bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chronic Hepatitis B Mouse Model with Persistent Covalently Closed Circular DNA
Authors: Seo Deok Hwa , Han Ji Won , Yoon Seung Kew , Bae Songmee , Hur Wonhee , Sung Pil Soo
Published: October 2024

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) can cause chronic infections, significantly increasing the risk of death from cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). A key player in chronic HBV infection is covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA), a stable episomal form of viral DNA that acts as a persistent reservoir in infected hepatocytes and drives continuous viral replication. Despite the development of several animal models, few adequately replicate cccDNA formation and maintenance, limiting our understanding of its dynamics and the evaluation of potential therapeutic interventions targeting cccDNA. In this study, we aimed to develop a mouse model to investigate cccDNA formation and maintenance. We infected C57BL/6 mice with recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) carrying a 1.3-overlength HBV genome (genotype C) and collected liver tissue at various time points to assess cccDNA levels and viral replication. Our results demonstrated the successful establishment of a chronic hepatitis B mouse model using rAAV-HBV1.3, which supported persistent HBV infection with sustained cccDNA expression in hepatocytes. Serum levels of HBsAg and HBeAg were elevated for up to 12 weeks, while alanine transaminase (ALT) levels remained within the normal range, indicating limited liver damage during this period. We confirmed HBV DNA expression in hepatocytes, and importantly, cccDNA was detected using qPCR after Plasmid-Safe ATP-Dependent DNase treatment, which selectively removes non-cccDNA forms. This established model provides a valuable platform for studying the long-term maintenance of cccDNA in chronic HBV infection and offers an important tool for testing novel therapeutic strategies aimed at targeting cccDNA.
Routine Biased Technological Change, Principal-Agent Model and Non-Standard Employment: Evidence from PIAAC
Authors: Xie Da
Published: October 2024

This study applied the principal-agent model to interpret the impact of routine biased technological change (RBTC) on the structure of employment relations. RBTC increases the proportion of routine tasks in work activities, due to their fixed procedural nature, routine tasks reduce uncertainties in the principal-agent problem. Employers, being able to predict work contingencies and to verify employee efforts, find the benefit of offering standard labor contracts is reduced, thereby increasing the ratio of non-standard employment. This study applied logistic regression based on the Program for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC) survey data to verify this framework. The results indicated that with each standard deviation increased in routine task intensity, the odds ratio of non-standard employment increased by 13.6%. This effect was heterogeneous in various institutional contexts. This study expends the toolkit for analyzing employment relations problems, and extends the scope of RBTC to employment relations.
Virtual Prototyping Based Development of Stepper Motor Design
Authors: Todorov Georgi , Kamberov Konstantin , Zlatev Blagovest
Published: October 2024

The study presents a methodology, used in the design development of stepper motors. The methodology unites virtual and physical techniques to assess the structure under development at its various design stages. Virtual prototyping is used twice, at the concept and early design stages. Concept check aims to give more general directions for further design development, while the simulations at the detailed design stage allow assessing various design parameters at a high level of confidence. The testing of a physical prototype is used to validate simulation results. It is also used to check the design just before it's finished. The presented methodology is demonstrated in an industrial use case for stepper motor development for hydraulic valve application.
Unveiling Weather Impact on Intradialytic Blood Pressure: A Multifactorial Analysis on Hemodialysis Sessions
Authors: Lin Hsuan-Ming , Lyu Jr-Jung
Published: October 2024

This study investigates the impact of environmental factors on intradialytic blood pressure in hemodialysis patients, using a four-year retrospective analysis. Employing a Generalized Estimating Equation (GEE) model, we examined the associations between clinical variables, meteorological conditions (temperature, humidity, wind speed, and precipitation), and blood pressure outcomes, including systolic blood pressure (SBP) and mean arterial pressure. Our results reveal that higher temperatures, increased humidity, and stronger wind speeds are significantly associated with lower SBP and mean arterial pressure. In contrast, higher daily precipitation correlates with elevated mean arterial pressure. Among clinical factors, erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA) dosage shows a positive association with both SBP and mean arterial pressure while a history of intradialytic hypotension and increased interdialytic weight gain are negatively correlated. Additionally, serum potassium levels were inversely related to SBP and mean arterial pressure. These findings highlight the importance of incorporating environmental variables into predictive models for intradialytic blood pressure management. We propose tailored interventions, such as weather-adapted fluid management strategies, personalized treatment plans, and patient education, to mitigate potential adverse effects. This study provides a foundation for enhancing patient-centered care and improving the quality of life for hemodialysis patients amid global climate changes.
Crecimiento vs. desarrollo
Authors: Ramírez-López Alberto
Published: October 2024

Se presenta un documento para propiciar la discusión sobre la necesidad de reconsiderar los paradigmas de crecimiento economico-poblacional y el de desarrollo sustentable y armónico de las sociedades humanas.
El sismo en la costa ecuatoriana y la imaginación sociológica
Authors: Hernández Infante Rafael Carlos , Infante Miranda María Elena
Published: October 2024

