bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Experimental Study on Hydraulic Fracturing with Acoustic Emission under Tri-Axial Stress Conditions
Authors: Esmaeilzadeh Ali , Nikkhah Majid 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Hydraulic fracturing method is known as one of the most important stimulation methods, especially in unconventional gas and petroleum reservoirs. Acoustic emission (AE) is a popular technique to monitor the process of geomaterial failure during hydraulic fracturing. In the present paper, AE monitoring has been employed for a better understanding of the mechanism of crack and fracture generation in experimental hydraulic fracturing. Concrete blocks were subjected to true tri-axial stress conditions while AE was synchronously recorded during fluid injection. The experiments have been performed on the specimens under different loading stresses in order to investigate the effect of the applied pre-stress combinations. Based on the results, as the minimum horizontal stress increases, the fracturing pressure increases; moreover, when the maximum horizontal stress and vertical stress increase, the fracturing pressure shows an increasing and decreasing trend. Observed fractures align with the direction of maximum horizontal stress under anisotropic conditions, while isotropic stress conditions result in randomly oriented radial fractures. Analysis of AE parameters provides valuable insights, correlating with the physical fractures and cracks behavior and demonstrating the potential of AE monitoring as a predictive tool for hydraulic fracturing behavior.
Macroscale brain states support the control of semantic cognition
Authors: Wang Xiuyi , Krieger-Redwood Katya , Cui Yanni , Smallwood Jonathan , Du Yi , Jefferies Beth 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

It’s crucial in neuroscience to understand how the human brain adapts to varying cognitive demands. This study investigates network reconfiguration during controlled semantic retrieval in differing contexts. We analyzed brain responses to two semantic tasks of varying difficulty – global association and feature matching judgments – which were contrasted with non-semantic tasks on the cortical surface and within a whole-brain state space. Demanding semantic association tasks elicited activation in anterior prefrontal and temporal regions, while challenging semantic feature matching and non-semantic tasks predominantly activated posterior regions. Task difficulty also modulated activation along different dimensions of functional organization, suggesting different mechanisms of cognitive control. More demanding semantic association judgments engaged cognitive control and default mode networks together, while feature matching and non-semantic tasks were skewed towards cognitive control networks. These findings highlight the brain’s dynamic ability to tailor its networks to support diverse neurocognitive states, enriching our understanding of controlled cognition.
Microbial Antioxidants and Their Interactions with Gastrointestinal Tract Epithelial Cells in the Cattle
Authors: Sun Hui-Zeng , Zhu Senlin , Jia Minghui , Li Hou-Cheng , Han Bo , Shi Tao , Zhang Qi , Zheng Wei-Jie , Xu Jing-Hong , Chen Liang , Yan Yu-Nan , Qi Wenlingli , Feng-Fei Gu , Liu Jian-Xin , Liu George E. , Jiang Yu , Su Dong-Xiao , Fang Lingzhao 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Oxidative stress is a pivotal trigger of immune responses and cellular dysfunction. The ruminant gastrointestinal tract (GIT) with complex microbial community demonstrated strong metabolic capabilities and close relationships with host oxidative stress. However, microbial antioxidant secondary metabolites in the GIT and their interactions with the host are still under-studied. Here, based on metagenome assembled genomes (MAGs) resources, deep learning, single-cell RNA-sequencing, and large number of protein-metabolites interactions inferring, we discovered the antioxidants from the microbial secondary metabolites and deciphered their potential interactions with the GIT epithelial cells. Totally 26,503 biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs, 8,672 novel ones) were identified from 14,093 non-redundant MAGs distributed in 10 segments of cattle GIT. From the 436 BGCs’ products, totally 396 secondary metabolites were predicted into 5 categories of antioxidants using a custom-trained deep learning tool. The GIT epithelial cells showed higher expression of antioxidant genes among 1,006 clusters (belong to 126 cell types) of 51 tissues in cattle, especially the spinous cells and basal cells in the forestomach. Moreover, using metabolite-protein interaction inference, we predicted over 6 million pairs of interactive scores between 396 secondary metabolites and 14,976 marker proteins in the GIT cell types. Significant interactive scores between Cys-Cys-Cys and marker proteins participating in antioxidative metabolism such as CYC1, MGST1, GSTA1 in rumen and omasum spinous cells were highlighted. Our study presented a comprehensive computational framework for exploring natural antioxidants from MAGs, revealed the potential antioxidants from cattle GITs microbiota, and inferred their potential interactions with host GIT cell types, which will provide novel insights into the under-investigated antioxidant potential of cattle GIT microbiota and reshaping our comprehension of the symbiotic interplay between the gut microbiota and host antioxidant defense mechanisms.
