bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Profiles of objective and subjective cognitive function in Post-COVID Syndrome, COVID-19 recovered, and COVID-19 naïve individuals
Authors: Bland A. R. , Barraclough M. , Trender W. R. , Mehta M. A. , Hellyer P. J. , Hampshire A. , Penner I. K. , Elliott R. , Harenwall S. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractPost-COVID Syndrome has emerged as a significant public health concern worldwide with increasing evidence to suggest that individuals who have had an acute COVID-19 infection report lingering memory and attention difficulties, even in individuals who have fully recovered and no longer experiencing symptoms of COVID-19. The present study sought to investigate the profile of objective and subjective cognitive difficulties in people who have Post-COVID Syndrome, people who have fully recovered from an acute COVID infection and people who have never had COVID-19. We further sought to explore the extent to which self-reported fatigue and stress are related to subjective and objective cognitive difficulties. 162 participants including 50 people living with Post-COVID Syndrome, 59 people who have had COVID-19 but have fully recovered and 53 people who have never experienced symptoms of COVID-19 and had never tested positive for COVID-19 were recruited from Academic Prolific to complete a series of online questionnaires and neurocognitive tasks. Subjective cognitive function was measured using the Cognitive Failures Questionnaire and objective cognitive function was measured using the Cognitron cognitive test battery. We found that objective and subjective measures of cognitive function were not significantly related, suggesting that self-reports of “brain fog” are not reflecting objectively measured cognitive dysfunction. A MANOVA revealed that subjective cognitive deficits were driven by heightened perceived stress and fatigue and not significantly related to COVID-19 status. Objective cognitive function, however, was significantly related to perceived stress and COVID status whereby we observed significant objective cognitive deficits in people who have been exposed to an acute COVID-19 infection regardless of whether they had Post-COVID Syndrome or had fully recovered, as compared to people who had never had COVID-19. This suggests that an acute infection can have long term effects on cognitive function, even without persistent COVID-19 symptoms. Encouragingly, objective cognitive function was significantly associated with time since initial infection showing that cognitive deficits improved over time for people who had recovered from COVID-19. However, we did not observe the same improvement in individuals with Post-COVID Syndrome and observed that cognitive dysfunction was significantly related to the number of neurological symptoms presently experienced. These results add to the accumulating literature that COVID-19 is associated with significant cognitive difficulties following a COVID-19 infection, which appear to improve over time for those who have recovered from COVID-19 yet persist in people living with Post-COVID Syndrome.
Synthesis and characterization of flame retardant unsaturated polyester-allyloxysilane resin for wood coatings
Authors: Mohammadi Dehcheshmeh Iman , Poursattar Marjani Ahmad , Sadegh Fatemeh , Soltani Mohammad Ebrahim , Safaeirad Mohammad , Frediani Marco 
Published: June 2024

AbstractFireproof coatings are the simplest, most efficient, and oldest method for protecting a wide range of flammable products, such as wood. Furthermore, surface ignition is the initial phase, so surface protection is essential to reduce fire propagation. Furthermore, delaying the spread of flames can help to save someone when a fire starts. This project synthesized flame-resistant resin starting from tetraallyloxysilane monomer as a halogen-free monomer, an intrinsic flame retardant co-curing agent. The following step synthesized polyester resin using terephthalic acid as a heat-resistant resin. Unsaturated polyester was used by bulk radical polymerization. FT-IR and 1H-NMR analysis showed the successful synthesis of the desired monomer and polymeric compound. The thermal degradation and flame retardancy of pure unsaturated polyester resin (UPE) and allyloxysilane-unsaturated polyester (AUPE) were investigated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA/DTG/DSC). The burning test and the thermal stability of the coating layers were evaluated using standard UL 94. Physical properties of resins were evaluated using Heat Deflection Temp tests (HDT) ISO 75-A, ASTM 648, Hardness ASTM D2583, Volumetric shrinkage ASTM 3521, and Water absorption ASTM D570. The results of the tests show the successful synthesis and their flame retardant properties.
