bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance-Constrained Multi-Objective Optimization of Antennas for Miniaturization Design
Authors: Yang Qi , Wang Hongqiang , Peng Xin
Published: August 2024

The miniaturization of antennas is crucial as it improves the integration of wireless communication system. In order to achieve miniaturization of antennas, a performance-constrained multi-objective optimization method (PCMOM) considering the size and return loss is proposed. In the PCMOM method, a topology optimization strategy based on a multi-port network model is introduced, enabling the formation of antennas with various topological structures. Furthermore, we integrate the constraint of return loss performance into the non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm II (NSGA-II), eliminating solutions that do not meet performance requirements. Three patch antennas are designed using the PCMOM method and two of them are fabricated. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed PCMOM method can effectively address the complex trade-off issues in antenna miniaturization design.
Seroprevalence and risk factors of Chlamydia abortus infection in Tibetan sheep in Qinghai province, China
Authors: Lei Fan , Yu Jiali , Niu Yaqian , Ba Te , Liang Lin
Published: August 2024

Background Chlamydia abortus
(C. abortus) is Gram-negative, intracellular bacterium, causing ovine enzootic abortion (OEA). No data about C. abortus infection are available in Tibetan sheep in Qinghai, China.
Result
A total of 1043 Tibetan sheep serum samples were collected from 8 Tibetan sheep flocks in Qinghai, China, then were detected for specific antibodies against C. abortus using a commercial ELISA Kit. The results showed that the overall seroprevalence of C. abortus in Tibetan sheep was 153/1043 (14.7%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 12.5–16.8). The prevalence in female and male Tibetan sheep was 58/421 (13.8%, 95% CI 10.5 ~ 17.1) and 95/622 (15.3%, 95% CI 18.6 ~ 26.6), respectively with no significant difference (P > 0.05). The seroprevalence of antibodies to C. abortus in Tibetan sheep ranged from 10.0 to 21.7% among the eight different areas, and the difference was also without statistical significance [1]. The prevalence among different age groups ranged from 14.0 to 16.5%, with a higher prevalence among 1 to 1.5 years age category.
Conclusion
The results demonstrate the presence of C. abortus infection in Tibetan sheep in Qinghai and its potential impact on public health and the local Tibetan economy. To our knowledge, this is the first seroprevalence survey of C. abortus in Tibetan sheep in Qinghai, China.
Land degradation and food security nexus in Sub Saharan Africa
Authors: Ceesay Ebrima K. , Valere Kadio , Gitteh Alasana , Ndiaye Mohamed Ben Omar , Cham Amadou
Published: August 2024

Introduction: This article explores the relationship between land degradation and food security in Sub-Saharan African countries, shedding light on the critical issues faced in the region. Land degradation, caused by factors such as poor rainfall, deforestation, erosion, and other major causes, significantly impacts the fertility of the soil, leading to food security challenges. Understanding the impact of desertification, poor rainfall, drought, and extreme climate change in Africa is crucial to addressing food security problems in the region.
Method: The study utilizes data from the World Development Indicators and employs instrumental variable estimation (IV), panel OLS and pooled OLS methods to analyze the relationship between food production (as a proxy for food security) and various independent variables, including arable land area, fertilizer consumption, agricultural irrigated land area, and average precipitation depth.
Results: The findings reveal three different types of regression analyses. The first analysis was to Instrumental variable estimation (IV). When we used rainfall and GHG as an instrument for land productivity, proxy land degradation, we found that land productivity and cereal yields increases food productions, proxy food security. The second analysis, a random-effects Generalizing least square regression, indicates that fertilizer consumption and average precipitation depth are significant predictors of food production. However, arable land area and agricultural irrigated land area do not significantly impact food production. Interestingly, agricultural irrigated land shows a positive effect on food security in Sub-Saharan African countries, while arable land (as a proxy for land degradation) has a negative impact on food security in the region. The third analysis, a multiple linear regression, supports the results of the Generalizing least square regression, demonstrating that fertilizer consumption and average precipitation depth are significant predictors of food production. However, arable land area do not significantly influence food production. Remarkably, agricultural irrigated land is found to be a positive predictor of food production and serves as a proxy for food security.
Discussion: In conclusion, this study highlights the detrimental impact of land degradation on food security in Sub-Saharan African countries. It emphasizes the significance of factors such as fertilizer consumption, land productivity-proxy land degradation, cereal yields, Greenhouse gas emission, average precipitation depth, and the role of agricultural irrigated land in addressing food security challenges in the region.
Comparative evaluation of various DNA extraction methods and analysis of DNA degradation levels in commercially marketed Chestnut Rose Juices and Beverages
Authors: Ren Yongchao , Ma Yunlong , Li Yanqi , Song Yun , Zhao WeiWei , Huang Xuncai , Yu Danmin , Li Jian , Xu Zuogang , Zhao Wenjun
Published: August 2024

