bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Machine learning-based analysis of Ebola virus' impact on gene expression in nonhuman primates
Authors: Rezapour Mostafa , Niazi Muhammad Khalid Khan , Lu Hao , Narayanan Aarthi , Gurcan Metin Nafi
Published: August 2024

Introduction

This study introduces the Supervised Magnitude-Altitude Scoring (SMAS) methodology, a novel machine learning-based approach for analyzing gene expression data from non-human primates (NHPs) infected with Ebola virus (EBOV). By focusing on host-pathogen interactions, this research aims to enhance the understanding and identification of critical biomarkers for Ebola infection.

Methods

We utilized a comprehensive dataset of NanoString gene expression profiles from Ebola-infected NHPs. The SMAS system combines gene selection based on both statistical significance and expression changes. Employing linear classifiers such as logistic regression, the method facilitates precise differentiation between RT-qPCR positive and negative NHP samples.

Results

The application of SMAS led to the identification of IFI6 and IFI27 as key biomarkers, which demonstrated perfect predictive performance with 100% accuracy and optimal Area Under the Curve (AUC) metrics in classifying various stages of Ebola infection. Additionally, genes including MX1, OAS1, and ISG15 were significantly upregulated, underscoring their vital roles in the immune response to EBOV.

Discussion

Gene Ontology (GO) analysis further elucidated the involvement of these genes in critical biological processes and immune response pathways, reinforcing their significance in Ebola pathogenesis. Our findings highlight the efficacy of the SMAS methodology in revealing complex genetic interactions and response mechanisms, which are essential for advancing the development of diagnostic tools and therapeutic strategies.

Conclusion

This study provides valuable insights into EBOV pathogenesis, demonstrating the potential of SMAS to enhance the precision of diagnostics and interventions for Ebola and other viral infections.
Robust self-propulsion in sand using simply controlled vibrating cubes
Authors: Liu Bangyuan , Wang Tianyu , Kerimoglu Deniz , Kojouharov Velin , Hammond Frank L. , Goldman Daniel I.
Published: August 2024

Much of the Earth and many surfaces of extraterrestrial bodies are composed of non-cohesive particulate matter. Locomoting on such granular terrain is challenging for common robotic devices, either wheeled or legged. In this work, we discover a robust alternative locomotion mechanism on granular media-generating movement via self-vibration. To demonstrate the effectiveness of this locomotion mechanism, we develop a cube-shaped robot with an embedded vibratory motor and conduct systematic experiments on granular terrains of various particle properties and slopes. We investigate how locomotion changes as a function of vibration frequency/intensity on such granular terrains. Compared to hard surfaces, we find such a vibratory locomotion mechanism enables the robot to move faster, and more stably on granular surfaces, facilitated by the interaction between the body and surrounding grains. We develop a numerical simulation of a vibrating single cube on granular media, enabling us to justify our hypothesis that the cube achieves locomotion through the oscillations excited at a distance from the cube’s center of mass. The simplicity in structural design and controls of this robotic system indicates that vibratory locomotion can be a valuable alternative way to produce robust locomotion on granular terrains. We further demonstrate that such cube-shaped robots can be used as modular units for vibratory robots with capabilities of maneuverable forward and turning motions, showing potential practical scenarios for robotic systems.
The prevalence of dental caries and its associated factors among preschool children in Huizhou, China: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Chen Jieyi , Chen Wanting , Lin Lude , Ma Haozhen , Huang Fang
Published: August 2024

Background

Dental caries among preschool children were prevalent worldwide and had a significant impact on children and their families. Understanding its prevalence and risk factors helps to optimize the delivery of oral health care to the target population and promote their oral health ultimately. This cross-sectional study aimed to examine the prevalence of dental caries and its associated factors among 3- to 5-year-old children in Huizhou, Guangdong Province, China.

Method

We recruited children from 21 kindergartens adopting multistage sampling method. Two examiners performed oral examination. They assessed children's dental caries experience following the World Health Organization criteria. Children's dental caries activity, malocclusion, tonsil size and pH value of saliva were evaluated. Parental questionnaires collected child's sociodemographic background and oral-health-related behaviors. Data were analyzed by univariate analysis and logistic regression using SPSS.

Results

This study invited 1,485 children and recruited 1,348 (53.2% boys) (response rate: 90.8%). Dental caries prevalence rate was 58.2% for 3-, 70.7% for 4-, 80.5% for 5-year-old and 72.9% for all recruited children. The mean dmft score (±SD) was 3.38 (±4.26) for 3-, 4.75 (±4.96) for 4-, 5.81 (±5.71) for 5-year-old and 4.99 (±5.02) for all children. Age, family status (singleton or not), monthly family income, mother and father's education level, tonsil grading score, spacing in dentition, Cariostat score (reflecting the caries activity), dental plaque index, duration of breastfeeding, dental visit experience, tooth brushing habits and sugary snacking before sleeping were statistically related to the prevalence of dental caries (p < 0.050) in univariate analysis. These factors were further analyzed in the regression model. The results of the final model indicated dental caries were associated with age (p < 0.001), Cariostat score (p < 0.001), spacing (p < 0.001), tonsil grading score (p = 0.013), singleton or not (p = 0.002), sugary snacking habit before bed (p < 0.001) and breast-feeding duration (p = 0.050).

