bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the Evaluation of Coal Strength Alteration Induced by CO2 Injection Using Advanced Black-Box and White-Box Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors: Lv Qichao , Zheng Haimin , Li Xiaochen , Mohammadi Mohammad-Reza , Hadavimoghaddam Fahimeh , Zhou Tongke , Mahmoudzadeh Atena , Hemmati-Sarapardeh Abdolhossein
Published: January 2024

The injection of carbon dioxide (CO2) into coal seams is a prominent technique that can provide carbon sequestration in addition to enhancing coalbed methane extraction. However, CO2 injection into the coal seams can alter the coal strength properties and their long-term integrity. In this work, the strength alteration of coals induced by CO2 exposure was modeled using 147 laboratory-measured unconfined compressive strength (UCS) data points and considering CO2 saturation pressure, CO2 interaction temperature, CO2 interaction time, and coal rank as input variables. Advanced white-box and black-box machine learning algorithms including Gaussian process regression (GPR) with rational quadratic kernel, extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), categorical boosting (CatBoost), adaptive boosting decision tree (AdaBoost-DT), multivariate adaptive regression splines (MARS), K-nearest neighbor (KNN), gene expression programming (GEP), and group method of data handling (GMDH) were used in the modeling process. The results demonstrated that GPR-Rational Quadratic provided the most accurate estimates of UCS of coals having 3.53%, 3.62%, and 3.55% for the average absolute percent relative error (AAPRE) values of the train, test, and total data sets, respectively. Also, the overall determination coefficient (R2) value of 0.9979 was additional proof of the excellent accuracy of this model compared with other models. Moreover, the first mathematical correlations to estimate the change in coal strength induced by CO2 exposure were established in this work by the GMDH and GEP algorithms with acceptable accuracy. Sensitivity analysis revealed that the Spearman correlation coefficient shows the relative importance of the input parameters on the coal strength better than the Pearson correlation coefficient. Among the inputs, coal rank had the greatest influence on the coal strength (strong nonlinear relationship) based on the Spearman correlation coefficient. After that, CO2 interaction time and CO2 saturation pressure have shown relatively strong nonlinear relationships with model output, respectively. The CO2 interaction temperature had the smallest impact on coal strength alteration induced by CO2 exposure based on both Pearson and Spearman correlation coefficients. Finally, the leverage technique revealed that the laboratory database used for modeling CO2-induced strength alteration of coals was highly reliable, and the suggested GPR-Rational Quadratic model and GMDH correlation could be applied for predicting the UCS of coals exposed to CO2 with high statistical accuracy and reliability.
Speciation characterization and environmental stability of arsenic in arsenic-containing copper slag tailing
Authors: You Mu , Hu Yunhu , Zhou Chuncai
Published: January 2024

The increasing presence of arsenic-containing impurities within Cu ores can adversely affect the smelting process and aggravate the environmental impact of slag tailing. This study investigates the geochemical, mineralogical, and chemical speciation characteristics to better understand the association and environmental stability of metal(loid)s in copper slag tailing. The results indicate that the predominant chemical compositions of the selected slag tailing are Fe2O3 (54.8%) and SiO2 (28.1%). These tailings exhibit potential for multi-elemental contamination due to elevated concentrations of environmentally sensitive elements. Mineral phases identified within the slag tailings include silicate (fayalite), oxides (magnetite and hematite), and sulfides (galena, sphalerite, arsenopyrite, and chalcopyrite). The consistent presence of silicate, iron, arsenic, and oxygen in the elemental distribution suggests the existence of arsenic within silicate minerals in the form of Si-Fe-As-O phases. Additionally, arsenic shows association with sulfide minerals and oxides. The percentages of arsenite (As(III)) and arsenate (As(V)) within the selected slag tailings are 59.4% and 40.6%, respectively. While the slag tailings are deemed non-hazardous due to the minimal amounts of toxic elements in leachates, proper disposal measures should be taken due to the elevated carbonate-bound levels of As and Cu present in these tailings.
Can control of visceral adiposity index improve sexual function in men with metabolic syndrome?
Authors: Bolat Mustafa , Yılmaz Merve , Dündar Cihad , Asci Ramazan
Published: January 2024

