bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oxidation Differences on Si- vs. C- terminated Surfaces of SiC during Planarization in the Fabrication of High-power, High-frequency Semiconductor Device
Authors: Lee Ganggyu , Lee Yeram , Kim Sungmin , Kim Donghwan , Park Hongjun , Woo Myungju , Song Taeseup , Paik Ungyu
Published: September 2023

Silicon carbide (SiC) wafers have attracted attention as a material for advanced power semiconductor device applications due to their high bandgap and stability at high temperatures and voltages. However, the inherent chemical and mechanical stability of SiC poses significant challenges in the chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) process, an essential step in reducing defects and improving surface flatness. SiC exhibits different mechanical and chemical properties depending on SiC terminal faces, affecting SiC oxidation behavior during the CMP process. Here, we investigate the process of oxide layer formation during the CMP process and how it relates to the SiC terminal faces. The results show that under the same conditions, the C-terminated face (C-face) exhibits higher oxidation reaction kinetics than the Si-terminated face (Si-face), forming an oxide layer of finer particles. Due to the different oxidation kinetic tendencies, the oxide layer formed on the C-face has a higher friction coefficient and more defects than the oxide layer formed on the Si-face. This results in a higher removal rate during CMP for the C-face than the Si-face. Furthermore, by controlling the physicochemical properties of the oxide film, high removal rates can be achieved by friction with the pad alone, without the need for nanoparticle abrasives.
Government fiscal squeeze and firm privatization: Evidence from China
Authors: Ling Ling , Kong Dongmin
Published: September 2023

Government facing fiscal pressures is a prevalent phenomenon worldwide. We investigate how governments’ fiscal squeeze shapes non-listed firms’ privatization. To establish causality, we exploit a policy shock in China, the cancellation of agricultural tax, to document that the fiscal squeezed governments who depended on the majority of agriculture tax revenues, deepen local firms’ privatization. Mechanism analysis reveals that governments with fiscal squeeze have a strong motivation to improve local firms’ performances by actively promoting privatization to increase tax base. Our findings are particularly pronounced for firms affiliated to local governments and for firms with a high degree of resource misallocation.
The risk prediction models for stroke associated pneumonia:a systematic review
Authors: Kong Yun , Chen Zhu , Zhong Kelong , Zhang Jie , An Xuemei
Published: September 2023

Objective:Systematically evaluate the risk prediction models for stroke associated pneumonia.
Method: A systematic search was conducted on the risk prediction models for stroke associated pneumonia in CNKI,Wanfang Database,VIP,PubMed,Embase,Web of Science and Cochrane Library. The search was conducted until June 2023.Two researchers independently screened the literature and extracted data, and used the bias risk assessment tool of predictive model research to analyze the bias risk and applicability of the included literature.
Results: A total of 23 studies and 39 risk prediction models for stroke associated pneumonia were included, with area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) values ranging from 0.734 to 0.951. All models have good applicability, but the risk of bias is high.
Conclusion: Currently, the construction of risk prediction models for stroke associated pneumonia is not yet complete, and it is still necessary to continue to improve the details of variable screening, missing data processing, and model efficacy evaluation, in order to obtain better and high-precision risk prediction models and provide certain reference and basis for formulating relevant prevention strategies.It is recommended to conduct more prospective studies and conduct external validation of existing models in the future.
Distribution and Forms of Iron and Aluminium Oxides in Tropical Soils of Central Southwestern Nigeria
Authors: Oyebiyi Oluwatoyosi Oyetola
Published: September 2023

The study examined the composition and forms of iron and aluminium oxides in benchmark soils of central southwestern Nigeria. Soils developed from distinct parent rock types, including coarse-grained granite and gneiss, fine grained biotite gneiss and schist, and the amphibolite complex which correspond to the parent rocks of the soils of Iwo (Typic Paleustults), Egbeda (Rhodic Kandiustults) and Itagunmodi (Typic Haplustults) Associations, respectively, were selected for the study. Notably, these soils collectively encompass approximately 60% of the total land area in central southwestern Nigeria. The less than 2 mm soil fractions were pre-treated with hydrogen peroxide to remove soil organic matter. Thereafter, oxides of Fe and Al were extracted using three different extractants: dithionite-citrate-bicarbonate (DCB) mixtures, acidified ammonium oxalate and sodium pyrophosphate solution. The quantification of Fe and Al oxides contents in the respective extracts were carried out using Inductively Coupled Plasma – Atomic Emission Spectrometry. The research findings indicated that the DCB extractable forms of Fe and Al oxides were more abundant compared to other forms of these oxides, and a substantial portion of these oxides within the soils existed in crystalline form. Among the soil series studied, Itagunmodi series exhibited the highest amount of DCB- and oxalate extractable Fe oxides, while Iwo series had the highest content of Fe and Al oxides extracted by sodium pyrophosphate solution. Importantly, the presence of Fe oxides were found to negatively impact the reactivity of SOM in the soils.
CDCA7: A Comprehensive Pan-Cancer Analysis Reveals its Prognostic Significance, Immune Correlations, and Therapeutic Potential
Authors: Ding Wenli , Cheng Xuebing , Li Hui , Li Qinying , Li Meng , Geng Peizhen , Xu Linfei , Sun Xiaodong , Han Fang , Zhu Liang
Published: September 2023

