bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Can mycoplasma DNA level and NK cell counts determine the sensitivity of mycoplasma pneumonia patients to macrolide antibiotics treatment at early stage
Authors: Kai-jing Zhang , Xin-feng Zhao , Xiao-Hui Huang , Xiao-juan Lv 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Our study aimed to evaluate if DNA level of mycoplasma pneumoniae (MPDNA) and natural killer (NK) cell counts could differentiate macrolide-sensitive or macrolide-unresponsive mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MSMPP or MUMPP) children.
Methods
A total of 120 children with MPP admitted to our hospital from August 2022 to August 2023 were retrospectively included in our study. Based on their responses to macrolide antibiotics in 72 hours, they were classified into MSMPP and MUMPP groups. Data included white blood cell (WBC), neutrophil (N), lymphocytes (L), monocytes (M), platelet (PLT), C reactive protein (CRP), lactic dehydrogenase (LDH), procalcitonin (PCT), T cell (CD4 + and CD8+), B cell, NK cell levels. Moreover, lung consolidation and pleural effusion were also included. Univariate logistic analysis was performed to screen indicators that were significantly associated with MSMPP and MUMPP, and those indicators were further subjected to multivariate analysis. The receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve and area under curve (AUC) were used to estimate predictive value of indicators.
Results
The age and sex between MSMPP and MUMPP groups had no significant difference. The level of L, PLT, total T cell, CD4 + T cell, CD8 + T cell, and NK cell were significantly higher whereas the MPDNA level was lower in MSMPP group than MUMPP group. Meanwhile, there were less cases with lung consolidation or pleural effusion in MSMPP group compared to MUMPP group. Multivariate analysis identified NK cell count as an independent risk factor for MUMPP patients. Moreover, the AUC of NK cell count for predicting MSMPP or MUMPP was 0.753.
Conclusions
In the MUMPP group, the level of lymphocytes including T cells was decreased and more lung complications were detected compared to the MSMPP group. We identified NK cell count as an independent risk factor for differentiating MUMPP. Meanwhile, the combination of NK cell counts and MPDNA level had robust ability for predicting MUMPP.
Geostatistical and Spatial Correlation Analysis Using GIS for Chinese Geological Heritage
Authors: Luan Fuming , Wang Fang 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Taking Chinese geoparks as the research object, this study adopts mathematical, statistical, and ArcGIS spatial analyses, to investigate Chinese geological heritage in 2010 and 2022. The results are as following. (1)In 2010 and 2022, the spatial distribution pattern of tourism income and number in Chinese national geoparks all show ‘low in the West and high in the East’. Provinces with high values have the most obvious changes, and tend to expand overall, and both the number and proportion are more than 15 and 51% in 2022. The spatial structure evolved from a few isolated ‘patches’ in 2010 to a continuous distribution ‘plane block’ in 2022. The provinces with middle values were relatively stable on the whole. The provinces with low values have obvious changes, and have tended to shrink overall, their evolution characteristics and trends are exactly the opposite of those of provinces with high value, which basically show a relationship of ‘loss and growth’. (2)In both periods, GMI showed a very significant negative spatial correlation. The degree of agglomeration of geological heritage showed a trend of evolving from weak to ‘strong dispersion’, indicating that the agglomeration trend is gradually weakening. (3)During the two periods, Chinese geological heritage showed only a positive spatial correlation (HH and LL) between the 31 provinces, and the change trends in these two types of provinces were completely different. (4) In terms of tourism income indicators, the number and proportion of national geoparks in high-value clusters are decreasing and concentrated in east China, while those belonging to low-value clusters are generally on the rise, mainly distributed in southwest, central, north, and northeast China.