Background
Food safety is a significant global study subject that is strongly intertwined with human life and well-being. The utilization of DNA-based methods for species identification is a valuable instrument in the field of food inspection and regulation. It is particularly significant for traceability purposes, as it enables the monitoring of a specific item at every level of the food chain regulation. However, obtaining amplifiable genomic DNA in this process is a significant obstacle in gene studies. To date, there is a lack of literature on DNA extraction from processed juice or beverages, and no data exist on simultaneous comparisons of various extraction processes. This study aimed to optimize, assess, and compare four distinct DNA extraction methods for isolating DNA from highly processed Chestnut rose juices or beverages. Furthermore, we also conducted a comparison and analysis of the extent of DNA degradation in Chestnut rose juice or beverage by utilizing the amplicon size.
Methods
The quantity and quality of the extracted DNA were assessed using NanoDrop One spectrophotometer, gel electrophoresis, and real-time PCR assays. An assessment was conducted on the processing time, labor intensity, and cost associated with each approach. The degree of DNA degradation in Chestnut rose juice or beverage was also assessed using TaqMan real-time PCR methods.
Results
It was demonstrated that the DNA was extracted using a non-commercial modified CTAB-based approach, resulting in a high concentration. However, the spectrophotometric results and real-time PCR analysis indicated poor DNA quality. The combination approach showed the greatest performance among the extraction methods, while being comparatively time-consuming and costly in contrast to the other methods. Additionally, the analytical findings of DNA degradation suggested that the integrity of sample DNA could be influenced by the intricacy of processing methods used by various manufacturers.
Conclusions
To achieve precise DNA quantification, selecting suitable extraction strategies for the given matrix is necessary. The combination approach was identified as the most effective DNA extraction technique and is suggested for extracting DNA from Chestnut Rose Juices and Beverages. This comparative assessment can be particularly valuable for extracting and identifying processed Juices and Beverages in a diverse range of food compositions.
Fear of Childbirth during Pregnancy and Birth Planning
Authors: Guzewicz Patrycja , Sierakowska Matylda
Published: August 2024

Background Pregnancy is a period during which a woman experiences numerous hormonal, psychological, physiological, and social changes. Those changes may lead to increased anxiety, and in some cases, the development of mental health disorders. Childbirth anxiety, first described by Louis Victor Marcé, may significantly impact the daily life of pregnant women. The term "tokophobia" refers to an irrational fear of childbirth. That anxiety may increase the risk of perinatal complications and influence decisions regarding the mode of delivery, such as leading to a rise in the number of cesarean sections. Medical staff, especially midwives and obstetricians, play a crucial role in alleviating childbirth anxiety through prenatal education and emotional support.Methods The study was conducted among 208 pregnant women in their second and third trimesters. It was a cross-sectional study carried out from January to April 2024 by means of an online survey. A high-risk pregnancy was the exclusion criterion. The survey included a survey questionnaire and the Childbirth Anxiety Questionnaire by Putyński and Paciorek, that is the Polish Adaptation of the Pregnancy-Related Anxiety Questionnaire – Revised 2 and the the Mini-Cope Inventory for Measuring Coping with Stress.Results Most of the women surveyed had a higher educational background, were married, and lived in large cities. For 62% of the women, it was their first pregnancy, and less than a half of the women who had previously given birth had done so naturally. Most women expressed a preference for vaginal delivery. Women who already had one child and those who had seen a psychologist, psychiatrist, or psychotherapist during pregnancy were more likely to opt for a cesarean section. Attending childbirth classes during the pregnancy did not affect the level of anxiety experienced by the women. Women who had not decided on the mode of delivery experienced higher levels of anxiety and worry as compared to those who chose vaginal delivery. Women with a history of mental health issues experienced greater anxiety during their pregnancy than those without such issues.Conclusions Medical personnel play a crucial role in reducing childbirth anxiety through education and emotional support. Early detection of high levels of childbirth anxiety by means of screening tests may help in reducing anxiety and its impact on both the mother and the child.
Unlocking Healthy Nutritional Habits: A Comparative Analysis with Health and Food and Beverage Industry Employees
Authors: Baltacı Furkan , Özdemir Sedat
Published: August 2024

Healthy nutritional habits are critical for the health and well-being of future generations. Many people around the world cannot get enough vitamins and minerals due to wrong and unbalanced nutrition. In order to eliminate this, factors that support people's healthy eating habits need to be determined. This study was conducted to determine the factors affecting healthy nutrition habits. In the study, being an expert in eating and drinking, having received formal education on health, or receiving professional support on nutrition were considered as external factors. Healthy nutrition level was evaluated on the basis of nutrition knowledge, emotions about nutrition, positive nutrition habits and poor nutrition habits. In this context, an online survey was applied to a total of 425 employees from the health sector (202 people) and the food and beverage sector (223 people). The obtained data were analyzed comparatively. The results of the study showed that the level of nutrition knowledge was equal in both groups. However, it was concluded that food and beverage sector employees are more sensitive than health sector employees regarding feelings about nutrition, positive nutrition and bad eating habits. While food and beverage sector employees are expected to constantly deal with food, which would cause desensitization, it has been observed that, on the contrary, they are consistent and resistant to healthy eating. It was concluded that although they did not receive formal education on health, the information they acquired through professional support (dietitian) catalyzed the processes of developing healthy eating behavior.
Colonial Logic Made Visible: Considering Seasonal Plantation Visibility in 3D ‘Fertile’ Digital Landscapes to Re- Examine Caribbean Panoptic Plantationscapes
Authors: Goudge Charlotte
Published: August 2024

