bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Study on the predictive value of Tom1L1 in the efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy for locally progressive mid-low rectal cancer
Authors: Li Meng , Xi Yuning , Jia Juming , Xue Jun , Wu Xueliang , Liang Weizheng , Fan Jianchun , Wang Peng , Han Lei , Sun Guangyuan 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the specificity of Tom1L1 (Target of Myb1-Like1) expression in colorectal cancerous tissues and its correlation with pathological characteristics and to analyze the predictive value of Tom1L1 in the efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy for patients with locally progressive mid-low rectal cancer.
Methods: Genes with differential expression in colorectal cancerous tissues and paracancerous normal tissues were screened via bioinformatics analysis and then subjected to functional prediction. The cancerous tissues and paracancerous normal tissues of 102 patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer without treatment were selected; quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was applied to detect the relative expression of Tom1L1 mRNA in the two groups; Western blot and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were adopted to validate the expression level of Tom1L1 protein in the two groups and to analyze its relationship with clinicopathological characteristics. Furthermore, the pretreatment biopsy tissue wax blocks of 34 patients with locally progressive mid-low rectal cancer, who were treated with neoadjuvant Xelox chemotherapy prior to the operation, were selected as the pretreatment group, and the postoperative pathological tissue wax blocks of the same patients were taken as the post-treatment group. The tumor regression grade (TRG) was applied to evaluate the pathological response of the patients’ tumors after neoadjuvant chemotherapy; IHC was adopted to detect the expression of Tom1L1 protein in the two groups and to analyze the relationship between the expression level of Tom1L1 and the sensitivity of neoadjuvant therapy.
Results: qPCR results showed that the relative expression of Tom1L1 mRNA in colorectal cancerous tissues was higher than that in paracancerous normal tissues, with a statistically significant difference (P < 0.01); the results of Western blot and IHC showed that the expression of Tom1L1 protein in colorectal cancerous tissues was significantly higher than that in paracancerous normal tissues, with a statistically significant difference (P < 0.01); 20 out of 34 patients (58.82%) receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy responded to the therapy; neoadjuvant chemotherapy was significantly more effective in patients with low expression of Tom1L1 protein than in those with high expression of Tom1L1 protein, with a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05).
Conclusions: Tom1L1 is highly expressed in colorectal cancerous tissues and is involved in the onset and progression of colorectal cancer; neoadjuvant Xelox chemotherapy can have an impact on Tom1L1 expression in progressive rectal cancer; patients with locally progressive mid-low rectal cancer who have low Tom1L1 expression are more sensitive to neoadjuvant chemotherapy.
Monte Carlo Simulations of the fallen leaves in the Sino-Russian border
Authors: Zhou Yong , Liu Geng , Zhang Heng , Zhang Lin 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Herein, we conducted a comparative analysis of the experimental data of falling leaf distance obtained in Chunhua Town, located at the border between China and Russia, Hunchun, and established falling leaf models under different conditions using the numerical simulation method. The Monte Carlo statistical method was used to calculate the falling leaf distance, after which the experimental data and the numerical simulation results were compared between different types of leaves, tree heights, and wind speeds. We introduced the main factors affecting the falling distance of leaves and calculated the average variance to reflect the convergence of the experimental measurement results and numerical simulation results. By estimating the falling distance of leaves, we provided effective theoretical support for preventing deep forest fires.
