bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The relaxation behaviors and competing aging mechanisms of GAP-based propellant during the aging process
Authors: Wang Jiangtao , Zhang Guanglong , Yang Li , Liu Xiangyang , Wang Ningfei 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

The glycidyl azide polymer(GAP)-based propellant, as a category of composite propellant with higher energy efficiency, exhibits a distinct nonlinear change in viscoelastic behaviours during the aging, which differs from the single change trend behaviours of other traditional propellants. This study investigates the relaxation behaviours of solid propellants under thermal aging conditions at 60°C. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance and high-performance liquid chromatography tests are used to reveal the aging mechanisms for the nonlinear variation in the relaxation curves of GAP-based propellants. The aging process of GAP-based propellants can be divided into three stages. In the first stage, the propellants are primarily influenced by post-curing reactions. Subsequently, the aging process is affected by both the scission of the crosslinking network and the degradation reactions of the plasticizer. These two mechanisms operate a competitive effect on relaxation, due to their alterations of the propellant's free volume microscopically. In addition, this work presents a predictive model for the relaxation modulus based on the established aging mechanisms, indicating the nonlinear fluctuations of the aging shift factor. The model effectively predicts the variations in the relaxation modulus during the thermal aging process of GAP-based propellants.
Association of BRAF Mutation with Treatment Response and Prognostic Factors in Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Darabi Rezvan , Hemmatabadi Mahboobe , Motiee-Langroudi Maziar , Sohrabi Hanye , Saffar Hana , Jafari Mehrdad 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background: The overall mortality rate in papillary thyroid carcinoma is not high, and the association between BRAF v600e mutation and mortality is dependent on tumor behaviors. Therefore, the utility of BRAF v600e mutation as a predictor for mortality risk in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) patients remains uncertain and is the subject of this study.
Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, tissue samples were obtained from 47 Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma (PTC) patients who referred to the surgery and endocrinology outpatient centers of Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex (IKHC) for their post-operation follow-ups between 2018 and 2021. No interventions have been made on the patients and the inclusion criteria were patients who underwent operation in IKHC. The examined data included age, sex, tumor size, tumor stage, tumor variant, lymph node involvement, history of radiation therapy, recurrence or persistence of the disease, and post-operation treatment method. Patients’ response to treatment were categorized into 4 groups, namely, excellent response, intermediate response, biochemical incomplete response, and structural incomplete response. Thereafter the correlation of BRAF tumor marker existence with response to treatment has been evaluated.
Results: From the 47 samples evaluated pathologically, 20 cases (42.6%) carried and 27 cases (57.4%) lacked the BRAF mutation. There was no statistically significant difference in terms of BRAF mutation between sex groups, tumor variants, various tumor multifocality, tumor stage at diagnosis, lymph node metastasis, and vascular invasion. Moreover, necrosis was only positive in one sample and had no significant correlation with BRAF mutation, which could be because of the limited sample size. On the other hand, the frequency of BRAF positive samples were significantly higher in high risk tumors compared with low and intermediate risk tumors. The BRAF mutation also significantly correlates with the incomplete response to treatment and extrathyroidal extension of the tumor.
Conclusion: Herein, we indicated that the BRAF mutation is associated with high risk tumor character, and the absence of this mutation leads to a better tumor prognosis. The treatment strategy can be modified accordingly with limited surgical intervention, less need for high dose radioactive iodine complementary treatment, and longer follow-up intervals for low risk patient.