Conclusion

Dental caries was prevalent among 3-to 5-year-old preschool children in Huizhou, China. Children's age, caries activity, tonsil size, malocclusion, family background, sugary snacking habit and breast-feeding habit were related to the prevalence of dental caries. More emphasis should be placed on prevention targeting the risk factors from early life.
Do Online Reviews Truly Represent the Writer’s Experience?
Authors: Dover Yaniv
Published: August 2024

At any given moment, people all over the world are posting and reading online reviews about hotels, restaurants, cars, and more. Reviews influence important decisions and experiences and have financial, personal, and social consequences. Reviews should accurately reflect the writer’s experience so that readers can make more informed decisions. Our research on hundreds of thousands of hotel reviews shows that this is not quite the case. We found that random changes in weather, even days after staying in a hotel, significantly affected the content and rating of the review. In other words, factors unrelated to the experience itself caused the writer, probably due to a change in mood, to write a review that did not represent their actual experience. This can have a big impact on businesses and digital platforms such as shopping sites and social media.
Design and Preliminary Evaluation of Automated Sweetpotato Sorting Mechanisms
Authors: Xu Jiajun , Lu Yuzhen
Published: August 2024

Automated sorting of sweetpotatoes is necessary to reduce labor dependence and costs that are significant at today’s sweetpotato packing sheds. Although optical sorters have been widely adopted in commercial packing lines for many horticultural commodities, there remains an unmet need to develop dedicated technology for the automated grading and sorting of sweetpotatoes. Sorting mechanisms are the critical component that physically segregates products according to quality grades determined by a machine vision or imaging system. This study presents the new engineering prototypes and evaluation of three different pneumatically powered mechanisms for sorting sweetpotatoes online. Among the three sorters, the sorting mechanism, which employs a linear air cylinder to drive a paddle directly striking products, achieved the best overall accuracy and repeatability of 98% and 96.8%, respectively, at conveyor speeds of 4–12 cm/s. The sorter based on a rotary actuator also delivered decent accuracy and repeatability of 97.9% and 95.6%, respectively. The best-performing sorting mechanism was integrated with a machine vision system that graded sweetpotatoes based on size and surface defect conditions to separate graded sweetpotatoes into three quality categories. The errors of 0–1% due to the sorting process were obtained at conveyor speeds of 4–12 cm/s, confirming the efficacy of the manufactured sorting mechanisms. There was a declining trend with the conveyor speed in the performance of the sorting mechanisms when evaluated either in a standalone or integrated configuration. The proposed sorting mechanisms that are simple in construction and operation and of low cost are useful for developing a more full-fledged sorting system. More research is needed to enhance sorting performance and conduct extensive tests at higher conveyor speeds for practical application.
YOLOv8n-Enhanced PCB Defect Detection: A Lightweight Method Integrating Spatial–Channel Reconstruction and Adaptive Feature Selection
Authors: An Jiayang , Shi Zhichao
Published: August 2024

In response to the challenges of small-size defects and low recognition rates in Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs), as well as the need for lightweight detection models that can be embedded in portable devices, this paper proposes an improved defect detection method based on a lightweight shared convolutional head using YOLOv8n. Firstly, the Spatial and Channel reconstruction Convolution (SCConv) is embedded into the Cross Stage Partial with Convolutional Layer Fusion (C2f) structure of the backbone network, which reduces redundant computations and enhances the model’s learning capacity. Secondly, an adaptive feature selection module is integrated to improve the network’s ability to recognize small targets. Subsequently, a Shared Lightweight Convolutional Detection (SLCD) Head replaces the original Decoupled Head, reducing the model’s computational complexity while increasing detection accuracy. Finally, the Weighted Intersection over Union (WIoU) loss function is introduced to provide more precise evaluation results and improve generalization capability. Comparative experiments conducted on a public PCB dataset demonstrate that the improved algorithm achieves a mean Average Precision (mAP) of 98.6% and an accuracy of 99.8%, representing improvements of 3.8% and 3.1%, respectively, over the original model. The model size is 4.1 M, and its FPS is 144.1, meeting the requirements for real-time and lightweight portable deployment.
AI Asthma Guard: Predictive Wearable Technology for Asthma Management in Vulnerable Populations
Authors: Almuhanna Hajar , Alenezi Manayer , Abualhasan Mariam , Alajmi Shouq , Alfadhli Raghad , Karar Abdullah S.
Published: August 2024