Background
Recent years have witnessed the emergence of Cell Division Cycle Associated 7 (CDCA7) as a participant in the genesis of diverse tumors. Despite this, comprehensive pan-cancer evaluations of CDCA7 remain scarce. Consequently, this study aims to rectify this gap by scrutinizing the potential implications of CDCA7 in pan-cancers.
Methods
We first assessed the expression levels of CDCA7 in 33 cancers and the association of its expression with tumor pathological stage using TCGA, GTEx, GEPIA2, TIMER2.0, TISIDB, UALCAN, and StarBase. Then, prognostic assessment was performed using GEPIA2 and Kaplan-Meier plotter. Gene alterations of CDCA7 were analyzed using cBioPortal, and renal clear cell carcinoma cells lines were screened to determine the function of CDCA7. Finally, we performed tumor immune infiltration analysis using TIMER2.0 and enrichment analysis of CDCA7 by STRING, GEPIA2, and DAVID. The role of CDCA7 in renal clear cell carcinoma (cc) was verified by qPCR, CCK8, wound healing, transwell and cell cycle assay.
Results
Our study demonstrated that CDCA7 exhibited notable expression across various cancers, and its heightened expression correlated with an unfavorable prognosis for tumor patients. Correlations emerged between CDCA7 expression and the presence of tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TIICs). Moreover, CDCA7 upregulation corresponded to CD8+ T cell infiltration in some tumors. Most malignancies demonstrated a positive relationship between CDCA7 and cancer-associated fibroblast infiltration. Enrichment studies unveiled CDCA7's involvement in cell cycle and DNA metabolism, in addition to its role in multiple signaling pathways that drive tumor progression. Experimental validations underscored CDCA7's role in stimulating the progression of renal clear cell carcinoma. Insights from CCK8 and cell cycle assays confirmed that CDCA7 inhibition attenuated cellular activity and curtailed proliferative capacity in 769-P cells. Wound healing and Transwell assays substantiated that CDCA7 blockade significantly reduced migration and invasion capabilities of 769-P cells. Additionally, quantitative PCR results corroborated the efficacy of CDCA7 inhibition in preventing the epithelial-mesenchymal transition state of renal clear cell carcinoma.
Conclusions
In conclusion, the comprehensive pan-cancer investigation imparts intricate insights into the engagement of CDCA7 in carcinogenesis. Our findings indicate that CDCA7 holds the potential to serve as a valuable prognostic marker and an alluring target for therapeutic interventions, thereby unveiling novel avenues for future research.
A novel biological process for recycling phosphorus from wastewater as fertilizer
Authors: Eshun Lordina Ekua , García-López Ana Maria , Garrido Ramiro Recena , Coker Victoria , Lloyd Jonathan , Shaw Samuel , Delgado Antonio
Published: September 2023

Background
For water purification, Fe-oxide sludge is frequently used as a P sink, generating P-enriched Fe sludge. Microorganisms can transform the P-enriched sludge into products with higher P concentration or can directly promote the precipitation of P-rich compounds from water. However, there is no evidence of these products' efficiency as fertilizers. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of microbially-mediated vivianite (biovivianite) production as Fe and P fertilizer for white lupin and durum wheat respectively.
Results
To this end, two completely randomized block experiments were conducted with white lupin (Fe experiment) and wheat (P experiment). The Fe and P sources used included biovivianite produced by microbial reduction of P-containing ferrihydrite (simulating saturated Fe-oxide sludge) at pH 6.5 (VivInsol6.5) and pH 7.0 (VivInsol7.0), biovivianite produced with soluble Fe(III) citrate (C6H5FeO7) in the presence of soluble phosphate at pH 7 (VivSol) (simulating the direct removal from water) and vivianite from a commercial company (ComViv). Fe-EDDHA and Fe(II)-sulfate (FeSO4.7H2O) were used as reference fertilizers in the Fe experiment and potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KH2PO4) was used for the P experiment. Overall, products dominated by vivianite and metavivianite (Fe2+Fe3 + 2(PO4)2(OH)2·6H2O), was the most effective Fe source for white lupin followed by Fe-EDDHA, ComViv, and VivSol with VivInsol6.5 as the least effective but without significant differences with Fe(II)-sulfate. Total P uptake by wheat plants from VivSol (dominated by vivianite and phosphate-green rust) was not significantly different from KH2PO4 in supplying P to the wheat plant. The particle sizes of the biovivianites were 16 µm, 18 µm, and 28 µm for VivInsol7.0, VivSol and VivInsol6.5 respectively.
Conclusions
The mineral constituents of the biovivianite coupled with the smaller particle sizes contributed to its effective uptake by the plants. The results reveal that biovivianite production is a novel way of producing efficient P and Fe fertilizers from water purification, providing new tools for a circular economy approach in the use of a non-renewable resource.
Inhibitory potential of nanoscale dental pulp stem cell lysate in lung cancer with risk of lymph node metastasis
Authors: He Yan , Li Ruohan , She Wenting , Ai Yilong , Li Kesheng , Kumeria Tushar , Jiang Ziran , Shao Qing , Zou Chen , Albashari Abdullkhaleg Ali , Duan Xingxiang , Ye Qingsong
Published: September 2023

