bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of dietary crude protein on antioxidant activity, immunocompetence and the structural properties of the rumen in Tibetan sheep (Ovis aries), as determined by transcriptomic analysis
Authors: Wu Zhenling , Zhang Fengshuo , Su Quyangangmao , Ji Qiurong , Zhu Kaina , Zhang Yu , Wang Zhiyou , Hou Shengzhen , Gui Linsheng 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background: The rumen is a balanced ecosystem harboring a variety of microorganisms and plays an important role in the digestion and absorption of nutrients for ruminant. However, there are few studies on the effects of dietary crude protein on development and function in rumen of Tibetan sheep. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary crude protein (CP) on the antioxidant activity, immunocompetence and the structural properties in the rumen of Tibetan sheep. Sixty two-month-old rams with an average weight of 15.40±0.81 Kg were randomly assigned to low-protein diet (10.20% of dry matter, L group) and high-protein diet (11.58% of dry matter, H group). The experiment was conducted over 97 d, including 7 d of adaption to the diets.
Results: Hematoxylin & eosin (H&E) results showed that high-protein diet increased papilla length, papilla width and muscular layer in rumen (P < 0.05). Compared with L group, supplementation with 11.58% crude protein increased the activities of T-AOC and SOD significantly (P < 0.05). A total of 612 significant differentially expressed genes (158 up-regulated and 456 down-regulated) were found in response to high-protein diet. Pathways and genes related to fatty acid biosynthesis, nutrition metabolism and muscle development were verified by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction.
Conclusions: In conclusion, 11.58% crude protein diet had superior papillary development and antioxidant activity of Tibetan sheep, likely through modulating the expression of functional genes.
Via inhibiting glycolysis and oxidative respiration and promoting ferroptosis, ETFDH inhibits the proliferation of colorectal cancer
Authors: Feng Yaoyao , Zhong Ziyuan , Zang Yufei , Geng Congcong , Yan Shujun , Wang Fangjian , Zhan Fengxia 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Colorectal carcinoma (CRC) is one of the most common malignant tumors in the digestive system worldwide.There is substantial evidence indicating the downregulation of the ETFDH gene in tumor tissues. However, the role and mechanism of ETFDH in CRC has not yet been reported. In this study, we aim to investigate the functions of ETFDH in CRC tumorigenesis.
Methods
To investigate if the expression of ETFDH is downregulated in colorectal cancer, colorectal cancer tissues and cells were used to detect the mRNA level by RT-PCR and Q-PCR. Cell function experiments were taken to explore the role of ETFDH gene in HCT116 and SW480 cells. In order to investigate the underlying mechanism, the cellular energy metabolism, lipid peroxidation MDA and
Analyzing unexploitable, agronomic, and non-agronomic yield gaps in irrigated barley growing areas of arid and frost-prone regions from Iran
Authors: Rahimi Mohammad Reza , Deihimfard Reza , Noori Omid 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The yield gap analysis is an important topic for researchers worldwide as it aims to identify the factors influencing the gap between actual and potential yields and to enhance food security. In the current study, the APSIM-Barley model was calibrated for three irrigated barley cultivars, validated using 31 field experiment reports, and applied to simulate long-term (1989 to 2019) yields under eight production levels in eight major barley growing locations of Iran (Arak, Hamedan, Kabudarahang, Marvdasht, Neyshabour, Sabzevar, Saveh and Shiraz). Three major yield gaps, namely unexploitable, agronomic and non-agronomic ones, were analyzed. The results revealed a huge difference between potential and actual yields (on average, 5.4 t ha− 1 yield gap) across the studied locations indicating that the farmers could be able to achieve only 38.6% of the potential yield. Yield gap values varied over locations and seasons. Unexploitable, agronomic, and non-agronomic yield gaps in the studied locations averaged 26.7%, 55.9%, and 17.4% of total yield gap, respectively. The major part of the agronomic yield gap in the studied locations was owing to water limitation, which accounted for ~ 40% of the agronomic yield gap, followed by other agronomic (30%), frost-limited (15.8%), cultivar-limited (13.7%), and sowing date-limited (10.4%) yield gaps. Our findings showed that by improving agronomic management practices, particularly water management and farmers’ non-agronomic conditions, the current yield gaps could be reduced considerably in arid and frost-affected locations.
