bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Wdr5-H3K4me3 epigenetic axis regulates pancreatic tumor immunogenicity and immune suppression
Authors: Deng Kaidi , Liang Liyan , Yang Yingcui , Wu Yanmin , Li Yan , Zhang Rongrong , Sheng Guannan , Tian Yulin , Lu Chunwan 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

The WDR5/MLL1-H3K4me3 epigenetic axis is often activated in both tumor cells and tumor-infiltrating immune cells to drive various cellular response in the tumor microenvironment and extensively studied in hematopoietic cancer, but its respective functions in tumor cells and immune cells in the context of tumor growth regulation of solid tumor is still incompletely understood. We report here that WDR5 exhibits higher expression level in human pancreatic tumor tissues compared with normal pancreas. Moreover, WDR5 expression is negatively correlated with patients’ response to chemotherapy or immunotherapy in human colon cancer and melanoma. However, WDR5 expression is positively correlated with HLA level in human cancer cells and H3K4me3 enrichment is observed at the promoter region of the HLA-A, HLA-B, and HLA-C genes in pancreatic cancer cells. Using mouse tumor cell lines and in vivo tumor models, we determined that WDR5 deficiency or inhibition represses MHC I expression in vitro and in vivo in pancreatic tumor cells. Mechanistically, we determine that WDR5 deficiency inhibits H3K4me3 deposition at the MHC I (H2K1) promoter region to repress MHC I (H2Kb) transcription. On the other hand, WDR5 depletion leads to downregulation of immune checkpoints and immunosuppressive cytokines, including TGFb and IL6, in the pancreatic tumor microenvironments. Our data determine that WDR5 not only regulates tumor cell immunogenicity to suppress tumor growth but also activate immune suppressive pathways to promote tumor immune evasion. Selective activation of the WDR5-MHC I pathway and/or selective inhibition of the WDR5-immune checkpoint and WDR5-cytokine pathways should be considered in WDR5-based epigenetic cancer immunotherapy.
Attribution of high-risk human papillomavirus genotypes in cervical lesions detected in a screening population in Shanxi Province, China
Authors: Shi Ru , QI Wenjuan , Wang Zehua , Cai Jing , Zhao Min , Wang Zanhong 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Objective: To explore the genotype distribution of high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) and the attribution of different grades of cervical lesions to the disease in Shanxi Province and estimate the potential impact of the HPV vaccine on CIN II+ lesions to direct the implementation of successful programs for cervical cancer prevention and management.
Methods: Data from the records of cervical cancer screening programs for rural women in Shanxi Province wereretrospectively collected. Women who underwent primary HPV screeningbetween January 2014 and December 2019 were included. The attribution proportion of specific hrHPV types for different grades of cervical lesions was calculated by using the type contribution weighting and the proportional attribution methods to estimate the potential impact of HPV vaccines on CIN II+ lesions.
Results: CIN II+ lesions were observed mainly with HPV16 (65.85%), HPV18 (10.20%), HPV58 (10.20%), HPV52 (7.98%), HPV31 (4.66%), HPV33 (4.43%), HPV51 (2.22%) and HPV56 (2.22%). A total of 97.42% of all CIN II+ lesions were attributed to HPV16, HPV18, HPV52, HPV58, HPV31, HPV33 and HPV35. A total of 75.4% (95% CI, 71.4-79.4) of CIN II+ lesions were attributable to HPV16/18, and 21.1% (95% CI, 17.4-25.1) were attributable to the 5 additional types (HPV31/33/45/52/58) covered by the 9-valent vaccine.
Conclusions: The prevalence of hrHPV infection among women in Shanxi Province was high, and HPV16, HPV18, HPV58, HPV52, HPV31, HPV33 and HPV35 had the highest attributable fractions of CIN II+ lesions. The type-specific HPV prevalence and attribution proportion of cervical precancerous lesions should be taken into consideration in both clinical management and the design of preventive strategies.
Estimation of Dynamic Soil Properties for Geotechnical Analysis in the Niger Delta Using Index Testing and Empirical Correlations
Authors: Kennedy Charles 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