Background
Lung cancer is a highly prevalent malignancy and has the highest mortality rate among all tumors due to lymph node metastasis. Bone marrow and umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have demonstrated tumor-suppressive effects on lung cancer. This study investigated the effects of DPSC lysate on the proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion of A549 lung cancer cells and its inhibitory effect on tumors in vivo.
Methods
The proliferation, apoptosis, and migration/metastasis were evaluated by cell counting kit-8 assay, Annexin-V and propidium iodide staining, and the transwell assay, respectively. The expression levels of apoptosis-, cell cycle-, migration-, and adhesion-related mRNA and proteins were measured by qRT-PCR and western blot. The level and mRNA expression of tumor markers carcino embryonic antigen (CEA), neuron-specific enolase (NSE), and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) were measured by Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and qRT-PCR. Finally, a tumor-bearing mouse model was constructed to observe the tumor-suppressive effect of DPSC lysate after intraperitoneal injection.
Results
DPSC lysate decreased the viability of A549 cells and induced apoptosis in lung cancer cells. Western blot confirmed that levels of Caspase-3, Bax, and Bad were increased, and Bcl-2 protein levels were decreased in A549 cells treated with DPSC lysate. In addition, DPSC lysate inhibited the migration and invasion of A549 cells; downregulated key genes of the cell cycle, migration, and adhesion; and significantly suppressed tumor markers. Xenograft results showed that DPSC lysate inhibited tumor growth and reduced tumor weight.
Conclusions
DPSC lysate inhibited proliferation, invasion, and metastasis; promoted apoptosis in A549 cells; and suppressed tumor growth- potentially providing a cell-based alternative therapy for lung cancer treatment.
Anomaly detection, classification, and stock price prediction using ChatGPT, Random Forest Algorithm and LSTM model
Authors: Mushunje Leonard , Allen David , Peiris Shelton
Published: September 2023

This paper explores whether there are anomalies in high-frequency stock trades in South Africa. Using the JSE daily data from 2010 to 2022, we hypothesize that there are complexities associated with high-frequency stock data, which carries hidden important information, and this information can be helpful to investors. Under high-frequency trading settings, traders should be able to quickly, efficiently, and profitably detach and disseminate information from complex sets. Given any stock portfolio, they should be able to separate the risky stocks from the less risky and rich ones before making any investment decisions. However, this is less attainable in emerging and less technical economies like South Africa, which still rely on traditional trading norms (managerial expertise and emotional trading). Therefore, this paper aims to provide a powerful solution to this fundamental problem. Firstly, we study the time-stamped behavior of stock prices using a long-term memory model (LSTM). We note that JSE stock prices are non-stationary, have fat tails, and have a long memory, which exhibits the stocks' ARCH effects and volatility traits. Secondly, we employ the Random Forest algorithm to capture useful stock features further and classify the data quickly. We trained the model hourly to capture the anomaly data, classify trades, and convert them to profitable trades. From this model, we managed to classify stock trades into three categories: high premium (less risky), premium(satisfactory), and doubtful (high risk). Ideally, volatile stocks with low returns are riskier (doubtful) and true otherwise. We evaluate our RF model using OOB error and cross-validation. Minor prediction errors were reported with increased trees, signaling its robustness in capturing the embedded stylized facts about stock trades.
The Value of CEUS LI-RADS Combined with AFP in Early Diagnosis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Low- and High-Risk Patients
Authors: wu yafei , Chen Yuanyuan , Wei Lili , Ding Zhanling , Zhao Shengfa , Bao Shengxian , Tang Jiali , Li Hang , Liu Junjie , zhu shangyong
Published: September 2023

Background
We found that the incidence rate of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has increased significantly in non-cirrhotic patients, with HCC being frequently overlooked or misdiagnosed. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) is known to have a high diagnostic value in high-risk HCC patients. Therefore, we aimed to compare the diagnostic value of CEUS LI-RADS for HCC between low- (LR) and high-risk (HR) patients, to confirm its value in LR patients. In addition, since CEUS LR-4 and LR-M categories contain a relatively high proportion of HCC, and serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is the most used HCC biomarker, and the clinically valid, we attempted to further improve the early diagnostic value of CEUS LI-RADS for HCC in the LR and HR patients by combining CEUS LR-4 and LR-M categories with AFP.
Methods
We enrolled 189 HCC patients with LR and HR in a retrospective study. All lesions were confirmed histopathologically. Diagnostic performance of CEUS LI-RADS for HCC in these two patients was compared. In addition, we analyzed the value of CEUS LI-RADS as a valid method of establishing the early diagnosis for HCC in LR and HR patients by combining LR-4 and LR-M category with AFP.
Results
Through comparative analysis, we found that, due to the high proportion of HCC in CEUS LR-4 and LR-M categories in our cases, the specificity of CEUS LR-5 category for HCC in the HR group was 78.4%, whereas in the LR group it was 94.2%. Meanwhile, the sensitivity (63.2% vs 63.0%) and positive predictive value (PPV) (75.0% vs 88.7%) did not differ between the LR and HR groups (P = 0.299, P = 0.965). It is noteworthy that when we combined CEUS LR-4 and LR-M categories with AFP significantly improved the sensitivity and PPV by 21.0%, 5.0% in the LR group, and by 16.0%, 2.1% in the HR group (P = 0.836, P = 0.836, respectively).
Conclusions
The CEUS LR-5 category has real clinical value in diagnosing HCC in both LR and HR patients. The early diagnostic value of CEUS LI-RADS category for HCC patients was further increased when CEUS LR-4 and LR-M categories was combined with elevated AFP.
Induced Strain of Different Extra-Coronal Attachment Materials in Mandibular Kennedy Class I Metallic Removable Partial Dentures After One Year of Clinical Simulation: An in-Vitro study
Authors: Shawky Yasser M.
Published: September 2023