The metabolic syndrome (MeTS) negatively affects male sexual function. Lifestyle changes improve erectile function. However, the effects of lifestyle changes on sexual function in men with and without MeTS on the visceral adiposity index (VAI) have not been adequately investigated. Patients with MeTS (n = 48) and those with no MeTS (n = 31) were recruited. Sexual functions and psychogenic status were assessed using the International Index of Erectile Dysfunction (IIEF) questionnaire and Beck’s depression inventory (BDI), respectively. The VAI was calculated using the gender-specific formula. Demographic, clinical, biochemical and hormonal data were recorded. Participants were advised to 8500 steps per day and dietary control. At least three months later, demographic and biochemical tests were repeated, and the VAI was calculated. Association between sexual functions, presence of MeTS and lifestyle changes via the VAI were analyzed. Each integer increase of the VAI was related to a 1.74-fold increased risk of ED in the MeTS group. The MeTS was related to moderate to severe ED than those with no MeTS (p = 0.033). A 24% decrease of the VAI was recorded in the MeTS group at the end of the study (p = 0.014). The MeTS criteria were disappeared in eight patients at the end of the study, with a slight decrease of VAI (p = 0.07). In the beginning, patients with MeTS and no-MeTS showed similar sexual satisfaction, orgasm, desire, and general satisfaction scores. Sexual satisfaction, orgasm and general satisfaction were improved in the non-MeTS group (p < 0.05). At the end of the study, the MeTS group showed similar sexual satisfaction, desire, orgasm and general satisfaction rates (p > 0.05). Higher VAI levels were related to the lower erectile function scores, particularly in patients with MeTS. Lifestyle changes improved male sexual function scores only in the non-MeTS group. Therefore, fighting against MeTS should be adopted as a global healthcare policy.
Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Egyptian Medical Students Towards Healthcare Workers’ Recommended Vaccines: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Shawqi Mohamed Mohamed , El-Said Yara Mohamed , Behery Mostafa Behery , Abdelaziz Ali , Ibrahem Esraa Shawky , ElBoraie Aly , Khattab Mohamed Ayman , Ghattas Ahmed S. , Naeem Ahmed , Madany Maysa , Elboraay Toka , Naguib Mostafa Mahmoud , Allam Abdallah R. , Allam Ahmed Hafez , Bahbah Ammar Ayman , Ewis Marwa Ibrahim , Elsayed Mostafa Ahmed , Sherief Leenah , KhallafAllah Mahmoud Tawfik , Aboshady Omar Ali
Published: January 2024

Background
Vaccination of healthcare workers (HCWs) is pivotal to decrease the incidence of contagious infections in hospital settings. Herein, we assessed the knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding HCWs’ recommended vaccines among medical students and interns in Egypt.
Methods
A multicenter, cross-sectional study was conducted using a structured, pilot-tested, self-administered questionnaire among Egyptian medical students and interns. We invited 1332 participants to our survey using a systematic random sampling that included participants across nine medical schools in Egypt during the 2021–2022 academic year.
Result
Out of 1332 participants, 1141 completed our questionnaire with a response rate of 85.7%. Overall, 43% of our participants knew 2–3 HCWs recommended vaccines. Furthermore, 36.7% had received a booster dose of at least one of the HCWs’ recommended vaccines in the last 10 years with only 6.1% having received all recommended vaccines. Hepatitis B vaccine was the most widely known (71%) and received (66.7%). Interns were more likely to know, receive, and recommend HCWs’ recommended vaccines. The majority (> 90%) agreed that vaccination is beneficial and safe, with a median score of eight (interquartile range [IQR]: 2) out of ten concerning vaccine efficacy and eight (IQR: 1) for safety. However, the median score for hesitancy was five (IQR: 5). The most common influential and limiting factors for taking vaccines were scientific facts (60.1%) and fear of vaccine side effects (44.9%), respectively.
Conclusion
Although medical students in Egypt have good knowledge and attitudes toward vaccinations, there is a gap in their practices. Interventions are needed to improve the uptake of vaccinations among medical students in Egypt.
Concerning Trends in the Mental Health of Emerging Adults: 2011 to 2022
Authors: Barile John , Meyer Monet , Masuda Akihiko
Published: January 2024

Importance: There is a critical need to understand changes in the mental health of emerging adults. This study focused on identifying when and among who changes in the quality of life of US adults occurred between 2011 and 2022.
Objective: To identify changes in mental and physical health-related quality of life among adults by age cohort in the United States between 2011 and 2022.
Design: This was a survey-based observational study that included annual cohorts of more than 400,000 adults living in the United States between 2011 and 2022. Data was sourced from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, a national telephone-based health survey.
Setting: This study leveraged a large population-based sample living in the United States. The sample includes data from all 50 US states, the District of Columbia and three US territories.
Participants: Data were weighted based on age, sex, ethnicity, geographic regions within states, marital status, education level, home ownership, and type of phone ownership to represent the United States population.
Main Outcome(s) and Measure(s): The primary measures included the CDC Healthy Days items, which measure the number of mentally and physically unhealthy days experienced by survey respondents in the previous 30 days.
Results: The annual sample size ranged from N=438,693 to N=506,467. An 82% increase in the number of mentally unhealthy days was observed among adults aged 18-24 between 2011 (M=4.19, 95% CI 4.03-4.35) and 2022 (M=7.61, 95% CI = 7.41-7.82), with evidence of smaller but increasing rates among adults through mid-life. Minimal changes in physically unhealthy days were observed for all age groups over the same period.
Conclusions and Relevance: This study identified a clear need to address the mechanisms underlying a dramatic increase in mentally unhealthy days among young adults, which is also becoming increasingly common in mid-life. Special attention should be paid to the role social media plays in the way people perceive, interpret, and cope with stressors or traumatic events.
Yeast EndoG prevents genome instability by degrading cytoplasmic DNA
Authors: Ira Grzegorz , Yu Yang , Wang Xin , Fox Jordan , Yu Ruofan , McCauley Brenna , Nikoloutsos Nic , Li Qian , Hastings Philip , Dang Weiwei , Chen Kaifu , Thakre Pilendra
Published: January 2024

