bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unveiling the concealed reactivity of masked diformylmethane with RAHB-assisted enamines leads to dissymmetric di-meta-substituted pyridines
Authors: Park Seung Bum , Yi Sihyeong , Lee Ji Hyae , Cho Hana , Vaithegi Kannan , Yi Dawon , Noh Sijun
Published: March 2024

Pyridine, an essential structure in drug development, shows a wide array of bioactivities according to its substitution patterns. Among the bioactive pyridines, meta-substituted pyridines suffer from limited synthetic approaches despite their significance. In this study, we present a novel synthetic method enabling the facile incorporation of biologically relevant functional groups at the meta position of pyridine. This methodology unveiled the concealed reactivity of 3-formyl(aza)indoles as diformylmethane analogs for synthesizing dissymmetric di-meta-substituted pyridines without ortho and para substitutions. Furthermore, we uncovered resonance-assisted hydrogen bonding (RAHB) as the requirement for the in-situ generation of enamines, the key intermediates of this transformation. Successful development of the designed methodology linked to wide applications—core remodeling of natural products, drug–natural product conjugation, late-stage functionalization of drug molecules, and synthesis of an unprecedented regioisomer of CZC24832. Furthermore, we discovered anti-inflammatory agents through the functional evaluation of synthesized bi-heteroaryl analogs, signifying the utility of this methodology.
The Relationship of Sports Participation on School Bullying among College Students: The Mediating Role of Psychological resilience and the Moderating Role of Self-Esteem
Authors: Yiyi Ouyang , Jiong Luo , Rui Luo
Published: March 2024

Objective
To provide a reference for undergraduates to develop healthy and confident lifestyles through exploring the effects of Sports participation on school bullying among college students and their inherent mechanism.
Methods
The undergraduates from two universities in Southwest China region were selected as subjects in the manner of stratified and random sampling, and the data was processed by SPSS 19.0 and AM0S21.0 statistical software.
Results
1) Sports participation significantly and negative predicted the school bullying. 2) Psychological resilience played an intermediary role between sports participation and school bullying. 3) Self-esteem plays a regulatory role in the second half of the mediating effect of psychological resilience. With the rises of self-esteem, mediating effect of psychological resilience would gradually increase.
Conclusion
Sports participation can affect school bullying among college students through both direct and indirect paths, mediated by intermediary role of psychological resilience. Meanwhile, the effects of self-esteem on school bullying among college students are not ignorable. Therefore, self-esteem is believed to be another key factor influencing school bullying among college students in addition to sports participation and psychological resilience.
Successful large-scale and long-term kelp forest restoration by culling sea urchins with quicklime; and supported by crab predation
Authors: Christie Hartvig , Moy Frithjof E , Fagerli Camilla W , Rinde Eli , Strand Mette , Tveiten Lise A , Strand Hans K
Published: March 2024

In 2013 we initiated a large-scale (70 hectare) kelp forest restoration experiment in a sea urchin induced kelp barren that had been stable for 45 years. We used 200 tons of quicklime for sea urchin culling. The immediate high sea urchin mortality was followed by recovery of kelp species within a year. Quickliming did not significantly affect the abundance of nontarget species on the barrens. Whereas the kelps and other macroalgae recovered within a year after the quicklime treatment, the mobile kelp fauna community did not recover at the same rate, probably due to slower dispersal abilities and predation from increasing fish and crab populations. The monitoring period (2013-2021) encompassed the expansion of invasive red king crabs as a new urchin predator, leading to reduced sea urchin populations and kelp recovery also in the control areas from two years after the experimental culling. Even in the presence of high sea urchin recruitment, the restored kelp forest was sustained, and the area of recovered kelp forest increased in the following years, likely due to increased predation on the urchins. The study shows that quickliming can initiate kelp recovery within large urchin barrens, but it cannot conclude that the lime-initiated kelp forest would have persisted without predation by king crabs. We postulate that the recovery of kelps outside the limed areas was due to crab predation, and that successful kelp restoration in areas with recruitment of sea urchins depends on a persistent predator control, alternatively repeated culling or harvesting of the urchins.
TET1 was correlated with prognosis and immunity in glioma: analysis of the TET protein family
Authors: Li Man , Zhou Xingang , Feng Enshan , Zhang Liang , Qi Liming , Wang Peng , Liu Ting
Published: March 2024

