bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The role of S100A9 in the progression of tuberculosis
Authors: Liu Ruichao , Duan Shujuan , Tong Jing , Yao Siyu , Liu Qiuyue , Li Liang 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Objective: Elevated plasma levels of S100A9 have been observed in patients with severe tuberculosis, with further increases in patients with poor prognosis, suggesting that S100A9 is a potential biomarker for disease progression and prognosis. However, the molecular mechanism underlying its potential remains unclear, highlighting the importance of exploring its function.
Methods: To further investigate the role of S100A9 in severe tuberculosis, we constructed S100A9 gene knockout or overexpression models and analyzed the transcriptome changes in THP-1 cells following S100A9 overexpression or shRNA silencing using next-generation sequencing. Through the analysis of transcriptome sequencing results, we identified eight genes that may be involved in the regulation of S100A9 expression. We also detected the expression of the S100A9 gene and related differentially expressed genes after Mycobacterium tuberculosisinfection, as well as their enrichment and related pathways. It was inferred that S100A9 may be involved in the mechanism by which tuberculosis progresses to severe tuberculosis.
Results: FOSB and IL17c are potentially related to the IL-17 signaling pathway, while calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II beta (CAMK2B) may be related to the ErbB signaling pathway. These findings indicate that these genes may promote the progression of tuberculosis through different mechanisms.
Conclusion: Our study explored the potential role and mechanism of S100A9 in the development of tuberculosis, providing a new perspective for the development of treatment strategies for this disease.
Contribution of platelet-derived circFAM13B to the antiplatelet effectiveness of ticagrelor in patients with acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Zou Yuting , Wang Yuyan , Yao Yanzhu , Wu Yangxun , Lv Chao , Yin Tong 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background:
Platelet is enriched with Circular RNAs (circRNAs), with circFAM13B rank among the 10 most abundant circRNAs in platelets. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the predictive value of platelet-derived circFAM13B for the antiplatelet responsiveness and efficacy of ticagrelor in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS).
Methods:
Consecutive ACS patients treated with ticagrelor were enrolled, and the antiplatelet responsiveness of 3 days of ticagrelor maintenance treatment was assessed by measuring the adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-induced platelet inhibition rate (ADP%) using thromboelastography. The expression of circFAM13B in the patients' platelets was analyzed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The correlation between circFAM13B expression and ticagrelor antiplatelet responsiveness, as well as the independent contribution of circFAM13B to the composite of adverse ischemic events during a follow-up period of at least 12 months was evaluated.
Results:
A total of 129 eligible ACS patients treated with ticagrelor were enrolled in the study. A negative correlation was found between the expression of circFAM13B and the ADP% value (r = -0.41, P < 0.001). Patients with ADP% ≥ 76% had a significantly lower level of circFAM13B compared to those with ADP% < 76% (adjusted P = 0.009). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis demonstrated that combining circFAM13B expression > 1.05 with clinical risk factors could effectively predict the risk of adverse ischemic events (AUC = 0.81, 95% CI: 0.69 to 0.92, P < 0.001). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that patients with circFAM13B > 1.05 had a significantly higher risk of adverse ischemic events compared to those with circFAM13B ≤ 1.05 (P = 0.003). Multivariate logistic hazard analysis identified circFAM13B > 1.05 as an independent risk factor for adverse ischemic events in in ticagrelor-treated ACS patients (adjusted OR: 5.60, 95% CI: 1.69–18.50; P = 0.005).
Conclusions:
Platelet-derived circFAM13B could be utilized for predicting the antiplatelet responsiveness and efficacy of ticagrelor in patients with ACS.
Accurate subpixel center determination for overlapping spots
Authors: Tao Dang Khoa , Nguyen Thi Phuong Anh , Nguyen Duc Duong , Bui Manh Toan , Nguyen Thi Kim Cuc , Cao Xuan Binh 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Precisely detecting laser beam locations is crucial in maximizing the performance of optical systems in manufacturing and measurement applications. There are numerous methods dealing with a single spot, but identifying overlapping spot centers is still challenging. To address this issue, we present an innovative approach that uses convolutional neural networks and image processing techniques to localize overlapping spot centers. Our method begins by utilizing the convolutional neural network to extract two crucial features: the ratio of minor to major axes and the orientation of the spots. Then, the Euclidean distance transform is employed to identify the approximate centers of the spots, which are the positions with the highest intensity in the transformed images. Finally, the gradient descent algorithm is applied to determine the precise center locations. In addition, noise was added to examine the ability to work in actual systems. The results indicate that our method performs well in noisy environments, accurately pinpointing overlapping spot centers in real-time with a 92% success rate. Furthermore, our approach strikes an excellent balance between accuracy and computational efficiency, making it suitable for use in actual laser manufacturing systems.
