bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A study of the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms of the endoplasmic reticulum aminopeptidase 2 (ERAP2) gene and the risk of ankylosing spondylitis in Egyptians
Authors: Mesahel Randa Mohamed Ibrahim , Fotoh Dina Salem , Hadhoud Mahmoud Mohammed , Ali Assar Mohamed Farag 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is often regarded as the prototypical manifestation of spondylo-arthropathies that prevalently involves the axial skeleton with the potential attribution of ERAP2 polymorphisms to AS predisposition. The purpose of this study was to determine the genetic association between ERAP2 gene rs2910686, and rs2248374 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and the risk of ankylosing spondylitis in the Egyptian population.

Methods and results
A cross-sectional work involved 200 individuals: 100 AS individuals diagnosed based on modified New York criteria in 1984 with 100 healthy controls matched in age and gender. The study included a comprehensive evaluation of historical data, clinical examinations, and evaluation of the activity of the disease using the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI). A comprehensive laboratory and radiological evaluation were conducted, accompanied by an assessment and genotyping of the ERAP2 gene variants rs2248374 and rs2910686. This genotyping was performed utilizing a real-time allelic discrimination methodology.Highly statistically substantial variations existed among the AS patients and the healthy control group regarding rs2910686 and rs2248374 alleles. There was a statistically significant difference between rs2910686 and rs2248374 regarding BASDAI, BASFI, mSASSS, ASQoL, V.A.S, E.S.R, and BASMI in the active AS group.

Conclusions
ERAP2 gene SNPs have been identified as valuable diagnostic biomarkers for AS patients in the Egyptian population being a sensitive and non-invasive approach for AS diagnosis especially rs2910686. Highly statistically significant variations existed among the AS patients and the healthy control group regarding rs2910686 alleles and genotypes.Further research is recommended to explore the potential therapeutic implications of these SNPs.
Downregulation of miR-29a as a possible diagnostic biomarker for schizophrenia
Authors: Khosroshahi Parya Alizadeh , Ashayeri Hamidreza , Ghanbari Mohammad , Malek Ayyoub , Farhang Sara , Haghi Mehdi 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are epigenetic factors regulating many genes involved in brain development. Dysregulation of miRNA could result in dysregulation of genes which may contribute to diseases affecting the brain and behavior (e.g., schizophrenia). miR-29 family is a miRNA family contributing to brain maturation. miR-29 knockout in animal studies is reported to correlate with psychiatric disorders very similar to those seen in schizophrenia. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the miR-29a level in patients with schizophrenia and its potential value in the diagnosis of schizophrenia.

Materials and methods
The serum sample of 42 patients with schizophrenia and 40 healthy subjects were obtained from the Azeri Recent onset/Acute phase psychosis Survey (ARAS) Cohort study. After preparations, the expression level of miR-29a was investigated by real-time PCR. The SPSS and GraphPad prism software were used to analyze the relation between miR-29a level and clinical parameters and its potential as a biomarker for the diagnosis of schizophrenia.

Results
Our study showed a significantly lower miR-29a level in patients compared to healthy controls (p = 0.0012). Furthermore, miR-29a level was significantly lower in some types of schizophrenia (p = 0.024). miR-29a level was not related to sex, age, or heredity (p > 0.05). miR-29a also showed 80% specificity and 71.43% sensitivity in the diagnosis of schizophrenia.

