bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Study on the effect of multiple optimization algorithms on rockburst prediction models
Authors: Chen Ying , Da Qi , Dai Bing , Wang Shaofeng , Wu Hao , He Guicheng 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

The rapidly expanding area of rockburst prediction has drawn a lot of interest because of its enormous potential to lower the risk of engineering disasters, enhance mine production safety, and protect employee lives. Consequently, the goal of this research is to forecast the rockburst intensity class for the prediction objective by optimizing four single machine learning models (SVM, DT, CNN, and RF) utilizing fifteen optimization algorithms (Bayes, SSA, DBO, SCA, SA, PSO, SO, POA, GWO, IGWO, AVOA, CSA, GTO, NGO, and WSO). The hybrid models were trained using a ten-fold cross-validation, and each hybrid model's performance was examined statistically. The SMOTE method then oversampled the original dataset in order to examine how the data equalization issue affected the hybrid models. The findings demonstrate that, in the original dataset, all optimization strategies increase the accuracy of the DT, CNN, and RF models; however, the balanced original dataset has a greater impact on the SVM models. And once the dataset is balanced, every optimization algorithm improves the accuracy of the SVM model and decreases the accuracy of the DT model; however, for the CNN and RF models, the majority of optimization algorithms improve the accuracy while only a small percentage of them do the opposite. An essential reference value for the development of later rock burst prediction models is provided by this study.
Microglial Pdcd4 deficiency mitigates neuroinflammation-associated depression via facilitating Daxx mediated PPARγ/IL-10 signaling
Authors: Li Yuan , Zhan Bing , Zhuang Xiao , Zhao Ming , Chen Xiaotong , Wang Qun , Liu Qiji , Zhang Lining 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The imbalance between pro- and anti-inflammation in the brain is related to major depressive disorder (MDD), but the underlying mechanism is largely unknown. Herein, we found that Pdcd4 microglial conditional knockout (Pdcd4 mcKO) protected mice from LPS-induced hyperactivation of microglia and depressive-like behavior. Mechanically, microglial Pdcd4 promoted neuroinflammatory disturbance induced by LPS through inhibiting Daxx mediated PPARγ nucleus translocation and resulted in suppressing the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 expression. Finally, intracerebroventricular injection of the IL-10 neutralizing antibody IL-10Rα abolished the antidepressant effect of microglial Pdcd4 knockout under LPS-challenged conditions. Overall, our research reveals the specific role of microglial Pdcd4 in neuroinflammation, which could be a potential therapeutic target of neuroinflammation-related depression.
Groundwater assessment in endorheic basins at the transition arid-semi-arid climates in Africa- A case study of the Batha aquifer system, NE Chad
Authors: ARRAKHAIS ABAKAR BOURMA , Hamit Abderamane , Fontaine Claude , Abdelfadel Fatima , Dinar Moustapha , Razack Moumtaz 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

The present study focuses on the hydrogeological system of the Batha basin (Chad). This area is symptomatic of the functioning of an endoreic basin in an arid to semi-arid climate, of its water storage capacity related with the climatic fluctuations, and of the problems associated with assessing resources in this Sahelian zone. This basin forms the eastern part of the Lake Chad basin, which extends over 2.38 Mkm2. It is a vast sedimentary basin, filled by detrital and fluvial-lacustrine deposits of Eocene (Continental Terminal) to Quaternary age, and bordered by Precambrian crystalline formations. The study aims to assess the aquifer potential of the groundwater system and its dynamics using a combined geology-hydrogeology-hydrochemistry approach. The lithology defined an heterogeneous and multi-layered system. The piezometric map reveals the dynamics of the general groundwater flow direction SE-NW, suggesting the interconnection of the different parts of the aquifer system. Based on the concentrations of major ions in solution, the hydrochemical results have identified four main types of facies: calcium bicarbonate (dominant), sodium bicarbonate, sulphate-sodium and mixed. The mineralization of these facies appears to be essentially controlled by water-rock interaction and to a lesser extent by base exchange and evaporation process. Calculations of saturation indices indicate that these waters are close to equilibrium with the calcite-Mg phases, gaylussite and gypsum. Nevertheless, given the low and medium ionic contents, it appears that the groundwater in the Batha basin is moderately evolved. On the other hand, stable isotope analyses (δ2H and δ18O) of groundwaters show the existence of three compositional groups corresponding to: (A) ancient water disconnected from current meteoric influences, (B) mixtures of current meteoric water and older water affected by evaporation during infiltration, (C) mixtures of current and ancient meteoric water more impacted by the evaporation process. In addition, tritium (3H) analysis of these waters shows the existence of three composition groups corresponding to current rainwater, modern water and post-modern water. Taken together, these results show that the hydrogeochemical differentiations obtained from both ionic and isotopic analyses cannot be strictly associated with the different aquifers (Quaternary, Pliocene, CT and basement). This confirms the interconnection of the Batha system and suggests that the heterogeneity observed is mostly controlled by lithological and climatic variations.
