bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chemoprevention of hepatocellular carcinoma associated with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease: an updated review
Authors: Dickinson Averie , Dinani Amreen , Wegermann Kara
Published: September 2024

With the predicted rise in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) prevalence over the next decade, strategies to prevent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which is the third most common cause of cancer-related death, are paramount. In this narrative review, we present recent clinical and translational studies from 2020-2024, providing an updated overview of the literature on chemoprevention of HCC associated with MASLD. We specifically focus on statins, aspirin, metformin, and newer diabetes medications. These agents target specific steps in the development of HCC in MASLD, including steatosis resulting in oxidative stress, inflammation, and eventually fibrosis. All offer promising avenues for HCC chemoprevention, although statins have the strongest data at present. Further ongoing prospective studies are needed.
Minimum Statistical Uncertainty as Bayesian Network Model Selection Principle
Authors: Gogoshin Grigoriy , Rodin Andrei
Published: September 2024

Background: Bayesian Network (BN) modeling is a prominent methodology in computational systems biology. However, the incommensurability of datasets fre- quently encountered in life science domains gives rise to contextual dependence and numerical irregularities in the behavior of model selection criteria (such as MDL, Minimum Description Length) used in BN reconstruction. This renders model features, first and foremost dependency strengths, incomparable and diffi- cult to interpret. In this study, we derive and evaluate a model selection principle that addresses these problems. Results: The objective of the study is attained by (i) approaching model eval- uation as a classification problem, (ii) estimating the effect that sampling error has on the satisfiability of conditional independence criterion, as reflected by Mutual Information, and (iii) utilizing this error estimate to penalize uncertainty with the novel Minimum Uncertainty (MU) model selection principle. We vali- date our findings numerically and demonstrate the performance advantages of the MU criterion. Finally, we illustrate the advantages of the new model evaluation framework on real data examples. Conclusions: The new BN model selection principle successfully overcomes per- formance irregularities observed with MDL, offers a superior average convergence rate in BN reconstruction, and improves the interpretability and universality of resulting BNs, thus enabling direct inter-BN comparisons and evaluations.
Micromechanics for Polymer Matrix Laminated Composites: A Literature Review of Fundamental Models, Advances and a Trend Analysis for Future Researches
Authors: Machado Marcelo Vitor Ferreira , Lopes Felipe Perissé Duarte , Simonassi Noan Tonini , Carvalho Eduardo Atem de , Monteiro Sergio Neves
Published: September 2024

Due to satisfactory mechanical properties, low specific weight and other advantages, a substantial utilization of laminated structural composites in many components and equipments of several industry sectors, especially in the past two decades, has been made. This class of materials has a good potential to be an important ally to support scientists and engineers with the main current world challenge: an energy transition process that must occur with sustainability, eco-friendly materials and based on an efficient reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. In this context, a microanalysis (scale length: 10μm to 1mm) of mechanical behavior that considers the multiphase characteristics, at leastwise a matrix and a reinforcement phase, of this kind of composites must be explored, i. e., a heterogeneous material is assumed to predict, for example, the effective tensors of stiffness or compliance by a homogenization process, modeling to damage analyses, studies about progressive delamination and other specific aspects of a composite can be previously investigated using micromechanical approaches. Therefore, the understanding of fundamental micromechanics as well as some advanced models are essential to apply these materials in structural industry components. In this sense, this literature review is designed to investigate and analize intrinsic physical hypothesis and theories behind the main basic and advanced models of polymer laminated composite micromechanics expanding possibilities to the development of more accurate approximations and showing future perspectives to the topic.
Polysaccharide-Based Bioplastics: Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Solutions for Packaging
Authors: Gamage Ashoka , Thiviya Punniamoorthy , Liyanapathiranage Anuradhi , Wasana M.L. Dilini , Jayakodi Yasasvi , Bamdara Amith , Manamperi Asanga , Dassanayake Rohan S. , Evon Philippe , Merah Othmane , Madhujith Terrence
Published: September 2024

Over the past few decades, synthetic petroleum-based packaging materials have increased, and the production of plastics has surpassed all other man-made materials due to their versatility. However, the excessive usage of synthetic packaging materials has led to severe environmental and health-related issues due to their nonbiodegradability and their accumulation in the environment. Therefore, biobased packages are considered alternatives to substitute synthetic petroleum-based packaging material. Furthermore, the choice of packing material in the food industry is a perplexing process as it depends on various factors, such as the type of food product, its sustainability, and environmental conditions. Interestingly, due to proven mechanical, gas and water vapor barrier properties and biological activity, polysaccharide-based bioplastics show the potential to expand the trends in food packaging, including edible films or coatings and intelligent and active food packaging. This review discusses the structure, properties and recent developments in polysaccharide-based bioplastics as green and sustainable food packaging materials.
The Dynamic Role of Curcumin in Mitigating Human Illnesses: Recent Advances in Therapeutic Applications
Authors: Alam Shamshir , Anwar Md Jamir , Maity Manish Kumar , Azam Faizul , Jaremko Mariusz , Emwas Abdul-Hamid
Published: September 2024