This paper presents AI Asthma Guard, a novel wearable device designed to predict and alert users of impending asthma attacks using artificial intelligence. The system integrates physiological and environmental sensors to monitor health metrics such as the heart rate, oxygen saturation, and exposure to specific air pollutants, which are crucial in managing asthma in children and individuals with mental disabilities. Utilizing machine learning models, including support vector machines and random forest, AI Asthma Guard classifies the risk levels of asthma attacks and provides timely notifications. This study details the device’s design, implementation, and preliminary testing results, underscoring its potential to improve health outcomes by enabling proactive asthma management. The implications of this technology reflect its alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals by enhancing individual health and well-being. The integration of a companion app leveraging large language models like ChatGPT facilitates user interaction, providing personalized advice and educational content about asthma management.
Road Fatalities in Children Aged 0–17: Epidemiological Data and Forensic Aspects on a Series of Cases in a Single-Centre in Romania
Authors: Ungureanu Ştefania , Ciocan Veronica , Mureșan Camelia-Oana , Stan Emanuela , Gavriliţă Georgiana-Denisa , Sirmon Alexandra , Pop Cristian , Enache Alexandra
Published: August 2024

Introduction: Road Traffic Accidents (RTAs) are the leading cause of premature death in young people aged 5–29. Globally, 186,300 children aged 9 years and under die from RTAs each year. Romania had the highest mortality rate in children aged 0 to 14 for 2018–2020. This study aimed to assess the involvement of children aged 0–17 years in fatal RTAs by analyzing medico-legal autopsy records in a 5-year period at Timisoara Institute of Legal Medicine (TILM), Romania. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis of medico-legal autopsy records of road fatalities in children aged 0–17 years, from TILM in a 5-year period (2017–2021), was conducted. Results: Of all medico-legal autopsies in the 5-year period, 23 cases (5.8%) involved road fatalities in children aged 17 and under. Preschoolers accounted for 10 cases, followed by the age group 15–17 years (n = 9). Most children sustained fatal injuries as passengers (n = 13), followed by child pedestrians (n = 7). This research follows four representative cases, each being a different type of child road fatality regarding the type of road user, the age of the victim, and the involvement of other risk factors. Conclusions: Our findings emphasize the tragedy of road fatalities in children and the need to determine risk factors and prevention strategies to reduce the enormous global crisis involving these vulnerable victims.
Online Age Verification: Government Legislation, Supplier Responsibilization, and Public Perceptions
Authors: Jarvie Chelsea , Renaud Karen
Published: August 2024

There are widespread concerns about the online harms to children operating online. As such, governments have enacted laws to require online service providers to deploy age verification to prevent such harms. We investigate the following three research questions regarding this topic: (1) To what extent have different governments legislated age verification controls? (2) Do governments embrace a responsibilization strategy when it comes to online age verification? and (3) How does the UK public feel about online age verification legislation? We find that governments are applying a responsibilization strategy, which has led to widespread deployment of privacy-invasive or ineffective age verification. The former violates the privacy of underage users, with the latter undermining the overarching aims of the legislation. We have also found general disengagement and a lack of trust in the government amongst the public with regards to new online age verification laws within the UK. To conclude, despite governments globally looking to put more robust online age verification mechanisms in place, there remains a general lack of privacy preservation and affordable technological solutions. Moreover, the overarching aims of the online safety and age verification legislative changes may not be satisfied due to the general public stakeholder group’s disengagement and lack of trust in their government.
Advancements on Ultrasonic Degradation of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS): Toward Hybrid Approaches
Authors: Awoyemi Olalekan Simon , Naidu Ravi , Fang Cheng
Published: August 2024

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) contamination has emerged as a significant environmental concern, necessitating the development of effective degradation technologies. Among these technologies, ultrasonication has gained increasing attention. However, there is still limited knowledge of its scale-up or on-site applications due to the complexity of real-world conditions and its high energy consumption. Herein, we provide an overview of recent advancements in the ultrasonic degradation of PFAS toward hybrid technologies. This review contains information regarding the physical and chemical properties of PFAS, followed by an exploration of degradation challenges, the mechanisms of ultrasonication, and recent experimental findings in this field. The key factor affecting ultrasonication is cavitation intensity, which depends on ultrasonic frequency, power density, and PFAS structure. Its main advantages include the generation of reactive species without chemicals and the compatibility with other degradation technologies, while its main disadvantages are high energy consumption and limited applications to liquid-based media. We also highlight the integration of ultrasonication with other advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) to create hybrid systems for enhanced degradation of PFAS in order to significantly improve PFAS degradation efficiency, with enhancement factors ranging between 2 and 12. Finally, we discuss prospects for scaling up the ultrasonic degradation of PFAS and address the associated limitations. This review aims to deepen the understanding of ultrasonication technology in addressing PFAS contamination and to guide future research and development efforts.
Apparent Digestibility Coefficients of Nutrients and Energy from Animal-Origin Proteins for Macrobrachium rosenbergii Juveniles
Authors: Lopes Ferreira Rosane , de Souza Valente Cecília , Rosa Silva Lilian Carolina , Costa de Sousa Nathã , Mauerwerk Marlise Teresinha , Cupertino Ballester Eduardo Luís
Published: August 2024

