bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Electrical activity and synchronization of HR-tabu neuron network coupled by Chua corsage memristor
Authors: Li Chunlai , Wang Xuan , Du Jianrong , Li Zhijun 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
The processing and transmission of biological neural information are jointly completed by the electromagnetic activities of neurons in different brain regions. Therefore, it’s of great significance to explore the electrical behavior of heterogeneous neuron network. This paper focuses on the electrical activity and synchronization of a bi-neuron network (HR-tabu neuron network) built by coupling Hindmarsh-Rose and tabu learning models with Chua corsage memristor (CCM). The electrical activities of HR-tabu network, such as spiking discharge and bursting discharge, are revealed under appropriate external stimuli and coupling strength. Interestingly, we find that the initial value-related state switching of HR-tabu network is associated with the equilibrium states of CCM. In addition, the synchronization behavior of HR-tabu network depending on the coupling strength, external stimuli and system parameters is investigated in detail by analyzing the phase difference and synchronization factor. It’s shown that phase synchronization of HR-tabu neuron network can be achieved under small coupling strength, and that complete synchronization can be achieved when the coupling strength is large enough.
Change in Dominant Plant Functional Types: Transitions from Forests to Shrublands or Grasslands in the Western U.S due to Warming, Droughts, and Fire
Authors: Kodero Jared , Felzer Benjamin 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
This study utilizes a biogeographic model integrated within a biogeochemical model to predict change in plant functional type (PFT) dominance that will occur in response to increasing temperatures, droughts, and fire intensity in the Western U.S, based on the RCP8.5 scenario. The dominant PFT determination employs the BIOME4-based biogeography module within the Terrestrial Ecosystem Model (TEM), using bioclimatic thresholds and Net Primary Productivity (NPP) optimization. Results indicate that 54% of the originally forested grids will convert to either shrubland (29%) or grassland (25%) by the end of the century. Despite the change in PFT dominance, remaining forests show increased productivity due to warming, CO2 fertilization, and favorable climate. Yet, the overall change in carbon storage is a net loss of carbon equal to 9.6 PgC. These results highlight the critical need for effective forest management and adaptation strategies to mitigate the impacts of climatic changes on Western U.S. forests.
Experimental study on dynamic response of rock tunnel subjected to train moving load
Authors: Zhang Kai , Xie Heping , Guo Wei , Zhou Changtai , Hu Guibo , Luo Junhan , Qiu Jiadong , Zhu Jianbo 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
With the rapid development of transportation engineering, it is increasingly common for railways to closely pass over tunnels. The tunnels might be suffered from damage and destruction under the dynamic loads generated by trains moving on railways, which can in turn threaten the safety of the upper railways. Therefore, it is essential to well understand the dynamic response of tunnels subjected to the upper train moving load. However, there is currently a lack of relevant research on this topic, especially regarding model experiments. To investigate the dynamic response of tunnels subjected to train moving load, physical model experiments were carried out on the train-rail-bridge-shaking table test system, where train moving load was applied through moving of a model train along model tracks. The testing results showed that the train moving speed (vtr) significantly impacts the dynamic response of the tunnel and the surrounding rock mass. Except for the peak particle velocity (PPA) at tunnel vault, the PPAs at other locations and the vibration dominant frequency (f0) at all locations increase as the train moving speed increase. The average PPAs at tunnel spandrels undergo more significant changes compared to the PPAs at tunnel vault, tunnel invert, and inside the surrounding rock mass when the vtr increases. With the exception of some special cases, the average PPAs on tunnel spandrels are generally less than that on the tunnel vault and greater than that on the tunnel invert. As vtr increases, the average f0 on tunnel wall changes more obviously compared to average f0 inside the surrounding rock mass. When the vtr exceeds 10.54 m/s, corresponding to the prototype train moving speed of 120 km/h, the average f0 on tunnel wall are noticeably larger than those inside the surrounding rock. The high coefficients of determination obtained from the nonlinear regression analysis indicates a power relationship between the PPA and vtr, while the f0 shows an exponential association with vtr. The findings of this study hold great importance in ensuring the safe operation of tunnels and railways.
