bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Process Parameters on Improving the Performance of 3D Printed Recycled Polylactic Acid (PLA) Components
Authors: Hasan Mohammad Raquibul , Davies Ian , Pramanik Alokesh , John Michele , Biswas Wahidul
Published: September 2023

The main goal of this research was to investigate the influence of additive manufacturing (AM) printing parameters on the mechanical properties and surface roughness of specimens fabricated using recycled polylactic acid (rPLA). In order to achieve this goal, significant printing parameters such as layer thickness, infill density, and nozzle temperature were selected based on prior research. A three-level L9 orthogonal array based on the Taguchi method was used in the experimental design. The mechanical properties of virgin PLA and recycled PLA printed specimens were examined and compared. To facilitate the analysis of variance (ANOVA) examination, the response data for mechanical and surface roughness parameters were transformed to signal-to-noise (S/N) ratios. The inspected responses under consideration were surface roughness, shore D hardness, tensile strength, flexural strength, and impact strength. The main findings suggested that careful consideration of the layer height was crucial for achieving optimum mechanical properties in recycled PLA specimens. Furthermore, the nozzle temperature also played an important factor that affected the mechanical and surface roughness properties of the 3D printed PLA specimens. Microscopic investigation demonstrated that the number and size of voids increased significantly when the layer thickness and temperature were low, namely 0.1 mm and 195 ℃, respectively. Finally, the optimal combination of printing parameters for each performance characteristic was determined. Following this, a confirmation test was performed using the preferred combination of parameters, which indicated a strong correlation with the outcomes predicted statistically. The results obtained from this study revealed that recycled PLA exhibited mechanical properties comparable to that of virgin PLA under certain conditions. In summary, the results of this study will serve as a valuable dataset in the field of additive manufacturing, providing valuable insights for other researchers working with recycled PLA material.
Time-Sensitive Index Future Trading Trend Prediction with Deep Learning methods
Authors: ZHENG YU , Tang Llewellyn , Wang Yashi , Chau Kwong Wing , Cho Siu-Yeung
Published: September 2023

Purpose-
As the stock price’s fluctuation is nonlinear and greatly affected by environmental and industrial factors, stock prediction is extremely complicated and has various methods. This paper aims to find the optimal prediction model for predicting the Hang Seng stock market data from six main forecasting methods: ARIMA (Auto Regressive Integrated Moving Average), Artificial Neural Network (ANN), Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), Long short-term memory (LSTM), Gated Circulation Unit (GRU) and Conv1D-LSTM.
Design/methodology/approach-
In this project, the authors apply the open data of Hang Seng stock’s hour-by-hour closing prices to the above methods to establish forecasting models. Among them, hourly technical indicators (such as MA, EMA, and Momentum) are used in training neural network models as features. MSE and MAE methods are utilized to evaluate the discrepancy between the predicted and actual values. Finally, the accuracy of the buying decision (purchase or sell) is tested by the yield calculated by the actual closing price and the predicted closing price, respectively.
Findings-
The data collected from open data of the Hang Seng dataset from September 2019 to September 2020 contained hourly stock indexes, including closing price, opening price, high price, low price, volume, and other fundamental indicators. The total amount of data was 4608 (hours)× 26 (indexes) samples. The contribution of this paper to the existing knowledge is the evidence that the LSTM model has more advantages in forecasting and purchasing decisions compared with other models limited to the Hang Seng stock market. On this basis, the in-depth analysis demonstrates that the datasets multi-dimensionality and timeliness should be considered in the prediction model design. And the proposed architecture of deep learning models in this study could be modified to an expert system coupled with several models to explore the best approach to predicting a stock market's trading trend.
Originality/value-
The contribution of this paper to the existing knowledge is the evidence that the LSTM model has more advantages in forecasting and purchasing decisions compared with other models limited to the Hang Seng stock market. On this basis, the in-depth analysis demonstrates that the datasets multi-dimensionality and timeliness should be considered in the prediction model design. And the proposed architecture of deep learning models in this study could be modified to an expert system coupled with several models to explore the best approach to predicting a stock market's trading trend.
m1A-regulated DIAPH3 promotes the invasiveness of colorectal cancer via stabilization of KRT19
Authors: Mi Shuyi , Lou Guochun , Chen Wenwen , Chen Jingyu , Xu Zhipeng , Xue Meng
Published: September 2023

Background
In recent years, the emphasis has shifted to understanding the role of N1-methyladenosine (m1A) in tumor progression as little is known about its regulatory effect on mRNA and its role in the metastasis of colorectal cancer (CRC).
Methods
We performed methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing of tumor tissues and tumor-adjacent normal tissues from three patients with CRC to determine the m1A profile of mRNA in CRC. The expression of diaphanous-related formin 3 (DIAPH3) and its correlation with clinicopathological characteristics of CRC were evaluated using immunohistochemistry and online datasets. The role of DIAPH3 in the migration and invasion of CRC cells was evaluated using wound healing assay, Transwell assay and xenograft metastatic model. The downstream targets of DIAPH3 were screened using mass spectrometry. By co-transfecting DIAPH3 siRNA and a keratin 19 (KRT19) ectopic plasmid into CRC cells, the role of DIAPH3-KRT19 signaling axis was confirmed.
Results
The mRNA level of DIAHP3 and its m1A modifications increased simultaneously in the CRC tissues. In addition, high DIAPH3 expression in CRC tissues is significantly associated with metastasis and progression to an advanced stage. After the knockdown of DIAPH3, the migration and invasion capabilities of CRC cells suffered a notable decline, which could be rescued by overexpressing KRT19. In addition, the proteasome inhibitor MG132 could block the degradation of KRT19 induced by DIAPH3 silencing.
Conclusions
Our study reveals that DIAPH3 mRNA was modified in CRC cells by m1A methylation. Silencing DIAPH3 suppresses the migration and invasion of CRC cells, potentially through the proteasome-dependent degradation of downstream KRT19.
Injection of antioxidant trace minerals/vitamins into peripartum crossbred cows improves the nutritional and immunological properties of colostrum/milk and the health of their calves under heat stress conditions
Authors: Yadav Dhawal Kant , Somagond Yallappa M. , Lathwal Surender Singh , Kamboj Aarti , Alhussien Mohanned Naif , Dang Ajay Kumar
Published: September 2023

