bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Corrosion Inhibitive Action of Hesperidin methyl chalcone (HMC) on Aluminum in H2SO4
Authors: Mohamed Mervate Mohamed , Alkorbi Faeza Hamad 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Using both theoretical and experimental techniques, the impact of Hesperidin methyl chalcone (HMC) on Aluminum corrosion in 0.5M H2SO4 was examined at various temperatures. Measurements of weight loss revealed that the inhibitory efficiency rises with rising HMC concentrations and falls with rising temperatures. An inhibitor's overall rising inhibitory efficacy is ascribed to the bulk of the solution's adsorption onto the aluminum surfaces. The Langmuir adsorption isotherm is best fitted by the adsorption process model, as well as calculated thermodynamic parameters, were spoken about. Thermodynamic characteristics show that the HMC uses a combination of physisorption and chemisorption to adsorb spontaneously onto metal surfaces and delay corrosion. The effect of temperature on Aluminum's HMC inhibition efficiency in 0.5M H2SO4 is explained by the activation parameters. The experimental results are supported by the quantum chemical parameters, which likewise show good agreement with them.
Evaluating Serum Glucose Levels and Lipid Profiles in Adult Asthma Patients Taking Corticosteroid Therapy: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study at Bahir Dar Public Hospitals, 2023
Authors: Bayines Yenew , Fetene Getnet , Deress Teshiwal , Baynes Habtamu Wondifraw 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: Corticosteroid drugs are widely used to manage asthma worldwide. However, their use can potentially lead to side effects like hyperglycemia, diabetes, and dyslipidemia. Previous studies on steroid drug use have shown conflicting results regarding lipid profiles and glucose abnormalities.
Methods: An institutional-based comparative cross-sectional study was conducted among asthmatic patients receiving corticosteroid therapy and control subjects at Bahir Dar public hospitals between July 8 and November 10, 2023. A consecutive sampling method with age and sex-matched was used to recruit 304 study participants. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. Five milliliters of fasting venous blood samples were drawn. An independent t-test and logistic regression were used to compare the burden of hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia between the two groups and identify associated factors.
Results: Asthmatic patients on corticosteroid therapy had significantly higher mean values of serum glucose and lipid profiles, except for HDL-c, compared to the control group. The prevalence of fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL-c, and HDL-c abnormalities and dyslipidemia were higher in asthmatic patients on corticosteroid therapy. The prevalence of hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia was 20.39% (95% CI: 14.3-27.7), 45.39% (95% CI: 37.3-53.7), and 4.6% (95% CI: 1.9-9.3), 26.31% (95% CI: 20-34) for asthmatic patients on corticosteroid therapy and the control group, respectively. The study also found that dyslipidemia was associated with overweight, obesity, combined corticosteroid use, and high-dose corticosteroids (AOR=7.28; 95% CI: 1.740-30.530, p=0.007, AOR=5.7; 95% CI: 1.447-18.474, p=0.011, and AOR=7; 95% CI: 2.015-24.610, p=0.015, respectively).
Conclusions: Asthmatic patients on corticosteroid therapy had higher mean values of serum glucose and lipid profile parameters, along with a significantly higher prevalence of hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia. Further studies should be conducted on a large scale, with long follow-ups, to investigate the effects of steroid drugs on lipid profiles and glucose abnormalities.
Gate tunable MoS2 memristive neuron for early fusion multimodal spiking neural network
Authors: Tian He , Liu Yanming , Peng Yuyang , Wu Fan , Pan Zhoujie , Wu Jingtai , Jin Yuxin , Ren Tian-Ling 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Neuromorphic computing systems, inspired by the brain’s parallel processing capabilities and efficiency, offer promising solutions for artificial intelligence. Spiking neural networks (SNNs), composed of neuron and synapse elements, are a key approach for neuromorphic systems. However, traditional hardware neuron implementations require auxiliary circuits to achieve good training performance of SNNs. Developing appropriate single device based neural components to enable efficient SNN implementations remains elusive. Here, we introduce a gate tunable MoS2 memristive neuron. This neuron possesses tunable refractory periods and firing thresholds, emulating key dynamics of neurons without external circuits. Leveraging these adaptable neurons, we develop an early fusion SNN architecture for multimodal information processing based on tunable neuron devices. Through cross-modality weight sharing, proposed neurons can learn common features across modalities and modality-specific features under different gate voltages. This architecture achieves seamless fusion of multisensory data while significantly reducing hardware costs. We demonstrate a 49% reduction in hardware usage along with a major boost in recognition accuracy to 95.45% on an image-audio digit recognition task. Our tunable neuron-enabled SNN provides a pathway for highly efficient neural computing and further integration of neuromorphic intelligence.
