bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improvement of Solar Flare Prediction by an SVM with an Optimized GA
Authors: Taniguchi Yoshio , Knauf Rainer , Tsuruta Setsuo , Mizuno Yoshiyuki , Damiani Ernesto , Sakurai Yoshitaka 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

We have elaborated a machine learning method to improve existing models for predicting solar flares based on images of solar surfaces. It is pointed out that if a very strong solar flare were to occur, it could have serious damages on modern society with a profound electrical and electronic civilization. However, such intense solar flares are very rare, with their classification extremely unbalanced and therefore difficult to predict. In order to cope with this problem, we have been proposing a method that combines machine learning for a classification of Support Vector Machines (SVM) and a search with Genetic Algorithms (GA). In this report, we further extend this method by using an algorithm, which we name as Case Based automatically Restartable Good combination searching GA (CBRsGcmbGA), so as to improve both the learning function and the input data. It should be noted that even the recent prevailing deep neural networks, for example, could not automatically and evolutionarily search for input data in training. The effectiveness of this approach was demonstrated in the prediction of X-class solar flares, achieving an accuracy score (TSS) of more than 85% with a maximum of 91.2%. Otherwise, a type of GA combined with conventional SVM (CBGALO, Case Based GA integrated with Local Optimizer as SVM) achieved up to 84%. Other approaches in the same environment achieved less than 75%.
Microstructure evolution and mechanical behavior of foamed cement-based tail backfills under varying fiber types and concentrations
Authors: Jiang Tingting , Cao Shuai , Yilmaz Erol 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Industrial solid waste (mine tailings) management has emerged as the key universal ecological challenge as a result of the unceasing creation of rising waste by-products. Employing tailings makes mine fill production economical and assists resolve disposal problems. Foamed cement-based tailings backfill (FCTB) is a mine fill consisting of tailings, cement, water and foaming agent. It provides certain advantages such as lightweight, good fluidity, and thermal insulation, yet is relatively weak in strength. Additionally, FCTB’s strength properties can be intensely improved by adding fibers. A total of 3 diverse fibers: polypropylene (PP), glass (G), and basalt (B) as well as dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide (DTAB) as a foaming agent were used to prepare fiber-reinforced foamed cementitious tailings backfill (FR-FCTB). The mechanical properties, energy evolution, ductility and microstructure of FR-FCTB were elaborately investigated by uniaxial compression tests (UCS) and SEM. Laboratory findings demonstrates that reinforcing effect of three fibers on FCTB specimens: glass > polypropylene > basalt. FR-FCTB showed the best strength features as a fiber content of 0.3% was adopted in FCTB. At this time, the UCS performance of glass fiber reinforced FCTBs was 0.85 MPa increased by 18.1%. The addition of fibers can increase fill’s energy storage limit, slow down discharge of elastic strain energy within backfill, and enhance fill’s ductility and toughness. The ductility factor evaluates the degree of deterioration of filling in terms of post-peak drop, with all FR-FCTB values being greater than CTB. FR-FCTB’s chief hydration product is C-S-H gel. Fiber’s bridging effect significantly rallies crack extension and thus fill’s strength features. Lastly, the study’s main results are instructive for the industrial application of FR-FCTB used in metallic mines.
Impact Of Graft Type on Outcomes Following Liver Transplantation for Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis
Authors: Kumar Shiva , Lin Songhua , Schold Jesse D 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background

Limited data exists regarding impact of graft type on outcomes following liver transplantation (LT) in Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC). Our goal was to evaluate the impact of graft type on outcomes following LT in PSC and determine predictors of outcomes.

Methods

Using SRTR, retrospective cohorts were constructed over the time period 2010-2020, divided into 2 eras: 2010–2014, 2015–2020, stratified by graft type: living donor (LDLT), donation after circulatory death (DCD) and donation after brain death (DBD). Outcome measures were graft and patient survival. Survival comparison was performed using Kaplan-Meier method and multivariable analysis using Cox proportional hazard models.