El hombre es un ser social por naturaleza. Éste vivencia durante su vida un proceso de inserción y pertenencia a la sociedad donde habita, así como su ulterior transformación. Hoy en día esta idea se materializa de una forma particular en la zona costera del Ecuador. Para fundamentar esto se retoman los estudios sobre la sociedad moderna realizados por Charles Wright Mills (1916-1962).
Las “marcas” del Banco Mundial en la Educación
Authors: Cabrera Sosa Marisol
Published: October 2024

Es pertinente realizar un rastreo de la influencia del Banco Mundial en la educación por configu- rarse en una de las principales agencias de finan- ciamiento internacional en educación. La confe- rencia convocada en julio de 1944, por Churchill y Roosevelt en la ciudad de Bretton Woods, da origen a dos instituciones que delinean la econo- mía: el Fondo Monetario Internacional y el Banco Mundial.
Presentación. La acción pública como estrategia para la solución de asuntos públicos
Authors: Sarabia Ríos Cecilia
Published: October 2024

Los textos que integran este dossier forman parte de un proceso empírico de prácticas encaminadas a una observación y aplicación del conocimiento sobre la acción pública en un espacio no gubernamental. La característica común de los actores es que sin ser parte del gobierno coadyuvan a este de manera directa en la atención de algunos asuntos públicos.
Acción pública en la atención a la violencia sexual y de género
Authors: Núñez Sánchez Adriana
Published: October 2024

La violencia sexual contra niñas, niños y adolescentes (NNA) es un grave problema mundial. Pese a las creencias generalizadas de la violencia sexual es un problema público, reconocido por diversos organismos internacionales, entre ellos la 49ª Asamblea Mundial de la Salud celebrada en Ginebra, Suiza en 1996. Según UNICEF en 2013 alrededor de 120 millones de niñas han sido víctimas de relaciones sexuales forzadas y otras agresiones sexuales en algún momento de sus vidas.
Importancia de las Unidades de Género
Authors: Salazar Ríos Leticia Arlet
Published: October 2024

Las Unidades de Genero (UDG) han cobrado mayor importancia dentro de las instituciones y/o dependencias públicas ya que tienen como eje de trabajo interno la capacitación sobre la sensibilización de igualdad de derechos para hombres y mujeres dentro de la organización y en su forma extrema atender las situaciones de discriminación y acoso, cuya fundamentación se encuentra en la Ley General para la Igualdad entre mujeres y hombres
Las oportunidades profesionales para licenciados en diseño y gestión de la moda UACJ
Authors: Gutiérrez Sandoval Pavel Roel
Published: October 2024

La Licenciatura en Diseño y Gestión de la Moda de la Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez (UACJ) se posiciona como un programa educativo innovador, diseñado para responder a las exigencias de la industria de la moda contemporánea. Este artículo examina las oportunidades profesionales de egresados de dicho programa en la frontera norte de México, en el estado de Chihuahua y en Ciudad Juárez.
Diferentes contextos, diferentes significados.
Authors: Martínez Moreno Romelia Marina
Published: October 2024

En nuestra vida cotidiana empleamos palabras, frases y oraciones que, al parecer, tienen diferentes significados de acuerdo con el contexto en el que se encuentran. Cuando vemos que hay divergencia o cambio de significado, nos referimos a unidades léxicas afectadas por la modulación contextual. Así como sucede con diferentes partes del cuerpo, el sustantivo cabeza contiene una amplia gama de significados; una oración como Tener mala cabeza no se refiere a la parte superior del cuerpo de un ser vivo, sino a la memoria, y en Mi padre es la cabeza de la familia se interpreta una posición o jerarquía superior al resto de los integrantes, incluso en Capturaron al cabecilla de la revuelta también hay relevancia jerárquica del dirigente de una organización, pero que no es bien vista social o políticamente.
Tiempo, ocio y silencio
Authors: Orozco Orozco Víctor Manuel
Published: October 2024

Algo que debemos echar de menos en los tiempos nuestros son dos carencias: tiempo y silencio suficientes. Sin su contribución, el camino para generar ideas se vuelve ríspido y cuesta arriba. Un viejo amigo, intelectual de altos vuelos, me confesaba con cierto pesar que la cotidianeidad de su hogar lo obligaba a escribir y leer durante los intermedios de la televisión, o los que a duras penas podía procurarse.
Epistemología y sujeta/o de conocimiento:
Authors: Vázquez Martínez Alejandro Ernesto
Published: October 2024

¿Cómo se producen las prácticas sociales que desarrollan los sujetos de conocimiento? Con este cuestionamiento inicial es posible comenzar la construcción del reconocimiento de las actividades, recursos y procedimientos que determinados grupos sociales desarrollan para la comprensión del mundo, asimismo permite reconocer los posicionamientos políticos configurados desde las demandas de acceso justicia. En este caso, me interesa precisar la producción de las prácticas sociales de las sujetas/os de conocimiento en el espacio social denominado como “Memorial Campo Algodonero”, ubicado en Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua.
A spatial-temporal graph attention network for protein-ligand binding affinity prediction based on molecular geometry
Authors: Li Gaili , Yuan Yongna , Zhang Ruisheng
Published: October 2024