Diagnostic value of the serum STIP1 concentration in patients with HCC and AFP-negative HCC
Authors: Sun Haiqing , Liu Ning , Lou Jinli 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Objective
This study aimed to investigate the diagnostic value of serum STIP1 levels in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and AFP-negative hepatocellular carcinoma (ANHC) patients.
Methods
In this study, serum samples were collected from 158 HCC patients and 63 non-HCC patients (including 29 patients with chronic hepatitis B, 19 healthy individuals, and 15 patients with cirrhosis). The serum STIP1 concentration was measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent risk factors associated with HCC and ANHC. The diagnostic value of each index, as well as combinations of indices for HCC and ANHC, was analyzed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.
Results
STIP1, DCP, and AFP levels were significantly greater in the HCC group than in the non-HCC group (P < 0.05). Univariate analysis revealed that age, ALT, TBIL, Log AFP, DCP, STIP1, and hepatitis B virus infection were significantly associated with HCC (P < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that age, DCP, STIP1, and hepatitis B virus infection were independent predictors of HCC (P < 0.05). In addition, the diagnostic value of STIP1 for HCC was significantly greater than that of DCP. The AUC for STIP1 combined with DCP was 0.937, and the sensitivity, specificity, and Yoden index were 84.8%, 98%, and 0.828, respectively. Additionally, among 73 AFP-negative (< 7 ng/mL) HCC patients, univariate analysis revealed significant differences in age, ALT, AST, GGT, AFP, STIP1and hepatitis B virus infection(P < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that age, STIP1 expression, and hepatitis B virus infection status were independent predictors for ANHC patients. The ROC curve exhibited an AUC of 0.919 for STIP1, with a diagnostic cutoff value of 68.5 U/mL, a sensitivity of 76.71%, and a specificity of 100%. Moreover, 36 ANHC patients and 19 AFP-negative non-HCC patients were included in the validation of the diagnostic model. Among them, 20 patients had STIP1 levels greater than 68.5 U/mL, resulting in a diagnostic accuracy of 67.3%, sensitivity of 55.6%, and specificity of 89.5%.
Conclusion
STIP1 demonstrated excellent diagnostic value for HCC and ANHC. Moreover, STIP1 can serve as a valuable adjunctive tool for the clinical diagnosis of HCC.
The role of adjuvant transcatheter arterial chemoembolization following repeated curative resection/ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma with early recurrence: a propensity score matching analysis
Authors: Huang Kaiquan , Qian Tao , Chen Wen , Lao Mengyi , Li Huiliang , Lin Weiqiao , Bai Xueli , Gao Shunliang , Ma Tao , Liang Tingbo 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
The role of adjuvant transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) following repeated resection/ablation for recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains uncertain. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of adjuvant TACE following repeated resection or ablation in patients with early recurrent HCC.
Methods
Information of patients who underwent repeated surgery or radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for early recurrent HCCs (< 2 years) at our institution from January 2017 to December 2020 were collected. Patients were divided into adjuvant TACE and observation groups according to whether they received adjuvant TACE or not. The recurrent-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were compared between the two groups before and after propensity score matching (PSM).