In metazoans release of mitochondrial DNA or retrotransposon cDNA to cytoplasm can cause sterile inflammation and disease 1. Cytoplasmic nucleases degrade these DNA species to limit inflammation 2,3. It remains unknown whether degradation these DNA also prevents nuclear genome instability. To address this question, we decided to identify the nuclease regulating transfer of these cytoplasmic DNA species to the nucleus. We used an amplicon sequencing-based method in yeast enabling analysis of millions of DSB repair products. Nuclear mtDNA (NUMTs) and retrotransposon cDNA insertions increase dramatically in nondividing stationary phase cells. Yeast EndoG (Nuc1) nuclease limits insertions of cDNA and transfer of very long mtDNA (>10 kb) that forms unstable circles or rarely insert in the genome, but it promotes formation of short NUMTs (~45-200 bp). Nuc1 also regulates transfer of cytoplasmic DNA to nucleus in aging or during meiosis. We propose that Nuc1 preserves genome stability by degrading retrotransposon cDNA and long mtDNA, while short NUMTs can originate from incompletely degraded mtDNA. This work suggests that nucleases eliminating cytoplasmic DNA play a role in preserving genome stability.
Knowledge Spillovers from Clean Innovation. A Tradeoff between Growth and Climate?
Authors: Verhoeven Dennis , Martin Ralf
Published: January 2024

Allocating scarce public funds to clean R&D might mean forfeiting higher economic gains from supporting other sectors, creating a tradeoff between economic and environmental goals. Our analysis of knowledge spillovers – the primary pathway for growth via innovation policy – suggests no such tradeoff: subsidy return rates are higher in Clean than in most other fields. But designing clean innovation policy based on national interests alone is inefficient, with EU-wide coordination boosting EU returns by 25% and global coordination raising worldwide returns by over 60%. Our analysis of cross-border knowledge spillovers suggests the EU could significantly benefit from US clean-focused policies like the Inflation Reduction Act.
Gut-derived memory γδT17 cells exacerbate sepsis-induced acute lung injury
Authors: Zhang Jiancheng , Xie Bing , Wang Mengyuan , Zhang Xinyu , Zhang Yujing , Qi Hong , Liu Hong , Wu Yuming , Wen Xiaoyue , Chen Xiaoyan , Han Mengqi , Xu Dan , Sun Xueqiang , Zhang Xue , Zhao Xin , Shang You , Yuan Shiying
Published: January 2024

Sepsis, a worldwide health crisis, is notorious for its high mortality rate, often attributed to the development of acute lung injury (ALI)/acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)1. The possible roles of the gut-lung axis mediated by the gut microbiota and its metabolites in the context of ALI have been documented2–4. However, the direct migration of intestinal immune cells to the lung as a mediator of ALI remains unclear. Here we report that sepsis prompted γδT17 cell migration from the small intestine to the lung, subsequently triggering an overwhelming inflammatory response dominated by IL-17A. The activated Wnt signaling in the alveolar macrophages during sepsis was identified as a driving factor for the subsequent CCL1 upregulation, which prompted the migration of small intestinal γδT17 cells to the lung. Small intestinal memory γδT17 cells (CD44+ Ly6C– IL-7Rhigh CD8low) were the major subtype of γδT17 cells that migrated from the small intestine to the lung and aggravated ALI. Esketamine alleviated ALI through dampening pulmonary Wnt/β-catenin signaling-mediated migration of small intestinal γδT17 cells to the lung. This study highlights the significant contribution of the direct migration of immune cells from the small intestine to the lung in sepsis-induced ALI, and clarifies the pathological significance of the localized elevation of IL-17A in the lung.
Predicting Labor and Delivery Complications: Dual Application of Logistic Regression and Supervised Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors: Alemayoh Fisha Mehabaw , Taye Getu Tadele , Abraha Hiluf Ebuy , Gebrehiwot Teklit Gebretsadik , Ebrahim Mohamedawel Mohamedniguss
Published: January 2024

Background
Prediction involves the use of data to learn, build knowledge, and improve predictive capacity through time from historical data to forecast future events. Predicting labor and delivery complications at an early stage could save the mother and baby from health challenges even death. This study aimed to identify determinants of and predict labor and delivery complications using machine learning techniques.
Methods
Data were collected using a data extraction sheet adopted from the Federal Ministry of Health Integrated antenatal, labor, delivery, and postnatal care card from Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Ethiopia from April to July 2020. These samples were grouped using an 80% by 20% ratio on stratified outcome variables into training and test datasets. Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate regression analyses were performed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). The synthetic minority oversampling technique (SMOTE) was used to balance the training dataset. Python and scikit learn were utilized to implement extreme gradient boosting (XGB), random forest, decision tree (DT), support vector machine (SVM), and K-nearest-neighbors (KNN) to develop predictive models for predicting labor and delivery complications. The confusion matrix, accuracy, precision, recall, receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve, and F1-score test were used to compare the classification algorithms' prediction performance.
Results
A total of 320 (16%) mothers experienced labor and delivery complications. Models developed with KNN, SVM, random forest, DT, and XGB predicted the occurrence of labor and delivery complications with accuracy levels of 82%, 82%, 80%, 82% and 85%, respectively. The model developed using XGB scored the highest accuracy level.
Conclusions
Age, history of hypertension, history of preeclampsia, history of abortion, vaginal bleeding in the current pregnancy, history of diabetes mellitus, presentation of fetus, and Rh status were found to be determinants of labor and delivery complications. The model developed using the XGB algorithm has performed better in terms of predictive performance.
Characterizing pain in patients with Fabry disease: Findings from a web-based cross-sectional survey in the US
Authors: Wallace Eric , Laney Dawn , Warsi Ibrahim , Baldwin Connie , Johnson Jack , Kupferman Joseph , DasMahapatra Pronabesh , Lyn Nicole
Published: January 2024

