bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Machine learning and experiments revealed key genes related to PANoptosis linked to drug prediction and immune landscape in spinal cord injury
Authors: Li BO , Li Tao , Cai Yibo , Cheng Junyao , Zhang Chuyue , Liu Jianheng , Song Keran , Wang Zheng , Ji Xinran 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a severe central nervous system injury without effective therapies. PANoptosis is involved in the development of many diseases, including brain and spinal cord injuries. However, the biological functions and molecular mechanisms of PANoptosis-related genes in spinal cord injury remain unclear. Bioinformatics analysis of public data of SCI, the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) identified by GSE151371 were hybridized with PANoptosis-related genes (PRGs) to obtain  differentially expressed PANoptosis-related genes (DE-PRGs). Through three machine learning algorithms, we obtained the hub genes. Then, we constructed functional analysis, drug prediction, regulatory network construction, and immune infiltrating cell analysis. Finally, the expression of the hub gene was verified in GSE93561, GSE45376 and qRT-PCR analysis. Through the above analysis, 14 DE-PRGs were obtained by intersecting 3582 DEGs with 46 PRGS. Five key hub genes, CASP4, GSDMB, NAIP, NLRC4, and NLRP3, were obtained by 3 machine learning algorithms. All five hub genes were enriched in phagocytosis mediated by FC GAMMA R. The 11 immune cells were significantly different between SCI group and HC group, such as mast cell and gamma delta T cell. The transcription factor (TF)-hub gene network contained 10-nodes (4 hub genes and 6 TFs) and 8-edges. The miRNA-hub gene network consisting of 5-nodes (3 hub genes and 2 miRNAs) and 3-edges was constructed. Morever, the CASP4 predicted 1 small molecule drug and NLRP3 predicted 9 small molecule drugs. Finally, the expression of 5 hub genes were significantly different in GSE45376 and GSE93561 (SCI vs HC) and mice SCI model (Sham vs SCI). Collectively, we identified 5 hub genes (CASP4, GSDMB, NAIP, NLRC4, and NLRP3) associated with PANoptosis, providing potential directions for treating spinal cord injury.
Intramuscular innervation of the frontalis muscle using sihler’s staining
Authors: Han Ju Eun , Kim Taeyeon , Lee Shin Hyo , Shin Kang-Jae 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

The facial nerve is the seventh cranial nerve, and its temporal branch (TBFN) innervates the frontalis muscle. Peripheral nerve disorders involving the facial nerve can lead to facial palsy, for which a common noninvasive treatment approach is to inject a chemodenervation agent such as botulinum toxin (BoNT). The purpose of this study was to provide anatomical suggestions for BoNT injection sites in the frontalis muscle based on the intramuscular innervation pattern of the TBFN as identified objectively using Sihler’s staining. Nineteen hemifaces containing the TBFN and the frontalis muscle were harvested from 15 embalmed cadavers according to facial landmarks. The frontalis muscle was divided into 16 areas to identify the prevalence rates of distal nerve endings and the arborization pattern of the TBFN after applying modified Sihler’s staining. Distal nerve endings of the TBFN were most commonly found in area B2 (17 of 19 specimens, 89.5%), followed by in area B3 (n = 15, 78.9%). The largest arborization patterns were observed in areas C4 and D4, which are the inferolateral ends of the frontalis muscle. We propose four BoNT injection sites based on the intramuscular innervation pattern of the TBFN in the frontalis muscle as identified using Sihler’s staining.