Conclusion
Downregulation of miR-29a in schizophrenia is significantly related to the development of this illness. It might have the potential as a biomarker for schizophrenia.
Electrically conductive gold films formed by sintering of gold nanoparticles at room temperature initiated by ozone
Authors: Summers Paige K. , Wuhrer Richard , McDonagh Andrew M. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractUnderstanding and controlling the sintering behaviour of gold nanoparticles is important in the field of ligand-protected nanoparticles for their use as precursors for thin film fabrication. Lowering the temperature of the sintering event of gold nanoparticles by facilitating desorption of the ligand through oxidation can provide compatibility of sintered gold nanoparticle thin films onto heat-sensitive substrates. Here we examine the processes by which 1-butanethiol-protected gold nanoparticles sinter under an ozone-rich environment. Upon heating, an ozone-rich environment significantly reduces the temperature of the sintering event when compared to sintering under ambient conditions. At room temperature, exposure to an ozone-rich environment induces sintering over a period of 2.5 h. Upon exposure to ozone, the surface-bound butanethiol ligands are oxidised to 1-butanesulfonic acid which facilitates sintering.
Organic matter decomposition in mountain peatlands: effects of substrate quality and peatland degradation
Authors: Jayasekara Charuni , Leigh Catherine , Shimeta Jeff , Silvester Ewen , Grover Samantha 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background and Aims
Peatlands occupy only 3% of Earth’s terrestrial lands but store about one-third of global soil carbon. However, these large carbon stocks are currently under threat due to peatland degradation, where altered hydrological balance could enhance peat oxidation; thus releasing large amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere. We investigated the interactive effects of substrate quality, peat depth and peatland degradation on the decomposition rate of organic matter in peatlands by way of a field incubation experiment.

Methods
We incubated high-quality fresh peat and a lower-quality degraded peat substrate at three different depths (5, 15, and 30 cm) in two (intact and degraded) mountain peatlands for 18 months. Our results indicated that there is a significant interactive effect of substrate quality, peat depth, and peatland type on the peat decomposition rate.

Results
The fresh peat showed significantly higher decomposition rates than the degraded peat substrate, likely due to the high percentage of bioavailable carbon in the fresh moss substrate. In the degraded peatland, fresh peat at 30 cm showed no mass loss during the incubation period, likely due to the high-water table creating anaerobic conditions. The fresh peat incubated in the intact peatland showed a higher decomposition rate than the same substrate incubated in the degraded peatland due to the comparatively lower water table in the intact peatland.

Conclusions
Our findings indicate that the quality of the substrate being decomposed and the depth of the water table act as the main factors affecting the decomposition rate in mountain peatlands.
Telephone follow-up as a substitute for standard out-clinic follow-up in CPAP therapy for obstructive sleep apnea patients: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Wolsing Sofie Krogh , Frølund Jannie Christina , Dalgård Christine , Hilberg Ole , Gantzhorn Eline 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Purpose
This study assessed the feasibility of telephone follow-up consultations (TC) using an online data sharing and editing function (Airview™), as alternative to standard out-clinic follow-up consultations (SC) on adherence to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients. Furthermore, we investigated compliance to follow-up consultations and examined potential influencing factors, including baseline AHI (apnea–hypopnea-index), age, and distance from home to the hospital on consultation compliance.

Methods
Two hundred OSA patients, with AHI $$\ge$$
≥
5 were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive TC or SC with follow-up after one month and 12 month of CPAP initiation. Adherence goal was defined as achieving $$\ge$$
≥
4 h of CPAP use daily in 70% of the days in a 365-days period.

Results
The proportion of participants achieving CPAP adherence was non-significantly lower in the TC group compared to the SC group (TC: 30% versus SC: 36%, adjusted OR 0.84, p = 0.59). Of participants who completed the study, the TC group had a significant average of 107 min less use of CPAP compared to the SC group (p = 0.048). However, a higher proportion of participants was compliant to consultations in the TC group. The only influencing factor found was increasing baseline AHI, which might be a predictor for compliance to consultations and adherence to CPAP therapy.