Paleoproteomic identification of the species used in fourteenth century gut-skin garments from the archaeological site of Nuulliit, Greenland
Authors: Cucina Annamaria , Schmidt Anne Lisbeth , Di Gianvincenzo Fabiana , Mackie Meaghan , Dove Carla , Jakobsen Aviâja Rosing , Grønnow Bjarne , Appelt Martin , Cappellini Enrico 
Published: June 2024

AbstractUntil recently, the identification of the species of origin for skin and fur materials used in the production of archaeological clothing has been based on the analysis of macro- and microscopic morphological features and on the traditional knowledge of Indigenous groups. This approach, however, is not always applicable due to the deterioration of the archaeological objects. Paleoproteomics was used as an alternative approach to identify the species of origin of fifteen samples of various tissues from approximately 600-year-old garments found in Nuulliit, northern Greenland. Proteomics revealed that a limited group of marine and terrestrial mammals were used for clothing production. The results obtained from the analysis of multiple types of clothing and elements, such as sinew thread and gut skin, suggest that their applications were based on their properties. When conclusive assignment of a sample to a species via proteomics was not possible, the observation by transmitted light microscopy of feather and hair micromorphology, if not affected by diagenesis, was used to improve the identification. The proteomic characterization of animal materials used for clothing production in the Nuulliit archaeological context provides an insight into the practical knowledge and the strategies adopted by the local Indigenous community to exploit natural resources.
U-shaped association between serum calcium and in-hospital mortality in diabetes patients with congestive heart failure: a cohort study
Authors: Zhang Kai , Zhang Tianqi , Lv Qian Yu , Han Yu , Cai Tianyi , Gu Fang ming , Gu Zhao xuan , Zhao Jia Yu , liang Jia Ying , Gao Min , Gao Ya Fang , Hu Rui , Cui Dan , Li Bo , Liu Kexiang 
Published: June 2024

AbstractPrevious studies have reported that the significant association between serum calcium and mortality substantially in patients, especially among those with intensive care unit (ICU). And In diabetes mellitus, congestive heart failure (CHF) is a significant comorbidity. We aim to evaluate the association between serum calcium levels and in-hospital mortality among patients with diabetes and congestive heart failure. The participants in this study were extracted from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV (MIMIC-IV) database. To scrutinize potential associations between serum calcium levels and in-hospital mortality, a comprehensive analysis encompassing multivariate logistic regression, cubic spline function model, threshold effect analysis, and subgroup analysis was performed. This retrospective cohort study encompassed 7063 patients, among whom the in-hospital mortality stood at 12.2%. In the multivariate logistic regression, adjusted odds ratios (ORs) were contrasted with the reference category Q6 (8.8–9.1 mg/dL) for serum calcium levels and in-hospital mortality. The adjusted ORs for Q1 (≤ 7.7 mg/dL), Q2 (7.7–8 mg/dL), and Q7 (≥ 9.1 mg/dL) were 1.69 (95% CI 1.17–2.44, p = 0.005), 1.62 (95% CI 1.11–2.36, p = 0.013), and 1.57 (95% CI 1.1–2.24, p = 0.012) respectively. The dose–response analysis uncovered a U-shaped relationship between serum calcium levels and in-hospital mortality in diabetic patients with heart failure. Subgroup analyses confirmed result stability notwithstanding the influence of diverse factors. Our investigation revealed a U-shaped correlation between serum calcium levels and in-hospital mortality in diabetes patients with congestive heart failure, pinpointing a significant inflection point at 9.05 mg/dL.
Human mobility description by physical analogy of electric circuit network based on GPS data
Authors: Zhong Zhihua , Takayasu Hideki , Takayasu Misako 
Published: June 2024

AbstractHuman mobility in an urban area is complicated; the origins, destinations, and transportation modes of each person differ. The quantitative description of urban human mobility has recently attracted the attention of researchers, and it highly related to urban science problems. Herein, combined with physics inspiration, we introduce a revised electric circuit model (RECM) in which moving people are regarded as charged particles and analogical concepts of electromagnetism such as human conductivity and human potential enable us to capture the characteristics of urban human mobility. We introduce the unit system, ensure the uniqueness of the calculation result, and reduce the computation cost of the algorithm to 1/10,000 compared with the original ECM, making the model more universal and easier to use. We compared features including human conductivity and potential between different major cities in Japan to show our improvement of the universality and the application range of the model. Furthermore, based on inspiration of physics, we propose a route generation model (RGM) to simulate a human flow pattern that automatically determines suitable routes between a given origin and destination as a source and sink, respectively. These discoveries are expected to lead to new approaches to the solution of urban science problems.
