bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improve sensitivity for the study of blood diseases by analysis of haemoglobin concentration using a graphene-coated SPR based biosensor
Authors: Ilyes Habia Mohamed , Aissa Manallah , Khaled Ayadi 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Recent scientific and technical advancements have resulted in the creation of very sensitive biosensing devices for pathogen detection. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) has developed as an environmentally benign and effective label-free detection method in clinical research, notably for studying biomolecular interactions such as hemoglobin interactions. SPR can be used to assess blood abnormalities such as anemia, which is characterized by a transitory fall in blood hemoglobin concentration due to a decrease in red blood cell count. When compared to gold film sensors, using silver as the metal material and graphene to improves the sensitivity and gives a more distinct reflectance spectrum. The fundamental goal of this research is to improve hemoglobin detection sensitivity by concentration analysis, hence leading to a better knowledge of blood behavior utilizing SPR. This entails examining SPR reflectivity and calculating electromagnetic field dispersion in multilayer structures using a mechanism for wave propagation in stratified media based on transfer matrices.
The Effect of a Game-Based Approach Intervention on Youth Gaelic Football Players’ Physical Activity Levels
Authors: Gavin Kevin , Lane Aoife , Dowd Kieran 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Purpose
This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a GBA intervention on PA levels in youth Gaelic football players and investigate its impact on overall daily PA levels and practice session characteristics.
Methods
A quasi-experimental design was employed to investigate the impact of a 2-week GBA intervention within a youth Gaelic football setting. Following a 1-week baseline measurement period, experienced GBA practitioners implemented the GBA intervention with one U17 boys team (n = 18; mean age: 15.6 ± 0.5) and one U16 girls team (n = 20; mean age: 14.4 ± 0.7) team. PA levels were assessed using the activPAL accelerometer, and practice session characteristics were determined via video recording and coding.
Results
Findings reveal significant increases in moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) levels during GBA sessions (U17 boys: +21%, p < 0.001; U16 girls: +22%, p < 0.001), eliminating gender disparities observed in baseline sessions. Daily MVPA levels significantly increased during the intervention period (Males: +23.0min, p = 0.003; Females: +18.1min, p = 0.003), with a greater percentage of participants meeting the PA guidelines (Males: +45%; Females: +50%). GBA sessions were characterised by increased time spent in playing form activities (U17 boys: +63.4%, p < 0.001; U16 girls: +42.9%, p = 0.044) and "other" activities (U17 boys: +10.8%, p = 0.010; U16 girls: +11.8%, p = 0.004).
Conclusion
The GBA intervention effectively enhanced PA levels and modified practice session characteristics, demonstrating its potential to promote higher PA engagement and eliminate gender disparities in youth Gaelic football players. These findings suggest that a GBA can be a valuable coaching approach to increase PA levels and prepare players for competitive match-play.
Examining the Influence of Historical Redlining on Firearm Injuries in Current Day Baltimore, Maryland
Authors: So Marianne , Baassiri Mahmoud G El , Price Matthew D , Byrne James P , Haut Elliott R , Nasr Isam W 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Firearm injuries are a common and major public health problem in Baltimore, Maryland. The city is also one of the first U.S. cities in which the 1930s discriminatory practice of redlining first emerged. This study examines the association between current day firearm injuries and residence in these historically redlined areas at a neighborhood level using zip codes. Firearm injury outcomes in patients who presented to a hospital in Maryland from 2015 to 2020 were measured from the Health Services Cost Review Commission (HSCRC) in conjunction with both geospatial data from Richmond’s Digital Scholarship Lab’s Mapping Inequality project and population data from the U.S. Census. A redlining score was calculated to represent the extent of redlining in each zip code. Negative binomial regression models were utilized to measure the association between neighborhood zip codes and rate of firearm injuries. Our adjusted regression model shows that for every one-unit increase of the Home Owners’ Loan Corporation (HOLC) redlining score, there is a 2.24-fold increase in the rate of firearm injuries (RR 2.24; 95% CI: 0.31, 1.31, p < 0.001). These findings suggest a strongassociation between historically redlined areas and population risk of firearm injury today. Further research is needed to investigate the underlying mechanisms that may contribute to this relationship, such as access to firearms or social and economic factors. Overall, our study highlights the potential impact of historical redlining policies on contemporary health outcomes in Baltimore.