A Smart Contract-Driven Access Control Schemewith Integrity Checking for Electronic Health Records
Authors: Li Hongzhi , Li Dun , Xiao Lijun , Liang Wei 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
The application of healthcare systems has led to an explosive growth in personal electronic health records (EHRs). These EHRs are generated from different healthcare institutions and stored in cloud data centers, respectively. However, data owners lose the authority to control and track their private and sensitive EHRs. In fact, data owners cannot establish rules for EHRs exchanging and sharing, nor can they verify the integrity of EHRs stored in semi-trusted clouds. Hence, a individual-centric access control framework is required to realize data access control. In this study, we construct a data access control framework, which integrates the decentralized smart contracts and role-based access control (RBAC) to provide fine grained data access control services. Besides, this scheme allows data owners to define access control policies using JavaScript Object Notation (JSON) and further translate these policies into immutable blockchain transactions. Furthermore, we combine blockchain and bilinear mapping to design a data integrity verification system for users to check the integrity of their cloud stored EHRs. Finally, we analyze the security of this scheme and develop a prototype system to evaluate the performance. Both theoretical analysis and experiment results indicate that this scheme can realize fine-grained data access control and efficient data integrity verification
Study on the characteristics of genetic diversity of different populations of Guizhou endemic plant Rhododendron pudingense based on SSR molecular markers
Authors: He Shuang , Yuan Congjun , Zhang Panli , Wang Haodong , Luo Dali , Dai Xiaoyong 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
Rhododendron pudingense, firstly discovered in Puding county of Guizhou province in 2020, have adapted to living in rocky fissure habitat, which has important ornamental, and economic values. However, the genetic diversity and population structure of this species have been rarely described, which seriously affects the collection and protection of wild germplasm resources.
Results
In the present study, 13 pairs of primers for polymorphic simple sequence repeats (SSRs) were used to investigate the genetic diversity of 65 R. pudingense accessions from four different geographic populations. A total of 254 alleles (Na) were obtained with an average of 139.6 effective alleles (Ne) per locus. The average values of polymorphic information content (PIC), observed heterozygosity (Ho), and expected heterozygosity (He) were 0.8826, 0.4501, and 0.8993, respectivelysuggesting high genetic diversity. The average genetic differentiation coefficient (Fst) was 0.1182, suggested that moderate divergence occurred in R. pudingense population. The average values of genetic differentiation coefficient and gene flow among populations were 0.1279 and 1.8984, respectively. The analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) indicated that most of the population differences (89%) were attributed to within-population variation. The UPGMA clustering analysis showed consistent results with the genetic distance and genetic identity analysis, indicating that the genetic background between the populations of Wanmo (WM) and Puding (PD) were similar, while the populations of Zhenning (ZN) and Qinglong (QL) showed significant genetic difference.
Conclusions
This is the first comprehensive analysis of genetic diversity and population structure of R. pudingense in Guizhou province. The research results revealed the high genetic diversity and moderate population diferentiation in this horticulture plant. This study provide a theoretical basis for the conservation of wild resources of the R. pudingense and lay the foundation for the breeding or cultivation of this new species.
Phase change and thermal energy storage properties of polyurethane phase change materials with mixed soft segment and crosslinking structure
Authors: Cui Shanshan , Dong jiankun , Shi Wenzhao , Liu Jinshu , Lu Shaofeng 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
A series of polyurethane phase change materials (PUPCMs) with different structures were successfully synthesized using polyethylene glycol(PEG), polycarbonate(PCDL), or polytetramethylene ether glycol(PTMG) as single or mixed soft segment, isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI) as the hard segment, and trimethylolpropane(TMP) or neopentyl glycol(NPG) as the chain extender. The structure and functional groups of synthesized PUPCMs were demonstrated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (1HMR). The properties of PUPCMs were characterized and analyzed by polarizing optical microscope (POM)-hot stage system, X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), infrared camera and hardness test. The results showed that PUPCMs with crosslinking structure presented smaller spherulites than linear PUPCMs and the crosslinking structure had relatively strong effect on crystallization of soft segments. Crystallization mechanism of linear PUPCMs and crosslinking PUPCMs were both homogeneous nucleation. The interaction of different soft segment imposed restrictions on the movement of the mixed soft segment chain. The PUPCMs samples based on three mixed soft segment（PEG/PCDL/PTMG）and TMP as chain extender exhibited the lowest phase transition temperature of 30.23℃ and phase change enthalpies of 54.01 J/g. The synthesized PUPCMs showed excellent thermal stability, reliability and good mechanical properties for application as thermal energy storage materials at medium-low temperature conditions.