Associations of lifestyle characteristics with circulating immune markers in the general population based on NHANES 1999 to 2014
Authors: Guo Linfen , Huang Yating , He Jing , Li Deng , Li Wei , Xiao Haitao , Xu Xuewen , Zhang Yange , Wang Ru 
Published: June 2024

AbstractLifestyles maybe associated with the immune and inflammatory state of human body. We aimed to comprehensively explore the relationship between lifestyles and circulating immune-inflammatory markers in the general population. Data from NHANES 1999–2014 was used. Lifestyle factors included leisure-time physical activity (LTPA), diet quality (Healthy Eating Index-2015, HEI-2015), alcohol consumption, cigarettes smoking, sleep hour and sedentary time. Immune makers included C-reactive protein (CRP), neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (NLR), systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), platelet–lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and monocyte–lymphocyte ratio (MLR). Generalized linear regression models were used to adjust confounders. Regressions of restricted cubic splines were utilized to evaluate the potentially non-linear relationships between exposures and outcomes. As results, HEI was negatively associated with CRP (P < 0.001), SII (P < 0.001), and NLR (P < 0.001). Cigarettes per day was positively associated with CRP (P < 0.001), SII (P < 0.001), and NLR (P = 0.008). Alcohol consumption was negatively associated with CRP (P < 0.001), but positively associated with PLR (P = 0.012) and MLR (P < 0.001). Physical activity was negatively associated with CRP (P < 0.001), SII (P = 0.005), and NLR (P = 0.002), but positively associated with PLR (P = 0.010). Participants with higher healthy lifestyle score had significantly lower CRP, SII and NLR (all P values < 0.05). Most of the sensitivity analyses found similar results. In conclusion, we found significant associations between lifestyles and immune markers in the general population, which may reflect a systemic inflammatory response to unhealthy lifestyles.
Investigating clinical pharmacokinetics of brivaracetam by using a pharmacokinetic modeling approach
Authors: Qayyum Attia , Zamir Ammara , Rasool Muhammad Fawad , Imran Imran , Ahmad Tanveer , Alqahtani Faleh 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe development of technology and the processing speed of computing machines have facilitated the evaluation of advanced pharmacokinetic (PK) models, making modeling processes simple and faster. The present model aims to analyze the PK of brivaracetam (BRV) in healthy and diseased populations. A comprehensive literature review was conducted to incorporate the BRV plasma concentration data and its input parameters into PK-Sim software, leading to the creation of intravenous (IV) and oral models for both populations. The developed physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model of BRV was then assessed using the visual predictive checks, mean observed/predicted ratios (Robs/pre), and average fold error for PK parameters including the maximum systemic concentration (Cmax), the area under the curve at time 0 to t (AUC0–∞), and drug clearance (CL). The PBPK model of BRV demonstrated that mean Robs/pre ratios of the PK parameters remained within the acceptable limits when assessed against a twofold error margin. Furthermore, model predictions were carried out to assess how AUC0–∞ is affected following the administration of BRV in individuals with varying degrees of liver cirrhosis, ranging from different child–pugh (CP) scores like A, B, and C. Moreover, dose adjustments were recommended by considering the variations in Cmax and CL in various kidney disease stages (mild to severe).