Accurately estimating the binding strength between proteins and ligands is fundamental in the field of pharmaceutical research and innovation. Previous research has largely concentrated on 1D or 2D molecular descriptors, often neglecting the pivotal 3D features of molecules that profoundly impact drug properties and target binding. This oversight has resulted in diminished predictive performance in molecule-related analyses. A comprehensive grasp of molecular properties necessitates the integration of both local and global molecular information. In this paper, we introduce a deep-learning model, termed PLGAs, which represents molecular systems as graphs based on the three-dimensional configurations of protein-ligand complexes. PLGAs consist of two components: Graph Convolution Networks (GCN) and a Global Attention Mechanism (GAM) network. Specifically, GCNs learn both the graph structure and node attribute information, capturing local and global information to better represent node features. GAM is then used to gather interactive edges by reducing information loss and amplifying global interactions. PLGAs were tested on the standard PDBbind refined set (v.2019) and core set (v.2016). The model demonstrated a Spearman's correlation coefficient of 0.823 on the refined set and an RMSE (Root Mean Square Error) of 1.211 kcal/mol between experimental and predicted affinities on the core set, surpassing several advanced contemporary binding affinity prediction methods. We further evaluated the efficacy of various components within our model, and the marked improvements in accuracy underscore the potential of PLGAs to significantly enhance the drug development process.
The value of Growth Differentiation Factor 15 as a Biomarker for Peripheral Artery Disease in Diabetes Patients
Authors: CHI CHUANG WAN , Chu Chih-Hsu , Yao Cai-Yin , Wei Mei-Chih , Hsieh I-Lun , Liao Chia-Mei
Published: October 2024

Background
Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) is significantly correlated with glycolipid metabolic disorders. Increased GDF15 levels are associated with obesity, insulin resistance, and diabetes as well as a poorer diabetes progression and prognosis. This study investigated the association between circulating GDF15 and diabetic peripheral artery disease.
Methods
A total of 174 diabetic patients aged 20–80 were enrolled. Plasma GDF15 levels were measured using ELISA. Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) was evaluated with the Ankle brachial index (ABI) and the Cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI).
Results
We found that diabetic patients with higher serum GDF15 levels (mean: 2521.5 pg/mL) had a higher incidence of peripheral artery disease. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that patients with high serum GDF15 levels were at an increased risk of developing peripheral artery disease and diabetic neuropathy. High GDF15 levels were associated with ABI < 0.9 (right and left mean 19.5% [p = 0.216]). Increased age (p = 0.003), family history (p = 0.001), heart failure (p = 0.022), sodium-glucose linked transporter 2 (SGLT 2) inhibitor use (p = 0.026), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (p = < 0.001), and uric acid (p = < 0.001) was also positively associated with high GDF15 levels. Urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) (p = < 0.010) was associated with higher GDF15 levels after one year of follow up.
Conclusions
Elevated GDF15 was significantly associated with worsening metabolic parameters and an increased risk of peripheral artery disease. Thus, it may be a potential predictor of these outcomes in people with diabetes.
Revealing the Antioxidant Properties of Alkyl Gallates: A Novel Approach through Quantum Chemical Calculations and Molecular Docking
Authors: Karakuş Nihat
Published: October 2024

This study investigates the antioxidant properties of alkyl gallates (C1-C10) through quantum chemical calculations and molecular docking methods. Density functional theory (DFT) was employed to calculate key thermochemical parameters such as bond dissociation enthalpy (BDE), ionization potential (IP), proton dissociation enthalpy (PDE), proton affinity (PA), and electron transfer enthalpy (ETE) in both gas and solvent phases (benzene, ethanol, and water). The results indicate that the alkyl chain length and the solvent environment significantly influence the antioxidant activity of alkyl gallates. BDE values demonstrate that the hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) mechanism is preferred in the gas phase due to its relatively consistent BDE values and strong correlation with spin density distributions. Conversely, the SET-PT and SPLET mechanisms are more efficient in polar solvents, as indicated by significant reductions in IP, PDE, PA, and ETE values. Molecular docking studies with Tyrosine kinase Hck, Heme Oxygenase, and Human Serum Albumin reveal how structural changes in the alkyl chain influence binding interactions, guiding the synthesis of new compounds with enhanced antioxidant activity. The computational findings, which align well with experimental data, underscore the importance of considering both molecular structure and solvent effects in evaluating the antioxidant potential of alkyl gallates. This integrated approach highlights the critical interplay between computational predictions and experimental validations in advancing antioxidant research.
Quality of life viz-a-viz hypertension, obesity and diabetes: An exploratory study from rural Punjab, India
Authors: Kasaudhan Sapana , Chaudhary Vineet , Saraswathy Kallur Nava , Devi Naorem Kiranmala , Dhamija Rajender Kumar , Mahesh KSS Uma
Published: October 2024