Targetable genomic profiling of breast cancer brain metastases identifies alterations and genomic signatures relevant to immune-checkpoint and PARP inhibitors
Authors: Palmieri Carlo , Giannoudis Athina , Sokol Ethan , Bhogal Talvinder , Ramkissoon Shakti , Razis Evangelia , Bartsch Rupert , Shaw Jacqui , McGregor Kimberly , Clark A;lison , Huang Richard 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Introduction:
Understanding the genomic landscape of breast cancer brain metastases (BCBMs) is key to developing targeted treatments.
Materials and Methods
In this study, targetable genomic profiling was performed on 822 BCBMs, 11,988 local breast cancer (BC) biopsies and 15,516 non-central nervous system (N-CNS) metastases (all unpaired samples) collected during the course of routine clinical care by Foundation Medicine Inc (Cambridge, MA).
Results
Clinically relevant genomic alterations were significantly enriched in BCBMs compared to local BCs and N-CNS metastases. Homologous recombination deficiency as measured by BRCA1/2 alteration prevalence and loss-of-heterozygosity and immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) biomarkers [Tumour mutation burden (TMB)-High, Microsatellite instability (MSI)-High, PD-L1/L2)] were significantly more prevalent in BCBM than local BC and N-CNS. High PD-L1 protein expression was observed in ER-negative/HER2-negative BCBMs (48.3% vs 50.0% in local BCs, 21.4% in N-CNS).
Conclusion
Collectively, our data highlights that a high proportion of BCBMs are potentially amenable to treatment with targeted therapeutic agents including PARP inhibitors and ICIs.
Low-threshold distributed feedback laser based on holographic polymer dispersed liquid crystals through the oriented organic semiconductor films
Authors: Liu Lijuan , Liu Minzhe , Wang Qidong , Hu Hanmin , Zhang Feng , Kong Xiaobo 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

A specific optimized configuration for low threshold organic semiconductor laser based on a holographic polymer dispersed liquid crystal (HPDLC) transmission grating was demonstrated. Here the organic semiconductor films and phase separated liquid crystal (LC) molecules were oriented along the direction of the HPDLC grating grooves. The influence of the organic semiconductor chain orientation and the excitation polarization on the optical properties of the materials has been investigated. Especially, when polymer chain orientation, LC molecules and pump light polarization are consistent with the direction of the grating grooves, the performance of the outgoing laser is greatly improved. Up to 9.78% conversion efficiency with a threshold lower to 0.12 µJ can be obtained, indicating their potential for high-performance organic optoelectronics.
The Epidemiological Declining in the Human Fertility rate in the Arab World for 10 years period 2011-2021
Authors: MAHASNEH IHSAN , Ebrahim Ferdos 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: In recent years, there has been a noticeable global decline in fertility rate, leading to increased attention toward reproductive health and fertility. Understanding fertility trends is crucial for addressing related challenges and maintaining natural balanced fertility rate for the community well-being. Therefore, the aim was to investigate and provide baseline dataset on fertility profiling of the Arab World for the 10 years period between 2011-2021. The Arab World was classified into three regional blocks; Block-1 Arabian Peninsula countries: Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Yemen. Block-2 Fertile Crescent Arab countries: Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, West Bank and Gaza. Block-3 African Arab countries: Algeria, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Somalia, Sudan, Tunisia. Data on fertility rates for the 10 years period between 2011-2021 were collected from the World Bank for Arab countries. Statistical analysis along with decline in the fertility rates were determined.
