bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Groundwater in southwestern Buenos Aires, Argentina: conditioning factors of the phreatic sandy aquifer for the supply to the town of Médanos
Authors: Rey Matías , Ruffo Andrés Gabriel 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Groundwater quality and quantity are critical issues in semi-arid regions, where it often serves as the sole water source. The study area is located in the Villarino district, Buenos Aires, Argentina, featuring a dune chain with high infiltration capacity, leading to variable hydrochemical conditions. The town of Médanos relies on a phreatic aquifer within this eolian dune chain for its supply, with water quality being influenced by well location and depth, with the occasional presence of undesirable ions. This study aims to determine the hydrogeological conditions and limitants of the aquifer in the area, using well surveys, in-situ measurements, physicochemical analyses, and electrical resistivity tomographies (ERT). Results indicate a hydrochemical stratification, with low salinity water lens overlying more saline water. Groundwater conductivity varies, with lowest values in central and southwestern preferential recharge areas and higher values near discharge zones. Chloride content follows a similar pattern. Saturated thicknesses of fresh water, determined by means of ERTs, vary significantly, revealing potential paleochannels that could act as preferential zones for future wells. Analysis of existing pumping fields shows that well location and depth critically affect water yield and quality. The Mascota pumping field, with the highest fresh water saturated thickness, provides the best water quality and yield, while Las Escobas field faces issues of low yield (due to low saturated thickness) and interference among wells. This emphasizes the importance of these kind of studies for the strategic well placement and depth to improve water supply quality and sustainability for the town of Médanos.
Maternal and infant health literacy status and influencing factors in pregnant women in Chongqing, China: a cross-sectional study
Authors: yang hong , Zhang Ling , Ren Li , Huang Ping , Huang Guihua , Li Haiyan , Tan Jing , Xu Xiaoyan , Wu Lichang , Cao Lixian , Yang Xuemei 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Maternal and infant health literacy (MIHL) has an important impact on the health of mothers and infants. This study aimed to investigate the level of MIHL and its influencing factors in pregnant women in Chongqing.
Methods
This cross-sectional study collected data between September 2023 and December 2023. Three hospitals with high cooperation and 150 to 200 participants were selected from each district. The proportion of samples in the first, second, and third trimesters was 1:1:1. A sociodemographic questionnaire was used to investigate the demographic and obstetric characteristics, and the level of MIHL was measured using a maternal and child health literacy questionnaire. Binomial logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the effects of demographic and obstetric factors on the level of MIHL.
Results
A total of 1025 women participated in this study. The proportion of pregnant women with MIHL was 7.9%, with a higher level in the essential knowledge dimension. However, there was no significant difference in the level of MIHL in the three subscales (P = 0.070). Furthermore, there was no significant difference in the level of MIHL in different trimesters (P = 0.058), but with a higher level in the first trimester (9.94%) and a lower level in the second trimester (5.19%). Higher educational level (OR = 3.611, 95%CI = 1.489–8.755), worries about the effect of pregnancy on work (OR = 1.899, 95%CI = 1.172–3.078), and attendance at pregnancy school (OR = 3.153, 95%CI = 1.625–6.116) were favorable factors for the level of MIHL. Participants from town groups (OR = 0.264, 95CI = 0.159–0.439), ethnic minorities (OR = 0.213, 95CI = 0.075–0.607), and abnormal results of prenatal screening (OR = 0.288, 95CI = 0.087–0.953) were risk factors for the level of MIHL.
Conclusions
The MIHL among pregnant women was at low level in Chongqing, and it was positively associated with higher educational level, worries about the effect of pregnancy on work, and attendance at pregnancy school, but was negatively associated with living in town groups, ethnic minorities, and abnormal results of prenatal screening. Based on this evidence, future research could improve the level of MIHL among pregnant women.