In prawn farming, the main protein source used in aquafeed formulations is fishmeal. Nevertheless, one estimates that in the coming years, this protein source will no longer be able to meet the demand for the activity. The search for new ingredients is important to meet the increasing demand and minimize environmental impacts, such as the reduction in fish stocks and the eutrophication of aquatic systems. The objective of this study was to determine the apparent digestibility coefficients of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), gross energy (GE), and ether extract (EE) of fishmeal, poultry co-products (viscera and hydrolysed feather), and insect meal (Gromphadorhina portentosa) for giant river prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) juveniles. To determine the apparent digestibility coefficients (ADCs), 90 prawns (average weight, 15 g) were randomly distributed among three experimental units. The reference feed was formulated according to the requirements of the giant river prawn, with 35% crude protein and a gross energy of 3600 kcal kg−1. The test diets comprised 70% of the reference diet and 30% of the respective test ingredients. Prawns were fed three times a day until apparent satiety. Faeces were collected using the indirect siphoning method, twice a day at the same feeding site (at 7:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.). The water parameters were temperature (27 °C), dissolved oxygen (6.65 mg L−1) and pH (7.76). The ACDs of DM, CP, EE, and GE were, respectively, 61.48; 88.28; 99.89 and 88.25 for fishmeal; 76.48; 81.55; 97.29 and 85.13 for poultry viscera meal; 73.82; 75.21; 73.17 and 76.42 for hydrolysed feather meal; and 52.35; 59,48; 87.95 and 67.64 for G. portentosa meal. The values of protein (%) and digestible energy (kcal kg−1) were 55.20 and 3711 for fishmeal; 47.27 and 4285 for poultry viscera’s meal; 65.03 and 4145 for hydrolysed feather meal; and 47.72 and 3616 for G. portentosa meal. These results showed the potential use of insect meals and poultry co-products as ingredients for the diets of M. rosenbergii juveniles, as they present digestible values close to those found for fishmeal, the main raw material used in aquaculture diets.
Modeling Double Stochastic Opinion Dynamics with Fractional Inflow of New Opinions
Authors: Gontis Vygintas
Published: August 2024

Our recent analysis of empirical limit order flow data in financial markets reveals a power-law distribution in limit order cancellation times. These times are modeled using a discrete probability mass function derived from the Tsallis q-exponential distribution, closely aligned with the second form of the Pareto distribution. We elucidate this distinctive power-law statistical property through the lens of agent heterogeneity in trading activity and asset possession. Our study introduces a novel modeling approach that combines fractional Lévy stable motion for limit order inflow with this power-law distribution for cancellation times, significantly enhancing the prediction of order imbalances. This model not only addresses gaps in current financial market modeling but also extends to broader contexts such as opinion dynamics in social systems, capturing the finite lifespan of opinions. Characterized by stationary increments and a departure from self-similarity, our model provides a unique framework for exploring long-range dependencies in time series. This work paves the way for more precise financial market analyses and offers new insights into the dynamic nature of opinion formation in social systems.
Lp(Lq)-Maximal Regularity for Damped Equations in a Cylindrical Domain
Authors: Alvarez Edgardo , Díaz Stiven , Lizama Carlos
Published: August 2024

We show maximal regularity estimates for the damped hyperbolic and strongly damped wave equations with periodic initial conditions in a cylindrical domain. We prove that this property strongly depends on a critical combination on the parameters of the equation. Noteworthy, our results are still valid for fractional powers of the negative Laplacian operator. We base our methods on the theory of operator-valued Fourier multipliers on vector-valued Lebesgue spaces of periodic functions.
Fractional Hermite–Hadamard, Newton–Milne, and Convexity Involving Arithmetic–Geometric Mean-Type Inequalities in Hilbert and Mixed-Norm Morrey Spaces ℓq(·)(Mp(·),v(·)) with Variable Exponents
Authors: Afzal Waqar , Abbas Mujahid , Breaz Daniel , Cotîrlă Luminiţa-Ioana
Published: August 2024

Function spaces play a crucial role in the study and application of mathematical inequalities. They provide a structured framework within which inequalities can be formulated, analyzed, and applied. They allow for the extension of inequalities from finite-dimensional spaces to infinite-dimensional contexts, which is crucial in mathematical analysis. In this note, we develop various new bounds and refinements of different well-known inequalities involving Hilbert spaces in a tensor framework as well as mixed Moore norm spaces with variable exponents. The article begins with Newton–Milne-type inequalities for differentiable convex mappings. Our next step is to take advantage of convexity involving arithmetic–geometric means and build various new bounds by utilizing self-adjoint operators of Hilbert spaces in tensorial frameworks for different types of generalized convex mappings. To obtain all these results, we use Riemann–Liouville fractional integrals and develop several new identities for these operator inequalities. Furthermore, we present some examples and consequences for transcendental functions. Moreover, we developed the Hermite–Hadamard inequality in a new and significant way by using mixed-norm Moore spaces with variable exponent functions that have not been developed previously with any other type of function space apart from classical Lebesgue space. Mathematical inequalities supporting tensor Hilbert spaces are rarely examined in the literature, so we believe that this work opens up a whole new avenue in mathematical inequality theory.
Synchronization for Delayed Fractional-Order Memristive Neural Networks Based on Intermittent-Hold Control with Application in Secure Communication
Authors: Yao Xueqi , Shi Jingxi , Zhong Shouming , Du Yuanhua
Published: August 2024