Background
The ten-eleven translocation (TET) protein family, which includes TET1, TET2, and TET3, plays a crucial role in tumorigenesis by either activating or repressing the transcription of target genes in different cellular processes. However, the role of TET protein family in glioma is currently unclear.
Methods
We analyzed the expression level of TET protein family in pan-cancer and their correlation with prognosis using the GTEx and TCGA databases. We also acquired both genomic sequencing profiles and patients’ clinical details for healthy brain samples and glioma specimens from the databases of TCGA and CGGA. The differential expression of TET protein family in glioma and their correlation with prognosis were analyzed. The results have been subsequently confirmed using immunohistochemistry techniques. To evaluate risk elements associated with the occurrence and progression of glioma, we employed both univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses. Furthermore, we performed analyses of functional enrichment, specifically focusing on genes related to TET1, using Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG). To evaluate the correlation between immune cell infiltration level and TET1 expression in glioma, we employed the single-sample GSEA (ssGSEA) approach. Moreover, we investigated the association between TET1 and drug sensitivity.
Results
Expression levels of TET protein family were markedly increased in glioma relative to normal tissue. The increase is more significant in IDH-mutant glioma compared to IDH-wildtype glioma, as confirmed by immunohistochemical analysis. TET1 expression levels correlate with tumor grades in glioma, regardless of IDH mutation status, but TET2 and TET3 expressions do not show a similar relationship. TET1 was also found to be an independent prognostic factor for glioma by univariate and multifactorial Cox analysis. Research on biological processes has revealed a strong correlation between TET1 and immunity. Additionally, the expression of TET1 showed a correlation with the presence of macrophages, neutrophils, eosinophils, T cells, and Tcm in tumor infiltration. Further study also revealed that TET1 is linked to drug sensitivity.
Conclusion
TET1, rather than TET2 and TET3, is a critical prognostic biomarker that is associated with the progression, prognosis, and immunity in glioma.
The effect of polygenic risk score and childhood adversity experiences on transdiagnostic symptom dimensions at first-episode psychosis: evidence for an affective pathway to psychosis
Authors: Alameda Luis , Pérez Victoria , Forti Marta di , Spinazzola Edoardo , Trotta Giulia , Arango Celso , Arrojo Manuel , Bernardo Miguel , Bobes Julio , Gayer-Anderson Charlotte , Del-Ben Cristina Marta , Sideli Lucia , Jones Peter , Kirkbride James , Cascia Caterina La , Tripoli Giada , Ferraro Laura , Barbera Daniele La , Lasalvia Antonio , Tosato Sarah , Llorca Pierre Michel , Menezes Paulo , Os Jim van , Rutten Bart , Santos Jose , Sanjuan Julio , Selten Jean-Paul , Szöke Andrei , Tarricone Ilaria , Tortelli Andrea , Velthorst Eva , Johgsma Hannah E. , Vassos Evangelos , Quattrone Diego , Murray Robin , Aas Monica
Published: March 2024

Background Childhood adversity is associated with various clinical dimensions in psychosis; however, how genetic vulnerability shapes the adversity associated psychopathological signature is yet to be clarified.
Methods Using data from the EU-GEI study, in 376 First Episode Psychosis (FEP) cases, we evaluated the interaction between polygenic risk scores for schizophrenia (SZ-PRS), bipolar disorder (BD-PRS) and major depressive disorder (MDD-PRS), and childhood adversity on the transdiagnostic clinical dimensions of psychosis (positive, negative, depressive, and manic). The moderating effect of high, intermediate, and low PRSs on the relation between childhood adversity and psychotic dimensions was examined.
Results: No analysis remained significant after adjusting for Bonferroni correction (p<0.004). However, a trend-level interaction was observed between levels of childhood adversity and MDD-PRS on the predominance of depressive (β=.12, p=.005), and positive dimension (β=.15, p=.006). No association was observed for BDD-PRS. For SZ-PRS, a trend-level negative interaction was observed for the manic dimension (β=-.17, p=.006). All analyses were adjusted for age, sex, 10 PCA, and country of recruitment.
Conclusions This underpowered study suggests that genetic liability for MDD may have a differential effect on the relationship between childhood adversity and psychotic symptom dimensions. This supports the hypothesis of an affective pathway to psychosis in those exposed to childhood adversity; findings should be replicated in independent samples.
E-Booster Uganda: Towards an Inclusive Digital Economy in Uganda Through Provision of ICT Services to The Underserved and Unserved Communities
Authors: Abaho Ernest , Aguma Dennis , Beronda James , Nkambwe Ismael , Obang Hanington , Kituyi Geoffrey Mayoka
Published: March 2024

e-Booster Uganda 2023 was a project of Uganda Communications Commission implemented by Makerere University Business School between April 2023 and November 2023.We conducted interviews as well as a survey on Information and Communications Technology solutions from various sectors. A review of reports and academic publications related to access to communication services in Uganda was made with a focus on the nature of challenges and solutions that have been made by different actors.
Findings reveal that Uganda has a wide digital divide based on geographical location, particularly between the rural and urban where there is a 70% difference in favour of the urban communities and businesses with only 9% of Ugandans living in rural areas having access to the Internet. It was also found that 60% of the urban people are poor and live in slums hance causing more need for inclusion in the programme.
It is concluded that increased access to and the usage of ICT services is critical for the attainment of National Development Plans including but not limited to the Parish Development Model where the underserved and unserved can be easily reached through ICTs by and in supporting the monitoring of government programmes through promotion and information sharing to those communities and sectors.
Cross Cultural Adaptation of Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire for Hospital Workers With Low Back Pain
Authors: Eleje Chiedozie Uchenna , Mba Chidinma Goodness
Published: March 2024

