bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cloud Scaling Policies Verifier System driven by STORM Model Checker
Authors: Jawaddi Siti Nuraishah Agos , Amran Rayhan Asyraff , Ismail Azlan 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Interpreting the stochastic behavior of cloud scaling policies formalized and verified with a model checker, using an independent visualization tool can be time-consuming as several manual steps need to be taken to visualize the behavior. This is because the existing model checker presents verification results through text-based descriptions and line charts depicting probabilities or rewards against investigated variables. However, with the line charts, the user can only analyze the probabilities or rewards instead of the behavior. To address this, we propose a cloud scaling policies verifier system that utilizes the extensible STORM model checker to automatically visualize the behavior of the verified model and the verification results. Additionally, the system architecture integrates the desktop local environment with the Docker container environment using open-source technologies including StormPy, PyQt, Networkx, and Matplotlib to enable replication and innovation for future research. Moreover, the system has undergone evaluation through functional and integration testing, demonstrating its effectiveness. Finally, it has been demonstrated that the system can be utilized not only for checking and verifying various cloud scaling policies but also for other decision-making policies beyond cloud scaling.
Dissection of QTLs underlying the genetic basis of drought resistance in wheat: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wang Ruihui , Shakir Arif Mehmood , Geng Miaomiao , Tian Jiahao 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is one of the most important cereal crops, with its grain serving as a predominant staple food source on a global scale. However, there are many biotic and abiotic stresses challenging the stability of wheat production. Among the abiotic stresses, drought is recognized as a significant stressor, and poses a substantial threat to food production and quality throughout the world. Raising drought tolerance of wheat varieties through genetic regulation is therefore considered as one of the most effective ways to combat the challenges caused by drought stress. Meta-QTL analysis has demonstrated its effectiveness in identifying consensus QTL regions in wheat drought resistance in numerous instances. In this study, we present a comprehensive meta-analysis aimed at unraveling the drought tolerance genetic basis associated with agronomic traits in bread wheat. Extracting data from 34 previously-published studies, we aggregated a corpus of 1291 Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) pertinent to wheat drought tolerance. Then the translation of the consensus genetic map yielded a comprehensive compendium of 49 distinct MQTLs, each associated with diverse agronomic traits. Prominently featured among the MQTLs were MQTLs 1.1, 1.7, 1.8 (1D), 4.1 (4A), 4.6 (4D), 5.2 (5B), 6.6 (6B) and 7.2 (7B), distinguished as pivotal MQTLs offering significant potential for application in marker-assisted breeding endeavors. Altogether, a total of 66 putative candidate genes (CGs) related drought tolerance was identified. This work illustrates a translational research approach in transferring information from published mapping studies to genomic regions hosting major QTLs governing key agronomical traits in wheat.
Functional changes in the dorsal attention network in perimenopausal women: a resting-state functional MRI study
Authors: Liu Ningning , Zhang Yue , Fu Weiqing , Liu Huijun 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the functional changes of the dorsal attention network (DAN) in perimenopausal women using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and
the relationship between sex hormones and cognitive function.
Methods: A total of 25 perimenopausal women and 25 premenopausal women underwent sex hormone level, scale, and cognition assessments, as well as magnetic
resonance imaging (MRI) scans. The resting state fMRI data were acquired using a 3.0 Tesla magnetic resonance scanner, and the differences in DAN functional connection between these two groups were evaluated by independent component analysis (ICA). Gray matter volume (GMV) values of brain regions (regions of interest [ROI]) with differences in DAN functional connection were extracted, and the differences in GMV between the two groups were compared. Correlation analysis was performed between the connection strengths of the DAN functional connection and GMV values of ROIs with sex hormone levels and clinical and neuropsychological assessments in the two groups.