Multimineral and vitamin injections can provide better nutrient availability at the cellular level, which is essential for mitigating transition period stress and improving the well being and productivity of dairy cows. The present study was conducted to assess the colostrum quality and calf health after intramuscular injection of multi-minerals (MM) and multi-vitamins (MV) to peripartum cows during winter (THI = 60.29) and summer (THI = 81.05) months. In each season, twenty-four pregnant crossbred Karan Fries cows were grouped into four, each consisting of six cows. Group I, referred to as the Control, received solely the basal diet, without any additional supplements. Groups II, III, and IV were administered additional MM (T1), MV (T2), and a combined MM and MV (T3) along with their basal diet, starting 30 days before calving and continuing for 30 days after calving. Blood samples were collected from the calves, while colostrum/milk samples were obtained from the cows on days 1, 3, 7, and 15 after calving. The somatic cell counts (SCC) in the milk were determined using a cell counter. Cortisol, IgG, IGF1 and total immunoglobulins (IgG) in whey and plasma from cow colostrum/milk or calf blood samples were estimated by ELISA. Cows that calved in the summer exhibited notably reduced levels (P<0.05) of IgG, milk, and plasma IGF1, along with lower calf body weights, in comparison to those calving in the winter season. Furthermore, the summer months saw significant increases (P<0.05) in plasma and milk cortisol levels, as well as total somatic cell counts (SCC) in both colostrum and milk samples. Maximum beneficial effect was observed in T3 group. Results indicate that injections to peripartum cows could be an important strategy for improving colostrum quality and calf health during the summer seasons.
Fibroblast Matrix Implants - A Better Alternative for Incisional Hernia Repair?
Authors: Hendrawan Siufui , Lheman Jennifer , Weber Ursula , Oberkofler Christian Eugen , Eryani Astheria , Vonlanthen René , Baer Hans Ulrich
Published: September 2023

Background: The standard surgical procedure for abdominal hernia repair with conventional prosthetic mesh still results in a high recurrence rate. In the present study, we propose a Fibroblast Matrix Implant (FMI), which is a Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) scaffold coated with three-dimensional (3D) collagen (matrix) and seeded with fibroblasts, as an alternative to conventional prosthetic mesh for hernia repair.
Methods: The matrix was seeded with fibroblasts (cellularized) and treated with a Conditioned Medium (CM) of human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells (hUC-MSC). Fibroblast proliferation and collagen secretion were assessed and compared between the treated group and the untreated group (without CM hUC-MSC) 24 hours after seeding onto the matrix (n=3). To study the matrices in vivo, male Sprague Dawley rats were used as hernia models. The hernia was surgically created and repaired with four different grafts (n=3), including a commercial mesh (mesh group), a matrix without cells (cell-free group), a matrix seeded with fibroblasts (FMI group), and a matrix seeded with fibroblasts and cultured in medium enriched with 1 % CM hUC-MSC (FMI-CM group).
Results: In vitro examination showed that the fibroblasts’ proliferation on the matrices (treated group) did not differ significantly compared to the untreated group. CM hUC-MSC was able to promote the collagen synthesis of the fibroblasts, resulting in a higher collagen concentration compared to the control group. Furthermore, the in vivo study showed that the matrices allowed fibroblast growth and supported cell functionality for at least 1 month after implantation. The highest number of fibroblasts was observed in the FMI group at the 14-day endpoint, but at the 28-day endpoint, the FMI-CM group had the highest. Collagen production and neovascularization were observed in all groups without any significant difference between the groups.
Conclusions: FMI combined with CM hUC-MSC may serve as a better option for hernia repair, providing adequate reinforcement and promoting greater scar formation, which in turn should reduce hernia recurrence.
A multistep in silico approach identifies potential glioblastoma drug candidates via inclusive molecular targeting of glioblastoma stem cells
Authors: Dogra Nilambra , Singh Parminder , Kumar Ashok
Published: September 2023

Aims

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the highest-grade of glioma for which no effective therapy is currently available. Despite extensive research in diagnosis and therapy there has been no significant improvement in GBM outcomes, with a median overall survival continuing at a dismal 15–18 months. In recent times, glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs) have been identified as crucial drivers of treatment resistance and tumor recurrence; and GBM therapies targeting GSCs are expected to improve patient outcomes. We used a multistep screening strategy to identify repurposed candidate drugs against therapeutic molecular targets in GBM with potential to concomitantly target GSCs.