Results

2966 recipients underwent LT for PSC over the study period: LDLT-PSC 153 (5.2%), DCD-PSC 131 (4.4%) and DBD-PSC 2682 (90.4%). While LDLT utilization was higher in PSC (5.2% vs. 1.3%; p<0.001), DCD use was lower (4.4% vs. 7.2%; p<0.001) but increased over time (era 1 vs. 2: 3.3% vs. 5.2%; p= 0.02). Outcomes following DCD-PSC are comparable to DBD and have improved over time. Compared to DBD-PSC, there was a trend toward lower short-term graft survival following LDLT-PSC (1 Yr. 85.3 vs. 91.9; p=0.07) with higher retransplant rate (LDLT-PSC vs. DCD-PSC vs. DBD-PSC: 15% vs 11% vs 7%; p<0.001). Compared to non-PSC, long-term patient survival was superior in LDLT-PSC (5 Yr. 90.1 vs. 83.7%; p=0.05) and DCD-PSC (93.3 vs. 79.7%, p=0.01). On multivariable analysis, LDLT but not DCD, was associated with inferior graft survival in PSC (adjusted hazard Ratio=1.65 (1.16–2.34); p=0.005).

Conclusions

In PSC, utilization of LDLT is higher, while DCD use is lower but increased over time. Outcomes following DCD LT in PSC are comparable to DBD and superior to non-PSC. Reduced graft survival and higher re-transplant rate following LDLT in PSC warrants further study. Consideration of DCD could help expand the donor pool in PSC.
Chemiluminescence-based evaluation of styrene block copolymers' recyclability
Authors: Bumbac Marius , Zaharescu Traian , Nicolescu Cristina Mihaela , Borbath Tunde , Borbath Istvan 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