Treatment with herbal medicine continues to enjoy widespread popularity not only in the developing world, because of low costs, easy availability, and low risk of adverse effects. One such plant is Curcumin longa L., or turmeric, which has a long history of both culinary and medicinal uses throughout Asia, spanning thousands of years. In addition to traditionally being used as a dye, as a flavouring and colouring agent in foods, and, e.g., marriage rituals, turmeric is also notable for its long history of use to treat a variety of medical conditions, including inflammatory, bacterial, and fungal diseases and infections, jaundice, tumours, and ulcers among others. In light of this long history of use, it is not surprising to find that also modern biochemistry and clinical research studies show that a significant component of turmeric, curcumin, may have a multitude of therapeutic benefits, much of it attributed to the herb’s antioxidant qualities which are crucial for the prevention and treatment of, e.g., chronic inflammatory illnesses, conditions that often act as precursors for other serious diseases, including cancer and neurological disorders, such as Parkinsons and Alzheimer’s. Furthermore, investigations on the safety profile and toxicity of curcumin have shown that it is generally safe even at large dosages, although caution is necessary as curcumin also have documented anticoagulant effects. This article is focused on providing a better perspective into molecular mechanisms for possible actions along with an in-depth review of recent studies of curcumin, its beneficial role and therapeutic applications in chronic health conditions, with a focus on its cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, osteoarthritis, atherosclerosis, peptic ulcer, Covid19, psoriasis, vitiligo, and depression.
Diffuse Neurofibroma of the Scalp Associated with Debilitating Headaches: A Case Report and Comprehensive Review
Authors: Anthony Michelle R. , Salazar Dory Esther Arevalo , Farkouh Christopher , Abdi Parsa , Amatul-Hadi Faiza , Bhattacharya Achyut K.
Published: September 2024

Abstract: Neurofibroma is a type of benign tumor that affects the peripheral nerves. It can be classified into three subtypes: localized, diffuse, and plexiform, with localized being the most prevalent. Although uncommon, neurofibromas can appear as diffuse tumors that impact the skin and underlying tissues of the head, neck, and body in young individuals and children. Diffuse neurofibromas are characterized by thickened, indurated, and ill-defined skin lesions that often invade underlying tissues. We present a unique case of a 45-year-old Caucasian woman who developed debilitating headaches caused by a gradually enlarging diffuse neurofibroma on her scalp and a comprehensive review of diffuse neurofibroma and its differential diagnosis. Although diffuse neurofibromas are less common in middle-aged individuals, they should still be considered a possible diagnosis in infiltrative and indurated skin lesions. Identifying its characteristic histopathological findings to diagnose diffuse neurofibroma accurately is crucial since its clinical presentations can vary.
Clinical and Pathologic Features Associated with Low Circulating Tumor DNA Fraction in Endometrial and Ovarian Cancers
Authors: Vater Mark , Garrett Alison , Collier Katharine , Rose Peter , Tinoco Gabriel , Strahan Ava , Stover Daniel G , Mahdi Haider
Published: September 2024

Currently, there are few effective methods to monitor patients with gynecologic malignancies, including ovarian and endometrial cancers. The ‘tumor fraction’ of circulating tumor DNA may offer a minimally-invasive method to evaluate tumor aggressiveness via simple blood draw. To date, there is limited data on utility of ctDNA TFx interrogation in gynecologic malignancies, although there is evidence that TFx may be low or undetectable in malignancies primarily confined to the peritoneal cavity. The objective was a descriptive assessment of ctDNA TFx in a cohort of patients with ovarian and endometrial cancer. The association of TFx to continuous and categorical baseline clinicopathologic factors and progression-free survival was assessed. In a large cohort comprised of 210 plasma samples from 78 patients with biopsy-proven ovarian and endometrial cancer, plasma samples collected between 4/2018 and 4/2020 were subjected to shallow whole genome sequencing with determination of TFx. Overall, we demonstrate that TFx was low for most samples with mean TFx for ovarian cancer 5.5% and endometrial cancer 2.4%, yet can be quantified above lower limit of detection in many patients particularly when evaluating serial samples. There was no significant association between TFx level and clinical (primary vs recurrent, best response) or pathologic (e.g. histology, grade) features. Our data demonstrates low TFx levels in ovarian and endometrial cancers likely reflect that tumor types are ‘low ctDNA shed’, suggesting that higher sensitivity assessments may be required for clinical utility.
New Tests on Lorentz Invariance Violation Using Energy-Resolved Polarimetry of Gamma-Ray Bursts
Authors: Wei Jun-Jie
Published: September 2024

One of the manifestations of Lorentz invariance violation (LIV) is vacuum birefringence, which leads to an energy-dependent rotation of the polarization plane of linearly polarized photons arising from an astrophysical source. Here we use the energy-resolved polarization measurements in the prompt $\gamma$-ray emission of five bright gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) to constrain this vacuum birefringent effect. Our results show that at the 95\% confidence level, the birefringent parameter $\eta$ characterizing the broken degree of Lorentz invariance can be constrained to be $|\eta|<\mathcal{O}(10^{-15}-10^{-16})$, which represent an improvement of at least eight orders of magnitude over existing limits from multi-band optical polarization observations. Moreover, our constraints are competitive with previous best bounds from the single $\gamma$-ray polarimetry of other GRBs. We emphasize that, thanks to the adoption of the energy-resolved polarimetric data set, our results on $\eta$ are statistically more robust. Future polarization measurements of GRBs at higher energies and larger distances would further improve LIV limits through the birefringent effect.
The Gypsum Influence On The Formation Of Secondary Phases During Autoclave Leaching Of Gold-Bearing Concentrates And The Silver Recovery Using Cyanidation
Authors: Karimov Kirill , Rogozhnikov Denis , Fomenko Ilia , Zavalyuev Alexander , Tretiak Maksim , Dizer Oleg
Published: September 2024