Rock Crack Initiation Triggered by Energy Digestion
Authors: Yan Lei , Chang Jian , Manda Ebelia , Li Helin , Wang Qian , Jing Yangfan 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The stress intensity factors with the kinds of critical models are usually obtained from the strength test on laboratory specimens to characterize the rock strength and fracture-ability. However, crack initiation phenomenology for rock material has not been comprehensively understood. In this study, energy theory—an essential character of material property changes—is drawn to evaluate rock crack initiation and study the correlation between rock strength and energy digestion. Uniaxial compression test was conducted on different hardness coefficients rock samples under quasi-static loading conditions and the results of energy evolution, non-linear cumulative digestion, and stored ultimate energy were obtained and compared with a series of results for sandstone. A novel algorithm for the evaluation of rock crack initiation has been proposed and the concept of energy digestion index (EDI) using the ratio of ultimate energy over accumulated energy has been developed to characterize the rock strength. The result shows that crack initiation is related to the maximum growth rate of energy cumulation. Simultaneously, the increasing rate of variable elasticity modulus of rock material gets the peak. The defined EDI has a negative correlation with the rock material's strength and mechanical properties. The relationships between final strength and EDI at crack initiation were also discussed and an assessment of the remaining strength life is introduced using the predicted value by fitting the EDI, leading to a new understanding and exploration for in-situ monitoring of rock damage and failure prediction.
ECG Heartbeat classification using Progressive Moving Average Transform
Authors: Mokhtari Rabah , Belhaouari Samir Brahim , Kassoul Khelil , Hocini Abderraouf 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

This paper presents the Progressive Moving Average Transform (PMAT), a novel signal transformation method for converting time-domain signals into 2D representations by progressively computing Moving Averages (MAs) with varying window sizes. The approach aims to enhance signal analysis and classification, particularly in the context of heartbeat classification. Our approach integrates PMAT with a 2D-Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) model for the classification of ECG heartbeat signals. The 2D-CNN model is employed to extract meaningful features from the transformed 2D representations and classify them efficiently. To assess the effectiveness of our approach, we conducted extensive simulations utilizing two widely-used databases: the MIT-BIH database and the INCART database, chosen to cover a wide range of heartbeats. Our experiments involved classifying more than 6 heartbeat types grouped into three main classes. Results indicate high accuracy and F1-scores, with 99.09% accuracy and 92.13% F1-score for MIT-BIH, and 98.37% accuracy and 79.37% F1-score for INCART. Notably, the method demonstrates robustness when trained on one database and tested on another, achieving accuracy rates exceeding 95% in both cases. These findings underscore the effectiveness and stability of the proposed approach in accurately classifying heartbeats across different datasets, suggesting its potential for practical implementation in medical diagnostics and healthcare systems.