Background:Fabry disease (FD) is a rare, progressive disorder caused by pathogenic variants of theGLAgene resulting in the accumulation of toxic metabolites. Pain is a hallmark of FD, and patients often present with heterogeneous pain profiles. This cross-sectional, web-based survey was conducted to characterize pain and pain crises in patients with FD in the United States and explore the effects of sex, disease phenotypes, and treatment on pain.Results:A total of 66 participants (mean [±SD] age: 44.0 [±12.7] years; females: 59.1%) completed the survey. Participants reported experiencing pain in upper (34.8%) and lower (43.9%) extremities several times a day and abdominal pain (31.8%) a few times a week. Overall, participants reported the nature of their pain as triggered (upper extremities: 47.0%; abdomen: 51.5%) or sudden (lower extremities: 57.6%). Female participants reported experiencing pain in upper (46.2%) and lower (48.7%) extremities several times a day and described it as sudden or triggered (48.7%) in upper extremities and sudden (61.5%) in lower extremities. Pain crises were reported in the lower extremities (80.0%), followed by the upper extremities (66.7%) and the abdomen (51.1%), and were often characterized as burning, tingling, or stabbing. A higher proportion of female participants (84.6%) than that of male participants (73.7%) reported pain crises in lower extremities. The duration of pain crises varied from 30 minutes to several days for different subgroups depending on sex and FD phenotypes. Most participants (81.0%) reported symptom improvement after 12 months of FD-specific treatment. With agalsidase beta as the most recent medication, participants reported improvement in neuropathic symptoms (burning in hands, 45.9%), with an overall mean (±SD) satisfaction score of 7.2 (±1.7).Conclusions:Pain was largely reported to be triggered across all subgroups. Consistent pain profiles were noted in participants across sex and FD phenotypes. Female participants reported pain burden similar to that of male participants, and pain crisis experience was heterogeneous across the subgroups. Most participants reported improvement in symptoms after FD-specific treatment and a high treatment satisfaction score with agalsidase beta.
dFLASH; dual FLuorescent transcription factor Activity Sensor for Histone integrated live-cell reporting and high-content screening
Authors: Bersten David , Allen Timothy , Roennfeldt Alison , Reckdharajkumar Moganalaxmi , Liu Miaomiao , Quinn Ronald , Russell Darryl , Peet Daniel J , Whitelaw Murray
Published: January 2024

Live-cell reporting of regulated transcription factor (TF) activity has a wide variety of applications in synthetic biology, drug discovery, and functional genomics. As a result, there is high value in the generation of versatile, sensitive, robust systems that can function across a range of cell types and be adapted toward diverse TF classes. Here we present the dual FLuorescent transcription factor Activity Sensor for Histone integrated live-cell reporting (dFLASH), a modular sensor for TF activity that can be readily integrated into cellular genomes. We demonstrate readily modified dFLASH platforms that homogenously, robustly, and specifically sense regulation of endogenous Hypoxia Inducible Factor (HIF) and Progesterone receptor (PGR) activities, as well as regulated coactivator recruitment to a synthetic DNA-Binding Domain-Activator Domain fusion proteins. The dual-colour nuclear fluorescence produced normalised dynamic live-cell TF activity sensing with facile generation of high-content screening lines, strong signal:noise ratios and reproducible screening capabilities (Z’ = 0.68-0.74). Finally, we demonstrate the utility of this platform for functional genomics applications by using CRISPRoff to modulate the HIF regulatory pathway, and for drug screening by using high content imaging in a bimodal design to isolate activators and inhibitors of the HIF pathway from a ~1600 natural product library.
Impact of cellulose supramolecular structure on its carboxymethylation reaction activity
Authors: Yuldoshov Sherzod , Yunusov Khaydar , Goyipnazarov Ilkhom , Sarymsakov Abdushkur , Rashidova Sayyora , Guohua Jiang
Published: January 2024

The reaction activity of cellulose samples is determined according to their supramolecular structure, especially the degree of crystallinity. The carboxymethylation reaction kinetics of cotton cellulose (CC), powder cellulose (PC) and microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), with different degrees of crystallinity, were studied by the solid-phase method and in an ethanol-water solution medium. In the row of CC, MCC, and PC with different supramolecular structures, it was found that with decreasing crystallinity degree of the raw materials, during carboxymethylation by the solid-phase method and in an ethanol-water solution medium, the degree of substitution (DS) of sodium carboxymethylcellulose (Na-CMC) increased. In this row the activation energy values of the carboxymethylation reaction of CC, MCC, and PC were 31.12, 19.75, and 15.72 kJ/mol, respectively, by the solid-phase method. Furthermore, the activation energies of the carboxymethylation reaction of CC, MCC, and PC were 59.95, 26.15, and 23.68 kJ/mol, respectively, in an ethanol-water solution medium. Decreasing activation energies led to an increase in the reaction activity, which, after CC, MCC, and PC carboxymethylation, the DS of Na-CMC reached 0.61, 0.80, and 0.87, respectively, using the solid-phase method. In an ethanol solution medium, the DS values of Na-CMC reached 0.86, 1.04, and 1.24 after carboxymethylation of the CC, MCC, and PC, respectively.
Assessment of seismic hazard incorporating site-specific study for Assam, North-East India
Authors: Borah Mayuri , Sharma Mukat Lal , Dubey Ramanand
Published: January 2024