An analytical model for prediction of turbine tip clearance and their optimal parametric relationship to its thermal control
Authors: Abdollahi Azita , Abdollahi Anita 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Turbine tip clearance has a significant importance on the generated gas turbine power due to its effect on the undesirable blade tip leakage flows. So, the control of this parameter, has attracted the attention of many researches of this field. This paper, has focused on the estimation and prediction of the mentioned distance analytically. This radial distance is estimated by modeling the thermal and mechanical effects on the turbine components that can be used to facilitate research on the development of the tip clearance control systems. Finally, this paper addresses to the thermal control by using jet impingement on the external case wall by manifolds attached to the outside of the turbine and the required mass flow rate is calculated by adjusting the velocity of the jet impingement to achieve the desired tip clearance.
Adopting a strategic approach to dormant seeding and initial soil water management for rainfed lentil agroecosystems
Authors: Amiri Seyedreza , Rahimi-Moghaddam Sajjad , Eyni-Nargeseh Hamed 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The initial soil water (ISW) content and dormant seeding management (DSM) also resulted in better use of precipitation and escape from the heat and drought stresses in late spring and early summer. However, the effect of initial soil water content under DSM as an adaptation option on crop yield has not been fully evaluated, especially in developing countries. We aimed to assess sowing date and ISW on yield of lentil cultivars in 37 selected locations representing six arid and semi-arid agro-climates in Iran. We utilized the SSM-Legume model to quantify the sensitivity of lentil production to ISW and sowing date. Our results showed that the ISW creates the early appearance of stress on late-sown lentil, while DSM1(dormant seeding around 20 December) of lentil conserved higher soil water throughout the crop growth period. On the other hand, DSM1 and short cycle cultivar explored a higher amount of soil water and thus increasing the productivity. Hence, to minimize the effect of soil water stress in lentil rainfed agroecosystems, the best management combination of a short-cycle cultivar, DSM1, and an ISW ranges from 32 up to 52 mm produced the highest grain yield over all studied agro-climate types (779 − 605 kg ha− 1) due to lower plant water stress. Improving total production can be especially effective in arid and semi-arid areas. These results can offer advice to farmers and decision-makers in enhancing rainfed lentil production in arid and semi-arid agroecosystems by managing soil water and DSM.
In vitro anti-cancer activity of Tetraponera rufonigra extract on breast cancer cell line MB-231
Authors: Ramakrishnan Yamuna , K Zahra Ahsan Kabeer V. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

This study explores the medicinal value of Tetraponera rufonigra, a unique ant species found in Asia and Africa. Specifically, we investigate its potential in producing anticancer drugs within the fascinating realm of ethnoentomology. Tetraponera ants produce neurotoxic substances called tetraponerines, which have demonstrated cytotoxic effects on cancer cells, including MCF-7 breast carcinoma and colon HT29 cells. Our findings suggest that these ants could be a valuable source of new anticancer drugs, shedding light on the rich ethnoentomological relationship between humans and insects. The methodology involved ethnoentomological data collection, material selection, authentication, extract preparation, and biochemical screening. We used the MB231 breast cancer cell line for in vitro testing. The results revealed significant cytotoxicity against breast cancer cells, with an IC50 value of 760 µg/ml. Further research is needed to validate its efficacy and identify the active compounds. This study not only contributes to the field of cancer research but also emphasizes the importance of ethnoentomological knowledge in understanding the potential of insect-derived compounds for cancer treatment.
Flexible Terrain Erosion - A Fluid Simulation-Independent Approach Compatible with Multiple Representations
Authors: HARTLEY Marc , Mellado Nicolas , Fiorio Christophe , Faraj Noura 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
In this paper, we present a novel particle-based method for simulating erosion on various terrain representations, including height fields, voxel grids, material layers, and implicit terrains. Our approach breaks down erosion into two key processes - terrain alteration and material transport - allowing for flexibility in simulation. We utilize independent particles governed by basic particle physics principles, enabling efficient parallel computation. For increased precision, a vector field can adjust particle speed, adaptable for realistic fluid simulations or user-defined control. We address material alteration in 3D terrains with a set of equations applicable across diverse models, requiring only per-particle specifications for size, density, coefficient of restitution, and sediment capacity. Our modular algorithm is versatile for real-time and offline use, suitable for both 2.5D and 3D terrains.