This article investigates the dynamic behaviors of delayed fractional-order memristive fuzzy cellular neural networks via the Lyapunov method. To address the delay terms of fractional-order systems, a novel lemma is provided to make the solutions of the systems exponentially stable. Furthermore, two new intermittent-hold controllers are designed to improve the robustness of the system and reduce the cost of the controller. One intermittent-hold controller is based on the feedback control strategy, while the other one integrates an adaptive control strategy. Moreover, two crucial theorems are derived from the proposed lemma and controllers, guaranteeing the exponential synchronization between drive and response systems. Finally, the superior performance of the controllers in achieving exponential synchronization is demonstrated through simulations.
Cyclodextrin—Polymethylsilsesquioxane Combined System as a Perspective Iron Delivery System for Oral Administration
Authors: Orlova Polina , Meshkov Ivan , Latipov Egor , Vasiliev Sergey , Mikheev Ivan , Ratova Daria-Maria , Kalinina Alexandra , Muzafarov Aziz , Le-Deygen Irina
Published: August 2024

Anemia is a global health problem that affects both adults and children, but treatment is hampered by serious side effects, primarily associated with the gastrointestinal tract with oral administration of drugs. In this study, we aimed to develop an oral form of iron compounds using polymethylsilsesquioxane hydrogels. To boost loading efficiency and prolong release, the iron compounds (FeCl3 and ferrous D-Gluconate) are incorporated into a guest–host complex with 2-hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin. We used PRXD, SEM, EDX mapping, and FTIR to investigate the complex formation, as well as the incorporation of such complexes into hydrogels. The optimal system underlines a combination of ferrous D-Gluconate and HPCD in a 1:1 molar ratio, embedded into a hydrogel with a modest quantity of silicate crosslinks. We demonstrated the slowing of iron release in a gastric media. Mathematical investigation revealed that the Higuchi mechanism releases iron from the hydrogel.
Bioactive Hydrogels Based on Tyramine and Maleimide Functionalized Dextran for Tissue Engineering Applications
Authors: Zhong Lin , Banigo Alma Tamunonengiofori , Zoetebier Bram , Karperien Marcel
Published: August 2024

Hydrogels are widely used in tissue engineering due to their ability to form three-dimensional (3D) structures that support cellular functions and mimic the extracellular matrix (ECM). Despite their advantages, dextran-based hydrogels lack intrinsic biological activity, limiting their use in this field. Here, we present a strategy for developing bioactive hydrogels through sequential thiol–maleimide bio-functionalization and enzyme-catalyzed crosslinking. The hydrogel network is formed through the reaction of tyramine moieties in the presence of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), allowing for tunable gelation time and stiffness by adjusting H2O2 concentrations. Maleimide groups on the hydrogel backbone enable the coupling of thiol-containing bioactive molecules, such as arginylglycylaspartic acid (RGD) peptides, to enhance biological activity. We examined the effects of hydrogel stiffness and RGD concentration on human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) during differentiation and found that hMSCs encapsulated within these hydrogels exhibited over 88% cell viability on day 1 across all conditions, with a slight reduction to 60–81% by day 14. Furthermore, the hydrogels facilitated adipogenic differentiation, as evidenced by positive Oil Red O staining. These findings demonstrate that DexTA–Mal hydrogels create a biocompatible environment that is conducive to cell viability and differentiation, offering a versatile platform for future tissue engineering applications.
Obesity-Associated Hyperuricemia in Female Mice: A Reevaluation
Authors: Giromini Andrew P. , Salvatore Sonia R. , Maxwell Brooke A. , Lewis Sara E. , Gunther Michael R. , Fazzari Marco , Schopfer Francisco J. , Leonardi Roberta , Kelley Eric E.
Published: August 2024

Many preclinical reports have coalesced to identify a strong association between obesity and increased levels of uric acid (UA) in tissues and, importantly, in the circulation (hyperuricemia). Unfortunately, nearly all these studies were conducted with male mice or, in one case, female mice without a side-by-side male cohort. Therefore, the relationship between obesity and hyperuricemia in female mice remains undefined. This lack of clarity in the field has considerable impact as the downstream effects of obesity and allied hyperuricemia are extensive, resulting in many comorbidities including cardiovascular dysfunction, chronic kidney disease, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Herein we begin to address this issue by revealing phenotypic and metabolic responses to diet-induced obesity (DIO) in a side-by-side male vs. female C57BL/6J study. Beginning at 6 weeks of age, mice were exposed to either an obesogenic diet (60% calories from fat) or control diet (10% calories from fat) for 19 weeks. Similar to numerous reported observations with the 60% diet, male mice experienced significant weight gain over time, elevated fasting blood glucose, impaired glucose tolerance and significantly elevated circulating uric acid levels (2.54 ± 0.33 mg/dL) compared to age-matched lean male controls (1.53 ± 0.19 mg/dL). As expected, the female mice experienced a slower rate of weight gain compared to the males; however, they also developed elevated fasting blood glucose and impaired glucose tolerance compared to age-matched lean controls. Countervailing our previous report whereby the control diet for the female-only study was vivarium standard chow (18% calories from fat), the obese female mice did demonstrate significantly elevated circulating UA levels (2.55 ± 0.15 mg/dL) compared to the proper control (1.68 ± 0.12 mg/dL). This affirms that the choice of control diet is crucial for reaching durable conclusions. In toto, these results, for the first time, reveal elevated circulating UA to be a similar long-term response to obesogenic feeding for both males and females and mirrors clinical observations demonstrating hyperuricemia in obesity for both sexes.
Custom GPTs Enhancing Performance and Evidence Compared with GPT-3.5, GPT-4, and GPT-4o? A Study on the Emergency Medicine Specialist Examination
Authors: Liu Chiu-Liang , Ho Chien-Ta , Wu Tzu-Chi
Published: August 2024