Results: Compared with the premenopausal group, the brain regions with enhanced functional connection in the perimenopausal group were the right inferior parietal lobule (IPL) and the right angular gyrus (AG) in the DAN. There were no differences in GMV values between the two groups. Correlation analysis showed that connection strengths of the right IPL negatively correlated with the estradiol level and positively correlated with the reaction time of the STROOP color-word test in perimenopausal women.
Conclusions: The ICA demonstrated that the DAN functional changes may stimulate the brain's compensatory mechanisms to compensate for physiological and psychological problems in women during the reproductive transition period. Our findings provide evidence for understanding the changes in brain function in perimenopausal women.
Retrospective analysis of non-invasive prenatal testing results in 8237 pregnant women in Luohe District
Authors: Yang Shaozhe , Zhuang Yuan , Xin Shuwen , He Yanqi , Fu Xiuhong 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) has gained extensive adoption worldwide for screening chromosomal abnormalities like trisomy 21. Nevertheless, controversies persist surrounding the screening efficacy of NIPT among diverse risk groups of pregnant women and its capability to detect sex chromosome aneuploidies. This study evaluates the screening performance of NIPT for various risk groups of pregnant women and its efficacy in detecting sex chromosome aneuploidies by retrospectively analyzing the NIPT results of 8,237 pregnant women in the Luohe region of China.
Methods
A total of 8237 cases of NIPT screening conducted between January 2020 and June 2023 in the Luohe region were analyzed. This study examined the clinical data, screening results, prenatal diagnostic outcomes, and follow-up results to evaluate the efficacy of NIPT using indicators such as positive predictive value, false positive rate, false negative rate, sensitivity, and specificity. Discrepancies in NIPT positivity rates among pregnant women with different risk factors and the screening efficacy of NIPT for autosomal aneuploidies and sex chromosomal aneuploidies were compared.
Results
Among 8237 pregnant women screened, 114 cases (1.38%) were identified as high-risk for chromosomal aneuploidies. All NIPT-positive pregnant women received fetal chromosomal results through amniocentesis chromosomal karyotype or fetal genetic testing after miscarriage. The positive rate of NIPT in the high-risk factor group was not statistically different from that in the moderate-risk factor group, but both were higher than in the low-risk factor group. The positive rate of NIPT increased with maternal age. NIPT demonstrated a positive predictive value, false positive rate, sensitivity, and specificity of 52.63% (60/114), 0.66% (54/8177), 100.00% (60/60), and 99.34% (8123/8177), respectively, for detecting chromosomal aneuploidies. Although the positive predictive value of NIPT for sex chromosome aneuploidies was lower than that for autosomal aneuploidies, there were no statistically significant differences in sensitivity, false positive rate, and other parameters.
Conclusions
NIPT is effective in screening for fetal aneuploidies involving both autosomes and sex chromosomes.
Correlation between Imaging Features of Pure Ground-Glass Opacities and Pathological Subtypes of Lung Minimally Invasive Adenocarcinoma and Precursor Lesions
Authors: Zhu Yan-qiu , Yan Cui , Tang Wen-jie , Duan Ya-ni , Chen Xiu-zhen , Dong Yun-xu , Guo Yue-fei , Liu Wei-min , Qin Jie 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between imaging features of pure ground-glass opacities (pGGOs) and the pathological subtypes of MIA and precursor lesions. A retrospective analysis was conducted on data from 1521 patients diagnosed with GGOs as lung adenocarcinoma or precursor lesions between January 2015 and March 2021. The pGGOs were categorized into AAH/AIS and MIA groups. Clinical information and CT imaging features were collected. Statistical analysis, logistic regression, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis were performed. A total of 127 patients with 139 pGGOs were included. Maximum radiodensity, minimum radiodensity, mean radiodensity, variance, and skewness showed significant differences between the two groups. Maximum radiodensity and maximum cross-sectional area were identified as risk factors for pathology. The logistic regression model yielded an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.747 (95% CI, 0.666–0.816) for predicting pathological subtypes. The intensity features of pGGOs were found to be significantly different between AAH/AIS and MIA groups. Maximum radiodensity and skewness were independent risk factors for pathology. However, these features did not exhibit satisfactory diagnostic efficiency.