In conjunction with site-specific studies, probabilistic seismic hazard assessment (PSHA) is crucial in formulating site-specific response spectra to provide valuable insights into local seismic hazard variations. A site-specific seismic hazard assessment is presented considering a classical probabilistic approach incorporating ground response analysis for Assam, North-East (NE) India. NE India Region is classified into ten seismic source zones depending on the seismicity and tectonics. An updated homogenized earthquake catalogue for 1897–2022 has been used. The seismicity parameters have been calculated with the complete catalogue for each source zone. A topography-based Vs30 model has been considered, and for the application of ground motion prediction equations (GMPEs), a logic tree approach using the log-likelihood method (LLH) has been considered. The hazard maps for Assam are prepared at the bedrock level in terms of peak ground acceleration (PGA) and spectral acceleration (Sa) values. The PGA values vary between 0.23–0.34 g and 0.33–0.51 g for 475 and 2475 years of return period, respectively. The hazard curves and uniform hazard spectra (UHS) have also been presented for ten headquarters of Assam, along with disaggregation studies for Guwahati. Further, borehole data from Guwahati have been considered for evaluating ground responses with the assignment of proper soil conditions. The surface level PGA for Guwahati gets amplified significantly up to 0.41 g and 0.56 g for 475 and 2475 years of return period, respectively. Finally, the surface-level responses have been presented for Guwahati city, one of the ten headquarters of Assam, considering the controlling earthquake.
A novel method for neutron energy spectrum measurement base on Single Event Upset of Static Random Access Memories
Authors: Liu Yuxuan , Qiu Yanyan , Tan Zhixin , Chen Yonghao , Yi Han , He Yongning , Zhao Xiaolong , Fan Ruirui
Published: January 2024

Without the time-of-flight, the neutron energy spectrum measurements are difficult. Bonner sphere spectrometer and threshold detectors are normally employed for this neutron field measurement. The complexity and budget of these systems restrict their applications. According to the investigation of SRAMs’ (Static Random Access Memories) Single Event Upset (SEU) cross-sections, a novel method of neutron energy spectrum measurement up to tens of MeV energy range is proposed in this paper, which is more available and lower cost. From a series of the published SRAM cross-section results by previous work and the upset rate of these SRAMs, the unknown neutron energy spectrum can be evaluated. A SVD (singular value decomposition) method is used for deriving the energy spectrum. In further research, the relationship between the quantity of SRAMs and the resolve accuracy is studied with the theory of information entropy. It proves that the energy spectrum accuracy is highly depended on the SEU cross-sections active range and the number of different SRAMs.
A mouse model of sporadic Alzheimer’s disease with elements of major depression
Authors: Bobkova N.V. , Chuvakova L.N. , Kovalev V.I. , Zdanova D.Y. , Chaplygina A.V. , Rezvykh A.P. , Evgen'ev M.B.
Published: January 2024

Animals after bulbectomy are often used as a model of major depression or sporadicAlzheimer’s disease and, hence, the status of this model is still disputable. To elucidate the nature of alterations in the expression of the genome after the operation we analyzed transcriptomes (RNA-seq data) of the cortex, hippocampus, and cerebellum of olfactory bulbectomized (OBX) mice. Analysis of the functional significance of genes in the brain of OBX mice indicates that the balance of the GABA/glutamatergic systems is disturbed with hyperactivation of the latter in the hippocampus leading to the development of excitotoxicity and induction of apoptosis on the background of severe mitochondrial dysfunction and astrogliosis. On top of this, the synthesis of neurotrophic factors decreases leading to the disruption of the cytoskeleton of neurons, an increase in the level of intracellular calcium, and activation of tau protein hyperphosphorylation and beta-amyloid depositions. Moreover, the acetylcholinergic system is deficient in the background of hyperactivation of acetylcholinesterase. Importantly, the activity of the dopaminergic, endorphin, and opiate systems in OBX mice decreases leading to hormonal dysfunction. Genes responsible for the regulation of circadian rhythms, cell migration, and impaired innate immunity are activated in OBX animals. All this takes place on the background of drastic down-regulation of ribosomal protein genes in the brain. The obtained results indicate that OBX mice represent a model of Alzheimer's disease with elements of major depression. This model can be tentatively attributed to AD subtype B2 in humans.
Distinguishing High-Metastasis-Potential Circulating Tumor Cells through Fluidic Shear Stress in a Bloodstream-Like Microfluidic Circulatory System
Authors: Yang Michael , LI Wenxiu , Guo Zhengjun , Zhou Zhihang , Zhou Zhengdong , He Huimin , Sun Jiayu , Zhou Xiaoyu , Chin Y Rebecca , Zhang Liang
Published: January 2024

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) play a critical role as initiators in tumor metastasis, which unlocks an irreversible process of cancer progression. Regarding the fluid environment of intravascular CTCs, a comprehensive understanding of the impact of hemodynamic shear stress on CTCs is of profound significance but remains vague. Here, we report a microfluidic circulatory system that can emulate CTC microenvironment to research responses of typical liver cancer cells to varying levels of fluid shear stress (FSS). We find that survived HepG2 cells in the microfluidic circulatory system exhibit marked overexpression on TLR4 and TPPP3 genes, which are shown to be associated with the colony formation, migration, and anti-apoptosis abilities of HepG2. Furthermore, overexpression of these two genes in another liver cancer cell line with low TLR4 and TPPP3 expression, SK-Hep-1 cells, by lentivirus-mediated transfection also confirm the critical role of TLR4 and TPPP3 on improving SK-Hep-1 cells’ colony formation, migration, and survival capability under fluid environment. Interestingly, in vivo study further shows SK-Hep-1 cells overexpressed with these genes have enhanced metastatic potential to liver and lung organs via tail vein injection in mouse models. These results reveal CTCs can adapt to fluid environment though altering genetic makeup and corresponding cellular behaviors, which may provide novel therapeutic strategies for cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Porous silicon and silica carriers for delivery of peptide therapeutics
Authors: Yan Jiachen , Siwakoti Prakriti , Kokil Ganesh , Kumeria Tushar
Published: January 2024