Residual stress evaluation in innovative layer-level continuous functionally graded materials produced by Powder Bed Fusion-Laser Beam
Authors: Campanelli Sabina Luisa , Carone Simone , Casavola Katia , Errico Vito , Pappalettera Giovanni , Posa Paolo 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Powder Bed Fusion-Laser Beam (PBF-LB) can manufacture advanced multi-material metal components that outperform conventional material restrictions by combining different properties within a single structure. This process increasingly incorporates functionally graded materials (FGMs) to facilitate smooth transitions between dissimilar materials. However, high thermal gradients experienced by materials during construction can result in the development of a complex and high residual stress field. If not adequately managed, component failure is possible, even during construction. The main objective of this study is to evaluate residual stresses in AISI 316L and 18Ni Maraging 300 FGMs with continuous variation of composition within a single layer, using the contour method. The manufacture of this kind of layer-level continuous FGMs by employing PBF-LB system utilizing a blade/roller-based powder spreading technique has only been recently devised and a proper residual stress analysis is still required. In fact, as the mechanical properties in additively manufactured samples are significantly influenced by the direction of construction, the same holds true for the direction along which the compositional variation is made. Furthermore, in this study the impact of solution annealing and aging heat treatment, necessary for enhancing the mechanical properties of martensitic steel, on residual stresses was explored. Additionally, the effect of adopting material-differentiated process parameters was investigated. The results indicated that each specimen displayed areas of tensile stress concentration on the upper and lower surfaces, balanced by compression in the center. The application of heat treatment led to a decrease in the maximum tensile stress and provided a uniform and significant stress reduction within the maraging steel. Finally, the implementation of material-specific process parameters for the three composition zones in conjunction with the heat treatment resulted in a reduction in the maximum residual stress of 35% and also a significantly lower residual stress field throughout the specimen.
HomoGenius: a Foundation Model of Homogenization for Rapid Prediction of Effective Mechanical Properties using Neural Operators
Authors: Wang yizheng , Li Xiang , Yan Ziming , Du Yuqing , Bai Jinshuai , Liu Bokai , Rabczuk Timon , Liu yinghua 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Homogenization is an essential tool for studying multiscale physical phenomena. However, traditional numerical homogenization, heavily reliant on finite element analysis, requires extensive computation costs, particularly in handling complex geometries, materials, and high-resolution problems. To address these limitations, we propose a numerical homogenization model based on operator learning: HomoGenius. The proposed model can quickly provide homogenization results for arbitrary geometries, materials, and resolutions, increasing the efficiency by a factor of 80 compared to traditional numerical homogenization methods. We validate effectiveness of our model in predicting the effective elastic modulus on periodic materials (TPMS: Triply Periodic Minimal Surface), including complex geometries, various Poisson's ratios and elastic modulus, and different resolutions for training and testing. The results show that our model possesses high precision, super efficiency, and learning capability.
The effects of photosynthetic rate on respiration in light, starch/sucrose partitioning, and other metabolic fluxes within photosynthesis
Authors: Xu Yuan , Kaste Joshua , Weise Sean , Shachar-Hill Yair , Sharkey Thomas 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
In the future, plants may encounter increased light and elevated CO2 levels. How consequent alterations in photosynthetic rates will impact fluxes in photosynthetic carbon metabolism remains uncertain. Respiration in light (RL) is pivotal in plant carbon balance and a key parameter in photosynthesis models. Understanding the dynamics of photosynthetic metabolism and RL under varying environmental conditions is essential for optimizing plant growth and agricultural productivity. However, measuring RL under high light and high CO2 (HLHC) conditions poses challenges using traditional gas exchange methods. In this study, we employed isotopically nonstationary metabolic flux analysis (INST-MFA) to estimate RL and investigate photosynthetic carbon flux, unveiling nuanced adjustments in Camelina sativa under HLHC. Despite numerous flux alterations in HLHC, RL remained stable. HLHC affects several factors influencing RL, such as starch and sucrose partitioning, vo/vc ratio, triose phosphate partitioning, and hexose kinase activity. Analysis of A/Ci curve operational points reveals that HLHC's major changes primarily stem from CO2 suppressing photorespiration. Integration of these fluxes into a simplified model predicts changes in CBC labeling under HLHC. This study extends our prior discovery that incomplete CBC labeling is due to unlabeled carbon reimported during RL, offering insights into manipulating labeling through adjustments in photosynthetic rates.
Effects of different surface preparations of fluorotic enamel on the bonding strength of attachment in Clear aligners
Authors: Lei Jie , Xia Rui , Luo Maoxuan , Xiao Yao 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Improving the bonding ability of the attachment on fluorotic enamel has great potential in clinical application and alternative orthodontic treatment for patients with dental fluorosis. To investigate the effects of different combination of Er: YAG laser and acid etching, 20 healthy teeth and 90 dental fluorosis were randomly allocated to different groups and separately handled. We evaluated shear bonding strength of each group. The changes of enamel structure and fracture mode of attachments were observed by Scanning Electron Microscope and stereo-microscope, respectively. The shear bonding strength of attachment group was higher than bracket group (P < 0.01). On the attachment, the combination of Er: YAG laser and acid etching improved bonding strength than only acid etching group (P < 0.01). The main fracture modes of attachment in the etching group were adhesive interface fracture and mixed fracture, while those in the combination group were mixed fracture and resin cohesion fracture (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the shear bonding strength of the attachment was higher than that of the bracket under the same conditions, and prolonging the etching time improved the bonding performance of the enamel. The excessive etching led to the dissolution of the enamel column structure and reduced the bonding performance. The combination of Er: YAG laser and acid etching improve the bonding ability of clear aligner attachment on the surface of dental fluorosis.