Background Adverse health conditions are believed to reduce one’s quality of life (QoL). However, the impact of the most common lifestyle-related adversities like hypertension, obesity, and diabetes on the QoL of rural communities in India is largely unexplored.
Objective The present study aims to understand the QoL with respect to hypertension, diabetes, and obesity in rural areas of Punjab, India.
Methodology The present study was conducted among 931 individuals of both sexes, aged 20-75 years residing in the Mansa district of Punjab, India. Sociodemographic data were collected by using a pre-tested interview schedule. Somatometric measurements and blood pressure (BP) were measured by using standard protocols. QoL was assessed by using the short version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life Instrument (WHOQOL-BREF).
ResultsAlready-diagnosed hypertensives were found at higher risk for poor QoL in the overall analysis as well as in psychological and social-relationship health domains; whereas, underweight individuals were found to be at higher risk for poor QoL in physical health domains. Further, already-diagnosed diabetics were at a higher risk for poor QoL in the physiological health domain. Other health conditions such as high BMI, high WC, and high WHR were not found to be affecting QoL.
Conclusion Findings suggest that proper counselling and awareness regarding hypertension and diabetes should follow the diagnosis to dispel misinformation and minimize the negative consequences of diagnosis labelling.
Study on Gain Parameter Optimization for a Quadcopter Under Static Wind Turbulence using Bio-Inspired Algorithms
Authors: Soyinka Olukunle Kolawole , Ikpaya Monica Ngunan , Luka Lumi
Published: October 2024

The use of multi-winged drones in real-world applications continues to make it a topic of scholarly research. This paper considers the stabilization of the quadcopter’s attitude rates \(\:\dot{\varvec{\varphi\:}},\dot{\varvec{\theta\:}}\:\varvec{a}\varvec{n}\varvec{d}\:\dot{\varvec{\psi\:}}\) along the three axes in a static wind gust environment. To determine the required PID controller gain parameters this paper utilizes a Simulink model of the quadcopter combined with the PSO algorithm and the Cuckoo Search algorithm respectively to minimize error in the attitude rate. Comparison is made of the gain parameters of the PID controller obtained from the two Bio-inspired algorithms implemented to stabilize the attitude rate of a quadcopter UAV. The convergence rate, final error and thrust input from the motors are used as a metric for comparison of the two algorithms. The results indicate that the two algorithms performed suitably with the Cuckoo search showing better convergence in the final error.
Unrestricted Sequential Discrete Morphological Neural Networks
Authors: Marcondes Diego , Feldman Mariana , Barrera Junior
Published: October 2024

There have been attempts to insert mathematical morphology (MM) operators into convolutional neural networks (CNN), and the most successful endeavor to date has been the morphological neural networks (MNN). Although MNN have performed better than CNN in solving some problems, they inherit their black-box nature. Furthermore, in the case of binary images, they are approximations that lose the Boolean lattice structure of MM operators and, thus, it is not possible to represent a specific class of W-operators with desired properties. In a recent work, we proposed the Discrete Morphological Neural Networks (DMNN) for binary image transformation to represent specific classes of W-operators and estimate them via machine learning. We also proposed a stochastic lattice descent algorithm (SLDA) to learn the parameters of Canonical Discrete Morphological Neural Networks (CDMNN), whose architecture is composed only of operators that can be decomposed as the supremum, infimum, and complement of erosions and dilations. In this paper, we propose an algorithm to learn unrestricted sequential DMNN (USDMNN) for image processing and classification, whose architecture is given by the composition of general W-operators. With an efficient implementation that leverages GPUs for matrix computations, we illustrate the algorithm in an example of image transformation, for learning the transition W-operator of the Conway's Game of Life and for classifying the manuscript digits of the MNIST dataset. The performance of USDMNN on the MNIST dataset was compared with a CNN and the USDMNN performed better when trained with small sample sizes. These examples illustrate the robustness of the method to noise and its advantages over CNN related to the ability to learn with fewer samples and the interpretability of the results.
Assessment of Circulating Red Cell and Platelet Microparticles Levels in Children with Non-Transfusion Dependent Beta-Thalassemia
Authors: El-Domiaty Bothaina , Salama Moustafa , Saad Neveen , Donia Hanaa , Ibrahim Wessam , Hassanein Nehad
Published: October 2024

Background: Elevated circulating microparticles (MPs) have been hypothesized to be responsible for thromboembolic events (TEEs) in thalassemia patients. The aim of the study is to evaluate the circulating red cell and platelet microparticle levels in children with non-transfusion dependent Beta-thalassemia (NTDT) and its possible role in thromboembolic events.
Methods: Fifty NTDT children from Alexandria University Children's Hospital and 50 age- and sex-matched healthy children were enrolled in this study. CBC, LDH, serum ferritin, soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR), D-dimer. Serum levels of erythrocyte microparticles (EMPs) and platelet microparticles (PMPs) were measured by flow cytometry and serum B-type natriuretic peptide (NT- pro-BNP) levels were measured.
Results: Serum levels of EMPs and PMPs were significantly elevated in NTDT patients compared to healthy controls. Mean serum ferritin levels and mean sTfR levels were significantly higher in patients than in control. Twelve percent of our cases were splenectomized. Splenectomized patients had significantly higher platelet count, PMPs level, and serum ferritin level than non-splenectomized counterparts—no statistically significant difference in NT- proBNP level between patients and controls.
Conclusions: our study demonstrated the presence of elevated levels of EMPs and PMPs in NTDT patients compared to the control group. Splenectomized patients had higher platelet count, PMP levels, and serum ferritin levels. So, assessing EMPs and PMPs might provide efficacy in theearly detection of thromboembolic complications.
ADIoT : An Anomaly Detection Model for IoT Devices Based on Behavioral Feature Analysis
Authors: Wang Liang , Wang Zhipeng , Zuo Lina
Published: October 2024