IoV-SFL: A Blockchain-based Federated Learning Framework for Secure and Efficient Data Sharing in the Internet of Vehicles
Authors: Ullah Irshad , Deng Xiaoheng , Pei Xinjun , Mushtaq Husnain , Uzair Muhammad 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

The emergence of the Internet of Vehicles (IoV) signifies a transformative paradigm for intelligent and interconnected transportation systems. However, the effective sharing of data within the IoV ecosystem presents significant challenges including security, privacy, and efficiency. To address these challenges, this paper introduces the IoV-SFL, a novel framework that seamlessly integrates Federated Learning (FL) and blockchain technology to provide a comprehensive solution. By employing federated learning, IoV-SFL framework ensures that data remains on local devices, preserving user privacy, while consortium blockchain enhances security and transparency. Furthermore, the IoV-SFL framework also leverages the capabilities of Homomorphic Encryption (HE) and Dynamic Scaling Factor to enable privacy-preserving computations, optimize resource allocation, and enhance efficiency. The incorporation of Gated Recurrent Units (GRU) within the Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) model empowers the IoV-SFL framework to extract meaningful insights from heterogeneous data streams. Rigorous experiments have validated the superior performance of the IoV-SFL framework compared to conventional approaches in terms of security, communication efficiency, model accuracy, and convergence speed. Additionally, a comprehensive security and privacy analysis highlights IoV-SFL's robustness against diverse threats and vulnerabilities. The IoV-SFL framework represents a groundbreaking advancement, offering a secure and efficient means of data sharing in the Internet of Vehicles (IoV), paving the way for innovative vehicular applications and safer transportation systems.
Experimental and numerical study of weak soil layer effects on slope stability and bearing capacity of strip foundation resting on inclined layered soil mass
Authors: Pourmohammadi Kourosh , Khalkhali Ahad Bagherzadeh , Dabiri Rouzbeh , Adeli Mehdi Mahdavi 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Slope stability and bearing capacity have an essential role in safety assessment of foundations built on slopes. Despite numerous methods and theories for evaluation of the ultimate bearing capacity of foundations built on the slopes, the focus of the most existing experimental and analytical methods is on the bearing capacity of foundations built on homogeneous soils or horizontal layered soils with/without reinforcing elements. As far as, in practice, the foundations might be rested on the sloped and inclined layered soils, this study seeks to study the effect of the presence of weak layer on the stability and bearing capacity of strip foundations resting on slopes of 30, 45 and 60 degrees angles through 27 tests of small-scale models and numerical modeling with Flac2D finite-element software in three states of homogeneous slope (without weak layer), slope with weak layer in front and weak interlayer slope. Investigations showed an acceptable consistency between the results of laboratory modeling and numerical analysis.
A fast computational framework for the linear bond-based peridynamic model
Authors: Liu Chenguang , Tian Hao , Don WaiSun , Wang Hong 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

The non-locality property of peridynamic poses significant computational challenges, especially for problems with discontinuous solutions (e.g., cracks). An efficient matrix-structure-based fast (MSBF) algorithm is proposed for the meshfree method (MF) in solving the linearized bond-based peridynamic models on a rectangular Cartesian computational domain with a uniform mesh. Taking full advantage of the intrinsic Teoplitz structure of the block-diagonal stiffness matrix, the fast Fourier transform (FFT) algorithm is utilized to significantly reduce the number of floating point operations (FLOPS) count to achieve a substantial speed up at fine mesh resolutions than the classical matrix-vector multiplication (MVMP) algorithm. Both methods are applied to multi-dimensional static and dynamic problems, including general boundary conditions and unsteady crack propagation, with good results. The MF-MSBF algorithm demonstrates its substantial computational efficiency with greatly reduced CPU times and smaller memory footprint over the MF-MVMP algorithm in multi-dimensional peridynamic simulations with fine meshes.
Analysis of the state of conservation of Trachurus trachurus in the Western Mediterranean Sea based on the interannual (2009-2020) changes in their life history traits.