Laboratory Tests and Numerical Simulation on the Loess Subgrade Improved by Lime-Lignin
Authors: Jia Junyu , Zhang Zizhao , Hu Xukun , Lv Qianli , Liang Shichuan , Liu Xinyu , Zhang Tiandong 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Conventional techniques individually incorporating the inorganic or organic modifiers are insufficient to achieve the amelioration of loess roadbed in practices, which has restricted the development of infrastructures. This paper utilizes the lime-lignin to modify the loess, for which a series of mixing samples with various additives dosages (i.e. 0,2%:1%,4%:2%,6%:3% and 8%:4%) was adopted. Laboratory experiments and numerical simulation were carried out to investigate the mechanical properties of amended loess. Test results showed that both the compressive and shear strengths of the improved loess exhibit an initial rise followed by a decline as the contents of lime and lignin increase, with the optimal improvement effect achieved at a lime-to-lignin mixing content of 2%:1%. The results also indicated that numerical simulation can well corroborate the laboratory results, which are manifested in reduced roadbed settlements and favourable stress transfer mechanisms. An intricate three-dimensional network structure established by lignin fibers and a cement-soil skeleton formed between lime hydrate and soil particles jointly improve the strength of the soil matrix. The main research findings can offer valuable theoretical references for the enhancement of the loess subgrade.
Engineering a pH-responsive polymeric micelle co-loaded with paclitaxel and tretinoin for breast cancer therapy
Authors: Zhang Mengmeng , Ying Na , Chen Jie , Wu Liwen , Liu Huajie , Luo Shihua , Zeng Dongdong 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Breast cancer has overtaken lung cancer as the number one cancer worldwide. Paclitaxel (PTX) is a widely used first-line anti-cancer drug, but it is not very effective in clinical breast cancer therapy. It has been reported that triptolide (TPL) can enhance the anticancer effect of paclitaxel, and better synergistic therapeutic effects are seen with concomitant administration of PTX and TPL. In this study, we developed a pH-responsive polymeric micelle co-delivery of PTX and TPL, which disassembled in the acidic microenvironment of tumors, leading to the targeted release of drugs that effectively kill breast cancer cells. Firstly, the amphiphilic copolymer mPEG2000-PBAE was synthesized by Michael addition reaction, and the successful synthesis of the copolymer was confirmed by a series of characterizations. Polymer micelles loaded with TPL and PTX (TPL/PTX-PMs) were prepared by the thin film dispersion method. The average particle size of TPL/PTX-PMs was 97.29 ± 1.63 nm, with a PDI of 0.237 ± 0.003 and a zeta potential of 9.57 ± 0.80 mV, LC% was 6.19 ± 0.21%, EE% was 88.67 ± 3.06%. The biocompatibility of carrier materials and cytotoxicity of drug-loaded micelles were evaluated in vitro by the CCK-8 method. The results showed that the carrier materials had excellent biocompatibility. Under the same drug concentration, TPL/PTX-PMs were the most toxic to tumor cells and had the strongest proliferation inhibitory effect. Cellular uptake assays showed that TPL/PTX-PMs significantly increased the intracellular concentration of the drugs and enhanced the antitumor activity. Overall, the co-delivery of TPL and PTX by the pH responsive micelles synthesized from amphiphilic copolymers is a promising approach for breast cancer therapy.