Inequalities in the use of dental services by people with and without disabilities in Brazil: A National Health Survey
Authors: Costa Francine dos Santos , Santos Luany Possebom dos , Chisini Luiz Alexandre 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

The present study aimed to evaluate if social, racial, and gender inequalities affect disproportionally the use of dental services by people with and without disabilities in Brazil. Dependent variable of the study was the use of oral health services. The outcome was stratified by gender, race, and social variables. Analysis using complex measures of inequality (Slope Index and Concentration Index of Inequality) was performed. Of 145,580 adults evaluated, 7.7% reported disability. The proportion of adults without disabilities who used dental services in the last 12 months was higher (45.4%; 95%CI 44.2–46.1) than adults with disabilities (33.9%; 95%CI 32.0-35.9). There was an absolute difference of 40 percentage points (SII − 0.40; CI95%(-0.45;-0.36) in the use of oral health services between poorer and richer people with disabilities. Absolute and relative inequalities were identified in the use of oral health services, considering the education of the head of the family and family income, with similar results for people with and without disabilities. High inequality is observed concerning race. Racial minorities (Black, Brown, Yellow, and Indigenous) without disabilities presented a higher use of dental services over 12 months than racial minorities with disabilities. Thus, social and racial inequities negatively affect individuals with and without disabilities.
Hidden suicides. Comparing drug death rates in Canada and Australia
Authors: Snowdon John , Rockett Ian R. H. , Caine Eric D. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Purposes
World suicide rates are underestimated, largely due to misclassification of suicides. Our study aimed to compare recent changes in rates of suicide and of deaths that could have been ‘hidden suicides’ in Canada and Australia, where drug death rates are relatively high. When suicides are mis-coded (using ICD-10) it is most commonly as unintentional, unknown cause (R99) or event of undetermined intent (EUI).
Method
Statistics Canada and the Australian Bureau of Statistics provided underlying cause-of-death data regarding deaths between 2000 and 2022, coded as natural, or of unknown cause, or external cause (including suicides, accidents, and events of undetermined intent). Rates in the two nations were compared, with particular focus on ‘deaths from drug self-intoxication’.
Results
Graphs show changes in drug death rates in Canada and Australia between 2000 and 2022. By 2017, Canada’s rate was double Australia’s. Their suicide rates (total and drug) were similar but Canada’s declined after 2019. R99 and EUI death rates were higher in Canada; EUI drug death rates are now low in both.
Conclusion
There is evidence of high rates of ‘hidden’ drug suicide in Canada. Insufficient research has been conducted regarding background factors that lead people to self-intoxicate and thus (in many cases) kill themselves. Stringent policies regarding establishing intentionality have resulted in misclassification of drug suicides as unintentional. Better integration between addiction and mental health services and assiduous investigation of drug overdose deaths (including increased use of psychological or verbal autopsy) will help identify overdose suicides and facilitate preventive strategies.
The Internet Use and the Fear of Infection with Covid-19
Authors: Xiao Youzhi 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Purpose
During the Covid-19 pandemic, the accurate and timely information plays an important role in alleviating fear and panic. The internet provides the convenience for information acquisition and circulation, however, the massive and untruthful information exists in the internet at the same time, which makes the functions of internet use in Covid-19 pandemic undetermined. Therefore, we test the relationship between the internet use and the fear of infection with Covid-19.
Methods
We utilize the Chinese General Social Survey (CGSS) in the year of 2021 and the ordered-logit model.