The thermal stability of four similar copolymer structures − styrene-isoprene-styrene (SIS), two styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) copolymers with different styrene/butadiene ratios, and styrene-ethylene-butadiene-styrene (SEBS) − was studied using isothermal and non-isothermal chemiluminescence (CL). The activation energies for oxidative degradation were calculated based on oxidation induction times indicated by the CL intensities evolution. The results, which highlight the influence of molecular structure on stability under aging conditions, show the following sequence: SBS (butadiene/styrene = 7/3) ≈ SIS < SBS (butadiene/styrene = 6/4) < SEBS The CL data were correlated with infrared (IR) spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) data, providing a comprehensive understanding of the thermal stability and degradation mechanisms. The sequence of the composing units determines the degradation process, with weaker points predominantly attacked in the linear moieties of isoprene, butadiene, and vinyl segments. The experimental data indicate that SIS copolymer degrades the fastest likely due to the rapid accumulation of hydroperoxide radicals. The SEBS copolymer also experiences significant degradation, but this occurs at higher temperatures and progresses more gradually once it begins. In contrast, the SBS copolymers degrade more slowly and exhibit minimal mass loss, primarily due to the formation of less reactive keto degradation products.
The combination of venetoclax and quercetin exerts a cytotoxic effect on acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Kawakatsu Renshi , Tadagaki Kenjiro , Yamasaki Kenta , Kuwahara Yasumichi , Yoshida Tatsushi 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Venetoclax is a BH3 mimetic and approved recently for Acute mteloid leukemia (AML) treatment. However, venetoclax’s effect on AML is still restrictive and a novel strategy is required. We demonstrate here for the first time that by a combination with a kind of naturally occurring flavonoid quercetin, the cytotoxic effect of venetoclax drastically increased. Combined treatment with venetoclax and quercetin changed most of AML cell KG-1 to a condensed morphology. Cell cycle analysis revealed that the combination strongly induced cell death. Caspase inhibitor blocked the cell death and the combination induced PARP cleavage, indicating that apoptosis was mainly induced. These effects were also observed in another AML cell Kasumi-1 but not in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) cell K562. Public data analysis demonstrated that Bcl-2 expression is increased in AML cells compared to other malignant tumors and the survival and the growth of AML cell line depends on Bcl-2. Bcl-2/Bax ratio is a determining factor in whether or not to induce apoptosis. We found that quercetin increased Bax expression in KG-1. Our study provides a novel function of quercetin and a promising strategy for AML treatment using venetoclax
Genetic diversity and evolution of rice centromeres
Authors: Wu Dongya , Xie Lingjuan , Huang Yujie , Huang Wei , Shang Lianguang , Sun Yanqing , Chen Quanyu , Bi Shuangtian , Suo Mingyu , Zhang Shiyu , Yang Chentao , Zheng Xiao-Ming , Jin Weiwei , Qian qian , Fan Longjiang 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Understanding the mechanisms driving centromere evolution is crucial for deciphering eukaryotic evolution and speciation processes. Despite their widely recognized characteristics of conserved function in cell division, the centromeres have showed high diversity in composition and structure between species. The mechanism underlying this paradox remain poorly understood. Here, we assembled 67 high-quality rice genomes from Oryza AA group, encompassing both Asian and African rice species, and conducted an extensive analysis of over 800 nearly complete centromeres. Through de novoannotation of satellite sequences and employing a progressive compression strategy, we quantified the local homogenization and multi-layer nested structures of rice centromeres and found that genetic innovations in rice centromeres primarily arise from internal structural variations and retrotransposon insertions, along with a certain number of non-canonical satellite repeats (sati). Despite these rapid structural alterations, the single-base substitution rate in rice centromeres appears relatively lower compared to the chromosome arms. Contrary to the KARMA model for Arabidopsis centromere evolution, our model (RICE) suggests that centrophilic LTRs contribute to the decline of progenitor centromeres composed of satellite repeats, and facilitate the formation of evolutionary neo-centromeres, which are enriched with extended CENH3 binding regions beyond the native satellite arrays in plant genomes. In summary, this study provides novel insights into genomic divergence and reproductive barriers among rice species and subspecies, and advances our understanding of plant centromere evolution.
1-Extra 3-component edge connectivity of modified bubble-sort networks
Authors: Zhang Guozhen , Yue Zhimin 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Edge connectivity can measure the reliability of a network. Extra edge connectivity and component edge connectivity are the generalization of the classical edge connectivity. The extra component edge connectivity is the combination of the extra edge connectivity and component edge connectivity which can be used to measure the reliability of a network more precisely. The modified bubble-sort graph $MB_n$ is one of the important interconnection network topologies. In this paper, we study the 1-extra 3-component edge connectivity $c\lambda_3^1 (MB_n )$ of the modified bubble-sort graph and prove that $c\lambda_3^1 (MB_n )=4n-6$.
Olfactomedin 4 promotes gastric cancer cell G2/M progression and serves as a therapeutic target in gastric adenocarcinoma
Authors: Rodgers Griffin , Liu Wenli , Li Hongzhen , Kumkhaek Chutima , Zhu Jianqiong 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Olfactomedin 4 (OLFM4) is a member of the olfactomedin domain-containing olfactomedin glycoprotein family and plays important roles in innate immunity, inflammation, and cancer. It exhibits increased expression in gastric cancer patient tissues and has been shown to regulate proliferation and apoptosis in gastric cancer cells. However, the molecular mechanism(s) underlying OLFM4’s role in gastric cancer remain unknown. In this study, we found that OLFM4 knock-down significantly inhibited YCC3 gastric cancer cell proliferation and induced G2/M cell cycle arrest. Yeast two-hybridization screening revealed that OLFM4 directly interacts with cyclin B1 interacting protein 1 (CCNB1IP1), an E3 ubiquitin protein ligase. In YCC3 cells, OLFM4 co-immunoprecipitated and colocalized with CCNB1IP1, and underwent cell cycle phase-specific nucleo-cytoplasmic shuttling. OLFM4 knockdown decreased both cyclin B1 protein levels and CDK1 activity in YCC3 cells. Screening of a cohort of OLFM4-targeted microRNAs (miRNAs) for their impact on cell proliferation identified several that significantly downregulated OLFM4 protein levels and inhibited YCC3 cell proliferation in vitro. Rescue experiments demonstrated that these miRNAs’ inhibitory effect on cell proliferation was partially related to their downregulation of OLFM4. When three of these miRNAs were individually administered intratumorally to nude mice bearing YCC3 cell xenografts, tumor growth was significantly inhibited when compared with tumors treated with a negative control miRNA. These results suggest that OLFM4 promotes cell cycle progression and cell proliferation in gastric cancer cells and may have utility as a therapeutic target in gastric adenocarcinoma.
