bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multi-month forecasts of marine heatwaves and ocean acidification extremes
Authors: Mogen Samuel , Lovenduski Nicole , Yeager Stephen , Capotondi Antonietta , Jacox Michael , Bograd Steven , Lorenzo Emanuele Di , Hazen Elliott , Buil Mercedes Pozo , Kim Who , Rosenbloom Nan 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Marine heatwaves (MHW) and ocean acidification extreme events (OAX) are periods during which temperature and acidification reach extreme levels, endangering ecosystems. As the threats from MHW and OAX grow with climate change, there is need for skillful predictions of events months-to-years in advance. Previous work has demonstrated that climate models can predict marine heatwaves up to 12 months in advance in key regions, but no studies have attempted to predict OAX. Here we use the Community Earth System Model (CESM) Seasonal-to-Multiyear Large Ensemble (SMYLE) to make predictions of both MHW and OAX events. We find that CESM SMYLE skillfully predicts discrete MHW and OAX events up to 1 year in advance. Skill is highest in the tropical and northeast Pacific, reflecting the contribution of El Niño-Southern Oscillation. A forecast generated in late 2023 during the 2023-24 ENSO event finds high likelihood for widespread MHWs and OAX in 2024.
Artificial ascites assisted microwave ablation for liver cancer adjacent to the diaphragm and perioperative nursing care
Authors: Ai Qinqin , Liu Delin , Liang Fei , Kong Zixiang , Pan Yanghong , Zhang Xu 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background
To investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of artificial ascites assisted microwave ablation (MWA) in the treatment of liver cancer near the deep diaphragm and the importance of perioperative nursing.
Methods
A retrospective analysis was performed on patients who received MWA assisted by artificial ascites for liver cancer adjacent to the deep diaphragm from January 2016 to December 2022. Normal saline was used as artificial ascites to protect the deep diaphragm during MWA. The success rate of the procedure, the incidence of major complications, the technical efficacy of ablation, and the local tumor progression were recorded.
Results
A total of 62 lesions in 54 patients were enrolled, including 44 males and 10 females, with an average age of 55.64 ± 10.33 years. The ultrasound image quality scores of liver cancer before and after ascites were 3.57 ± 0.79 and 4.89 ± 0.33, respectively. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant (t = 16.324, P < 0.05). There was no injury to the diaphragm, no burn to the skin at the puncture site, and no abdominal hemorrhage. 1 patient developed a right pleural effusion, which was not drained. The complete ablation rate was 94.4% (51/54) at 1 month after ablation. Three patients had recurrence and were treated with MWA again. The patients in this study were followed up for 12 to 45 months, with a median follow-up time of 21 months. The local tumor progression rate was 5.6% (3/54).
Conclusion
MWA assisted by artificial ascites is a safe and effective treatment for liver cancer near the deep diaphragm. Systematic nursing measures are of great significance for the rapid recovery of patients and the success rate of surgery.
Output feedback control of a fractional-order model of the lung impedance
Authors: Kuzminskas Hadamez , Teixeira Marcelo Carvalho Minhoto , Galvao Roberto Kawakami Harrop , Assunção Edvaldo , Hadjiloucas Sillas 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
A fractional order output feedback controller for a lung ventilator is designed. This is based on a state-of-the-art electrical analogue model of the human respiratory system in the form of a network of fractional capacitors and resistors. The electrical input impedance of the adopted analogue is sufficiently flexible so it can adjust to experimental ventilation impedance data. Furthermore, it can explicitly account for the different physiological fractal type characteristics associated with lung formation such as branching morphogenesis associated to the treelike tubular network and alveolar differentiation associated with the generation of specialized epithelial cells for gas exchange. A description of this electrical analogue in pseudo-state space is then proposed. The aim is to finally provide a control methodology within the scope of output feedback control, when the measured output which is the airflow through the trachea is directed to follow a specified reference. The control provides adequate air pressure input to generate this nominal airflow. The proposed control design includes a pseudo-state observer and a double leaky integrator. The gains involved are designed using additional constraints imposed through linear matrix inequalities (LMIs), which enforce a regional allocation of eigenvalues. The robustness of the control loop is analyzed through an uncertainty matrix analysis linked directly to the model. It is observed that the proposed design can tolerate a relatively wide variation in physiological parameters (±15%). The proposed formulation advances current control design approaches for mechanical ventilators and provides a generic methodology bridging the gap between modern control theory, complex system analysis of emergent responses and bioengineering.