In this work, studies were carried out on the extraction of silver and gold from cakes of pressure oxidation leaching of sulfide concentrate containing pyrite and arsenopyrite. The addition of gypsum at a consumption of 0.1 g/g of concentrate helps to increase silver extraction from 13.4 to 95–98% at the cyanidation stage, with no conditioning operation. Gold recovery was 99%. An increase in gypsum consumption contributes to the formation of BFAS with an increased content of sulfate sulfur, and a decrease in the As/S(sulfate) molar ratio in the cake from 3.7 down to 0.88 contributes to an increase in silver extraction at the cyanidation stage up to 98%, and its further decrease from 0.88 down to 0.58 leads to a gradual reducing silver transfer into solution from 98 down to 75.1% at the cyanidation stage. Basic ferric sulfate (BFS) is not formed in this case, since according to EDS mapping the distribution of arsenic and sulfur over iron-containing particles is uniform. According to TCLP analysis, the cake obtained after pressure oxidation leaching with the addition of gypsum and cyanidation is stable and suitable for disposal, since the final concentration of arsenic in the solution was 0.45 mg/dm3.
Research on Stator Sections Switching Process of High thrust Linear Motors
Authors: Liu Xing , Li Jie , Wang Lianchun , Qu Minghe , Zhou Danfeng , Chen Qiang
Published: September 2024

The high thrust linear motor used for electromagnetic launch is switched with the anti-shunt thyristor as the switch. During the switching process, different current path states will appear, which will lead to changes in motor parameters and current fluctuation. Aiming at the air-core synchronous linear motor with parallel and series power supply, this paper analyzes the change of current path caused by the change of trigger signal of anti-parallel thyristor in the process of sectionalized stator switching. The motor circuit model of the switching process is derived. A new sectionalized stator switching method is proposed to realize the smooth switching of the sectionalized stator powered linear motor. Finally, the correctness of the analysis and modeling is verified by simulation, and the effectiveness of the sectionalized stator switching method is tested by using the test prototype.
Unexpected Hepatoprotective Effects of the Neuroproteсtor Lithium Ascorbate in a Model of a ʺWesternʺ Diet with Iron Overload and Multiple Organ Pathology
Authors: Torshin Ivan , Gromova Olga , Bogacheva Tatiana , Demidov Vadim , Rastashansky Vyacheslav
Published: September 2024

Lithium ascorbate (LiAsc) is a non-toxic lithium salt (LD50>5000 mg/kg) with normothymic and neuroprotective properties. Chemoreactomic modeling of LiAsc predicted possible hepatoprotective effects which were tested here on a rat model of a non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) with multiorgan pathology caused by combined intake of excess saturated fats (palm oil), carbohydrates (fructose) and inorganic iron salt (ferrous sulfate). Dynamics of biochemical parameters (biomarkers of liver function, kidneys, hematopoiesis, inflammation, thrombus formation, etc.) and histological evidence of hemosiderosis in the model upon reproduction of the model are described. Experimental confirmations of the hepatoprotective effects of LiAsc were obtained. Comparison of the effects of LiAsc with the effects of myoinositol (a substance with known hepatoprotective properties) shown a number of differences in pharmacological action. Both LiAsc and MI lowered ferritin, transferrin saturation, serum iron, AST, ALT, serum creatinine, leukocytes (LiAsc to a greater extent) and normalized lowered serum protein and glomerular filtration rate. However, only LiAsc lowered heightened reticulocytes (absolute and fraction) and platelets towards the corresponding reference intervals, normalized levels of vitamin B12 in blood and lowered the number of Kupffer cells in liver that were overloaded with iron (contained Prussian blue in morphometric studies). In a clinical perspective, hepatoprotective properties of a neuroprotector and it’s potential to reduce hemosiderosis might be useful for treating patients with hepatic encephalopathy.
Antihümanizm ve Felsefi Posthümanizm'İn Karşılaştırmalı Bir Analizi
Authors: Çam Nihat
Published: September 2024

Modern düşünce geleneğinden ve Batı metafizik anlayışından epistemolojik kopuş Nietzsche ile birlikte hız kazandı. Nietzsche ve sonrasında Modern düşüncenin en büyük karakteristiği olan Hümanizm ağır eleştirilere tabi tutulmuş ve terkedilmeye başlanmıştır. Antihümanizm ve Felsefi Posthümanizm Batı metafizik geleneğine karşı ortaya çıkan iki harekettir. Antihümanizm 20. Yüzyıl düşüncesi içerisinde ortaya çıkarken Felsefi Posthümanizm 21. Yüzyılın düşünce modasıdır. İkisinin birbirine paralel pek çok düşüncesi olduğu gibi birbirleriyle asla anlaşamayacakları düşünceleri de mevcuttur. Çalışmada Antihümanist düşünce Nietzsche, Heidegger, Foucault bağlamında, Felsefi Posthümanizm ise Braidotti, Ferrando gibi temel Posthümanist düşünürler bağlamında incelenecek, iki düşünce biçiminin de genel çerçevesi ortaya konacaktır. Çalışmanın sonuç kısmında ise Antihümanizm ile Felsefi Posthümanizm’in benzerlikleri ve farklılıkları ortaya konulacaktır.
Analysing The Interest In Buying Electric Motorbikes In The Community In Jakarta
Authors: Sriyono Muhammad Bagus , Sholikhah  , Agustin Pratama Sari Dewi
Published: September 2024