Main methods

Common differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified through analysis of multiple GBM and GSC datasets from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). For identification of target genes, we further selected the genes with most significant effect on overall patient survival. The relative mRNA and protein expression of the selected genes in TCGA control versus GBM samples was also validated and their cancer dependency scores were assessed. Drugs targeting these genes and their corresponding proteins were identified from LINCS database using Connectivity Map (CMap) portal, and by in silico molecular docking against each individual target using FDA approved drugs library from DrugBank database, respectively. The molecules thus obtained were further evaluated for their ability to cross blood brain barrier (BBB) and their likelihood of resulting in drug resistance by acting as p-glycoprotein (p-Gp) substrates. The effect of these final shortlisted compounds on a panel of GBM cell lines was examined and compared with temozolomide through the drug sensitivity EC50 values and AUC from the PRISM Repurposing Secondary Screen, and IC50 values obtained from GDSC portal.

Key findings

We identified RPA3, PSMA2, PSMC2, BLVRA and HUS1 as molecular targets in GBM including GSCs with significant impact on patient survival. Our results show GSK-2126458, linifanib, drospirenone, eltrombopag, nilotinib and PD198306 as candidate drugs which can be further evaluated for their anti-tumor potential against GBM.

Significance

Through this work we identified repurposed candidate therapeutics against GBM utilizing a GSC inclusive targeting approach, which demonstrated high in vitro efficacy. These drugs have the potential to be developed as individual or combination therapy to improve GBM outcomes.
Discovery of specific activity of 2-HPA acting on the membrane progestin receptor alpha (paqr7) by purification of natural products from the marine algae Padina
Authors: Amin Mohammad Tohidul , Acharjee Mrityunjoy , Jyoti Md. Maisum , Rezanujjaman Md. , Hassan Md. Maksudul , Hossain Md. Forhad , Ahamed Saokat , Kodani Shinya , Tokumoto Toshinobu
Published: September 2023

Membrane progestin receptors (mPRs) are members of the progestin and adipoQ (PAQR) receptor family that are stimulated by endogenous steroids to initiate rapid intracellular signalling through a nongenomic pathway. Previously, water-soluble compounds with mPRα-binding activity from the marine algae Padina arborescens were fractionated by HPLC steps. In this study, the structure of one of the major compounds in the fraction was identified as 2-hydroxypentanoic acid (2-HPA) using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy. 2-HPA showed a substantial competitive binding affinity for hmPRα in the GQD-hmPRα binding assay. In contrast, synthetic structural analogues of 2-HPA showed no competitive binding activity. The physiological activity of 2-HPA and its analogues was then investigated using in vitro goldfish and in vivo zebrafish oocyte maturation and ovulation assays. As with the hmPRα binding assay, only 2-HPA showed inhibitory activity on oocyte maturation and ovulation of fish oocytes. Furthermore, the inhibitory activity of 2-HPA was compared between S- and R-type 2-HPA. The results showed that both types had the same level of activity. These results indicate that 2-HPA, found as a secreted compound from Padina arborescens, is a novel mPRα antagonist and its chemical structure is highly restricted to show its activity.
Comparative Analysis of Host Responses Between Sepsis and COVID-19: A Prospective Observational Study of Whole Blood Transcriptome
Authors: Muratsu Arisa , Onishi Shinya , Yoshimura Jumpei , Matsumoto Hisatake , Togami Yuki , Mitsuyama Yumi , Ito Hiroshi , Oda Sayaka , Okuzaki Daisuke , Ogura Hiroshi , Oda Jun
Published: September 2023

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to comprehensively compare host responses to sepsis and COVID-19 by analyzing messenger RNA (mRNA) and microRNA (miRNA) profiles to shed light on their distinct pathophysiological mechanisms.
DESIGN: Prospective observational study
SETTING: Whole blood RNA sequencing was used to analyze mRNA and miRNA profiles of patients diagnosed as having sepsis or COVID-19 at the Department of Trauma and Emergency Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine.
PATIENTS: Twenty-two sepsis patients, 35 COVID-19 patients, and 15 healthy subjects admitted to the department were included. We diagnosed sepsis patients according to the Sepsis-3 criterion that the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score must increase to 2 points or more among patients with suspected infections. COVID-19 patients were diagnosed using SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR testing, and presence of pneumonia was assessed through chest computed tomography scans.
INTERVENTIONS: None.
MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: For RNA sequencing, 14,500 mRNAs, 1121 miRNAs, and 2556 miRNA-targeted mRNAs were available for analysis in sepsis patients. Numbers of genes showing upregulated:downregulated gene expression (false discovery rate <0.05, |log2 fold change| >1.5) were 256:2887 for mRNA, 53:5 for miRNA, and 49:2507 for miRNA-targeted mRNA. Similarly, in COVID-19 patients, 14,500 mRNAs, 1121 miRNAs, and 327 miRNA-targeted mRNAs were analyzed, with numbers of genes exhibiting upregulated:downregulated gene expression of 672:1147 for mRNA, 3:4 for miRNA, and 165:162 for miRNA-targeted mRNA. This analysis revealed significant differences in the numbers of upregulated and downregulated genes expressed and pathways between the sepsis and COVID-19 patients. Sepsis patients showed activation of the PD-1 and PD-L1 cancer immunotherapy signaling pathway and concurrent suppression of Th1 signaling.
CONCLUSION: Our study illuminated distinct molecular variances between sepsis and COVID-19. Sepsis patients had a greater number of upregulated and downregulated genes and pathways compared to COVID-19 patients, indicating a dynamic change in gene expression and pathway activation in sepsis.
A mathematical Theory of Elasticity for Photoelastic Experimental Hybrid Method
Authors: Mose Bruno R. , Shin Dong-Kil , Nam Jeong Hwan , Alunda B. O.
Published: September 2023