Base-editing corrects metabolic abnormalities in a humanized mouse model for glycogen storage disease type-Ia
Authors: Chou Janice , Arnaoutova Irina , Aratyn-Schaus Yvonne , Zhang Lisa , Packer Michael , Chen Humg Dar , Lee Cheol , Gautam Sudeep , Gregoire Francine , Leboeuf Dominique , Boule Steven , Fernandez Thomas , Huang Victoria , Cheng Lo-I , Lung Genesis , Bannister Brianna , Decker Jeremy , Ciaramella Giuseppe , Mansfield Brian 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Glycogen storage disease type-Ia (GSD-Ia) patients, deficient in glucose-6-phosphatase-α (G6Pase-α or G6PC), manifest impaired glucose homeostasis with hallmark fasting hypoglycemia. We generated a humanized knock-in mouse model, huR83C, that is homozygous for the pathogenic G6PC-R83C variant and manifests a GSD-Ia phenotype. We evaluated the efficacy of BEAM-301, lipid nanoparticles containing guide RNA and mRNA encoding a newly-engineered adenine base editor, to correct the G6PC-R83C variant in huR83C mice and monitored phenotypic correction through one year. BEAM-301-treated mice exhibited a maximum base-editing efficiency of ~60% in the liver and achieved physiologicallevels of hepatic G6Pase-α activity with just ~10% base-editing rate. The edited mice displayed an improved metabolic phenotype, sustained 24-hour fasting, and survived long-term. In contrast, untreated mice exhibited fasting hypoglycemia and died prematurely. The durable pharmacological efficacy of base editing in huR83C mice supports the development of BEAM-301 as a potential therapeutic for patients with GSD-Ia carrying the G6PC-R83C variant.
Full-rank Imaging Detection of Multi-frames of Ultrasonic-guided Waves in Welded Structural Plate Based on Arc Sparse Array
Authors: ZHU Xinjie , Yao Sen , Deng Mingxi , Zhang Jie , Gao Yang 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The utilization of ultrasonic-guided wave array imaging in the detection of weld structural plates holds significant importance. This study presents a novel approach for full-rank imaging of shear horizontal (SH)-guided wave arc sparse arrays in welding structure imaging detection, The paper discusses the mechanism behind the ultrasonic-guided wave arc sparse array, specifically focusing on its full-rank imaging of multi-frames (FRIMR) capabilities in the presence of weld scattering. The receiving aperture of the arc sparse array is analyzed and discussed using the amplitude matrix and time-transition matrix. Both synthetic aperture and FRIMR of the arc sparse array are examined. The research findings demonstrate that FRIMR detection using ultrasonic-guided wave arc sparse array effectively captures scattering information equivalent to the wavelength size in the imaging detection area. This results in an average signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) improvement of 39.2% in full-frame imaging compared to multi-frames imaging. The imaging experiment validates the feasibility of the proposed imaging principle, highlighting its potential for imaging detection of welded structures. The research presented in this paper serves as a crucial foundation for future studies and applications of array imaging detection using ultrasonic-guided waves in welded structural plates.
Forchlorfenuron exposure Induces hepatocyte Apoptosis via MKK3/p38/ATF-2 signaling Pathway
Authors: Sun Xiao , Zhang Yunqi , Che Xiaoyang , Dai Ziru , Luo Yun , Sun Xiaobo 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Forchlorfenuron is a widely used plant cytokinin in traditional Chinese medicine and agricultural cultivation to boost resistance, postpone senescence, and increase productivity. However, improper forchlorfenuron use results in excessive residues and contamination, raising health and safety concerns. The in vitro toxicity of forchlorfenuron on HepaRG cells was investigated in our research. Results showed that forchlorfenuron inhibited HepaRG cell viabilities in a concentration and time-dependent manner. Forchlorfenuron induced cellular apoptosis and the increased intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) indicated the participation of oxidative stress. Molecular docking and network pharmacology data suggested that the hepatotoxicity of forchlorfenuron might involve the MAPK signaling pathway. After 24 hours of forchlorfenuron exposure, the p38-MAP kinase, upstream kinases MKK3, and the transcription factor ATF-2 was maximally activated. Apoptosis induced by forchlorfenuron was significantly reduced by pretreatment of the P38 inhibitor SB203580. These findings implicated that HepaRG hepatocyte injuries were generated by forchlorfenuron through the induction of cellular apoptosis via MKK3/p38/ATF-2 pathways. Forchlorfenuron application should be closely managed to prevent potential liver damage.
