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The CNC machining scheduling problem is a classic flexible job shop scheduling problem (FJSSP) that has been proven to be NP-hard. Although there has been extensive research on FJSSP, its applications in real-world CNC machining scheduling problems have received limited attention, with few related papers. In reality, several critical characteristics within the CNC machining industry can significantly impact the scheduling problem, such as process plan flexibility, multiple resource constraints, and lot streaming. This study aims to establish a scheduling system for the CNC machining industry that integrates order information, work in process information, and the aforementioned characteristics, using a hybrid multi-objective genetic algorithm (HMOGA) combined with local search. The optimal parameter combination for HMOGA is determined through a design of experiments, while the effectiveness of local search is evaluated using computational analysis. Finally, real data from a company is used to validate the proposed method. The results demonstrate that the scheduling system developed in this study effectively addresses real-world CNC machining scheduling problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the global trend of e-commerce, companies pursue a higher quality of parcel delivery service since customers expect faster transportation in this fast-paced society. Several of them are committed to improving the efficiency of logistics and reducing operating costs and increasing their market competitiveness in the industry. The parcel distribution center thus plays a critical role in parcel delivery industries to sort and consolidate parcel flows to full truckloads. The benefit of the strategy is significant such as reducing transfer time and related costs. On the other hand, an automated sorting system (ASS) is also highly used in many supply chains with impressive characteristics like fast operation speed, large capacity, high reliability. The goal of this research is to apply the scheduling method to reduce the sorting time in an automated sorting system to improve distribution efficiency. This study focuses on the truck scheduling problem with fixed outbound schedules in a closed-loop conveyor system with shortcuts. The objective is to minimize the costs of extra trucks used to deliver delayed parcels and holding cost of parcels at each shipping dock door. If a parcel fails to be loaded onto the pre-determined outbound trucks, an extra outbound truck will be used to deliver the parcel. The problem is modeled with a mixed integer nonlinear programming model. This problem is proven to be NP-hard in the strong sense. As a result, an adaptive genetic algorithm with local search (LSAGA) is developed to solve the problem under twelve scenarios and compared with other algorithms, and a full factorial design of experiment was conducted. The computational experiments show that four factors, layout, inbound truck, outbound truck, and algorithm are significant to the objective value, and the proposed algorithm can obtain high-quality solutions with more stability. A sensitivity analysis is also conducted and bring some managerial insights. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deciphering microbial communities and functions is crucial to understanding ecosystem self-purification in response to contamination by petroleum hydrocarbons (PHCs). This study aimed to determine the dynamics of the prokaryotic community composition, ecological functions and functional genes using third-generation sequencing and quantitative PCR before and after the addition of soil bioremediation nutrients (SBN) to PHC-contaminated soils. Differential prokaryotic community compositions and ecological functions were observed in soils from 4 areas contaminated long-term with different levels and compositions of PHCs. Biostimulation by SBN and water with soil turning for Biopiles B and D led to obvious reconstruction of prokaryotic communities and functional profiles. The addition of SBN with soil turning which increased oxygen supply enhanced degradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) by increasing the abundance of the PAH-degrading Immundisolibacter cernigliae, Rugosibacter aromaticivorans and Sphingobium fuliginis. Tax4fun2 analysis revealed increases in xenobiotic biodegradation and metabolism/PHC-degraded enzymes after adding SBN which might promote the potential degradation of PHCs. Increases in the abundance of alkB, alkB1, XylE and PHE and in the expression of PHE after adding SBN reflected that the growth of bacteria with these genes was enhanced and considerable amounts of phenol induced the expression of PHE. The concentrations of PHCs and nutrients were primary factors affecting prokaryotic community compositions and functions. The study provides insights into the potential functions of the changes of prokaryotic communities regulating by the addition of SBN, to their efficiency to degrade PHCs. This information is the basic requirements for applying successful bioremediation strategies to remedy the PHC-contaminated soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plankton plays important roles in the marine ecosystems as important producers for primary production, major components in the global biogeochemical cycles, and the foundation of the marine food web. Despite their importance, long-term monitoring data about marine plankton are fairly limited, especially in the Asia-Pacific region. We fill this knowledge gap by providing a 29-year long-term monitoring data on the coastal areas of western Taiwan quarterly from 1993 to 2021. This long-term monitoring data can be used to set proper baseline for detecting human-induced impacts on the plankton, as well as modelling future scenarios under global changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Engineering asymmetric transmission between left-handed and right-handed circularly polarized light in planar Fabry–Pérot (FP) microcavities would enable a variety of chiral light-matter phenomena, with applications in spintronics, polaritonics, and chiral lasing. Such symmetry breaking, however, generally requires Faraday rotators or nanofabricated polarization-preserving mirrors. We present a simple solution requiring no nanofabrication to induce asymmetric transmission in FP microcavities, preserving low mode volumes by embedding organic thin films exhibiting apparent circular dichroism (ACD); an optical phenomenon based on 2D chirality. Importantly, ACD interactions are opposite for counter-propagating light. Consequently, we demonstrated asymmetric transmission of cavity modes over an order of magnitude larger than that of the isolated thin film. Through circular dichroism spectroscopy, Mueller matrix ellipsometry, and simulation using theoretical scattering matrix methods, we characterize the spatial, spectral, and angular chiroptical responses of this 2D chiral microcavity. Here the authors induce asymmetric transmission in planar Fabry–Pérot microcavities by embedding organic thin films exhibiting apparent circular dichroism (ACD), an optical phenomenon based on 2D chirality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to evaluate the impact of occupational noise on hearing loss among healthcare workers using audiometry. A longitudinal study was conducted with a six-month follow-up period in a hospital with 21 participants, divided into high-noise-exposure (HNE) and low-noise-exposure (LNE) groups. Mean noise levels were higher in the HNE group (70.4 ± 4.5 dBA), and hearing loss was measured using pure-tone audiometry at baseline and follow-up. The HNE group had significantly higher mean threshold levels at frequencies of 0.25 kHz, 0.5 kHz, 4.0 kHz, and an average of 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz (all p-values < 0.05) after the follow-up period. After adjusting for confounding factors, the HNE group had significantly higher hearing loss levels at 0.25 kHz, 0.5 kHz, and average frequencies of 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz compared to the LNE group at the second measurement. Occupational noise levels above 65 dBA over six months were found to cause significant threshold changes at frequencies of 