The existing anomaly detection methods for IoT devices suffer from several limitations, including inadequate and untimely implementation of security control measures, as well as an inability to promptly mitigate intrusion behaviors. To address these issues, we propose an anomaly detection model for IoT devices based on behavioral feature analysis (ADIoT). The model implements two methods, specifically multidimensional behavior feature selection and anomaly detection. The first method uses the principal component analysis based on weighted contribution(WCPCA) to identify the most representative feature combination from a large number of features and generate a feature dataset that accurately reflects the device behavior patterns. The second method uses an anomaly detection method based on isolation forests to score and identify anomalies in behavioral data and dynamically adjust the anomaly detection threshold. Experimental results demonstrate that ADIoT achieves a detection accuracy of 98.6% on the TON dataset, outperforming state-of-the-art anomaly detection models. Additionally, ADIoT significantly improves time efficiency, reducing test times by 30.79% compared to SVM-based models and by 20.11\% compared to CNN-based models.
Improving the solar harvest of plasmonic organicsolar cells utilizing dielectric coatings
Authors: Mulat Simenew A. , Hone Fekadu G. , Bekri Nika , Tegegne Newayemedhin A.
Published: October 2024

The plasmonic properties of Nanoparticles (NPs) such as Silver (Ag) can be utilized to improve photon harvest in organic solar cells (OSCs). In this work, we utilized four dielectrics namely TiO2, SnO2, ZnO, and SiO2, to improve the near-field and far-field enhancement in addition to pushing the LSPR of Ag NPs to the visible region. The plasmon-assisted photon harvesting in P3HT:PCBM based inverted organic solar cell (OSC) devices was investigated using a 70 nm silver nanoparticle coated with dielectrics. This study employed a 3D finite difference time domain (FDTD) method for the analysis. The results show that the PCE of P3HT:PCBM could be enhanced by more than 26% when the NPS were embedded in the active layer due to the synergistic effect of near-field and farfield enhancement, with TiO2 that has higher dielectric constant compared to others and bare Ag NPs. Furthermore, it was observed that backscattering as the dominant scattering mechanism could be used to improve the PCE of the device by about 10% when placed at the HTL/AL interface followed by ETL/AL (4%) while placing it at the ETL/ITO interface was found to reduce the PCE due to the reduced light transmittance.
Enhanced Security in Wireless Sensor Networks Using Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Nishad Dinesh Kumar Nishad , Verma Vandana Rani , Khalid Saifullah , Singh Vinay Kumar Singh
Published: October 2024

Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) face numerous security challenges due to their limited resources, unsupervised operation, and reliance on broadcast transmission. Traditional security systems often struggle to detect and mitigate complex threats effectively. This study introduces an innovative methodology leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance the security of WSNs. By employing machine learning algorithms such as neural networks, support vector machines, random forests, and deep neural networks, we develop an intelligent intrusion detection system capable of accurately identifying malicious activities. Additionally, we propose a secure and energy-efficient routing protocol that balances security and energy consumption. Our extensive simulations demonstrate that the proposed framework significantly outperforms existing solutions, achieving a detection rate of 98.7% and a false positive rate of 1.1%. Furthermore, our routing protocol extends the network's lifetime by up to 25% compared to standard protocols. This research highlights the potential of AI-driven solutions in addressing the evolving security needs of WSNs, offering a robust and scalable approach to intrusion detection and secure routing.
Numerical modeling of the upper and lower major temporal arcade in fundus images using genetic algorithms
Authors: Álvarez José Alfredo Soto , Luna Luis Alberto Torres , Fraga Teodoro Córdova , Aceves Iván Cruz
Published: October 2024

In this paper, a new numerical modeling methodology is presented for the thickest vein in the retina, the major temporal arcade, since previous studies have shown that modifications in its opening, tortuosity and even thickness are indicative that the patient suffers from a type of retinopathy, which if not treated promptly, can lead to irreversible blindness. A model for the arcade vein is analyzed by spline functions, where a genetic algorithm was applied to determine the control points. Subsequently, once the model was determined, the equations of the cubic tracers were used to estimate the opening angle of the arcade. The results obtained were compared using two measures, the mean distance to the closest point and the Hausdorff distance. Although the UMDA+SA method remains the fastest, the proposed method is only 0.39 seconds below it, however, its measurements are 27.81 and 68.39 (Mean Distance to the Closest Point and Hausdorff distance) pixels larger with respect to the new method. Different measurements for the opening angle were obtained for the set of images from the DRIVE database. The models of cubic splines and the opening angle have been obtained quickly and this type of functions are excellent since they are smooth functions and do not present abrupt oscillations in the fit.
Y-mer: A k-mer based method for determining human Y chromosome haplogroups from ultra-low sequencing depth data
Authors: Puurand Tarmo , Möls Märt , Kaplinski Lauris , Maal Kadri , Krjutskov Kaarel , Salumets Andres , Kivisild Toomas , Remm Maido
Published: October 2024