Prediction of COD in Industrial Wastewater Treatment Plant using an Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Mesutoğlu Özgül Çimen , Gök Oğuzhan 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

In this investigation, the modeling of the Aksaray industrial wastewater treatment plant was performed using artificial neural networks with various architectures in the MATLAB software. The dataset utilized in this study was collected from the Aksaray wastewater treatment plant over a nine-month period through daily records. The treatment efficiency of the plants was assessed based on the output values of chemical oxygen demand (COD) output. Principal component analysis (PCA) was applied to furnish input for the artificial neural network (ANN). The model's performance was evaluated using the mean squared error (MSE) and correlation coefficient (R2) parameters. The optimal architecture for the neural network model was determined through several trial and error iterations. According to the modeling results, the ANN exhibited a high predictive capability for plant performance, with an R2 reaching up to 0.9997 when comparing the observed and predicted output variables.
IL-18, a therapeutic target for immunotherapy boosting, promotes temozolomide chemoresistance via the PI3K/AKT pathway in glioma
Authors: Ji Huangyi , Lan Yufei , Xing Pengpeng , Wang Zhao , Zhong Xiangyang , Tang Wenhui , Wei Quantang , Chen Hongbin , Liu Boyang , Guo Hongbo 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: Temozolomide (TMZ) resistance is still the urgent topic in treatments of glioma. Recent studies show inflammation is involved in tumor chemoresistance.Interleukin-18, a proinflammatory cytokine, is highly expressed in glioma and related with worse prognosis. However, its effects on glioma remain unclear.
Methods and Results: In this research, we detected that interleukin-18 enhanced growth and inhibited apoptosis in cultured glioma cells via CCK8 and EdU assay. Further, in vivo studies revealed that interleukin-18 promoted glioma growth in mice bearing tumors. Mechanical exploration indicated that interleukin-18 stimulation could activate the PI3K/AKT pathway, and the PI3K inhibition could reduce the interleukin-18-induced proliferation of glioma cells. We found that interleukin-18 upregulated CD274 expression in glioma cells.Furthermore, we established a tumor xenograft model and explored the therapeutic efficacy of anti-interleukin-18 monoclonal antibodies. Targeting interleukin-18 prolonged survival and attenuated CD274 expression in the mice-bearing tumor. Combined application of anti-PD-1 and anti-interleukin-18 monoclonal antibodies showed better efficacy in suppressing tumor growth than either treatment alone in mice bearing tumors.
Conclusion: Interleukin-18 promotes temozolomide chemoresistance in glioma via PI3K/Akt activation and establishes an immunosuppressive milieu by modulating CD274. This study highlights the therapeutic value of interleukin-18 in glioma.
Pediatric Buccal Epithelial Cell Proportions Decrease Reliably With Age: Considerations for PedBE in Pediatric Research
Authors: Kobor Michael 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Children’s cheek swabs, cellularly heterogeneous samples consisting primarily of buccal epithelial cells (BECs), are widely used in epigenetic association studies of pediatric DNA methylation and biomarker creation, e.g., the Pediatric Buccal Epigenetic (PedBE) clock. Although BEC proportion is suggested to decrease with age, this was not investigated during childhood. Here, we analyzed cheek swabs from 3799 typically developing children 2-months to 20-years-old. Estimated BEC proportion declined, while estimated neutrophil proportion increased, with chronological and predicted epigenetic age, and variability in both cell types increased with age. Although estimated BEC proportion was weakly related to epigenetic age acceleration (EAA), this was attenuated to non-significance after correcting for BECs during initial EAA estimation. Notably, correcting for BEC proportion attenuated the association of PedBE EAA with obsessive-compulsive disorder and strengthened the association with diurnal cortisol slope. Thus, the change in children’s oral cell proportions with age is a crucial consideration for cell type-sensitive research.