Insights into the Electrochemical Hydrogenation Reaction Mechanisms of Aromatic Compounds Mixtures over Bimetallic PtRu Catalyst
Authors: Sumner Joy , Jiang Ying , Catizane Cesar 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Efficient and selective electrochemical hydrogenation (ECH) of organic compounds is crucial for global sustainability; offering both chemical feedstock circularity and routes to generate synthetic fuels, reducing fossil fuel reliance. This study focuses on ECH of benzoic acid (BA), phenol (P), and guaiacol (G), commonly appearing as mixtures in potential oils for upgrade. The impact of various conditions on the hydrogenation process was elucidated using a carbon-supported PtRu catalyst; assessing initial concentrations/mixtures, temperatures, and current densities. Phenol ECH exhibited the most favourable outcome, achieving an 83.17% conversion rate and 60% Faradaic Efficiency (FE). When mixtures (BA + P, BA + G, P + G, and BA + P + G) were evaluated, revealing that BA + P yielded the highest conversion rate (64.19%) and FE (74%). This outcome suggests a potential synergistic effect between benzoic acid and phenol. Additionally, regardless of experimental parameters, BA selectivity for cyclohexane carboxylic acid (CCA) remained consistently at 100%. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations provided insight into molecular/catalyst interactions, highlighting the stability of parallel positioning the BA molecule on the cathode surface compared to perpendicular placement (-1.12 eV vs. 0.58 eV), this offers a plausible explanation for the observed high selectivity towards CCA. These findings provide a foundation for future developments in ECH of real pyrolysis oil.
Evaluating the Dynamic Response and Phase Angle Behavior of SBS-Modified Asphalt Mixtures for Enhanced Pavement Performance
Authors: Khan Inamullah , Bilal Muhammad , Khaliq Wasim , Khan Nasir , Khahro Shabir Hussain , Memon Zubair Ahmed , Malik Muhammad Abdul 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Bitumen exhibits viscoelastic properties, showcasing both viscous and elastic behaviors, which are characterized by the phase angle (Ø) and dynamic modulus (|E*|). Issues like early fatigue fractures, rutting, and permanent deformations in bituminous asphalt pavements arise due to moisture susceptibility, high-temperature deformation, low-temperature cracking, and overloading. These distresses result in potholes, alligator cracks, and specific deformations that lead to early pavement failure, increasing rehabilitation and maintenance costs. To address these issues, this study examines the dynamic response (|E*|) and phase angle (Ø) behavior of Styrene Butadiene Styrene (SBS) modified and unmodified asphalt mixtures. SBS was incorporated in various proportions, ranging from 2–7% by the weight of bitumen. The asphalt mixture performance tester (AMPT) was utilized to measure the |E*| at temperatures of 4.4, 21.1, 37.8, and 54.4°C, and frequencies of 0.1, 0.5, 1, 5, 10, and 25 Hz. The study found significant correlations between dynamic modulus, temperature, loading frequency, and SBS content. Additionally, Multi Expression Programming (MEPX) and regression modeling were employed to estimate the |E*| of SBS-modified HMA. Results indicated that increasing SBS content up to 7% decreased penetration and ductility values by up to 46% and 56%, respectively, while raising the softening point by 63% due to increased stiffness. The blend with 6% SBS by weight of bitumen exhibited superior performance compared to other mixtures. Phase angle initially increased with rising temperature, peaking at 37.8°C at lower frequencies, and continued to increase at higher frequencies. Isothermal and isochronal plots showed that the 0% SBS mix had a higher phase angle due to increased bitumen content. Overall, the HMA mix with 6% SBS provided the best outcomes.
Exploring the relationship between TNF-β in mediating Mannose in Primary biliary cholangitis by Two-Step Mendelian randomization analysis and machine learning
Authors: Xu Zihao , Liu Yifan , Xu Jun , Cheng Liangbin 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Observational studies have suggested an association between mannose and the prognosis of Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). The interactions between immune cell-mediated inflammatory factors and PBC may contribute to the pathogenesis of PBC and present therapeutic potential. However, the causal relationship between mannose and PBC, along with the mechanisms mediated by inflammatory factors, remains to be elucidated.Using publicly available GWAS gene data, we employed a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) method to investigate the causal association between Mannose and PBC. Additionally, through two-step Mendelian randomization, we investigated the mediating role of TNF-β in the causal association between Mannose and PBC. Furthermore, we utilized the GEO database to obtain single-cell RNA-seq and Bulk RNA-seq data of PBC and controls using machine learning methods to validate our findings.We found that with Mannose as the exposure factor and PBC as the outcome, the OR was 0.1977 (95% CI: 0.0502~0.7776,p=0.020). With TNF-β as the exposure factor and PBC as the outcome, the OR was 0.4661 (95% CI: 0.3160~0.6875,p<0.001). With Mannose as the exposure factor and TNF-β as the outcome, the OR was 1.4993 (95% CI: 1.0438~2.1537,p=0.028). These findings were further validated using single-cell and bulk RNA-seq machine learning approaches, confirming the mediating role of TNF-β in the association between Mannose and PBC.Our analysis indicates a causal association between Mannose and PBC where TNF-β plays a mediating role.