Determining genetic ancestry of an individual is challenging from poorly preserved or mixed samples that permit only ultra-low sequence (ulcWGS) depth < 0.1x to be gained at target loci. Leveraging the recent advances in telomere-to-telomere sequencing of the whole genomes with long reads we show first in a simplified example how short DNA string (k-mer) copy numbers at two different types of repeat arrays correlate with basal chromosome Y (chrY) haplogroups (HG-s). We develop a new k-mer based method Y- mer and show how information from hundreds of thousands of k-mers in distance-based models enables accurate inference of chrY haplogroup from WGS sequence at depth less than 0.01x without additional PCR or capture. We test the performance of Y-mer on ancient DNA and prenatal screening data showing its potential for genetic ancestry inference for cell free, forensic and ancient DNA research from short read WGS data.
Remarkable Enhancement of Thermoelectric Performance of Semicrystalline Polymer Films upon Incorporating A Nucleating Agent Additive
Authors: Lin Yue , Chen Chen , Ma Haibao , Lu Kaiqing , Zhang Xiaoxuan , Yue Baiqiao , Song Ce , Huang Pochong , Cheng HaiFeng
Published: October 2024

Nucleating agents are widely recognized for their ability to refine the solid-state morphology and microstructure of semi-crystalline polymers, significantly influencing their physicochemical properties. This study presents a simple yet effective strategy to dramatically improve the thermoelectric properties of semi-crystalline polymer films. By blending less than 1 wt% of the nucleating agent N,N'-(1,4-phenyl)diisonicotinamide (PDA) into Poly(2,5-bis(3-alkylthiophen-2-yl)thieno[3,2-b]thiophene) (PBTTT-C14), we induce a controlled modulation of crystallization behavior, resulting in optimized microstructures with reduced structural disorder and improved charge carrier mobility. Systematic analysis of varying PDA concentrations identifies an optimal loading of 0.9 wt%, which yields a remarkable 45% increase in crystallinity relative to pristine PBTTT films. Under optimized doping conditions, the doped PBTTT-C14 film with 0.9 wt% PDA exhibits an exceptional electrical conductivity of 1800 S cm−¹ and an optimal power factor of 150 µW m− 1 K− 2, representing 105% and 384% improvements, respectively, over the doped pristine PBTTT-C14 film. These enhancements are primarily due to the synergistic effects of polymer chain extension and reduction of grain boundary size, which together mitigate grain boundary resistance and improve charge transport efficiency. Furthermore, the study elucidates the role of ion exchange doping in maintaining a high density of charge carriers without compromising the crystalline structure introduced by PDA. This research not only deepens the understanding of polymer thermoelectrics but also sets the stage for the development of innovative materials that could transform energy conversion technologies and polymer-based electronic devices.
Implications of weaving pattern on the material properties of two-dimensional molecularly woven fabrics
Authors: Zhang Liang , He Xiao , Zhang Zhi-Hui , Chen Yijing , Chen Shiwei , Yang Jinrong , Li yun
Published: October 2024

Similar to macroscopic woven fabrics, molecularly woven polymers constructed from identical molecular strands but different weaving architectures are anticipated to display diverse physical and mechanical characteristics. Nonetheless, identifying these distinctions and comprehending the underlying mechanisms poses a significant challenge. Herein, we evaluate the impacts of different weaving patterns—plain, mix, and basket—on the characteristics of two-dimensional (2D) organic woven polymers through systematic all-atom simulation. Three weaves, consisting of the same molecular strands, are produced by adjusting the connections of the enantiomers of an inherently chiral 2×2 interwoven grid. Among the tested patterns, the plain weave exhibits superior stability, minimal structural deformation, and the most consistent pore size compared to others. The maintenance of the weaves in kinetically stable high-energy states is attributed to both aromatic stacking and hydrogen bonding interactions between warp and weft strands, while the alteration of weaving patterns leads to variations in the type and strength of these weak interactions. Despite the differences on the weaving pattern, the mechanical stress tends to localize at the contact field. Further analysis on impact resistance and in-plane stretchability highlights how weaving architectures influence the energy dissipation pathways and reinforce the mechanical properties of individual molecular chains. Simulation outcomes indicate that the disparities resulting from various weave patterns primarily stem from the total number and density of entanglements, as well as the interstrand non-covalent interactions. This research highlights the critical influence of weaving architecture on molecularly interlacing material properties, providing valuable insights for future invention and engineering of molecular-level weaving.
Properties of a ZnO:B Layer Fabricated by LPCVD and Its Application in Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Zhantuarov Sultan , Carnie Matthew , Tokmoldin Nurlan , Shongalova Aigul , Zholdybaev Kairat , Abdullin Khabibulla , Aimaganbetov Kazybek
Published: October 2024