Significance of scattered small echogenic foci floating in urinary bladder as ultrasonography finding in dogs
Authors: Zareh Maede Beiki , Masoudifard Majid , Moosavian Hamidreza , Jamshidi Shahram , Tamai Iraj Ashrafi 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background: Despite the prevalence of echogenic foci floating in the urinary bladder seen in ultrasonography in dogs, surprisingly little has been written on its significance, including its potential association with urinalysis. The objective of the study was to determine the diagnostic value of the echogenic foci floating in urinary bladders in dogs.
Results- Cystosonography was performed on 45 dogs. Bladder contents were examined and divided into positive (containing echogenic particles) and negative (absent echogenic particles) groups according to the presence and absence of floating echogenic particles. Five mL of urine was collected via cystocentesis . Urine analysis and culture were done and the relationship between ultrasound evaluation and urinalysis results was investigated. In dogs with bladder echogenic particles in ultrasonography, the prevalence of hematuria, pyuria, bacteriuria, and lipiduria were 88.9%, 92.6%, 29.6%, and 70.3%, respectively. However, in dogs in which echogenic particles were not observed in their bladders, the prevalence of hematuria, pyuria, bacteriuria, and lipidauria was 77%, 50%, 5.5 %, and 77%, respectively. There was a significant association between bladder debris and positive urine culture, with an odds ratio of 7.15 (95% confidence interval: 0.81-63.28) compared with matched controls. Furthermore, there was a significant relationship between the presence of floating echogenic particles with pyuria, and urine color ( p ≤ 0.05).
Conclusion: In conclusion, the present results showed the detection of bladder debris on ultrasound can be a predictor for pyuria and positive urine culture in dogs.
Precision Removal of Uneven Skin Tissue at Micrometre Levels by means of Focus-corrected Femtosecond-laser Ablation
Authors: Wu Jun , Yuan Mingzhou , He Xu , Yin Meifang , Armato Ubaldo , Huang Guangtao , He Jinqing , He Dehua , Li Jun , Liu Xiaofang , Zhong Rong , Ma Yuncan 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Skin surgery requires micrometre levels precise tools that do not damage the healthy tissues to minimize aesthetic deterioration. Femtosecond (fs) laser has potential to realize micrometre levelsoperation in skin surgery, but the uneven skin surface which lead to laser defocus impedes the investigation of the dose-response relationship of fs-laser on skin and gives rise to secondary damage. In this study, a focus-corrected method based on two-dimensional interpolation for uneven skin surface was applied to our self-developed fs-laser microfabrication platform. Different laser powers and velocities were used for linear, planar, and 3D scanning of pig skin, respectively. The tissue elimination depths were detected via histopathology. The results showed that a micrometre levels controllable removal of target skin tissues couldbe achieved using the novel focus-corrected fs-laser ablation. The tissue elimination depth was related to the single pulse energy of the fs-laser and, within a certain range, reducing the scanning speed of the laser would not lead to a deeper tissue loss. Additionally, the use of fs-lasers for parallel linear scanning could achieve ablations of different 3D shapes. We demonstrated the focus-corrected fs-laser microfabrication platform we developed enables a micrometre levels precise removal of necrotic tissues while acceptably preserving the surrounding healthy skin by selecting appropriate fs-laser processing parameters.