CANDI: A Web Server for Predicting Molecular Targets and Pathways of Cannabis-Based Therapeutics
Authors: Ekambaram Srinivasan , Wang Jian , Dokholyan Nikolay V. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background:
Cannabis sativa with a rich history of traditional medicinal use, has garnered significant attention in contemporary research for its potential therapeutic applications in various human diseases, including pain, inflammation, cancer, and osteoarthritis. However, the specific molecular targets and mechanisms underlying the synergistic effects of its diverse phytochemical constituents remain elusive. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for developing targeted, effective cannabis-based therapies.
Methods:
To investigate the molecular targets and pathways involved in the synergistic effects of cannabis compounds, we utilized DRIFT, a deep learning model that leverages attention-based neural networks to predict compound-target interactions. We considered both whole plant extracts and specific plant-based formulations. Predicted targets were then mapped to the Reactome pathway database to identify the biological processes affected. To facilitate the prediction of molecular targets and associated pathways for any user-specified cannabis formulation, we developed CANDI (Cannabis-derived compound Analysis and Network Discovery Interface), a web-based server. This platform offers a user-friendly interface for researchers and drug developers to explore the therapeutic potential of cannabis compounds.
Results:
Our analysis using DRIFT and CANDI successfully identified numerous molecular targets of cannabis compounds, many of which are involved in pathways relevant to pain, inflammation, cancer, and other diseases. The CANDI server enables researchers to predict the molecular targets and affected pathways for any specific cannabis formulation, providing valuable insights for developing targeted therapies.
Conclusions:
By combining computational approaches with knowledge of traditional cannabis use, we have developed the CANDI server, a tool that allows us to harness the therapeutic potential of cannabis compounds for the effective treatment of various disorders. By bridging traditional pharmaceutical development with cannabis-based medicine, we propose a novel approach for botanical-based treatment modalities.
Fabrication of helical flutes on the micro-drill surface by micro-EDM using composite disc foil electrodes
Authors: Xu Bin , Liu Weitong , Lian Manqun , Lei Jianguo , Wu Xiaoyu , Fu Lianyu , Zhao Chunyang , Zhang Canbin 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Micro-drills have been widely used in the micro-hole machining of printed circuit boards. The helical flutes are the key feature of the micro-drills, and play an important role in chip discharge. Precision grinding is the most popular technology for machining the spiral flutes in micro-drills. Grinding is a contact machining technology, which means that a grinding force is inevitably generated during the process. When the diameter of the micro-drill is minimal (Φ ≤ 100 µm), the grinding force can easily cause deformation or even fracture of the micro-drill, leading to a decreased yield. Focusing on the above problem, this paper proposed to apply micro-EDM for machine the helical flute structure on the surface of micro-drill using a beryllium-copper-tin composite disc foil electrode (CDFE). Micro-EDM is a kind of non-contact machining, which can effectively avoid the disadvantage of grinding the helical flute of micro-drill. Through an orthogonal experiment, the effect of the rotation velocity of the CDFE, machining voltage and pulse duration ratio on the machining quality of the helical flute was analyzed in detail. Finally, with 4000 r/min CDFE rotation velocity, 24 V machining voltage, 1 µs pulse duration and 3 µs pulse interval, a helical flute structure with a surface roughness Ra of 0.381 µm was successfully machined on the surface of micro-drill with a diameter of 70 µm.
On the Effectiveness of the `Follow-the-Sun' Strategy in Mitigating the Carbon Footprint of AI in Cloud Instances
Authors: Vergallo Roberto , Cruz Luís , Errico Alessio , Mainetti Luca 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

''Follow-the-Sun'' (FtS) is a theoretical computational model aimed at minimizing the carbon footprint of computer workloads. It involves dynamically moving workloads to regions with cleaner energy sources as demand increases and energy production relies more on fossil fuels. With the significant power consumption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) being a subject of extensive debate, FtS is proposed as a strategy to mitigate the carbon footprint of training AI models. However, the literature lacks scientific evidence on the advantages of FtS to mitigate the carbon footprint of AI workloads. In this paper, we present the results of an experiment conducted in a partial synthetic scenario to address this research gap. We benchmarked four AI algorithms in the anomaly detection domain and measured the differences in carbon emissions in four cases: no strategy, FtS, and two strategies previously introduced in the state of the art, namely Flexible Start and Pause and Resume. To conduct our experiment, we utilized historical carbon intensity data from the year 2021 for seven European cities. Our results demonstrate that the FtS strategy not only achieves average reductions of up to 14.6% in carbon emissions (with peaks of 16.3%) but also helps in preserving the time needed for training.