This study aims to analyse the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) on the interest in buying electric motorbikes in DKI Jakarta. TAM is a model used to understand how users accept and use new technology. This model involves several main dimensions, such as Perceived Usefulness (PU), Perceived Ease of Use (PEOU), and Attitude (A). This research uses purposive sampling method for sample selection. The analysis techniques applied include descriptive analysis and average score calculation. The results showed that the Attitude Towards dimension received an average score of 3.37 which was included in the "strongly agree" category and was in the very highlevel interval. The Perceived Ease of Use dimension obtained a score of 3.37 which is in the high interval scale range. Meanwhile, Perceived Usefulness received a score of 3.30 which is also in the very highlevel interval. Of the three dimensions, Attitude Towards has the highest effectiveness value, followed by Perceived Ease of Use, and then Perceived Usefulness. This suggests that a positive attitude towards electric motorbikes is the most powerful factor influencing purchase intention, followed by ease of use and perceived usefulness. The implications show that the factors that influence the purchase interest of electric motorbikes can be measured using TAM, which plays an important role in measuring purchase interest in the Jakarta community. In addition, the results of this study can also serve as a basis for the government in designing policies that support the use of electric motors, such as tax incentives or subsidies for the purchase of electric motors.
Shortage of medical personnel as a global problem of modern times.
Authors:   National Association of Healthcare Managers, Muslimov M. I. , Mingazov R. N. ,   Research Institute for Healthcare and Medical Management of Moscow Healthcare Department, Mingazova E. N. ,   N. A. Semashko National Research Institute of Public Health,   Biomedical University of Innovation and Continuing Education of the State Scientific Center of the Russian Federation – A. I. Burnazyan Federal Medical Biophysical Center of the Federal Medical Biological Agency of Russia,   Kazan State Medical University
Published: September 2024

The shortage of medical personnel is a global problem of health systems, including countries with a high level of economic development and per capita income. The global aging of the population, the growth of chronic diseases, the inability of the educational system to adapt quickly to the changing conditions of modern life, to the rapid introduction of scientific achievements into curricula and practice, as well as natural and climatic threats and socio-political conflicts are factors that exacerbate the shortage of medical personnel and their uneven distribution across regions and in the world. Suboptimal working conditions, insufficient interprofessional and intersectoral cooperation, burnout, the need for long-term planning of training and professional development in the medical field are recognized as the main problems of health personnel turnover around the world.
Lineamiento - Modalidad de suficiencia profesional para obtención de título profesional
Authors:   Universidad Científica del Sur
Published: September 2024

Lineamiento - Modalidad de suficiencia profesional para la obtención de título profesional. Versión 1.0 (2024). Vigente.
Auguste Comte and the Second Empire Regime
Authors:   Lomonosov Moscow State University, Krotov Artem
Published: September 2024

The article analyzes the doctrine of the late Comte in his attitude to the Bona­partist regime. Although Comte experienced a short-term fascination with Napoleon’s personality in his youth, from the Restoration period he spoke of the empire in a negative way. At the same time, the coming to power of Louis Bonaparte seemed to him a favorable omen for the fate of positivism. Through public lectures on the philosophy of human history allowed by the new regime, he set the task of influencing public opinion. The Bonapartist coup met the full approval from the founder of positivism, and he did not renounce this kind of as­sessment even later. The transformation of republican power seemed inevitable to him: from parliamentarism to dictatorship. In this regard the dictatorship was conceived as a transitional stage to a true positivist regime. The idea of centra­lizing power impressed Comte, so he interpreted the coup as a logical conse­quence of the entire previous history of France. This was more than an episode. But then the philosopher became disappointed with Bonapartist politics. The presi­dent proclaimed an empire, which, in the opinion of the philosopher, acted only as a metamorphosis of an obsolete monarchical principle. But Comte did not refuse to adhere to the “republican dictatorship”, he spoke of the need for a posi­tivist triumvirate to come to power, personally outlined by him. He assigned himself the role of a spiritual mentor of secular power, the high priest of the new, scientific religion of Mankind. Both the philosopher and the emperor saw their mission as helping to end the era of revolutions. But the ways of its implementa­tion were thought so differently that there was no way to synchronize the two political positions
Symptoms of orthostatic intolerance are not correlated with changes in Middle Cerebral Artery Velocity
Authors: Winquist Lauren , Fitzgibbon-Collins Laura K. , Sands Jenna , Cellotto Isabella , Best Sarah , Ploeg Kayla VanDer , Cole Lauren Patricia , Borrie Michael , Bhangu Jaspreet
Published: September 2024

