retrieve essential signals in linear Gaussian settings, the dual ARD method outperformed the previous models in extracting low-dimensional signals from simulated calcium imaging data that contain higher levels of nonlinear noise. In applying the dual ARD method to actual two-photon calcium imaging data, we were able to identify low-dimensional latent variables that were sufficient for performing a sound localization decoding task successfully. Additionally, decoding performance across different cortical depths reflects the varied roles that specific cortical layers play in sound localization. In conclusion, the dual ARD method is well-suited for automatically reducing dimensionality of calcium imaging data while preserving essential information for further analysis.
Construction of a cuproptosis genes prognostic model and associated competing endogenous RNA network in thyroid carcinoma
Authors: xu qin , Jiang Qi-Lan , Luo Bao-Yu , Jiang Rui , Zeng Yang , Jiang Jun 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background:The present study aimed to investigate the association between cuproptosis genes (CGs) and the prognosis of thyroid carcinoma (TC), and to construct a prognosis model of TC and its regulatory network based on CGs. Methods:The association between CGs and TC prognosis was analyzed. A prognostic model of TC related to CGs was constructed by the LASSO algorithm and multivariate Cox regression analysis. The starBase database was used to predict the upstream long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) and microRNA (miRNA).
Results:The results of the LASSO algorithm and multivariate Cox regression analysis on these 6 genes showed that ATP7B, DLD and PDHA1 could constitute the prognostic model of TC (P=0.015, C-index=0.76). Univariate (P<0.001) and multivariate (P<0.05) Cox analysis demonstrated that the risk score could independently predict the prognosis of patients with TC. Furthermore, the upstream lncRNA/miRNA regulatory network of model genes was predicted.
Conclusion:The cuproptosis-related TC prognosis model helped to predict the survival of patients with TC. In addition, regulating the upstream ceRNA network of model genes may aid to guide the clinical treatment of TC.
Clinical Audit of Cases and Outcomes of Patients Admitted to the Intensive Care Unit at Kamuzu Central Hospital, Lilongwe, Malawi
Authors: Bwanali Akim Nelson , Munthali Leonard , Napolo Upile , Lubanga Adriano Focus , Gundo Rodwell , Mpinganjira Samuel L. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

In 2016 a new, improved and modern intensive care unit was constructed at Kamuzu Central Hospital in Lilongwe, Malawi. Having been operational for about 4 years, there has not been a systematic audit to gauge its performance. Therefore, this a quantitative retrospective cohort study aimed at investigating the performance of the intensive care unit at Kamuzu Central Hospital in Lilongwe, Malawi. We analysed the patterns of admission through 250 clinical cases and their respective outcomes spanning from 1st January 2019 to 31st December 2019 using STATA. Descriptive and inferential statistics were computed. Out of the 250 admissions, we evaluated 249 samples. About 30.8% of all patients were referred from the main operating theatre, 20.7% from the casualty and 10.5% from maternity high dependence unit. Head injury (26.7%) and peritonitis (15.7%) were the commonest causes of admission. The overall mortality was 52% with more females (57.5%) dying than males (47.9%). Head injury and peritonitis had the highest contribution to the mortality accounting for 25.3% and 16.9% of all deaths respectively. In conclusion, the intensive care unit registered an improved performance compared to previous years. However, it is still grappling with a number of challenges that need immediate attention including few working beds, shortage of critical care specialists and nursing staff and lack of standard admission criteria.
Assessing the Efficiency of Regional Healthcare Systems Amid Evolving Socio- Environmental Dynamics
Authors: Barik Parthasarathi , Goswami Prashant 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The compounding influences of population growth, climate shifts, and socio-economic dynamics drive the burden of disease, intricately shaping healthcare outcomes. Vital for disease prevention, detection, and treatment, the efficacy of healthcare systems directly impacts mortality rates. This investigation delves into 28 Indian states, each representing distinct socio-climatic profiles, to scrutinize how climate change influences three prevalent diseases: acute respiratory disorders, diarrhea, and malaria. Notably, the analysis reveals correlations between case numbers and fatalities, suggesting healthcare system strain in several states. Remarkably, only a handful of states demonstrate significant links between case prevalence in the populace and the mortality rate among affected individuals. Our research presents a methodology transferable to diverse regions, furnishing a quantitative gauge of healthcare system efficacy within specific disease contexts.
Reduced Intensity transplantation vs chemotherapy. A prospective, pseudorandomized study in 50-70 year old AML patients
Authors: Ljungman Per , Brune Mats , Kiss Thomas , Andersson Harald , Nicklasson Malin , Delage Robert , Finke Jürgen , Gedde-Dahl Tobias , Hébert Josée , Höglund Martin , Kaare Ain , Lazarevic Vladimir , Möllgård Lars , Remes Kari , Ritchie David , Spyridonidis Alexandros , Sabloff Mitchell , Spearing Ruth , Wallhult Elisabeth 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The aim of this prospective, international multicenter, pseudorandomized study using the donor versus no-donor concept to compare RICT HCT to standard-of-care chemotherapy in intermediate- or high risk AML patients 50 – 70 years in CR1. Part 1 included only patients with potential family donors (RD) at the date of HLA-typing of the first potential sibling or CR-date, if later. In Part 2), patients without a possible sibling donor could be included with the inclusion date at the start of an unrelated donor (URD) search.