Peptides have gained tremendous popularity as biological therapeutic agents in recent years due to their favourable specificity, diversity of targets, well-established screening methods, ease of production, and lower cost. However, their poor physiological and storage stability, pharmacokinetics, and fast clearance have limited their clinical translation. Novel nanocarrier-based strategies have shown promise in overcoming these issues. In this direction, porous silicon (pSi) and mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) have been widely explored as potential carriers for the delivery of peptide therapeutics. These materials possess several advantages, including large surface areas, tunable pore sizes, and adjustable pore architectures, which make them attractive carriers for peptide delivery systems. In this review, we cover pSi and MSNs as drug carriers focusing on their use in peptide delivery. The review provides a brief overview of their fabrication, surface modification, and interesting properties that make them ideal peptide drug carriers. The review provides a systematic account of various studies that have utilised these unique porous carriers for peptide delivery describing significant in vitro and in vivo results. We have also provided a critical comparison of the two carriers in terms of their physicochemical properties and short-term and long-term biocompatibility. Lastly, we have concluded the review with our opinion of this field and identified key areas for future research for clinical translation of pSi and MSN-based peptide therapeutic formulations.
Transferable Channels for Fair Micropurchases
Authors: Payeras-Capellà M. Magdalena , Mut-Puigserver Macià , Pericàs-Gornals Rosa
Published: January 2024

The development of e-commerce applications, involving small-value transactions for the exchange of goods or services introduces notable security and privacy challenges. Micropurchases, commonly referred to as micropayments, offer a pragmatic solution that provides a balance between efficiency and security for small-value transactions. The increasing demand for this payment approach, particularly with the advent of technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), underscores the need for innovative solutions.This paper introduces a novel micropurchase protocol making use of transferable payment channels. The protocol facilitates equitable and fair exchanges betweenminimal monetary units (μ-coins) and desired goods or services, allowing efficient payments of low values. The proposed transferable channels enable off-chain transactions, minimizing the reliance on on-chain transactions to achieve essential security features. The protocol defines the process of performing purchases, handling received payments, incorporating functionalities for the transfer and reutilization of payment channels for both customers and merchants. Furthermore, the proposed scheme specifies the procedures for redeeming the earned μ-coins by the merchant and refundingthe unused μ-coins by the customer.
Evaluation of the efficiency of some weed control treatments on maize growth, and yield under high infestation by Ipomea eriocarpa and Setaria virdis soil seed banks
Authors: Abusteit Ezzaldin Omar , Absy Ragab , Ismail Abdo , Hassan Assem
Published: January 2024

Background Ipomea eriocarpa and Setaria virdis are widespread in maize fields in Egypt due to the recommended herbicides having less effect on one or every two species. Ipomea eriocarpa is twines on maize plants and breaks it as well as fewer pollution processes in maize, causing more damage to maize yield losses. The rotations of applied herbicides can overcome this problem, so, this work aims to evaluate the best sequence over two years for ten weed control treatments in sequence in maize fields chemical treatments with the fotowing six herbicides: Pendimethaline 45.5% CS (T1) at 3.6 l ha-1, Isoxaflutol 22.5%+Theincarbazone-methyl 9% SC Cyprosulfamide (safener) 10% SC (T2) at 360 cm3ha-1, Metribuzin 70% WG (T3) at 720 g ha-1, Foamsulfuron 3.35%+Iodosulfuron methyl-sodium 0.11%+Thiencarbazone-methyl 1.07% OD (T4) at 1200 cm3 ha-1, Foramsulfuron 2.25 OD (T5) at 1800 cm3 ha-1 and Bromoxynil 10%+Terbuthylanine 25% SE (T6) at 1200 cm3ha-1 with three hand hoeing treatment as mechanical weed control thrice (T7), twice (T8) and once (T9) and check weedy (untreated) (T10). Two field experiments were carried out at the experimental farm station, Agricultural Research Center, Giza, Egypt, during the 2021 and 2022 summer seasons in a randomized complete block design (RCBD).
Results showed that weed biomass was approximately 96 and 59.5 ton ha-1 in the 2021 and 2022 seasons, respectively, in the infested plots. The efficacy of treatments T2 and T4 were nearly equaled T8 and T9 under high infestation by Ipomea eriocarpa and Setaria vir dis during the first season, while treatments T1, T2, T4 and T5 were insignificantly different in reduced weed biomass as well as improvement maize growth, yield and its components than T8 in the second season as well as increased gross income and profitability of maize crop.
Conclusion according to the obtained results, the treatments T2, T4, T5, T1 and T7 or T8 as a rotation for two years were recommend for weed control and increased grain yield and profitability of maize.
Online BCI systems: cross-subject motor imagery classification based on weighted time-domain feature extraction methods
Authors: Yang Cheng , Wang Shiyu , Chen Xiaoyu , Peng Yiteng , Zhang Zhichao , Kong Lei , Zhou Chuyi , Tao Ye
Published: January 2024