Background: The strain developed by different extra-coronal attachment materials during loading in aqueous environment as well as the effect of denture insertion and removal cycles is of prime importance. Accordingly, the aim of the current study was to assess the induced strain of different extra-coronal attachment materials in mandibular Kennedy class I metallic removable partial dentures after one year of clinical simulation.
Methods: Twelve identical 3D-printed models representing mandibular Kennedy class I with first premolars as principal abutments bilaterally were fabricated having 4 removable dies each; canine and first premolar on which two splinted crowns with three different extra-coronal attachment materials (group A: PEEK/BioHPP, group B: zirconia, group C: metal)were fabricated bilaterally. Each of the 3D-printed models (n=4 for each group) was designed with four strain gauge slots, two on each side: 1mm distal to the first premolar (SG1 &SG3) and 1 cm away from the first one at the edentulous ridge (SG2&SG4). Removable partial dentures were constructed, and strain gauges were used to measure the strain applied both unilaterally and bilaterally by a universal testing machine before and after one year of clinical simulation where, an average of 5 readings were recorded for each model. Clinical simulation was performed through chewing simulator and dentures insertion/removal cycles. Repeated measures ANOVA and Tukey’s post-hoc test were used for data analysis at p < 0.05.
Results: PEEK (BioHPP) group revealed the lowest induced strain before and after one year of clinical simulation compared to zirconia and metal groups during both unilateral and bilateral loading with significantly higher induced strain at SG2 & SG4 compared to that induced at SG1 & SG3. Metal group showed the same pattern but with significantly higher values compared to PEEK (BioHPP). For zirconia group after one year of clinical simulation, bilateral loading revealed significant decrease in induced strain at SG1&SG3 with a significant increase at SG2 &SG4.
Conclusions: PEEK (BioHPP) is more effective in stress dissipation as an extra-coronal attachment in removable partial dentures compared to zirconia and metal. After one year of clinical simulation.
Single-cell sequencing combined with Bulk RNA-Seq to explore the molecular mechanism of cell communication in atrial fibrillation
Authors: Wu Yilin , Zhong Zhaoxu , Chen Qiuyun , Yang Xiuming , Zhang Qingyu , Li Guojing , Zhang Mengyao , Yu Zongliang
Published: September 2023

Atrial fibrillation (AF) represents a rapid atrial arrhythmia and is associated with the potential for adverse cardiovascular outcomes, the precise pathophysiological mechanisms underpinning AF remain incompletely elucidated. In the present study, the single-cell dataset GSE224995 was retrieved from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, and its utilization facilitated the identification of cell subtypes involved in AF. Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) was constructed to systematically identify crucial gene models. We also conduct comprehensive immune infiltration analysis, perform functional enrichment analysis, and elucidate the intricate associations between these pivotal genes and regulatory genes governing AF. Five cell subtypes were identified using single-cell sequencing, the most active cell subtype, tissue stem cell, was identified by cell communication analysis, and 20 gene modules were identified by WGCNA algorithm. We intersect the marker gene of tissue stem cell with the WGCNA module mostly associated AF and eventually ascertained with three key biomarkers, including are ABTB2, NAV2 and RBFOX1. These novel biomarkers for AF hold substantial promise in offering novel insights for the prevention and therapeutic intervention of this condition.
DU-ResNet to Predict Survival in Patient of Heart Failure
Authors: Zhang Chang-Jiang , Zhang Chen-Lang , Tang Fu-Qin
Published: September 2023