Higher-contrast images are better remembered during naturalistic encoding
Authors: Brook Limor , Kreichman Olga , Masarwa Shaimaa , Gilaie-Dotan Sharon 
Published: June 2024

AbstractIt is unclear whether memory for images of poorer visibility (as low contrast or small size) will be lower due to weak signals elicited in early visual processing stages, or perhaps better since their processing may entail top-down processes (as effort and attention) associated with deeper encoding. We have recently shown that during naturalistic encoding (free viewing without task-related modulations), for image sizes between 3°–24°, bigger images stimulating more visual system processing resources at early processing stages are better remembered. Similar to size, higher contrast leads to higher activity in early visual processing. Therefore, here we hypothesized that during naturalistic encoding, at critical visibility ranges, higher contrast images will lead to higher signal-to-noise ratio and better signal quality flowing downstream and will thus be better remembered. Indeed, we found that during naturalistic encoding higher contrast images were remembered better than lower contrast ones (~ 15% higher accuracy, ~ 1.58 times better) for images at 7.5–60 RMS contrast range. Although image contrast and size modulate early visual processing very differently, our results further substantiate that at poor visibility ranges, during naturalistic non-instructed visual behavior, physical image dimensions (contributing to image visibility) impact image memory.
Combined oral low-dose cyclophosphamide endocrine therapy may improve clinical response among patients with metastatic breast cancer via Tregs in TLSs
Authors: Zhao Yuze , Wang Shuo , Lv Shuzhen , Liu Xiaojun , Li Weiping , Song Yuguang , Rong Dongwen , Zheng Peiming , Huang Hongyan , Zheng Huixia 
Published: June 2024

AbstractDespite limited research on refractory and/or endocrine therapy failure in elderly metastatic breast cancer (MBC) patients, a prior study showed that low-dose oral cyclophosphamide (CY) can improve the overall survival rate of MBC patients, possibly through the immunoregulation of regulatory T cells (Tregs). We preliminarily investigated the combination of endocrine therapy (ET) with oral low-dose CY as salvage therapy in elderly patients via peripheral blood regulatory T-cell analyses. In addition, we evaluated the associations of tumor tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs) with therapeutic outcomes. HR+/HER2− advanced breast cancer patients who received low-dose CY combined with ET or ET only from April 2015 to August 2021 were enrolled in this retrospective study. The primary outcome was the clinical control rate (CCR), and the secondary outcome was progression-free survival (PFS). Circulating T lymphocyte subpopulations represented by Tregs were monitored during treatment by flow cytometry methods. TLSs wereconfirmed by hematoxylin–eosin staining of pretreatment specimens, and CD3, CD4, and Foxp3 were detected using Opal multicolor immunofluorescence. A total of 85 patients who received CY + ET and 50 patients who received ET only were enrolled, the percentage of patients who received CCR was 73% (62/85) vs. 70% (45/50), and the objective response rate (ORR) was 28% (24/85) vs. 24% (12/50). No deaths occurred during the study period. The mean PFS time was 13 vs. 11 months (P = 0.03). In the CY + ET group, decreases in CD4+/CD25+/Foxp3+ T cells (P < 0.001) were favorable for both clinical control and prolonged PFS (P < 0.001). Compared with patients without TLSs, those with TLSs were more likely to have better clinical control and PFS (mean time = 6 months), and a greater number of Treg cells during TLS pretreatment correlated with longer PFS (P = 0.043). Oral low-dose CY combined with standard ET exerts immunological effects by decreasing Treg levels to achieve improved clinical responses. Moreover, patients with TLSs might benefit more from such therapy than those without TLSs, and a high Treg cell count in TLSs before treatment predicts better therapeutic efficacy.