Results: Fertility rates varied across Arab countries in 2011 and 2021, with notable decline ranging from 24.3% to 3.8%, except for Algeria, with zero decline. Countries that exhibited significant decline were Jordan (24.3%) followed by Iraq (22.2%) then Yemen (19.1%); Whereas, countries that exhibited slight fertility decline were Libya (3.8%), followed by Tunisia (4.5%), Lebanon (4.5%) and Kuwait (4.5%). On another note, lowest fertility rate was observed in UAE as maintained between 1.7% and 1.5% and the highest fertility rate was observed in Somalia as maintained between 7.3% and 6.3% for 2011 and 2021 respectively.
Conclusion: The present study reveals the declining-trend in fertility rate across Arab countries, influenced by variable factors. Therefore, we recommend to the Council of the Health Ministries in the Arab-League to focus on investigating the fertility decline as an important parameter for public health in the Arab world to maintain natural balanced fertility rate.
Preparation of High Temperature Vulcanized Fluorosilicone Rubber by Hydrosilylation Addition Reaction
Authors: Huang Lele , Wang Mingying , Zhang Yuqiang , Diao Shen 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Fluorsilicone rubber as a new type of special functional rubber has attracted attention, which combines the advantages of the organic silicone materials and the organic fluorine materials. Herein, we reported fluorosilicone rubber vulcanized at high temperature by the hydrosilylation addition reaction. The silicone oil containing hydrogen in the pendant group and the perfluorocyclobutyl aryl ether (PFCBAE) group in the backbone (S-H-Oil-PFCBAE) was prepared by the hydrolytic polycondensation and ring opening reaction of silane with PFCBAE (M4), octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (D4), and tetramethylcyclotetrasiloxane (D4H) by the traditional catalysis of concentrated sulfuric acid. And S-H-Oil-PFCBAE was used as the crosslinker to vulcanize fluorosilicone rubber. The mechanical property, the thermal stability, the hydrophobicity, and the solvent resistance of vulcanizates were studied in detail. The result showed that S-H-Oil-PFCBAE could improve the comprehensive performances of fluorosilicone rubber.
Stress responses in an Arctic microalga (Pelagophyceae) following sudden salinity change revealed by gene expression analysis
Authors: Freyria Nastasia , de Oliveira Thais , Chovatia Mansi , Johnson Jennifer , Kuo Alan , Lipzen Anna , Barry Kerrie , Grigoriev Igor , Lovejoy Connie 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Marine microbes that have for eons been adapted to stable salinity regimes are confronted with sudden decreases in salinity in the Arctic Ocean. The episodic freshening is increasing due to climate change with melting multi-year sea-ice and glaciers, and greater inflows from rivers, and increased precipitation. To investigate algal responses to lowered salinity, we analysed the responses and acclimatation over 24h in a non-model Arctic marine alga (pelagophyte CCMP2097) following transfer to realistic lower salinities. Using RNA-seq transcriptomics, here we show rapid differentially expressed genes related to stress oxidative responses, proteins involved in the photosystem and circadian clock, and those affecting lipids and inorganic ions. After 24h the pelagophyte adjusted to the lower salinity seen in the overexpression of genes associated with freezing resistance, cold adaptation, and salt tolerance. Overall, a suite of ancient widespread pathways is recruited enabling the species to adjust to the stress of rapid salinity change.
Metabolomics and transcriptomics combined with physiology reveal key metabolic pathway responses in tobacco roots exposed to NaHS
Authors: Yang Wenjuan , Wen Dingxin , Yang Yong , Li Hao , Yang Chunlei , Yu Jun , Xiang Haibo 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a new endogenous gas signaling molecule alongside nitric oxide (NO) and carbon monoxide (CO). In recent years, many studies have shown that it is involved in a variety of physiological activities, promoting root organogenesis, regulating stomatal movement and photosynthesis, and playing an important role in promoting plant growth and development and improving the stress resistance of the plant Plants can play. Tobacco is a special and an important cash crop whose growth usually determines the economic income of farmers. Tobacco root development directly affects leaf growth, disease resistance, chemical composition and yield. However, to date, there are limited studies on the mechanism of H2S in promoting tobacco growth. In this study, tobacco seedlings were exposed to NaHS (exogenous H2S donor) at concentrations of 0, 200, 400, 600, and 800 mg/L. With the gradual increase of NaHS concentration, the root length, wet weight, root activity and antioxidant enzymatic activities of CAT (catalase), SOD (superoxide dismutase) and POD (peroxidase) of tobacco roots showed an increasing tendency. The transcriptome and metabolome showed that NaHS mainly affected 162 key genes, 44 key enzymes, and two metabolic pathways (the brassinolide synthesis pathway and the aspartic acid biosynthesis pathway) in tobacco seedlings after treatment with 600 mg/L NaHS. On the one hand, the addition of exogenous NaHS can promote the development of tobacco roots as the basis of tobacco planting. On the other hand, the use of NaHS can reduce the use of pesticides and better protect the ecological environment. In conclusion, this study provides new insights into the main metabolic pathway in the response of tobacco roots to NaHS and new genetic clues for further investigation- of plant root development.
