bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Durable and Writable Universal Primitives with Dynamic Joining
Authors: Jayanti Prasad , Jayanti Siddhartha , Jayanti Sucharita 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
We present durable implementations for two well known universal primitives—CAS (compare-and-swap), and its ABA-free counter-part LLSC (load-linked, store-conditional). Our implementations satisfy method-based recoverable linearizability (MRL)and method-based detectability (M-detectability)—novel correctness conditions thatrequire only a simple usage pattern to guarantee resilience to individual process crashes(and system-wide crashes), including in implementations with nesting. Additionally, our implementations are: writable, meaning they support a Write() operation; have constant time complexity per operation; allow for dynamic joining, meaning newly createdprocesses (a.k.a. threads) of arbitrary names can join a protocol and access our implemen-tations; and have adaptive space complexity, meaning the space use scales in the number of processes n that actually use the objects, as opposed to previous protocols whose space complexity depends on N , the maximum number of processes that the protocol is designed for. Our durable Writable-CAS implementation, DuraCAS, requires O(m + n) space to support m objects that get accessed by n processes, improving on the state-of-the-art O(m + N2). By definition, LLSC objects must store “contexts” in addition to object values. Our Writable-LLSC implementation, DuraLL, requires O(m + n + C) space, where C is the number of “contexts” stored across all the objects. While LLSC has an advantage over CAS due to being ABA-free, the object definition seems to require additional space usage. To address this trade-off, we define an External Context (EC) variant of LLSC. Our EC Writable-LLSC implementation is ABA-free and has a space complexity of just O(m + n).
To our knowledge, our algorithms are the first durable CAS algorithms that allow for dynamic joining, and are the first to exhibit adaptive space complexity. To our knowledge, we are the first to implement any type of durable LLSC objects.
An Investigation of the toxicity and mechanisms of Food Additives Based on Network Toxicology and GEO Databases: A Case Study of Aspartame
Authors: Li Bin , Shi Lingyang , Feng Mei , Fan Weichuan , Wang Yukai , He Zhiqi , Liu Tao 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

This study employs network toxicology, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulations to assess the characteristics and potential molecular mechanisms of aspartame-induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Utilizing ChEMBL, STITCH, and SwissTargetPrediction databases, potential target proteins associated with aspartame are identified. HCC-related targets are determined through bioinformatics and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). Gene enrichment analysis explores the signaling pathways related to aspartame-induced HCC. Further refinement using the STRING database and Cytoscape software highlights 15 key targets. Molecular docking, conducted using Autodock Vina, assesses the relationships between aspartame and each key target. Molecular dynamics simulations evaluate the binding capabilities of aspartame with core targets obtained through molecular docking. The results indicate that aspartame may induce HCC by modulating apoptosis and proliferation of liver cancer cells, affecting inflammatory signaling pathways, and regulating estrogen metabolism, posing to the occurrence and development of liver toxicity and associated inflammation, thereby leading a risk of hepatocarcinogenesis. This study provides a theoretical foundation for understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying aspartame-induced HCC. Additionally, our network toxicology approach accelerates the elucidation of toxic pathways for uncharacterized food additives.
Platelet-lymphocyte ratio as a predictor of lymph node metastasis in small bowel cancer
Authors: Chen Xihao , Liu Zhiyu , Song Jiawei , Li Jipeng 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this research was to investigate the potential predictive value of preoperative systemic inflammatory indexes in identifying lymph node metastasis among patients diagnosed with small bowel cancer.
METHODS: A retrospective analysis of clinical data was conducted on small bowel cancer patients who underwent surgical treatment at the gastrointestinal surgery department of our hospital between January 2010 and June 2021. Patients were divided into groups based on the presence or absence of lymph node metastasis as confirmed by postoperative pathological results. The study compared the differences in preoperative inflammatory indexes and clinical data between the two groups using single factor analysis and multifactorial Logistic regression analysis. Furthermore, a nomogram model for predicting lymph node metastasis in colorectal cancer was constructed using R software and internally validated.