Investigation of proton transport through carbon nanotube segment
Authors: Khademi Azadeh , Kheirmand Mehdi , Azami S. M. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Proton transport plays key role in fuel cell technology and development. Therefore, carbon nanotubes can be employed for proton transport. In this research, segments of carbon nanotubes are used as molecular-scale channel to transport proton. Two rings of a small carbon nanotube is considered as segment and transport of proton from one end of the segment to the other end is investigated. Results show that proton undergoes minimum and maximum structures with respect to their energies and can be absorbed inside the segment. Energy profile of the proton transport structures is calculated and barrier and Gibbs free energies of the specie are also reported.
Investigation and analysis of the posture characteristics and risk factors implicated in scoliosis among college students
Authors: YANG Zhaoyi , KANG Zhenghong , Gao Xing , DING Huixian , XUAN Junjie , LIU Hua 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Objective
The health of the spine is a lifetime problem that may influence function, mobility, and everyday living. The purpose of this research is to investigate spinal morphology screening on college students at Wuhan Sports University, analyze the incidence of scoliosis, associated improper posture features, and other risk factors, and provide evidence for avoiding scoliosis.
Methods
The questionnaire survey was used to collect basic student information such as gender, height, weight, major, training years, and so on. A physical examination and functional movement screen were used for the primary screening of scoliosis. The angle of trunk rotation (ATR) was measured by the Adams Test, and the thoracic kyphosis angle and the angle of trunk inclination (ATI) were measured by a spinal scan electronic spine measuring instrument. The subjects with anteroposterior X-ray Cobb angle > 10 ° were diagnosed as scoliosis patients. Analyze the influencing factors of scoliosis through the Chi-square test, independent sample t-test, logistic binary regression, and Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve. All data were analyzed by SPSS 26.0 statistical analysis software.
Results
The screening rate for scoliosis among 1,003 college students was 2.2%. Scoliosis was associated with the values of stable trunk rotation (r = -0.113, P < 0.001) and push-up (r = -0.109, P < 0.05). There were also big differences in body shape (high and low shoulders, pelvic tilt, the angle of trunk rotation (ATR), the angle of trunk inclination (ATI), body mass index (BMI), and the arch index (AHI), disciplinary expertise, and grip strength (P < 0.05). Disciplinary majors (OR = 2.994, 95% CI: 1.26–7.11), rotation angle (OR = 3.53, 95% CI: 1.49–8.4), and BMI (OR = 1.19, 95% CI: 1.06–1.34) of subjects were risk factors for scoliosis, and the cut-off value of BMI for scoliosis was 20.69.
Conclusion
The incidence of scoliosis is quite low among college students in technical disciplines (mainly referring to sports and arts majors) and is strongly associated with anomalies in several morphological markers, including BMI, grip strength, and functional motions. Furthermore, it is advisable to use the anticipated cut-off values of body mass index (BMI) of 20.69 and FMS for the purpose of screening for scoliosis, in addition to considering signs of aberrant body morphology.
Bidirectional causality between Idiopathic Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss and Depression: A Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: wu chuanyu , Yu Ya , Zhao Tongtong , Xie Hui 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Idiopathic Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (ISSHL) is a sudden onset, unexplained sensorineural hearing loss. Depression is a common mental disorder and a leading cause of disability. Here, We used a two-sample Mendelian randomization approach using pooled statistics from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of ISSHL (1,491 cases, 196,592 controls) and depression (23,424 cases, 192,220controls) in European populations. This study investigated the bidirectional relationship between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with depression and ISSHL using inverse variance weighting (IVW).Additional sensitivity analyses, such as Mendelian randomization-Egger (MR-Egger), weighted median estimates, and leave-one-out analysis, were performed to assess the reliability of the findings. Significant causal association between genetic susceptibility to ISSHL and depression in a random-effects IVW approach (OR = 1.037, 95% CI = 1.004–1.072, P = 0.030). In contrast, genetic depression was not risk factors for ISSHL (OR = 1.134, 95% CI = 0.871–1.475, P = 0.350). After validation by different MR methods and the sensitivity analysis, all of the above results are consistent. The evidence we have gathered suggests a causal relationship between ISSHL and depression. The presence of the former induces or further exacerbates the latter, whereas a similar situation does not exist when the latter is an influencing factor.