Authors: Rodriguez-Castañeda Jose Carlos , Ventero Ana , Iglesias Magdalena 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Horse mackerel is a semi-pelagic fish widely distributed in the eastern Atlantic, where it represents a species of interest for fisheries and is subject to intense exploitation, leading to its global classification as a vulnerable species by IUCN. In the Northwestern (NW) Mediterranean Sea, the knowledge of their distribution, abundance and main biological parameters is fundamental to achieve their sustainable exploitation and contribute to the ecosystem approach to fisheries management. The time series (2009–2020) data set analyzed in this study came from two geographical subareas (GSAs) defined by the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM), Northern Spain (GSA06) and Northern Alboran Sea (GSA01) sampled in July during the MEDiterranean International Acoustic Survey (MEDIAS). Our results suggest that in summer, a higher concentration and aggregation of fish exists in GSA01, with a density ten times greater than in GSA06. Possible life history changes can be inferred through the analysis of the biological parameters of Trachurus trachurus in the NW Mediterranean Sea. In both GSAs, the annual decline of the size at first maturity (L50) and condition factor (Kn) was prominent. Moreover, the population structure lacked adult modes that could guarantee a successful recuperation of future stocks. Nonetheless, fish inhabiting GSA01 seem to have a better adaptive response to the events responsible for these alterations. In comparison, GSA01 is under less fishing pressure and the upwelling occurring in this area contributes to a higher availability of food, in addition to reducing the increases in sea surface temperature due to climate change during the study period.
Construction of Enterprise-Level Global Supply Chain Database
Authors: Katafuchi Yuya , Li Xinmeng , Yamada Taiki , Fujii Hidemichi , Kanemoto Keiichiro 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

This study constructs the enterprise-level multi-regional input-output (EMRIO) table, a framework for analyzing global supply chains. The EMRIO table uniquely disaggregates existing sector-level input-output tables into an enterprise-level structure encompassing 47 countries, 8,861 sectors, 9,246 companies, 20,098 segments, and 76,622 subsegments. This approach allows for a detailed breakdown of global economic interactions, extending from individual companies to their diverse business units. The database is constructed by integrating annual security reports, fundamental financial information, business-to-business transactions, and bills of lading into input-output tables, facilitating a granular view of the global operations of enterprises. EMRIO's detailed structure is particularly adept at enhancing the understanding of global value chains and Scope 3 emissions, offering a new lens for examining the intricacies of international trade and corporate environmental impact.
Decitabine suppresses MDSC-induced immunosuppression through dual functional mechanism and inhibits melanoma metastasis
Authors: Zhang Zhonghai , Wang Tianlong , Fang Gaochuan , Xiao Xufeng , Zhang Zhengkui , Zhao Jiaojiao 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) play a crucial role in promoting melanoma metastasis. Reprogramming MDSCs into mature M1 macrophages has emerged as a strategy to inhibit metastasis. Decitabine (Dec) is known to eradicate MDSCs and suppress tumor growth. In this study, we provide evidence that Dec not only reduces the MDSC population by inducing apoptosis, arresting cell cycle, and impairing recruitment, but also suppresses their immunosuppressive function by downregulating related genes and facilitating differentiation into M1 macrophages. Transcriptomic analysis of Dec-treated MDSCs revealed marked downregulation of immunosuppressive genes including S100a9, S100a8, Vegf, Cxcr2, and Nos2. Meanwhile, M1 macrophage-associated genes involved in immune activation were upregulated, such as Ddx58, Isg15, Tap1, Ccl5, Cxcl9, and Cxcl10. Further bioinformatic analysis indicated that Dec promotes MDSC-to-M1 macrophage differentiation and activates innate immune pathways including NOD-like signaling to enhance anti-tumor immunity. Time-course studies showed Dec upregulates myeloid transcription factor Irf7 to initiate MDSC differentiation and orchestrate the anti-tumor immune response. Collectively, our study unveils a novel dual-functional mechanism of Dec as both a cytotoxic agent reducing MDSCs and an inducer of their differentiation into M1 macrophages, thereby alleviating immunosuppression. This highlights Dec's potential for clinical melanoma metastasis suppression.