Motor imagery electroencephalogram (MI-EEG) is becoming increasingly important. This paper solves the problem of online signal recognition for motor imagery across subjects by finding common features across multiple subjects to improve the generality of the classification model. We analyzed the EEG data from left/right-hand motor imagery of eight subjects and proposed a weighted time-domain (WTD) feature extraction method based on a weighted channel screening method. The classification model constructed by combining this feature extraction method with the support vector machine (SVM) classification method was faster in classification and achieved good cross-subject classification accuracy (The average offline classification accuracy was 91.39%). In this paper, an online control system for asynchronous brain-controlled wheelchairs was built with good performance. The online average motor imagery classification accuracy was 81.67%, and the average response time was 1.36s. This method contributes to bringing the online Brain-computer interface (BCI) system out of the laboratory and into wider application.
Mitochondrial calcium uniporter-mediated mitochondrial dynamics imbalance contributes to contrast medium-induced renal tubular cell injury
Authors: Huang Shuo , Lv Meiling , Chen Sha , Zhang Manyu , Yang Dingping , Hong Ge , Yang Dingwei
Published: January 2024

Background
Contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) is the acute onset of renal failure occurring 24–48 hours after intravascular injection of contrast medium (CM), which is a common cause of hospital-acquired acute kidney injury. Previous researches on CI-AKI have demonstrated that cytoplasmic Ca2+ overload and mitochondrial damage were strongly associated with CI-AKI, but the precise pathogenesis remains elusive. Therefore, we aimed to identify the role of mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU), the most important Ca2+ unidirectional channel of mitochondria, in CM-induced tubular epithelial cell injury and explore the molecular conformation of MCU interacting with iohexol.
Methods
Human renal proximal tubular epithelial (HK-2) cells were incubated with 100 mg I/ml iohexol. Cell injury and apoptosis were detected by Cell Counting Kit-8 and flow cytometry. The mitochondrial Ca2+ level was evaluated by Rhod-2 fluorescence. Mitochondrial damage was assessed by transmission electron microscopy, fluorescence of mitotracker, and JC-1. Protein expression of dynamin-related protein 1 (DRP1) and optic atrophy 1 (OPA1) was assessed by Western Blot.
Results
Iohexol administration successfully induced HK-2 cell injury and apoptosis. Moreover, there is an interaction between Iohexol and MCU. We also demonstrated that iohexol could lead to increase of mitochondrial Ca2+ concentration, upregulation of MCU expression, mitochondrial injury, and mitochondrial dynamics imbalance (excessive mitochondrial fission and loss of mitochondrial fusion) in HK-2 cells. Of note, inhibiting MCU by Ru360 efficiently maintaining mitochondrial function by reducing mitochondrial Ca2+ influx and improving impaired mitochondrial dynamics, thereby protecting HK-2 cells from CM-induced injury and apoptosis. On the contrary, the activation of MCU by spermine aggravated cell injury under the same mechanisms.
Conclusions
The present study illustrated a novel molecular mechanism of CI-AKI involving MCU-mediated mitochondrial dynamics imbalance, and suppression of MCU exhibited a cytoprotective effect on CM-treated renal tubular cells.
Colour Trademarks: A Creative Approach to Representing Green Brands and Sustainable Business Practices
Authors: R Jananipriya , B Ravi Kumar , S Usha , H Attchaya
Published: January 2024

Colours are important while marketing the products for its numerous benefits such as attracting consumers to distinguish one brand from another from one side, on the other hand, it optimises brand loyalty. Existing research has shown the significance of factors including social, economic, cultural, etc. at the time of selling a product as colourful, with special reference to the food and beverage sector. This study focuses on two perspectives; one, consumers' willingness to purchase eco-friendly products, and the other emphasis on colour trademarks as a new factor that affects consumer purchase intention using Mediation Analysis. This empirical study collected data through an online survey and received 139 responses based on the convenient sampling method. This study strives to test the hypothesis that, green brands mediate the relationship between colour trademark and purchase intention. The results show a positive relationship between the stated constructs, which is tested using SmartPLS 4.0 (Structural model method). The colour trademark significantly impacts the brands because consumers are confused between brands with colour logos of similar colours as it directly influences the purchase decision. This research has contributed to the awareness of green brands among consumers.
Temozolomide promotes matrix metalloproteinase 9 expression through p38 MAPK and JNK pathways in glioblastoma cells
Authors: Thanh Hien Duong , Lee Sueun , Nguyen Thuy Thi , Huu Thang Nguyen , Ahn Eun-Jung , Cho Sang-Hee , Kim Min Soo , Moon Kyung-Sub , Jung Chaeyong
Published: January 2024