Conclusion
TC might serve as substitute for SC in some part of the OSA population. If TC becomes a part of CPAP therapy management, it is important to consider patient characteristics and treatment-related issues to prevent decline in adherence.
Cross-Cultural Insights from Two Global Mental Health Studies: Self-Enhancement and Ingroup Biases
Authors: Kotera Yasuhiro , Ronaldson Amy , Hayes Daniel , Hunter-Brown Holly , McPhilbin Merly , Dunnett Danielle , Jebara Tesnime , Takhi Simran , Masuda Takahiko , Camacho Elizabeth , Bakolis Ioannis , Repper Julie , Meddings Sara , Stergiopoulos Vicky , Brophy Lisa , De Ruysscher Clara , Okoliyski Michail , Kubinová Petra , Eplov Lene , Toernes Charlotte , Narusson Dagmar , Tinland Aurélie , Puschner Bernd , Hiltensperger Ramona , Lucchi Fabio , Miyamoto Yuki , Castelein Stynke , Borg Marit , Klevan Trude Gøril , Meng Roger Tan Boon , Sornchai Chatdanai , Tiengtom Kruawon , Farkas Marianne , Jones Hannah Moreland , Moore Edith , Butler Ann , Mpango Richard , Tse Samson , Kondor Zsuzsa , Ryan Michael , Zuaboni Gianfranco , Elton Dan , Grant-Rowles Jason , McNaughton Rebecca , Harcla Claire , Vanderplasschen Wouter , Arbour Simone , Silverstone Denise , Bejerholm Ulrika , Powell Candice , Ochoa Susana , Garcia-Franco Mar , Tolonen Jonna , Yeo Caroline , Charles Ashleigh , Jepps Jessica , Simpson Adelabu , Kellermann Vanessa , Todowede Olamide , Asher Laura , Murakami Michio , Hopkins Liza , Jahau Ngurzoi , Arakawa Naoko , Scanferla Elisabetta , Henderson Claire , Slade Mike 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThis commentary highlights two cross-cultural issues identified from our global mental health (GMH) research, RECOLLECT (Recovery Colleges Characterisation and Testing) 2: self-enhancement and ingroup biases. Self-enhancement is a tendency to maintain and express unrealistically positive self-views. Ingroup biases are differences in one’s evaluation of others belonging to the same social group. These biases are discussed in the context of GMH research using self-report measures across cultures. GMH, a field evolving since its Lancet series introduction in 2007, aims to advance mental health equity and human rights. Despite a 16.5-fold increase in annual GMH studies from 2007 to 2016, cross-cultural understanding remains underdeveloped. We discuss the impact of individualism versus collectivism on self-enhancement and ingroup biases. GMH research using concepts, outcomes, and methods aligned with individualism may give advantages to people and services oriented to individualism. GMH research needs to address these biases arising from cross-cultural differences to achieve its aim.
Lung adenocarcinomas without driver genes converge to common adaptive strategies through diverse genetic, epigenetic, and niche construction evolutionary pathways
Authors: Gatenby Robert A. , Luddy Kimberly A. , Teer Jamie K. , Berglund Anders , Freischel Audrey R. , Carr Ryan M. , Lam Amanda E. , Pienta Kenneth J. , Amend Sarah R. , Austin Robert H. , Hammarlund Emma U. , Cleveland John L. , Tsai Kenneth Y. , Brown Joel S. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractSomatic evolution selects cancer cell phenotypes that maximize survival and proliferation in dynamic environments. Although cancer cells are molecularly heterogeneous, we hypothesized convergent adaptive strategies to common host selection forces can be inferred from patterns of epigenetic and genetic evolutionary selection in similar tumors. We systematically investigated gene mutations and expression changes in lung adenocarcinomas with no common driver genes (n = 313). Although 13,461 genes were mutated in at least one sample, only 376 non-synonymous mutations evidenced positive evolutionary selection with conservation of 224 genes, while 1736 and 2430 genes exhibited ≥ two-fold increased and ≥ 50% decreased expression, respectively. Mutations under positive selection are more frequent in genes with significantly altered expression suggesting they often “hardwire” pre-existing epigenetically driven adaptations. Conserved genes averaged 16-fold higher expression in normal lung tissue compared to those with selected mutations demonstrating pathways necessary for both normal cell function and optimal cancer cell fitness. The convergent LUAD phenotype exhibits loss of differentiated functions and cell–cell interactions governing tissue organization. Conservation with increased expression is found in genes associated with cell cycle, DNA repair, p53 pathway, epigenetic modifiers, and glucose metabolism. No canonical driver gene pathways exhibit strong positive selection, but extensive down-regulation of membrane ion channels suggests decreased transmembrane potential may generate persistent proliferative signals. NCD LUADs perform niche construction generating a stiff, immunosuppressive microenvironment through selection of specific collagens and proteases. NCD LUADs evolve to a convergent phenotype through a network of interconnected genetic, epigenetic, and ecological pathways.
Present Trends Discontinued: A Response to Bethamie Horowitz’s 2023 Marshall Sklare Award Address
Authors: Kelner Shaul 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBethamie Horowitz was a leader of the social–psychological turn in the social scientific study of American Jewry. The 1990s were ripe for such a turn. Structural stability enabled analysts to assume “present trends continued.” Today, unsettled times are drawing attention back to the macro-level structural forces shaping the contexts in which Jews live.
Acoustic impedance prediction based on extended seismic attributes using multilayer perceptron, random forest, and extra tree regressor algorithms
Authors: Surachman Lutfi Mulyadi , Abdulraheem Abdulazeez , Al-Shuhail Abdullatif , Kaka Sanlinn I. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractAcoustic impedance is the product of the density of a material and the speed at which an acoustic wave travels through it. Understanding this relationship is essential because low acoustic impedance values are closely associated with high porosity, facilitating the accumulation of more hydrocarbons. In this study, we estimate the acoustic impedance based on nine different inputs of seismic attributes in addition to depth and two-way travel time using three supervised machine learning models, namely extra tree regression (ETR), random forest regression, and a multilayer perceptron regression algorithm using the scikit-learn library. Our results show that the R2 of multilayer perceptron regression is 0.85, which is close to what has been reported in recent studies. However, the ETR method outperformed those reported in the literature in terms of the mean absolute error, mean squared error, and root-mean-squared error. The novelty of this study lies in achieving more accurate predictions of acoustic impedance for exploration.
Project VoLL-KI
Authors: Kohlhase Michael , Berges Marc , Grubert Jens , Henrich Andreas , Landes Dieter , Leidner Jochen L. , Mittag Florian , Nicklas Daniela , Schmid Ute , Sedlmaier Yvonne , Ulbrich-vom Ende Achim , Wolter Diedrich 
Published: May 2024