Detection of AIBV, MHV, WESV, HKU10, and BCoV in Wild Mammals under Human Care in Mexico: Exploring Natural Coronavirus Infections and Potential Atypical Reservoirs
Authors: Medina-Gudiño Jocelyn , Verdugo-Rodríguez Antonio , López-Vidal Yolanda , Pardo-Tovar J. Adolfo , Velázquez-Salinas Lauro , Basurto-Alcántara Francisco Javier 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Coronaviruses infect multiple animal and human hosts. Some human coronaviruses, such as SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and SARS-CoV-2, originated from animals, with bats often serving as ancestral hosts. This study analyzed RNA samples from wild animals using RT-PCR targeting the RdRp gene to detect and genotype coronaviruses in wild animals in Mexico as potential reservoirs. Samples were collected from wild animals in three Mexican states, and RNA was extracted and amplified via RT-PCR targeting a conserved region of the RdRp gene. Phylogenetic analysis was performed to determine the genetic relationships of the identified coronaviruses. The study found RNA from Gammacoronavirus in mouflons, fallow deer, llamas, and spider monkeys; Betacoronavirus RNA in mouflons and dwarf goats; and Alphacoronavirus RNA in dwarf goats and ponies. The identified viral sequences were highly similar to known coronaviruses, including avian infectious bronchitis virus (AIBV), bovine coronavirus (BCoV), murine hepatitis virus (MHV), Wénchéng shrew coronavirus (WESV), and Roussetus bat coronavirus HKU10 (HKU10). These findings represent the first report of AIBV, MHV, WESV, and HKU10 in these species, as well as the first isolation of AIBV from mouflons, llamas, and spider monkeys. This contributes valuable insights into the potential role of wildlife as coronavirus reservoirs. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for monitoring and preventing future zoonotic transmissions.
CO₂ Capture in Permeable Concrete Blocks through Carbonation in Various Environmental Conditions
Authors: Costa Daniela , Santos Caio , Poll Lerika , Cordeiro Luciana 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the behavior of CO₂ absorption through carbonation in permeable concrete blocks (CPER). The cementitious material was produced with varying grain size distributions of river gravel and set at two water-cement (w/c) ratios. Performance parameters established by the Brazilian Standard (ABNT NBR 16416/2015) were assessed by conducting flexural tensile strength and permeability coefficient tests. CO₂ uptake was measured by exposing permeable blocks to three different environmental conditions, using phenolphthalein as a chemical indicator to signal carbonation. The analysis considered two curing ages with immersion and carbonation depth verification in permeable blocks. The results indicate compliance with the standards and confirm the suitability of permeable blocks for CO₂ capture.
Relationship Between Serum Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Levels and Neurological Complications in Patients with Intracranial Tumor
Authors: Fitri Fasihah Irfani , Salsabila Khansa , Nasution Irina Kemala 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background and Aim: Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) plays a vital role in neuronal survival and plasticity. Deficits in BDNF are associated with neurological disorders, including complications such as delirium and seizures in patients with intracranial tumors. This study aimed to explore the relationship between serum BDNF levels and neurological complications in intracranial tumor patients.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Adam Malik Hospital, Medan, from August to October 2024, involving patients diagnosed with intracranial tumors. Serum BDNF levels were measured, delirium was assessed using the Confusion Assessment Method (CAM), and seizures were observed clinically.
Results: Among 50 patients (58% female, mean age 50.56 years), delirium was the most common neurological complication (32%). One-Way ANOVA revealed a significant association between BDNF levels and neurological complications (p < 0.001). Post-hoc analysis showed significant differences between groups (p < 0.001), but no significant difference was found between the seizure and non-complication groups (p > 0.05).
Conclusion: Lower BDNF levels are significantly associated with delirium in intracranial tumor patients, suggesting that BDNF may serve as a potential biomarker for neurological complications in this population.
Insights into structural and magnetic properties of Lanthanum Manganite ceramic co-doped with calcium and cobalt
Authors: Sharma R. , Kumar P , Anil Anil 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

A polycryst alline ceramic sample of calcium and cobalt co-doped Lanthanum Manganite (LCMCO) was synthesized via the autocombustion route and subjected to comprehensive characterization using various analytical techniques, namely XRD, SEM, FTIR and VSM. The sharp peaks are observed on XRD analysis conducted at room temperature, confirming the formation of single-phase compound with orthorhombic crystal structure and Pbnm space group. The lattice parameters were calculated using the Rietveld refinement tool Fullprof and are as follows: a = 5.4989 Å, b = 5.4265 Å, and c = 7.7217 Å. The XRD data also provided information on interplanar d spacing, atomic locations and other structural factors. Further examination through FESEM affirmed the diverse shapes and sizes of the prepared samples. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy unveiled a broad peak at 615 cm-1, corroborating the presence of metal-oxygen bonds organized into MnO6 octahedral structures. Magnetic studies employing VSM disclosed the antiferromagnetic nature of the prepared samples. The AFM nature and precise lattice structure make this compound a potential candidate for magnetic refrigeration system. Moreover, the diverse morphology along with AFM nature make them suitable for magnetic sensor applications.