Results
Of the 225 patients enrolled., the median time of HCC recurrence was 11 months (IQR, 6–16 months). After repeated surgery or radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for recurrent tumors, 45 patients (20%) received adjuvant TACE while the remaining 180 (80%) didn’t. There were no significant differences in RFS (P = 0.325) and OS (P = 0.072) between adjuvant TACE and observation groups before PSM. There were also no significant differences in RFS (P = 0.897) and OS (P = 0.090) between the two groups after PSM. Multivariable analysis suggested that multiple tumors, liver cirrhosis, and RFA were independent risk factors for the re-recurrence of HCC.
Conclusion
Adjuvant TACE after repeated resection or ablation for early recurrent HCCs was not associated with a survival benefit in this single-center cohort.
Transcriptomics-based Mining and Analysis of Low Nitrogen Tolerance Related Genes in Foxtail Millet
Authors: Qin Na , Fu Senjie , Zhu Cancan , Dai Shutao , Song Yinghui , Jing Ya , Ye Zhenyan , Wang Chunyi , Li Junxia 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background: Nitrogen (N) is a nutrient element crucial for the growth and development of crops. A better understanding of the effects of low-N stress on millet (Setaria italica L.) production, a model crop for studying low-N tolerance, and the underlying molecular mechanisms responsible for low-N stress responses is vital to improvement of agricultural production.
Results: In this study, we used RILs as materials, its parental lines ‘Yugu 28,’ a low N-tolerant millet variety, and ‘Qiye Huang,’ a low N-sensitive variety. A transcriptomic study using leaves collected twenty-one days after normal and low-N treatment, the N concentration was 2.5 and 0.5 mmol·L-1, respectively. In total, 894 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified between normal and low-N treatment. Further analysis revealed Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways related to amino acid, carbon, N, and lipid metabolism and secondary metabolite biosynthesis. Co-regulation analysis suggested that 15 DEGs contributed to the formation of a regulatory network involving multiple biological processes and pathways including nitrogen or amino acid biosynthesis, uptake, metabolism and utilization. RNA-seq analysis also showed that some nitrogen metabolism-related DEGs were highly expressed in low-N stress compared to normal N conditions. The changes in expression of low N-responsive genes determined by RNA sequencing were confirmed by reverse-transcription PCR for nine genes.
Conclusions:The transcriptome is beneficial for identified the candidate genes of millet in response to low nitrogen stress, SiGS1 (LOC101764285) and SiNPR2 ((LOC101764285)) were identified as potential candidate genes for improving low nitrogen stress tolerance. These results are a first step to understanding the molecular mechanisms of low-N tolerance in foxtail millet and lay a foundation for its genetic improvement.
Baseline tebuconazole sensitivity and potential resistant mechanisms in Fusarium graminearum
Authors: Zhou Feng , Zhou Xiaoli , jiao Yan , Han Aohui , Zhou Huanhuan , Chen Zeyuan , Li Wei Guo , Liu Runqiang 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
The Fusarium head blight caused by Fusarium graminearum results in reduced crop yields and the potential for vomitoxin contamination, which poses a risk to both human and livestock health. The primary method of control relies on the application of chemical fungicides.
Results
The current study found that the tebuconazole sensitivity of 165 F. graminearum isolates collected from the Huang-Huai-Hai region of China between 2019 and 2023 ranged from 0.005 to 2.029 µg/mL, with an average EC50 value of 0.33 ± 0.03 µg/mL. The frequency distribution conformed to a unimodal curve around the mean, and therefore provides a useful reference for monitoring the emergence of tebuconazole resistance in field populations of F. graminearum. Analysis of five tebuconazole-resistant mutants produced under laboratory conditions indicated that although the mycelial growth of the mutants were significantly (p < 0.05) reduced, spore production and germination rates could be significantly (p < 0.05) increased. However, pathogenicity tests confirmed a severe fitness cost associated with tebuconazole resistance, as all of the mutants completely loss the ability to infect host tissue. Furthermore, in general the resistant mutants were found to have increased sensitivity to abiotic stress, such as ionic and osmotic stress, though not to Congo red and oxidative stress, to which they were more tolerant. No cross-resistance was detected between tebuconazole and other unrelated fungicides such as flutriafol, propiconazole and fluazinam, but there was a clear negative cross-resistance with triazole fungicides including fludioxonil, epoxiconazole, metconazole, and hexaconazole. Meanwhile, molecular analysis identified several point mutations in the CYP51 genes of the mutants, which resulted in two substitutions (I281T, and T314A) in the predicted sequence of the FgCYP51A subunit, as well as seven (S195F, Q332V, V333L, L334G, M399T, E507G, and E267G) in the FgCYP51C subunit. In addition, it was also noted that the expression of the CYP51 genes in one of the mutants, which lacked point mutations, was significantly up-regulated in response to tebuconazole treatment.