Palliative Care Referral Patterns and Implications for Standardization in Cardiac ICU
Authors: Madni Arshia , Matheson Jocelyn , Linz Amanda , Dalgo Austin , Siddique Rumana , Merlocco Anthony 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Evidence suggests that pediatric palliative care (PPC) is beneficial to medically complex patients. Historically, PPC involvement has been overlooked or delayed and varies by institution but PPC awareness has increased in cardiovascular ICUs (CVICU) and so we investigated frequency and timeliness of PPC referral for patients dying in ICU.
Methods
Retrospective study of pediatric cardiac patients experiencing death in ICU to review PPC presence and timing of initial PPC, most recent PPC, and interventions, therapies, CPR, and presence of do-not-resuscitate DNR discussion.
Results
Fifty-four patients died during a 5-year period aged 11d – 17y (54% male). PPC consultation occurred in 74%. Retroactive application of Center to Advance Palliative Care (CAPC) guidelines, revealed 79% of patients without PPC would have qualified for consultation. Of eligible patients, 67% had PPC within 7 days of death (DOD). Of PPC patients, 50% had PPC on DOD, however for 10% this was their initial PPC. DNR discussion was more likely in PPC patients (63% vs 14%; p = 0.0011), though often only on DOD. Comparing prior to DOD, PPC patients were still more likely to have DNR discussion (55% vs 0%; p = 0.0003). PPC patients were no less likely to have CPR on DOD (28% vs 43%, p = 0.29).
Conclusions
PPC occurred frequently in patients experiencing death in CVICU. However, frequently the initial PPC occurred within a week or day of death. Patients without PPC would often qualify under published guidelines. Standardization, timing, and patient identification for PPC will expand efficacy in CVICU.
A head-to-head comparison of MM/PBSA and MM/GBSA in predicting binding affinities for the CB1 cannabinoid ligands
Authors: Yau Mei Qian , Liew Clarence W.Y. , Toh Jing Hen , Loo Jason S.E. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

The substantial increase in the number of active and inactive-state CB1 receptor experimental structures has provided opportunities for CB1 drug discovery using various structure-based drug design methods, including the popular end-point methods for predicting binding free energies – Molecular Mechanics/Poisson-Boltzmann Surface Area (MM/PBSA) and Molecular Mechanics/Generalized Born Surface Area (MM/GBSA). In this study, we have therefore evaluated the performance of MM/PBSA and MM/GBSA in calculating binding free energies for CB1 receptor. Additionally, with both MM/PBSA and MM/GBSA being known for their highly individualized performance, we have evaluated the effects of various simulation parameters including the use of energy minimized structures, choice of solute dielectric constant, inclusion of entropy, and the effects of the five GB models. Generally, MM/GBSA provided higher correlations than MM/PBSA (rMM/GBSA = 0.433 – 0.652 vs. rMM/PBSA = 0.100 – 0.486) regardless of the simulation parameters, while also offering faster calculations. Improved correlations were observed with the use of molecular dynamics ensembles compared with energy-minimized structures and larger solute dielectric constants. Incorporation of entropic terms led to unfavorable results for both MM/PBSA and MM/GBSA for a majority of the dataset, while the evaluation of the various GB models exerted a varying effect on both the datasets. The findings obtained in this study demonstrate the utility of MM/PBSA and MM/GBSA in predicting binding free energies for the CB1 receptor, hence providing a useful benchmark for their applicability in the endocannabinoid system as well as other G protein-coupled receptors.
Hybrid Strategies Using Nanoparticles (Al 2 O 3 ) Along with Different Copper Rod Forms (V, U, And I) For Optimizing the Melting of PCM Inside a Semi- Cylindrical Cell: A Numerical Analysis
Authors: Basem ali 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

The storage of renewable thermal, or electrical energy, extends the period during which this energy can be provided on demand. Energy storage technologies can also be used as a measure of the energy efficiency of structures through the intelligent use of cold or hot storage, this reducing the need for heating and cooling in the structure. In this numerical study, copper rods are used in a spherical cell to increase heat transfer to PCM (paraffin wax), this examined using enthalpy-porosity combination, ANSYS/FLUENT 16 software. Paraffin wax RT58 has been used as the phase change material. In order to monitor the melting process inside the container, three different configurations have been tested: spherical cells with no copper rods, with four copper rods and with eight coppers rods. It was found that adding copper rods to the container, speeds up the melting process and decreases the amount of time needed to completely melt the PCM. The time needed to complete the melting process is reduced by 34% and 56% when using four copper rods and eight copper rods, respectively. The higher the number of rods used, the faster the melting rate, this finding of advantage to energy and thermal storage applications.