Given the widespread application of ChatGPT, we aim to evaluate its proficiency in the emergency medicine specialty written examination. Additionally, we compare the performance of GPT-3.5, GPT-4, GPTs, and GPT-4o. The research seeks to ascertain whether custom GPTs possess the essential capabilities and access to knowledge bases necessary for providing accurate information, and to explore the effectiveness and potential of personalized knowledge bases in supporting the education of medical residents. We evaluated the performance of ChatGPT-3.5, GPT-4, custom GPTs, and GPT-4o on the Emergency Medicine Specialist Examination in Taiwan. Two hundred single-choice exam questions were provided to these AI models, and their responses were recorded. Correct rates were compared among the four models, and the McNemar test was applied to paired model data to determine if there were significant changes in performance. Out of 200 questions, GPT-3.5, GPT-4, custom GPTs, and GPT-4o correctly answered 77, 105, 119, and 138 questions, respectively. GPT-4o demonstrated the highest performance, significantly better than GPT-4, which, in turn, outperformed GPT-3.5, while custom GPTs exhibited superior performance compared to GPT-4 but inferior performance compared to GPT-4o, with all p < 0.05. In the emergency medicine specialty written exam, our findings highlight the value and potential of large language models (LLMs), and highlight their strengths and limitations, especially in question types and image-inclusion capabilities. Not only do GPT-4o and custom GPTs facilitate exam preparation, but they also elevate the evidence level in responses and source accuracy, demonstrating significant potential to transform educational frameworks and clinical practices in medicine.
Preparedness of Nursing Homes: A Typology and Analysis of Responses to the COVID-19 Crisis in a French Network
Authors: Gautier Sylvain , Mbalayen Fabrice , Dutheillet de Lamothe Valentine , Ndiongue Biné Mariam , Pondjikli Manon , Berrut Gilles , Clôt-Faybesse Priscilla , Jurado Nicolas , Fourrier Marie-Anne , Armaingaud Didier , Delarocque-Astagneau Elisabeth , Josseran Loïc
Published: August 2024

Background: Preparing healthcare systems for emergencies is crucial to maintaining healthcare quality. Nursing homes (NHs) require tailored emergency plans. This article aims to develop a typology of French private NHs and study their early COVID-19 responses and mortality outcomes. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey among NHs of a French network consisting of 290 facilities during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. A Hierarchical Clustering on Principal Components (HCPC) was conducted to develop the typology of the NHs. Association tests were used to analyze the relationships between the typology, prevention and control measures, COVID-19 mortality, and the satisfaction of hospitalization requests. Results: The 290 NHs vary in size, services, and location characteristics. The HCPC identified three clusters: large urban NHs with low levels of primary care (Cluster 1), small rural NHs (Cluster 2), and medium urban NHs with high levels of primary care (Cluster 3). The COVID-19 outcomes and response measures differed by cluster, with Clusters 1 and 2 experiencing higher mortality rates. Nearly all the NHs implemented preventive measures, but the timing and extent varied. Conclusions: This typology could help in better preparing NHs for future health emergencies, allowing for targeted resource allocation and tailored adaptations. It underscores the importance of primary care territorial structuring in managing health crises.
The Polyamine Signaling Pathway in Response to Waterlogging Stress of Paeonia lactiflora
Authors: Shi Yajie , Lv Mengwen , Liu Zemiao , Yang Xiao , Yang Lijin , Dong Lingling , Lei Fuling , Xie Anqi , Zhang Dongliang , Bao Mingyue , Sun Limin , Sun Xia
Published: August 2024

Herbaceous peony (Paeonia lactiflora Pall) is resistant to drought but not waterlogging. The main production areas of peony are prone to waterlogging, seriously affecting the growth and development of herbaceous peony. Polyamines have been observed to significantly enhance the ability of plants to defend and repair adverse damage and affect the synthesis and accumulation of the endogenous growth hormones indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and abscisic acid (ABA). In this study, two herbaceous peony varieties (‘Lihong’, ‘Qihualushuang’) with different waterlogging tolerances were selected for artificial simulated waterlogging treatment to observe their morphological indexes and to determine their endogenous polyamine and hormone contents. Simultaneously, transcriptome sequencing and bioinformatics analysis were performed, focusing on screening differentially expressed genes in the polyamine metabolism pathway. The results showed that flood-tolerant varieties of herbaceous peony respond to waterlogging stress by continuously synthesizing spermidine (Spd) and spermine (Spm) through putrescine (Put) to counteract adversity. In the waterlogging-intolerant varieties, the expression of polyamine oxidase-related genes was annotated; their response to waterlogging stress was the simultaneous degradation of Spm and Spd to Put in the process of synthesis, and a decrease in the accumulation of Spm and Spd led to the early appearance of the symptoms of damage. In addition, polyamines influence key hormones that respond to plant adversity (IAA; ABA). The objective of this work was to initially analyze the mechanism of the polyamine signaling pathway in response to flooding in herbaceous peonies for further in-depth research on the mechanism of flooding tolerance in herbaceous peony, screen flood-tolerant varieties, and promote of their use.
Methodology for Selection of Sustainable Public Transit Routes: Case Study of Amman City, Jordan
Authors: Al Tamseh Amani , Osama Ahmed , Hussain Mona , Alsobky Alsayed
Published: August 2024