Study on the Dynamics of mechanism with joint clearance based on nonlinear friction model
Authors: Wang Xiaoyu , Chen Zhilong , HU Haobin , Zhao Jingchao , Ye Liuzeng , Ye Guiming 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Friction in joints significantly impacts the performance of mechanisms, and the friction coefficient varies with environment conditions. Accurately characterizing the friction coefficient has always been a challenge. In order to investigate the influence of friction coefficient on the dynamic properties of mechanisms, a dynamic model of crank-slider mechanism was constructed considering features such as joint clearance and time-varying nonlinear friction coefficient changing with pressure and speed. The dynamic response and wear prediction of the joint under the influence of nonlinear friction coefficient were analyzed. The results demonstrate that, the axis trajectories exhibit greatly changes on horizontal direction. At the same clearance, under conditions of nonlinear friction coefficients, the contact force is larger compared to that under constant friction coefficients, and the friction force increases with the increase in contact force. Both the contact force and friction force increase with the enlargement of the clearance, and as the clearance increases, the magnitude of the increase in contact force and friction force also increases. Additionally, the collision between the bushing and the pin leads to non-uniform wear on the inner surface of the bushing, with two wear peaks present corresponding to the two positions of highest contact force. Under conditions of nonlinear friction coefficients, the wear amount of the bushing significantly decreases, and the locations of the most severe wear locations of severe wear also change.
Factors affecting precipitation use efficiency of dryland wheat and barley genotypes
Authors: khodashenas alireza 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Available water and its efficient use are the main determinants of yield in dryland agricultural systems. In this study, the results from two-year experiments in dryland condition of Mashhad, used to evaluate of rainfall use efficiency of wheat and barley. The results showed that under the same environmental conditions, the precipitation use efficiency (efficiency) of wheat and barley genotypes had a significant difference, and the highest and lowest efficiency in wheat genotypes belonged to Karim and Line 14 with the rate of 9.6 and 4.3 kg of grain for each mm of rainfall, respectively. The highest and lowest efficiency in barley genotypes was recorded for Mahoor and Ansar cultivars at 17.7 and 7.9 kg of grains per mm of rainfall, respectively. The difference between the two crops, in terms of efficiency, was considerable and the highest efficiency of barley genotypes compared to the wheat cultivar of Karim (the highest efficiency for wheat cultivars) was greater than 84.3%. Based on results, temperature is one of the most influential factors in improving efficiency, and on average, for 1 ˚C decrease in mean air temperature, the efficiency of wheat and barley genotypes increases by 0.83 and 1.06 kg/ha per millimeter of rainfall, respectively. The Karim wheat cultivar and Mahoor barley cultivar started spring growth faster. The biomass growth rate of wheat genotypes was in the range of 84–106 kg/ha per day, and the biomass growth rate of barley genotypes was in the range of 136–166 kg/ha per day. The highest growth rate of wheat and barley grain genotypes belonged to the Aftab wheat cultivar and Khorram barley cultivar at 78.6 and 122 kg/ha per day, respectively. The time of pollination and the harvest index also played an important role in improving the efficiency of wheat and barley genotypes. So that, every day of delay in pollination, according to the average rate of grain production in wheat and barley genotypes, means a reduction of 52.9 and 90.8 kg of grain per hectare, respectively. Despite the effective role of each trait, advantage in one trait did not play a significant role in reaching high efficiency, and the Mahoor cultivar with the highest efficiency had a favorable status in terms of all characteristics. It seems that by improving the effective traits, the efficiency of spring and winter wheat cultivars, as well as winter and spring barley, can be enhanced, according to a pattern similar to the Mahoor cultivar and even more than it. This situation only for wheat will mean an increase in grain yield potential by about 61.5% compared to the current status of the best wheat cultivar in this dryland conditions.
Assessment of the oral health knowledge, behavior and attitude of spreading oral health to patients among non-dental professionals: A cross-sectional study in Chongqing, China
Authors: Qin Weifei , Liu Nanshu , Wang Qian , Dong Yanling , Jiang Lin 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Non-dental professionals (NDPs) should understand oral health-related knowledge to help patients maintain oral and general health. We investigated the oral health knowledge, behaviors, and attitudes of NDPs regarding patient education and multidisciplinary collaborations for oral health.
Materials and methods
For this cross-sectional study, a web-based questionnaire of 34 questions was designed from the characteristics, oral health knowledge and access, and behavior and attitude of spreading oral health knowledge. A total of 406 NDPs at selected hospitals in the Chongqing region of China were included. Data were collected electronically and statistically analyzed using the chi-square test.
Results
Only 35.96% and 39.41% of respondents disagreed with “extraction can cause loosening of the adjacent tooth” and “tooth loss is a natural part of aging,” respectively. The correct answer rates to the other nine basic oral health knowledge areas ranged from 70.94–100%. The rates of complete correct answers among different education, professional titles, and working years groups exhibited significant differences (P˂0.05). 92.12% were aware of the oral healthcare needs before pregnancy, 67.48% agreed with cleaning the gum before the eruption of children's teeth. 26.60% and 15.27% of the participants were not aware of hazards of long-term lying drinking milk and mouth breathing, respectively. Only 57.14% and 56.16% knew the start time of dental cleaning for children and the relatively safe period of dental treatment for pregnant women, respectively. 73.40% were interested in oral health knowledge, and their favorite way was to consult dental professionals. 95.56% of respondents agree with multidisciplinary collaborations for oral health, while only 27.09% often carry out oral health education and guidance to the patients. 68.47% thought they would carry out oral health education in the future.