Abstract“Learning from Learners” (“Von Lernenden Lernen”, “VoLL-KI ” for short) is a is collaborative research project with the goal of creating a practical toolbox of instruments at different levels of abstraction to improve the learning experience and outcomes for students of artificial intelligence.Learning and teaching at tertiary education institutions are currently IT-based but not AI-supported. The VoLL-KI project aims to go this crucial next step.Using AI approaches (e.g., ML, symbolic AI, statistical AI), several educational technologies are developed on the different granularity of the study programs (e.g., course, semester, program). So, dashboards for study planning, recommender systems improving student advisory services and learning material selection, VR-based learning experiences, educational chatbots, and adaptive learning environments are developed. The systems are mostly deployed as prototypes
GPT-4 in Education: Evaluating Aptness, Reliability, and Loss of Coherence in Solving Calculus Problems and Grading Submissions
Authors: Gandolfi Alberto 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
In this paper, we initially investigate the capabilities of GPT-3 5 and GPT-4 in solving college-level calculus problems, an essential segment of mathematics that remains under-explored so far. Although improving upon earlier versions, GPT-4 attains approximately 65% accuracy for standard problems and decreases to 20% for competition-like scenarios. Overall, the models prove to be unreliable due to common arithmetic errors.
Our primary contribution lies then in examining the use of ChatGPT for grading solutions to calculus exercises. Our objectives are to probe an in-context learning task with less emphasis over direct calculations; recognize positive applications of ChatGPT in educational contexts; highlight a potentially emerging facet of AI that could necessitate oversight; and introduce unconventional AI benchmarks, for which models like GPT are untrained. Pertaining to the latter, we uncover a tendency for loss of coherence in extended contexts. Our findings suggest that while the current ChatGPT exhibits comprehension of the grading task and often provides relevant outputs, the consistency of grading is marred by occasional loss of coherence and hallucinations. Intriguingly, GPT-4's overall scores, delivered in mere moments, align closely with human graders, although its detailed accuracy remains suboptimal.
This work suggests that, when appropriately orchestrated, collaboration between human graders and LLMs like GPT-4 might combine their unique strengths while mitigating their respective shortcomings In this direction, it is imperative to consider implementing transparency, fairness, and appropriate regulations in the near future.
Techno economic analysis of the production of potato powder applying potato starch purification system in Japan
Authors: Sato Nagohira , Shimizu Naoto , Nakajima Mitsutoshi 
Published: May 2024