Landscape approaches utilizing line-of-sight profiles and viewsheds to compute intervisibility are far from new techniques in archaeological research. Various well-known works have described the methods and theory used to map visibility on plantationscapes. However, due to a lack of technological capabilities, most have been forced to utilize incomplete datasets, applying analysis to ‘barren’ landscapes lacking buildings, vegetation, or any temporal and/or cyclical fluctuations, particularly concerning local ecologies. However, as computers and geographic information systems (GIS) technologies expand, more advanced visualizations and analyses have become feasible. One area of GIS technology experiencing rapid advancement is the expansion of geographically accurate 3D data, which allows the development of interactive perspective models. This research uses a ‘fertile’ landscape model to test how a 3D perspective that factors in buildings and sugarcane can alter our understanding of colonial control methodologies and consider whether the Panoptic Plantation model is the most effective to discuss imperial logic and domination on Caribbean sugar estates.
WITHDRAWN: LC-HRMS based metabolite profiling of black wheat rawa idli incorporated panner whey powder reveals key bioactive compounds
Authors: Aggarwal Ankur , Verma Tarun
Published: August 2024

The whey waste from dairy processing is rich in valuable nutrients like amino acids, proteins etc. which offer various health benefits. Finding ways to utilize this dairy waste and incorporate it into food products is an intriguing approach. Advanced analytical techniques like liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry have become important tools for comprehensively analyzing the composition of foods. The aim of study to optimized black wheat-based rawa idli that had been formulated with different levels of paneer whey powder (PWP). This analysis was able to identify 40 distinct functional compounds within the food matrix. Some of the most notable compounds found included ferulic acid, rutin, and isorhamnetin etc. all of which are known to have diverse health promoting properties. The results highlight the bioactive potential of incorporating this dairy-derived ingredient (PWP) into the black wheat rawa idli. Adding PWP appears to enhance the overall functional qualities of this food, making it a promising potential as a healthy, value-added product.
A Wide Tuning Range High Performance PLL Based on Capacitor Arrays
Authors: Liu Jun , Ma Qian , Ning Ning , Li Chao , Ma Shibi , Huang Linqing , Fu Dongbing
Published: August 2024

The paper presents a wide tuning range high performance PLL, which is mainly used for high speed wideband clock signal generation to reduce the difficulty of providing high-speed input clocks externally. The circuit mainly consists of PFD, CP, VCO, DIVIDER and other units. It improves the phase noise of the VCO by reducing the VCO tuning gain, and uses a capacitor array to extend the output frequency range. The circuit is designed in a 28nm process and the output signals can work from 8GHz to 12GHz. The PLL is used as a sampling clock for the DAC. When the DAC outputs a 1.8GHz sine wave, the measured phase noise can reach -110dBc/Hz@100kHz offset.
Research on Innovation and Development of Backbasket Throwing Embroidery Ball Supported by Information Technology
Authors: Shijun Xu , Yu Wei , Ling Li , xing Liang , Jie Kan
Published: August 2024

Objective
This study aims to inherit the national sports culture of throwing embroidered balls, combine technological innovation with the application of technological information, improve the competitive level and competition management level of the backbasket throwing embroidered ball.
Method
Utilizing methods such as literature review and mathematical statistics to elucidate the evolutionary history of embroidered ball culture, analyze the development process of the backbasket throwing embroidery ball sport and throwing technology; Research innovative throwing techniques and tactical applications through comparative analysis of competition results.
Result
There are problems with the lack of theoretical throwing techniques, imperfect competition rules, and inconsistent embroidery balls in competition. The training results of the short fast low (α ≤ 30 °) throwing method are outstanding, but insufficient stability leads to easy mistakes in competition, it requires athletes with good psychological qualities; The training performance of the long slow high (α > 30 °) throwing method is poor, but it has good stability and is easy to exert competitive ability in competitions.
Conclusion
Emphasize the inheritance of ethnic sports culture and enhance social participation interest. The mixed throwing method, with short fast low throwing as the main method and long slow high throwing as the auxiliary method, can effectively improve the level of competition. Utilizing modern elements such as unmanned aerial vehicles and information technology management to improve the level of referees and promote the sustainable development of ethnic sports.
Integrative analyses of long and short-read RNA sequencing reveal the spliced isoform regulatory network of seedling growth dynamics in upland cotton
Authors: Shahzad Kashif , Zhang Meng , Mubeen Iqra , Zhang Xuexian , Guo Liping , Qi Tingxiang , Feng Juanjuan , Tang Huini , Qiao Xiuqin , Wu Jianyong , Xing Chaozhu
Published: August 2024