Evaluating the Impact of On-Chip Centre-Tapped Symmetrical Inductor in the Design of Cross-coupled Oscillators.
Authors: S Shruthi , Lakshminarayana C , G Poornima 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Oscillators are an integral part of many analog, digital, mixed-signal circuits used in signal/clock generators, PLL, and power clock generators. Cross-coupled LC oscillators are preferred more due to their low-phase noise characteristics. The objective of the proposed paper is to analyse the impact of on-chip Inductor characteristics on the design of the cross-coupled NMOS, PMOS, and CMOS oscillators for oscillation frequency 2.23GHz using an on-chip symmetrical inductor available in gpdk45nm technology with inductance 5nH and capacitance 1.02024pF. For analysis, two variations of inductors are used namely, Ind_A with \({R}_{i}=40.5\mu\) and N=5 and Ind_B with \({R}_{i}=22.5\mu\) and N=7. The proposed circuit preferred PMOS-CAP over NMOS-CAP to obtain large capacitance for the same width and supply voltage. The design and simulations are carried out in the cadence tool in 45nm technology. The inductor characteristics such as self-resonating frequency (SRF), quality factor(Q), bandwidth (BW) parasitic resistance (\({R}_{P})\) and capacitance (\({C}_{P})\) are extracted from the simulation. The simulation result shows that the inductor Ind_B has a higher quality factor, higher parasitic capacitance, lower SFR, and lower parasitic resistance than Ind_A. the oscillators incorporated Ind_B have higher output voltage swing, lower phase noise and higher Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) % than the oscillators incorporated Ind_A. In layout design, the whole circuit is designed within dimensions 200µx150µ, the dimension of Ind_A is 152.4µx146µ and Ind_B is 134.4µx128µ respectively. Parasitic resistance is reduced by using multiple metal layers alternatively. Hence, the post-layout results have variation less than 4% compared to pre-layout results.
Overexpressed amyloid precursor protein, and its C-terminal fragment, augment mitochondrial dysfunction in kidney and adipose tissues in a diet-induced obesity model
Authors: Delport Alexandré , Ally Ebrahim , Maharaj Shantal , Hewer Raymond 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Amyloid precursor protein (APP) overexpression, and its induced mitochondrial dysfunction, is correlated with tissue stress or damage. The βC-terminal fragment (CTF) of APP has also been implicated in mitochondrial dysfunction however its overproduction in stressed or damaged tissue has rarely been reported. Here, we used long-term high fat diet exposure to inflict whole-body stress in a rodent model and evaluated APP and APP-βCTF level in a panel of tissues. We report that APP level was significantly increased by >2-fold in white adipose tissue and kidney tissue whereas liver and brain tissue levels remained unchanged. We report a significant increase in APP-βCTF level of 3-fold in visceral white adipose tissue and 0.8-fold in kidney tissue. Excess APP and APP-βCTF accumulated in the mitochondria from both adipose and kidney tissues and correlated with a significant reduction of complex I and IV enzyme activity of 53-78% and 70-90%, respectively, suggesting mitochondrial impairment. Lastly, our obese mice experienced elevated creatinine level suggesting initial kidney impairment which may explain the increase of APP in this tissue. Overall, APP upregulation, and a correlated increase in APP-βCTF, as causative agents of mitochondrial impairment, can occur in adipose and kidney tissue in a diet-induced obesity model.