RESULTS: The study sample consisted of 140 small bowel cancer patients. Postoperative pathology confirmed lymph node metastasis in 72 cases. Univariate analysis results indicated associations between preoperative inflammatory indexes and clinical data with lymph node metastasis in small bowel cancer. Multifactorial logistic regression analysis revealed that gender, NLR, number of lymph node dissection, and lymphovascular invasion independently influenced lymph node metastasis in small bowel cancer patients. The developed nomogram model demonstrated a C-index of 0.855 (95% CI 0.792-0.917), with a calibrated prediction curve closely resembling the ideal curve.
CONCLUSION: An elevated PLR is an independent risk factor for LNM in patients with small bowel cancer.
The Incidence of Brain Metastases in Breast Cancer according to molecular subtype and stage: a 10-year single institution analysis
Authors: Poletes Christopher , Amanirad Bardia , Santiago Anna T. , Yan Michael , Conrad Tatiana , Jerzak Katarzyna J. , Shultz David B. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
Breast cancer (BC) is the second most common etiology of brain metastases (BrM). We aimed to examine the incidence of BrM among all BC patients presenting to a large tertiary cancer centre over one decade.
Methods
We included all BC patients presenting consecutively between 2009 and 2019 and cross referenced that cohort to a radiotherapy database, identifying patients treated for BrM at any time following their initial presentation. Cumulative incidences (CI) of BrM diagnoses were calculated using death as a competing risk and compared using the Fine-Gray method. Overall survival was estimated using the Kaplan Meier method.
Results
We identified 12,995 unique patients. The CI of BrM in patients who initially presented with Stage 0-4 disease was 2.1%, 3.7%, 9.4%, 10.6%, and 28.7%, respectively at 10 years. For 8,951 patients with available molecular subtype data, 6,470 (72%), 961 (11%), 1,023 (11%), and 497 (6%) had hormone-receptor (HR)-positive/ERBB2-, HR-negative/ERBB2-, HR-positive/ERBB2+, and HR-negative/ERBB2+ disease, respectively; the CI of BrM in each was 7.6%, 25.3%, 24.1%, and 26.6%, at 10 years following BC diagnosis, respectively. Median overall survival (OS) following BC diagnosis and BrM diagnosis was 28 years 95% CI [25, 32] and 10 months 95% CI [9, 12], respectively.
Conclusions
From a large, registry-based study, we observed that patients with ERBB2+ and triple negative BC have the highest incidence of BrM. Clinicians should have a low threshold for brain imaging in patients with a history of BC who experience symptoms suggestive of BrM, especially in ERBB2+ and triple negative BC.
Insights into fermentation with lactic acid bacteria on the flavonoids biotransformation of alfalfa silage
Authors: Gao Yu , Zhou Hongzhang , Wan yuan , Yang Fuyu , Ni Kuikui 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Oxidative stress is currently one of the main threats to animal health, and flavonoids in feed have good antioxidant activity. However, the impact of fermentation on flavonoids and their antioxidant activity in feed is still unclear. This study aims to investigate the effect of lactic acid bacteria inoculation on the biological transformation of flavonoids in alfalfa silage fermentation and its relationship with antioxidant activity.
Results
Compared with the raw materials, silage fermentation can increase the total flavonoid content of alfalfa. The addition of Pediococcus pentosaceus (CP115739.1) and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (CP115741.1) can significantly increase the total flavonoid content in alfalfa silage feed (p<0.05). The addition of lactic acid bacteria significantly improved the antioxidant capacity of alfalfa silage feed (p<0.05). Pearson correlation analysis showed a significant correlation between total flavonoids and DPPH (R=0.62, p<0.05), and a highly significant correlation between total flavonoids and FRAP (R=0.70, p<0.01). Compared with natural silage fermentation, the addition of lactic acid bacteria leads to changes in the biological transformation process of flavonoids in alfalfa. Its unique products, 3,7,4 '- trioxyflavonoids, as well as acacetin and taxifolin 7-O-rhamnoside, are significantly positively correlated with antioxidant activity.