Predicting survival in patients with heart disease clinically is a challenging task. Predicting the survival state is very important among patients with heart failure. In this paper, we propose a prediction model for the survival of heart failure patients based on deep learning combined with clinical data of heart failure patients. The proposed model is named DU-ResNet which is designed by combining ResUNet with ResNet50. Most clinical data of patients with heart failure are only numerical heart failure datasets. If one-dimensional clinical data can be converted into two-dimensional image data, the advantages of a deep convolutional neural network in extracting spatial features can be fully realized. For this reason, in this paper, the clinical data of all original patients with heart failure were normalized first, and then, each normalized clinical data point was placed in a certain area of the grid image. Therefore, according to the value of each clinical data point, a gray image with different brightness regions was constructed. After data enhancement was performed on the constructed image dataset of clinical data of heart failure patients to expand the number of samples, DU-ResNet is used to binary classify the expanded dataset, and ten-fold cross-validation and ablation experiments are performed on the dataset. Then, ten-fold cross-validation was used to verify the performance of the proposed DU-ResNet model. The results show that the proposed DU-ResNet model has the best result with the use of four features, with the accuracy was 96.47%, the Specificity was 97.22%, the Sensitivity was 95.71%, the Precision was 96.87%, the F1-score was 96.27% and the MCC was 92.97% after ten-fold cross-validation. In addition, the comprehensive performance of the proposed DU-ResNet model for predicting the survival of patients with heart failure is better than several typical deep learning methods.
Effect of melatonin on developmental competence, mitochondrial distribution, and intensity of fresh and vitrified/thawed in vitro matured buffalo oocytes
Authors: Kandil Omaima Mohamed , Elrahman Samar Mahfouz Abd , Ali Rania said , Ismail Esraa Aly Ibrahim , Ibrahim Nehad Mohamed
Published: September 2023

Background: In livestock breeding, oocyte cryopreservation is crucial for preserving and transferring superior genetic traits. A study was conducted to examine the effects of adding melatonin to maturation and vitrification media on the in vitro developmental capacity, mitochondrial distribution, and intensity of buffalo oocytes. The study involved obtaining ovaries from a slaughterhouse and conducting two phases. In the first phase, high-quality oocytes were incubated in a maturation medium with or without 10-9M melatonin for 22 hours at 38.5°C in 5% CO2. The matured oocytes were fertilized in vitro and cultured in SOF media for 7 days. In the second phase, vitrified in vitro matured oocytes were stored in vitrified media (basic media (BM) containing a combination of cryoprotectants (20% Ethyl Glycol and 20% Dimethyl sulfoxide), with or without melatonin, and then stored in liquid nitrogen. Normal vitrified/thawed oocytes were fertilized in vitro and cultured as described. Finally, the matured oocytes from the fresh and vitrified/thawed groups, both with and without melatonin, were stained using DAPI and Mitotracker red to detect their viability, mitochondrial intensity, and distribution using a confocal microscope. The study found that adding 10-9M melatonin to the maturation media significantly increased maturation (85.20%), cleavage (89.20%), and transferable embryo (48.20%) rates compared to the group without melatonin (69.20%, 75.00%, and 35.80% respectively). Additionally, the addition of melatonin to the vitrification media improved the recovery rate of normal oocytes (83.75%), as well as the cleavage (61.80%) and transferable embryo (27.00%) rates when compared to the vitrified TCM group (67.46%, 51.40%, and 17.00%, respectively). The diffuse mitochondrial distribution was higher in both fresh with melatonin (TCM+Mel) and Vitrified with melatonin (VS2+Mel groups ) (80% and 76.70%, respectively), while the mitochondrial intensity was higher in the TCM+Mel group (1698.60) among vitrified groups. In conclusion, Melatonin supplementation improves developmental competence and mitochondrial distribution in buffalo oocytes during in vitro maturation and vitrification.
The Hidden Environmental Costs of Consumer Product Returns
Authors: Makov Tamar , Roichman Rotem , Sprecher Benjamin , Blass Vered , Meshulam Tamar
Published: September 2023

Each year, consumers return billions of new products to sellers. Despite reports that once returned products are often discarded without ever being used, surprisingly little research has examined the environmental impacts of returns from a full lifecycle perspective. Building on a unique dataset covering over 630k returned apparel items, we map the flow of returned products under best and conventional management practices, and illustrate the full lifecycle impacts associated with returns using two case studies. Our results suggest that 23%-46% of new products returned never reach another consumer. Moreover, we find that the GHG emissions associated with the production and distribution of returned products that ultimately go unused can be 16 times higher than all post-return transport, packaging, and processing emissions combined. Our findings suggest that the environmental performance eCommerce, where return rates are exceptionally high, may be systematically underestimated, and highlight the urgent need to promote circular returns management practices.
Hyperbolic rotation with Euclidean angle illuminates spacetime spinors
Authors: Brands Peter
Published: September 2023

In this article it will be shown that by introducing a hyperbolic rotation as function of a Euclidean rotation angle, all possible Lorentz group spacetime rotations can be performed by Euclidean rotation parameters. This unification in Lorentz group rotations parameters (all Euclidean) allows for the calculation of the volume of a spacetime region bounded by the light cone of a past event, i.e., a causality-volume with the shape of a spacetime three-sphere. As will be calculated, the surface area of the spacetime three-sphere is the volume of our space. Additionally, the unification in Lorentz group rotations parameters allows for the derivation of a Dirac spinor purely from the spacetime three-sphere symmetries. This derivation from the spacetime symmetries of a geometrical object yields the same result as solving the Dirac equation with quantum mechanical eigenvalue eigenvector complex matrix calculations.
Diversity and drought indices analysis reveals potential sorghum accessions for post-flowering drought stress tolerance
Authors: Tsehaye Yirgalem , Abay Fetien , Tadesse Taye , Bantte Kassahun , Menamo Temesgen M.
Published: September 2023