Increasing challenges of general practitioner-oncologist interaction in end-of-life communication: a qualitative study
Authors: Villalobos Matthias , Korezelidou Anastasia , Unsöld Laura , Deis Nicole , Thomas Michael , Siegle Anja 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Background
The timely initiation of end-of-life (EOL) conversations followed by advance care planning (ACP) is considerered best practice for patients with advanced cancer and therefore recommended in oncological guidelines. General practitioners (GPs) play a key role in the coordination of EOL-care and often claim that they have also the reponsibility to initiate the necessary conversations. Nonetheless, the content of these conversations are rarely a subject of communication between GPs and oncology specialists but crucial for timely integration of palliative care. The aim of this study is to explore the GPs‘ perspectives on initiation and conduction of EOL-conversations in patients with metastatic lung cancer and how they perceive the interaction with the oncologists of a cancer center.
Methods
Qualitative design with in-depth interviews with GPs that refer patients with metastatic lung cancer to a cancer center; thematic analysis following Braun and Clarke.
Results
We identified three main themes: timing and conduction of EOL-conversations, factors influencing EOL-conversations, and modes of GP-oncologist interaction. All themes showed important and increasing challenges in regard to communication strategies or procedures within the cancer center and between general practitioners and oncologists. Aside from the elucidated challenges of EOL-communication, new problems arise from the difficulties in keeping pace with advances in oncology and the increasing prognostic uncertainty. Additionally, the lack of standardized communication in EOL-topics between GPs and oncologists is underlined. Options in the mode of interaction include written information in reports or digital platforms and direct phone calls.
Conclusions
Because of the growing complexity in modern oncology, strategies for improvement in GP-oncologist interaction have to consider information about therapeutic advances and prognosis of patients. The increasing prognostic uncertainty hazards the adequate provision and conduction of EOL-conversations and thus, the timely integration of palliative care. As a consequence, a trustful personal interaction that includes direct contact via phone calls between GPs and oncologists should be encouraged.
Vaccination with Acinetobacter baumannii adhesin Abp2D provides protection against catheter-associated urinary tract infection
Authors: Hultgren Scott , Timm Morgan , Tamadonfar Kevin , Nye Taylor , Pinkner Jerome , Dodson Karen , Ellebedy Ali 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) contribute greatly to the burden of healthcare associated infections. Acinetobacter baumannii is a Gram-negative bacterium with high levels of antibiotic resistance that is of increasing concern as a CAUTI pathogen. A. baumannii expresses fibrinogen-binding adhesins (Abp1D and Abp2D) that mediate colonization and biofilm formation on catheters, which become coated with fibrinogen upon insertion. We developed a protein subunit vaccine against Abp1DRBD and Abp2DRBD and showed that vaccination significantly reduced bladder bacterial titers in a mouse model of CAUTI. We then determined that immunity to Abp2DRBD alone was sufficient for protection. Mechanistically, we defined the B cell response to Abp2DRBD vaccination and demonstrated that immunity was transferrable to naïve mice through passive immunization with Abp2DRBD-immune sera. This work represents a novel strategy in the prevention of A. baumannii CAUTI and has an important role to play in the global fight against antimicrobial resistance.
Comparison of the sensitivities of pharmacotherapy-related and disease-specific quality of life measures in response to pharmacist-led pharmaceutical care for cancer outpatients: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Sakthong Phantipa , Soipitak Porntip , Winit-Watjana Win 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background
No data was available regarding the sensitivities of pharmacotherapy-related and disease-specific quality of life measures to pharmacist-led pharmaceutical care (PC).
Objective
To compare the sensitivities of two health-related quality of life (HRQoL) measures, i.e. the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measure of Pharmaceutical Therapy for Quality of Life (PROMPT-QoL) vs. the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General (FACT-G), in response to pharmacist-led PC for cancer outpatients.
Methods
A randomised controlled trial was conducted on the cancer outpatients of a tertiary Thai hospital. Eligible patients were randomly allocated to a PC group receiving PC interventions or a usual care (UC) group acquiring pharmacist’s ordinary care. The HRQoL of both groups was assessed using the PROMPT-QoL and the FACT-G before and after a session. The data were gathered and the sensitivities of the two measures using standardised mean differences (SMDs) were analysed.