The polyploid genome of cotton greatly increased the transcript complexity. Recent advances in full-length transcript sequencing are now widely used to characterize the complete landscape of transcriptional events. Such circumstances in cotton can help us explore the genetic mechanisms of the early seedling growth dynamics of cotton. This study, through long-read single-molecule sequencing, compared the transcriptomes of three yield-contrasting genotypes of upland cotton. Our analysis identified a diversity of spliced isoforms in each genotype, of which most were novel compared to previous cotton reference transcriptomes and had significant differences in the number of exon structures and coding sequence length due to intron retention. Quantification of isoform expression revealed significant expression differences in the root and leaf of each genotype. An array of core isoform target genes showed protein kinase or phosphorylation functions, and their protein interaction network contained most of the circadian oscillator proteins. Divergent spliced isoforms with differential regulation from the GIGANTEA (GI) are expected to regulate translational activities, including the sequence and function of target proteins. In addition, these spliced isoforms generate rhythmic expression profiles in cotton leaves, which may change the transcriptional regulatory network. Silencing of GI novel spliced isoforms Gh_A02G0645_N17 significantly impacts biomass traits in cotton and contributes to variability in growth and development. Our high-throughput hybrid sequencing results will be useful to dissect functional differences among spliced isoforms in the polyploid genome of cotton.
Multimodal Human Behavior Recognition Based on Contextual Semantics and Skeleton
Authors: Liu Cheng , Ni Kaile , Wang Xirui , Fei Jiaqing , Song Kecheng , Gu Jingqian , Hu Zehao , Wang Lin
Published: August 2024

Skeleton-based human behavior recognition has been widely studied due to its efficiency and robustness to complex backgrounds. While skeleton data accurately captures the dynamic changes in human posture, it overly relies on the quality of skeleton data and lacks interaction with the environment. In cases where skeleton keypoints are missing, using only skeleton data for behavior recognition results in significantly reduced performance. To address these issues, this paper proposes a method for behavior recognition that combines contextual semantics with skeleton detection. It fully considers the correlation between human skeletons, objects, and the interaction between humans and objects. When recognizing behaviors from human skeletons, this method simultaneously identifies objects near human skeletons and performs multimodal fusion after forming semantic information. It utilizes transformer-based semantic similarity calculation to determine the possible correlation between behaviors and targets and finally combines the scores from two stages to obtain the final prediction results. Experimental results show that on the UCF101 dataset, which is closer to real-world scenarios, the proposed method achieves an 8.4% improvement in accuracy compared to PoseConv3D.
Development of a silkworms-based evaluation system for the extracts and compounds for their obesity and lipid metabolism improving activity
Authors: Wada Mikiyo , Murata Yuki , Devkota Hari Prasad
Published: August 2024

As lifestyle-related diseases like obesity, dyslipidemia, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease are increasing globally, the demand for developing therapeutic agents and health foods remains high. However, there is a growing concern worldwide regarding the use of animals for biological testing. Herein, we developed a method using the silkworm, Bombyx mori, to evaluate the effects of compounds on improving obesity and lipid metabolism. A silkworm obesity and lipid metabolism disorder (SOLD) model, fed an 10% glucose diet for 72h showed increased fat body weight and accumulation of neutral fat in the hemolymph and fat body. Administration of fenofibrate reduced neutral fat levels in the hemolymph, and epigallocatechin gallate reduced neutral fat levels in the hemolymph and fat body. Silkworms with improved lipid metabolism, exhibited activation of lipoprotein lipase in muscle tissue, and decreased activities of fatty acid synthase and acetyl-CoA carboxylase, and activation of AMPK in the fat body. Furthermore, enhanced fatty acid beta-oxidation contributed to the promotion of lipolysis. These effects and mechanisms of action observed in silkworms are similar to those found in mammals. These results demonstrate the usefulness of the evaluation system in screening materials for their anti-obesity and lipid metabolism improvement effects using the SOLD model.
The role of acetylcholinesterase enzyme inhibitor rivastigmine on spike-wave discharges, learning-memory, anxiety, and TRPV1 channel expression in genetic absence epileptic WAG/Rij rats
Authors: AK Elif TÜRKDÖNMEZ , OKUYUCU Büşra , Gökhan ARSLAN , AĞAR Erdal , AYYILDIZ Mustafa
Published: August 2024

In the present study, the effects of the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzyme inhibitor rivastigmine (RIVA) on spike-wave discharges (SWDs), memory impairment, anxiety-like behavior, and TRPV1 gene expression were investigated in genetic absence epileptic Wistar Albino Glaxo/Rijswijk (WAG/Rij) rats. After tripolar electrodes were implanted on the WAG/Rij rats' skulls, single doses of 0.125, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2 mg/kg RIVA was intraperitoneally (i.p.) administered and electrocorticogram (ECoG) recordings of SWDs were obtained for three hours before and after injections. Additionally, WAG/Rij rats were administered low-dose (0.5 mg/kg) and high-dose (2 mg/kg) of RIVA for consecutive 21 days and SWDs were recorded. Learning-memory abilities (Y-maze test), anxiety-like behavior (elevated plus maze test), and TRPV1 gene expression were determined and compared in 8-month-old WAG/Rij and age-matched Wistar rats. Acute RIVA administration dose-dependently reduced the total number and mean duration of SWDs, even entirely inhibited at the doses of 1 and 2 mg/kg RIVA. Whereas long-term high-dose administration of RIVA increased the total number of SWDs, however, decreased the mean duration. Long-term high-dose RIVA treatment reduced learning-memory and anxiety-like behavior in WAG/Rij rats, while only anxiety-like behavior decreased in Wistar rats. According to the qPCR analysis, long-term RIVA administration reduced the TRPV1 gene expression in WAG/Rij rats, in fact, TRPV1 increased in Wistar rats. These data indicate that single-dose RIVA administration dose-dependently decreases absence seizures, however, long-term administration of RIVA increases absence seizures probably by altering channel expressions such as TRPV1.
Crack development in dredged sediment due to the deformation of vertical drains under intermittent vacuum preloading
Authors: Cao Yupeng , Xu Guizhong , Gao Mengying , Wang Yuchen , Ni Junjun , Han Qiyuan
Published: August 2024