Tailoring the Effect of La3+ Substitution on Structural, Magnetic and Optical Properties of Ba0.7Co0.3LaxFe2-xO4
Authors: Asif Muhammad , Saeed Rehan , Shah M. A. K. Yousaf , Ahmad Usman , Usama Muhammad , Amin Muhammad Abdullah , Tajdin Bilal 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Ba0.7Co0.3LaxFe2-xO4 nano spinel ferrites, with lanthanum substitution, were synthesized using the sol-gel auto-combustion technique. Various techniques, including Crystallographic X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (HRSEM), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), and UV-vis spectroscopy, were used to study their structural, morphological, magnetic, and optical parameters. The XRD patterns indicated the formation of a single-phase nanocrystalline structure, with an increase in lattice constant due to Lanthanum substitution. FTIR spectrum confirmed the presence of the M-O stretching band and facilitated a study of functional groups. HRSEM images exhibited the formation of uniform, cubic, spherical nanoparticles with gentle agglomerations. The VSM study highlighted alterations in saturation magnetizationMS, remanenceMR, coercivityHC, and Y-K angles, indicative of the impact of La3+ ions. UV-visible spectroscopy determined an increase in the bandgapEg, suggesting potential applications of synthesized nano-ferrites in various fields like optoelectronics and non-linear optical filter devices. Structural parameters, such as X-ray density, dislocation density, X-ray morphology index, distortion parameter, and interchange distance, were also measured based on the XRD data. These lower Eg, HC, and Mr values suggest potential applications of synthesized nano-ferrites in optical domains, photo-catalysis water splitting, optoelectronics, and non-linear optical filter devices.
Burden of antibiotic prescription, associated factors, and compliance with the Uganda Clinical Guidelines among outpatients at Mulago National Referral Hospital, Uganda. A cross-sectional study
Authors: Edith Namakula , Segawa Enock Suubi , James Kateregga , Ebong Keren 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
The burden of antibiotic prescription in Uganda ranges between 12–79%, and compliance with the Uganda treatment guidelines (UCG) is still low; at 30%. There is limited information about antibiotic prescription levels and their appropriateness in public health facilities. This study, therefore, aimed to determine the prevalence of antibiotic prescription, compliance with the Uganda treatment guidelines; and factors associated with antibiotic prescription among outpatients at Mulago National Referral Hospital, Uganda.
Methods
We employed a cross-sectional design, and collected quantitative data at Mulago National Referral Hospital, among 2480 outpatients. We used a data abstraction tool to collect data from systematically sampled patient prescriptions. Ethical approval was obtained from the Mulago Hospital Research and Ethics Committee, and permission was sought from the Uganda National Council of Science and Technology (Reference: HS3440ES). Data were entered into Epidata software, and analysed in STATA, using Modified Poisson regression.
Results
The median age of 2480 participants was 62 years (IQR: 56–68), and 60.6% (1501/2479) were 50 and older. The prevalence of antibiotic prescription among outpatients was 60.4% (1479/2480). The compliance with the UCG was 57.5% (861/1479). The factors associated with antibiotic prescription were; prescription from the directorate of surgery (aPR: 0.995; 95%CI:0.919, 0.993), bacterial infection diagnosis (aPR: 8.083; 95%CI: 6.833, 9.560), prescription of three or more drugs (aPR: 1.133, 95%CI: 1.093, 1.175), patient age of 6 to 17 years (aPR:1.052; 95%CI: 0.991, 1.118), and gender (aPR: 1.012; 95%CI:0.979, 1.046),
Conclusion
Antibiotic prescription prevalence was high while compliance to the UCG was moderate. All prescribers should present their authentic signatures to the pharmacy department to strengthen therapeutic intervention. Constant availability of laboratory reagents in the hospital; and refresher training in rational prescription writing are needed. Sensitization of the public about disease preventive measures should be strengthened. The current UCG 2023 copies should be available to all prescribers, and antibiotic prescriptions among inpatients should be investigated.
Quality analysis of Albendazole drugs available in veterinary pharmacies of Nepal
Authors: Dhakal Sujeeta Pokharel , Acharya Binita , Rana Sujan , Sedhai Shashidhar , Manandhar Salina 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Ecto- and endoparasites cause significant economic losses to the livestock industry, primarily due to helminth parasites. The heavy reliance on anthelmintics to control parasites, coupled with inadequate drug quality in terms of physical and content parameters, often leads to excessive and irrational use of anthelmintics. This poses a public health hazard due to the potential development of anthelmintic resistance. The dosage prescribed depends on the active ingredients present in the drug. Thus, an anthelmintic drug must contain the labeled amount of active pharmaceutical ingredients and comply with the standard quality tests. Veterinary Standards and Drug Regulatory Laboratory (VSDRL) is the national regulatory laboratory of Nepal for veterinary products, mandated to test the quality of various veterinary drugs. Amidst growing concerns of anthelmintic resistance and constant rumors of ineffectiveness of anthelmintics in the Nepalese market, it is vital to analyze the efficacy of veterinary drugs in Nepal. This study aims to analyze the quality (physical and content analysis) of Albendazole, the most common anthelmintic available in the local market.
Methods
We conducted the study from July 2021 to July 2023 at VSDRL in Kathmandu. A total of 118 samples of Albendazole drug (suspension of 25 mg/ml, tablets of 200 mg and 300 mg, and boluses of 600 mg and 1500 mg) were collected from seven different pharmaceuticals across 20 districts of Nepal. The samples were tested for their physical conformity and assay according to the laboratory protocols of VSDRL. Physical analysis included weight variation, hardness, friability, and disintegration, whereas the content analysis was performed using UV spectrophotometry and High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Data were entered and analyzed using MS Excel and visualized with R.
Results
On testing different formulations of Albendazole drugs of seven different veterinary drug manufacturing companies in the Nepalese market, we found the drugs were consistent in terms of weight, disintegration time, and assay. However, most drugs had poor hardness and friability quality.
Conclusion
Thus, it is necessary to routinely check the quality of veterinary drugs to ensure that they are manufactured and supplied to the market as per the recommended standards.
Design and synthesis of SiO@SiO₂ core-shell anodes for enhanced performance in lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Li Qian , Wang Shuoran , Wang Yan , Huang Na , Li Changlin , Wang Wenpei , He Xihong , Du Jinjing , Ma Hongzhou , Weng Yaqing 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