0.25 kHz, 0.5 kHz, and an average of 0.5–4.0 kHz. This study highlights the risk of noise-induced hearing loss among healthcare workers and emphasizes the importance of implementing effective hearing conservation programs in the workplace. Regular monitoring and assessment of noise levels and hearing ability, along with proper use of personal protective equipment, are crucial steps in mitigating the impact of occupational noise exposure on the hearing health of healthcare workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the rise of renewable energy/green energy issues in recent years, many countries have agreed to adopt the forms of environmental protection, cleanliness, and no impact on the environment for the sources and composition of energy. They have also drawn up relevant international agreements (i.e., Kyoto Protocol, Paris Agreement) to strictly limit and manage CO2 emissions. The newly advocated electric vehicles have gradually been regarded as a method to improve the environment by all countries. Through the introduction of new electric transport modes, the innovation and reform of the energy structure are promoted, and traditional transportation has also changed. In recent years, Taiwan has promoted the policy of replacing traditional fuel two-wheeled vehicles with electric two-wheeled vehicles (ETWVs), and gradually increased the number of ETWVs in Taiwan by replacing old fuel vehicles and subsidizing the purchase of ETWVs. This study is aimed at college students to explore the important factors that affect their willingness to buy ETWVs. As college students are the first group to buy ETWVs, if their willingness to buy ETWVs can be increased, environmental sustainability may be enhanced. Through a questionnaire designed to investigate the two-wheeled vehicle use preferences of college students in Taiwan, this paper explores the significant factors affecting college students' purchase of ETWVs. This study applies Logistic Regression and Ordered Logit models, and the results of model estimation show that household income, gender, environmental awareness, recognition of ETWVs, the fuel costs of existing vehicles, number of people in each household, operational efficiency of ETWVs, and subsidy and incentive measures will all positively affect the purchase intention of college students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dialogic reading (DR), first described in Whitehurst et al. (1988), is a specific reading technique that encourages parents to involve the child actively in verbal and nonverbal interactions during shared book reading. The well-known acronyms for DR techniques include CROWD (completion, recall, open-ended questions, wh-questions and distancing) and PEER (prompt, evaluate, expand and repeat). As DR was originally designed for children aged 2 to 5 years, it is less known about what the DR practices of parents would look like during shared book reading with 12 month-old infants. The current study analyzed observational data from 29 parent-infant dyads to address this issue during shared book reading. The results indicated that parents interacted with their 12 month-old infants by spontaneously applying most DR strategies during shared book reading, with some strategies used more frequently and commonly than others. The usage frequency of each DR strategy did not change as a function of infants' background characteristics. Parents with infants who had better abilities in communicative gestures tended to use information from the book cover to prompt the children to talk about the story more frequently during shared book reading. These results make a unique contribution in providing both quantitative and qualitative data to illustrate what the DR practices of parents look like while reading with preverbal infants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) interacts with various extracellular matrix proteins in tissues. Elevated COMP levels recently linked to worse overall survival in multiple cancer types. COMP's significance in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) remains uncertain. Here we report a retrospective study to explore COMP's impact on iCCA outcomes. We collected 182 patients' iCCA tumor tissues. COMP overexpression was associated with adverse factors like R1 resection (p = 0.008), advanced T stage (p < 0.001), large duct type (p = 0.004), and poorly differentiated histology (p = 0.002). COMP overexpression correlates with poorer DFS (HR, 3.651; p = 0.001), OS (HR, 1.827; p = 0.023), LRFS (HR, 4.077; p < 0.001), and MFS (HR, 3.718; p < 0.001). High COMP expression ties to worse overall survival (p = 0.0001), DSS (p < 0.0001), LRFS (p < 0.0001), and MFS (p < 0.0001). In conclusion, COMP overexpression links to poor prognosis and pathological features in iCCA, indicating its potential as a biomarker. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is frequently accompanied by hypertension, resulting in cardiovascular comorbidities. Continuous positive airway pressure is a standard therapy for OSA but has poor adherence. Inspiratory muscle training (IMT) may reduce airway collapsibility and sympathetic output, which may decrease OSA severity and blood pressure. In this meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs), we evaluated the efficacy of IMT in patients with OSA. Methods: We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases for relevant RCTs published before November 2022. Results: Seven RCTs with a total of 160 patients with OSA were included. Compared with the control group, the IMT group exhibited significantly lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure (mean difference [MD]: − 10.77 and − 4.58 mmHg, respectively), plasma catecholamine levels (MD: − 128.64 pg/mL), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (MD: − 3.06), and Epworth Sleepiness Scale score (MD: − 4.37). No significant between-group differences were observed in the apnea–hypopnea index, forced vital capacity (FVC), ratio of forced expiratory volume in 1 s to FVC, or adverse effects. The data indicate comprehensive evidence regarding the efficacy of IMT for OSA. However, the level of certainty (LOC) remains low. Conclusion: IMT improved blood pressure- and sleep-related outcomes without causing adverse effects and may thus be a reasonable option for lowering blood pressure in patients with OSA. However, additional studies with larger sample sizes and rigorous study designs are warranted to increase the LOC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With globalization and rapid technological-economic development accelerating the market dynamics, consumers' demand is becoming more volatile and diverse. In this situation, capacity adjustment as an operational strategic decision plays a major role to ensure supply chain responsiveness while maintaining costs at a reasonable norm. This study contributes to the literature by developing computationally efficient approximate dynamic programming approaches for production capacity planning considering uncertainties and demand interdependence in a multi-factory multi-product supply chain setting. For this purpose, the k-Nearest-Neighbor-based Approximate Dynamic Programming and the Rolling-Horizon-based Approximate Dynamic Programming are developed to enable real-time decision support while ensuring the robustness of the outcomes in stochastic decision environments. Given the market volatilities in the Thin Film Transistor-Liquid Crystal Display industry, a real case from this sector is investigated to evaluate the applicability of the developed approach and provide insights for other industry situations. The developed method is less complex to implement, and numerical experiments showed that it is also computationally more efficient compared to Stochastic Dynamic Programming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Mienhua submarine volcano (MHV) is located in the southernmost Okinawa Trough and exhibits vigorous hydrothermal activity. This paper presents a detailed volcanic morphological analysis of the MHV, which has not been fully explored or discussed in terms of its hydrothermal characteristics and their relationship to hydrothermal activities. The MHV is situated at a water depth of 1370 m and has a width of 2.2 km and