PhantomAR: Gamified Mixed Reality System for Alleviating Phantom Limb Pain in Upper Limb Amputees – Design, Implementation, and Clinical Usability Evaluation
Authors: Prahm Cosima , Eckstein Korbinian , Bressler Michael , Wang Zhixing , Li Xiaotong , Suzuki Takashige , Daigeler Adrien , Kolbenschlag Jonas , Kuzuoka Hideaki 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: Phantom limb pain (PLP) is a restrictive condition in which patients perceive pain in a limb that is no longer present, greatly reducing their quality of life. Mirror Therapy, wherein patients observe a mirror reflection of their intact limb, has demonstrated efficacy in alleviating PLP. However, its unilateral and seated nature presents limitations. To address these constraints while still reducing PLP, and evaluating the impact of different virtual limb representations (anthropomorphic vs. non-anthropomorphic) on the user's sense of ownership, agency, and embodiment, PhantomAR was developed. Leveraging wearable first-person augmented reality (AR) technology, PhantomAR extends traditional Mirror Therapy by enabling users to move freely and engage in bimanual tasks.
Methods: The assistive mixed reality game application PhantomAR was deployed on the Microsoft HoloLens 2 and augmented the user’s residual limb by superimposing a virtual arm or tentacle that was controlled via residual muscles on their stump using an EMG electrode array. This setup allowed patients to engage in a first-person perspective and manipulate virtual objects with both the healthy and augmented limbs, free from the confines of a seated position. The study enrolled 10 able-bodied individuals and 8 individuals with unilateral, transradial amputation. All amputees experienced PLP. The usability of the PhantomAR application was evaluated using the System Usability Scale (SUS) and a user-centric survey. Additionally, the Game Experience was assessed on a 5-point Likert questionnaire (GEQ). Participants rated their phantom sensations using the Numerical Rating Scale and McGill Pain Questionnaire before, during, and after interaction with PhantomAR. The embodiment and agency of the virtual superimposed arm were evaluated with an altered Prosthesis Embodiment Scale. The study protocol included two sessions of 30 minutes each, during which participants experienced PhantomAR.
Results: Participants (n=18) rated PhantomAR highly usable (SUS m=90.8%, SD=6.88). Feedback on the Game Experience Questionnaire was overwhelmingly positive, showing high immersion (m=4.46, SD=0.08) and positive affect (m=4.97, SD=0.05). PLP (n=8) significantly decreased post-intervention (NRS and McGill Pain Questionnaire, p<.001). Skin temperature in the residual limb increased significantly post-intervention (p<.01) but did not correlate with PLP (r=-0.08, p=0.83). Tentacle overlay yielded mixed ownership but high agency ratings.
Conclusion: PhantomAR leverages extended reality to significantly reduce Phantom Limb Pain, enhance user engagement, and alter perceptions of ownership and agency of their augmented limb through dynamic, full-body interactions.
Identification of novel COPD susceptibility genes using a genome-wide interaction study
Authors: kim chi young , Park Boram , Jung Ji Ye , Kim Je Hyeong , Nam Chung Mo , Won Sungho , Kim Young Sam 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Some genetic variants are associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but genetic susceptibility for lung function decline has not been studied in the general population. We investigated the genetic susceptibility-associated lung function decline with or without COPD, using data from a community-based cohort. A genome-wide interaction study was conducted to identify the association between genetic variants and pulmonary function, and the way variants relate to lung impairment in accordance with smoking status and amount was examined. We further used a linear mixed model to examine the association and interaction to time effect. We found annual mean FEV1 declines of 41.7 mL for men and 33.4 mL for women, and the annual rate of decline in FEV1 was the fastest for current smokers. We also found a previously identified locus near FAM13, the most significant SNPs from the results of two likelihood ratio tests for FEV1/FVC. These selected SNPs were located in the upstream region of FAM13 on chromosome 4 and had similar minor allele frequencies (MAFs). Furthermore, we found that certain SNPs tended to have lower FEV1/FVC values, and lung function decreased much faster with time interactions. The SNP most associated with lung function decline was the rs75679995 SNP on chromosome 7, and those SNPs located within the TAD of the DNAH11 region and the eQTL of rs9991425 revealed a higher expression of MFAP3L and AADAT genes. This is the first gene–time interaction study of lung function decline as a risk factor for COPD in the Korean population. In addition to replicating previously known signals for FAM13A, we identified two novel genomic regions (DNAH11, AADAT) involved in this gene–environmental interaction.