Using the Theoretical Domains Framework to identify the barriers and enablers to access and use of primary and maternal healthcare services by rural Bangladeshi women: a qualitative study
Authors: Chanda Sanjoy Kumar , Horne Maria , McHugh Gretl A. 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

In Bangladesh, increasing the use of primary healthcare (PHC) and maternal healthcare (MHC) services is the main focus of achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal-3, ensuring healthy lives and wellbeing for all. However, little is known about the sociocultural barriers and enablers to accessing and using PHC and MHC services among rural Bangladeshi women. This qualitative study aimed to identify sociocultural barriers and enablers to accessing and using PHC and MHC services among Bangladeshi rural women by using the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF). This exploratory qualitative study used focus groups and interviews to collect data from women, their husbands and healthcare providers. Data were analysed using Framework approach underpinned by the TDF. Four main themes emerged from data analysis, of which key barriers were summarised in three themes: (i) family barriers including lack of family reinforcement, (ii) social barriers including gender of healthcare providers, and (iii) cultural barriers including superstition to access and use of healthcare services. The remaining theme, sociocultural support, included information about key enablers, such as family support, neighbourhood connection and media influence. Several key behavioural constructs that aligned with the TDF need to be targeted when developing an intervention to promote access and use of PHC and MHC services.
WITHDRAWN: Outdoor UDA Depth Estimation with Intra-domain Attention and Cross-domain Edge Constraint
Authors: Peng Guo , Pan Shuguo , Hu Peng , Pei Ling , Yu Baoguo 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
In the unsupervised domain adaptation (UDA) depth estimation task, a new adaptive approach is to use the bidirectional transformation network to transfer the style between the target and source domain inputs, and then train the depth estimation network in their respective domains. However, the domain adaptation process and the style transfer may result in defects and biases.Especially in outdoor environments with long distances and complex surroundings, it often leads to map holes and missing areas in the target domain's depth output. To address these issues, We propose a training network that has been improved in terms of model structure and supervision constraints. First, we introduce a edge-guided self-attention mechanism in the task network of each domain to enhance the network's attention to high-frequency edge features, maintain clear boundaries and fill in missing areas of depth. Furthermore, we utilize an edge detection algorithm to extract edge features from the input of the target domain. Then we establish edge consistency constraints between inter-domain entities in order to narrow the gap between domains and make domain-to-domain transfers easier. Our experimental demonstrate that our proposed method effectively solve the aforementioned problem, resulting in a higher quality depth map and outperforming existing state-of-the-art methods.Our code and datasets are all open-sourced at the following address:https://github.com/chongagp/UDA-depth-estimation-under-intra-domain-self-attention-guidance-and-cross-domain-edge-constraints
The growth effect of a seaweed extract made from Ecklonia maxima on germinating Avocado and Pecan seed
Authors: Pay Sascha Lynn 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

The traditional commercial propagation of both avocado (Persea americana) and pecan (Carya illinoinensis) trees is initiated from a single seed. The uniform germination of strong seedlings has a direct impact on the success of future grafting operations. The use of drench treatments of Afrikelp™ LG 1, a biostimulant extracted from the South African kelp Ecklonia maxima, on germinating avocado (Edranol) and pecan (Ukalinga) seed, was evaluated for any growth benefits at this initial stage of propagation. Both the avocado and pecan seed were pretreated according to industry standards and placed in a germination room with a set temperature of 30 ̊C. On germination (radicle emergence), seeds were sown into 1L Elle growbags containing composted pine bark augmented with 3 g L− 1 Multicote™ 4 and placed into a temperature-controlled tunnel. Four different concentrations of Afrikelp™ LG 1 (0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 4.0%) together with a control treatment (water), were applied as 250 mL drench applications every two weeks, with a total of four applications. Two weeks after the final drench application, the plants were destructively harvested, and final growth measurements were recorded. Foliar samples from each treatment were sent for nutrient analysis (macro- and micro-nutrients). All Afrikelp™ LG 1 treated plants showed increases in vegetative growth (foliar and dry root biomass, height; root collar diameter) and chlorophyll content, with 0.5 and 1.0% Afrikelp™ LG 1 (avocado) and 1.0 and 2.0% (pecan) treatments consistently outperforming the water control.