Investigation of the Reproductive Behavior of Tarim Pigeons
Authors: Zhu Lin , Kamal Mahmoud , Sun Mengyue , Li Yao , Fu Rui , El-Hack Mohamed E. Abd , Wang Zewu , Yang Kailun , Li Fengming , Cheng Yanfen 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

This study aims to investigate pigeon behavior across various stages of the breeding period and document their behavioral frequencies to contribute to the theoretical foundation for pigeon breeding and management. The experiment involved ten pairs of pigeons in the incubation period, nine pairs of parent pigeons within the first ten days of the nurturing period, and nine pairs of parent pigeons with chicks above ten days. The direct observation method records behaviors from 8:22 to 22:00 daily. Our results revealed that the female pigeon was primarily responsible for incubation during the incubation period, followed by male pigeons. The average incubation duration for female pigeons was 7.94 hours, primarily concentrated between 8:22 − 13:00 and 20:00–22:00. The average incubation duration for male pigeons was 4.05 hours, mainly occurring between 13:00–20:00. Pigeon feed intake and frequency during the nursing period exceeded that of the incubation period, and both increased with offspring age. During the breeding period, feeding behavior peaked at 8:22 − 10:00, 13:00–14:00, and 19:00–21:00; drinking behavior peaked at 13:00–14:00 and 20:00–21:00, with feeding behavior being most frequent at 13:00–14:00; mating behavior predominantly occurred between 17:00–22:00. Artificial feeding affects the behavioral rhythms of pigeons, particularly in feeding and nursing behaviors.
Hovering and standing guards: nest defense strategies in a polymorphic stingless bee (Tetragonisca angustula)
Authors: Santos Luana Guimarães , Vieira Bruno , Pedrosa Jéferson , Nascimento Fábio do 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

The stingless bee, Tetragonisca angustula, has a sophisticated nest defense strategy carried out by guards that are larger compared to other workers. Guards display two different strategies: flying near the colony entrance (hovering guards) or positioning themselves at the entrance tube (standing guards). To better understand the roles played by each guard behavioral phenotype in nest defense, we investigated whether their behaviors were distinctly displayed when faced with different threats. We used two types of bait (flying and walking) to simulate threats to the colony and compared the behaviors displayed by the guards in relation to the species used as bait and the guard function. We also investigated if the species and the type of bait influenced the number of guards before and after the presentation. We found a significant interaction between the behaviors displayed by the guards and the bait species. Hovering guards were more influenced by flying baits, and standing guards by walking baits. The presence of Lestrimellita limao caused a high proportion of recruitment and aggressive behavioral responses from guards, confirming specialization against this potential enemy. Our results show that the two behavioral phenotypes are capable of recognition and act with complementary behaviors depending on the threat.
Design and mechanical properties analysis of drill pipe’s joint thread with unequal taper under complex loads
Authors: Liu Hangming , Song Yongpeng , Hu Shunhua , He Yuxian , Wan Jifang , Yi Xianzhong , Hou Song 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

The design of drill pipe joint thread with unequal taper is proposed to investigate the fracture failure of the API NC38 used in the drill pipe joint of the SU36-8-4H2 well. The effect of changes in thread taper on the stress distribution and mechanical properties of drill pipe joints is analyzed and compared with the API standard thread to determine the optimal thread structure with unequal taper. The results reveal highly concentrated stress at the last engaged thread root of API NC38 single-shoulder thread (SUT) may cause early yield failure of the joint threads. Adjusting the unequal taper of the pin thread mitigates uneven stress distribution in NC38 single and double-shoulder threads and enhances connection strength, particularly for SUT-II and DUT-I. However, altering the box thread's unequal taper modifies the stress concentration slightly in NC38 single and double-shoulder threads. This offers limited tensile and compressive strength improvement. The maximum Mises stress value of SUT-II is reduced by 56.69% compared to SUT. The maximum Mises stress value of DUT-I is reduced by 34.87% compared to NC38 double-shoulder joint thread (DUT). This design approach can guide the optimization of other API standard threads and enhance joint strength for non-API and specialized taper threads.