Conclusions
Silage fermentation contributes to the transformation of flavonoids, and inoculation with certain lactic acid bacteria can increase the content of flavonoids (including apigenin, luteolin, and other free flavonoids). It is worth noting that after fermentation, the antioxidant capacity of alfalfa is significantly improved, which may be attributed to the biotransformation of flavonoids related to acacetin, 3,7,4 '- trihydroxyflavonoids, and taxifolin 7-O-rhamnoside. This study provides a potential pathway for obtaining value-added silage fermentation products by selecting specific lactic acid bacteria inoculants.
Growth of Laser Damage in Fused Silica and CaF2 Under 263-nm Laser Irradiation
Authors: zhang Qi , Jiang Xiuqing , Liu Dong , Ji Lailin , Tang Shunxing , Guo Yajing , Sun Mingying , Zhu Baoqiang , Lu Xingqiang 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

This study examined the growth of the laser-damage performance in opticalcomponents under the fourth harmonic of Nd:glass laser irradiation (263-nm).The damage-growth threshold of the optical component was relatively low under 263-nm laser irradiation compared to 351-nm irradiation, owing to the higherenergy level of 4ω photons, and depended on the material characteristics. Thepreliminary growth of laser damage in fused silica and CaF2 under 263-nm laserirradiation is reported in this article. The damage growth thresholds of these twomaterials were obtained by continuously irradiating the optical components usinga 263-nm laser with a pulse width of τ = 5 ns. The damage growth threshold offused silica is lower than that of CaF2 because of differences between the mate-rials. The damage characteristics, including the damage morphology and bulkdamage, were analyzed.
A Retrospective Study on Virological Recovery Patterns and Factors Associated with HIV Viral Treatment Using Highly Active Anti-Retro viral Therapy in Public Health Facilities in Tigray, Northern Ethiopia
Authors: Teame Gebrecherkos , Tilahun Mulugeta , Gebreyohannes Gebreselema , Gessese Ataklti , Bisrat Haileselassie , Weldegiorgis Dagnew , Amare Tekele , Assefa Fisseha , Alemseged Girmay , Alemseged Gebreselassie , Kahsay Hayelom 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Viral load monitoring is crucial for identifying treatment failure in HIV/AIDS patients, as low viremia is essential for public health as HIV cannot spread undetectable. This study aimed to assess the sustained virological recovery rate and potential factors affecting HIV patients in Tigray, Northern Ethiopia, receiving combination treatment.
Methods
HIV patients receiving highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART) were the subject of a retrospective investigation. Using a standardized checklist, data was taken from the Tigray Health Bureau database and aligned with data from the Tigray Health Research Institute (THRI). SPSS version 25.0 was used to analyze the data. The correlations between each factor and the categorical outcome variables were evaluated using Pearson's χ2. In order to determine the determinants impacting virological recovery, multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed. Significant relationship levels were established at p < 0.05.
Results
7689 HIV patients with a mean age of 43 ± 13 years were recruited on HAART with female predominance 64.4% with 95% CI: 58.3–76.3. At enrollment to ART sizable portion of the research participants 43.7% and 38% were in the productive age ranges of 16–30 and 31–45 years old respectively. The overall virological recovery was 90.9% with significant variations among male and female participants 4.24 (2.97–6.03) with (P < 0.001). Predictors for persistent virological recovery were identified based on baseline viral load, baseline CD4 count, current and baseline age, lost to follow-ups, adherence, and WHO clinical presentations.
Conclusion
Male participants showed less recovery, with high baseline CD4 count, long therapy stays, and suppressed viral load being key predictors. Regular assessment of treatment response patterns and drug list combinations is crucial for HIV virological recovery. Early enrollment in HAART, tailored interventions, baseline viral load monitoring, longitudinal studies, and gene sequencing are crucial for virological recovery and identifying genetic factors contributing to treatment resistance.