Salamander loss alters montane stream ecosystem functioning and structure through top-down effects
Authors: Alonso Alberto , Bosch Jaime , Pérez Javier , Rojo Diana , Boyero Luz 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Amphibians are among the most endangered taxa worldwide, but little is known about how their disappearance can alter the functioning and structure of freshwater ecosystems, where they live as larval stages. This is particularly true for urodeles, which often are key predators in these ecosystems. The fire salamander (Salamandra salamandra) is a common predator in European fresh waters, but the species is declining due to habitat loss and the infection by fungal pathogens. We studied the consequences of fire salamander loss from three montane streams, by comparing two key ecosystem processes (periphyton accrual and leaf litter decomposition) and the structure of three communities (periphyton algae, aquatic hyphomycetes and invertebrates) using instream enclosures with and without salamander larvae. Salamander loss did not cause changes in invertebrate abundance or community structure, except for one stream where abundance increased in the absence of salamander larvae. However, salamander loss led to lower periphyton accrual, changes in algal community structure and slower leaf litter decomposition, with no associated changes in fungal communities or microbial decomposition. The changes observed may have been caused by release of salamander larvae predatory pressure on invertebrates, which could have promoted their grazing on periphyton, in contrast to their preference for leaf shredding in the presence of salamander. Our study demonstrates an important role of salamander larvae in montane streams through top-down control of lower trophic levels and thus in regulating key stream ecosystem processes.
Impact of a Nudge-Based Food Environment Interventions in a Hospital Convenience Store on Staff’s Food Intake and Na/K
Authors: Kawabata Teruko , Nakamura Masakazu , Takemi Yukari , Hayashi Fumi , Yamada Takashi 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Background A food environment intervention using nudge tactics was conducted in a hospital convenience store (CVS) in Tokyo to improve employees’ eating habits. The objective was to evaluate its effects on staff’s urinary sodium-to-potassium ratio (Na/K), food intake, eating attitude, and behavior.Methods Using a pre–post design; the intervention incorporated nudge tactics, more healthy options, easy-to-pick-up placement of food, and eye-catching information. We also used price incentives. Primary outcomes included change in Na/K and sodium and potassium excretion assessed using spot urine at health checkups. Secondary outcomes were the change in staff’s food intake, eating attitude, and behavior assessed using questionnaire surveys. All outcomes were statistically evaluated. Furthermore, we investigated how the intervention led to the outcomes using path analysis.Results A total of 140 participant (male: 52, female: 88) were statistically analyzed. Significant changes were observed in Na/K (3.16 to 2.98 in median, p = 0.015) and potassium excretion (43.4 to 45.2mmol/day in mean, p = 0.031). Sodium excretion showed no significant change. The intake of fruits and dairy products increased with improved self-efficacy. The most influential factor for lowering Na/K and increasing potassium excretion was information from the CVS; purchasing “balanced meals” to lower Na/K and salads to increase potassium excretion were second.Conclusions Food environment intervention using nudge tactics can improve staff’s food intake, lowering Na/K.Trial registration: Registration number: UMIN000049444 (UMIN-CTR).
Extended ELECTRE Method for Multi-Criteria Group Decision-Making with Spherical Cubic Fuzzy Sets
Authors: Ali Ghous , Nabeel Muhammad , Farooq Adeel 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Due to the quick advancement of computer technology, the relevance of information has increased significantly for the banking sector. Protecting information security has consequently become a top priority for all banks. To solve this problem, we provide a unique strategy that extends an outranking technique named "ELiminating Et Choice Translating REality (ELECTRE)" in the context of a spherical cubic fuzzy (SCF) environment. Our suggested SCF-ELECTRE-I technique uses concordance and discordance sets, and a directed decision graph is used to offer the best option. Hence, based on score and accuracy levels, we establish three types of concordance and discordance sets: weak, medium, and strong. We intend to provide a multi-criteria group decision-making (MCGDM) strategy for evaluating online banking security concerns by combining these sets. We investigate the application of our suggested method and conduct a comparison with a few existing symmetrical approaches in order to confirm its validity and dependability.