Background
Low back trouble is one of the major work related musculoskeletal disorders that result to disability among workers. Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) can serve as an inexpensive instrument for the identification and assessment of musculoskeletal symptoms, especially low back pain in formal and informal sector workers. Therefore, the aim of this study is to cross-culturally adapt NMQ to Igbo version to eliminate this limitation and to evaluate test-retest validity, criterion related validity and construct validity.
Methods
45 Hospital orderlies were interviewed with both the standard and translated Igbo version of NMQ while 45 hospital orderlies marched for age and sex were interviewed with only the translated Igbo version. One week wash out period was given before re-administering the instrument on the hospital orderlies with Low back pain. Paired sample t-test was used to analyze the result.
Results
Results showed no significant correlation in test-retest validity (r2 = 0.10; p < 0.005) and criterion validity (r2 = 0.7; p < 0.005) in of the Igbo version of NMQ. Whereas, the construct validity had no significant correlation.
Conclusions
The Igbo version of the NMQ has an unacceptable reliability and validity.
Ethical Issues Concerning Orthodontic Treatment Among Orthodontists in A Sample from Saudi Arabia: A Pilot Study
Authors: Shammary Nawaf H Al , Alshammari Abdulrahman K.
Published: March 2024

Background
Ethics is based on moral principles that should be the foundation for every healthcare decision, however, ethical concepts at many times cannot be easily defined in the given scenario. There are several instances where a practicing clinician is often confused about making a proper decision despite maintaining integrity and professionalism. The objective of the present study was to explore the ethical dilemma concerning orthodontic treatment among orthodontists practicing in Saudi Arabia.
Method
This was a questionnaire-based cross-sectional study that was adapted from the scenarios of ethical dilemmas presented by Jerrold in 1998. Ten orthodontists from each province of Saudi Arabia were conveniently selected for participation in this study and the questionnaire were sent through email and their responses were analyzed.
Results
A total of 37 responses were obtained (out of 130) with a response rate of 28.46%. Among them 23 were female and 14 were male. Most of the participants belonged to the age group 30–39 years and most of them have clinical experience of more than 5 years. There was a wide variation in the responses among the participants in all the scenarios presented. The median likelihood of getting similar scenarios in their clinical practice in Saudi Arabia ranged from 3 to 3.5.
Conclusion
There was a wide variation in the opinion among the practicing orthodontists in Saudi Arabia in the scenarios presented. The presented scenarios are less likely to be perceived in the local context and some new situations of ethical dilemmas are identified.
Berberine Chloride Mitigates Cerebellar Damage in Global Cerebral Ischemia: A Comprehensive Study with stereological analysis, evaluation the Antioxidant response and Locomotor Function in Rat Models
Authors: Mehboodi Dariush , Shahedi Abbas , Namavar Mohammadreza , Yadegari Maryam , Mazaheri Fahime
Published: March 2024

Global cerebral ischemia (GCI) leads to significant oxidative damage in the cerebellum, which mainly affects Purkinje cells. This study aimed to investigate the neuroprotective effects of Berberine chloride (BBR), a compound known for its antioxidant properties against GCI. 42 adult male Wistar rats were divided into three groups: Sham, GCI, and GCI+BBR. Rats received BBR (50mg/kg) 7 days before and 6 hours after inducing GCI via bilateral common carotid artery occlusion for 20 minutes. And assessed for locomotor activity by open field test, cerebellar biochemical factors malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT), Glutathione peroxidase (GPx), cerebellum volume and Purkinje neuron count by stereological analysis.The BBR treatment reduced the concentration of MDA(P<0.0001) and increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes SOD, CAT and GPx (P<0.0001, P<0.001 and P<0.001, respectively) in the cerebellum compared to the GCI group. Stereological analysis revealed higher Purkinje cell count (P<0.0001), cerebellum (P<0.001), white matter (P<0.01), and grey matter (P<0.0001) volume in the GCI+BBR group compared to the GCI group. Furthermore, GCI+BBR showed enhanced locomotor function compared to the GCI group. BBR showed therapeutic benefits and improved locomotor function, Showcased antioxidative effects by lowering MDA levels, boosting enzymatic activities, and significantly mitigating Purkinje cell death and cerebellar volume loss.
Climate Trends and Future Projections: Analyzing Temperature and Precipitation Patterns in the Guwahati Region.
Authors: Tiwari Suraj , Kashyap Priyam , Tamang Santosh , Immanuel Jose
Published: March 2024

The climatic dynamics of the Guwahati region have been scrutinized through a comprehensive analysis of precipitation and temperature trends. Historical precipitation data from IMD (1990-2014) and CMIP6 projections (2015-2050) under diverse scenarios (SSP126, SSP370, SSP585) were employed, revealing a positive trend in precipitation. The monsoon trend analysis underscored seasonal variations, portraying a nuanced picture of potential shifts in rainfall patterns during June, July, August, and September. On the temperature front, annual analyses for maximum and minimum temperatures, utilizing ERA5 data (1990-2014) and CMIP6 projections, identified the hottest and coolest years. For instance, the CanESM5 model projected a maximum temperature of 40.03°C under SSP126 in 2043. The statistical analyses, particularly the Mann-Kendall test and p-values, provided robust measures of the trends' significance, offering a quantitative basis for decision-making. In conclusion, the region exhibits a positive precipitation trend with implications for water resource management and ecological sustainability. The identification of extreme temperature values aids in anticipating potential challenges associated with climatic variations. Statistical significance values enhance the reliability of findings, contributing to informed decision-making for adaptive strategies in the face of an evolving climate. These insights are vital for fostering resilience and sustainable development in the Guwahati region.
Characterization of the eXTP-LAD collimators
Authors: Zhao Zijian , Luo Tao , Ceraudo Francesco , Feroci Marco , Li Longhui , Wang Jian , Xu Yupeng , Liu Hongwei , Zhu Yuxuan , Zhang Yifan , Hou Dongjie , Yang Xiongtao , He Huilin , Zhang Shuang-Nan , Lu Fangjun , Wang Yusa
Published: March 2024