Effect of bedrock, tree size and time on growth and climate sensitivity of Norway spruce in the High Tatras
Authors: Basnet Saroj , Burger Andreas , Homolová Zuzana , Märker Frederik , Trouillier Mario , Wilmking Martin 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Tree growth is a multifaceted process influenced by various factors at different spatial and temporal scales, including intrinsic tree traits and environmental conditions. Climate factors have a significant impact on tree growth dynamics, while geological controls can also play a crucial role. However, our understanding of the interplay between these factors concerning tree growth is currently limited. This study focuses on Norway spruce (Picea abies [L.] Karst.), one of the economically most important coniferous tree species in Europe, to investigate the interplay of growth, climate, and environment at the forest and corresponding treeline sites in the High Tatra Mountains of Slovakia. Specifically, we developed chronologies of tree-ring width (TRW) and late-wood density (MXD) for different tree size classes across two limestone and granitic sites. Growth rates of Norway spruce trees have been increasing in forests since the 1930s and from the 1950s at treelines. Growth rates were consistently higher on limestone bedrock compared to granitic bedrock conditions. Variability of radial growth is primarily driven by spring and summer climate at both geological settings, while slope position (treeline vs. forest) or tree size did not reveal contrasting climate-growth relationships. We observed a decrease in climatic signals over time across all size class chronologies for both TRW and MXD at both sites. TRW displayed a shift in its climate response over time with decreasing sensitivity to SPEI and precipitation. Similarly, MXD's sensitivity to spring and summer temperatures diminished over time, showing a more mixed response to SPEI and precipitation. Therefore, our findings accentuate the potential implications of geological settings, climate, and environmental factors on the absolute growth and growth dynamics of Norway spruce, highlighting the need for further research to fully understand and manage forest ecosystems in mountainous regions.
Local Perceptions of Epidemics in Ethiopia: The Case of the Bayso Community of Gidicho Island, Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Fekadu Eshetu 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The effect of epidemic diseases on the lives of rural communities in Ethiopia was more severe than those in towns and cities, as the majority of such rural communities still have no access to modern health facilities. If not for the effort such rural communities made to maintain infectious diseases via sociocultural knowledge, approaches, and local resources, it may had overwhelming consequences. The study attempts to examine the perception of the Bayso on epidemic diseases, focusing on causes and approaches to control epidemic diseases. The study employed a qualitative research design. Accordingly, ethnographic data was collected by interviews, focus group discussions, and observation using semi-structured questions. The fieldwork was conducted between December 2020 and May 2022. A total of 78 informants; 43 in interviews and 35 in 4 focus group discussions participated in the study. Findings revealed that the laymen Bayso associate sources of disease with supernatural forces, such as Wa’a, (Supreme Being) and spirits (ancestral and evil), whereas the educated linked it to natural factors including environmental and personal hygiene. Accordingly, the laymen Bayso used local mechanisms such as religious rituals and sacrifices, communication bans, isolation of patients, and the use of animal and plant products for the protection, prevention, and heal infected ones, whereas the educated were reliant on modern health services. But, currently, the perception of layman Bayso on health/disease has been changing owing to the expansion of modern health services, the decline of their indigenous belief system, and the introduction of Christianity. In essence, because of the decline of their ritual system, they lost their traditional health system. Therefore, documentation of mechanisms of healing, and plant and animal products that had a substantial role in treating illness will have the utmost role in devising a policy that endorses alternative and complementary use of traditional healing mechanisms with the modern one.