A method of minimizing solid board in designing a paperboard carton
Authors: Pyr’yev Yuriy , Piłczyńska Katarzyna , Kibirkštis Edmundas , Gegeckienė Laura , Venytė Ingrida , Vaitasius Kęstutis 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

The conducted research was aimed at increasing the accuracy of predicting the maximum force compressing a solid cardboard box. Changes in the technology of solid cardboard production and the design of packaging help to increase the durability of packaging; however, typical estimation methods do not take these changes into account. By determining the number of important parameters of the box and using a specific approach, it was possible to develop a semi-empirical model of the maximum force compressing the box and simplify it. By using this model, you can reduce the amount of solid board required for a specific package without reducing the life of the box. The maximum force prediction method presented in the article is also suitable for creating other box models.
Differences between the normal and perceived appropriate portion sizes of discretionary foods
Authors: Rangan Anna , Liu Qingzhou , Allman-Farinelli Margaret 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background There are limited data on the amount of discretionary foods that people normally consume and consider as appropriate at one eating occasion. This study aimed to provide an overview of the range and assess differences of the ‘normal portion size’ and ‘perceived appropriate portion size’ of energy-dense nutrient-poor discretionary foods among consumers aged 18–65 years.Methods To measure normal and perceived appropriate portion sizes, a validated online image-series questionnaire consisting of eight successive portion size options for 15 discretionary foods was completed at two timepoints. Quantile regression models were used to estimate the ranges (lower boundary at 17th percentile, upper boundary at 83rd percentile) of normal and perceived appropriate portion sizes selected by two thirds of the study population. Models were adjusted for the effects of potential influencing factors including biological sex, age, usual physical activity level, cooking confidence, socio-economic status, body mass index, and baseline hunger levels.Results A final sample of 295 participants were included in the analysis (51% females, mean age 39.5 ± 14.1 years). The normal portion sizes were significantly higher than the perceived appropriate portion sizes across all test foods, with the effects of sex, age, and BMI being significant for some foods.Conclusion The finding suggests that consumers would normally consume a portion size that was larger than what they perceive to be appropriate for discretionary foods. The estimated lower and upper boundaries would be valuable for the development of pragmatic public health messages to empower consumers towards better portion control.
Medical Image Analysis using Improved SAM-Med2D: Segmentation and Classification Perspectives
Authors: Sun Jiakang , Chen Ke , He Zhiyi , Ren Siyuan , He Xinyang , Liu Xu , Peng Cheng 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Recently emerged SAM-Med2D represents a state-of-the-art advancement in medical image segmentation. Through fine-tuning the Large Visual Model, Segment Anything Model (SAM), on extensive medical datasets, it has achieved impressive results in cross-modal medical image segmentation. However, its reliance on interactive prompts may restrict its applicability under specific conditions. To address this limitation, we introduce SAM-AutoMed, which achieves automatic segmentation of medical images by replacing the original prompt encoder with an improved MobileNet v3 backbone. The performance on multiple datasets surpasses both SAM and SAM-Med2D. Current enhancements on the Large Visual Model SAM lack applications in the field of medical image classif ication. Therefore, we introduce SAM-MedCls, which combines the encoder of SAM-Med2D with our designed attention modules to construct an end-to-end medical image classification model. It performs well on datasets of various modalities, even achieving state-of-the-art results, indicating its potential to become a universal model for medical image classification.
Temporal-Spatial Characteristics of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) near Petrochemical Industrial Complex using PTR-ToF-MS
Authors: Kim Jong Bum , Kim Jeongho , Kim Kyung Hwan , Hwang Kyucheol , Park Sechan , Noh Sujin , Lee Seonyeop , Lee Jooyeon , Park Duckshin 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Petrochemical complexes cause local air pollution and deteriorate the health of local residents by emitting a variety of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This study used a real-time analysis system to check the spatiotemporal distribution of pollutants discharged from petrochemical complexes. The proton transfer reaction time of a flight mass spectrometer (PTR-ToF-MS) was used as the measurement system. We performed measurements from July 21 to 26, 2021, mobile observations from July 21 to 22, 2021 and fixed observations from July 23 to 26, 2021. Meteorological analysis indicated that the prevailing wind direction was northwesterly, and pollutants discharged from industrial complexes in upwind regions have a high impact on villages in downwind regions. Mobile observation confirmed high concentrations in the section with the village hall, raw petroleum storage, landfill, and petrochemical production process. Methanol and acetone were in high concentrations at all times, and the concentrations of acetaldehyde, acetone, acetic acid, methylethyl ketone, and toluene increased once the production process started. The concentrations of benzene, known carcinogens, were particularly high, at times exceeding the acceptable threshold, indicating the need for improvement measures in the future.