In this paper, the mathematical theory of elasticity that enables the construction of representative stress functions for photoelastic experimental hybrid method (PEHM) is revisited and reviewed. PEHM has been shown as an important and powerful tool used by experimental stress analysts to predict the stress state in complex engineering structures. To demonstrate the utility of stress functions from the mathematical theory of elasticity in real engineering applications the contact problem of a mechanical seal with a rectangular cross-section as well as a plate with a central hole are considered. It was found that when the stress functions are applied to the contact problem of a mechanical seal with rectangular cross section, the contact stresses on the upper side were larger compared to those on the front side. On the front side, the highest stresses were concentrated in the region around the extrusion gap. When a comparison between theoretical and experimental stress concentration factors was done, it was found that there was remarkable agreement between theoretical and experimental results. Therefore, the mathematical theory of elasticity from this study shows that it can provide stress functions that serve as an invaluable input tool to predict the SCF using the photoelastic experimental hybrid method
Fluorocarbon-driven pore size reduction in polyurethane foams: an effect of improved bubble entrainment
Authors: Hamann Martin , Cotte-Carluer Guillaume , Andrieux Sébastien , Telkemeyer Daniel , Ranft Meik , Schütte Markus , Drenckhan Wiebke
Published: September 2023

Polyurethane (PU) foams are created via the chemical reactions arising after the blending of two initially liquid components (polyols and isocyanates). They are widely used for thermal insulation, for which a small pore size is required. Some of the most efficient pore size-reducing agents have proven to be per- and polyfluorinated carbons (FCs) which are simply added in small quantities to the initially liquid mixture. However, despite their long-standing use, their modes of action have only recently begun to be studied in detail. One widely accepted explanation of their action is that they supposedly suppress diffusional gas exchange between bubbles in the liquid-foam-state of the nascent PU foam (foam coarsening). However, using a new double-syringe mixing technique, we show that FCs act at a much earlier state of the process: they facilitate the entrainment of tiny air bubbles into PU foam systems during the initial blending processing. These bubbles serve as sites for heterogeneous nucleation during the foaming process, and their large number leads to a significant reduction of the characteristic pore size. More importantly, we also demonstrate that the same overall relation is found between the air bubble density and the final pore size for systems with- and without FC. Combined with a detailed analysis of the pore size distribution, we argue that the main pore size reducing effect of FCs is to facilitate air entrainment and that foam aging-related effects only play a minor role.
iLEC-DNA: Identifying Long Extra-chromosomal Circular DNA by Fusing Sequence-derived Features of Physicochemical Properties and Nucleotide Distribution Patterns
Authors: Abbasi Ahtisham Fazeel , Asim Muhammad Nabeel , Dengel Andreas , Ahmed Sheraz
Published: September 2023

Long extrachromosomal circular DNA (leccDNA) regulates several biological processes such as genomic instability, gene amplification, and oncogenesis. The identification of leccDNA holds significant importance to investigate its potential associations with cancer, autoimmune, cardiovascular, and neurological diseases. In addition, understanding these associations can provide valuable insights about disease mechanisms and potential therapeutic approaches. Conventionally , wet lab-based methods are utilized to identify leccDNA, which are hindered by the need for prior knowledge, and resource-intensive processes, potentially limiting their broader applicability. To empower the process of leccDNA identification across multiple species, the paper in hand presents the very first computational predictor. The proposed iLEC-DNA predictor makes use of SVM classifier along with sequence-derived nucleotide distribution patterns and physico-chemical properties-based features. In addition, the study introduces a set of 12 benchmark leccDNA datasets related to three species, namely Homo sapiens (HM), Arabidopsis Thaliana (AT), and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SC/YS). It performs large-scale experimentation across 12 benchmark datasets under different experimental settings using the proposed predictor and more than 140 baseline predictors. The proposed predictor outperforms baseline predictors across diverse leccDNA datasets by producing average performance values of 80.699%, 61.45% and 80.7% in terms of ACC, MCC and AUC-ROC across all the datasets. The source code of the proposed and baseline predictors is available at https://github.com/FAhtisham/Extrachrosmosomal-DNA-Prediction. To facilitate the scientific community, a web application for leccDNA identification is available at https://sds_genetic_analysis.opendfki.de/iLEC_DNA//.
Immune Correlates of Hyperglycemia and Vaccination in a Non-human Primate Model of Long-COVID
Authors: Palmer Clovis , Perdios Chrysostomos , Abdel-Mohsen Mohamed , Mudd Joseph , Datta Prasun , Maness Nicholas , Lehmicke Gabrielle , Golden Nadia , Hellmers Linh , Coyne Carol , Green Kristyn Moore , Midkiff Cecily , Williams Kelsey , Tiburcio Rafael , Fahlberg Marissa , Boykin Kyndal , Kenway Carys , Russell-Lodrigue Kasi , Bohm Rudolf , Blair Robert , Dufour Jason , Fischer Tracy , Saied Ahmad , Rappaport Jay
Published: September 2023