Enhancing Food Security in a Changing Climate: Evaluating Yield Performance and Trait Correlations of Experimental Double Cross Maize Hybrids in Zimbabwe
Authors: Maziriri Nyasha , Mutimaamba Charles , Marowa Prince 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Maize (Zea mays L.) is a cornerstone crop for global food security, yet smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe face formidable challenges due to climate change impacts and the prohibitive costs of maize seeds. This study assessed the grain yield and yield components of experimental double cross maize hybrids (DCH) derived from diverse heterotic combinations, while also exploring correlations between yield and its components. The field experiment which was conducted at Tocek Investments research field in Harare, Zimbabwe comprised of 156 treatments which were laid in an Alpha (0.1) lattice design with two replications. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed across various traits. ENT 156 (a single cross commercial check) recorded the highest yield of 16.21 t/ha. This yield was however not significantly different from the yield recorded in ENT 142, ENT 41, ENT 32, and ENT 63. These 4 were all DCH hybrids with yields of 15.1 t/ha, 15 t/ha, 15 t/ha and 14.5 t/ha respectively. Additionally, ENT 63 (DCH) exhibited the highest number of kernels per row (NKR) at 42, while ENT 32 (DCH) recorded the highest number of kernel rows per cob (NKRC) at 15.5. However, no significant differences were detected for the number of ears per plant (NEP) among genotypes. Positive and significant genotypic correlation of grain yield with CL, NKRC, NKR, AD and SD serve as reliable indicators and selecting for them in double cross maize hybrid populations may lead to a substantial improved grain yield. It revealed that such traits strongly influenced grain yield. The genotypic correlation coefficients exhibited greater magnitudes for the majority of the traits in relation to grain yield than the phenotypic correlation coefficients. These findings underscore the potential of high-yielding DCH hybrids in addressing food insecurity among smallholder farmers. It is recommended that further validation of these hybrids under actual farming conditions be conducted to verify their performance and guide adoption strategies, thus offering a promising pathway towards enhanced agricultural resilience in the face of climate change.
Selenium nanoparticles ameliorate lumbar disc degeneration by restoring GPX1-mediated redox homeostasis and mitochondrial function of nucleus pulposus cells
Authors: He Wei , Tian Xin , Zhou Quan , Lv Jiaheng , Li Yangfeng , Jin Chenyang , Liu Hao , Yang Huiling , Xu Yong , He Fan , Liu Tao 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is a prevalent musculoskeletal disorder that involves the excessive accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), resulting in mitochondrial dysfunction and matrix metabolism imbalance in nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs). Selenium, an indispensable trace element, plays a crucial role in maintaining mitochondrial redox homeostasis by being incorporated into antioxidant selenoproteins as selenocysteine. In this study, we employed a straightforward synthesis method to produce selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) with consistent size and distribution, and evaluated their potential protective effects in ameliorating IVDD. In a simulated inflammatory environment induced by interleukin-1beta (IL-1β) in vitro, SeNPs demonstrated a protective effect on the matrix synthesis capacity of NPCs through the up-regulation of aggrecan and type II collagen, while concurrently suppressing the expression of matrix degradation enzymes including MMP13 and ADAMTS5. Additionally, SeNPs preserved mitochondrial integrity and restored impaired mitochondrial energy metabolism by activating glutathione peroxidase1 (GPX1) to rebalance redox homeostasis. In a rat lumbar disc model induced by puncture, the local administration of SeNPs preserved the hydration of nucleus pulposus tissue, promoted matrix deposition, and effectively mitigated the progression of IVDD. Our results indicate that the enhancement of GPX1 by SeNPs may offer a promising therapeutic approach for IVDD by restoring mitochondrial function and redox homeostasis.
Artificial Insemination of Mud Crab, Scylla olivacea
Authors: Foroutan Behnam , kongsa Theera , Kanjanasopa Duangkhaetita , Withyachumnarnkul Boonsirm , Pongtippatee Pattira 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Aiming at solving the problem of crablet production for mud crab commercial farming, an artificial insemination (AI) method in the mud crab, Scylla olivacea, was described. Placing a pair of cathodes to the inner coxa of both sides of the first pair of the pleopod and an anode to the inner abdominal flab upon the hind gut of sexually mature S. olivacea males and applying 5–6 V of DC current for 3–5 sec induced sperm mass expulsion. The sperm mass, comprising several spermatophores containing > 108 sperm/mL, was inserted into the vagina of the newly molted S. olivacea female. Out of 50 female trials, 10 of them developed ovarian maturation within 45 days, and 3 of these 10 crabs spawned. At full maturation of the ovary, needle aspiration of the ovarian tissue examined under light microscopy revealed approximately 50% mature oocytes with elevated fertilization membrane, suggesting successful fertilization. Histological and ultrastructural studies of the spermatheca revealed numerous sperm with acrosome reaction (AR) within its lumen, suggesting fertilization potential of the artificially inseminated sperm. Histologically, the mature ovary at 45 days following AI were composed of mature oocytes surrounded by numerous sperm with AR, suggesting sperm migration from the spermatheca into the ovarian tissue. This study reveals a high possibility of using AI for S. olivacea that could lead to the commercial supply of the crablets and a new insight into the internal fertilization of this economic species.