Analyzing Queuing-Inventory Systems with Customer Attraction-Retention andAsynchronous Vacations: The Ethio Telecom Case
Authors: Alemu Berhanu Mekonen , Thillaigovindan Natesan , Wole Getinet Alemayehu 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Quality of Service (QoS) is a critical factor for businesses, directly impacting customer satisfaction and competitiveness. At Ethio Telecom in Ethiopia, effective mechanisms for attracting and retaining impatient customers are essential. Additionally , incorporating synchronous or asynchronous server vacations enhances the realism of queuing-inventory systems. Multi-server vacation models offer greater flexibility and applicability than single-server systems. This paper examines a finite-capacity, multi-server, Markovian queuing-inventory system (MQIS) with attraction-retention mechanisms for impatient customers and C-removable servers under an asynchronous vacation policy. In this model, D (0 < D < C) servers take a vacation together when no customers are waiting at a service completion epoch, while the remaining (C − D) servers either continue serving (if inventory permits) or remain idle (if inventory is depleted). Service and vacation times follow independent exponential distributions, and inventory is managed with a (0, q, Q) ordering policy, which triggers an order to replenish inventory to Q when levels drop to q (q < Q). Using Markov process theory, we develop the queuing-inventory model, derive its steady-state solutions, and compute various performance metrics. Additionally, we propose a cost-loss model to determine the optimal service rate and the optimal number of vacationing servers, applying a genetic algorithm for cost analysis. Finally, we explore how system parameters influence the optimal number of vacationing servers, inventory policy, and cost-loss value. The model is illustrated using data from Ethio Telecom?s service center in Arba Minch City, Ethiopia, with potential applications in supermarkets , telecommunication centers, and restaurants. Future research may examine queuing-inventory systems with batch services, retrial customers, and warehouse disruptions.
Lamb Performance and Meat Quality: The Impact of Chromium in High-Concentrate Diets and Its Molecular Effects on Skeletal Muscle During Finishing phase
Authors: Bezerra Helena Viel Alves , Ramírez-Zamudio German Darío , Santana Miguel Henrique Almeida , Polizel Guilherme , Oliveira Regner Ítalo Gonçalves , Rissi Guilherme Pegoraro , Filho André Ricardo Frujuelle , Poleti Mirele Daiana , Velloso Leonardo , Silva Thiago Henrique , Gallo Sarita Bonagurio , Silva Saulo da Luz e , Cônsolo Nara Regina Brandão , Leme Paulo Roberto 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Chromium is an essential trace mineral in insulin-mediated glucose metabolism, potentially affecting protein synthesis and improving performance and meat quality. This study aimed to assess the impact of chromium on performance, carcass characteristics, meat quality, and the gene expression in the skeletal muscle of lambs fed a high high-concentrate diet. Sixteen just just-weaned Dorper × Santa Inês crossbred lambs, weighing 24.95 ± 1.97 kg, were allocated into a control group, basal diet without chromium in the diet supplementation (CTL) or chromium supplementation (Cr3.0), with the addition of 3.0 mg of chromium per kg of dry matter (Cr3.0DM). The animals were housed in individual pens and fed a diet comprising 6% forage and 94% concentrate for 60 days. We evaluated average daily gain (ADG), dry matter intake (DMI), feed efficiency (FE), carcass characteristics, meat quality, and muscle transcriptome. Chromium supplementation increased ADG (P = 0.048) and tended to improve FE (P = 0.08). Further, chromium supplementation increased kidney, pelvic, and heart fat (P ≤ 0.05). In meat, a reduction in cooking losses and an increase in shear force were observed in the meat of lambs treated with chromium -treated lambs (P ≤ 0.05). Transcriptome analysis revealed 21 differentially expressed genes, with 9 downregulated genes, including COX6C, TMED5, ODC1, HNRNPA1, and 12 upregulated genes, such as RPL39, RPL35A, RPS25, NSA2, RRM2, GCNT1, associated with pathways of ribosome biogenesis, protein synthesis, collagen remodeling, and fat metabolism. In conclusion, dietary chromium supplementation at 3.0 mg/kg DM can improve performance and efficiency without affecting carcass characteristics. In the meat, chromium reduced cooking losses increasing potentially its juiciness, but reduced its tenderness related to juiciness but worsens meat tenderness.