Research on Policy Effect and Regional Difference of Allocation Efficiency of Rural Preschool Education Resources
Authors: Tang Miao miao , Lan Qiang 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Rural preschool education is an organic part of rural society, and improving the public service system of rural preschool education is an important guarantee for the implementation of rural revitalization strategy. This paper uses input-oriented three-stage DEA model and Malmquist index to conduct static and dynamic analysis of rural preschool education resource input performance from 2012 to 2020 in nearly 30 provinces in eastern, central and western China. The results show that urbanization level, birth rate, social consciousness, kindergarten scale and other external factors have a significant impact on the performance of rural preschool education resources input; After stripping the influence of environment and random factors, the overall trend of average performance of rural preschool education resources has been improved, and presents a descending regional pattern of "middle, east and west". Therefore, in order to further improve the performance of rural preschool education resources input, we should make overall planning to promote the rational and effective resource input and allocation; we should adjust dynamically to ensure the basic quality of educational resource allocation; we should learn from each other to realize the complementary advantages of resources in the eastern, western and central regions.
Gamma-glutamyl Transferase to Aspartate Aminotransferase Ratio (GSR) Predicts Prognoses in Patients with Colorectal Cancer with Liver Metastasis after Microwave Ablation
Authors: Huang Mingzhe , Chen Zhiliang , Qin Si , Zhou Jiaming , Huang Yan , Peng Shaoyong , Huang Pinzhu , Alenzi Maram , Huang Jun , Lin Jing , Chen Zhiyong , Huang Meijin , Liu Guangjian 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Microwave ablation (MWA) is widely used to eliminate colorectal liver metastases (CRLM). However, the risk of tumor recurrence is difficult to predict due to lack of reliable clinical and biological markers. Elevation of gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) provides signals for liver inflammation and cancer progression. The present study evaluated the association between pre-ablation GGT to AST ratio index (GSR) and hepatic recurrence in patients with CRLM after MWA.
Methods
A retrospectively analyzed 192 CRLM patients who underwent MWA from January 2013 to January 2017. Pre-ablation GSR was classified into high (≤ 2.34) or low (> 2.34) using the upper quartile value. The prognostic value of GSR and other risk factors for liver progression-free survival (LPFS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) were evaluated by univariate and multivariate analyses.
Results
High GSR was significantly associated with males (P = 0.041), the presence of cholelithiasis (P = 0.012), but not pre-ablation chemotherapy (P = 0.355), which caused significantly increased levels of GGT (P = 0.015) and AST (P = 0.008). GSR showed a significant association with LPFS and CSS through univariate analysis (P = 0.002 and 0.006) and multivariate analysis (P = 0.043 and 0.037). The subgroup analysis demonstrated no interaction between GSR and all variables except for distribution in the sub-analysis of LPFS.
Conclusions
Measuring GSR in CRLM patients before MWA was a convenient and economical way to predict prognosis.
The interval time for the St. Thomas cardioplegia solution in mitral valve surgeries
Authors: Tang Sitong , Chen Na , Zhong Jiajun , Yan Hangfei , Jiang Nan , Wang Chiyin , Omotolani Afolabi Mariam , Xu Min , Wang Jue 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
There is a lack of consensus on the appropriate St. Thomas cardioplegia solution interval for cardiac surgeries. The objective of this study was to determine a safe cardioplegia interval.