Background: Vascular diseases are recognized as a modifiable risk factor for the development of cognitive impairment. One potential underlying mechanism for this may be due to chronic alterations to cerebral blood flow (CBF), which has been linked to downstream consequences. Global decreases in CBF following a change in position are often manifested clinically as orthostatic hypotension, with changes in systolic blood pressure (SBP). This study describes clinical symptoms of orthostasis, depression, and dysautonomia in older adults and correlates these symptoms with objective measures of CBF velocity and systolic blood pressure following a supine to stand transition.
Methods: 88 adult participants were recruited from a longitudinal, observational study. Participants completed standardized questionnaires for orthostatic, depression and autonomic symptoms. Participants were fitted with standardized equipment to measure SBP and CBF at baseline, nadir, 1 minute standing, and 3 minutes standing, during a protocol defined supine to stand transition and subsequent 3-minute stand.
Results: Changes in CBF were not associated with any of the collected symptom scales. Changes in SBP were negatively associated with orthostatic symptoms. Change in SBP from baseline to stand after 1 minute was negatively associated with depression symptoms.
Discussion: Symptoms of orthostatic hypotension, dysautonomia, and depression are common in older adults. Participants reported more nonspecific symptoms of orthostasis such as fatigue, trouble concentrating, and head and neck discomfort than traditional symptoms such as dizziness or light-headedness. Our results suggest that changes in CBF may be asymptomatic, while changes in SBP are correlated with reported orthostatic hypotension symptoms.
Effect of using a birth ball on birth satisfaction and pain in pregnant women during labor: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Aksoy Yasemin Erkal , YILMAZ Sema DERELİ , ÇELIMLI Şerife
Published: September 2024

Purpose
This study was applied to evaluate the effect of birth ball use on birth satisfaction and pain levels of pregnant women during labor.
Methods
The type of study is randomized controlled. The data of the study were collected in the delivery room of a state hospital in blinded between March 2020 and December 2021. The sample of the study consisted of 57 pregnant women for the intervention group and 54 pregnant women for the control group. During labor, intervention group was seated on the birth ball in an upright position; control group was laid on the bed in semi fawler or lateral positions. In the study, Descriptive Information Form, Birth Process Follow-up Form, Visual Analog Scale and Birth Satisfaction Scale-Revised were used as data collection tools.
Results
It was determined that the pain scores of the pregnant women in the intervention group were lower during the first and second follow-up than the control group. The duration of the active phase of labor in the intervention group was shorter than in the control group, and a statistically significant difference was found between them. It was found that the Birth Satisfaction Scale-Revised total score, the sub-dimensions of quality of care, women’s attributes and stress experienced during labor of the pregnant women in the intervention group were higher than the control group.
Conclusion
According to the results of the study, the use of a birth ball during the active phase of labor reduces the pain level during labor and increases the level of birth satisfaction of pregnant women.
Proteome Based Identification of Potential RNAi Targets for Cotton Mealybug (Phenacoccus Solenopsis Tinsley) Management
Authors: Singh Sanchita , Rahangdale Somnath , Pandita Shivali , Singh Manisha , Saxena Gauri , Jain Gaurav , Verma Praveen C.
Published: September 2024

Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), commonly known as cotton mealybug, regarded as an invasive pest worldwide, particularly in the tropics and subtropics. Despite imposing significant economic threat on vast number of agricultural crops a promising, environment-friendly control strategy against this crop pest is lacking. Additionally, molecular aspects of this insect pest are under-studied. This is the pioneer study providing the proteome data of four different developmental stages of cotton mealybug. Differential expression of proteins (DEPs) was studied among six different groups of which, maximum DEPs (550 up-regulated and 1118 down- regulated) were obtained when the quantifiable proteins of Egg + first nymphal were compared with second nymphal instar (FC ≥ 2, P < 0.05). From the generated proteomics data potential target genes were selected for cotton mealybug management. Further, these genes were explored and evaluated for RNAi-based pest control and optimisation of dsRNA delivery system in cotton mealybug. RNAi-based pest management analysis signified that dsRNA of Ferritin-like precursor (Psfer) gene (TRINITY_DN17055_c1_g1_i1) caused a significant amount of ~ 69% mortality followed by dsRNA of probable cytochrome P450 6a14-like (Psp450 6a14) gene (TRINITY_DN47081_c0_g1) and odorant-binding protein 2 precursor (Psobp) gene (TRINITY_DN11547_c0_g1). This investigation proposes potential alternate, green strategy for management of cotton mealybug and related pest population. And this study offers valuable insights into proteome of Cotton mealybug and hemipterans further providing avenues of proteome-based identification of RNAi targets for pest management and crop improvement.
X-ray structures, thermal stabilities and kinetics of guest desolvation of complexes of three fluorenone-derived host compounds with the polar aprotic guest solvent, tetramethylurea
Authors: McFarlane Duncan W. , Barton Benita , Caira Mino R.
Published: September 2024