Results
A total of 237 patients in two arms (120 PC vs. 117 UC patients) completed the trial. With PC interventions, all eight PROMPT-QoL domains and 3 out of 4 FACT-G domains were significantly improved. The PROMPT-QoL yielded SMDs ranging from 0.24 to 1.68 that were considered a moderate-to-high sensitivity, whereas the FACT-G provided a moderate sensitivity with SMDs of 0.31–0.64. The average SMDs of four FACT-G domains was 0.50 and SMD of its total score was 0.80. Eight PROMPT-QoL domains had the average SMD of 0.60 and the total score SMD was 1.40.
Conclusions
The PROMPT-QoL is more sensitive to detect HRQoL when delivering pharmacist-led pharmaceutical care to cancer outpatients.
Trial registration TCTR20210809008 on August 9, 2021.
Post-adjuvant chemotherapy, but not preoperative, C-reactive protein/albumin ratio is prognostic factor in stage II-III colorectal cancer patients
Authors: Kong Feifei , Geng Xuan , Liu Ruming , Zhang Wentao , Quan Bin , zhong Yong , Zhu Youlong 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background
An elevated preoperative C-reactive protein/albumin (CRP/Alb) ratio (CAR) has been reported to be associated with a poor prognosis for various cancers, including colorectal cancer (CRC). However, whether the post-adjuvant chemotherapy CAR is a valuable prognostic factor in patients with CRC is not clear.
Methods
A retrospective study was performed in 445 patients with CRC receiving chemotherapy after curative resection. Preoperative and post-adjuvant chemotherapy C-reactive protein/albumin ratio (CAR), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and systematic immune-inflammation index (SII), Glasgow Prognostic Score (GPS), modified Glasgow prognositc score(mGPS) and high-sensitivity modified Glasgow prognostic score (HS-mGPS), were calculated to assess the inflammatory state of subjects. Firstly, the patients were subdivided into two groups by the CAR, NLR, PLR, SII, GPS, mGPS, and HS-mGPS level. Furthermore, subjects were stratified into four groups for each marker according to the longitudinal changes in indicators from preoperative to post-chemotherapy: low group, normalised group, high group and elevated group. The receiver operating characteristic curve analyses and the corresponding areas under the curve (AUCs) was used to compare the prognostic value of different markers. Multivariable analyses for overall survival (OS) were performed to adjust for well-established clinicopathologic factors. Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression models were used to assess independent prognostic factors.
Results
The post-adjuvant chemotherapy CAR, NLR, PLR and SII had a high aera under the curve value compared with preoperative scores. What’s more, the post-adjuvant chemotherapy CAR had a high aera under the curve value compared with several other systemic inflammation-based prognostic scores. Patients with high post-adjuvant chemotherapy GPS and mGPS had significantly worse OS than patients with low groups.
Conclusion
The post-adjuvant chemotherapy CRP/Alb ratio is a superior predictor of OS in patients undergoing curative resection for colorectal cancer and may help to identify the high-risk patients for treatment decisions.
Natural bamboo powder and coffee ground as low-cost green adsorbents for the removal of rhodamine B and their recycling performance
Authors: Vo Thi Sinh , Hossain Muhammad Mohsin , Kim Kyunghoon 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Bamboo and coffee, which are abundant and inexpensive, have been used as green adsorbents for the adsorption of industrial dye rhodamine B (RB). Bamboo and coffee are natural sources of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, making them promising green materials for industrial dye removal. The effects of various adsorption conditions, such as contact time, temperature, dose of bamboo powder (BP), coffee ground (CG), initial concentration of RB, and pH values of RB solution, were measured. Consequently, the kinetics of RB adsorption onto bamboo and coffee was in accordance with the pseudo-second-order model, with an activation energy of 29.51 kJ·mol− 1 for bamboo and 27.46 kJ·mol− 1 for coffee. The Langmuir model is well fitted to the whole adsorption period at different temperatures, indicating maximum adsorption capacities of 6.76, 6.96, and 7.64 mg⋅g− 1 (BP) as well as 6.53, 6.80, and 7.51 mg⋅g− 1 (CG) at 30°C, 40°C, and 50°C, respectively. Moreover, the spontaneous nature of the adsorption was based on the negative Gibbs free energy values obtained (i.e., from − 11.09 to − 14.30 kJ⋅mol− 1 [BP] and from − 10.34 to − 13.07 kJ⋅mol− 1 [CG]), revealing that RB adsorption occurred at physical and chemical adsorption states. In addition, the recycling capability of adsorbents was determined in five cycles. Therefore, these materials are promising candidates for low-cost adsorbents.