This study investigated geotechnical properties of subsurface soils from Mbiama town in Rivers State, Niger Delta region through laboratory index testing and development of empirical correlations to estimate dynamic soil parameters. Grain size analyses revealed heterogeneous stratigraphy transitioning from upper clayey sands to lower gravelly sands deposited under changing fluvio-deltaic conditions. Atterberg limits exhibited decreasing plasticity trends with depth confirming the textural variations. Laboratory data conforms to layering architecture inferred from depositional facies analyses. Predictive models were developed relating Standard Penetration Test blow counts (SPT-N) and shear wave velocity (Vs) to depth, moisture content and percentage sand. High regression coefficients validated models' accuracy in reproducing over 90% of field measurements. Factor of safety against liquefaction was correlated to SPT-N, accounting for density-dependent properties. Index-based characterizations aligned well with trends predicted by the empirical correlations. This research demonstrated robust indirect estimation of dynamic geotechnical indices for foundation design and seismic risk analysis in data-scarce Niger Delta through standardized field and laboratory index testing integrated with depositionally-linked predictive models.
Predictors of time to death for children under-five in Mozambique: a survival model using Data from the 2011 and 2022/23 Demographic and Health Surveys
Authors: Xavier Sancho Pedro , Victor Audêncio , Gotine Ana Raquel Manuel , Rondó Patricia Hellen , Silva Ageo Mário Cândido da 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Under-five mortality (U5M) is a critical indicator for assessing the overall health status of a population. Mozambique faces challenges in this area, and understanding risk factors is essential for developing effective interventions. This study aimed to analyze the overall survival of U5M and its predictors in Mozambique.
Methods
The study used data from the Mozambique Demographic and Health Surveys (MDHS) of 2011 and 2022/23. Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier models were applied to determine survival time and identify predictors of death. The Adjusted Hazard Ratio (AHR) with a 95% Confidence Interval (CI) was used to measure the association between the analyzed factors.
Results
In 2011, the U5M rate was 7.3%, and 3.5% within the first year of life. By 2022/23, these rates decreased to 4.8% and 4.0%, respectively. The median age at death was 29.5 months. A significant reduction in the risk of death was observed among female children and those whose mothers had secondary or higher education. Additionally, the risk was lower in children born as the second to fourth child, as well as those living in households with 5 or more members. Conversely, the risk of death was higher in children whose mothers were under 20 years old at first birth, with low birth weight, born very preterm, and those born at home, in the private sector, or other places.
Conclusion
The findings highlight the importance of promoting maternal education and improving health services in Mozambique to reduce U5M rates. Investing in maternal education and prenatal and obstetric care is crucial to enhancing child survival.
Doping Position Estimation for FeRh-based alloys
Authors: Rumiantsev Egor , Khrabrov Kuzma , Tsypin Artem , Peresypkin Nikita , Gimaev Radel , Zverev Vladimir , Eremin Roman , Kadurin Artur 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

FeRh-based alloys have attracted considerable interest for their magnetic phase transitions and significant magnetocaloriceffects. These properties make them promising candidates for fundamental research and practical applications in areasincluding magnetic cooling and targeted drug delivery. A primary concern regarding FeRh-based alloys is Rhodium’s highcost. A potential strategy to alleviate these issues involves partially substituting Rhodium with a transition metal (therebyreducing its concentration within the alloy), as certain substitutions retain the alloy’s magnetocaloric properties. However, evenunder conditions of a particular structural type and without considering competing phases, it is unclear which atom is replacedupon the introduction of a third element. This paper addresses this ambiguity through ab initio calculations. We propose anapproach to predict whether a dopant will replace Fe or Rh, offering insights into the electronic and structural factors influencingsubstitution. Furthermore, we provide a dataset of ab initio calculations on doped FeRh alloys, facilitating future data-drivenmodeling efforts. Our findings contribute to the design of novel alloys for experimental exploration and industrial applications.
Shear resistance of RC members with closed FRP jacket for Eurocode 8
Authors: Biskinis Dionysis , Fardis Michael 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