Machine Learning-Based Real-Time Feedback Assessment System for Student Performance Prediction in Tertiary Institution
Authors: Ebem Deborah Uzoamaka , Ikegwu Anayo Chukwu , Ezugwu Chinenye Juliet , Ikpo Chibueze Valentine , Ogbunude Festus Okechukwu 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

The need for effective and digitized formative feedback mechanisms in classroom management of core courses in tertiary institutions in the developing world such as Nigeria, Kenya, and Ghana is paramount. A fair trivial environment is needed for students to learn and interact with their tutor effectively. This paper presents a framework for feedback assessment in real-time for student performance prediction using a machine learning approach in the university to maximize students’ satisfaction through an internalized and effective learning environment by monitoring students’ level of engagement during lecture sessions. The analysis from the existing system shows that the large amount of data generated from students’ responses makes it possible to predict student performance per course. This was done using machine learning (K-Nearest Neighbor) to predict the likelihood of student performance and engagement overtime on the dataset generated from attendance, personal and assessment history. The system was developed using Django (Python Framework). The empirical result from the classifier shows that KNN presented an accuracy of 78%. The implication of the study would further assist the developing country’s university system, increase the performance rate of student engagement and lecturer’s teaching styles, as well as aid in the educational decision-making process.
An Experimental Investigation of Optimum Process Parameters for Friction Stir Welding of Copper Plate
Authors: Tefera Mulugeta Belay , Fetene Besufekad Negash , Debebe Seyfu Tiruneh , Sinha Devendra Kumar 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

In this study, the friction stir welding technique was utilized to create qualified weld joints from a 5mm thick copper plate on a vertical milling machine. The experiments involved a steel backing plate and tool profiles with different pin shapes, including flat cylindrical, cylindrical threaded pin, and square pins, each with 3 shoulder pin ratios. Process parameters were determined using Taguchi’s L9 orthogonal array. The experiments considered tool geometry or pin profile, tool rotational speed (9100 RPM, 1280 RPM, 1700 RPM), and weld speed (16 mm/min, 29 mm/min, 44 mm/min). Tensile strength analysis indicated that welding speed had the most significant impact, contributing 76.90%. Hardness analysis showed that the tool profile had the highest influence, contributing 84.67%. The highest tensile strength achieved was 345.03 MPa with a cylindrical threaded tool profile, 1700 RPM tool rotation, and 16 mm/min weld speed. The maximum hardness obtained was 94 RHE with a square tool profile, 910 RPM tool rotation, and 44 mm/min weld speed. The study revealed that welding speed significantly affected the ultimate tensile strength of FSW joints in the copper plate, while the tool profile was crucial in achieving optimal hardness in the Heat Affected Zone (HAZ), Thermo-Mechanically Affected Zone (TMAZ), and Stir Zone (SZ).
Title: Prediction of Functional Disability in Older Chinese Adults Using a Random Survival Forest Model
Authors: Shan Yifan , Jiang Shuai , Yu Dahai , Fan Wei , Gao Jinghong , Lu Wei , Duan Yanran , Zhang Yafeng , Wang Sufan , Fu Hang , Wang Chengzeng 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
As life expectancy increases, so does the risk of age-related diseases and functional disability, which significantly raises the risk of all-cause mortality in older adults. Individuals with disabilities may die up to 20 years earlier than those who are non-disabled.
Objectives
To develop a prediction model for functional disability using random survival forest analysis (RSF).