AbstractTo implement the technology for producing potato powder, significant investment is required. This study evaluated the techno-economic feasibility of the dried potato powder production process, based on a scenario developed in a starch plant process in Japan. The simulation was performed with SuperPro Designer® software. The annual production volume and the unit production cost were estimated to be 15,786,585 kg and 1056 Japanese yen/kg, respectively. According to economic evaluation indicators—the gross margin, return on investment, payback time, internal rate of return, and net present value (at a 7% interest rate)—the scenario was profitable and investment worthwhile. A sensitivity analysis was conducted to evaluate the impact of the variable parameters (the purchasing price of raw potatoes, the selling price of potato powder, and labor and electricity costs) on the net present value (at the 7% interest rate). The analysis suggested that the purchasing price of raw potatoes and the selling price of potato powder had particularly large impacts on the net present value.
Assessment of climate change impact on inflows to Amandara headwork using HEC-HMS and ANNs
Authors: Hassaan Haider Ali , Rauf Ateeq Ur , Ghumman Abdul Razzaq , Khan Saba , Aamir Erum 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThis research has assessed the impact of climate change on temperature, precipitation, and inflows to the Amandara headwork in Pakistan. Trend Analysis using the Mann–Kendall test and Innovative Trend Analysis has been performed. Rainfall-runoff modeling is executed using the Hydrological Engineering Centre-Hydrological Modeling System (HEC-HMS) and Artificial Neural Networks including Feed Forward Neural Network, Conjugate Gradient, Two-layer Backpropagation Neural Network, and Broyden Fletcher-Goldfarb-Shanno. Mean daily hydro-meteorological data (1992 to 2023) was utilized for this study in which 70% was employed for calibration while the remaining 30% was used for validation of the model. Two GCMs namely CSIROMk3-6–0 and HadGEM2-ES with four Representative Concentration Pathways; RCP 2.6, 4.5, 6.0, and 8.5, were employed for future forecasting of temperature and precipitation. This future predicted data was then used to forecast flows up to 2050 by HEC-HMS. The performance of the models was assessed using correlation coefficient (R), Root Mean Square Error, Mean Bias Error, and Nash Sutcliffe Efficiency. Significant patterns in the runoff and temperature with no trend in precipitation were found. GCMs showed an increase in the range of 3–9 °C in temperature, 300 to 500 mm in precipitation, and 45 to 54% in peak flows.
Assessment of the characteristics of COVID-19 infection among healthcare personnel working in long-term care facilities
Authors: Mansoor Armaghan-e-Rehman , O’Neil Caroline A. , McDonald David , Fraser Victoria J. , Babcock Hilary M. , Kwon Jennie H. ,   for the CDC Prevention Epicenters Program
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Between May and June 2021, healthcare personnel at two long-term care facilities underwent SARS-CoV-2 anti-nucleocapsid immunoglobulin G testing and completed a survey on COVID-19 exposures and symptoms. Antibody positivity rate was 8.9%. Similar rates of COVID-19 exposure occurred in non-occupational and occupational settings, with high self-reported adherence to workplace infection prevention practices.
The “Safe and Sustainable by Design” Concept – A Regulatory Approach for a More Sustainable Circular Economy in the European Union?
Authors: Reins Leonie , Wijns Julia 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
The creation of a more sustainable economy is one of the main targets of the European Green Deal and the new Circular Economy Action Plan. Technological innovation is needed, among other things, to render materials, products, and production processes more sustainable. Given the goals of the European Green Deal, the regulatory concept of “Safe and Sustainable by Design” is increasingly receiving attention. The concept is (arguably) a precautionary and preventative measure that is implemented at the early stages of the design of a technology. Therefore, it is often described as a tool for lowering the risks that follow from efforts to create a more circular economy. The concept was included in the European Chemicals Strategy of the European Commission. The aim of the strategy is to accelerate progress towards the discovery of more sustainable chemicals and towards a toxicity-free environment. In this paper, we will explore the benefits and disadvantages of integrating the “Safe and Sustainable by Design” concept into the regulation of technology. As a form of regulation by technology, this concept can enhance sustainability. We will first describe the origins of the concept and its current use. Then, we will analyse its implications for the circular economy.