The progress of energy storage technology crucially depends on the availability of high-performance lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). As a silicon-based composite material, silicon oxide (SiO) exhibits significant theoretical specific capacity and mitigates the volume expansion of pure silicon. However, poor electronic conductivity remains a significant issue, limiting the performance of LIBs. In this study, SiO@SiO2 composites were synthesized by applying a silane coupling agent as the silicon source to coat silicon oxides onto the surface of micrometer-sized SiO particles using an in-situ coating technique within a liquid-phase system. This approach aims to address the problems of volume expansion and stability, thereby enhancing the performance of LIBs. The silicon oxide core provides high capacity, whereas the silica shell serves as a protective layer. The SiO2 shell, with its greater rigidity compared to a carbon shell, better inhibits volume expansion, thereby extending the battery's service life. The results showed that when the mass of the silane coupling agent (SCA) was 15% of the mass of the SiO particles, the initial specific capacity of SiO@SiO2-15 composites reached 2160.62 mAh·g− 1, with the highest first coulombic efficiency (70.06%). Additionally, the composites exhibited the highest reversible capacity (1345.54 mAh·g− 1) and a capacity retention of 62.28% after 100 cycles.
Distinct genetic profiles influence body mass index between infancy and adolescence
Authors: Wang Geng , McEwan Samuel , Zeng Jian , Haile-Mariam Mekonnen , Yengo Loic , Goddard Michael , Kemper Kathryn , Warrington Nicole 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Body mass index (BMI) changes throughout life with age-varying genetic contributions. We investigated the genetic contribution to BMI across early life using repeated measures from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) cohort. Random regression modelling was used to estimate the genetic covariance matrix (Kg) of BMI trajectories from ages one to 18 years with 65,930 repeated BMI measurements from 6,291 genotyped ALSPAC participants. The Kg matrix was used to estimate SNP-based heritability (\(\:{h}_{SNP}^{2}\)) from 1–18 years and genetic correlations across early life. Eigenvalue decomposition of Kg further identified age-varying genetic patterns of BMI. Finally, we investigated the impact of a polygenic score of adult BMI on the estimated genetic components across early life. The \(\:{h}_{SNP}^{2}\) was relatively constant across early life, between 23–30%. The genetic contribution to BMI in early childhood is different to that in later childhood, indicated by the diminishing genetic correlation across different ages. The eigenvalue decomposition revealed that the primary axis of variation (explaining 89% of the genetic variance in Kg) increases with age from zero and reaches a plateau in adolescence, while the second eigenfunction (explaining around 9% of Kg) represents factors with opposing effects on BMI between early and later ages. Adjusting for the adult BMI polygenic score attenuated the \(\:{h}_{SNP}^{2}\) from late childhood; for example, \(\:{h}_{SNP}^{2}\) is 29.8% (SE = 6.5%) at 18 years of age and attenuates to 14.5% (SE = 6.3%) after the adjustment. Our findings indicate that there is a different genetic profile operating during infancy compared to later childhood and adolescence.