Optimization of Five-axis Tool Grinder Structure Based on BP Neural Network and Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Chen Hanyang , Tang Qingchun , Li Xiaoyu , Yang Yuhang , Qiao Peng 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

An optimization design was carried out based on a back propagation (BP) neural network and a genetic algorithm (GA) to improve the stiffness and accuracy of the self-developed MGK6030 five-axis tool grinding machine. First, finite element analysis was carried out on the whole grinding machine based on ANSYS Workbench, and the key parts were found to be the grinding wheel headstock, B axle box body, and column. Sensitivity analysis was carried out after the model parameterization, and 10 parameters, which affect the quality, maximum deformation, and first-order mode, were obtained. These parameters were used as input variables. A total of 235 sets of sample data were obtained by using the optimal overall performance of the grinder for the target (large first-order natural frequency, small deformation, and mass). The BP neural network was then used to fit the nonlinear coupling relationship between the input and the output. Thereafter, the optimization function of the GA was used to perform multi-objective optimization in the specified range. Finally, the parameters are verified by software simulation and prototype test. Results showed that the maximum deformation of the optimized machine tool is reduced by 21%, and the first four order natural frequencies are increased by 6.36%, 9%, 6.4%, and 2.84%. The maximum positioning accuracies of the linear axis and rotary axis are increased by 22% and 21%, respectively, which demonstrates the effectiveness of the optimization scheme and provides theoretical and technical support for similar optimization problems.
Preparation and Properties of High-performance Thixotropic Slurry Utilizing Construction and Demolition Waste and Environment-Economic Impact Assessment
Authors: Lu Yating , Yuan Kekuo 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
This paper introduces a high-performance thixotropic slurry for filling subterranean voids such as mine goaves, formulated from construction and demolition waste. Indoor tests were conducted to identify optimal agent ratios and a maximum 15-minute mixing time. A new rheological model was established to describe the slurry's behavior accurately and to consider the hysteresis loop during the increase and decrease in the shear process. Slurry’s supporting capacity became evident after 60 h of curing. The slurry's strength exceeded 2 MPa at 28 days, satisfying filling requirements. An environment-economic integrated evaluation study indicates that this slurry offers both environmental and economic benefits.
Benchmarking UMI-aware and standard variant callers on synthetic and real ctDNA datasets
Authors: Maruzani Rugare , Brierley Liam , Jorgensen Andrea , Fowler Anna 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Background
Circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) is a subset of cell free DNA (cfDNA) released by tumour cells into the bloodstream. Circulating tumour DNA has shown great potential as a biomarker to inform treatment in cancer patients. Collecting ctDNA is minimally invasive and reflects the entire genetic makeup of a patient’s cancer. ctDNA variants in NGS data can be difficult to distinguish from sequencing and PCR artefacts due to low abundance, particularly in the early stages of cancer. Unique Molecular Identifiers (UMIs) are short sequences ligated to the sequencing library before amplification. These sequences are useful for filtering out low frequency artefacts. The utility of ctDNA as a cancer biomarker depends on accurate detection of cancer variants.
Results
In this study, we benchmarked six variant calling tools, including two UMI-aware callers for their ability to call ctDNA variants. The standard variant callers tested included Mutect2, bcftools, LoFreq and FreeBayes. The UMI-aware variant callers benchmarked were UMI-VarCal and UMIErrorCorrect. We used both real and synthetic datasets, with and without UMI sequences. Variant callers displayed different preferences for sensitivity and specificity. Mutect2 showed high sensitivity, while returning more privately called variants than any other caller in non-UMI data – an indicator of false positive variant discovery. In UMI encoded data, UMI-VarCal detected fewer putative false positive variants than all other callers in synthetic datasets. UMI-VarCal also called the highest percentage of COSMIC variants in real samples, and only 4.4% uniquely called variants indicating high sensitivity and specificity.
Conclusions
Our results indicate UMI-aware variant callers have potential to improve sensitivity and specificity in calling ctDNA variants over standard variant calling tools. There is a growing need for further development of UMI-aware variant calling tools if effective early detection methods for cancer using ctDNA samples are to be realised.
Radiocapitellar joint plasty for missed Monteggia fracture with radial head deformity in children: a Retrospective Study
Authors: Li Xuedong , Tian Huiling , Jing Xiaobo 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
objectives
The objective of our retrospective study was to review the clinical and radiological outcome of patients who were treated with radiocapitellar joint plasty.