Conclusions
These results provide useful data that allow for more rational use of tebuconazole in the control of F. graminearum, as well as for more effective monitoring of fungicide resistance in the field.
Can We Raise a Sternochondral Joint Flap Based on Internal Thoracic Vessels for Temporomandibular Joint Reconstruction? A Preliminary Cadaveric Study
Authors: Alpat Servet Elçin , Aydın Mehmet , Kaya Burak , Açar Halil İbrahim 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Purpose The free fibula flap is the gold standard for reconstructing mandibular defects caused by trauma, tumors, dysplastic diseases, osteoradionecrosis, and atrophy, but it has not yet been shown to be the ideal method for condylar reconstruction. This anatomical study proposes a surgically pragmatic approach to temporomandibular joint and condylar reconstruction via defining sternochondral joint vascularity.Methods Six fixed cadavers were dissected to assess the suitability of the 4th rib for the planned procedure. The internal thoracic vessels and branches near the sternochondral joint were carefully identified. The sternochondral joint flap was then harvested, focusing on cartilaginous rib to preserve the joint surface and vascular network. After contouring to fit the temporomandibular joint and condylar deformity, the flap was securely placed. Additional pedicle length measurements were taken.Results Perforators of the internal thoracic artery and vein constituted the dominant pedicle. The mean pedicle length was sufficient to reach recipient vessels on the neck. The compatibility between the 4th sternochondral flap and the glenoid fossa was confirmed.Conclusion A multitude of therapeutic approaches have been employed in the past to reconstruct the temporomandibular joint and condyle, albeit with restricted efficacy owing to chondral graft resorption or size mismatch in three-dimension. In contrast, this study shows that the fourth sternochondral joint flap is a promising free flap with ideal pedicle positioning, length, and vascular size match at the anastomosis. This technique is suitable for reconstructing this inherently difficult region of the temporomandibular joint, thereby offering reconstructive surgeons another method in their armamentarium.
An Experimental Comparative Performance Study of Variable Area Ejectors in Different Operating Conditions
Authors: Kumar Virendra , Subbarao P M V 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
This research experimentally compares the performance of two variable area ejectors designed based on the Constant Rate of Momentum Change (CRMC) approach and the Constant Rate of Kinetic Energy Change (CRKEC) approach. Ejector systems were designed for specific design and operating conditions to perform experiments. The pressure recovery ratio (PRR) and entrainment ratio (ω) at on-design operating conditions were compared using the experimental results. The study also optimized the entrainment ratio of both systems at off-design conditions. The results indicate that both variable-area ejectors based on CRMC and CRKEC have their own advantages and limitations in terms of performance and suitability for specific applications. CRMC ejectors provide higher entrainment ratios (0.512) and lower pressure recovery ratios (0.178), while CRKEC ejectors provide slightly higher pressure recovery ratios (0.18) and lower entrainment ratios (0.5) at on-design conditions. Furthermore, the study investigated the off-design impact of nozzle exit positions (NXPs) and the pressure of motive and secondary flows on the entrainment ratio of both ejectors.
Bridging the Gap: Exploring the Causal Relationship between Metformin and Tumors
Authors: zhang zexin , wu wenfeng , wu zexia , he yihan , chang xuesong , deng shenyuan , zhou rui , chen yadong , zhang haibo 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Objective
Many studies have reported that metformin can reduce the risk of tumor. However, the level of evidence is low, and the results of the studies are conflicting.