Pressure Ulcer And Associated Factors Among Adult Patients Admitted To The Surgical Wards In The Comprehensive Specialised Hospital Of The Northwest Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia
Authors: Bekele Habtamu , Zemene Workie , Tesfaye Eleny 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background: Pressure ulcers are a serious concern in patients with prolonged bed time and presents with common complications following surgery. It is one of the key performance indicators of the qulity of nursing care provided to patients. and some studies have reported the prevalence of pressure ulcers in Ethiopia. There is a lack of evidence regarding its prevalence and associated factors in the current study area. The main objective of th is study was to assess pressure ulcers and their associated factors among adult patients admitted to the surgical ward of the Amhara Regional Comprehensive Specialized Hospital in Northwest Ethiopia in ,2023.
Method:An institution-based, cross-sectional study was conducted from Junary 15 to June 19 ,2023 in NorthWest Ethiopia.and systematic random sampling technique was used to select 480 patients . Descriptive data were presented as absolute numbers with percentages , and multivariate analysis was used to assess the statistical association between a ssociated factors and pressure ulcer. Statiscal significance was set at P < 0.05 .
Results: A total of 49 pressure ulcer cases were detected among 480 patients. a prevalence rate of 10.2%, 95% CI (7.7, 12.9). Participants who had smoked (95% CI: AOR 7.46 (2.64,21.06), being bedridden (95% CI: AOR 3.92 (1.28, 11.66), had 21days the length of hospital stay (95% CI: AOR 3.01 (1.13, 8.02), had pain (95% CI: AOR 3.20 (1.06, 7.51), and had friction and shear (95% CI: AOR 5.71 (1.91, 17.08), were significant factors associated with pressure ulcer.
Conclusion: This study showed that a high percentage of pressure ulcer among patients had Pus. Smoking status, pain, bedridden , friction and shear problems, and length of hospital stay were significantly associated with pressure ulcer. Healthcare providers should educate patients about smoking risk, pain management, mattress installation, and linen care.
Blockchain Enabled Secure Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Framework with Traceability: An Efficient Searchable PharmaChain Approach
Authors: Mishra Rahul , Ramesh Dharavath , Mohammad Nazeeruddin , Mondal Bhaskar 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
The complex networks of manufacturers, suppliers, retailers, and customers that make up today’s pharmaceutical supply chain span worldwide. As it is, there needs to be more transparency in the traditional pharma supply chain. Also, the global nature of this industry makes it vulnerable to problems caused by a lack of transparency, distrust among involved entities, and reluctance to share data. Such lack of transparency mainly causes concerns regarding pharmaceutical product supply record forgery and counterfeiting of drugs. Supply chain traceability, which means following a product’s journey from its manufacturing facility to its final consumers, is critically important, as it necessitates traceability, authenticity, and efficiency at a high level. This study proposes a blockchain-based secure and efficient traceable supply chain infrastructure for pharmaceutical products. Smart contracts are at the heart of the proposed solution, which uses them to track how all the entities are involved in supply and record relevant events. Thus, all the involved entities can stay up-to-date on the latest state and guarantee a secure supply against any supply record forgery and counterfeit pharmaceutical products. In addition, we replicate the records in many chunks and use parallel search to achieve efficient traceability, which searches the stored records efficiently on the blockchain network. The comprehensive security analysis with standard theoretical proofs ensures the computational infeasibility of the proposed model. Further, the detailed performance analysis with test simulations shows the practicability of the proposed model.
Long-term detection of active fires in a Neotropical National Forest: implications for management
Authors: Silva Maycon Lima da , Félix Hudson Coimbra , Diehl Larissa Moura , Bernardi José Vicente Elias , Ribeiro Rômulo José da Costa , Salemi Luiz Felippe 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Fire, depending on its intensity, frequency and duration, can have a undesired pernicious effect in natural protected areas (NPAs). However, little is known on the dynamic of fire in NPAs within developing countries. In the present paper we answer the following question: how often, in annual terms, can a natural proteced area close to a populated urban centers burn? To adress this, we mapped and classified active fires in the Brasília National Forest (Federal District, Brazil) over a twenty-year period (from 2001 to 2020). A total of 1.339 active fires were detected throughout this period, occurring every year. Most of the active fire hotspots were concentrated in areas dominated by forest plantations, grasslands, savanas and natural forests. There was significant increase in detection of active fire after 2009. The fact that there are fires every year indicated the need for (i) a greater number of firefighters available and (ii) increase in environmental education campaigns about fire in the surrounding areas of the NPA.