A process for finding inexpensive materials for use in perovskite solar cell applications is an interesting task for research aimed at reducing the cost of producing samples. To address this problem, the application of a metal oxide can be helpful. Metal oxides have always attracted attention due to their combination of conductive and optic properties. Among them, zinc oxide stands out. Zinc oxide films, which are nontoxic and easy to produce, have a suitable band gap and can be recommended as promising materials in optoelectronics. In this work, the results of the research of a ZnO film doped with boron (ZnO:B) on glass substrates were obtained via the LPCVD (low-pressure chemical vapor deposition) method. The surface, electrical, structural, and optical properties of the ZnO:B layer were studied. The application of a ZnO:B layer in planar perovskite solar cells was demonstrated. The fabricated test sample of such perovskite solar cells has an efficiency of 2,62%. An opportunity for the use of a ZnO:B film as an inexpensive substitute for transparent conductive oxides such as FTO and ITO substrates was shown.
Wild-Type p53 Overexpression in NPM1-Mutated AML: Potential Implications for Disease Biology and Therapy Response
Authors: Barone Paul , Dzedzik Siarhei , Kleinman Ashley , Chin Christopher , Meydan Cem , Valencia Itzel , Sugita Mayumi , Guzman Monica , Fein Joshua , Kaner Justin , Desai Pinkal , Roboz Gail , Mason Christopher , Patel Sanjay
Published: October 2024

Somatic mutations in nucleophosmin (NPM1) are key in defining a common subtype of acute myeloid leukemia (NPM1-AML), characterized by chromosomal stability and favorable therapeutic responses. However, some patients exhibit a suboptimal response to initial treatment, and relapses are common, highlighting the need for novel biomarkers. Notably, NPM1and TP53 mutations rarely co-occur in AML, where TP53 mutations correlate with aneuploidy and poor survival outcomes. Here, we present transcriptomic and proteomic evidence of unexpectedly high wild-type (WT) TP53/p53 expression in a subset of NPM1-AMLs at baseline. Analyses of the Beat AML cohort indicate that NPM1-AMLs generally express more TP53than NPM1/TP53-WT AMLs. Among seventy-four NPM1-AML samples, those with the lowest TP53 co-expression are enriched for downregulated signatures linked to DNA repair, apoptosis, and the cell cycle. By profiling thirty-three primary patient samples using multiplex immunofluorescence staining with single cell-based quantitative digital image analysis, we observed increased p53 expression in NPM1-mutant cells compared to WT cells. Importantly, patients with primary refractory disease showed low p53 co-expression at diagnosis. These findings suggest that WT-p53 might play a crucial role in the biological and clinical characteristics seen in NPM1-AML.
Data Analysis for Determining Causation of Regional Differences in Transportation Infrastructure on Carbon Emissions
Authors: Baglio Nolan
Published: October 2024

Transportation supports global connections in the world. Urban planning requires much thought about transportation to ensure connectivity and simplicity within a city. However, what should also be considered is the environmental impact of their decisions. There is variation in how each county approaches its development projects. These differences play a crucial role in their environmental impact. The research aims to understand how different types of transportation infrastructure impact carbon emissions. Each country was categorized by region, and the study looked into six different regions: North America, South America, Asia, Europe, Africa, and Oceania. The ideal features for predicting the carbon emissions per capita were determined using random forest regression, a machine-learning model that creates many decision trees to make predictions. The carbon emissions per capita with the percentage of roads paved, the feature deemed most valuable to predicting carbon emissions per capita by the random forest regressor, in each region was compared. With linear regression, a relationship was determined in each region to understand the variance from the line and the slope of the line and to know how the data progresses as the values increase. The results showed that economic and governmental factors were often at the root of environmental factors, and transportation infrastructure reflects economic strength. This was understood from both correlations between carbon emission changes and financial events, as well as from policy reviews of countries that were anomalies in the data, showing that they had differing policies regarding transportation. In this research, transportation infrastructure was proven essential to environmental factors. The study also indicates that the jobs of urban planners and road workers play a significant role in how a country approaches its carbon-neutral goals.
Clinical characteristics and outcomes of acute pancreatitis at St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College: A five-year retrospective study.
Authors: Bereded Fekadu Negash , Yirdaw Hilmineh , Temesgen Sisay
Published: October 2024

Background: Acute pancreatitis is characterized by excessive upper abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or a systemic inflammatory response syndrome characterized by fever, low blood pressure, and, in some cases progression to organ failure. It is one of the most prevalent gastrointestinal diseases requiring hospital admission. Because of the scarcity of data in Ethiopia, it is necessary to understand the clinical profile and outcome of acute pancreatitis for better management and intervention.
Methods: this was an institutional-based cross-sectional study design in which all patients admitted with a diagnosis of acute pancreatitis who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were included. The study involved a review of complete and documented records of these patients, using a structured format to collect data on various sociodemographic variables, clinical presentations, imaging findings, biochemical profile patterns, and outcomes. The data were cleaned and analyzed via SPSS version 26.
Results: The mean age at presentation was 36.89 ± 10.4 years and females accounted for 51.1% of the sample. The most common etiology was gallstones (57.8%), followed by alcoholic pancreatitis (26.7%). Only 3 patients died, and the majority of patients were discharged alive. The severity of pancreatitis and the presence of complications are associated with the outcome of acute pancreatitis.
Conclusion: Females are more affected by acute pancreatitis, in our study area, with the majority being affected by biliary stones and alcohol.
Guidelines for Spatial Development of the Region: the Case of the Sverdlovsk and Chelyabinsk Regions
Authors:   Institute of Economics of the Ural Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Suvorova Arina V.
Published: October 2024