Process parameter optimization for waste polyethylene terephthalate bottle depolymerization using neutral hydrolysis
Authors: KILANKO Oluwapelumi , OLAMIGOKE Olugbenga 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The global surge in plastic production has led to a concerning accumulation of durable plastic waste in landfills and the environment. To address this issue, the depolymerization of waste polyethylene terephthalate (PET) through neutral hydrolysis has been proposed as a chemical recycling solution. Despite its potential environmental benefits, the endothermic nature of this process at high temperatures has raised doubts about its commercial feasibility. In response, this study was conducted to assess optimal conditions for waste PET depolymerization using neutral hydrolysis in a continuous stirred tank reactor with zinc acetate as a catalyst. Process simulation, aimed to manufacture pure terephthalic acid (TPA) and ethylene glycol from pelletized post-consumer PET bottles, was conducted with Aspen Plus Version 11. Sensitivity analysis explored the impact of factors such as reaction temperature, reaction time, PET flake size, and catalyst to PET ratio on both PET conversion and TPA yield. The study found that PET depolymerization increased with decreasing particle size, longer reaction times, increasing catalyst to PET ratio and reaction temperatures within the range of 200–240 ºC. Optimizing the process through response surface modelling revealed that key parameters for neutral hydrolysis considering a mean particle size of 20 mm were the ratio of water to PET, temperature, pressure, and reaction time with optimal values of 5:1, 225 ºC, 30 bar, and 67.5 min respectively. The model's reliability was confirmed through variance analysis, emphasizing the significance of main and interaction effects in the regression model.
The role of surgical intervention in the treatment of Peripheral Arterial Disease.
Authors: Alhamad Lilas , Kubtan Muhammad Assem 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Aim and background:
The increase of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) to an estimated 200 million patients along with its life-limiting symptoms and the complications of treatment with traditional open surgery; builds a need to advance interventional intravascular procedures treatment. This study aims to accentuate the role of interventional intravascular procedures on PAD patients.
Methods and material:
A Cross-sectional retrospective study. The study was performed on 500 patients who were admitted at Damascus hospital for interventional intravascular procedure, during the period 14-1-2015 to 5-9-2023. A questionnaire was designed to include demographic data, initial clinical presentation, diagnosis, patient history, type of intravascular procedure, medication, duration of hospitalization and patient complications.
Result:
The majority of patient who are 194 patients were in the age group of 60–70 years, representing 39%. The male patients were 402 patients, accounting for 80%. The most common complaint among patients was pain representing 30%. 171 (23%) patients had a superficial femoral artery complaint and were the most frequently subjected arteries to interventional procedures.The largest number of patients, 410 patients, spent only one day in the hospital representing 82%. The most common complication among patients was stent occlusion, with 35 patients (7%). There was a strong statistically significant relationship between the gender of the patient and the procedure involving balloon angioplasty and a significant relationship between the Kissing procedure and patients' age.
Conclusion:
This study shows the importance of interventional procedures in treating peripheral vascular disease compared to conventional surgery. However, interventional intravascular procedure remains the surgical intervention which has its own complications, and studies on the benefit of the interventional procedure are still insufficient.
Comparative Evaluation of Commercial Large Language Models on PromptBench: An English and Chinese Perspective
Authors: Wang Shiyu , Ouyang Qian , Wang Bing 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
This study embarks on an exploration of the performance disparities observed between English and Chinese in large language models (LLMs), motivated by the growing need for multilingual capabilities in artificial intelligence systems. Utilizing a comprehensive methodology that includes quantitative analysis of model outputs and qualitative assessment of language nuances, the research investigates the underlying reasons for these discrepancies. The findings reveal significant variations in the performance of LLMs across the two languages, with a pronounced challenge in accurately processing and generating text in Chinese. This performance gap underscores the limitations of current models in handling the complexities inherent in languages with distinct grammatical structures and cultural contexts. The implications of this research are far-reaching, suggesting a critical need for the development of more robust and inclusive models that can better accommodate linguistic diversity. This entails not only the enrichment of training datasets with a wider array of languages but also the refinement of model architectures to grasp the subtleties of different linguistic systems. Ultimately, this study contributes to the ongoing discourse on enhancing the multilingual capabilities of LLMs, aiming to pave the way for more equitable and effective artificial intelligence tools that cater to a global user base.