relief height of 220 m. The MHV is an asymmetric volcano composed of two summits in the center, rugged mounds in the west, and flat regions in the east. Two hydrothermal vents, Devil Chimney and Witch Mound were discovered through acoustic flares and a high backscatter intensity in the eastern flank. Based on three repeated mappings, no noticeable depth changes were observed at the acoustic flare zone compared to the area of the rugged mounds and two summits. In addition, a sediment core collected in a high backscatter intensity patch displayed low magnetic susceptibility, which could be influenced by the high methane levels in hydrothermal fluid that flows through sediments. An acoustically transparent zone adjoining active flares was observed in the sub-bottom profiles in the southeastern flank of the MHV, suggesting that the morphological and volcanic features are mainly concentrated in the southeast. Based on the seabed characteristics and the distribution of sills and reflectors in the multichannel seismic profiles, we inferred that the MHV is an off-axis vent that has experienced at least two stages of morphological development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Estimating human preference is an essential capability of a social robot. Such a machine Theory of Mind for others' preferences is studied predominantly under the framework of inverse reinforcement learning, which however requires millions of approach-avoidance trajectories in a simulated grid world as training samples to achieve state-of-the-art results. Here, the present study explores the utility of taking spatially small-scale approach-avoidance behaviors in real life as predictive cues for efficiently estimating human preferences. Using a toy-playing scenario as an example (ΣN = 58 young and older adults), we found that a person's subjectively reported and objectively inferred levels of attention and happiness could well predict the person's subjective levels of toy preference. Importantly, attention and happiness can be rapidly estimated from gaze directions and emotional expressions by computer vision techniques in a learning-free manner. Compared with preference learning from spatially larger-scale movement behaviors, robot estimation of human preferences from these smaller-scale behavioral cues can be more efficient and generalizable to unlearned situations in real life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because of the cancer incidence increase and population aging in Taiwan, we aimed to assess the cancer prevalence, to summarize the comorbidities of older patients with the five most common cancers (i.e., breast, colorectal, liver, lung, and oral), and to develop a Taiwan cancer comorbidity index (TCCI) for studying their actual prognosis. The linkage of the Taiwan Cancer Registry, Cause of Death Database, and National Health Insurance Research Database was used. We followed the standard statistical learning steps to obtain a survival model with good discriminatory accuracy in predicting death due to noncancer causes, from which we obtained the TCCI and defined comorbidity levels. We reported the actual prognosis by age, stage, and comorbidity level. In Taiwan, cancer prevalence nearly doubled in 2004–2014, and comorbidities were common among older patients. Stage was the major predictor of patients' actual prognoses. For localized and regional breast, colorectal, and oral cancers, comorbidities correlated with noncancer-related deaths. Compared with the US, the chances of dying from comorbidities in Taiwan were lower and the chances of dying from cancer were higher for breast, colorectal, and male lung cancers. These actual prognoses could help clinicians and patients in treatment decision-making and help policymakers in resource planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydroacoustic surveys at the accretionary wedge southwest of Taiwan reveal a confined active hydrocarbon seepage area of ~ 49,000 m2 in ~ 1350 m water depth on the northern crest of the Four-Way Closure Ridge, which we call Yam Seep. In this study, multibeam and side-scan sonar data acquired during surveys with an autonomous underwater vehicle during an expedition with R/V Ocean Researcher I in 2017 showed that the area is characterized by rough topography and high seafloor backscatter. Seafloor observations with a video sled and sediment sampling with gravity corers and the MeBo seafloor drill rig during an expedition with R/V SONNE in 2018 revealed that the area is almost entirely covered by intensely fractured methane-derived carbonates, which indicate that seepage has been ongoing for thousands of years. Hydroacoustic anomalies ('flares') in the water column indicated the presence of several gas bubble emission sites mostly at the center and eastern flank of the area in 2019. Drilling through massive carbonates in the northwestern part of Yam Seep induced free gas escape from a depth of ~ 5.1 m. This suggests the presence of gas hydrates in the subsurface as the seep area is located well within the gas hydrate stability zone. The inter-disciplinary investigations of the Yam Seep demonstrate that upward migration of light hydrocarbons and seafloor discharge has a considerable influence on the seabed properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Nowadays, there is a high demand to use radiation-based equipment to increase the precision of oil products monitoring systems. In this study, the application of X-ray tubes combined with feature extraction and artificial intelligence techniques were investigated for determining the volumetric percentages in two-phase flows. Firstly, a detection system consists of an X-ray tube, a horizontal Pyrex-glass pipe, and a NaI(TI) detector was simulated by MCNP code. Two flow regimes of annular and stratified were simulated in different volume percentages in the pipe. After acquiring the needed dataset using MCNP code, ten time-domain features were extracted from the dataset and then applied as the input of the neural network model of group method of data handling (GMDH). The GMDH neural network has the ability to diagnose the efficient input for achieving the best network configuration. Among extracted time characteristics of RMS, WL, ASS, MSR, ASM, average, STD, median, skewness, and kurtosis, GMDH neural network introduced the characteristics of RMS, ASS, MSR, ASM, and average as effective characteristics. Indeed, this GMDH neural network feature helped to determine effective characteristics for predicting volume percentages. The obtained predictions with a maximum root-mean-square error of 0.62 indicate that the use of the feature extraction methods is very applicable in determining volume percentages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of quercetin on the biochemical parameters, immunity, and growth performance in malathion-exposed common carp, Cyprinus carpio. The methods six experimental groups, including the control group, fish exposed to concentrations of 1.04 and 2.08 mg/l malathion, fish supplemented with quercetin (200 mg/kg diet), and fish treated with quercetin + malathion for 21 days, were considered for the experiment. After the feeding period, in results the activities of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione S-transferase (GST) were significantly decreased in the hepatocyte, while malondialdehyde (MDA) content increased in response to malathion. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activities and glucose, cortisol, and urea levels significantly increased after exposure to malathion. Exposure of fish to malathion-induced decreases in protease, lysozyme, and alternative complement (ACH50) activities and total immunoglobulin (total Ig) in the mucosa. Changes in other parameters were different depending on malathion concentrations. The supplementation of fish with quercetin had no ameliorating effect on the malathion-related alternations of mucosal lysozyme and protease activities. However, quercetin ameliorated the depressing effects of malathion on biochemical and immunological parameters. Changes in the growth performance and hematological parameters indicated the toxic effect of malathion. In conclusion, quercetin could efficiently reduce the toxic effects of malathion on the biochemical, immune, and hematological parameters of the common carp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global vaccination against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is thought to be the most effective way to end or at least contain the COVID-19 pandemic. However, despite the good safety profiles and effectiveness of the available COVID-19 vaccines, rare but serious hematological complications have emerged, including thromboembolic outcomes with thrombocytopenia following the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 (Oxford-AstraZeneca) and Ad26.COV.2.S (Johnson & Johnson/Janssen) vaccines. Moreover, COVID-19 vaccination may be linked to the development of aplastic anemia (AA). We discuss four cases of AA that arose after COVID-19 vaccination in our hospital and two other such cases identified in our literature review. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alluvial fans are large-scale depositional structures commonly found at the base of mountain ranges. They are relatively soil-rich compared to the rocky terrains, or catchment areas, from which their material originates. When frequented by debris flows (massive, muddy, rocky flows) they contribute significantly to local hazards as they carry focused, collisional, fast-moving materials across alluvial fans, unpredictable in size, speed, and direction. We research how fine particle content in debris flows correlates with directional changes, i.e., debris flow avulsions. Toward this, we analyzed field data from two neighboring alluvial fans in the White Mountains (California, USA) that exhibit dramatically different topographies despite their proximity and associated similar long-term climates. Informed by these measurements, we performed long-term and incremental alluvial fan experiments built by debris flows with systematically-varied fine particle content. We found that (1) decreasing fine particle content increases the variability of fan slopes and associated channelization dynamics, and (2) for all mixtures longer-term continuous alluvial fan experiments form more complex surface channelizations than repeated flows for the same total time, indicating the importance of both particle sizes and timescales on alluvial fan surface morphology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Long-term exposure to PM2.5 (particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of ≤ 2.5 μm) is associated with pulmonary injury and emphysema in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We investigated mechanisms through which the long noncoding RNA lnc-IL7R contributes to cellular damage by inducing oxidative stress in COPD patients exposed to PM2.5. Methods: Associations of serum lnc-IL7R levels with lung function, emphysema, and previous PM2.5 exposure in COPD patients were analyzed. Reactive oxygen species and lnc-IL7R levels were measured in PM2.5-treated cells. The levels of lnc-IL7R and cellular senescence–associated genes, namely p16INK4a and p21CIP1/WAF1, were determined through lung tissue section staining. The effects of p16INK4a or p21CIP1/WAF1 regulation were examined by performing lnc-IL7R overexpression and knockdown assays. The functions of lnc-IL7R-mediated cell proliferation, cell cycle, senescence, colony formation, and apoptosis were examined in cells treated with PM2.5. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays were conducted to investigate the epigenetic regulation of p21CIP1/WAF1. Results: Lnc-IL7R levels decreased in COPD patients and were negatively correlated with emphysema or PM2.5 exposure. Lnc-IL7R levels were upregulated in normal lung epithelial cells but not in COPD cells exposed to PM2.5. Lower lnc-IL7R expression in PM2.5-treated cells induced p16INK4a and p21CIP1/WAF1 expression by increasing oxidative stress. Higher lnc-IL7R expression protected against cellular senescence and apoptosis, whereas lower lnc-IL7R expression augmented injury in PM2.5-treated cells. Lnc-IL7R and the enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) synergistically suppressed p21CIP1/WAF1 expression through epigenetic modulation. Conclusion: Lnc-IL7R attenuates PM2.5-mediated p21CIP1/WAF1 expression through EZH2 recruitment, and its dysfunction may augment cellular injury in COPD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Open-type check dams are effective in mitigating sediment-related disasters in mountain regions. Unlike closed-type dams, they do not interrupt sediment transport or ecological continuity. This work reports on flume experiments that explored sediment trapping by truss and beam check dams, focusing on the impact of the relative spacing between the trusses or beams on sediment capture. We assessed the ability of adjustable check dams to preserve a dynamic sediment equilibrium by modifying the truss or beam spacing. Experiments with various gravel sizes and truss or beam spacings revealed that a smaller spacing results in a significant reduction in the proportion of sediment passing through the dam, whereas a larger spacing facilitates sediment transport through the dam. The two dam types showed different behaviors. Beams were more effective than trusses in trapping sediment, particularly at relative spacings of between 1.5 and 2.3, with the difference in sediment retention between the two types of dam reaching 43%. A practical case study of an adjustable beam check dam on Dongzhuang Stream in southern Taiwan illustrated the applicability of our research, where sediment management was notably enhanced following adjustments to the dam structure. The flexible operation of open-type, adjustable beam check dams presents a promising approach for sustainable sediment control in fluvial systems, enabling a balance between disaster mitigation and ecological conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of this study was to determine if robotic surgery can reproduce the technical advantages and oncologic outcomes of laparoscopic surgery for the treatment of locally advanced colorectal cancer invading the urinary bladder. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the prospectively maintained data of patients with locally advanced colorectal cancer invading the urinary bladder undergoing robotic or laparoscopic surgery between June 2006 and November 2020. Clinicopathologic features, surgical outcomes, and oncologic efficacy were compared between patient groups of robotic or laparoscopic surgery. All patients underwent surgery with the intent of R0 resection for the primary tumor. Major surgical complications were defined as Clavien–Dindo grade ≥ III. Multivariate regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors. Results: A total of 41 patients (M:F = 32:9; median age: 63 [42–88] years) were analysed; 32 underwent laparoscopic surgery and 9 underwent robotic surgery. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in baseline demographic and clinicopathologic features. There were no significant differences in terms of mean operative time (353.24 vs. 387.33 min), mean blood loss (315.00 vs. 171.11 mL), mean number of lymph nodes harvested (27.16 vs. 23.50), R0 resection (89.7 vs. 66.7%), conversion (12.5 vs. 11.1%), major complication rate (9.4 vs. 22.2%), mean time to flatus passage (4.8 vs. 4.1 days), mean postoperative length of hospital stay (18.9 vs. 19.8 days), 5-year disease-free survival rate (64.6 vs. 62.5%) and overall survival rate (75.3 vs. 83.3%). Multivariate analysis showed that R1 resection was the only independent prognostic factor for reduced disease-free survival (hazard ratio 21.386; 95% confidence interval 1.991–229.723; p = 0.0115). Conclusions: Robotic surgery can reproduce the technical advantages and oncologic outcomes of laparoscopic surgery for the treatment of locally advanced colorectal cancer invading the urinary bladder. However, larger studies are mandatory to clarify the role of robotic surgery in such a scenario. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endoscopic resection or esophagectomy has becoming the standard treatment for superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinomas (SESCC), but some patients may develop disease progression or second primary cancers after the therapies. Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), lymphocyte to monocyte ratio (LMR), and platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) reflect the balance between pro-cancer inflammatory and anti-cancer immune responses, however their roles in SESCC are still unknown. We consecutively enrolled patients with newly diagnosed SESCC (clinical stage Tis or T1N0M0) who were treated at our institute. Pre-treatment NLR, LMR and PLR were assessed and then correlated with clinical factors and long-term survival. A total of 156 patients were enrolled (152 males, 4 females; median age: 52.2 years), of whom 104 received endoscopic resection and 52 were treated with esophagectomy or chemoradiation.. During a mean follow-up period of 60.1 months, seventeen patients died of ESCCs, and 45 died of second primary cancers. The 5-year ESCC-specific survival and 5-year overall survival rate were 86% and 57%, respectively. LMR (P < 0.05) and NLR (P < 0.05), but not PLR were significantly correlated with overall survival. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed optimal LMR and NLR cut-off values of 4 and 2.5, respectively, to predict a poor prognosis. Patients with a high NLR or low LMR tended to have longer tumor length, larger circumferential extension, and presence of second primary cancers. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that presence of second primary cancers (HR: 5.05, 95%CI: 2.75–9.28), low LMR (HR: 2.56, 95%CI: 1.09–6.03) were independent risk factors for poor survival. A low pre-treatment LMR may be a non-invasive pretreatment predictor of poor prognosis to guide the surveillance program, suggesting that anti-cancer immunity may play a role in the early events of esophageal squamous cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Limited methods are available for investigating the reorientational dynamics of A-site cations in two-dimensional organic–inorganic hybrid perovskites (2D OIHPs), which play a pivotal role in determining their physical properties. Here, we describe an approach to study the dynamics of A-site cations using solid-state NMR and stable isotope labelling. 2H NMR of 2D OIHPs incorporating methyl-d3-ammonium cations (d3-MA) reveals the existence of multiple modes of reorientational motions of MA. Rotational-echo double resonance (REDOR) NMR of 2D OIHPs incorporating 15N- and ¹³C-labeled methylammonium cations (13C,15N-MA) reflects the averaged dipolar coupling between the C and N nuclei undergoing different modes of motions. Our study reveals the interplay between the A-site cation dynamics and the structural rigidity of the organic spacers, so providing a molecular-level insight into the design of 2D OIHPs. The reorientational dynamics of A-site cations in two-dimensional organic-inorganic hybrid perovskites play an important role in determining their physical properties. Here the authors use solid state NMR and isotope labelling to reveal multiple modes of reorientational motions of methylammonium cations and the role of structural rigidity of the organic spacers on their dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exposure to environmental and occupational contaminants leads to lung cancer. 3-Nitrobenzanthrone (3-nitro-7H-benz[de]anthracen-7-one, 3-NBA) is a potential carcinogen in ambient air or diesel particulate matter. Studies have revealed that short-term exposure to 3-NBA induces cell death, reactive oxygen species activation, and DNA adduct formation and damage. However, details of the mechanism by which chronic exposure to 3-NBA influences lung carcinogenesis remain largely unknown. In this study, human lung epithelial BEAS-2B cells were continuously exposed to 0–10-μM 3-NBA for 6 months. NanoString analysis was conducted to evaluate gene expression in the cells, revealing that 3-NBA–mediated transformation results in a distinct gene expression signature including carbon cancer metabolism, metastasis, and angiogenesis. Alterations in tumor-promoting genes such as EREG (epiregulin), SOX9, E-cadherin, TWIST, and IL-6 were involved in epithelial cell aggressiveness. Kaplan–Meier plotter analyses indicated that increased EREG and IL-6 expressions in early-stage lung cancer cells are correlated with poor survival. In vivo xenografts on 3-NBA–transformed cells exhibited prominent tumor formation and metastasis. EREG knockout cells exposed to 3-NBA for a short period exhibited high apoptosis and low colony formation. By contrast, overexpression of EREG in 3-NBA–transformed cells markedly activated the PI3K/AKT and MEK/ERK signaling pathways, resulting in tumorigenicity. Furthermore, elevated IL-6 and EREG expressions synergistically led to STAT3 signaling activation, resulting in clonogenic cell survival and migration. Taken together, chronic exposure of human lung epithelial cells to 3-NBA leads to malignant transformation, in which the EREG signaling pathway plays a pivotal mediating role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two different types of desaturations are employed by iron- and 2-oxoglutarate-dependent (Fe/2OG) enzymes to construct vinyl isonitrile and isocyanoacrylate moieties found in isonitrile-containing natural products. A substrate-bound protein structure reveals a plausible strategy to affect desaturation and hints at substrate promiscuity of these enzymes. Analogs are synthesized and used as mechanistic probes to validate structural observations. Instead of proceeding through hydroxylated intermediate as previously proposed, a plausible carbocation species is utilized to trigger C=C bond installation. These Fe/2OG enzymes can also accommodate analogs with opposite chirality and different functional groups including isonitrile-(D)-tyrosine, N-formyl tyrosine, and phloretic acid, while maintaining the reaction selectivity. While canonical oxygen-rebound pathway has been utilized by several Fe/2OG enzymes, insights into the desaturation process remain to be elucidated. Here, the authors suggest that a carbocation might be deployed to enable chemically divergent desaturations through decarboxylation and deprotonation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapid and accurate reliability assessment of electronic devices is a key issue in device design. In this work, a machine learning algorithm was developed to estimate the fatigue lifetime of ball grid solder joints under thermomechanical loading cycles. Using this novel approach, an extremely quick estimation of the thermomechanical fatigue lifetime of the ball grid solder joints was achieved. Several finite element simulations were performed to investigate the creep behavior of the solder joints under different thermal loading conditions. The collected data were then inserted into the proposed machine learning algorithm. The results demonstrated that the model can accurately predict the lifetime of the ball grid solder joints in the shortest possible time. It was also revealed that thermal cycling specifications play a crucial role in interconnection failure. The effects of the solder chemical composition and the volume on the activation of the fatigue and creep damage in the solder joints were determined, which make this novel approach attractive for reliability assessment in the preliminary stage of system design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute kidney disease (AKD) comprises acute kidney injury (AKI). However, whether the AKD staging system has prognostic values among AKI patients with different baseline estimated glomerular filtration (eGFR) remains a controversial issue. Algorithm-based approach was applied to identify AKI occurrence and to define different AKD stages. Risk ratio for major adverse kidney events (MAKE), including (1) eGFR decline > 35% from baseline, (2) initiation of dialysis, (3) in-hospital mortality of different AKD subgroups were identified by multivariable logistic regression. Among the 4741 AKI patients identified from January 2015 to December 2018, AKD stages 1–3 after AKI was common (53% in the lower baseline eGFR group and 51% in the higher baseline eGFR group). In the logistic regression model adjusted for demographics and comorbidities at 1-year follow-up, AKD stages 1/2/3 (AKD stage 0 as reference group) were associated with higher risks of MAKE (AKD stage: odds ratio, 95% confidence interval [95% CI], AKD 