A blockchain cross-chain transaction scheme based on atomic swap
Authors: Tian Hongliang , Li Zuoqing , Lei Jin , Huang Guangtao , Li Meiruo 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Poor privacy and low efficiency of cross-chain transactions are significant problems in the existing blockchain cross-chain schemes. A blockchain cross-chain transaction scheme based on atomic swap is proposed to solve these problems. The matching of cross-chain transactions is achieved by the cross-chain smart contract RCSC deployed on the relay chain. The RS algorithm is constructed by combining the ring signature algorithm with the sharding mechanism to realize the user information hiding. The off-chain storage of cross-chain transaction data is implemented through the IPFS, and the verification of transaction data is completed by SPV lightweight nodes. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed scheme can effectively protect the anonymous information of both parties in the transaction. The efficiency of the signature and asset verification phase is significantly improved, and the performance of cross-chain transactions is also enhanced.
Pozzolanic Cement-Sand Mortar with Graphene Oxide nano-sheet: An Experimental Study on Strength, Durability and Microstructural Properties
Authors: Biswas Surajit , Hossain Sk. Aakash , Mandal Saroj 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Graphene oxide (GO) is a recently developed 2D, single-layered carbon-based nano-material. It has garnered much attention in the scientific community as a reinforcing agent in cementitious composites. In the present work, it has been found that the morphology of cement mortar with Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC) has been modified, and thus the mechanical and durability qualities have been enhanced. With 0.03% of GO addition, the maximum fluidity of the PPC-based mortar was lowered by 18% compared to the control. With the addition of 0.04% GO, the mechanical parameters, such as compressive strength, split tensile strength, and flexural strength, of mortar enhanced by 12%, 22%, and 32%, after 28 days of curing, respectively. It was also observed that the inclusion of GO in mortar decreased the rate of water absorption and RCPT values and thus boosted the resistance to acid assaults. By using XRD, FESEM, and EDS analysis, it was possible to determine the morphological enhancement of cement-sand mortar with GO caused by the development of new hydration products.
Chromosome-Level Genome Assembly Unveils the Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Disease Resistance in Ulmus parvifolia
Authors: Lyu Yun-Zhou , Sun Hai-Nan , Yan Rui-Chang , Shi Jiang-tao , Huang Li-Bin , Wang Gang , Dong Xiao-Yun , Xing Wei 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

The absence of a comprehensive genome assembly for Ulmus parvifolia hinders advancements in scientific research and practical breeding efforts, ultimately affecting the cultivation of elm varieties with enhanced resistance to diseases. In this study, we presented a high-quality chromosome-level genome assembly of U. parvifolia by integrating various sequencing approaches. We discovered that the U. parvifolia genome is more than twice the size of Ulmus americana, primarily due to the large-scale amplification of long terminal repeat (LTR) retrotransposons. Phylogenetic analysis positioned U. parvifolia in a closer evolutionary relationship with Moraceae, followed by Cannabaceae, Rhamnaceae, and Rosaceae. Notably, gene families associated with disease resistance and immune response were significantly expanded in U. parvifolia, pointing to an adaptive evolution to various biotic and abiotic stresses. Chromosomal evolution analysis indicated a possible whole-genome triplication event in the evolutionary history of U. parvifolia. To study the differing susceptibility of U. parvifolia and U. americana to Dutch elm disease, we inoculated both elms with Ceratocystis ulmi and performed comparative transcriptomes analyses at 48, 96, and 144 hours post-inoculation. The results showed that several plant defense and immune response pathways were more highly expressed in U. parvifolia at 48 and 96 hours post-inoculation, implying a potential genetic basis for its higher resistance to Dutch elm disease. Our study represents an advancement in the genomic understanding of U. parvifolia, and especially sheds light on the genetic underpinnings of disease resistance in elms, and provides a foundation for future research into elm breeding for disease resistance and conservation efforts.