The intermittent vacuum preloading in combination with the deformable drainage system method exhibited excellent performance in treating dredged sediment. The contraction and expansion of vertical drainage system caused the formation of cracks on the surface soil. To reveal the mechanisms of crack development, laboratory model box tests were conducted on dredged sediment with different initial water contents (w0) under various expansion strains of vertical drainage system (ε). The study investigated the crack development patterns (e.g., crack number, crack length, maximum crack width, and crack area) on surface soil near the drainage system. The results indicated that the expansion of drainage systems gradually resulted in a radial distribution of soil cracks. The threshold strain values of vertical drainage systems corresponding to the initiation of soil cracks gradually increased, with the increase of w0. The total crack length, total crack area and maximum crack width exhibited a decreasing trend as the w0 increased. This study also identified a critical w0 (w0 < water content at liquid limit) for the formation of cracks on the surface soil. The crack development patterns on the surface soil could be divided into two stages: the slow development stage (ε ≤ 10.0%) and the rapid development stage (ε > 10.0%). The cracks could potentially increase the drainage area, which further enhanced the treatment effect of dredged sediment with high water content.
Experience of Academic Remediation in a South African Medical Undergraduate programme- Exploring the voice of Remediating Learners
Authors: Ugwuanyi Anastasia Ebele , Sodo Pumla , pillay shayla , cooke richard
Published: August 2024

Background: The purpose of remediation is to provide targeted support and interventions to individuals who are struggling academically, providing support for improvement and achievement of learning goals.
Aim: To explore the perceptions and experience of educators and learners regarding academic remediation within the Nelson Mandela Fidel Castro final year integration programme at the University of the Witwatersrand.
Methods: Through a qualitative exploratory study design, in-depth interviews were conducted with the NMFC (Nelson Mandela Fidel Castro) students and focus group discussion were conducted with clinical educators.
Results: Findings revealed a need to deconstruct the meaning of remediation, clarify the procedural approach to successful remediation for learners and provide structured support, taking into consideration the multi-dimensional reasons for poor academic performance.
Conclusion: Wholistic and structured remediation of learners with identified gaps, is crucial in health professions education, to achieve the outcome of clinically competent healthcare providers. A comprehensive approach addressing the factors that impact academic performance is imperative to successful remediation programme.
Development and validation of a prediction model for moxifloxacin-induced delirium in patients with community-acquired pneumonia: a retrospective cross-sectional study
Authors: Xue Peng , Li Peishan , Lin Ling , Deng Zhengting , Chen Xiaohu
Published: August 2024

Background
The problem of delirium caused by fluoroquinolones, especially moxifloxacin, has posed a great challenge to clinical practice. Currently, there is a shortage of predictive models for predicting moxifloxacin-induced delirium. Therefore, this study aims to develop and validate a predictive model for moxifloxacin-induced delirium in community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) patients.
Methods
This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted in Taizhou, Jiangsu Province, China. A total of 488 CAP patients who had received moxifloxacin treatment were included between June 2023 and March 2024. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression and multiple logistic regression were used to identify predictive factors for moxifloxacin-induced delirium. A nomogram containing four predictive factors was created. Discrimination, calibration, and clinical utility were employed to evaluate the model's performance, with internal validation using the bootstrap method. Feasibility analysis of the model was conducted based on the respective prediction probabilities and nomogram scores.
Results
Among the 488 patients, 9.63% (47/488) exhibited moxifloxacin-induced delirium, while the remaining 90.37% (401/488) did not encounter such adverse effects. Through LASSO and multiple logistic regression analysis, we identified increasing age, weight loss, elevated bilirubin levels, and a history of ischemic heart disease as significant predictive factors. These four predictors were utilized to construct a predictive nomogram. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was determined to be 0.889 (95% CI 0.841–0.937), which was further validated through bootstrap sampling analysis with an AUC of 0.897 (95% CI 0.846–0.949). The Hosmer-Lemeshow test yielded a p-value of 0.257, and the calibration curve also indicated that the model exhibits good calibration ability. The decision curve analysis (DCA) demonstrated a positive net benefit within a risk range from 0.5–77%. The clinical impact curve demonstrated a strong alignment between the model's predictions and actual occurrences when the risk threshold exceeded 0.3. The feasibility analysis not only demonstrated the model's advantages over internal variables but also revealed significantly elevated nomogram scores in delirium patients.
Conclusions
This study has developed a predictive model for identifying moxifloxacin-induced delirium in CAP patients, exhibiting excellent performance and providing valuable assistance to clinicians in identifying high-risk individuals.
57 InDel markers for spotted longbarbel catfish, Hemibagrus guttatus developed by whole genome resequencing
Authors: Wu Yuli , Jiang Zhiyong , He Zhichao , Jiang Wanying
Published: August 2024