Hyperglycemia, and exacerbation of pre-existing deficits in glucose metabolism, are major manifestations of the post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC). Our understanding of lasting glucometabolic disruptions after acute COVID-19 remains unclear due to the lack of animal models for metabolic PASC. Here, we report a non-human primate model of metabolic PASC using SARS-CoV-2 infected African green monkeys (AGMs). Using this model, we have identified a dysregulated chemokine signature and hypersensitive T cell population during acute COVID-19 that correlates with elevated and persistent hyperglycemia four months post-infection. This persistent hyperglycemia correlates with elevated hepatic glycogen, but there was no evidence of long-term SARS-CoV-2 replication in the liver and pancreas. Finally, we report a favorable glycemic effect of the SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine, administered on day 4 post-infection. Together, these data suggest that the AGM metabolic PASC model exhibits important similarities to human metabolic PASC and can be utilized to assess therapeutic candidates to combat this syndrome.
Exploratory machine-learning based proteomic analysis to improve the diagnostic accuracy in patients with occlusion myocardial infarction
Authors: Knoery Charles , McGilligan Victoria , Iftikhar Aleeha , Rjoob Khaled , Bond Raymond , Peace Aaron , McShane Anne , Leslie Stephen J
Published: September 2023

Background: Prompt recognition and treatment of occlusion myocardial infarction (OMI) is essential, yet current pathways miss a proportion of patients who have OMI as not all have electrocardiogram changes. This exploratory study aimed to determine if proteomic analysis combined with clinical factors could improve diagnostic accuracy in OMI patients.
Methods: In this case-controlled exploratory study 368 proteins were analysed from patients having a myocardial infarction and controls with stable angina. Angiographic and clinical features were recorded. Proteins were analysed using a proximity extension assay. Machine-learning techniques of hybrid and forward feature selection algorithms followed by comparing decision tree and logistical regression analysis were used to indicate the optimal classifier of proteins and clinical factors to increase diagnostic sensitivity in OMI.
Results: Plasma samples were obtained from 130 patients, 41 (31.5%) had a non-OMI and 16 (12.3%) had OMI. The other 73 (56.2%) had stable angina with no evidence of myocardial infarction. A combination of 19 clinical features and 87 biomarkers for OMI gave a detection of AUC=0.90 which was higher than identification of OMI by clinical features alone (AUC=0.84) although similar to biomarkers alone (AUC=0.91). The decision tree classifier that included combination of biomarkers and clinical factors reached statistical significance for detection for OMI (p<0.001) compared to the logistical regression tree classifier.
Conclusion: In this study we created a classifier for the diagnosis of OMI through a combination of clinical factors and proteins following proteomic analysis. Further refinement with larger cohorts and focused prior feature selection are required for validation.
Conversion in Land Use Change Soil Physiochemical Properties in the Highland of Western Ethiopia
Authors: Regasa Abu
Published: September 2023

Information on the effects of various land-use types on selected soil physicochemical properties is critical for the sustainable use of soil resources. As a result, this study was carried out to assess the effects of land use types on Soil Physiochemical Properties in the Sayo District of Western Highland of Ethiopia. The main aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of different land use types and soil depth on soil's physical and chemical properties. A total of 45 composite soil samples were collected from forest, grass, eucalyptus tree plantations, cultivating, and grazing lands using three soil depths (0-15cm, 15–30 and 30–45 cm) and three replications. Analysis of variance was used to test the mean differences in soil physicochemical properties. Sand and clay mean values were highest in grazing and forest, respectively. The mean bulk density of the soils ranged between 1.10 and 1.61gcm− 3, and the mean total porosity ranged between 39.37 and 58.49%, indicating lower soil compaction. The mean field capacity ranged from 34.21 to 42.93% whereas the permanent wilting point ranged from 19.79 to 27.87% and the mean water holding capacity ranged between 14.07 and 16.21%. The mean pH ranged from 4.92 to 5.55, with mean OM values ranging from 0.64 to 5.91% while the mean values of total N ranged from 0.04 to 0.31%. The mean value of available P ranged from 2.10 to 7.26mg kg− 1. Conversion of land use types harms soil properties, particularly overgrazing, eucalyptus plantation and cultivation of deforested land. Therefore, the deteriorated physiochemical properties of the soils should be amended with the application of different sources of nutrients and sustainable management practices.
Forensic cases of starved dogs: Novel histologic-morphometric and immunohistochemical tools for atrophy assessment
Authors: Vázquez-Fernández Esther , Rebollada-Merino Agustín , Rodríguez-Bertos Antonio
Published: September 2023

Starvation, the involuntary loss of body mass, is one of the main causes of dog death related to animal abuse. Nevertheless, the mechanisms beyond tissue atrophy are not well understood. Dog forensic cases with a final diagnosis of starvation (n = 13), referred to [to be included after acceptance] between 2014 and 2021, were included in our study. These dogs had a body condition score (BCS) of 1 (38.4%) or 2 (61.6%) over 9 according to the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA). Five dogs (BCS 5/9) that died due to other forensic causes were used as controls. The mechanisms underlying atrophy were studied by means of a histologic-morphometric and an immunohistochemical study (Ki-67 and caspase-3) of the spleen, liver, testis, stomach, and duodenum. Gross and histologic findings suggested tissue atrophy in all our starved dogs. Histologic-morphometric study confirmed atrophy in liver, spleen, testis, and duodenum; and increased gastric mucosal thickness in starved dogs. Ki-67 immunohistochemistry displayed fewer dividing cells in spleen, testis, stomach, and duodenum of starved dogs respect to controls. Caspase-3 immunostaining revealed an increased percentage of apoptotic cells in the spleen and testis of the starved group. These investigations contribute to a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms of starvation in dog abuse cases. To conclude, the combination of gross, histologic, histologic-morphometric, and immunohistochemical methods should be considered for the diagnosis and confirmation of tissue atrophy in forensic cases of animal abuse.
SSR analysis on the genetic diversity of Deinanthe caerulea Stapf., a rare and endemic plant in China
Authors: Xu Jie , xiao pengnan
Published: September 2023