1: 1.85, 1.56–2.19; AKD 2: 3.43, 2.85–4.12; AKD 3: 10.41, 8.68–12.49). Regardless of baseline eGFR, staging criteria for AKD identified AKI patients who were at higher risk of kidney function decline, dialysis and mortality. Post-AKI AKD patients with severer stage need intensified care and timely intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Post-transplant cyclophosphamide (PT-Cy) and calcineurin inhibitors used in peripheral blood haplo-identical stem cell transplantation (haploSCT) increase the risk of acute/chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Whether ATG/PT-Cy is feasible for Asian patients undergoing haploSCT is unclear, and an optimal strategy for GVHD prophylaxis is needed. Materials and methods: We retrospectively analyzed 61 hematologic malignancy patients who underwent peripheral blood haploSCT using ATG/PT-Cy from January 2013 to December 2018. We also compared the effects of ATG/PT-Cy (ATG group; n = 61) with historical data from patients who underwent haploSCT using sirolimus/PT-Cy (non-ATG group; n = 22). Results: Cumulative incidences of grades II–IV acute GVHD and moderate to severe chronic GVHD did not differ significantly. The ATG group had higher incidence of Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) reactivation, but neither group had post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders. The ATG group also had a higher OS rate (2-year OS in ATG group vs. non-ATG group: 43.4% vs. 27.3%, respectively; P = 0.071). Conclusion: ATG/PT-Cy is an acceptable strategy for GVHD prophylaxis in Asian patients undergoing haploSCT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Major earthquakes in a given location are unpredictable, infrequent, and often fatal. Using data from a previous earthquake disaster, this study explores the relationship between certain characteristics of the physical environment and the type and extent of building damage by using spatial statistical analyses and principal component analysis. The results show that a specified set of physical environmental features, including landslide-prone areas and proximity to a fault, are associated with greater degrees of building damage. The results also show, as evidenced by cases in which buildings constructed according to standards of earthquake-resistant design still collapsed, a sole concern with buildings is insufficient for community safety. Policy implications include that although building design, quality construction, and governmental inspection of new developments are important as adaptation measures to earthquakes, they may be of secondary importance compared to prohibiting future development in earthquake-prone areas possessing the physical features identified herein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is unclear whether dysbiosis in hepatitis C virus (HCV) infected patients results from the viral infection per se or develops as a result of hepatic dysfunction. We aimed to characterize compositions in gut microbiome before and shortly after HCV clearance. In this prospective cohort study, adult patients with confirmed HCV viremia were screened before receiving direct antiviral agents. Those with recent exposure to antibiotics or probiotics (within one month), prior abdominal surgery, or any malignancy were ineligible. Stool was collected before antiviral therapy started and at 12 weeks after the treatment completed. From the extracted bacterial DNA, 16 s rRNA gene was amplified and sequenced. Each patient was matched 1:2 in age and sex with uninfected controls. A total of 126 individuals were enrolled into analysis. The gut microbiome was significantly different between HCV-infected patients (n = 42), with or without cirrhosis, and their age-and sex-matched controls (n = 84) from the levels of phylum to amplicon sequence variant (all p values < 0.01 by principal coordinates analysis). All patients achieved viral eradication and exhibited no significant changes in the overall composition of gut microbiome following viral eradication (all p values > 0.5), also without significant difference in alpha diversity (all p values > 0.5). For the purpose of exploration, we also reported bacteria found differently abundant before and after HCV eradication, including Coriobacteriaceae, Peptostreptococcaceae, Staphylococcaceae, Morganellaceae, Pasteurellaceae, Succinivibrionaceae, and Moraxellaceae. Gut microbiota is altered in HCV-infected patients as compared with uninfected controls, but the overall microbial compositions do not significantly change shortly after HCV eradication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epidemiological studies identified the relationship between air pollution and pulmonary tuberculosis. Effects of lung-deposited dose of particulate matter (PM) on culture-positive pulmonary tuberculosis remain unclear. This study investigates the association between lung-deposited dose of PM and pulmonary tuberculosis pleurisy. A case-control study of subjects undergoing pleural effusion drainage of pulmonary tuberculosis (case) and chronic heart failure (control) was conducted. Metals and biomarkers were quantified in the pleural effusion. The air pollution exposure was measured and PM deposition in the head, tracheobronchial, alveolar region, and total lung region was estimated by Multiple-path Particle Dosimetry (MPPD) Model. We performed multiple logistic regression to examine the associations of these factors with the risk of tuberculosis. We observed that 1-μg/m3 increase in PM10 was associated with 1.226-fold increased crude odds ratio (OR) of tuberculosis (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.023–1.469, p<0.05), 1-μg/m3 increase in PM2.5-10 was associated with 1.482-fold increased crude OR of tuberculosis (95% CI: 1.048–2.097, p < 0.05), 1-ppb increase in NO2 was associated with 1.218-fold increased crude OR of tuberculosis (95% CI: 1.025–1.447, p < 0.05), and 1-ppb increase in O3 was associated with 0.735-fold decreased crude OR of tuberculosis (95% CI: 0.542 0.995). We observed 1-μg/m3 increase in PM deposition in head and nasal region was associated with 1.699-fold increased crude OR of tuberculosis (95% CI: 1.065–2.711, p < 0.05), 1-μg/m3 increase in PM deposition in tracheobronchial region was associated with 1.592-fold increased crude OR of tuberculosis (95% CI: 1.095–2.313, p < 0.05), 1-μg/m3 increase in PM deposition in alveolar region was associated with 3.981-fold increased crude OR of tuberculosis (95% CI: 1.280–12.386, p < 0.05), and 1-μg/m3 increase in PM deposition in total lung was associated with 1.511-fold increased crude OR of tuberculosis (95% CI: 1.050–2.173, p < 0.05). The results indicate that particle deposition in alveolar region could cause higher risk of pulmonary tuberculosis pleurisy than deposition in other lung regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Data mining on a public domain detected eight potential transcripts which were upregulated in advanced UBUCs, suggesting that they may take part in UC development or/and progression. Retrospectively, immunohistochemistry along with H-score recording was carried out to evaluate the GNB4 protein levels on tissues from UC patients. Correlations between GNB4 H-score and imperative clinicopathological factors, as well as the implication of GNB4 protein level on disease-specific and metastasis-free survivals were assessed. In UTUCs (n = 340) and UBUCs (n = 295), 170 (50.0%) and 148 (50.0%) cases, respectively, were identified to be of high GNB4 expression. The GNB4 protein levels were correlated to numerous clinicopathological features and patients' survivals. Upregulation of the GNB4 protein was significantly associated with primary tumor, nodal metastasis, histological grade, vascular invasion and mitotic rate. High GNB4 protein levels independently and significantly predicted poor disease-specific and metastasis-free in UTUC and UBUC, respectively. Ingenuity pathway analysis furthermore showed that multiple signaling pathways were enriched including 'Communication between Innate and Adaptive Immune Cells' and 'NFκB Signaling'. Our findings demonstrated that the upregulation of the GNB4 protein is an independent unfavorable prognosticator in UC. High GNB4 gene expression plays an important role in