The wheel-and-axle host compounds 9,9¢-(1,4-phenylene)bis(fluoren-9-ol) (H1), 9,9¢-(ethyne-1,2-diyl)bis(fluoren-9-ol) (H2) and 9,9¢-(biphenyl-4,4¢-diyl)bis(fluoren-9-ol) (H3) each formed complexes with tetramethylurea (TMU), a polar aprotic organic solvent, with host:guest ratios of 1:2. Single crystal X-ray diffraction revealed that these complexes crystallized in the monoclinic space group P21/c, their analyses being performed in P21/c for H1×2(TMU) and in the alternative setting P21/n for both H2·2(TMU) and H3·2(TMU). Furthermore, these inclusion compounds are stabilized by both classical and non-classical hydrogen bonds between the host and guest molecules. Hirshfeld surface analyses demonstrated that the percentage of interatomic (host)H···O(guest) interactions ranged between 7.3 and 10.3%, while thermal analyses showed that the relative thermal stabilities of these complexes were high, with the onset temperatures for the guest release event, Ton, being 83.1 (H1·2(TMU)), 81.1 (H2·2(TMU)) and 90.3 °C (H3·2(TMU)). Moreover, the calculated mass loss percentages, after heating each complex in a controlled manner to release the guest species, correlated closely with those expected for these 1:2 host:guest inclusion complexes. Finally, determination of the activation energies for complex desolvation yielded 148.7 ± 5.4, 128.6 ± 10.8 and 149.4 ± 0.8 kJ·mol‒1 for H1·2(TMU), H2·2(TMU) and H3·2(TMU) respectively. A single guest desolvation mechanism was at work in the first and last of these complexes, while this mechanism in H2·2(TMU) changed during this process. The H1·2(TMU) inclusion complex has been reported previously, and the results obtained in that work are also compared with those from the present investigation.
VulD-SG: Enhancing code vulnerability detection via combining deep sequence and graph model
Authors: Zhang Xuejun , Zhou Bo , Chen Zhuo , Guo Meifeng , Du Xiaogang , Jia Xiaohong , Bai Wanrong
Published: September 2024

Thriving and widespread use of the open-source software community makes software vulnerabilities spread a lot, which brings serious challenges to the system security. Recently, a number of vulnerability detection methods based on deep learning have been proposed to help engineers analyze and patch vulnerabilities efficiently. However, these existing approaches still suffer from limitations in extracting rich features from vulnerability code. Aiming at the above problems, we propose VulD-SG, a dual-channel software code vulnerability detection method based on deep sequence and graph model. VulD-SG enhances the semantic, syntactic and structural features extraction ability of the source code by introducing the deep sequence-based and graph-based vulnerability feature extraction module. To address the problem of the coarse detection granularity in the traditional methods, VulD-SG slices code statements into subtokens with a new decomposition algorithm to capture the detailed vulnerability information. Meanwhile, Transformer-style encoder is utilized in graph-based vulnerability feature extraction module to aggregate program dependency graph (PDG) nodes to learn the long-range dependence of cross-function code effectively. Finally, we build a fusion model to merge the training parameters and achieve fine-grained prediction results. The experiments result show that Acc, F1, and Recall metrics were improved by 2.6\%~27\%, 2\%~29.2\%, and 1\%~30.25\% respectively on five different vulnerability datasets compared with seven vulnerability detection models based on deep learning.
Preparation and characterization of epoxidized natural rubber toughened with Ethylene-vinyl-acetate: Effect of sulfur and peroxide curatives
Authors: Zigah Mawufemor , Mensah Bismark , Onwona-Agyeman Boateng , Yaya Abu , Jackson Nimdie Kwabena , Asimeng Benard Owusu , Essien Emmanuel , Domanko Richard , Nukunya Tsatsu , Apalangya Vitus
Published: September 2024

This study explores the influence of sulfur and peroxide (DCP) curatives on epoxidized natural rubber (ENR)/ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) blends prepared via melt mixing at 160oC. The effect of these curatives on cure, tensile strength, fatigue and thermal degradation behavior etc. were examined. Although it was observed that the amount of EVA in the blend significantly affected the overall performance of the vulcanizates, however the ENR/EVA-sulfur cured compounds generally exhibited better physico-mechanical than the DCP-cured samples. For example, the sample E (70phrENR/30phr EVA-Sulfur cured) attained about 60% higher cure rate than the sample A (70phr ENR/30phr EVA-DCP cured). Also, the sample E exhibited an extreme fatigue life performance (~ 1.7x104 cycles at 15% strain) which was over 170000% higher than sample A which obtained fatigue life of 10 cycles at the same strain. Again, the sample E obtained over 1200% tensile strength higher than the counterpart sample A. Even in unfilled state, the sulfur-cured compounds (D and E) exhibited high physico-mechanical properties than the DCP-cured counterparts including related blends containing high reinforcements (30 ~ 50phr) contained in literature. Therefore, further engineering of such materials could render them as suitable blends for developing rubber articles like; O-rings, gaskets, heat sinks and tread compounds.
Prediction of MJO teleconnections in the UFS global fully coupled model
Authors: Wang Jiabao , Domeisen Daniela I.V. , Garfinkel Chaim I. , Jenney Andrea M. , Kim Hyemi , Wu Zheng , Zheng Cheng , Stan Cristiana
Published: September 2024