Deinanthe caerulea Stapf. （D.caerulea） is a rare perennial herb endemic to China, with high medicinal and ornamental value. It is classified as VU endangered in the Chinese Species Red List (CSRL). Research on it has been extremely limited so far. In this paper, D.caerulea seeds were collected for morphological observation, vitality test, and germination experiments, and the results were as follows: the average fruit yield of D.caerulea seeds reached 1503.99 ± 483.64 per fruit, and there was a 30.26% abortion rate. TTC（2,3,5-Triphenyltetrazolium chloride） staining experiments showed that D.caerulea seeds had an activity rate of 86.33%. Light at 3000 lx and temperature at 25°C/15°C were the optimum conditions for seed germination. The results of seed germination experiments in the artificial incubator showed that the seed germination rate could reach 68.89% under the optimum conditions, but the suitable temperature range for seed germination was extremely narrow, which required a clever coupling between the external environment and the biological properties of seeds to ensure smooth seed germination, which was the main reason for the scarcity of seedling regeneration in the field. These factors, together with insufficient light in the forest understory to limit seed germination, are intrinsic to the difficulty of natural regeneration of this species.
Early peri-implant bone healing on laser-modified surfaces with and without hydroxyapatite coating: an in vivo study
Authors: Santos Ana Flávia Piquera , Silva Rodrigo Capalbo da , Hadad Henrique , de Jesus Laís Kawamata , Cervantes Lara Cristina Cunha , Nímia Heloisa Helena , Oliveira Sandra Helena Penha , Guastaldi Antonio Carlos , Queiroz Thallita Pereira , Poli Pier Paolo , Okamoto Roberta , Gruber Reinhard , Souza Francisley Ávila
Published: September 2023

Objective
The aim of this study was to assess the biological behavior of bone tissue on the machined surface (MS) and the modifications by laser beam (LS), and by laser beam incorporated with hydroxyapatite (HA) by biomimetic method without heat treatment (LHS).
Materials and methods
Scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (SEM/EDX) was performed before and after installation in the rabbit tibiae. 20 Albinus rabbits received 40 implants of 3.75x10mm in the right and left tibias, with one implant on each surface in each tibia. In the animals belonging to the 4-week euthanasia period, intramuscular application of the fluorochromes calcein and alizarin was performed. The tibias with the implants were submitted to analysis by confocal laser microscopy (mineral apposition rate – MAR) and histometric analysis by bone contact implant (%BIC) and newly formed bone area (%NBA).
Results
The SEM showed differences between the surfaces. BIC of the LHS implants were statistically superior to MS at the 2-week period and LHS and LS surfaces were statistically superior to MS at the 4-weel period. Statistical analysis of the NBA of the implants showed difference between the LHS and MS surface in the period of 2 weeks.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the modifications of the surfaces LS and LHS provided important physicochemical modifications that favored the deposition of bone tissue on the surface of the implants.
Clinical relevance
Surface modifications by laser with and without HA in dental implant surfaces accelerated osseointegration process and it is indicated oral rehabilitation in bone compromised.
The Szeged Index of Power Graph of Finite Groups
Authors: Banerjee Subarsha
Published: September 2023

The Szeged index of a graph is an invariant having several applications in chemistry. The power graph of a finite group G is a graph having vertex set as G in which two vertices u and v are adjacent if v = u m or u = v n for some m, n ∈ N. In this paper, we first obtain a formula for the Szeged index of the generalized join of graphs. As an application, we obtain the Szeged index of the power graph of the finite cyclic group Z n for any n > 2. We further obtain a relation between the Szeged index of the power graph of Z n and the Szeged index of the power graph of the dihedral group D n. We also provide SAGE codes for evaluating the Szeged index of the power graph of Z n and D n at the end of this paper.
2020 Mathematics Subject Classification: 05C09, 05C25, 05C50.
Highly coherent flat supercontinuum generation in highly nonlinear silica fiber pumped by 1.5μm femtosecond fiber laser
Authors: Xu Zipeng , Wang Xuan , Yao Chuanfei , Yang Linjing , Li Pingxue
Published: September 2023