The enhanced X-ray Timing and Polarimetry mission (eXTP) is a nextgeneration flagship X-ray astronomy satellite currently in phase-B study. The large Area Detector (LAD) on board eXTP contains 40 modules, each consisting of a set of 4×4 large area SDDs and 4×4 collimators, and has a designed effective area of 3.0 m2 at 8 keV and a Field of View (FoV) of 1°. To achieve such a large effective area, the collimator’s Open Area Ratio (OAR) should be greater than 70%. In this paper, we introduce the measurement methods used to determine the OAR and the rocking curve (angular response) of the LAD collimator at the 100-m X-ray Test Facility (100XF) of the Institute of High Energy Physics (IHEP) in Beijing, and report the results of the collimators manufactured under different conditions. The measured OARs of the collimators are usually smaller than the theoretical values by a few percent, which is due to the non-uniformity and irregularity of the pores. The measured rocking curves are usually broader than the theoretical triangular curves, and the lower the energy of the incident X-ray the broader the rocking curve. This broadening of the rocking curve is the result of reflection on the inner wall of the pores. Our results also show that increasing the etching time in the manufacturing of the collimators can increase the OARs but does not change significantly the shape of the rocking curves.
RETRACTED: Hybrid Metaheuristic Algorithm based energy efficient Authentication method for IoT enable edge computing
Authors: Mishra Amit , Kumar Prashant , Awasthi Lalit Kumar
Published: March 2024

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
CONCORD: Enhancing COVID-19 Research with Weak-Supervision based Numerical Claim Extraction
Authors: Shah Dhwanil , Shah Krish , Jagani Manan , Shah Agam , Chaudhury Bhaskar
Published: March 2024

The COVID-19 Numerical Claims Open Research Dataset (CONCORD) is a comprehensive, open-source dataset that extracts numerical claims from academic papers on COVID-19 research. To extract numerical claims, a weak-supervision based model is employed, leveraging its white-box, explainable nature and advantages over transformer-based models in terms of computational and manual annotation costs. Labelling functions are used to programmatically generate labels, incorporating techniques like pattern matching, external knowledge bases, phrase matching, and third-party models. An aggregator function reconciles overlapping or contradictory labels. The weak-supervision model is evaluated against established baselines and transformer based models, achieving a weighted F1-score of 0.932 and micro F1-score of 0.930 in extracting numerical claims.While the weak-supervision model showcases superior performance compared to baseline models, it is observed that transformer-based models achieve comparable results.CONCORD, comprising around 200,000 numerical claims extracted from over 57,000 COVID-19 research articles, serves as a valuable tool for knowledge discovery and understanding the chronological developments in various research areas associated with COVID-19. In conclusion, CONCORD, alongside the weak-supervision methodology, offers researchers a valuable resource, enhancing advancements in COVID-19 research while highlighting the significant potential of weak-supervision models within the broader biomedical domain.
Landiolol for heart rate control in patients with septic shock and persistent tachycardia

A multicenter Randomized Clinical Trial (Landi-SEP)
Authors: Rehberg Sebastian , Frank Sandra , Černý Vladimír , Cihlář Radek , Borgstedt Rainer , Biancofiore Gíanni , Guarracino Fabio , Schober Andreas , Trimmel Helmut , Pernerstorfer Thomas , Siebers Christian , Dostál Pavel , Morelli Andrea , Joannidis Michael , Pretsch Ingrid , Fuchs Christian , Rahmel Tim , Podbregar Matej , Duliczki Éva , Tamme Kadri , Unger Martin , Sus Jan , Klade Christoph , Kirchbaumer-Baroian Nairi , Krejcy Kurt , Krumpl Günther , Duška František
Published: March 2024

Purpose
Excessive tachycardia in resuscitated septic shock can impair hemodynamics and worsen patient outcome. We asked whether heart rate (HR) control can be achieved without increased vasopressor requirements by using a titrated highly selective, ultra-short acting β1-blocker landiolol.
Methods
This randomized, open-label, controlled trial was conducted at 20 sites in 7 European countries from 2018 to 2022 and investigated the efficacy and safety of landiolol in adult patients with septic shock and persistent tachycardia. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either landiolol along with standard treatment (n = 99) or standard treatment alone (n = 101). The combined primary endpoint was HR response (i.e. HR within the range of 80 − 94 beats per minute) and its maintenance without increasing vasopressor requirements during the first 24 h after treatment start. Key secondary endpoints were 28-day mortality and adverse events.
Results
Of 196 included septic shock patients, 98 received standard treatment combined with landiolol and 98 standard treatment alone. A significantly larger proportion of patients met the combined primary endpoint in the landiolol group than in the control group (39.8% [39/98] vs. 23.5% [23/98]), with a between-group difference of 16.5% (95% CI: 3.4–28.8%; p = 0.013). There were no statistically significant differences between study groups in tested secondary outcomes and adverse events.
Conclusion
The ultra-short acting betablocker landiolol was effective in reducing and maintaining HR without increasing vasopressor requirements after 24 h in patients with septic shock and persistent tachycardia. Mortality rates and safety were comparable to standard treatment alone.
TRIAL REGISTRATION:
EU Clinical Trial Register; EudraCT Number: 2017-002138-22
The role of lipid metabolism and immune response in the pathogenesis of Ankylosing spondylitis and Primary glaucoma: A Bidirectional Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Xu Shenglan , Zhao Liang , Wang Yu-Da , Li Qiu-Yu , Wang Hao-Yu , Wu Xing , Li Jun-Hua
Published: March 2024