Impaired ketogenesis in Leydig Cells drives testicular aging
Authors: Xiang Andy Peng , Liu Congyuan , Peng Hao , Yu Jiajie , Chen Hong , Luo Peng , Ma Yuanchen , Ou Wangsheng , Zhang Suyuan , Yang Cuifeng , Fan Hang , Zhao Lerong , Zhang Yuchen , Guo Xiaolu , Ke Qiong , Wang Tao , Deng Chunhua , Li Weiqiang , Xia Kai 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Testicular aging commonly leads to testosterone deficiency and impaired spermatogenesis, yet the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Here, a comprehensive analysis of senescence landscapes in mice testes during aging revealed that the Leydig cells (LCs) are particularly vulnerable to aging processes. Single-cell RNA sequencing identified the expression of Hmgcs2 (3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA synthetase 2), the gene encoding the rate-limiting enzyme of ketogenesis, decreased significantly in LCs from aged mice. Additionally, the concentrations of ketone bodies β-hydroxybutyric acid (BHB) and acetoacetic acid (AcAc) in the young testes were substantially higher than that in serum, but significantly diminished in aged testes. Silencing of Hmgcs2 in young LCs resulted in decreased ketone body production, which in turn drived LCs senescence and accelerated testicular aging. Mechanically, BHB acted as an endogenous inhibitor of histone deacetylase 1 to upregulate the expression of Foxo3a by promoting histone acetylation, thereby mitigating LCssenescence and promoting testosterone production. Consistently, enhanced ketogenesis by genetic manipulation or oral BHB supplementation alleviated LCs senescence and ameliorated testicular aging in aged mice. These findings highlight defective ketogenesis as a pivotal factor in testicular aging, suggesting novel therapeutic avenues for addressing age-related testicular dysfunction.
Chromogranin A Deficiency Attenuates Tauopathy by Altering Epinephrine–Alpha-Adrenergic Receptor Signaling
Authors: Mahata Sushil , Jati Suborno , Munoz-Mayorga Daniel , Shahabi Shandy , Tang Kechun , Tao Yuren , Dickson Dennis , Litvan Irene , Ghosh Gourisankar , Chen Xu 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Metabolic disorders such as insulin resistance and hypertension are potential risk factors for aging and neurodegenerative diseases. These conditions are reversed in Chromogranin A knockout (CgA-KO) mice. This study investigates the role of CgA in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and corticobasal degeneration (CBD). CgA ablation in tauopathy mice (hTau) (CgA-KO/hTau) exhibited reduced tau aggregation, spreading, extended lifespan, and improved cognitive function. Transcriptomic and metabolite analysis of mouse cortices revealed altered alpha1-adrenergic receptors (Adra1) and high epinephrine (EPI) levels in hTau mice compared to WT mice, mirroring observations in AD and CBD patients. CgA-KO/hTau mice exhibited a reversal of EPI levels in the cortex and the expression of Adra1, nearly returning them to WT levels. Treatment of hippocampal slices with EPI or Adra1 agonist intensified, while an Adra1 antagonist inhibited tau hyperphosphorylation and aggregation. These findings highlight the interplay between the EPI-Adra signaling system and CgA in tauopathy.
Determination of both the expression and serum levels of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGFβ1) genes in SARS-CoV- 2 Running title: SARS coronavirus-2 and EGF- TGFβ1
Authors: Gülhan Pınar Yıldız , Eröz Recep , Öztürk Cihadiye Elif , Yekenkurul Dilek , Altınsoy Hasan Baki , Balbay Ege Güleç , Erçelik Merve , Davran Fatih , Yıldız Şeyma 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Aim: We aimed to evaluate the effects of both the expression and serum levels of Epidermal growth factor (EGF) and Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) genes that can lead to fibrosis SARS-CoV-2, which has different degrees of cellular damage as mild, moderate, severe, and critical illness.