360 patients were registered and 309 analyzed. The median follow-up was 47 months (1-168). There was no difference in overall survival (OS) between the RD (n=124) and the Control (n=77) groups (p=0.50, 3-year OS RD: 0.41(95% CI; 0.32-0.50); Controls: 0.49 (95% CI; 0.37-0.59)). The main cause of death was relapse (67% RD; 88% Controls). Comparing URD-HCT (n=86) and Controls (n=20), the 3-year survival was 0.60 (95% CI 0.50-0.70) for URD-HCT and 0.37 (95% CI 0.13-0.62) in the Controls, respectively (p=.10). When analyzing transplanted patients (Part 2), the OS at 3-years was higher for URD-HCT than RD-HCT (0.67 (0.55-0.76) vs. 0.42 (0.26-0.57; p=.005). The risks for severe acute and extensive chronic GVHD were lower in the URD-HCT group.
Sex Specific Associations of Sex hormone With Brain Volumes and Cerebral Blood Flow: A Cross Sectional Observational Study Within the Look AHEAD Type 2 Diabetes Cohort
Authors: Vaidya Dhananjay , Yeboah-Kordieh Yvette , Howard Marjorie , Hugenschmidt Christina E. , Nyquist Paul A , Michos Erin D , Kalyani Rita R , Yasar Sevil , Robusto Brian Andres , Yassine Hussein N , Clark Jeanne M , Espeland Mark A , Bennett Wendy L 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Trial Registration: NCT00017953
Background: Females have greater brain volume and cerebral blood flow than males when controlling for intracranial volume and age. Brain volume decreases after menopause, suggesting a role of sex hormones. We studied the association of sex hormones with brain volume, white matter hyperintensity volumes and cerebral blood flow in people with Type 2 Diabetes and with overweight and obesity conditions that accelerate brain atrophy.
Methods: We analyzed data from 215 participants with overweight or obesity and Type 2 Diabetes from the Look AHEAD Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging ancillary study (mean age 68 years, 73% postmenopausal female). Estradiol and total testosterone levels were measured with electrochemoluminescence assays. The ratio of brain measurements to intracranial volume was analyzed to account for body size. We analyzed sex hormones as quantitative measures in males, whereas in females we grouped those with detectable vs. undetectable hormone levels (Estradiol <73 pmol/L [20 pg/mL]: 79%; Total Testosterone < 0.07 mmol/L [0.02 ng/mL]: 37% undetectable in females).
Results: Females with detectable total testosterone levels had higher brain volume to intracranial volume ratio (median [25th, 75th percentile]: 0.85 [0.84, 0.86]) as compared to those with undetectable Total Testosterone levels (0.84 [0.83, 0.86]; rank sum p=0.04). This association was attenuated after age and body mass index adjustment (p=0.08). Neither white matter hyperintensity volumes or cerebral blood flow in females, nor any brain measures in males, were significantly associated with Estradiol or Total Testosterone.
Conclusions: In postmenopausal females with Type 2 Diabetes with overweight and obesity, detectable levels of total testosterone were associated greater brain volume relative to intracranial volume, suggesting a protective role for testosterone in female brain health. Our findings are limited by a small sample size and low sensitivity of hormone assays. Our suggestive findings can be combined with future larger studies to assess clinically important differences.
Trial Registration: NCT00017953
GRK6 palmitoylation dictates triple-negative breast cancer metastasis via recruiting the β-Arrestin 2/MAPKs/NF-κB signaling axis
Authors: Wang Wen-Ke , Lin Hui-Yu , Lin Che-Hsuan , Lee Hsun-Hua , Chen Yen-Lin , Lin Yu-Hsien Kent , Chiu Hui-Wen , Sheen-Chen Shry-Ming , Lin Yuan-Feng 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) belongs to the worst prognosis of breast cancer subtype probably because of distant metastasis to other organs, e.g. lungs. However, the mechanism underlying TNBC metastasis remains largely unknown.
Methods: Bioinformatics analysis was conducted to evaluate the mRNA/protein expression and prognostic significance of G protein–coupled receptor kinase 6 (GRK6) in BC subtypes. RT-PCR assays were used to test the GRK6 expression in human BC tissues and cell lines. The in vitrocellular migration and in vivo lung colony-forming assays were established to estimate the metastatic potentials of TNBC cells. Western blotting was employed to examine protein phosphorylation, translocation and expression in the designed experiments.
Results: Here we show that GRK6 upregulation is extensively detected in TNBC compared to normal mammary tissues and other BC subtypes and correlates with an increased risk for distant metastasis in TNBC patients. GRK6 knockdown suppressed but overexpression potentiated the cellular migration and lung colony-forming abilities of TNBC cells. Moreover, our data demonstrated that the posttranslational palmitoylation of GRK6 is extremely critical for activating b-Arrestin 2/mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs)/NF-kB signaling axis and fostering the metastatic potentials of TNBC cells. Accordingly, the pharmaceutical inhibition of GRK6 kinase activity dramatically suppressed the activation of b-Arrestin 2, MAPKs and NF-kB and the cellular migration ability of highly metastatic MDA-MB231 cells. Sequentially blocking the b-Arrestin 2/MAPKs/NF-kB axis with their inhibitors predominantly mitigated the GRK6-promoted migration ability of poorly metastatic HCC1937 cells.
Conclusion: Our results not only provide a novel mechanism for TNBC metastasis but also offer a new therapeutic strategy to combat metastatic TNBC via targeting GRK6 activity.