Drought is a significant limitation to crop production in sub-Saharan Africa, with the response of sorghum genotypes to pre- and post-flowering drought stresses varying. In Ethiopia, post-flowering drought has a significant impact on yield reduction. The study aimed to evaluate the response of 216 sorghum accessions to post-flowering drought stress and non-stress regimes. The experiment was conducted using a row-column design with two replications at Melkassa and Werer Agricultural Research Centers in Ethiopia. Results from both sites showed a significant difference among accessions in post-flowering water-stress and well-water regimes, indicating diversity among the tested accessions. While the phenotypic variance was higher than the genetic variance for all characters under study, most characters were less influenced by the environment due to the narrow range of difference. Drought tolerance index analysis identified stress tolerance index, mean productivity, geometric mean productivity, harmonic mean productivity, and yield index as appropriate indices to select post-drought tolerant sorghum accessions. Selection by these indices can help identify a genotype with desirable yield in both stress and non-stress conditions. Cluster analysis showed that accessions tended to group into four clusters: post-drought tolerant, semi-tolerant, semi-sensitive, and sensitive, based on significant associated indices. Acc#222888, Acc#28546, and Acc#216739 were identified as potential sources of genetic material for post-drought tolerance in both research sites. The study highlights the importance of evaluating sorghum genotypes for post-flowering drought resistance under different irrigation conditions to identify potential sources of genetic material for breeding programs aimed at developing drought-tolerant sorghum varieties.
The enhancing oxidation performance through a magnetic supported manganese system in low temperature
Authors: Ariannezhad a M. , Pourmorteza N
Published: September 2023

An efficient and eco-friendly oxidation process for the preparation of carbonyl compounds and sulfoxides through a capable magnetic supported manganese-based catalyst (Fe3O4@SiO2@CPTMS@MBOL@Mn) was progressed. The most important factors in this method are cost effective, low temperature, and solvent free conditions, which accentuates the present oxidation process. The catalytic activity of nano catalysts depends on the particle size and composition ratio of surface metal. We reveal that Mn supported on magnetic iron oxide functionalized with 2-mercaptobenzoxazole as a suitable surface, in the presence of TBHP shows catalytic activity that is comparable with commercially available catalysts for the oxidation of alcohols hydrocarbons and sulfides.
Deficiency of metabolic regulator PKM2 activates the pentose phosphate pathway and generates TCF1+ progenitor CD8+ T cells to improve checkpoint blockade
Authors: Markowitz Geoffrey J. , Ban Yi , Tavarez Diamile A. , Yoffe Liron , Podaza Enrique , He Yongfeng , Martin Mitchell T. , Crowley Michael J. P. , Sandoval Tito A. , Gao Dingcheng , Martin M. Laura , Elemento Olivier , Cubillos-Ruiz Juan R. , McGraw Timothy E. , Altorki Nasser K. , Mittal Vivek
Published: September 2023

TCF1high progenitor CD8+ T cells mediate the efficacy of PD-1 blockade, however the mechanisms that govern their generation and maintenance are poorly understood. Here, we show that targeting glycolysis through deletion of pyruvate kinase muscle 2 (PKM2) results in elevated pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) activity, leading to enrichment of a TCF1high central memory-like phenotype and increased responsiveness to PD-1 blockade in vivo. PKM2KO CD8+ T cells showed reduced glycolytic flux, accumulation of glycolytic intermediates and PPP metabolites, and increased PPP cycling as determined by 1,2 13C glucose carbon tracing. Small molecule agonism of the PPP without acute glycolytic impairment skewed CD8+ T cells towards a TCF1high population, generated a unique transcriptional landscape, enhanced tumor control in mice in combination with PD-1 blockade, and promoted tumor killing in patient-derived tumor organoids. Our study demonstrates a new metabolic reprogramming that contributes to a progenitor-like T cell state amenable to checkpoint blockade.
Credit Card Fraud Detection Using Benefit-Based Learning and Periodic Features
Authors: Sooklal Shellyann , Hosein Patrick
Published: September 2023

Online credit card fraud (CCF) is an ongoing problem and with a recent surge of merchants moving their businesses online, it is crucial to identify fraudulent transactions before they cause losses to both banks and customers. Due to the dynamic nature of fraudsters and customer spending behavior (CSB), machine learning (ML) algorithms are appropriate for this task. However, CCF data are typically imbalanced, favoring non-fraudulent transactions, causing traditional ML algorithms to err on the side of this majority class, since they consider equal costs and benefits for different decision outcomes when training. Nevertheless, it is more beneficial to correctly identify fraudulent transactions. Therefore, we propose a technique for identifying CCF that accounts for CSB by aggregating periodic transactions to create new features. We also consider benefits and costs when training and evaluating the performance of XGBoost classifiers. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach using data provided by a bank.
Studies the effect of halloysite nanotubes on the mechanical and swelling resistance properties of NR/EPDM nanocomposites
Authors: Theja M. S. Ravi , Ganeshan P. , Vishvanathperumal S. , Raja K. , Mohanavel V. , Kannan Sathish
Published: September 2023