Supercontinuum light sources with both highly flatness and highly coherence have unique application advantages in biological imaging, optical frequency comb, and optical coherence tomography. We demonstrate the generation of a highly coherent flat supercontinuum spectrum. In order to achieve broadband flat spectrum generation, we used a highly nonlinear fiber with a nominal dispersion of zero at 1550 nm and a dispersion slope of less than 0.025 ps/(nm2·km). Meanwhile a sub 100 fs fiber laser was used as the pump source in the experiment to achieve good coherence. When the pump power was 134 mW, the supercontinuum emission was characterized between 1197 nm and 2242 nm, showing the flat spectrum with 10 dB uniformity was obtained at the wavelength region of 1603–2242 nm and wide spectrum with a conversion efficiency over 85%. The coherence of the supercontinuum spectrum was 1 in the range of 1200–2242 nm by theoretically studying the coherence characteristics of the supercontinuum spectrum. In addition, the effect of pump laser duration on spectral flatness was demonstrated through experiments. Our experiment provides a feasible method for the generation of near-infrared flat highly coherence supercontinuum spectrum with all optical fibers structure.
Examining Planetary Boundary Layer Height Climatology, Trends, and Variability over India using High-Resolution Indian Reanalysis
Authors: Shukla Krishna Kumar , Attada Raju , Pathaikara Akash
Published: September 2023

This work investigates the spatio-temporal variability of planetary boundary layer height (PBLH) characteristics by leveraging multi-decadal (1980–2019) data from India’s first high-resolution regional atmospheric reanalysis–IMDAA, in conjunction with ERA5 and MERRA-2. The spatial variability in the seasonal and annual climatological mean PBLH obtained from IMDAA agree well with ERA5 and MERRA-2, albeit with some inconsistencies. The IMDAA and ERA5 PBLH exhibits a high correlation (> 0.6) over entire India, and is also exhibits a significant positive (negative) correlation with MERRA-2 over northwest and central (southern and eastern) Indian regions. However, IMDAA tends to overestimate ERA5 PBLH ( ~ < 500 m) and underestimate MERRA-2 PBLH ( ~ > 500 m) during all seasons. Despite these discrepancies, IMDAA successfully captures the diurnal changes in PBLH similar to ERA5 and MERRA-2. Furthermore, the evaluation of IMDAA PBLH with other meteorological factors suggests that PBLH correlates negatively with relative humidity (RH), indicating a decrease in PBLH as RH increases. On the other hand, PBLH shows positive correlations with surface temperature and surface zonal winds. Surface sensible and latent heat flux exhibit positive and negative correlations with PBLH, respectively, over Indian sub-regions throughout all seasons. Moreover, IMDAA realistically represents the declining trend of PBLH (-1.1 to -76.2 m decade− 1) compared to ERA5 in India during all seasons. The results from IMDAA, in concurrence with other reanalyses, demonstrate that the decreasing trend in PBLH over India is associated with rising surface temperatures and weakening surface zonal winds. This trend is attributed to increasing latent heat flux and decreasing sensible heat flux. The changes in surface fluxes over India are attributed to the intensification of Indian monsoon rainfall in the last three decades. Moreover, El Niño appears to be an important control on PBLH variability over India during different seasons, which is realistically represented by IMDAA as in ERA5 and MERRA-2.
Development of Chromium-Impregnated Sulfated Silica as a Mesoporous Catalyst in the Production of Biogasoline from Used Cooking Oil via a Hydrocracking Process
Authors: Ningrum Tyas Sekar , Saviola Aldino Javier , Wijaya Karna , Prasetyo Niko , Ardelia Zulfaa Lola , Fitria Riska Astin , Gea Saharman , Hauli Latifah , Amin Amalia Kurnia , Saputri Wahyu Dita , Setiawan Adi , Oh Won-Chun
Published: September 2023

The production of biofuels as an alternative to fossil fuels has been a significant challenge until recently. The present work focuses on hydrocracking used cooking oil (UCO) into biogasoline over chromium impregnated on a sulfated mesoporous silica catalyst. The effects of varying sulfuric acid concentration, calcination temperature, and impregnated chromium content (wt%) were systematically studied in the synthesis process employing TEOS and NaHCO3 by sol-gel method. A sulfuric acid concentration of 2 M and calcination temperature of 600 ˚C produced an SO4-SiO2 catalyst with the best acidity of 8.46 mmol g-1. Variation of chromium content (wt%) of 1% had Cr/SO4-SiO2 catalyst with the best acidity of 8.57 mmol g-1. SiO2, SS 2-600, and Cr-SS 1 catalyst were tested for their performance in the hydrocracking of UCO into biogasoline at an optimum temperature of 450 °C, H2 gas flow rate of 20 mL min-1, and catalyst-to-feed ratio (wt%) of 1:100. Hydrocracking using Cr-SS 1 catalyst produced the most liquid product of 37.14% with the highest gasoline fraction selectivity of 29.38%.
The association between blastocyst quality during a single frozen-thawed blastocyst transfer cycle and subsequent perinatal outcomes: a propensity score-matched study
Authors: Wu Jing , Yang Chen , Zheng Wei , Cao Meng Yi , Li Meng Na , Kuang Yi Hui , Ren Bing Nan , Ran Shi Yu , Zu Ruo Wen , Wu Huan , Shen Ran , Han Jing Yi , Li Pei Xin , Guan Yi Chun
Published: September 2023