Evaluating the Efficacy of Nano-Cyclosporine A in Mice Model of Ulcerative Colitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Mehreen Aqsa , Batool Faiza , Awan Uzma Azeem , Shabnam Nadia , Haider Adnan , Aslam Shaista , Ghazanfer Madiha , Ud-Din Fakhar , Siddique Muhammad Irfan , Naeem Muhammad , Saeed Rida Fatima 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Cyclosporine A is an immunosuppressive drug used in clinics to treat steroid-refractory ulcerative colitis (UC). However, due to its side effects, researchers are evaluating novel drug delivery-based treatment options. Nanoparticles-based cyclosporine (Nano-CSA) offers a promising option for the treatment of UC and various in-vivo studies on animals have been conducted. This meta-analysis was performed to clarify the effects of using Nano-CSA based formulations in the mouse UC model.
Methods
A systemic literature search was conducted on five different electronic databases (ScienceDirect, PubMed, Embase, PMC and Cochrane) including the timeline of 2016-2024. The search terms include “Nanoparticles”, “Ulcerative Colitis”, and “Cyclosporine A”. The primary outcomes include histological scores, and colon length. The Nano-CSA effects on UC was assessed by analyzing the difference between the treatment and control groups through the use of standardized mean difference (SMD). A fixed effect model was used to conduct this meta-analysis.
Results
The total number of included studies for this systematic review was six and a meta-analysis was performed on four studies. Four studies measured histological score and colon length, and two studies have measured other secondary outcomes (IL-6, TNF-α, and MPO (Myeloperoxidase activity)). Meta-analysis results have demonstrated that there is an increase in colon length with SMD of 3.966 and a decrease in histological score with SMD of 10.956 in Nano-CSA treated group. There was also a decrease in the MPO activity and levels of Pro-inflammatory cytokines including TNF-α and IL-6 in the Nano-CSA treated group. Colon length, MPO activity, and TNF-α expression demonstrated heterogeneity values of 84.638, 86.113, and 51.567 respectively.
Conclusion
The results of this meta-analysis have demonstrated the potential therapeutic efficiency of Nano-CSA for the treatment of UC. Further research is required to find nanotechnology-based novel therapeutic options for the treatment of UC.
CDF2S: Improving stroke prediction with cluster-based under sampling and interpretable deep forest model
Authors: Lixueping First 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Stroke is a series of symptoms caused by the occlusion or hemorrhage of blood vessels supplying the brain. Cells in the affected central area of the brain can die within minutes, leading to irreversible damage. Currently, the optimal solution is early prevention based on relevant risk factors. However, imbalances in medical data can cause the performance of predictive models to degrade. In recent years, research on imbalanced data issues has mainly focused on undersampling the majority class while neglecting the minority class. In this paper, we propose a novel stroke prediction method, CDF2S, which combines a cluster-based undersampling algorithm (CBUC) and a deep forest model. CDF2S utilizes the CBUC algorithm to cluster the minority class into K clusters and splits the samples within each cluster into training and testing sets to enhance the diversity and richness of the training samples. Based on the results of 10-fold cross-validation, CDF2S outperforms state-of-the-art methods, with core metrics of accuracy, Gmean, and AUC improving by 6, 4, and 4 percentage points, respectively. Additionally, we calculate the Gini impurity of input features using the mean decrease impurity (MDI) method and conduct an interpretability analysis of the model. Detailed data and code can be found at: https://github.com/hvskghdghsjsv/CDF2S-celebral-stroke-prediction
Contact electrification of organic liquid - metal interface induced by energy level shift