A limited number of previous studies have focused on the selection of transportation routes considering sustainable development goals (SDGs). In this research, a methodology for selecting sustainable public transit (PT) routes is presented, consisting of generating a feasible initial route set, optimization, and assessment. Total welfare, road safety, and reduction in total emissions are indicators of the economic, social, and environmental dimensions, respectively. Based on the transportation model, the network structure, attributes, and emission rates are exported. The travel demand of PT is modified by modal share. Additionally, the safety performance function (SPF) is developed as a safety measure. Regarding optimization, the optimum routes are obtained by maximizing PT share and minimizing PT travel time. Then, the new routes are implemented, and the network is evaluated and compared with the existing scenario in light of sustainability indicators. The case study is Amman BRT. The results show that the new network is more sustainable than the existing BRT network and achieves better performance than the selected scenario of Amman city. The new network can reduce travel time by more than 13%, decrease total emissions by more than 17%, and alleviate the crash frequency by more than 14%.
Anticoagulation Patterns in Ischemic Stroke Patients with Atrial Fibrillation in Developing Country: Insights from the Stroke Registry in Vietnam
Authors: Ton Mai Duy , Phuong Dao Viet , Dung Nguyen Tien , Chi Nguyen Van , Hoa Truong Thi , Minh Tran Cong , Pandian Jeyaraj , Thang Nguyen Huy
Published: August 2024

(1) Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) poses a growing cardiovascular challenge globally, with significant implications in Vietnam. This study aimed to investigate the impact of AF on ischemic stroke/transient ischemic attack (TIA) and clinical outcomes, as well as the utilization of oral anticoagulation (OAC) therapy in Vietnam. (2) Methods: Data from the Registry of Stroke Care Quality (RES-Q) across 66 hospitals in Vietnam between 2017 and 2023 were utilized. Patients diagnosed with ischemic stroke or TIA were included, and clinical characteristics, pre- and post-hospitalization medication, and hospitalized outcomes were examined. (3) Results: Of 94,144 patients, 15.1% had AF. Patients with AF were older and had a higher prevalence of heart failure and more severe strokes. AF was associated with increased mortality during hospitalization and a poorer prognosis. In AF patients, anticoagulation therapy utilization increased from 15.8% pre-hospitalization to 82.4% at discharge, with a preference for direct oral anticoagulants. (4) Conclusions: AF significantly impacts ischemic stroke/TIA outcomes in Vietnam. Pre-hospitalization and anticoagulation therapy utilization were low but improved at discharge. These findings emphasize the need for improved AF management and stroke prevention strategies in developing countries.
Extended Use of Topical Efinaconazole Remains Safe and Can Provide Continuing Benefits for Dermatophyte Toenail Onychomycosis
Authors: Gupta Aditya K. , Cooper Elizabeth A.
Published: August 2024

Introduction: Efinaconazole 10% topical solution labeling for onychomycosis describes phase III trials of 12 months of treatment; the slow growth of onychomycotic nails suggests a longer treatment period may increase efficacy. We present here the first evaluation of extended use of efinaconazole 10% topical solution for up to 24 months. Materials and Methods: Enrolled patients (n = 101) had one target great toenail with mild to moderate distal lateral subungual onychomycosis and applied efinaconazole 10% topical solution to all affected toenails once daily for 18 months (EFN18) or 24 months (EFN24). Efficacy and safety were evaluated at each visit by visual review and mycology sampling. Results: Regarding the target toenail for patients treated for 24 months (EFN24), mycological cure (negative microscopy and culture) was 66.0% at Month 12, increasing to 71.7% at Month 24; effective cure (mycological cure and ≤10% affected nail) was 13.2% at Month 12, rising to 22.6% at Month 24. Mild to moderate application site reactions (symptoms of erythema/scaling) were the only efinaconazole-related reactions, in eight patients (7.9%). No systemic efinaconazole events or drug interactions were found. Patients aged 70 years or more had similar efficacy to younger patients at all time periods and did not show any increased treatment risks. Thinner nails exhibited better clearance versus thicker nails. A higher proportion of patients with Trichophyton mentagrophytes complex infection experienced application site reactions (35.7%), and a higher effective cure was found at Month 24 versus T. rubrum patients. Conclusion: There is a trend of increasing mycological cure and effective cure beyond Month 12 to Month 24, without an increased safety risk. The enrolled population in this trial was significantly older than in the phase III trials, with a greater degree of onychomycosis severity; however, increased age did not appear to reduce the chance of efficacy to Month 24 in this study. Our data suggest that lack of ability to clear nail dystrophy remains a significant problem for patients, rather than any lack of efinaconazole action over long-term treatment periods.
Characterisation of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. radicis-lycopersici in Infected Tomatoes in Inner Mongolia, China
Authors: Yang Yongqing , Wang Yong , Gao Jing , Shi Zhidan , Chen Wenjin , Huangfu Haiyan , Li Zhengnan , Liu Yan
Published: August 2024