Bottom sediments as an indicator of the restoration potential of lakes—a case study of a small, shallow lake under significant tourism pressure
Authors: Kowalczewska-Madura Katarzyna , Dunalska Julita A. , Kutyła Sebastian , Kobus Szymon 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe study covered a small, shallow lake, intensively used for recreation (sailing, tourist services and port infrastructure). This study aimed to determine the spatial differentiation of bottom sediments and the potential for phosphorus release in five zones, differing mainly in the type of recreation, depth, direct catchment management, shoreline management and macrophyte presence. The results were used to propose protective and restoration measures to improve the water quality of the studied lake. The innovation in the study was the detailed analysis of bottom sediments, which can be a significant source of pollution besides the external load from the catchment and tourist pressure, in the planned management of this ecosystem. Examination of the physicochemical properties of the bottom sediments showed a clear variation in both composition and potential for internal phosphorus loading. The sediments from the profundal zone, where the most boating activity was observed, together with the sediments from the shallow zone where the boats dock (mooring zone), had the highest potential to supply phosphorus to the bottom waters. This fact was demonstrated by the highest total phosphorus (TP) concentrations in sediments (up to 1.32 mgPg−1 DW) and the content of the most mobile fractions (up to 33%). The other zones associated with the marina, fuel zone, tributary and canal were not significant sources of phosphorus to the ecosystem. Based on the above results, a restoration method involving the removal of bottom sediments from the bottom zone was proposed, supported, of course, by protective measures in the catchment (maintaining a buffer zone around the lake and limiting the inflow of pollutants with tributary waters). The proposed measures with sustainable tourist pressure should improve water quality and thus contribute to protecting this valuable natural landscape.
Enhanced control strategy for photovoltaic emulator operating in continuously changing environmental conditions based on shift methodology
Authors: Harrison Ambe , Ullah Safeer , Alombah Njimboh Henry , Bajaj Mohit , Mbasso Wulfran Fendzi , Iqbal Sheeraz , Tuka Milkias Berhanu 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThis article investigates an inventive methodology for precisely and efficiently controlling photovoltaic emulating (PVE) prototypes, which are employed in the assessment of solar systems. A modification to the Shift controller (SC), which is regarded as a leading PVE controller, is proposed. In addition to efficiency and accuracy, the novel controller places a high emphasis on improving transient performance. The novel piecewise linear-logarithmic adaptation utilized by the Modified-Shift controller (M-SC) enables the controller to linearly adapt to the load burden within a specified operating range. At reduced load resistances, the transient sped of the PVE can be increased through the implementation of this scheme. An exceedingly short settling time of the PVE is ensured by a logarithmic modification of the control action beyond the critical point. In order to analyze the M-SC in the context of PVE control, numerical investigations implemented in MATLAB/Simulink (Version: Simulink 10.4, URL:https://in.mathworks.com/products/simulink.html) were utilized. To assess the effectiveness of the suggested PVE, three benchmarking profiles are presented: eight scenarios involving irradiance/PVE load, continuously varying irradiance/temperature, and rapidly changing loads. These profiles include metrics such as settling time, efficiency, Integral of Absolute Error (IAE), and percentage error (epve). As suggested, the M-SC attains an approximate twofold increase in speed over the conventional SC, according to the findings. This is substantiated by an efficiency increase of 2.2%, an expeditiousness enhancement of 5.65%, and an IAE rise of 5.65%. Based on the results of this research, the new M-SC enables the PVE to experience perpetual dynamic operation enhancement, making it highly suitable for evaluating solar systems in ever-changing environments.
Experimental and numerical evaluation of the dust suppression efficiency of an innovative vortex pneumatic fog screen dust control device
Authors: Ren Shuaishuai , Jing Deji , Ge Shaocheng , Chen Yinuo , Meng Xiangxi , Chang Ping 
Published: June 2024

AbstractTo effectively control the dust generated by coal mining operations, a new type of cyclonic pneumatic mist curtain dust control device was developed. Using CFD software, numerical simulations were conducted on the internal airflow velocity field, the exit velocity of the cyclonic pneumatic mist curtain, and the mist droplet particle field of the curtain. Experiments were carried out to measure the spray coverage, droplet size, and the dust control performance of the model device. The results indicate that when the water pump supply pressure is 8 MPa, the fan supply wind speed is 12 m/s, and the nozzle installation angle is 75 degrees, the cyclonic pneumatic mist curtain dust control device model operates under optimal conditions. The effective coverage of the cyclonic mist curtain is 380 × 3300 mm, fully suppressing dust generation on one side of the curtain. An optimal dust removal distance of about 90 cm was determined. After installing the cyclonic pneumatic mist curtain dust control device, the average dust reduction efficiency for respirable dust reached 91.07%, and the overall dust reduction efficiency achieved 93.34%.