Background
Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is known to be associated with secondary glaucoma, largely due to complications of acute anterior uveitis and corticosteroid use. However, the relationship between AS and primary glaucoma is more complex and has yet to be fully elucidated. To investigate this relationship further, we used the Bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to evaluate the potential causal relationship between AS and primary glaucoma, and further elucidate possible pathogenic mechanisms.
Methods
We estimated the causal effect of ankylosing spondylitis on primary glaucoma using a bidirectional Mendelian randomization approach. In addition to assessing the direct causal link, we also explored the mediation effects of lipid metabolism and immune response. To ensure the robustness of our findings, we supplemented our primary analysis with a series of sensitivity analyses and reverse MR.
Results
Bidirectional Mendelian randomization suggest that AS is related to an increased risk of primary glaucoma (odds ratio: 1.20, 95% confidence interval:1.03–1.40; P = 0.018). Lipid metabolism including very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) (P < 0.01, β < 0), and immune response including platelet count (P < 1.0E-06, β > 0), IgD on unswitched memory B cell (P < 1.0E-06, β < 0), and CD8 on CD39 + CD8 + T cell (P < 0.01, β > 0) appear to mediate the ankylosing spondylitis with primary glaucoma.
Conclusion
Our analysis reveals a significantly increased risk of primary glaucoma in individuals with AS. This heightened risk suggests a complex interaction between AS and primary glaucoma, potentially mediated by factors related to immune response. These findings provide new insights into the pathogenic mechanisms linking these two conditions.
Research on dynamic pricing of self-driving car-hailing
Authors: Zhu Xueyu , Guo Min , Tian Fei
Published: March 2024

In the shared travel platform market, the price uncertainty of new services and the dynamic pricing of the platform may cause passengers to wait strategically in both the trial operation stage and the formal operation stage. When there is an endogenous time preference, passengers will choose their own purchase strategy ( myopic / strategic ), but they will pay additional sunk costs ( strategic costs ) when choosing to become strategic passengers. Based on the theory of consumer utility, a two-stage dynamic game model is constructed. Considering that the platform and passengers can obtain and update the reference price from the historical price at the same time in the formal operation stage, the purchase strategy of passengers with endogenous time preference and its influence on the platform pricing strategy are studied. The results show that the reference price and strategy cost of passengers will affect their purchase strategy and lead to different dynamic pricing strategies. The increase in passenger strategy costs can increase platform profits, consumer surplus, and social welfare at the same time, and will also damage consumer surplus and social welfare while increasing platform profits. In addition, the increase in the credibility of the reference price does not always benefit the platform. When the passenger 's strategic cost and reference price are both high, a more accurate reference price will even damage the platform 's profit and consumer surplus at the same time. Compared with the case of short-sighted passengers, the passenger 's strategy waits for the line.
Impact of precipitation extremes on energy production across the São Francisco river basin, Brazil
Authors: Santos Josielton , Justino Flávio , Rodrigues Jackson
Published: March 2024

The Brazilian electrical system (BES) relies heavily on hydrothermal energy, specifically hydroelectric power plants (HPPs), which are highly dependent on rainfall patterns. The São Francisco River Basin (SFRB) is a critical component of the BES, playing a key role in electricity generation. However, climate extremes have increasingly impacted energy production in recent decades, posing challenges for HPP management. This study, explores the relationship between extreme precipitation events in the SFRB and two crucial energy variables: Stored Energy (STE) and Affluent Natural Energy (ANE). We analyze the spatial distribution and trends of 11 extreme precipitation indices and investigate the seasonality, trends, and correlations between these energy variables and the extreme indices. Our findings reveal downward trends in both ANE and STE. Additionally, we identify a seasonal pattern influenced by extreme precipitation rates at various time scales. The results indicate that it is possible to estimate ANE and STE efficiently by employing three machine learning (ML) algorithms (Random Forest, Artificial Neural Networks and k-Nearest Neighbors) using extreme precipitation data. These results offer valuable insights for the strategic planning and management of the BES, aiding in decision-making and the development of energy security.
Prediction and Optimization of The Effect of Ethanol Pre-Treatment on The Tensile Strength of Permanganate Treated Bamboo Fibers
Authors: Makhatha Mamookho Elizabeth , Imoisili Patrick Ehi , Jen Tien-Chien
Published: March 2024