The value of Madden-Julian oscillation (MJO) prediction for extratropical subseasonal forecasts hinges on the assumption that reliable MJO simulation translates to reliable simulation of its teleconnections. This study discusses the prediction of MJO and its teleconnections in the two recently developed NOAA Unified Forecast System (UFS) coupled model prototypes: Prototype 7 (UFS7) and Prototype 8 (UFS8). The MJO is skillfully predicted at a lead time of 27 days in UFS8, which is a considerable improvement (~ one-week skill increase) compared to UFS7. The potential effect of this improvement on MJO teleconnections via both tropospheric and stratospheric pathways is examined. UFS8 captures reasonably well the pattern and amplitude of the geopotential height response in the North Pacific and its evolution after active MJO events. The dipole response in the storm tracks over the North Pacific after active MJO events is also better captured in UFS8. In addition, the upward wave propagation and the following weakening in the polar vortex are better simulated in UFS8 with comparable strength as in reanalysis. Despite the notable improvements listed above, some biases still remain: too-fast MJO propagation, an underestimation of geopotential height variability in the North Atlantic and Europe, an underestimation of the precipitation response, failure to capture the temperature evolution, and weaker MJO impacts on the NAO. This study suggests the potential of increasing the MJO teleconnection prediction skill, although not in all variables, by improving MJO predictions in dynamical models with more coupled components and upgraded model physics.
Evaluating cow welfare status from milk samples: effects of housing modifications on milk infrared spectra
Authors: Bahadi M. , Warner D. , Ismail A. A. , Santschi D. E. , Lefebvre D. M. , Duggavathi R. , Vasseur E.
Published: September 2024

The goal of this study was to isolate spectral fingerprints from milk Fourier transform infrared spectra that may reflect potential improvements in cow welfare, specifically comfort and ease of movement, resulting from modified housing configurations. Housing configuration modification treatments were tested across 3 animal trials, consisting of modified chain length (TCL), stall width (SW) and manger wall and stall length (MW/SL) configurations. The spectral analyses involved the use of principal components and mixed model analysis. Principal components were calculated from averages of mid-infrared spectra collected on the last weeks of treatment application in each of the animal trials. A significant effect of housing configuration was revealed. As an indication of animal comfort improvement, milk of cows assigned to longer chains revealed a trend of changes in multiple milk components (e.g., milk NPN, trans fatty acids, fat, and protein) that are consistent with changes in ruminal pH. These conclusions were inline with those drawn from the analysis of animal-based responses such as behavioral data and other outcomes. This study was able to reveal that housing modifications had a significant effect on milk spectra, with differences observed between the most and least restrictive treatments, translating into improved or reduced animal welfare status.
Mendelian Randomization Reveals the Anatomical Site Differences and Reverse Causality in the Association Between Diverticular Disease and Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Zheng Biaohui , Chen Dongbo , Zeng Hao , Lin Shuangming
Published: September 2024

Purpose
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading global health concern due to its high incidence and mortality rates. Diverticular disease (DD), characterized by the formation of pouches in the colon wall, is prevalent in Western populations, and shares several risk factors with CRC. However, the causal relationship between DD and CRC, including its precancerous lesion, remains to be elucidated.
Methods
This study employed Mendelian randomization (MR) approach using genomic data from European cohort to investigate the potential causal link between DD and the risk of colorectal adenoma, CRC, and its anatomical subtypes (proximal colon cancer, distal colon cancer, and rectal cancer). Single nucleotide polymorphisms significantly associated with these conditions were utilized as instrumental variables in MR analysis to assess causality.
Results
The forward MR analysis indicated no significant causal effect of DD on the risk of colorectal adenoma (OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.74–1.03, p = 0.103), CRC (OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.87–1.02, p = 0.117), or its anatomical subtypes. In contrast, the reverse MR analysis showed that distal colon cancer may increase the risk of DD (OR 1.02, 95% CI 1-1.04, p = 0.026), while proximal colon cancer and rectal Cancer did not show this association.
Conclusion
The study findings do not support DD as a risk factor for CRC or its precancerous lesion (colorectal adenoma). However, a possible association between distal colon cancer and an increased risk of DD was found, providing new insights into the prevention and treatment of both diseases.
High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatographic method for Simultaneous Determination of Some Angiotensin II Receptor Antagonists with Amlodipine in spiked human plasma with UV Detection
Authors: Khorshed Ahmed A. , Abdelnaeem Fatma M. , Nagy Dalia M , Oraby Mohamed , Derayea Sayed M.
Published: September 2024

A simple, sensitive, precise, and cost-effective high-performance thin-layer chromatographic (HPTLC) method has been developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of Amlodipine (AML) and some Angiotensin II Receptor Antagonist (AIIRA) drugs, including Olmesartan (OLM), Telmisartan (TLM), Candesartan (CAN), Losartan (LOS), and Irbesartan (IRB), in spiked human plasma. The HPTLC analysis utilized a mobile phase consisting of toluene: ethyl acetate: methanol: acetone: acetic acid (6:1.5:1:0.5:1, v/v/v/v/v) on an aluminum-backed layer of silica gel 60 F254. AML demonstrated a linear relationship within the range of 60–600 ng/band, while the AIIRA drugs (OLM, TLM, CAN, LOS, IRB) showed linearity within the range of 90–900 ng/band. The proposed method exhibited good linearity, with correlation coefficients (r) ranging from 0.9939 to 0.9998 for all five studied mixtures. The method was validated according to International Council for Harmonization (ICH) guidelines for linearity, accuracy, precision, robustness, and detection and quantitation limits. AML and the investigated AIIRA drugs were successfully detected and quantified in both bulk drug and plasma samples, yielding high recovery percentages and low standard deviation values.
Exploring Communication, Eating, and Swallowing Challenges among Malaysian Head and Neck Cancer Patients: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Smith Giuditta , Boey Ting Ying , Chu Shin Ying , Chan Caryn Mei Hsien , Masre Siti Fathiah , Ismail Ismail , Garraffa Maria , Hersh Deborah
Published: September 2024