Results
We find that the higher frequency of using the internet significantly increase the individuals fear of infection with Covid-19. The effects are more evident among the females and individuals with the average income. The plausible channels show that using the internet is the main source for individuals acquiring the information, decreases the trust for the medias and the face-to-face social activities with others, then thereby increasing the individuals fear of infection with Covid-19. Furthermore, we find that using the internet improves the probability of getting Covid-19 vaccine and changes the individuals attitudes towards the measures adopted by the government to prevent the Covid-19.
Conclusions
We find that the information in internet may amplify the panics during the cocial public events.
Recommendations for the use of biomarkers for the management of adults with sepsis: a scoping review
Authors: Mateos-Haro M , Garcia-Santa-Vinuela A , Molano-Franco D , Solá I , Gordo-Vidal F , Martín-Delgado MC , Lopez-Alcalde J , Zamora J 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Biomarkers are invaluable tools for clinicians to optimise patient care at the bedside. The information derived from clinical guidelines plays a pivotal role in establishing evidence-based practices. However, a synthesis and appraisal of the recommendations for the use of biomarkers in adults with sepsis is lacking. Our aim is to identify, describe and display in an Evidence Gap Map (EGM) the clinical guidelines with recommendations on the use of biomarkers for the management of adults with sepsis.
Methods and findings
: This is a scoping review. We searched for guidance documents (GD) in Medline, Guidelines International Network, Pan American Health Organization, Trip Database and UpToDate from 2016 to July 2022. Two reviewers independently applied the eligibility criteria and extracted data. We used the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation-II (AGREE II) tool to assess the quality of the included documents. We displayed the recommendations in an EGM. We found eight GD, mostly oriented for the general population (75.0%). Only half of these documents had a robust methodology (scored above 50.0% in the AGREE II 'Rigour of development' domain). We extracted 28 recommendations from these GD, of which 17 (60.7%) were developed using GRADE. The recommendations targeted a total of five biomarkers, with 25 (89.2%) recommendations focused on a single biomarker. Lactate and procalcitonin were the most frequent, mainly for prognostic purposes (85.8%) and treatment monitoring (46.4%). Most recommendations pointed to using the biomarker (85.7%) with a strength graded as strong (14/28; 50.0%) or conditional (12/28; 42.8%).
Conclusions
This scoping review identified and evaluated the GD and the recommendations on using biomarkers for managing adults with sepsis. A robust methodology was observed in a few GD. The consistency of the recommendations was low, and only a few biomarkers, such as lactate and procalcitonin, were addressed, mostly for prognosis. The role of the biomarkers for sepsis needs to be better evaluated. Moreover, enhancing the methodological quality of guideline development is essential to generate more valid and robust recommendations, which could significantly contribute to the optimization of patient care.
Indigenous bio-coagulant assisted electrocoagulation process for the removal of pollutants from brewery wastewater : optimization by using Response Surface Methodology (RSM)
Authors: Garomsa Firomsa Sufa , Mehari Yenealem , Desta Wendesen Mekonin , Bidira Firomsa 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Industrial wastewaters present a challenge with conventional treatments because of their low biodegradability and high levels of organic matter. Wastewater from human activities, particularly from brewery industries, is a significant source of pollution. A substantial amount of effluent is used during the brewing process and discharged into the environment. Large volumes of both biodegradable and non-biodegradable substances found in brewery effluent make them suitable for the natural coagulant-assisted electrocoagulation process. The treatment options available today are highly harmful and not economical. To solve this problem and provide a simple method of treating brewery wastewater, the Bio coagulant assisted electrocoagulation process was created. The performance of bio-coagulant-assisted electrocoagulation was studied, considering parameters such as pH, time, current, and bio-coagulant dosage. The bio-coagulant-assisted electrocoagulation process removed COD (99.01%), BOD (99.09%), TDS (99.02%), and) at an ideal pH of 7, a current of 0.5 Ampere, a time of 40 minutes, and power consumed (0.54kwh/m3 with a constant dose of 0.75 g/l Nacl as electrolytes. The results also showed that indigenous bio-coagulant-assisted electrocoagulation processes was effective and uses less power in removing pollutants from brewery wastewater. Furthermore, the bio-coagulant-assisted electrocoagulation parameters employed by the study were statistically customized by using Response Surface Methodology (RSM). The value of a dependent variable is identified by regression analysis with a design expert (RSM) using the specified values of the independent variables.