In this study, Natural fibres (NF) from bamboo bundles was modified by first pre-treated with Ethanol, followed by potassium permanganate (KMnO4) in Acetone solution at varied concentrations and time durations. To optimize the influence of ethanol pre-treatment and KmnO4 treatment at varied concentration and duration on the tensile strength (TS) of the modified bamboo fibres (BmF), Response surface methodology (RSM) via Box – Behnken design (BBD), was employed. The treatment parameter greatly effects the TS of the BmF as shown by the surface morphology observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and analysis of variance (ANOVA). The ANOVA reveal the statistically significant of the model at a significance level of P < 0.0001. The optimal predicted conditions by the model were validated by experimental analysis, and result obtained indicated a 98.29% agreement between the model predictions and empirical values, thus affirming the optimum point of these variables. This investigation has demonstrated that utilizing RAM model via BBD approach is an effective way to get ideal values for treated NF mechanical characteristics at a lower cost and in less time for variety of applications, hence conserving time and resources.
Camellia neriifolia and Camellia ilicifolia (Theaceae) as separate species: Evidence from Morphology, Anatomy, Palynology, Molecular Systematics
Authors: Ran Zhaohui , Li Zhi , xiao Xu , Tang Ming
Published: March 2024

Background: The systematic status of sect. Tuberculata and its taxonomy have recently attracted considerable attention. It is distinguished from other sections of Camellia by the presence of verrucose protuberances in its pericarp. However, the different bases for defining the characteristics of sect. Tuberculata has led to many disagreements among the plants in this group. Camellia neriifolia and Camellia ilicifolia have been the subject of taxonomic controversy and have been treated as different species or varieties of the same species. Therefore, it is important to use multiple methods, i.e., integrative taxonomy, to determine the taxonomic status of C. neriifolia and C. ilicifolia. This is the first study to systematically explore the taxonomic position of these two plants on the basis of Morphology, Anatomy, Palynology and Molecular Systematics.
Results : Extensive specimen reviews and field surveys showed that many differences exist in C. neriifolia and C. ilicifolia, such as the number of trunk (heavily debarked vs. slightly peeling), leaf type (smooth thin leathery, shiny vs. smooth leathery, obscure or slightly shiny), leaf margin (entire vs. serrate), flower type (subsessile vs. sessile), number of styles (3–4 vs. 3), and sepal (ovate vs. round). Moreover, C. neriifolia has a more distinctive white to faint yellow flower color, and trunk molting was more severe in C. neriifolia than that in C. ilicifolia. In addition, micromorphological analysis of the leaf epidermis showed that the two species differed in the anticlinal wall, stomatal apparatus, and stomatal cluster, and pollen morphology analyses based on pollen size, germination furrow, and polar and equatorial axes showed that they are both distinct from each other. Phylogenetic tree based on the chloroplast genome showed that C. ilicifolia clustered lonely on the branch Clade I (ML= 100, BI= 1.00), separating from C. neriifolia.
Conclusions: The results combine morphology, anatomy, palynology, and molecular systematics to treat both C. neriifolia and C. ilicifolia as separate species in the sect. Tuberculata, and the species names continue to be used as they were previously. In conclusion, clarifying the taxonomic status of C. neriifolia and C. ilicifolia deepens our understanding of the systematic classification of sect. Tuberculata.
Relationship between malaria vector survival, infectivity and insecticide treated net use in western Kenya
Authors: Abel Lucy , Kimachas Emma , Omollo Evans , Nalianya Erick , Chepkwony Tabitha , Kipkoech Joseph , Amunga Mark , Wekesa Aggrey , Namae Jane , Kahindi Samuel , Mangeni Judith , Lapp Zena , Markwalter Christine , Taylor Steve M. , Obala Andrew , O’Meara Wendy Prudhomme
Published: March 2024

Background: Much effort and resources have been invested to control malaria transmission in Sub-Saharan Africa, but it remains a major public health problem. For the disease to be transmitted from one person to another, the female Anopheles vector must survive 10-14 days following an infective bite for the Plasmodiumgametocytes to develop into infectious sporozoites which can be transmitted to the next person during a bloodmeal. The goal of this investigation was to assess factors associated with wild-caught Anopheles survival and infection following host-seeking and indoor resting.
Methods: The study was conducted in a longitudinal cohort of 75 households in 5 villages including a total of 755 household members in Bungoma County, Kenya. Monthly adult mosquito collection was conducted by attenuated aspiration in all the enrolled households, and the mosquitoes were reared in the insectary for 7 days. The daily mortality rate was determined through day 7, and all the mosquitoes were morphologically identified. Female Anopheline mosquitoes were dissected, and species-level members of the Anopheles gambiae complex were resolved by molecular methods. The abdomen for all samples were processed for P. falciparum detection by PCR.
Results: Within a period of 25 months, the total number of culex and Anopheles mosquitoes collected indoors were 12,843 and 712 respectively. Anopheles gambiaeand Anopheles funestus were the major vectors though their population varied between different villages. 61.2% (n=436/712) of the Anopheles species survived up to day 7 with the lowest mortality rate recorded on day 5 of captivity. The survival rate also varied between the different Anophelesspecies. 683 of 712 mosquito abdomens were tested for P. falciparumdetection and 7.8% (53/683) tested positive for P. falciparum with An. funestus having a higher (10%) prevalence than An. gambaie s.s.(6.0%, p=0.095, Pearson Chi square test). The proportion of household members sleeping under a bednet the night before mosquito collection varied across time and village. An. funestus survival times were refractory to household ITN coverage and An. gambaie s.s. survival was reduced only under very high (>95%) ITN coverage.
Conclusion: Despite ITN coverage, mosquitoes still acquired bloodmeals and P. falciparum infections. Survival differed across species and was inversely correlated with high ITN exposure in the household, but not oocyst development.
Dementia Severity Index: A Threshold-Based Approach to Classifying Dementia Level
Authors: Ranjan Shivani , Kumar Lalan
Published: March 2024