A nanocomposite utilizing natural rubber (NR)/ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) and halloysite nanotubes (HNTs), which are naturally occurring tube-like nanoparticles, is presented. Using a silane coupling agent known as diethoxydimethyl silane (DMS), these hydrophilic HNTs were modified to enable efficient dispersion in the hydrophobic NR/EPDM matrix. Surface functional groups of the HNTs were characterized through water immersion tests after the silane modification. This study's goal is to examine the compatibility of rubber and nanotubes as well as the strengthening impact of DMS-HNTs used as nanofillers in the NR/EPDM matrix. The analysis includes studying curing behaviors, mechanical properties, abrasion resistance, and mole percent uptake (swelling resistance). Additionally, extensive research was conducted to examine the mole percent uptake of organic solvents through membranes as influenced by DMS-HNTs content, solvent type, and size. The results demonstrate that DMS-HNTs significantly enhance the strength of NR/EPDM vulcanizates, reduce scorching, and optimum cure time. Moreover, mechanical characteristics and swelling resistance increase with higher DMS-HNTs loading. At 8 phr DMS-HNTs filler loading, cross-link density measurements indicate improved strengthening. The inclusion of high concentrations of DMS-HNTs nanotubes creates a localized nanofiller network within the NR/EPDM rubber, resulting in substantially enhanced mechanical properties of the composites.
Agglutination Multivariate Optimal Spanning SOLOv3 Algorithm: Novel Augment-Based Approach for Early-Stage Brain Tumor Image Segmentation
Authors: Sindhu S. , Vijayalakshmi N.
Published: September 2023

In recent days instance image segmentation made great work with the real-time rapid development of video analytics using neural networks. Still, there are two main challenges faced during the segmentation of image objects and creating the relationship between each pixel for identification of infected cells in brain image. Commonly the T1 and T2 image was used, but in the proposed work the FLAIR three-dimensional based brain skull image was referred and identified. In the proposed work, many mining processes of frameworks for the instant detection of the image object. The proposed work introduced the new algorithm called Agglutination Multivariate Optimum Spanning SOLOv3 algorithm (AMOSv3 Algorithm). In this proposed mechanism, preliminary semantics are instance classification and prediction of location in indistinguishable image objects surrounded with original instance-mined images, to ensure fully excavated. For the proposed work two different datasets were used, BraTS9 and Fluid Attenuated Inversion Recovery (FLAIR). The matrix calculation was done with the proposed AMOSSV3 Algorithm. This mechanism is calculating the regional area based on the matrix value, which is calculated by the watershed algorithms. This algorithm gives a better accuracy score compared to others.
Inhibition of MSB-1 cell invasion and migration by Diallyl disulfide(DADS) through NF-κB signaling pathway
Authors: Liu Xuesong , Li Siying , Liu Jianying , Wang Dongliang , Pan Yanying , Tang Qingxiu , Chen Tao , Liu Wei , Ji Chunxiao
Published: September 2023

Marek's disease is a lymphoproliferative disorder in chickens characterized by monocyt Marek's disease ic infiltration of single or multiple tissues and organs of peripheral nerves, gonads, iris, various internal organs, muscles, and skin. This disease is an infectious neoplastic disease caused by cell-bound herpesvirus, which causes the formation of tumors in the above organs and tissues. Sick chickens are commonly emaciated, paralyzed, and often have acute death. To investigate the effect of diallyl disulfide (DADS) on the migration and invasion of MSB-1 cells and explore its mechanism, to lay the foundation for the study of invasion and migration of tumor cells in chicken Malik's disease. To investigate the roles of DADS on the migration and invasion of MSB-1 cells, different concentrations of DADS (0,30,90,120 µmol/L) on the growth and proliferation of MSB-1 cells was analyzed by CCK8 assay. Cell migration and invasion were detected by Transwell assays. Protein activity of related proteins MMP2 and MMP9 were detected by gelatinase profiling; the expression of related proteins NF-κB, MMP2, MMP9, VEGF, E-cadherin and Vimentin were detected by ELISA. DADS significantly inhibited the migration and invasion of MSB-1 cells and altered the morphological structure of the cells. Through data analysis, it can be concluded that the concentration of 30µmol/L DADS significantly inhibits the migration and invasion of cells, and the concentration of DADS of 60µmol/L and 90 µmol/L highly significantly inhibits the migration and invasion of cells. The expressions of migration and invasion-related proteins NF-κB, MMP2, MMP9, VEGF, E-cadherin and Vimentin were decreased in a dependent manner with increasing DADS concentration. DADS may reduce the degradation of the extracellular matrix by inhibiting the expression of MMP2 and MMP9 through suppressing the NF-κB signaling pathway, and at the same time. Might be inhibit angiogenesis by decreasing the expression of VEGF, thus inhibiting the migration and invasion of MSB-1 cells.
BalanceVR: VR based Balance Training to Increase Tolerance to VR Sickness
Authors: Kang Seounghoon , Yang Yechan , Kim Gerard Jounghyun , Kim Hanseob
Published: September 2023