Controlled Polymerization of Silver Nanoparticle Dispersed poly (aniline and 3–Bromo Aniline) Composites: “One–Pot” Synthesis, Characterization, Morphology, and Electrochemical Properties of Novel Copolymer Nanocomposites
Authors: Vijayanand Pachanoor Subbaian , Arumugam Jeeva , Sakthivel Ashokan , Churchill David G. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

The formation of materials between silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and a polyaniline matrix can lead to various composites, depending on the specific conditions imposed by the researchers basedon the targets and applications initially intended. These nanocomposites often exhibit enhanced electrical, optical, and catalytic properties compared to either component considered by itself. Therefore, such new materials are sought–after and targeted for synthesis. New copolymer composites of silverdispersed poly(aniline–co–3–bromoaniline) copolymer nanocomposites at different molar ratios were synthesized by insitu chemical oxidative polymerization methods. Characterization includes UV–vis spectroscopy, FT–IR spectroscopy, X–ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy.The optical absorption absorption peaks at 338 and 596 nm are ascribed to the n–π* electronic transitions, respectively. The formation of benzenoid and quinoid rings of the copolymer system was confirmed by FT–IR spectroscopy. XRD spectral data confirms the amorphous nature of the copolymer. The SEM image depicts the agglomerated and spherical granular morphology with average sizes of 150 to 300 nm. According to a study on electrical conductivity, conductivity decreases as the feed ratio of 3–bromoaniline monomer increases1.13×10–5 to 5.16×10–8 S cm–1.
Analysis of the Sediment Deposition Characteristics in the Three Gorges Reservoir and Its Influence Factors
Authors: Xu Fang , Deng Jinyun , Ma Chenyu , Yang Chunrui , Zhao Zhanchao 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Affected by climatic factors and human activities, the conditions of the sediment deposition of the Three Gorges Reservoir(TGR) in the upper Yangtze River have undergone significant changes, the understandings of the sedimentation in TGR and its factors remain unclear. In this paper, the framework for sediment deposition in TGR from 2003 to 2017 is analyzed based on field data, its influence factors are discussed, and the empirical equations governing the relationships are presented. The results show that the sedimentation pattern of the TGR is discontinuous and that the perennial backwater area is the key sedimentation area, while the reaches of Xiangxizhen, Wushan, Fengjie, Wanxian, Huanghuacheng, Lanzhuba, and Tunaozi are the main deposition points in the reservoir. These deposition points include meandering and branching channels with the same characteristics of a wide section. Sediment deposition in the TGR is affected by the incoming water and sediment, the operation rule of the reservoir, and by the characteristics of its reaches. Compared with the factors influencing the total sediment retention ratio of the reservoir, local reach conditions are also the main factors influencing the sediment retention ratio of the reaches. The sediment retention ratio can be a good indicator that reflects sedimentation in the TGR; the calculated sediment retention ratio agrees well with field observations. With the continuous construction and operation of the main and tributary reservoirs in the upper Yangtze River, the existing sedimentation framework of the TGR will persist for many years.
HBSS: (Simple) Hash-Based Stateless Signatures – Hash all the way to the Rescue!
Authors: Dolev Shlomi , Yagudaev Avraam , Yung Moti 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Recent advancements in post-Quantum secure signing have revitalized interest in one-time signatures, such as Lamport's, and their many signature extensions. Predominantly based on standard hash functions, these signatures avoid reliance on number theoretic assumptions. Existing methods utilize a commitment array, with de-commitment contingent on the hashed message's representation bits. State-of-the-art variants incorporate pseudorandom functions.