Authors: Zhao Cunlu , Jiao Kai , Xian Lei , Chen Bohao , Wang Qiuwang 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Liquid-solid contact electrification (L-S CE) has become a widely researched topic in recent years, presenting innovative approaches to enhancing traditional power supply methods. However, most research on L-S CE has predominantly concentrated on electrolyte solutions interacting with solid surfaces. In this study, we systematically explored, for the first time, the L-S interface formed between non-electrolytes (organic solvents) and metals. Our experiments demonstrated that a simple system composed of two dissimilar metal electrodes and pure ethanol can achieve a maximum open-circuit voltage (VOC) of 578 mV, short-circuit current (ISC) of 744 nA, and an output power density of 62.29 nW/cm². Density Functional Theory (DFT) and Molecular Dynamics (MD) calculations revealed that the formation of the L-S interface between the organic solvent and metal induces a vacuum energy level shift, facilitating spontaneous electron transfer, which underpins the generation of electrical signals. Furthermore, by integrating DFT calculations with experimental measurements, we investigated the electron transfer characteristics of various metals and organic solvents, and measured their corresponding VOC, establishing a clear relationship between them. Finally, the metal-organic solvent system developed in this study can amplify electrical signals through straightforward series and parallel connections. This work establishes a robust foundation for further exploration of non-electrolyte applications in the field of L-S CE.
Changing water availability and demand shift global greening to regional browning
Authors: Orth Rene , Denissen Jasper , Kroll Josephin , O Sungmin , Bastos Ana , Li Wantong , Miralles Diego , Ruiz-Vasquez Melissa , Dijke Anne Hoek van , Feldman Andrew , Migliavacca Mirco , Wang-Erlandsson Lan , Stocker Benjamin , Teuling Adriaan J. , Yang Hui , Zhan Chunhui , Yu Xin 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

The Earth is greening in many regions due to increased temperature, higher atmospheric CO2 concentration, and land use change. However, while climate change has been accelerating, greening has not kept pace in many regions. Here, we show that decreasing water availability and increasing atmospheric water demand are regionally coinciding with browning trends over recent decades. In affected tropical regions, a regression analysis considering a comprehensive set of hydro-meteorological variables confirms that both water availability and atmospheric water demand are dominant drivers of inter-annual variability in Leaf Area Index (LAI). Earth system models mostly reproduce the observed spatial extent of browning and related coinciding water changes in the multi-model mean, while simulations from individual models differ strongly. Our results provide a new constraint for related model development and underscore the need for enhanced monitoring and consideration of observation-based water availability trends as an emerging driver of vegetation in future analyses and model development.
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 2b trial using the novel predictive genetic biomarker DGM4 for liafensine in treatment-resistant depression
Authors: Spear Matthew , Wang Gang , Aguado Mario , Alphs Larry , Chen Crystal , Huang Holly , Lu Xiao-Xiong , Doostzadeh Julie , Wu Shaohui , Wang Shikai , Patel Ashook , Nemeroff Charles , Wang Zhiqiang , Luo Wen 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Prior clinical trials evaluating liafensine for treatment-resistant depression (TRD) in unselected patients did not demonstrate benefit vs controls. A novel pharmacogenomic biomarker, DGM4, was discovered as a predictor of liafensine’s efficacy and assessed in this new prospective clinical trial. In this biomarker-guided, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 2b trial, 189 DGM4-positive TRD patients were randomized 1:1:1 to once daily oral liafensine 1 mg, 2 mg, or placebo. The Montgomery Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) total score change at Day 42 was 15.4±0.90 for liafensine vs 11.0±1.31 for placebo (p=0.0056). Statistically significant improvements were also seen in all secondary endpoints. Adverse events were tolerable with low rates of meaningful events. Liafensine was efficacious and well tolerated in DGM4-positive TRD patients with statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvements, validating DGM4 as a predictive biomarker for liafensine. This represents one of the first pharmacogenomic biomarkers validated in a randomized clinical trial in psychiatry.