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a highly aggressive and deadly brain cancer. Temozolomide (TMZ) is the standard chemotherapeutic agent for GBM, but many patients experience recurrence and invasion of tumor cells. We investigated whether TMZ treatment of GBM cells regulates matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which have main function to promote tumor cell invasion. TMZ effectively killed GL261, U343, and U87MG cells at a concentration of 500 µM, and surviving cells upregulated MMP9 expression and its activity but not those of MMP2. TMZ also elevated levels of MMP9 mRNA and MMP9 promoter activity. Subcutaneous graft tumors survived from TMZ treatment also exhibited increased expression of MMP9 and enhanced gelatinolytic activity. TMZ-mediated MMP9 upregulation was specifically mediated through the phosphorylation of p38 and JNK. This then stimulates AP-1 activity through the upregulation of c-Fos and c-Jun. Inhibition of the p38, JNK, or both pathways counteracted the TMZ-induced upregulation of MMP9 and AP-1. This study proposes a potential adverse effect of TMZ treatment for GBM: upregulation of MMP9 expression associated with increased invasion and poor prognosis. This study also provides valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms by which TMZ treatment leads to increased MMP9 expression in GBM cells.
WITHDRAWN: Exploring Adipsin, Irisin, and Osteopontin as Biomarkers in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Their Associations with Metabolic Alterations: A prospective, case-control study
Authors: Duzenli Fatma Nur , Yurtcu Engin , Keyif Betul , Basbug Alper
Published: January 2024

Background
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine disorder in premenopausal women, often associated with metabolic alterations. This study aimed to assess adipsin, irisin, and osteopontin levels and correlate the measurements with the metabolic changes in PCOS patients, with a scientific rationale rooted in exploring potential links between these biomarkers and the pathophysiology of PCOS.
Methods
A prospective, case-control study was conducted on patients diagnosed with PCOS. Group PCOS comprised patients with PCOS, while healthy women were included in Group Control. Serum adipsin, irisin, and osteopontin levels were measured, and various demographic and clinical characteristics and laboratory parameters related to the metabolic status of PCOS were assessed.
Results
The study included 96 PCOS patients and 80 healthy women. The patients in Group PCOS were significantly younger than those in Group Control (p < 0.001). There were significantly more obese patients in Group PCOS than in Group Control (p = 0.013). PCOS patients had higher serum adipsin (p = 0.020) and lower osteopontin levels (p < 0.001) than healthy women, with obesity and age influencing these differences. The predictive power of osteopontin, with an AUC value of 0.802, was superior to adipsin, with an AUC value of 0.602, in diagnosing PCOS. Besides, osteopontin, in combination with adipsin, had the highest AUC value (AUC = 0.817) than the other dual or triple combinations.
Conclusion
This study suggests potential links between adipsin, osteopontin, and irisin and PCOS. However, further research is needed to fully understand their roles and clinical implications in PCOS and its associated metabolic changes. The findings highlight the influence of age and obesity on these biomarkers and their relationship with PCOS, shedding light on the complex pathophysiology of the syndrome.
Design and Development of a Novel Tray Bioreactor for Optimization of Bacterial Nano-cellulose Production
Authors: Dermani Reza Khalili , Babaeipour Valiollah , Jabbari Farzaneh , Khanchezar Sirwan
Published: January 2024

In this research, a 30-liter bench-scale tray bioreactor was designed and built to increase bacterial cellulose (BC) production with a static culture system. Then, the effect of various parameters including the ratio of the volume to the surface of the culture medium in the tray, the aeration method, and inlet airflow on the increase of bacterial cellulose production in HS and molasses-gluten liquid culture media were investigated. Under the optimal conditions of volume-to-surface ratio of 1.16 cm and aeration rate of 1.5 vvm in the liquid molasses-gluten culture medium 8.23 g/L and 74.07 g of BC on each tray and the total amount obtained. In the following, to increase the scale and develop a system with easier use, an 80-liter incubator equipped with an aeration system was used along with trays with larger dimensions to provide the possibility of checking the ratio of volume to surface up to 3.8 cm. The results obtained can be used in higher scales as well. The amount of bacterial cellulose production in different volume-to-surface ratios was investigated. The results showed that the highest production value was obtained in the volume-to-surface ratio of 2.5, which is 8.63 g/L.
Failure’s Effect Analysis on Cloud Security using Markov Process
Authors: Goyal Nupur , Nawani Nikhil , Gupta Akansha
Published: January 2024

Cloud computing has become a crucial component in numerous industries. A lot of research has been done to make cloud more reliable. Despite that, there have been several instances where we have witnessed the shortcomings of cloud, not just due to external hacking attacks like DDoS but due to internal failures like misconfigurations as well. In this research work, the authors have analysed the performance of a cloud security through various reliability measures like reliability, availability and mean time to failure (MTTF) using Markov process and Laplace transformation. The authors have conducted an analysis of the obtained results to identify the primary causes of failures in the system, both internal and external-related. By controlling these causes, the overall reliability of the system can be improved, resulting in a faster and more effective cloud security.
Investigating the Determinants of Beds for High-Care Specialties in the Italian Regions in the Environmental, Social and Governance Model
Authors: Resta Emanuela , Resta Onofrio , Costantiello Alberto , Leogrande Angelo
Published: January 2024

In the following article, it is presented an investigation of the determinants of Beds for High-Care Specialties-BHCS in the Italian regions in the context of Environmental, Social and Governance-ESG approach. Data from ISTAT-BES for 20 countries in the period 2004-2021 are been used. Different econometric techniques have been applied i.e.: Pooled Ordinary Least Squares, Panel Data with Fixed Effects, Panel Data with Random Effects, Dynamic Panel at 1 stage. Furthermore, a cluster analysis performed with a k-Means algorithm optimized with the Silhouette Coefficient indicated the presence of three clusters. Finally, eight different machine-learning algorithms are analysed to predict the future value of BHCS. The results show that the Artificial Neural Network-ANN algorithm is the best algorithm. The future value of BHSC is expected to growth on average of 4.88% for the analysed regions.
JEL CODE: I11, I12, I13, I14, I15, I18