This study introduces a novel method utilizing a probabilistic ''set membership data structure" derived from hash functions. It involves accessing a long array with $k$ independent hash functions for each message, analogous to Bloom filters. This stateless signature scheme is adjustable to accommodate any pre-set maximum number of signatures by modulating the array's length. The key concept is the partial loading of the de-committed array, ensuring validation of signed messages, non-validation of unsigned messages, and signature unforgeability (forgery equates to decommitment without the private key). This approach extends to improving one-time or bounded-message Constructions, like the Naor-Yung extension, for regular signature applications in the new Hash-Based Stateless Signature (HBSS) scheme.
Virtual Screening of Synthetic Proteins Based on ESM2 Model
Authors: Song Huijia , Lin Xiaozhu , Zhao Long , Wen Zhenguo 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
The virtual screening of synthetic proteins is to develop an effective method to predict and screen out
synthetic proteins that are similar to the target sequences in terms of their structural and
physicochemical properties by combining advanced computational tools and models, such as
AlphaFold2 and ESM2. Through virtual screening, the experimental cost and time period can be
reduced, and some guidelines for customized design of new proteins can be provided. All similar
research efforts have promoted the advancement in the fields of synthetic biology and biomedical
science. In this paper, we first calculate the backbone distances between synthetic proteins and target
sequences using the AlphaFold2 tool to ensure that they are structurally similar. Secondly, based on the
ESM2 model, the concept of feature distance is proposed to ensure that the two proteins are consistent
in physicochemical properties. In the experiments, the steps of virtual screening of synthetic proteins
are summarized, and the synthetic proteins are arranged in ascending order by backbone distance and
feature distance. If the same synthetic protein appears in the first position of the two sorted tables, then
select that protein. If different synthetic proteins appear in the first position of the two sorted tables,
the synthetic protein with higher solubility will be selected. Repeat this process for other ranking
positions. The experimental results show that this process derived from backbone distance and feature
distance is a necessary and useful tool to select preferred synthetic proteins before entering the lab
experimental session.
The role of the adrenalectomy in the management of pheochromocytoma: the experience of a Portuguese referral center
Authors: Carvalho Ines Costa , Machado Miguel V.B. , Morais João P. , Carvalho Filipa , Barbosa Elisabete , Barbosa José 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Pheochromocytoma is a rare neuroendocrine tumor. Despite the low incidence, these tumors are of indisputable importance. This study aimed to analyze the management of pheochromocytoma in a referral center, with an emphasis on the minimally invasive adrenalectomy, which is the preferred therapeutic approach.
Methods
A retrospective analysis was performed on a cohort of patients diagnosed with pheochromocytoma who underwent adrenalectomy between January 2013 and December 2022. Clinical data including demographics, timelines, symptomatology, comorbidities, biochemical markers, genetic testing, surgical details, and follow-up outcomes, were collected and analyzed.
Results
The cohort included 44 patients, predominantly women (52,27%), with a median age of 53,39 years (range 13–83). Most of patients exhibited paroxysmal symptoms suggesting catecholamine excess. Documented hypertension was the most frequent (86,36%), along with glucose anomalies (40,01%) and anxiety disorder (31,82%). Genetic testing was performed in 36 (81,81%) patients and 14 (38,88%) revealed a positive result, predominantly RET pathogenic variant. Laparoscopic surgery was performed in 34 (79,07%) patients, showing significantly shorter operative time (2,5 hours vs. 4,25 hours, t-test p < 0,001) and fewer complications (23,53% vs 77,78%, p = 0,008). Postoperative complications occurred in 36,36% of the patients, mostly mild (grade I, 56,25%), with no mortality. SDHB pathogenic variant correlated with both recurrent and metastatic disease (p = 0.006). One-year follow-up reported 9.09% recurrence and 6.82% metastasis.
Conclusions
Adrenalectomy demonstrated a high safety and effectiveness. This study exhibited a higher rate of genetic testing referral than other studies. Despite past advances, there is still a need for further studies to establish protocols and evaluate new techniques.