Methods
This retrospective study evaluated 10 children with missed Monteggia fracture (MMF). The average time from injury to operation was 20 months. The average age of children who underwent the operation was 10.5 years old. There are 6 flat and 4 domed radial head. There are 7 type I and 3 type III according to the bado classification. All children with MMF were treated by open radial head reduction with radiocapitellar joint plasty and ulnar osteotomy with or without annular ligament (ALR).
Results
All patients successfully completed the operation. The average union time 4.9 ± 2.6 months. The average osteotomy angle to reduce the radial head was 15.7 ± 3.5°, and the average lengthening of the ulna was 6.1 ± 3.2 mm. At last follow-up, the average pre-operative flexion range of motion was110.5 ± 9.1° and that in the post-operative was 138.8 ± 15.1°(p < 0.05). The average pre-operative extension range of motion was10.1 ± 3.2° and that in the post-operative was 5.5 ± 3.3°(p < .05). The average pre-operative pronation range of motion was78.8 ± 8.7° and that in the post-operative was81.1 ± 5.6°(p > 0.05). The average pre-operative supination range of motion was 68.3 ± 9.7° and that in the post-operative was 80.1 ± 7.8°(p < 0.05). The pre-operative kim score was 66.5 ± 10.9 and that in the post-operative was 88.1 ± 12.6 (p < 0.05). The radial head was maintained in a completely reduced position in 9 of the10 patients and 1 subluxated. Osteoarthritic changes of the radiocapitellar joint were observed in 2 patients which is domed radial head.
Conclusions
Surgical approach for MMF involves radiocapitellar joint plasty is significantly effective. It has favorable functional outcomes while ensuring the maintenance of radial head reduction.
Statistical inferences of TGARCH model based on high-frequency data
Authors: Deng Chunliang , Zhang Xingfa , Li Yuan , Song Zefang 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
This paper proposes the VP-TGARCH model to study the asymmetric effect of returns on volatility. A noteworthy feature of the model is that the value of the threshold parameter is not restricted to 0. Under stationary conditions as well as some regularity conditions, the QMLE of VP-TGARCH model is proved to be consistent and asymptot-ically normal. Based on the QMLE, the Lagrange Multiplier test, the Likelihood Ratio test, the Wald test and the leverage effect test are discussed. Simulation studies are carried out to assess the finite-sample performance of the established QMLE and tests. An empirical study is provided to show a potential application of the VP-TGARCH model.
Mathematics Subject Classification: 62H15; 62G20.
Novel methodology of chitosan- salicylaldehyde polymers: synthesis, characterization, and application in NH3 sensing
Authors: Saeed Ahmed Muhammed , Taha Ahmed Gaber , Dardeer Hemat Mohamed , Aly Moustafa Fawzy 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Chitosan (Ch)-salicylaldehyde (Sal) polymer derivatives were formed via chitosan modification. These polymers were synthesized through inclusion with β-cylcodextrine (β-CD) and doping with zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) to give pseudopolyrotaxane and Chs-Sal/ZnO NPs composite, respectively. Additionally, the complicated polymer (Chs-Sal/ β-CD/ZnO NPs) was prepared via insertion of generated composite (Chs-Sal/ZnO NPs) through β-cyclodextrin ring. The structural and morphological characterizations of the synthesized derivatives were confirmed by utilizing FTIR, XRD and SEM, respectively. Also, the optical properties and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) of the synthesized polymers were explored. The obtained results confirmed that using β-CD or ZnO NPs for modification of polymer (chs-sal) dramatically enhanced thermal stability and optical features of the synthesized polymers. Investigations on the NH3-sensing properties of Chs-Sal/β-CD/ZnO NPs composite were carried out at concentrations down to 10 ppm at room temperature (RT) and indicated that modification by β-CD and doping with ZnO NPs effectively improves the NH3-sensing response of Chs-Sal and exhibited good selectivity and good response-recovery time at RT.