Virtual reality (VR) or cyber-sickness is a serious usability problem. Postural (or balance) instability theory has emerged as one of the primary hypotheses for the cause of VR sickness. In this paper, we conducted a two-week-long experiment to observe the trends in user balance learning and sickness tolerance under different experimental conditions to analyze the potential inter-relationship between them. The experimental results have shown, aside from the obvious improvement in balance performance itself, that accompanying balance training had a stronger effect of increasing tolerance to VR sickness than mere exposure to VR. In addition, training in VR was found to be more effective than using the 2D-based medium, especially for the transfer effect to other non-training VR content.
Sociodemographic characteristics and risk factors related to DENV infection among individuals from Luanda, Angola
Authors: Jandondo Domingos , Luís Kuta , Sacomboio Euclides , Morais Joana , Sebastião Cruz S.
Published: September 2023

Background & objectives: Dengue caused by dengue virus (DENV) is the most widespread arbovirosis in the world. Around 100 million people are infected annually, causing a high economic burden for public health, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Herein, we investigate the sociodemographic characteristics and risk factors related to DENV infection among individuals from Luanda, the capital city of Angola.
Methods: This was a cross-sectional study carried out with 507 individuals screened for DENV in Luanda, between April to December 2021.
Results: Overall, the DENV infection was 2.4%. The DENV positivity rate reduced with increasing age (41.7% in individuals under 20 years to 33.3% in individuals over 30 years). A lower risk of infection (OR: 0.64, p=0.507) in individuals aged over 40 years. DENV infection rate was higher among females, presenting 1.54 times more chances (CI: 0.48 - 4.91, p=0.468). All cases of DENV infection were from individuals living in urbanized regions. No statistically significant differences were observed between DENV with age group, gender, or residential area (p>0.05).
Interpretation & conclusion: Our findings emphasize the need to implement programs or activities focused on the targeted prevention of infections transmitted by mosquito bites, early identification of signs and symptoms and effective treatment, especially in regions with high population density. The creation of programs for the surveillance of non-malarial febrile syndromes is crucial. In addition, further studies on risk factors for DENV infection should be carried out, especially in regions of Angola with high population density.
Human placental membrane placement in coronary artery bypass grafting surgery is associated with reduced postoperative atrial fibrillation
Authors: Khalpey Zain , Kumar Ujjawal , Hitscherich Pamela , Deckwa Jessa , Chnari Evangelia , Long Marc
Published: September 2023

Postoperative atrial fibrillation occurs in up to 40% of patients following coronary artery bypass grafting and is associated with a higher risk of stroke and mortality. Our study investigated how placing human placental membranes may mitigate post-CABG atrial fibrillation. This single-center retrospective cohort study of CABG patients performed by a single surgeon excluded patients with preoperative heart failure, chronic kidney disease, and atrial fibrillation. The treatment group (N=24) had three 5x6cm HPMs placed epicardially prior to partial pericardial approximation and chest closure; the control group (N=54) did not receive HPM.
The treatment group had reduced POAF incidence compared to controls (35.2% vs 8.3% (p = 0.0136). Univariate analysis demonstrated that HPM treatment was associated with an 83% reduced risk for POAF (OR = 0.17, p = 0.024). Multivariate analysis yielded similar results (OR = 0.07, p = 0.0156). Overall admission length was similar between groups, though ICU admission trended longer in controls. Additionally, postoperative inotrope treatment was longer in controls (p = 0.0374). There was no postoperative heart failure, stroke or death reported up to 30 days, with similar rates of renal failure. HPM placement in CABG surgery can therefore be a simple solution to modulate inflammation, reducing POAF and shortening ICU admission.
Association between a body shape index and abdominal aortic calcificationingeneral population: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Li Wei , Wang Zhenwei , Li Min , Xie Jing , Gong Jing , Liu Naifeng
Published: September 2023

Background: The association between a body shape index (ABSI) and abdominal aortic calcification(AAC) is still unclear, so we tried to prove the association between ABSI and AAC in the general population in this cross-sectional study. Methods: After excluding participants with missing data on height, weight, waist circumference (WC) and AAC, we finally selected 3,140 participants aged 40-80 years from the 2013-2014 National Healthand Nutrition Examination Survey. Using multivariate logistic regression and receiver operatingcharacteristic (ROC) curves to test the association between ABSI and AAC.
Results: Participants (median age: 58.0 years; 48.3% men) were divided into two groups by the optimal cutoff point of ABSI: higher ABSI (> 0.84) and lower ABSI (≤ 0.84). Participants with higher ABSI showed significantly higher proportion of AAC than those with lower ABSI (39.8%vs 23.7%, P< 0.001). Participants with higher ABSI had an increased risk of developing AAC in crude model (ABSI as a continuous variable: OR = 2.485, 95% CI: 2.099-2.942, P < 0.001; as a categorical variable: OR = 2.132, 95% CI: 1.826-2.489, P < 0.001), while ABSI was still independently associated withAAC in adjusted models (all adjusted P < 0.05). Further subgroup analyses showed that higher ABSI was consistently associated with AAC in subgroups with sex, age, smoking history, hypertension, diabetes, sleep disorder, body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, fasting plasma glucose and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P for interaction > 0.05). While inother subgroups, the association was no longer synchronized. The ROC showed that the area under the curve of ABSI was significantly higher than height, weight, BMI, WC and waist-to-height ratio(WHtR).
Conclusions: Higher ABSI was independently associated with higher risk of AAC, anddiscriminant ability of ABSI for AAC was significantly higher than height, weight, BMI, WCand 3 WHtR.