Dementia is marked by a progressive decline in cognitive and emotional capacities, presenting significant challenges to daily functioning. This includes prominent neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Recent advancements in electroencephalogram (EEG) sensors and processing tools, project it as a potential biomarker for detecting neuronal and cognitive changes associated with various dementia types. Investigations related to characterization and differentiation are yet to be explored for range identification and assigning quantitative values to resting state EEGs from different dementia conditions. In this study, two features that capture the band-specific alterations are computed for each subject. These attributes formed the basis of the Dementia Severity Index (DSI), a threshold-based methodology designed to categorize individuals into AD, FTD, and HC from the resting EEG. The introduced thresholding technique underwent validation using machine learning methodologies, specifically the k-nearest neighbors algorithm (kNN) and random forest (RF), achieving accuracies of 81.6% and 81.37%, respectively. The classification outcomes of derived DSI from F1 and F2 are compared. The $DSI$ corresponding to significant feature F1 is validated on two diverse EEG datasets. The study aims to contribute to the field by providing a set of dementia indexes capable of distinguishing between AD and FTD-based dementia and discriminating against HC. Additionally, the ability of significant features to reflect cognitive performance is explored using the Spearman correlation coefficient (r) to quantify the relationship between predicted Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and actual MMSE scores. The study also delves into the variations in sensor and source domain classification using features F1 and F2. The findings of the proposed approach hold promise for capturing a range of values that can effectively classify AD, FTD, and HC, while also offering the advantage of computationally efficient classification when compared with the existing subjective assessment.
Cyclone Intensity Estimation: A Studyof Neural Architecture Search andTransfer Learning in CNNs
Authors: Kancharagunta Kishan Babu , Marapatla AjayDilipKumar , Manchala Harikesh , Pillalamarri Uday Kiran , Kanthala Danush , Musku Sai Ritish Reddy , Kamsani Charan Sai
Published: March 2024

Tropical cyclones (TCs) are severe weather phenomena that can significantly affect human lives. These events can lead to calamities characterized by strong sustainable winds and enormous waves. We proposed an architecture based on convolutional neural networks (CNNs) to tackle this problem. This method makes use of cyclone infrared images. Using customized FCL architectures, we used transfer learning and fine-tuning on CNN architectures such as VGG16, VGG19, and ResNet50, both with and without data augmentation. Fine-tuning involved 4 layers of VGG16, 8 layers of VGG19, and 12 layers of ResNet50 to capture cyclone features effectively. The CNN models were used to these architectures to extract features, and the resulting feature maps were fed to various combinations of Fully Connected Networks (FCL). The most optimistic results were achieved with the VGG16 + FCL (128 x 64 x 1) architecture through transfer learning, producing a Mean Absolute Error (MAE) of 7.51 kts, Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of 9.63 kts, and an R2 Score of 0.92. Consequently, we identified this model as the foundational basis for Neural Architecture Search (NAS) to enhance the FCL architecture. The NAS process generated various architectures, among which the VGG16 + FCL (128 x 128 x 1) architecture stood out with notable performance, featuring a Mean Squared Error (MSE) of 6.77 kts, RMSE of 8.88 kts, and an impressive R2-Score of 0.945.
Investigation of the cytotoxic effects of Thymbra spicata polysaccharides on MCF-7 breast cancer cell proliferation and migration in vitro conditions
Authors: Özbey Caner , Aydemir Işıl , Çetindağ Emre , Özkan Oktay
Published: March 2024

Purpose
Thymbra spicata species is a widely used plant, especially in the eastern Mediterranean region, and is known to have many health benefits. However, the effects of its polysaccharides on tumor cells have not been searched. We aimed to evaluate the biological effects of Thymbra spicata polysaccharides in MCF-7 breast cancer cells.
Methods
MTT test was performed to determine the cytotoxicity levels of polysaccharides and doxorubicin in MCF-7 and L929 fibroblast cells. The expression levels of VEGF and GSK-3β were examined immunocytochemically. For the in vitro wound healing assay, the scratch wound model was created in the shape of plus (+), and the closure percentage was calculated.
Results
Thymbra spicata polysaccharides and doxorubicin had a cytotoxic effect on MCF-7 cells depending on the dose increase. The percentage of wound closure also decreased in correlation with the MTT results. In L929 cells, there was no significant difference in VEGF and GSK-3β immunoreactivity after polysaccharides and doxorubicin treatments, but a significant decrease in VEGF and GSK-3β expression was observed in MCF-7 cells. We demonstrated that polysaccharides exert toxic effects by suppressing VEGF and GSK-3β molecules. In addition, the polysaccharides inhibited cell proliferation and migration, so in vitro wound healing was delayed at high concentrations.
The Effect of Glutathione Added Silver Diamine Fluoride on Remineralization and Color Change in Dentin Caries of Primary Teeth: an in Vitro Study
Authors: Cömert Hamide , Olmez Ayşegul
Published: March 2024