Spotted longbarbel catfish, Hemibagrus guttatus (Lacepède, 1803), is benthic freshwater fish, mainly distributed in southern China, Laos, Thai, and Viet Nam. The wild population of H. guttatus is continuously decreasing, making it essential to protect this valuable fish resources. Understanding the genetic diversity and population structure of H. guttatus is critical to its protection. In the study, we therefore developed 57 InDel markers for H. guttatus by whole genome resequencing. The observed heterozygosity and expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.3333 to 0.5833 and 0.2778 to 0.5000, respectively. The value of polymorphism information content was between 0.2692 and 0.3750. One locus significantly deviated from the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (p<0.05). These InDel markers are of great value for genetic diversity and conservation of H. guttatus.
Solvent-mediated synthesis of multi-color narrow-bandwidth emissive carbon quantum dots and their potential in white light- emitting diodes
Authors: Sami Mohamed , El-Khouly Mohamed E. , Ghali Mohsen
Published: August 2024

The development of efficient and environmentally sustainable materials for white light-emitting diodes (WLEDs) is of paramount importance in the field of lighting technology. In this study, we present a solvent-modulated synthesis approach for the fabrication of multicolor narrow-bandwidth emissive carbon quantum dots (CQDs) as a promising solution for constructing WLEDs. The synthesis method involves the controlled reaction of organic precursors in different solvent environments, leading to the formation of CQDs with distinct emission wavelengths with a relatively small full width at half maximum, ranging from 28 to 42 nm. Moreover, these synthesized multicolor CQDs demonstrate a remarkably high fluorescence quantum yield of up to 65%, indicating their potential for constructing efficient WLED when incorporated in polymer matrix and coated on the surface of blue light-emitting diode (LED).
Proteomic and phosphoproteomic profilings reveal distinct cellular responses during Tilapinevirus tilapiae entry and replication
Authors: Lertwanakarn Tuchakorn , Khemthong Matepiya , Setthawong Piyathip , Phaonakrop Narumon , Roytrakul Sittiruk , Ploypetch Sekkarin , Surachetpong Win
Published: August 2024

Tilapia lake virus (TiLV) poses a significant threat to global tilapia aquaculture, as it causes high mortality rates and severe economic losses. Nevertheless, the molecular mechanisms of TiLV–host interactions remain poorly understood. We investigated the proteomic and phosphoproteomic changes in E-11 and RHTiB cell lines following TiLV infection. Using mass spectrometry-based analyses, we identified substantial alterations in protein expression and phosphorylation states, highlighted distinct cell line responses. In E-11 cells, TiLV infection suppressed the proteins involved in the Janus kinase–signal transducer and activators of transcription and Fas-associated death domain protein–tumor necrosis factor receptor associated factor pathways, leading to the activation of nucleotide oligomerization domain signaling and cellular apoptosis. The TiLV-infected RHTiB cells showed suppression of the host cellular metabolism through a reduction in protein phosphatase to facilitate early viral entry, while later stages of infection involved increased activity of myosin heavy chain 9 and enhanced host immune responses via the phosphorylation of ribosomal protein L17 and GTPase immunity-associated protein family member 7. These findings suggest that TiLV employs different strategies to manipulate host cellular pathways depending on the cell type. Further studies are essential to validate these findings and ultimately facilitate the development of effective antiviral strategies.
Reinforcement-Learning based routing for packet-optical networks with hybrid telemetry
Authors: Navarro Alejandro Leonardo García , Koneva Nataliia , Sánchez-Macián Alfonso , Hernández José Alberto , de Dios Oscar Gonzalez , Rivas-Moscoso José Manuel
Published: August 2024

This article provides a methodology and open-source implementation of Reinforcement Learning algorithms for finding optimal routes in a packet-optical network scenario. The algorithm uses measurements provided by the physical layer (pre-FEC bit error rate and propagation delay) and the link layer (link load) to configure a set of latency-based rewards and penalties based on such measurements. Then, the algorithm executes Q-learning based on this set of rewards for finding the optimal routing strategies. It is further shown that the algorithm dynamically adapts to changing network conditions by re-calculating optimal policies upon either link load changes or link degradation as measured by pre-FEC BER.
Mathematics Subject Classification (2020) MSC code1 · MSC code2 · more
GPT-4o and the Quest for Machine Learning Interpretability in ICU Mortality Prediction
Authors: Samadi Moein Einollahzadeh , Nikulina Kateryna , Fritsch Sebastian Johannes , Schuppert Andreas
Published: August 2024