The applied aspects of prioritizing the transformation of the regional space are discussed in the article. The object is the landmarks of the spatial development of Russian regions, the subject is the peculiarities of strategizing the transformations of the socio-economic space of regions similar to each other that are a part of a single territorial complex. The purpose of the study is to identify the degree of correspondence between the spatial development guidelines of these regions. The author has used the methods of general scientific knowledge, statistical comparison, system analysis and synthesis, expert evaluation compares the priorities of spatial transformations in the Sverdlovsk and Chelyabinsk regions to reveal a high level of their correlation. Both regions are striving for the development of various municipalities, focusing on strengthening inter-territorial interactions and increasing transport accessibility. That makes it promising to pursue a coordinated regional policy and implement joint projects. But both strategies need to clarify approaches to identifying promising development centers – agglomerations, and improving the complex of mechanisms for managing them. It is important to take into account the economic specifics of territories that do not fall within the zones of influence of large agglomerations: they are often considered in strategic documents as a fairly homogeneous set. For regions that are a part of a single socio-economic complex or localized next to each other, it is mandatory to pair the vectors of spatial development. The considered aspects of prioritizing the transformation of the regional space make it possible to determine the directions for increasing the efficiency of this process. The article may be interesting to specialists in spatial development management, developers of strategic documents.
Visuals Speaking the Unspoken as a Tool for Future Care
Authors: Segalo Puleng , Mitchell Veronica
Published: October 2024

In this article we describe the creation and usefulness of an art-making community initiative that has become a visual teaching tool to help rethink and challenge normalized practices in Obstetrics. The visuals are promoting more caring spaces and relationships. An unexpected online introduction with the two authors during the COVID pandemic resulted in a funded project in which a group of 17 women embroidered their difficult lived experiences in public birthing facilities in South Africa. The unexpected and abusive events they recalled and depicted resonated with what has been witnessed and shared by undergraduate medical students at a South African university. These unprofessional practices towards birthers worldwide has become known as obstetric violence, an under-acknowledged form of gender-based violence. This difficult topic refers to the cruel, unethical practices perpetrated largely by those who ought to care, the healthcare professionals. Over many decades, it has been hidden and silenced within the hierarchy of medicine. Furthermore, the medicalization of birthing practices has tended to undermine cultural practices and knowledges. What has become apparent is that very few art-based community projects are available as resources to engage with obstetric violence. We contend and demonstrate that visual artifacts can enable alternative, creative and imaginative thinking to engage with this global problem to foster a shift in established practices for a more caring and compassionate future. The visual artifacts have become a powerful resource to address obstetric violence in training workshops for health professionals and others connected to birthing practices, thereby acting as an innovative advocacy tool that can amplify patient voices towards promoting respectful maternity care for all.
FUNGAL ENDOCARDITIS OF THE RIGHT SIDE HEART: A DIAGNOSTIC AND THERAPEUTIC CHALLENGE A CASE REPORT AND LITERATUREREVIEW
Authors:   Department Of Medical Intensive Care Chu Ibn Sina Rabat (Morocco)., Fatimatou Zahra Coulibaly , Kaoutar Berrag ,   Department Of Medical Intensive Care Chu Ibn Sina Rabat (Morocco)., Abidi Mohamed ,   Department Of Medical Intensive Care Chu Ibn Sina Rabat (Morocco)., Tarek Dindane ,   Professor of Intensive Care., Khalid Abidi ,   Professor of Intensive Care.,   Head of the Medical Intensive Care Unit at CHU Ibn Sina Rabat.
Published: October 2024

Infectiveendocarditisisdefined as an infection of one or more heart valves by bacteria, more rarely by intracellulargerms or yeasts. Involvement of the parietalendocardiumislesscommon. Infectiveendocarditisis rare but serious (1). Even rarerisfungalendocarditis of the rightsideheart. We report here the case of afemale 48-year-old patient withcrohnsdiseaseunder immunosuppressive therapyadmitted to intensive care for management of a febriledisorder of consciousness. Biological and radiological investigations revealedavegetation of the tricuspid valve and candida fungemia, indicating a diagnosis of fungalendocarditis of the right heart. The patient was put on fluconazole 800mg/daywith a good initial course, followed by a worsening of herclinical and biological condition in connectionwithpulmonaryempyema and a nosocomial infection withmulti-resistantacinetobacterbaumanii, whichcompromisedherprognosis. The patient died in multiple organfailure. Certain riskfactors, such as intravenousdrug use, immunodepression and intravenouscatheters, predispose to both right-heart and fungalendocarditis. The clinicalpresentationis not verydifferentfromthat of the leftheart, but specialmethods are needed to detectit. Treatmentisessentiallybased on antifungal agents and surgery.