Objectives: The aim of this study is to compare the effect of GSH (reduced glutathione) and KI (potassium iodide) on SDF (silver diamin fluoride) discoloration and dentin remineralization.
Materials and methods: Sixteen primary molars were utilized, yielding four dentin specimens each. Three specimens per tooth were allocated: one as a control and the others to experimental groups. Initial microhardness measurements were taken from one remaining dentin specimen per tooth. Subsequently, all groups underwent exposure to a demineralization solution. Colorimetry assessed specimen color, and post-second microhardness measurements on demineralized specimens, treatments were administered as follows: group 1 (control, n=16): 38% SDF, group 2 (n=16): 38% SDF followed by KI, group 3 (n=16): 38% SDF with 5% GSH added by weight. Following pH cycling across all groups, colorimetry reassessed 48 dentin specimens. Final microhardness measurements ensued, followed by statistical analysis. Normality was checked via Shapiro-Wilk, homogeneity via Levene's test. Independent samples t-test compared normally distributed groups; Mann-Whitney U compared non-normally distributed groups. ANOVA compared means of normally distributed groups; Kruskal-Wallis for non-normally distributed ones. Repeated measures ANOVA compared dependent groups with normal distribution, Friedman test for non-normal. Post-hoc Bonferroni analyses identified significant differences. IBM SPSS 25 conducted analyses.
Results: The mean ΔE* values for SDF and SDF+GSH groups were significantly higher than SDF+KI group (p<0.05). Significant differences in L* values during final color measurement were noted between SDF+KI group and both SDF and SDF+GSH groups (p<0.05). Although mean remineralization microhardness measurements were higher than mean demineralization microhardness measurements in all groups, statistical significance was observed only in SDF and SDF+KI groups (p<0.05).
Conclusion: The study found that adding 5% GSH by weight to SDF does not significantly affect discoloration. Additionally, the addition of 5% GSH to SDF may impact its remineralization potential. The application of KI after SDF reduces discoloration and does not affect the expected remineralization process.
Clinical relevance: In reducing discoloration, KI can be used following SDF applications. Repeated SDF applications may accelerate the expected remineralization process.
Age- and sex-associated Wnt signaling dysregulation is exacerbated from the early stages of neuropathology in an Alzheimer´s disease model
Authors: Colín-Martínez Elizabeth , Espino-de-la-Fuente César , Arias Clorinda
Published: March 2024

Emerging studies suggest that Wnt signaling is dysregulated in the brains of AD patients, suggesting that this pathway may also contribute to disease progression. However, it remains to be determined whether alterations in the Wnt pathway are the cause or consequence of this disease and which elements of Wnt signaling mainly contribute to the appearance of AD histopathological markers early in disease compared to what occurs during normal aging. The present study aimed to describe the status of several canonical Wnt pathway components and the expression of the AD marker p-tau in the hippocampi of female and male 3xTg-AD mice during disease progression compared to those during normal aging. We analyzed the levels of the canonical Wnt components Wnt7a, Dkk-1, LRP6 and GSK3β as well as the levels of p-tau and BDNF at 3, 6, 9–12 and 18 months of age. We found a gradual increase in Dkk-1 levels during aging prior to Wnt7a and LRP5/6 depletion, which was strongly exacerbated in 3xTg-AD mice even at young ages and correlated with GSK3β activation and p-tau-S202/T205 expression. Dkk-1 upregulation, as well as the level of p-tau, was significantly greater in females than in males. Our results suggest that Dkk-1 upregulation is involved in the expression of several features of AD at the presymptomatic stage, which supports the possibility of positively modulating the canonical Wnt pathway as a therapeutic tool to delay this disease at early stages.
Establishment of Collection and Protection Methods for Local Germplasm Resources of Tea Trees-- A Case Study of Anhui Province
Authors: Wang Wen-jie , Liu Dan-dan , Wu Qiong
Published: March 2024

Local germplasm resources are the main component of the germplasm resources of tea trees. However, the protection is limited currently in China for local germplasm resources of tea trees. There is no comprehensive and systematic method for collection and protection. This study has created a new method for collecting and protecting local germplasm resources of tea trees. According to the distribution and area of tea trees planted in each tea-producing area, we planned and arranged sampling points, and one sample from each sampling point was collected and planted in a resource garden for preservation. As a case study of Anhui Province, the first germplasm resource garden of tea trees was established comprehensively with the application of this method, at a systematic provincial level. There are 920 samples collected and preserved, nearly 100,000 individual plants. The proportion of samples is close to the proportion of local tea garden areas in various regions of Anhui Province. By applying this method to establish a resource garden, the genetic diversity of local germplasm resources of tea trees is maximally preserved. The preserved resources are the material basis for the future breeding of new tea varieties, analysis of genetic relationships and population structure of germplasm resources, and gene search.
Current-Sensorless Robust Sliding Mode Control for the DC-DC Buck Converter
Authors: Oucheriah Said
Published: March 2024

A current-sensorless PWM-based robust sliding mode Controller for the DC-DC Buck Converter is proposed. An extended state observer is used to estimate a lumped uncertainty that comprises the uncertain load and input voltage and also to estimate the derivative of the output voltage. A linear sliding surface is used to derive the controller that is simple in its design and yet exhibits excellent features in term of external disturbance suppression. Its robustness is validated by computer simulations using converter examples from two recent studies. Future work will be the validation of these results experimentally.