UC progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A broad range of potential chemical compositions makes difficult design of novel bulk metallic glasses (BMGs) without performing expensive experimentations. To overcome this problem, it is very important to establish predictive models based on artificial intelligence. In this work, a machine learning (ML) approach was proposed for predicting glass formation in numerous alloying compositions and designing novel glassy alloys. The results showed that our ML model accurately predicted the glass formation and critical thickness of MGs. As a case study, the ternary Fe–B–Co system was selected and effects of minor additions of Cr, Nb and Y with different atomic percentages were evaluated. It was found that the minor addition of Nb and Y leads to the significant improvement of glass-forming ability (GFA) in the Fe–B–Co system; however, a shift in the optimized alloying composition was occurred. The experimental results on selective alloying compositions also confirmed the capability of our ML model for designing novel Fe-based BMGs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Pulmonary atelectasis is a common postoperative complication that may lead to intrapulmonary shunt, refractory hypoxemia, and respiratory distress. Recruitment maneuvers may relieve pulmonary atelectasis in patients undergoing thoracic surgery. This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) is to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of recruitment maneuvers in patients undergoing thoracic surgery. Methods: We performed a literature search on the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases and the ClinicalTrials.gov registry for trials published before April 2021. We investigated postoperative pulmonary atelectasis incidence, intrapulmonary shunt fraction, static lung compliance, and mean arterial pressure. Results: Six RCTs involving 526 patients were reviewed. Patients receiving a recruitment maneuver exhibited a significant decrease in intrapulmonary shunt fraction [weighted mean difference (WMD) − 0.02, 95% CI − 0.03 to − 0.01], improved static lung compliance (WMD 2.16; 95% CI 1.14–3.18), and PaO2/FIO2 ratio (WMD 31.31; 95% CI 12.11–50.52) without a significant difference in mean arterial pressure (WMD − 0.64; 95% CI − 4.92 to 3.64). The incidence pulmonary atelectasis favored recruitment maneuver group, but was not statistically significant (RR 0.55; 95% CI 0.27–1.12). Conclusions: Recruitment maneuvers may be a viable treatment for reducing intra-pulmonary shunt and improving static lung compliance and PaO2/FIO2 ratio without the disturbance of hemodynamics in patients undergoing thoracic surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among the various methods adopted to compare health inequality, Makdissi and Yazbeck (J Health Econ 34:84–95, 2014) developed positional stochastic dominance conditions to identify an ordering. To reach a conclusion, their rules require that the (generalized) health concentration curve of the dominant distribution lie above that of the dominated one. However, it is frequently observed in practice that these curves intersect. Our paper proposes new criteria to cope with this problem by allowing a relatively small violation of the condition proposed by Makdissi and Yazbeck (2014). We characterize our conditions by linking them with some ethical constraints of the weight functions. We further use individual data for Côte d'Ivoire and Guinea from the Demographic and Health Survey to demonstrate the usefulness of our newly-proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Rectal cancer patients can conceivably obtain relief from neoadjuvant concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) for downstaging before resection, but the stratification of risk and clinical outcomes remains challenging. Therefore, identifying effective predictive biomarkers offers clinicians the opportunity to individually tailor early interventions, which would help optimize therapy. Methods: Using a public rectal cancer transcriptome dataset (GSE35452), we focused on cytoskeletal protein binding (GO: 0008092)-related genes and identified FERM domain containing 3 (FRMD3) as the most significant differentially expressed gene associated with CCRT resistance. We gathered 172 tumor samples from rectal cancer patients treated with neoadjuvant CCRT accompanied by curative resection and estimated the expression level of FRMD3 using immunohistochemistry. Results: The results revealed that high FRMD3 immunoexpression was remarkably associated with advanced pre-CCRT and post-CCRT tumor status (p = 0.004 and p < 0.001), pre-CCRT and post-CCRT lymph node metastasis (both p < 0.001), more perineurial invasion (p = 0.023), and a smaller extent of tumor regression (p = 0.018). High FRMD3 immunoexpression was remarkably correlated with inferior disease-specific survival (DSS) (p = 0.0001), local recurrence-free survival (LRFS) (p = 0.0003), and metastasis-free survival (MeFS) (p = 0.0023) at the univariate level. Furthermore, in multivariate analysis, high FRMD3 immunoexpression remained independently predictive of inferior DSS (p = 0.002), LRFS (p = 0.005), and MeFS (p = 0.015). Conclusion: These results suggest that high FRMD3 expression is related to advanced clinicopathological features and inferior therapeutic responses in rectal cancer patients treated with CCRT, validating the promising prognostic value of FRMD3 expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the correlations between the glass forming ability (GFA) and the elastic properties is a topic of current interest in the field of metallic glasses (MGs). In this work, a machine learning (ML) technique was applied to investigate the role of 0–6 at.% minor additions of Ni, Nb and Ag elements on the glass formation and bulk elastic modulus (K) of Zr50±5Cu40±5Al10±5 system. The preliminary results showed that the ML model accurately predicted the properties of glassy alloys. In general, it was found that there exists a close relevance between the glass forming ability and elastic modulus under the microalloying process. Moreover, it is revealed that an optimum addition of Ag and Nb is needed for the maximum GFA and K values, while Ni addition steadily improves the mentioned properties. It was also suggested that the level of interaction between the added element and the basic chemical composition is the main reason for the significant variations in the properties of micro-alloyed system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deformed wing virus (DWV) prevalence is high in honey bee (Apis mellifera) populations. The virus infects honey bees through vertical and horizontal transmission, leading to behavioural changes, wing deformity, and early mortality. To better understand the impacts of viral infection in the larval stage of honey bees, artificially reared honey bee larvae were infected with DWV (1.55 × 1010 copies/per larva). No significant mortality occurred in infected honey bee larvae, while the survival rates decreased significantly at the pupal stage. Examination of DWV replication revealed that viral replication began at 2 days post inoculation (d.p.i.), increased dramatically to 4 d.p.i., and then continuously increased in the pupal stage. To better understand the impact of DWV on the larval stage, DWV-infected and control groups were subjected to transcriptomic analysis at 4 d.p.i. Two hundred fifty-five differentially expressed genes (DEGs) (fold change ≥ 2 or ≤ -2) were identified. Of these DEGs, 168 genes were downregulated, and 87 genes were upregulated. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis showed that 141 DEGs (55.3%) were categorized into molecular functions, cellular components and biological processes. One hundred eleven genes (38 upregulated and 73 downregulated) were annotated by KO (KEGG Orthology) pathway mapping and involved metabolic pathways, biosynthesis of secondary metabolites and glycine, serine and threonine metabolism pathways. Validation of DEGs was performed, and the related gene expression levels showed a similar tendency to the DEG predictions at 4 d.p.i.; cell wall integrity and stress response component 1 (wsc1), cuticular protein and myo-inositol 2-dehydrogenase (iolG) were significantly upregulated, and small conductance calcium-activated potassium channel protein (SK) was significantly downregulated at 4 d.p.i. Related gene expression levels at different d.p.i. revealed that these DEGs were significantly regulated from the larval stage to the pupal stage, indicating the potential impacts of gene expression levels from the larval to the pupal stages. Taken together, DWV infection in the honey bee larval stage potentially influences the gene expression levels from larvae to pupae and reduces the survival rate of the pupal stage. This information emphasizes the consequences of DWV prevalence in honey bee larvae for apiculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electricity data could generate a large number of records from smart meter day by day. The traditional architecture might not properly handle the increasingly dynamic data that need flexibility. For effective storing and analytics, efficient architecture is needed to provide much greater data volumes and varieties. In this paper, we proposed the architecture of data storage and analytic in the big data lake of electricity usage using Spark. Apache Sqoop was used to migrate historical data to Apache Hive for processing from an existing system. Apache Kafka was used as the input source for Spark to stream data to Apache HBase to ensure the integrity of the streaming data. In order to integrate the data, we use the Hive and HBase principle of Data Lake as search engines for Hive and HBase. Apache Impala and Apache Phoenix are used separately. This work also analyzes electricity usage and power failure with Apache Spark. All of the visualizations of this project are presented in Apache Superset. Moreover, the usage prediction comparison is presented using HoltWinters algorithm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global climate change has resulted in extreme events occurring with increasing intensity and frequency. Due to the limitations of traditional structural engineering measurements, vulnerability measurement has become critical in disaster mitigation according to the IPCC and UNISDR. Currently, flood vulnerability studies focus on evaluating the present state of flood vulnerability at various spatial scales. Different levels of development progress and varying environmental factors result in variations in disaster capacity in urban and rural areas. Therefore, this study explores the temporal and spatial variations of vulnerability in urban and rural built environments by using spatial autocorrelation analysis and principal component analysis. Bivariate local indicators of spatial association (LISA) results show that particular areas maintain high or low vulnerability in both examined years: 2008 and 2018. The critical differences between HH and LL might be caused by different urban development statuses and insufficient emergency or recovery facilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Otitis media is a common childhood infection, frequently requiring antibiotics. With high rates of antibiotic prescribing and increasing antibiotic resistance, new strategies in otitis media prevention and treatment are needed. The aim of this study was to assess the in vitro inhibitory activity Streptococcus salivarius BLIS K12 against otitis media pathogens. Efficacy of the bacteriocin activity of S. salivarius BLIS K12 against the otitis media isolates was assessed using the deferred antagonism test. Overall, 48% of pathogenic isolates exhibited some growth inhibition by S. salivarius BLIS K12. S. salivarius BLIS K12 can inhibit the in vitro growth of the most common pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The risks of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) include obese and non-obese stresses such as chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, but the regulatory determinants remain obscure. Apolipoprotein J (ApoJ) served as an ER-Golgi contact-site chaperone near lipid droplet (LD), facilitating HCV virion production. We hypothesized an interplay between hepatic ApoJ, cholesterol esterification and lipid deposit in response to NAFLD inducers. Exposures of HCV or free-fatty acids exhibited excess LDs along with increased ApoJ expression, whereas ApoJ silencing alleviated hepatic lipid accumulation. Both stresses could concomitantly disperse Golgi, induce closer ApoJ and sterol O-acyltransferase 2 (SOAT2) contacts via the N-terminal intrinsically disordered regions, and increase cholesteryl-ester. Furthermore, serum ApoJ correlated positively with cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein levels in normal glycaemic HCV patients, NAFLD patients and in mice with steatosis. Taken together, hepatic ApoJ might activate SOAT2 to supply cholesteryl-ester for lipid loads, thus providing a therapeutic target of stress-induced steatosis. Sun et al. show that hepatitis C virus or free-fatty acids increase lipid droplets and apolipoprotein J (ApoJ) expression while ApoJ silencing alleviates hepatic lipid accumulation. This study suggests that hepatic ApoJ may activate sterol O-acyltransferase 2 to supply cholesteryl-ester for lipid loads, thus presenting ApoJ as a promising target for treating stress-induced steatosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon monoxide (CO) has long been known as a "silent killer" because of its ability to bind hemoglobin (Hb), leading to reduced oxygen carrying capacity of Hb, which is the main cause of CO poisoning (COP) in humans. Emerging studies suggest that mitochondria is a key target of CO action that can impact key biological processes, including apoptosis, cellular proliferation, inflammation, and autophagy. Despite its toxicity at high concentrations, CO also exhibits cyto- and tissue-protective effects at low concentrations in animal models of organ injury and disease. Specifically, CO modulates the production of pro- or anti-inflammatory cytokines and mediators by regulating the NLRP3 inflammasome. Given that human diseases are strongly associated with inflammation, a deep understanding of the exact mechanism is helpful for treatment. Autophagic factors and inflammasomes interact in various situations, including inflammatory disease, and exosomes might function as the bridge between the inflammasome and autophagy activation. Thus, the interplay among autophagy, mitochondrial dysfunction, exosomes, and the inflammasome may play pivotal roles in the health effects of CO. In this review, we summarize the latest research on the beneficial and toxic effects of CO and their underlying mechanisms, focusing on the important role of the inflammasome and its possible crosstalk with autophagy and exosomes. This knowledge may lead to the development of new therapies for inflammation-related diseases and is essential for the development of new therapeutic strategies and biomarkers of COP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An influenza vaccination might reduce the risk of incident peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), but supporting evidence is limited. This case-crossover study analyzed data from Taiwan's real-world National Health Insurance Research Database. This study included elderly (≥ 67 years old) patients with CKD having incident PAOD from January 1, 2006, to June 30, 2015. We defined 1 year before PAOD onset as the index date for the self-control group. A conditional logistic regression model was used to investigate exposure to an influenza vaccination for estimating the risk for incident PAOD following vaccination. In total, this study included 46,782 elderly patients with CKD having incident PAOD. The odds ratios for incident PAOD were 0.85 (95% confidence interval 0.77–0.94), 0.85 (0.79–0.92), 0.84 (0.79–0.90), and 0.85 (0.81–0.90) at 1, 2, 3, and 4 months after an influenza vaccination, respectively. We observed consistent results for the subgroups of patients with CKD and concomitant diabetes. However, we did not observe any beneficial effects of influenza vaccination in patients with advanced CKD or end-stage renal disease. This study demonstrated that influenza vaccination may be associated with a reduced risk of incident PAOD among patients with early-stage CKD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]