Method: Totally 45 individuals (male:21(46.67%); female:24(53.33%)) with COVID-19 infection were included in this study. Four groups were constituted as mild (n=16)], moderate(n=10), severe(n=10), and critical(n=9) according to the severity of the disease. Blood samples were drawn from the patients, and hemograms, EGF and TGFβ1 gene expression, and serum levels were evaluated.
Results: The mean age of individuals was 57.311±18.383 (min:28, max:94). Significant differences were found among the groups for PLT (χ 2=9.955; p=0.019), CRP (χ 2=7.693; p=0.053), Ferritin (χ 2=22.196; p<0.001), D-dimer (χ 2=21.982; p=0.000), LDH (χ 2=21.807; p<0.001) and all these parameters (exclude PLT in severe groups) was increased depending on the severity of the disease. Additionally, significant differences were detected for EGF (χ 2=29.528; p<0.001), TGFB1 (χ 2=28.981; p<0.001) expression (that increased depending on the disease severity), and EGF(χ 2=7.84; p=0.049), TGFB1 (χ 2=17.451; p=0.001) serum concentration levels (that decreased depending on the disease severity).
Conclusion: This study found statistically significant differences for both EGF 2-ΔΔCt. TGFβ1 2-ΔΔCt and EGF, TGFβ1 serum concentration values among all patient groups. As disease severity increased, EGF 2-ΔΔCt. TGFβ1 2-ΔΔCt levels increased, while EGF and TGFβ1 serum concentration levels decreased. Perhaps this study will be useful in managing COVID-19 infection severity and pulmonary fibrosis cases secondary to COVID-19.
Development And Method Validation Of An Anti-Viral Drug Sofosbuvir And Its Formulation
Authors: Doshi Ankit Dinesh 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background: For the purpose of measuring sofosbuvir, a number of sensitive, quick, and easy analytical techniques, including RP-HPLC and UV-visible spectrophotometry, have been developed and validated. This study provides comprehensive information on stability, outlining all the scientific steps involved, from choosing the solvent, buffer, and wavelength needed to using appropriate parameters and creating standard solutions.
Through experimentation, it was found that a 30:70 ratio of 0.01 M KH2PO4 to acetonitrile pH 3.0 (containing ortho phosphoric acid) was the best mobile phase for analysis. Maximum absorbance was also found at 264 nm in wavelength. Following that, the best analytical development method was verified in accordance with ICH recommendations for linearity, accuracy, precision, and ruggedness, and outstanding results were obtained from all requirements.
Result: The results showed that the linearity ranged from 5 to 25 µg mL, the intraday to intraday precision percentage ranged from 0.7477 to 0.8299, and the recovery percentage at 100% accuracy was found to be 0.208%.
Conclusion: In conclusion, the approach utilized for analytical development and validation has proven to be very dependable, cost-effective, and repeatable. It has the potential to enhance and improve the quality control division of pharmaceutical companies.
A new multidimensional graduate work readiness scale: An exploratory study of its factor structure and reliability
Authors: Peersia Kamini , Rappa Natasha Anne , Perry Laura B. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Graduate work readiness (GWR) has become increasingly important as countries capitalise on skilled workers’ contribution to economic growth. The GWR discourse has matured; however, the literature highlights a need for more conceptual clarity to develop skills and sound measurement tools. This study aimed to devise a new GWR scale to address this discrepancy. It defines a theoretical model as a foundation for developing a GWR scale and uses an exploratory sequential mixed methods design to investigate its underlying factor structure. Phase 1 drew from extant literature to establish a coherent theoretical model with comprehensive definitions. Phase 2, the scale development, started with an extensive item pool development, which labour market stakeholders (n = 17) reviewed. A Bayesian Exploratory Factor Analysis with observations (n = 101) from an employer survey revealed four underlying latent constructs: cognitive, metacognition, interpersonal, and intrapersonal skills. Reliability tests indicate good instrument internal consistency. This paper provides initial evidence of a multidimensional GWR scale and its psychometric properties. For reproducibility and generalisability, further studies can determine the validity of this hypothetical factor structure and investigate the relationships between factors.