The loss of progesterone receptor predicts more aggressive biological features and worse outcomes in estrogen receptor-positive and HER2-negative inflammatory breast cancer
Authors: Luo Yunbo , Li Qingyun , Fang Jiang , Pan Chaoying , Zhang Lingxing , Xu Xia , Qiang Shuangqiang , Zhao Xiaobo , Hou Lingmi 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Objective The loss of progesterone receptor (PR) often predicts worse biological behavior and prognosis in estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer. However, the impact of PR status on inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) has not been studied for its’ relative low incidence. Therefore, the purpose of our study was to investigate the influence of PR on IBC. Methods Patients with ER + and HER2-negative IBC were selected from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results database. Pearson’s χ2 test was used to compare the clinicopathological characteristics between patients with estrogen receptor-positive/progesterone receptor-positive (ER+/PR+) and patients with estrogen receptor-positive/progesterone receptor-negative (ER+/PR-). Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to investigate the effects of PR status on the breast cancer-specific survival (BCSS) and overall survival (OS) in IBC. Results Overall, 1553 patients including 1157 (74.5%) patients with ER+/PR + and 396 (25.5%) patients with ER+/PR- were analyzed in our study. The patients with ER+/PR- were more likely to be high histological grade (p < 0.001) and liver metastasis (p = 0.045) compared with patients with ER+/PR+. Despite higher chance of receiving chemotherapy (83.6% vs 77.3%, P = 0.008), patients with ER+/PR- showed worse BCSS (5-year BCSS rate, 34.3% vs 51.3%, P < 0.001) and OS (5-year OS rate, 31.3% vs 46.1%, P < 0.001) compared with ER+/PR + phenotype. Multivariate survival analysis showed that patients with ER+/PR- still had worse BCSS (HR:1.764, 95%CI: 1.476–2.109, P < 0.001) and OS (HR:1.67, 95%CI: 1.411–1.975, P < 0.001) than ER+/PR + phenotype. Furthermore, patients with ER+/PR- showed worse outcomes than ER+/PR + phenotype in most subgroups, especially in patients with younger age (≤ 60 years), lower histological grade, lymph node involved and distant metastasis. Conclusions Patients with ER+/PR- had more aggressive biological behaviors and worse outcomes than patients with ER+/PR + in IBC. Stronger treatments maybe needed for IBC patients with ER+/PR-.
Enzyme kinetics of deoxyuridine triphosphatase from western corn rootworm
Authors: Riera-Ruiz Carlos , Moriyama Hideaki 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Objective
The western corn rootworm (WCR), Diabrotica virgifera virgifera, is a highly adapatable insect pest that has evolved resistance to a variety of control strategies including insecticides. It is therefore of interest to examine how housekeeping proteins in WCR have been changed under WCR-controlling strategies. In this study, we focused on one of such proteins in WCR, a ubiquitous enzyme 5'-triphosphate nucleotidohydrolase (dUTPase). In the thymidine synthetic pathway, dUTPase hydrolyzes deoxyuridine triphosphate (dUTP) and supplies the substrate, deoxyuridine monophosphate, for the thymidylate synthase (TS). It decreases the cellular content of uracil reducing the uracil misincorporation into DNA. Suppressing the dUTPase activity, therefore, contributes to thymineless death. We investigated enzymatic properties of the dUTPase.
Results
The WCR dUTPase gene (DUT) was synthesized with adding His-tag corespoinding DNA sequence, cloned, and expressed in Escherichia coli, and the protein product was purified. The product of WCR DUT hydrolyzed dUTP and was designated as dUTPase. WCR dUTPase did not hydrolized dATP, dTTP, dCTP, or dGTP. WCR dUTPase was analyzed by size analyzings chromatography and showed a molecular weight corresponding to trimer. The present format can be interpreted as nuclerar trimer type. Possible isomers will be examined once transcriptome analyses are done.