The shear resistance computed using Annex J of Part 1–1 of Generation 2 of Eurocode 2 – on strengthening of RC members for static loads with externally-bonded Fibre-Reinforced-Polymers (FRPs) – exceeds by about 25% on average the cyclic shear resistance of 64 FRP-jacketed shear-critical RC specimens in the international literature. The semi-empirical cyclic shear resistance approach for FRP-wrapped RC members in Annex A of Part 3 of Generation 1 of Eurocode 8 is in good average agreement with the results of these tests, but conflicts with the rational, mechanics-based approach for shear resistance against static actions in Generation 2 of Eurocode 2, which has already been adopted in Generation 2 of Eurocode 8 for members without FRP jackets, adapted to the specific needs of seismic design. This latter approach is modified and extended to cover RC members with closed FRP jackets in a more technically sound way than in Annex J of Generation 2 of Eurocode 2. The new approach fits the available cyclic test results without bias or lack-of-fit with respect to the key variables controlling cyclic shear resistance, gives slightly better accuracy than the semi-empirical one in Generation 1 of Eurocode 8 and does much better in correctly identifying as not failing in shear FRP-wrapped RC members which have failed in flexure or not failed at all during cyclic testing.
Pain hypersensitivity and increased urinary tetrahydrobiopterin levels in mice submitted to high fat diet
Authors: Eichwald Tuany , Barros Leonardo , Solano Alexandre Francisco , Scheffer Débora da Luz , Menegassi Vivian , Pires Ananda Christina Staats , Spivakoski Camila Sartor , Silva Rodrigo A. Foganholi , Gaspar Joana Margarida , Ronsoni Marcelo Fernando , Latini Alexandra 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to examine the impact of high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity on pain sensitivity and tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) levels. The effect of moderate-intensity physical exercise, an anti-inflammatory non-pharmacological intervention, on pain scores was also investigated.
Methods: Adult male C57BL/J6 mice were fed standard or HFD for eight weeks. Total body weight, food intake, locomotor and motivational behavior and pain reflexes were measured. A subgroup of animals underwent physical exercise for five days per week over six weeks. Blood was collected for glucose tolerance testing and levels of lactate. Urine samples were collected to measure BH4 levels.
Results: We showed that HFD increased weight gain, visceral white adipose tissue, and the percentage of body fat. These anthropometric alterations were characterized by impaired glucose tolerance at four and eight weeks of the dietary intervention. It was also observed reduced locomotor activity and higher pain scores in HFD-fed mice that were prevented by the physical exercise intervention. HFD also induced the increase of urinary BH4 levels at four and eight weeks of intervention.
Conclusion: Urinary BH4 can be proposed as a potential easy-to-access, sensitive and reliable biomarker of pain development, and a promising target for the control of pain hypersensitivity in obesity.
Development and validation of a tool to measure knowledge and attitudes about traditional male circumcision and the links with HIV transmission in Indonesia
Authors: Asa Gregorius Abanit , Fauk Nelsensius Klau , Gesesew Hailay Abrha , Ward Paul Russell 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Medical male circumcision has been recommended as a strategy for reducing HIV transmission as it is associated with a reduced risk of HIV infection. There is limited evidence on how traditional male circumcision (TMC) practice including risky sexual behaviours following the cultural practice may lead to HIV transmission although it remained practiced in low middle-income countries as a rite of passage into manhood. TMC practice was shrouded in secrecy and exclusivity leading to health risks including HIV transmission and challenge for health intervention programs. Given the absence of validated tools to measure knowledge and attitude on TMC and HIV transmission, the purpose of this study was to develop and validate a validated tool on knowledge and attitude on TMC and HIV transmission among the Indonesian general population.
Methods
This study was conducted among Indonesian men irrespective of their circumcision status. The questionnaire was developed from the literature review and then underwent a series of validation including content validity, face validity, test-retest reliability, and exploratory factor analysis (EFA).
Results
The factor analysis with 140 participants resulted in two factors with a total of 8 items in knowledge domain and 6 items in attitude domain. The Kaiser-Meyer Olkin (KMO) test for the knowledge factor was 0.759, and for the attitude factor was 0.797, with Bartlett’s test of sphericity p-value < 0.001 indicating that the data were suitable to proceed with further factor analysis. The scale content validity index (S-CVI) for knowledge and attitude was 0.83 and 0.89 respectively. The Cronbach alpha value for knowledge was 0.861 and 0.824 for attitude, suggesting good internal consistency. Convergent validity was confirmed by a moderate correlation ranging from r = 0.262 (p ˂ 0.01) to r = 0.703 for knowledge factor, and attitude factor ranging from r = 0.266 (p ˂ 0.01) to r = 0.823 (p ˂ 0.01).
Conclusion
The results provided evidence of validity of the knowledge and attitude towards TMC and HIV transmission among men aged 18 to 49 years regardless of their circumcision status in Indonesia. The questionnaire is a valid and reliable tool to assess the Indonesian public knowledge and attitude on TMC and HIV transmission.
Combining LoRA to GPT-Neo to Reduce Large Language Model Hallucination
Authors: Huang Shi-han , Chen Chia-yu 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