Method
A total of 340 patients who underwent mitral valve surgery with St. Thomas solution were assessed and divided into 2 groups according to the average cardioplegia interval. In Group A, the average cardioplegia interval was < = 30 minutes; in Group B, the average cardioplegia interval was greater than 30 minutes. Propensity score matching was used to adjust for confounders between the two groups. After propensity score matching, Groups A and B contained 125 patients each. The primary endpoints were creatine kinase MB, left ventricular ejection fraction, and troponin levels after surgery. Threshold effect analysis was used to assess the association of the cardioplegia interval with the postoperative CK-MB mass level.
Results
After propensity score matching, postoperative CK-MB mass significantly differed between the two groups, and CK-MB levels were significantly greater in group B than in group A(Group A vs. Group B: 46.1 [46.1;48.3] ng/ml vs 49.0 [40.0;60.0] ng/ml, p < 0.001). According to the threshold effect analysis, the interval needs to be above 27.6 minutes before it is associated with an increased risk of CK-MB mass level, and the interval needs to be above 31 minutes before it is associated with an increased risk of CK-MB mass level 7 hours after surgery. There were no other significant differences between the two groups.
Conclusions
The multidose cardioplegia interval above 30 minutes during mitral valve surgery is associated with a greater risk of myocardial damage. The relationships between the cardioplegia interval and other myocardial markers require further research.
Metabolic remodeling in arthropod embryonic cells under starvation
Authors: Nogueira Cintia Lopes , Arcanjo Angélica F. , Lima Maria Elisa , Moraes Bruno , Silva Renato Martins da , Gondim Katia C. , Konnai Satoru , Santos Samara , Filardy Alessandra D'Almeida , Pinto Kamila Guimarães , Junior Itabajara Silva Vaz , Logullo Carlos 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

In this study, we explore the adaptive mechanisms through which the tick Rhipicephalus microplus can deal with a period of starvation, using as a model the BME26 cell line. Our findings reveal that these cells not only exhibit an impressive ability to withstand starvation but also undergo subtle structural changes in response to this nutritional restriction. Additionally, our assessment of glycogen levels in these cells demonstrates a significant drop in response to fasting, both at the 24-hour and 48-hour marks. Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) transcription was increased in response to starvation. Hexokinase (HK) and pyruvate kinase (PK) had their transcriptional levels reduced, demonstrating that in these conditions, cells would be prioritizing the gluconeogenic pathway over the glycolytic pathway. Next, we checked the transcription levels of autophagy-related genes (ATG4, ATG6 and ATG8). All examined ATG transcripts were up-regulated in response to starvation, demonstrating a possible role for the autophagic pathway in supplying gluconeogenic substrates. These observations shed light on the metabolic adaptations that allow these cells to endure extended periods of starvation. Our findings not only advance our understanding of metabolic regulation in R. microplus ticks but also have broader implications for arthropods in general. Given the high conservation of these metabolic pathways among important disease vectors, this research provides valuable insights for the development of strategies aimed at controlling the populations of medically and economically relevant arthropods.
Constitutive Relationship of Soil in Contact with Mortar under Continuous Loading
Authors: Wang Fengfeng , Li Lei 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Mortars will remain critical in future land wars due to their flexibility and versatility. When mortars are fired continuously, the contact soil is gradually compacted by the mortar base plate, and dynamic research into this process is the basis for innovative mortar design. However, the discontinuity and nonlinearity of soil contact absolutely necessitate the constitutive relationship of soil contact, which is difficult to study. Therefore, this study conducted experimental research and theoretical derivation to establish an accurate dynamic model of the mortar system. First, based on the nonlinear elastic-plastic theory and the stress-strain relationship of soil under cyclic loading, a theoretical analysis method for the constitutive relationship of contact soil under continuous loading was proposed. Second, an experimental and testing system was designed to simulate launch loads, and the stress-strain response of soil under continuous impact loads was obtained experimentally. Subsequently, based on theoretical analysis and experimental data, the stress-strain relationship during the gradual compaction of soil was established using the least squares method. Finally, a constitutive relationship model of the contact soil in the mortar system was established in ABAQUS using the VUMAT subroutine interface, and the calculated results were compared and analyzed with traditional calculation results. The results indicated that studying the constitutive relationship of mortar in contact with soil during continuous firing using this method can improve the accuracy of dynamically modeling mortar systems. Moreover, this study has practical value in the engineering design of mortar systems.