Background
At present, with the increasing acceptance of blastocyst transfer, more and more attention were being paid to the selection of blastocysts during the transplant cycle. The preferred method for reducing the incidence of adverse perinatal outcomes was to select blastocysts with a low rate of adverse perinatal outcomes for transplantation. However, few studies have investigated the relationship between blastocyst quality and perinatal outcomes in single frozen-thawed blastocyst transfer (SFBT) cycles. The aim of this study was to focus solely on the blastocyst and investigate the association between embryo morphological grading and perinatal outcomes in a single frozen-thawed blastocyst transfer (SFBT) cycle.
Method
In a retrospective case-control study, we divided patients into the good-quality blastocysts transfer group and the poor-quality blastocyst transfer group based on the Gardner and Schoolcraft system. To control for potential confounding factors, propensity score-matching (PSM) was used to match male age, secondary infertility, primiparity, developmental day of the transferred blastocysts, endometrial thickness on transfer day, and polycystic ovary syndrome. Patients who received single vitrified-warmed high-quality blastocysts were matched with patients who received single poor-quality blastocysts at a 1:1 ratio.
Result(s)
Both before and after using PSM, there were no statistically significant differences in obstetric outcomes, including the incidence of gestational hypertension, gestational diabetes, or cesarean delivery, among women receiving SFBT with different blastocyst quality. There were also no significant differences in neonatal outcomes between the two groups with respect to newborn birth weight or the occurrence of birth defects.
Conclusion
The quality of blastocysts did not affect the perinatal outcomes of SFBT cycles. It is feasible to select a single poor-quality blastocyst for SFBT.
Increasing trend of angiogenic indices following Traditional and Circuit Resistance Training in sedentary men
Authors: Gharaat Mohammad Ali , MehriAlvar yaghoob , sheykhlouvand Mohsen
Published: September 2023

Background Angiogenesis is a beneficial process leading to capillary enhancement, which can trigger in response to physical training. Aims The present study aimed to investigate the changes in physiological factors involved in angiogenesis in response to circuit or traditional resistance training. Methods Following the pre-test, Thirty-six healthy sedentary students (age: 21.1 ± 2.3 years; height: 172.7 ± 5.1 cm) were randomly divided into Circuit Resistance Training (CRT) (4 circles/3 times a week/8 weeks circuit performance/50–55% 1 Repetition Maximum;n = 12), Traditional Resistance Training (TRT) (8 repetition/3 set/3 time per week/8 weeks of same movements with 75% 1RM followed by 2 minutes break between the sets;n = 12) and the control group (n = 12). We examined the responses of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), plasma level of growth hormone (GH), and basic Fibroblast Growth Factor (bFGF). Results Both of CRT and TRT protocols resulted in significant increases in post-test compared to pre-test, in VEGF (p = 0.00), GH (p = 0.04), and bFGF (p = 0.00). In addition, the magnitude of changes in VEGF and GH were significantly greater than the control group in post-test (p = 0.03, and 0.001, respectively). In addition, there was a strong correlation between absolute value of GH and VEGF (r = 0.74 and r = 0.71) following CRT (p = 0.01) and TRT (p = 0.02). Conclusions This study demonstrated that CRT and TRT might enhance angiogenesis through increase in VEGF, bFGF and GH.
A fine-tuned machine learning model to predict survivals of breast cancer patients based on gamma-delta T cell markers
Authors: Zhou Lina , Weng Jia , Ding Xiao , Zhuang Zhixiang , Fan Rencai , Zhang Jiaqi , Chen Lei , Li Shicheng
Published: September 2023

Background: Gamma-delta (γδ) T cells influence cancer immunotherapy and prognosis by enhancing clinical responses to checkpoint inhibitors. However, identifying prognostic markers for γδ T cells remains a crucial challenge.
Methods: Initially, we identified γδ T cell markers specific to breast cancer (BC) through single-cell analysis of GSE195861 dataset from the GEO database. Subsequently, we utilized LASSO regression to select prognostic genes for use as variables in artificial intelligence (AI) models. We performed survival analysis, assessed cancer microenvironment scores, and conducted biological functional analysis on these selected genes. Following this, we trained five commonly used machine learning models, and the best-performing model in the training set underwent careful tuning to optimize its performance. Tissues from five GEO datasets and our hospital were used for model validation.
Results: Cells of BC were classified into 12 subclasses, and the γδT cells accounted for the majority. Totally, 310 markers of γδT cells were identified, among which 12 were proved to have the prognostic ability by the external validation of GSE20685 (Hazard Ratio (HR) = 1.634, p = 0.031), GSE3143 (HR = 2.887, p = 0.001), GSE19536 (HR = 2.713, p = 0.001), GSE202203 (HR = 2.088, p < 0.001) and GSE35629 (HR = 6.476, p = 0.001). The random forest (RF) model with the 10-fold cross-validation achieved the best accuracy of 0.824 among the trained models. Then performance of the RF model increased to the accuracy of 0.835 after fine-tuned. In the validation, the AUC /accuracy of the fine-tuned RF model is 0.81/0.849 in GSE20685, 0.75/ 0.812 in GSE3143, 0.75/ 0.807 in GSE19536, 0.80/ 0.841 in GSE202203, 0.78/ 0.821 in GSE35629 and 0.77/0.801 in the real-world cohort.
Conclusions: We developed an efficient machine learning model based on γδT cell markers, which had a potent capability to predict the prognosis of BC patients.
On Strongly m-Convex Stochastic Processes
Authors: Bisht Jaya , Mishra Rohan , Hamdi Abdelouahed
Published: September 2023

In this paper, we introduce the concept of strongly m-convex stochastic processes and present some basic properties of these stochastic processes. We derive the Hermite-Hadamard type inequalities for stochastic processes whose first derivatives in absolute values are strongly m-convex. The results presented in this paper are the generalization and extension of the previously known results.
Mathematics Subject Classification (2010). 26A51, 26D15, 52A01, 60G99.