The deployment of Large Language Models (LLMs) often suffers from generating hallucinations, leading to outputs that appear plausible but are factually inaccurate or nonsensical. Incorporating Low-Rank Adaptation (LoRA) into GPT-Neo presents a novel approach to mitigating these hallucinations by leveraging the efficiency of low-rank approximations. This research details the integration of LoRA into GPT-Neo, demonstrating significant improvements in predictive performance, factual accuracy, and reduction in hallucination rates. The augmented model shows enhanced robustness and efficiency, making it more suitable for applications requiring high accuracy and reliability. Through comprehensive evaluations involving perplexity, BLEU, ROUGE-L scores, and qualitative analysis, the study highlights the augmented model's ability to generate more coherent and contextually appropriate text. The findings demonstrate the potential of LoRA to transform LLM deployment by reducing computational complexity and memory footprint, thus facilitating the use of large-scale models in resource-constrained environments. This advancement opens new possibilities for LLM applications across various domains, ensuring the accuracy and coherence of generated content.
Collaboration of Unplugged and Plugged Activities for Primary School Students: Developing Computational Thinking Skills with Programming
Authors: Fiş Erümit Semra 
Published: June 2024

The study was carried out with 18 primary school students (11 girls, 7 boys) who participated in programming training conducted at a university. In this research, the implementation of programming activities in the whole classroom is a case study. While trying to understand the phenomena during the implementation of the activities in the study, a quasi-experimental design was carried out without a control group in order to determine the changes before and after learning and to investigate the research questions. In this quasi-experimental design, measurements were made both before the implementation (pre-test) and after the implementation (post-test). The results showed that the combination of plugged and unplugged programming activities help improve primary school students' computational thinking skills. At the end of the study, it was concluded that unplugged and plugged activities would be beneficial for primary school students when used together. Further research is needed to evaluate these activities separately, their role in providing the gains, and the students' thoughts about these activities. In addition, the effects of using different teaching methods in programming education can be examined.
Comprehensive analysis of the impacts of climate and land use changes on flood damage (Case study: AqQala, Iran)
Authors: Majidi Arash , Hosseini Seyed Abbas , Nazif Sara , Ghermezcheshmeh Bagher 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT
Population growth, community development, and waste generation impact climate, land use, water resources, and urban heat island effect. This research assesses the impacts of climate and land use changes on flood damage for different return periods (RPs) in AqQala area, Iran. Climate change anticipation is conducted using the CMCC-ESM2 model under shared socioeconomic pathways (SSPs) 126, 370, and 585 of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) sixth assessment report (Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 – CMIP6). The LARS-WG model is used to downscale climatic information, and land use mapping is processed through Landsat satellite images in ENVI 5.3. The Markov chain method is implemented for 2050 and 2080 via TerrSet. Hydrographs and inundation maps are generated by the Autodesk Storm and Sanitary Analysis (SSA) and Hydrologic Engineering Center's River Analysis System (HEC-RAS) models. Results show an increase in average annual precipitation (up to 46%) and temperatures (up to 3.39 °C) under different SSP scenarios until 2080. The result indicates that land use changes are more significant than climate change. Peak flood discharge and damages could escalate by 38 and 29%, respectively, in the worst-case scenario. Eco-friendly design and implementation are crucial for improving the situation.
Reviving indigenous technology for promoting the concept of failsafe design in building climate-resilient weirs for irrigation
Authors: Parajuli Umesh Nath 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT

The existence of indigenous technologies and knowledge bases that could be invaluable to responding to climate change is widely appreciated. This article focuses on one such indigenous technology of a bounder and brushwood diversion weir designed to divert water from the source river to its off-taking canal for irrigation. Of its several functions, this article first analyses its little-known designed function to enable it to failsafe and then documents such functions from the perspective of basic science. This article suggests that modern irrigation infrastructure can also be built to be climate-resilient to cope with unanticipated floods by adopting the concept of failsafe design. This article then presents a couple of conceptual frameworks of failsafe designs for water diversion weirs. This article is based on literature reviews, short case studies, and written reflections gathered through earlier studies in Nepal and elsewhere over the last 40 years.
Mouse Model of Low-density Lipoprotein Desialylation In Vivo
Authors: Kashirskikh Dmitry , Chicherina Nelya , Glanz Victor , Orekhov Alexander , Sobenin Igor 
Published: June 2024

Background:
Atherosclerosis is a chronic disease characterized by the increased
infiltration and retention of LDL particles in arterial walls. There are several
mechanisms underlying atherogenesis, with the pro-atherogenic modifications of LDL
playing a significant role. One such modification of native LDL is desialylation, which
is characterized by the removal of terminal sialic acid from ApoB-100 glycans that induces
critical changes in the overall functionality of the LDL particle.

Aims:
The aim of this study was to model the desialylation of native LDL in mice, resembling
a phenomenon previously observed in atherosclerotic patients.

Objective:
LDL desialylation was induced in C57BL/6J mice via the injection of exogenous
neuraminidase. The degree of LDL desialylation and its duration were assessed.
The impact of LDL desialylation on blood lipid levels was evaluated. Furthermore, the
morphological alterations in the aorta during LDL desialylation in the bloodstream were
examined.

Method:
The control group of C57BL/6J mice received saline injections, while the experimental
group underwent a single injection of IgG-conjugated Vibrio cholerae neuraminidase.
The LDL sialic acid levels were assessed 1-7 days post-injection using the
Warren method and normalized to total protein content measured via the Lowry method.
A similar protocol was followed for the subchronic administration of the IgG-neuraminidase
conjugate over a 6-week period. The blood lipid profiles were analyzed using commercial
kits. The atherosclerotic plaque burden in the mouse aorta was quantified using
Oil Red O and hematoxylin-eosin staining.

Result:
A single administration of 20 mU IgG-neuraminidase conjugate resulted in decreased
LDL sialic acid levels for 5 days, gradually recovering by days 6-7. Subchronic
administration maintained reduced LDL sialic acid levels for up to 2 months. Notably,
sustained LDL desialylation was associated with elevated LDL cholesterol levels.

Conclusion:
A sustained desialylation of LDL in C57BL/6J mice was achieved through
subchronic administration of IgG-conjugated neuraminidase. This study provides an approach
for sustained LDL desialylation in mice. Further studies using apolipoprotein E
knockout mice and LDL desialylation will reveal the role of this process in the occurrence
and development of atherosclerosis.