Fusarium crown and root rot (FCRR), caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. radicis-lycopersici (FORL), is an economically important disease that affects tomatoes worldwide and has become more prevalent in China in recent years. In 2021 and 2022, tomato plants in greenhouses in Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, were observed showing symptoms of stunting, premature loss of lower leaves, and root rot. Fungal pathogens were isolated from 20 infected tomato plants and identified based on morphological observation and DNA sequencing. Twelve isolates were consistently identified as Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. radicis-lycopersici (FORL) via an analysis of the ITS, TEF-1α, and pgx4 genes. This is the first report of FORL in Inner Mongolia, China. The isolates were examined for their pathogenicity by inoculating them on tomatoes, eggplants, peppers, and chickpeas. The fungicide sensitivity of the isolates was determined. Effective concentrations for 50% growth inhibition (EC50) were measured using seven fungicides. The EC50 values of tebuconazole and prochloraz were <1.0 μg·mL−1, exhibiting the most effective inhibition among the fungicides tested. Additionally, FORL resistance screening of tomato germplasms was performed. One tomato variety was resistant to FORL, and the remaining 43 germplasm lines showed various levels of resistance. The rates of highly susceptible, moderately susceptible, susceptible, and moderately resistant germplasms accounted for 29.55%, 22.73%, 40.91%, and 4.55% of the 44 germplasms tested, respectively.
Encountering Product Information: How Flashes of Insight Improve Your Decisions on E-Commerce Platforms
Authors: Wang Lu , Zhang Guangling , Jiang Dan
Published: August 2024

Serendipity-oriented recommendation systems have been widely applied in major e-commerce and social platforms. Platform managers aim to enhance user satisfaction and increase platform sales by creating serendipitous encounters with information. Previous research has shown that the unexpectedness of encountering product information in serendipity-oriented recommendation systems can effectively stimulate positive emotions in customers, resulting in unplanned purchases, such as impulse buying. However, little research has focused on another critical aspect of encountering product information: perceived value. Our study suggests that encountering product information can positively affect the intention to purchase planned products (focal products) based on their perceived value. To explore this, we conducted three experiments and found that: (1) encountering product information positively influences planned product purchase intention (e.g., reduced decision-making time, improved focal product purchase intention), compared to the absence of encountering product information (precision-oriented recommendation systems); (2) this effect is mediated by customer inspiration; and (3) the characteristics of recommendation system strategies can moderate this effect. Specifically, when the strategy features exhibit a low level of explainability, the impact of encountering product information on customer inspiration and purchase intention is more significant than when a high level of explainability is presented.
An Improved Method for Calculating the Power Consumption of Electromagnet Coil
Authors: Song Yanhe , Shi Guozhao , Gu Chengze , Cao Zeyu , Ba Kaixian , Hao Yueyue , Kong Xiangdong
Published: August 2024

The electromagnet coil is an important electromagnetic conversion element, which has been used in many fields. However, due to the existence of resistance, a significant amount of energy is lost as heat, resulting in waste. So, it is necessary to study the power consumption characteristics of electromagnet coil. In order to solve the above problem, an improved calculation method of power consumption is proposed in this paper. Firstly, the power consumption model of electromagnet coil is deduced, and the influence weights of the nominal diameter, paint layer thickness and stretch ratio are analyzed by sensitivity. Secondly, an FEM finite element method simulation model and test platform of electromagnet coil are established, which are used to simulate and test the power consumption in different structures and temperatures. Finally, the results of calculation, simulation and experiment are compared. The results show that the appropriate structural parameters can effectively reduce the power consumption of electromagnet coil. Furthermore, the influence of different parameters on the power consumption is different. The relevant results can provide a theoretical basis for the design of electromagnet coil, which has a certain engineering value.
On Extended Beta Function and Related Inequalities
Authors: Parmar Rakesh K. , Pogány Tibor K. , Teofanov Ljiljana
Published: August 2024

In this article, we consider a unified generalized version of extended Euler’s Beta function’s integral form a involving Macdonald function in the kernel. Moreover, we establish functional upper and lower bounds for this extended Beta function. Here, we consider the most general case of the four-parameter Macdonald function Kν+12pt−λ+q(1−t)−μ when λ≠μ in the argument of the kernel. We prove related bounding inequalities, simultaneously complementing the recent results by Parmar and Pogány in which the extended Beta function case λ=μ is resolved. The main mathematical tools are integral representations and fixed-point iterations that are used for obtaining the stationary points of the argument of the Macdonald kernel function Kν+12.