Malakoplakia involving the maxilla: A case report and a review of the literature
Authors: Roark Spencer , Bruett Carter , Dominger Martin , Freedman Paul , Reich Renee 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Malakoplakia is a rare inflammatory disorder which typically occurs in immunocompromised patients secondary to impaired bactericidal activity of macrophages. While this entity commonly arises in the genitourinary and gastrointestinal tracts, lesions of the head and neck have been reported only rarely, with oral cavity involvement reported in 3 cases. The most common presentation of head and neck malakoplakia is that of a cutaneous flesh-colored papule or nodule. This case report, however, illustrates the first time malakoplakia is identified affecting the maxilla and maxillary alveolar ridge mucosa. Histochemical and immunohistochemical stains are presented and include positivity for PAS, von Kossa stain, iron stain, and CD68 and negativity for GMS and Gram stains, indicating an inability to demonstrate microbial infection. Thus, clinicians and pathologists alike should be aware of malakoplakia as a pathologic entity when forming differential diagnoses, particularly in immunosuppressed individuals.
The impact of the FOXL2 gene on ovarian granulosa cells KGN
Authors: Zhang Yuzhu , Wang Yu , Gu Yuan , Liu Yang , Liu Guohua , Wu Jun , Bai Nan 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the impact of JNK regulation on the FOXL2 gene in ovarian granulosa cells KGN.
Materials and methods: Bioinformatics methods were employed to identify the main pathogenic gene FOXL2 in ovarian cancer. KGN cells were randomly divided into control and experimental groups, with the experimental group treated with different concentrations of JNK inhibitors (0.1, 1, 5, 10, 50 μM) and the control group receiving an equal volume of DMSO and incubated for 12 hours. The MTT assay was utilized to assess the proliferative capacity of KGN cells treated with JNK inhibitors. A cell scratch test was conducted to evaluate their migration ability. Cell RNA was extracted, reverse transcribed into cDNA, and qRT-PCR was employed to measure the mRNA expression levels of FOXL2. Protein was extracted and Western blot was used to determine the expression levels of FOXL2 protein.
Results: JNK inhibitors at concentrations of 1, 5, 10, and 50 μm all led to a decrease in FOXL2 expression. Conclusion: The FOXL2 gene exerts an influence on KGN cells through JNK regulation.
Geochemistry of bimodal volcanic rocks suites of Mekane Selam area, Northwestern Ethiopian volcanic plateau
Authors: Alehegn Habtamu Alemu , Desta Minyahl Teferi 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

The geochemistry of volcanic rocks in the Mekane Selam area was characterized by trace and major elements geochemistry. The area comprises alkali and transitional basalts with felsic volcanic rock products. Relatively lower contents of MgO wt% (4.88–9.83) and compatible trace elements (e.g. Ni 22–74 ppm and Cr 47–184 ppm) indicate that the basaltic rocks have undergone some degree of fractionation except for anomalously high MgO (11.28 wt%), Cr (988 ppm), and Ni (487 ppm) of the highly alkali basaltic rocks. Chondrite normalized REE spider plots of the study area basaltic rocks show enrichment of Pb and slight depletion of Rb and K and that of the trachytic and rhyolitic rocks show depletion of P, Ti, Sr with the uniform flat trend of other trace elements and REE. The existence of Eu anomaly i.e. slight depletion of Eu is observed in trachytic and rhyolitic rocks. The MgO vs SiO2 and other compatible and incompatible trace elements indicate fractional crystallization, crustal contamination, and magmatic mixing processes that play a significant role in the formation and evolution of the different volcanic rocks in the area.