Early identification of lung cancer patients with venous thromboembolism: development and validation of a risk prediction model
Authors: Di Wenjuan , Xu Haotian , Ling Chunhua , Xue Ting 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Introduction: Venous thromboembolism(VTE) is a leading cause of death in patients with lung cancer. Furthermore, hospitalization of patients with advanced lung cancer for VTE treatment represents a major economic burden on the national public health resources. Therefore, we performed this prospective study to identify clinical biomarkers for the early identification of VTE in lung cancer patients.Methods: This prospective study enrolled 158 patients with confirmed lung cancer, including 27 who were diagnosed with VTE within six months of the follow-up after lung cancer diagnosis. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the diagnostic performancese of all the relevant clinical features and laboratory indicators in identifying lung cancer patients with a higher risk of VTE. A novel risk prediction model was constructed consisting of five clinical variables with the best diagnostic performances and was validated using the receiver operation characteristic(ROC) curves. The diagnostic performances of the new risk prediction model was also compared with the Khorana risk score (KRS) and the Padua risk score (PRS).Results: The VTE group of lung cancer patients (n = 27) showed significantly higher serum levels of fibrin degradation products (FDP), D-dimer, thrombomodulin (TM), thrombin-antithrombin-complex (TAT), α2-plasmin inhibitor-plasmin Complex (PIC), and tissue plasminogen activator-plasminogen activator inhibitor complex (t-PAIC) compared to those in the non-VTE group (n = 131). ROC curve analyses showed that the diagnostic efficacy of the new VTE risk prediction model with TM ≥ 9.75 TU/ml, TAT ≥ 2.25ng/ml, t-PAIC ≥ 7.35ng/ml, history of VTE, and ECOG PS score ≥ 2 was superior than the KRS and the PRS in the early identification of lung cancer patients with a higher risk of VTE.Conclusions: The new risk prediction model showed significantly high diagnostic efficacy in the early identification of lung cancer patients with a high risk of VTE. The diagnostic efficacy of the new risk prediction model was higher than the KRS and the PRS in this cohort of lung cancer patients.
Simulation of ground motions in the Korean peninsula using a model with a GIT-based spectral decomposition algorithm
Authors: Jee Hyun Woo , Han Sang Whan 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
In low to moderate seismic regions such as the Korean peninsula, it is difficult to perform seismic hazard analyses to construct hazard maps and curves because only a limited number of strong ground motion records is available. In this study, to solve such obstacles, ground motions were simulated using a model with a GIT-based spectral decomposition algorithm. The algorithm was adopted to determine the constituent parameters (source effect, path effect, site effect) of the Fourier amplitude spectrum (FAS) while considering Korea’s seismological characteristics. The accuracy of the GIT-based spectral decomposition algorithm for FAS and the ground motion simulation (GMS) model with the calculated FAS values was verified.
Pregnancy complicated with adrenal adenoma causing severe obstetric outcomes: A 20-year experience at a tertiary center
Authors: Zhu Caixia , Cai Shiqin , Zhong Xue , Huang Linhuan 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Background Adrenal adenoma during pregnancy is rare and the diagnosis is challenging owing to unspecific symdromes and restricted investigation. It’s poorly described obstetric outcomes of patients underwent surgery during pregnancy or only received medicine treatment.
Objective To investigate the association between adrenal adenoma and obstetric outcomes.
Methods A retrospective study was performed. The clinical characteristics, management and obstetric outcome of pregnancies diagnosed as adrenal adenoma over 20 years were reviewed from a teriary hospital.
Results A total of 12 women were diagnosed as adrenal adenoma during pregnancy from to January 2000 to September 2022. Eight women had cortisol-secreting adrenal adenoma, two had over-secrete catecholamine and two primary aldosteronism. The original symptoms adrenal adenoma during pregnancy included hypertension or preeclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus or pre-pregnancy diabetes mellitus, hypokalemia and ecchymosis. There were four women took adrenalectomy during pregnancy, while 8 women only received medicine therapy. Preterm birth occurred in all cases who received medicine, whereas 1 case suffered from preterm birth in the group underwent surgery. Among the 8 women of medicine group, there were 3 neonatal death.
Conclusions Once simultaneous onset of hypertension, hyperglycemia and hypokalemia during the 1st or 2nd trimester, adrenal adenoma should be investigate by laboratory examination and imaging examination. The maternal and fetal outcome were unpredictive owing to the severity of adrenal adenoma, particular in patients only received medicine treatment. Adrenalectomy should be recommended during the pregnancy.