Methods
Data were drawn from 2,364 older adults without functional disability from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), conducted from 2011 to 2020. Functional disability was the primary outcome. Univariable and multivariable Cox regression analyses were used to identify significant factors, which were then screened using variable importance (VIMP) and minimal depth to construct the RSF model. The model's performance was evaluated using calibration curves and the area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUC) curve. Multimorbidity trajectories were also identified as potential risk factors through group-based multi-trajectory modeling.
Results
Four multimorbidity trajectories were identified: no multimorbidity, newly-developing, moderate-developing, and severe-developing. The RSF model outperformed the Cox regression model in predicting functional disability, with key factors including age, education, walking time, grip strength, CES-D score, and multimorbidity trajectories. Significant factors identified were CES-D score, grip strength, multimorbidity trajectory, age, and the use of antihypertensive medications.
Conclusions
The RSF model, based on CHARLS data, effectively predicts functional disability in older adults, with depressive symptoms, handgrip strength, multimorbidity trajectories, age, and antihypertensive medication use emerging as key predictors.
ERAD deficiency disrupts mitochondrial bioenergetics by altering MAM Ca2+ in human hepatic cells
Authors: Hu Yabing , Bai Yongfeng , Jiang Beier , Wang Mingming , Zhang Feng 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Mitochondria and the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) physically and functionally interact, regulating each other’s function, but the molecular mechanisms remain not fully understood. In this study, we revealed that ER-associated degradation (ERAD), an ER protein quality control mechanism, governs ER Ca2+ entry into mitochondria by mitochondria-associated ER membrane (MAM) in hepatic cells. Inhibition of ERAD by pharmaceuticals or genetic ablation of the key ERAD protein SEL1L resulted in altered mitochondrial morphology, reduced mitochondrial energy production, and increased Ca2+ transfer from ER to mitochondria. Additionally, SEL1L absence caused an increase in the number of MAM. In ERAD-deficient hepatic cells, a reduction in the number of MAM or knockdown of the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (IP3R), which is responsible for ER Ca2+ release, partially restored mitochondrial Ca2+ signaling and bioenergetics. Together, these results suggest that ERAD plays a crucial role in regulating mitochondrial bioenergetics, suggesting the potential to improve cellular and organismal mitochondrial function by increasing cellular ERAD activity.
New Virtual Contrast Enhancement Boost Technique Can Reduce the Dose of Intravenous Contrast Medium Used in Angiotomography of the Abdominal Aorta
Authors: Noschang Julia , Tachibana Adriano , Viviani Larissa Barsotti da Silva , Silva Murilo Marques Almeida , Mendes Cynthia Almeida , Rocha Marcelo Assis , Ishikawa Walther Yoshiharu , Wolosker Nelson , Szarf Gilberto 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Purpose: This study aims to evaluate the image quality of computed tomography (CT) angiograms obtained using a virtual contrast augmentation technique, adding an iodine map to the contrast-enhanced images, obtained through a digital subtraction technique, reducing the dose of intravenous iodinated contrast medium compared to the conventional institutional standard technique.
Methods: This prospective investigation enrolled patients previously diagnosed with abdominal aortic aneurysms, who underwent two successive computed tomography angiographies (CTAs) of the aorta. One CTA was performed employing the virtual contrast enhancement boost technique with a 40% decrease in the intravenous contrast medium dose, while the other adhered to the conventional protocol without any reduction in contrast medium volume. After imaging, both qualitative and quantitative assessments were conducted to evaluate the opacification level of the aorta and its branching vessels.
Results: The study analyzed 28 examinations from 14 subjects (two per participant). Qualitative analysis revealed that image quality was deemed adequate for diagnostic purposes, with nearly all arterial segments in both protocols rated as good or excellent. Although no statistically significant differences were detected, the average attenuation across all arterial segments in the angiograms exhibited a trend towards higher values in the virtual contrast enhancement boost technique, compared to the conventional protocol. Similarly, the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) demonstrated comparable levels between the two methodologies.
Conclusion: The application of virtual contrast enhancement in the acquisition of CT angiograms of the aorta maintains comparable image quality, while reducing the dosage of intravenous contrast medium in 40%. This approach suggests a potential for optimizing contrast use in vascular imaging, aligning with goals related to patient safety and radiological efficiency.