Background
Clinical utilization of machine learning is hampered by the lack of interpretability inherent in most non-linear black box modeling approaches, reducing trust among clinicians and regulators. Advanced large language models, such as GPT-4o, offer a potential framework for integrating medical knowledge into these models, potentially enhancing their interpretability.
Methods
Our study utilizes GPT-4o to generate detailed medical feature descriptions, which are aggregated into a comprehensive corpus and processed using TF-IDF vectorization. We then apply fuzzy C-means clustering to these vectorized features to identify significant mortality cause-specific feature clusters. A physician reviews the resulting clusters, validating their relevance to specific mortality causes in mechanically ventilated ICU patients. Subsequently, the resulting clusters inform the creation of weak mortality classifiers, which are combined into a strong classifier using boosting techniques, ultimately producing a GPT-enhanced boosting model for ICU mortality prediction.
Results
This study enrolled 16,018 mechanically ventilated ICU patients, divided into derivation (12,758) and validation (3,260) cohorts, to develop and evaluate a GPT-enhanced boosting model for predicting in-ICU mortality. Leveraging GPT-4o, we implemented an automated process for clustering mortality cause-specific features, resulting in six feature clusters: Liver Failure, Infection, Renal Failure, Hypoxia, Cardiac Failure, and Mechanical Ventilation. This approach significantly improved upon previous manual methods, automating the reconstruction of structured boosting models. While the GPT-enhanced model showed similar predictive accuracy to an XGBoost model, it demonstrated superior interpretability and clinical relevance by incorporating a wider array of features and providing a hierarchical structure of feature importance aligned with medical knowledge.
Conclusion
We introduce a novel approach to predicting in-ICU mortality for mechanically ventilated patients using a GPT-enhanced boosting model. Our methodology demonstrates the potential of integrating large language models with traditional machine learning techniques to create interpretable and clinically relevant predictive models.
Novel CRISPR-Cas12a Clades Discovery Using Large Language Model
Authors: Huang Xingxu , Feng Yuanyuan , Shi Junchao , Yang Jiaxi , Li Zhanwei , Li Yongqian , Tang Jin , Yang Yao , Zheng Jinfang , Han Wei , Huang Shisheng , Zhang Jun , Qiao Yunbo , Ma Peixiang , Liu Qi , Wu Lina , Hu Chunyi , Zhang Xiaokang
Published: August 2024

The identification and engineering of CRISPR-Cas systems revolutionized life science. Metagenome contains millions of unknown Cas proteins, which require precise prediction and characterization. Traditional protein mining mainly depends on protein sequence alignments. In this work, we harnessed the capability of the evolutionary scale language model (ESM) to learn the information beyond the sequence. After training with the CRISPR-Cas sequences and their functional annotation, the ESM model can identify the CRISPR-Cas proteins from the annotated genome sequences accurately and robustly without sequence alignment. However, due to the lack of experimental data, the feature prediction is limited by the small sample size. Integrated with machine learning on small size experimental data, the model is able to predict the trans-cleavage activity of novel Cas12a. Furthermore, we discovered 7 novel subtypes of Cas12a proteins with unique organization of CRISPR loci and protein sequences. Notably, structural alignments revealed that Cas1, Cas2, and Cas4 also exhibit 8 subtypes, with the absence of integrase proteins correlating with a reduction in spacer numbers within CRISPR loci. In addition, the Cas12a subtypes displayed distinct 3D foldings, a finding further corroborated by CryoEM analyses that unveiled unique interaction patterns with RNA. Accordingly, these proteins show distinct double-strand and single-strand DNA cleavage preferences and broad PAM recognition. Finally, we established a specific detection strategy for the oncogene SNP without traditional Cas12a PAM. This study shows the great potential of the language model in the novel Cas protein function exploration via gene cluster classification.
Spatio-temporal fish gill microbiota analysis as indicators in estuarine fish health monitoring
Authors: Koll Raphael , Hauten Elena , Theilen Jesse , Bang Corinna , Bouchard Michelle , Thiel Ralf , Möllmann Christian , Woodhouse Jason Nicholas , Fabrizius Andrej
Published: August 2024

Coastal marine and estuarine systems are subject to enormous endogenous and exogenous pressures, particularly climate change, while at the same time being highly productive sources and nurseries for fish populations. Interactions between host and microbiome are increasingly recognized for their importance for fish health, with growing evidence indicating that the abundance and virulence of pathogenic bacteria are rapidly increasing. The microbial composition of the gill mucus reflects environmental conditions and represents a major entry route for pathogens into the fish body. High-throughput sequencing of prokaryotic populations from 250 samples of two fish species with highly different habitat preferences, as well as seasonal and spatial distributions in the Elbe estuary system, allowed us to describe the variation of the microbiota along a salinity gradient and under fluctuating environmental conditions. The analysis of estuarine fish core microbiota in relation to variable bacterial components indicated dysbiotic states under sustained hypoxia and high nutrient loads largely driven by the takeover of opportunistic pathogens (Acinetobacter, Shewanella, Aeromonas). By correlating bacterial abundances with environmental and physiological parameters in a co-occurrence network approach, we describe plasticity in microbiota composition, identify biomarkers of fish health and reconstruct movement patterns of the fish. Our results will help to shape future non-invasive and cost-effective monitoring programs, and identify factors that might be controlled in the estuary to promote fish and stock health.
High-coverage immunopeptidomics using timsTOF mass spectrometers with Thunder-DDA-PASEF boosted by MS2Rescore
Authors: Gomez-Zepeda David , Beyrle Julian , Preikschat Annica , Declercq Arthur , Chen Yannic , Gabriels Ralf , Martens Lennart , Distler Ute , Tenzer Stefan
Published: August 2024