Diffusion Pattern Mining
Authors: Yan Qian , Yang Yulan , Yin Kai , Gan Ting , Huang Hao 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

In a diffusion network, some nodes exhibit similar diffusion patterns as they have analogous influence reachabilities to the other nodes. When these nodes are selected as initially infected nodes, they tend to yield similar infection results. Mining diffusion patterns of nodes is of practical significance in various applications, such as online marketing and epidemic prevention. Nonetheless, few existing work has effectively addressed this problem. In this work, we investigate how to find out which nodes in a diffusion network share similar diffusion pattern based only on historical infection results. Towards this, we first reconstruct the structure of influence relationships in the network, and then infer the infection propagation probability on each influence relationship, based on which the influence reachability of each node can be estimated. We present a diffusion pattern similarity metric to quantify the similarity of influence reachabilities, and group nodes that share similar influence reachabilities via hierarchical clustering. Extensive experimental results on both synthetic and real-world networks verify the effectiveness and efficiency of our approach.
Attribute reduction based on a rapid variable granular ball generation model
Authors: Sun Ke , Huang Bing , Wang Tianxing , Li Huaxiong , Wang Xin 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Attribute reduction is a key step in processing large-scale datasets, where the Granular Ball Neighborhood Rough Set (GBNRS) can significantly enhance the performance of attribute reduction compared to the traditional Neighborhood Rough Set (NRS). However, the GBNRS algorithm faces such challenges as a sharp increase in computational costs in high-dimensional spaces. To address these issues, this study introduces a new granular ball quality index to judge the separability degree of decision classes, and on the basis of this index, a rapid variable granular ball generation model (RVGBGM) is proposed. Compared with GBNRS, RVGBGM has the following advantages: 1) it reduces the number of granular balls and can quickly reflect the separability degree of different decision classes with few granular balls, 2) it constructs granular balls by using label information and shortens the time of granular ball construction, and 3) it can adjust the radius of granular balls adaptively by using parameters to determine the optimal granular ball radius for different datasets. Finally, we compare the RVGBGM algorithm with classical attribute reduction algorithms and the current state-of-the-art granular ball algorithm on 11 datasets. The proposed algorithm significantly improves algorithm efficiency while maintaining high accuracy.
Unraveling the Key Factors Governing O2 Evolution upon Charging a Reversible LiOH-based Nonaqueous Li-O2 Battery
Authors: LIU Tao , Tang Linbin , Li Junjian , Gao Zongyan , Lou Xuechun , Wen Yujie , Chen Junchao , Zhu Zhexuan , Zhou Lina , Chen Zuofeng , Zhao Hongying , Li Tong , Peng Luming , Li Fengting 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Achieving a highly reversible 4e−/O2 oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is an essential yet highly challenging task for nonaqueous LiOH-based Li-O2 batteries, as the kinetically sluggish OER tend to entangle with competing parasitic reactions, whose origins unfortunately remain largely elusive. Here we construct a highly reversible LiOH-based Li-O2 battery using FeCoNi LDH catalysts and tetramethylene sulfone electrolytes. We show that the decomposition of LiOH toward O2 evolution involves the formation of *OH, *HO2− and *H2O2 species but no 1O2. The electrophilic attack of the electrolyte by *OH and the carbon corrosion by LiOH at potentials beyond 3.5 V are primary causes of the irreversibility. We demonstrate that these side reactions can be considerably suppressed by optimizing the solvent | catalyst | electrical conductor interfaces. Our work highlights key strategies for promoting reversible LiOH decomposition via the 4e−/O2 OER, paving the ways towards long-life LiOH-based nonaqueous Li-O2 batteries.