Methods
We conducted a tumor associated Phenome-wide Mendelian randomization (MR-PheWAS) analysis to explore the causal relationship between metformin and tumors. Two cohorts of metformin came from UK Biobank. The full phenotype data of tumors came from FinnGen_R10. We elucidated the causal association through two-sample MR analysis (TSMR). More importantly, we conducted a meta-analysis to ensure the unbiased results. In MR analysis, we used Inverse-Variance Weighted (IVW) method as the main outcome indicator. Subsequently, we integrated 2 cohorts for the meta-analysis. Finally, we attempted to explore this mechanisms through a mediational MR analysis.
Results
MR results showed that metformin may have a causal relationship with a total of 13 tumor associated phenotypes in training cohort. 4 phenotypes were validated in the testing cohort. In training and testing cohort, metformin have a protective effect on Malignant neoplasm of breast, HER-positive, Brain meningioma, Malignant neoplasm of oral cavity and Malignant cancer of tonsil and base of tongue. Intriguingly, after integrating the results of two cohorts for meta-analysis, a total of 12 results were significant. A mediational MR analysis showed that the effects of metformin against Brain meningioma may be weaken by family Oxalobacteraceae.
Conclusions
Metformin may have potential preventive and therapeutic effects on a variety of tumors, we don’t recommend routine use of metformin alone because there was no clear cause-and-effect relationship between them.
Investigate an optimal extracorporeal shock wave therapy intervention strategy for osteonecrosis of femoral head : a retrospective analysis
Authors: Zhu JunYu , Xiao jian , Li Hao , Xing Gengyan , Yan Jun 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate an optimal ESWT intervention strategy in the management of ONFH.
Methods: An analysis of medical records was performed retrospectively on 75 patients who received extracorporeal shock wave therapy(ESWT) between June 2021 and July 2023, all patients affected by ONFH. These patients underwent MRI before treatment, 3 months, and 1 year after treatment to measure their volume; their Harris and VAS were recorded at the corresponding time points. Correlation analysis and regression analysis were performed to examine the correlation between necrotic volume and Harris, VAS before treatment and the correlation between the change of necrotic volume size and the evolution of HHS 1 year after treatment.
Results:A statistically significant correlation between the size of the necrotic volume and the Harris and VAS was demonstrated before treatment(P＜0.001). Three months after treatment, there were significant improvements in Harris and VAS(P＜0.001) but unchanged in MRI images. One year after treatment, the Harris, VAS, and size of necrotic volume from 13 patients were significantly improved(P＜0.001), and Linear regression analysis indicated a significant positive correlation between the size of the necrotic volume and clinical improvement(P＜0.001).
Conclusion: The volume of osteonecrosis of the femoral head was negatively correlated with Harris and positively correlated with VAS. The reduction of necrotic volume was related to clinical improvement. It shows that the degree of pain is one of the critical references to reflect the size of necrosis and physiotherapists can choose interval between two cycles according to their own changes in pain conditions.
Investigation of the etched behavior of a rose gold target by magnetron sputtering
Authors: Yuan Junping , Chen Lingxia , Pan Chengqiang , Huang Yuheng , Zhou Xiang , Lin Shanwei , Zhu Jiayi 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Compared to the electroplating process, magnetron sputtering offers significant environmental advantages and has emerged as a crucial focus for research and development in jewelry surface coating. In this paper, Au85 rose gold was used to create a plane sputtering target, and the surface etched behavior of the target was studied. The experimental results indicate that the glow and sputtering process remain stable when the target current and power density are low. The target particles will sputter out layer by layer along a crystal face, forming stepped straight stripes. V-shaped grooves are formed on the target surface, and the angle between the slope of the etched area and the normal direction of the target surface is approximately 76°. With the increase in target current and power density, arc discharge occasionally during sputtering, leading to the formation of mastoid-like micromorphology on the surface of the etched area. When the current to the target is further increased, the target material melts quickly. The magnetic field configuration of the target base results in an end effect, leading to uneven depth and width of the etched groove. In order to enhance the utilization rate of the precious metal planar target, the magnetic field layout should be optimized and the power density should be kept within the threshold for arc discharge.