Purpose
This study investigated the challenges and coping strategies among Malaysian HNC patients who are still verbal communicators with respect to eating, swallowing, and communication habits.
Methods
Ten patients with HNC (nine males, age range 49–73) were recruited from a single hospital in Malaysia. In-depth individual interviews (IDIs) were conducted by a trained graduate research assistant and guided by a semi-structured interview guide. Transcribed data from the IDIs were analyzed using thematic analysis, following the six-step approach described by Braun and Clarke.
Results
Respondents identified several key issues that were sorted into three key themes: (1) “You eat because you have to survive”: losing the pleasure in food, (2) “I only talked about what I wanted”: becoming a different communicator, and (3) “…health back. That is what I hope”: negotiating life after cancer. Patients reported a change in eating habits, a loss of pleasure when eating, a change in behaviour in talking, and societal withdrawal. Most of the patients reported coping mechanisms such as resorting to religion or shared experiences with other cancer patients.
Conclusion
This study highlights the need to assess the late effects of HNC and its treatment during each long-term follow-up visit on the psychosocial health of patients, focusing on their mastication and swallowing and decreases in vocal quality. Therefore, speech and language pathology services are crucial for addressing swallowing and communication challenges in patients with HNC.
Shrub encroachment modifies soil properties through plant resource economic traits
Authors: Laorden-Camacho Lucía , Grigulis Karl , Tello-García Elena , Lyonnard Blandine , Colace Marie Pascale , Gallet Christiane , Tappeiner Ulrike , Leitinger Georg , Lavorel Sandra
Published: September 2024

Background and Aims
Shrub encroachment alters ecosystem functions. Yet, changes in plant community traits and soil properties along succession from grassland to shrubland in European mountains are poorly understood.
Methods
We investigated the cascading effects of shrubs on community weighted means (CWM) of plant traits and onto soil properties along a gradient of encroachment in subalpine grasslands in two sites in the Alps using a trait-based approach. We hypothesized that increasing shrub density shifts plant communities towards more conservative traits, which non-linearly increases carbon sequestration and impacts nutrient cycling. We tested our hypothesized model of cascading effects using structural equation models. This model accounted for biomass allocation to leaves and stems in CWM calculations.
Results
Consistent with expectations, CWM dry matter content (DMC) increased and CWM of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) decreased with increasing shrub biomass. Increasing CWM DMC resulted in increasing soil C:N ratio and soil organic matter (SOM) concentration, and decreasing pH. Decreasing CWM P was coupled with decreasing soil available P, but changes in CWM N had no effect on available N. There was however no indication of nonlinear changes.
Conclusion
This study demonstrates that with shrub encroachment plant communities gradually become more conservative with tougher and nutrient-poor tissues, which leads to soil acidification, SOM accumulation and lower P availability. We also demonstrate that DMC, an easy measurable trait, is a sufficient indicator for plant tissue quality in shrub encroached subalpine grasslands and could be used in future trait-based models, allowing projections under climate change scenarios.
Prevalence and factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among adults in Ghana: A population-based cross-sectional study in the Volta Region
Authors: Frempong Clinton Sekyere , Tarkang Elvis Enowbeyang , Amu Hubert , Gborglah Miriam , Salu Samuel , Otoo David Mensah
Published: September 2024

Background Vaccines have been instrumental in preventing up to three million deaths globally, according to the WHO. Despite this, COVID-19 vaccine uptake has faced challenges due to vaccine issues, production difficulties, and various socio-demographic, economic, structural, and cultural factors.Objective/aim This study examined these factors influencing vaccine hesitancy among adults aged 18 and older in the Volta Region of Ghana.Methods A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 590 adults from three districts using multistage sampling. Respondents aged 18 years and above were recruited using a structured questionnaire and an interviewer administered approach. Data analysis was conducted using STATA version 16. The relationship between the dependent and independent variables was assessed through logistic regression analysis, with statistical significance determined at a p-value of less than 0.05.Results A 42.5% rate of vaccine hesitancy was found. Key predictors included being an artisan (aOR = 1.99), a trader (aOR = 3.64), lacking nearby healthcare centers (aOR = 1.52), residing in rural areas (aOR = 0.41), earning less than 500 cedis (aOR = 0.57), and having a larger household size (aOR = 0.37). Not receiving information on vaccine side effects from health personnel (aOR = 5.6) was also a significant factor (p < 0.05).Conclusion To enhance COVID-19 vaccine uptake and advance towards SDG 3, ensuring healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages, interventions should address structural, economic, and health system factors.