Conclusion
NDPs knew about common oral health knowledge, but knowledge of oral health care for special groups was insufficient. NDPs should improve their ability to educate the public on oral health and establish multidisciplinary collaborations.
Application of Response Surface Methodology and Artificial Neural Network in Removal of Methylene Blue with Olive Pits Activated Carbon
Authors: Ozcelik Tijen Over , Altintig Esra , Cetinkaya Mehmet , Bozdag Dilay , Sarici Birsen , Ates Asude 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Activated carbon produced from olive pits (OPAC) is a low-cost adsorbent that removes methylene blue (MB) from aqueous solutions. OPAC was characterized using FTIR and SEM analysis. The response surface methodology (RSM) and artificial neural network (ANN) approaches have been combined to optimize and model the adsorption MB. To assess the optimal conditions for MB adsorption, RSM was initially applied using four controllable operating parameters. Throughout the optimization process, varying levels of independent variables were employed, including initial dye concentration ranging from 25 to 125 mg/L, adsorbent dosage ranging from 0.1 to 0.9 g/L, pH values spanning from 1 to 9, and contact times ranging from 15 to 75 min. Moreover, the R2 value (R2 = 0.9804) indicates that the regression can effectively forecast the response within the examined range of the adsorption process. This research showcases the capability of optimizing and predicting the colour removal process through the combined RSM-ANN approach. It highlights the effectiveness of adsorption on OPAC as a viable primary treatment method for the removal of colour from wastewater containing dyes.
Spatial variation in delayed diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis in Bihar, India
Authors: Nightingale Emily S. , Bindroo Joy , Dubey Pushkar , Priyamvada Khushbu , Das Aritra , Bern Caryn , Srikant Sridhar , Cameron Mary M , Lucas Tim C D , Medley Graham F , Brady Oliver J 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a debilitating disease and without treatment, a fatal disease which burdens the most impoverished communities in northeastern India. Control and ultimately, elimination of VL depends heavily on prompt case detection. However, a proportion of VL cases remain undiagnosed many months after symptom onset. Delay to diagnosis increases the chance of onward transmission, and poses a risk of resurgence in populations with waning immunity. We checked the spatial variation of delayed diagnosis of VL in Bihar, India and aimed to understand the potential driving factors of delayed diagnosis.
Methods The spatial distribution of diagnostic delays was explored using a Bayesian model fit to geo-located cases using the Integrated Nested Laplace Approximation (INLA) approach, 1 assuming days of delay as Poisson-distributed and adjusting for individual-(age, sex, HIV) and local-level (recent incidence, vector control, health facility access) characteristics. Residual variance was modelled with an explicit spatial structure. Cumulative delays were estimated under different scenarios of active case detection coverage.
Findings The 4,270 cases analysed were prone to excessive delays outside existing endemic “hot spots”, beyond the focus of interventions. Cases diagnosed within recently-affected blocks and villages experienced shorter delays on average (by 13% 95% Credible Interval [2.9%-21.7%] and 7% [1.3%-13.1%], respectively) than those in non-recently-affected areas.
Interpretation Delays to VL diagnosis when incidence is low could influence whether transmission of the disease could be interrupted or resurges. Prioritising and narrowing surveillance to high-burden areas may increase the likelihood of excessive delays in diagnosis in peripheral areas. Active surveillance driven by observed incidence may lead to missing the risk posed by as-yet-undiagnosed cases in low-endemic areas, and such surveillance could be insufficient for achieving and sustaining elimination.
Global Supply Chain Risk and China’s Economy: Major Public Health Crisis Insights
Authors: Jin Hui , Jakovljevic Mihajlo 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

China's key role in the global supply chain significantly influences its economic growth, yet it faces threats from supply chain risks, notably during major public health crises. This study examines the effects of global supply chain disruptions on China's economy, using the Global Trade Analysis Project (GTAP) model to assess impacts across different sectors. Findings reveal that China's economy can manage the broader effects of such disruptions post-pandemic, with industry-specific variations in trade balance, output, and employment. Increased negative impacts correlate with higher shock levels. The analysis shows primary and service industries benefit from domestic demand growth, whereas some manufacturing sectors suffer from reduced international demand. Industries deeply integrated into global value chains experience more severe effects from supply chain disruptions. The paper advises the Chinese government to address these risks, promoting domestic stability and enhancing global supply chain risk management strategies.