Major histocompatibility complex (MHC, or Human leukocyte antigen, HLA) peptide ligands can be exploited to develop immunotherapies targeting immunogenic disease-specific immunopeptides, such as virus- or cancer mutation-derived peptides. Liquid chromatography-coupled with mass spectrometry (LC-MS)-based immunopeptidomics is the gold standard for identifying MHC ligands. We previously optimized a workflow enabling the identification of more than 10,000 MHC class I ligands per cell line. This process comprises three major steps: (I) a high-recovery immunopeptidome enrichment, (II) an optimized MS acquisition in the timsTOF Pro called Thunder-Data-Dependent Acquisition with Parallel Accumulation-SErial Fragmentation (Thunder-DDA-PASEF), (III) and peptide identification using PEAKS XPro boosted by MS2Rescore data-driven rescoring. Here, we describe our workflow for deep-coverage immunopeptidomics step-by-step, from sample preparation to data analysis and validation.
Investigation on the effect of operation of solar dryer technology according to the drying characteristic of dried product
Authors: Rahman Reza Abdu , Sulistyo Sulistyo , Utomo Mohamad Said Kartono Tony Suryo , Gunawan Kaprian Rizki , Ismail Ismail
Published: August 2024

The application of solar dryer through greenhouse (GH) model as drying method for crops-based product is extremely important in industrial scale agriculture, especially in developed country. The drying model is considered environmentally friendly since it utilizes solar power as the main drying energy. However, the fundamental operational aspect of the basic GH is less discussed according to the drying mechanism of the dried product. In this work, three small-scale drying model are evaluated: open drying (OD), natural convection GH (NCGH), and forced convection GH (FCGH). The drying product is potato, which can be taken as an essential agricultural product in modern world. The OD model has the lowest mass loss rate which less than 50 % of the water from product can be evaporated. The operation of both GH is satisfactory, resulting more than 60 % moisture evaporation. The drying characteristic indicates the two-step failing rate which makes the mass loss fluctuation from the process. The highest mass loss is observed during the constant rate period around 21 % for FCGH and 18 % for NCGH. In addition, the detailed analysis on the effect of each process is discussed in this work. For example, the presence of hair-like structure and the movement of the pith of dried potato during the process. Also, a higher drying rate from NCGH and FCGH initiate the gelatinization and compartmentalization, resulting a substantial water evaporation of the product. It confirms the important correlation of the drying process and water diffusion mechanism of the dried product. The finding from this study can be taken as a vital reference for improving the operation of GH solar dryer
Investigation on the influence of waste-based fillers on the mechanical and thermal characteristics of rigid polyurethane foams
Authors: Muhsen Muhsen Chelab , Mohammed Ahmed J. , AL-Malki Ziyad T. , Thbayh Dalal K.
Published: August 2024

An investigation was conducted to analyze the impact of incorporating coal powder particles at different weight ratios (5, 10, 15, 25, and 35) on the mechanical properties and thermal conductivity coefficient of the polyurethane polymer. The thermal conductivity coefficient of the samples was calculated using Holmarc's Lee's Disc apparatus device. The mechanical properties like compressive, tensile, and bending strengths were measured using a universal machine. The results indicated that increasing the coal powder ratio leads to an improvement in the thermal insulation ability due to a decrease in the value of thermal conductivity. Also, the addition of these percentages led to a rise in the values of the mechanical qualities represented by the compressive strength, especially at the ratio of 25 wt. %, with a value equal to 2.79 MPa (MPa). The flexural resistance and tensile strength increase at a ratio of 35 wt. %, with values equal to 20.4 MPa and 2.86 MPa respectively. The results indicate that the addition of coal powder enhances the ability of thermal conductivity at the ratios (5 %, 10) wt. %, with values equal to 0.119 W/m ºC and 0.114 W/m ºC, respectively, by increasing the thermal conductivities of the samples. The aim of this study is, investigate the effect of filler used coal powder waste on the mechanical and thermal properties of PU. The filler materials show the advantages of recycling waste. Filler influences the morphology and strengthens the brittleness. Additionally, the technology of polyurethane materials conforms to the use of coal powder. The overall amount of energy used to produce PU composites is decreased when waste of filler is used to partially replace petrochemical components
Current challenges in addressing invasive diseases in domestic pigeons: insights from our research
Authors: TOMCZUK KRZYSZTOF , STUDZIŃSKA MARIA , SZCZEPANIAK KLAUDIUSZ , DEMKOWSKA-KUTRZEPA MARTA , ROCZEŃ-KARCZMARZ MONIKA , KRZYSIAK MICHAŁ KONRAD
Published: August 2024

The current study aims to highlight the ongoing challenges in addressing invasive diseases within pigeon flocks in the Lublin region. The study material comprised bird faecal samples from 69 flocks (39 fancy pigeon flocks and 30 racing pigeon flocks) with a total estimated bird count of 7,490, as declared by the owners. Parasite forms were confirmed in samples from 56/69 flocks, indicating a prevalence of 81.2% across the study, 87.2% in fancy pigeon flocks and 73.3% in racing pigeon flocks. The identified parasites included protozoa of the genus Eimeria, roundworms Ascaridia columbae, nematodes Capillariidae, Ornithostrongylus quadriradiatus, and Syngamus trachea, cestodes and Trichomonas gallinae. The analysis revealed that coccidiosis was the predominant invasion in both racing and fancy pigeon flocks. Comparing the two types of breeding (racing pigeons and fancy pigeons), fancy pigeon flocks were more susceptible to parasitic invasions.