bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Early phenotypic and soluble markers of T cell activity can distinguish sepsis associated HLH from sepsis in children
Authors: Chaudhary Anita , Boddu Deepthi , Christal Jone Paulin , Vijayalekshmi Balakrishnan , Kumar Ajith , Syed Chanduni , Saravanan Poornima , Mathew Leni Grace , Sriniva Hema N , Varghese Tintu , Ghosh Urmi , Rajan Roshini Julia , Chandran Jolly , Kishore Ravi , Jacob Ebor , Nair Sukesh C , Samuel Prasanna , Kumar Satish , Prabhu Savit B 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Sepsis associated Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (SHLH) is an underrecognized fatal complication of sepsis which requires early diagnosis and aggressive immunosuppressive treatment. However, overlapping clinical symptoms between sepsis and SHLH makes the early diagnosis challenging. Few recent studies have indicated the utility of immune signatures in distinguishing sepsis from HLH due to various underlying triggers. In this cross-sectional study, we evaluated the proportions of T cell subsets, their activation status (% of HLADR+CD38+ or PD1+ T cells) and cytokine profile within 72 hours of diagnosing the children with sepsis. Among the sepsis children, SHLH were identified if ≥4 HLH-2004 criteria are fulfilled. We report a lower CD4:CD8 ratio, and higher percentages of activated (HLADR+CD38+ or PD1+) CD4 T cells in SHLH children than those with sepsis. We also report an increase in the cytokines/chemokines related to T cell activity (IL-2Ra, IFN-g, MIG/CXCL9 and IL-10) in SHLH. ROC analysis revealed a 100% sensitivity and 78% specificity with CD4:CD8 <1.28 and an 87% sensitivity and 93% specificity with PD1+ CD4 Tcells >23.75% supporting the utility of these immune profiles in differentiating sepsis from SHLH early during the disease. Other markers (HLADR+CD38+CD4+T cells, serum levels of IL2Ra, IL-10 and MIG) also showed a specificity of 81-87%. In conclusion, the PD1+/HLADR+CD38+CD4+T cells, CD4:CD8 ratio, IL-2Ra and IL-10 either individually or together are likely to offer a good diagnostic accuracy in early diagnosis of SHLH from sepsis in children.
Causal association of childhood body mass index (BMI) with the risk of endometrioid endometrial cancer: A two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Lou Yaochen , Du Yan , Jiang Feng , Guan Jun 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to investigate if childhood body mass index (BMI) causally contributed to the risk of endometrial cancer (EC), which had not been well answered.
Methods: Genetic instruments were selected using single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with childhood BMI in European population from a large-scale genome-wide association studies (GWAS, n= 39,620). A two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study was performed to evaluate the effect of higher childhood BMI on risk of EC. The data for endometrioid EC was obtained from a GWAS dataset comprising 54,884 individuals (8,758 cases and 46,126 controls). Inverse variance weighting (IVW), weighted median, weighted mode, and MR-Egger regression approaches were applied.
Results: We selected 16 SNPs with genome-wide significance in childhood BMI for the analysis. The IVW analysis provided a causal link between childhood BMI and EC (beta = 0.408, standard error [SE] = 0.088, P < 0.001). Similarly, the weighted median method also provided robust evidence for the causal correlation (beta = 0.390, SE = 0.119, P < 0.001). Although the MR-Egger regression did not achieve the same significance (beta = 0.071, SE = 0.362, P = 0.848), it showed a minimal intercept value indicating small bias for directionality of pleiotropic effects (intercept = 0.024; P = 0.354). Through Cochran's Q test and visual inspection via funnel plot, the assessment of heterogeneity found no evidence of heterogeneity or asymmetry in our findings, further supporting the absence of directional pleiotropy.
Conclusions: Childhood BMI and risk of EC might be causally related, and early-life intervention on weight control might be considered for children to reduce the life-span risk of EC.
Magnetic Properties of Fe and Cu doped Diluted Magnetic Semiconductor ZnO Nanoparticles Synthesized via Sol-Gel Method
Authors: Rehman Abdul , Naseem Shahzad , Riaz Saira 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The iron and copper doped zinc oxide nanoparticle was synthesized by the Sol-gel method. The prepared powder sample was characterized by using X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Ultraviolet Visible Spectroscopy, Vibrating Sample Magnetometer VSM, and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy FTIR. The synthesized well-closed pack spherical nanoparticles of wurtzite hexagonal phase, and have characterized their crystalline structure using XRD. The bandgap increases with the addition of the doping material in ZnO NPs which is analyzed by UV spectroscopy. FTIR spectroscopy was used to investigate the existence of chemical bonding and functional groups in the samples, and it was found that the spectra contained modes associated with iron Fe in addition to ZnO nanoparticles. This suggests the presence of Fe in the nanoparticles. At room temperature, ferromagnetism behavior in the doped ZnO nanoparticles was confirmed by magnetic characterization using VSM. This is a significant finding, as ferromagnetism is not typically observed in ZnO, and it could have potential applications in the field of spintronics.
Improving Scalability of Multi-Agent Deep Reinforcement Learning with Suboptimal Human Knowledge
Authors: Liu Dingbang , Ren Fenghui , Yan Jun , Su Guoxin , Gu Wen , Kato Shohei 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Due to its exceptional learning ability, multi-agent deep reinforcement learning (MADRL) has garnered widespread research interest. However, since the learning is data-driven and involves sampling from millions of steps, training a large number of agents is inherently challenging and inefficient. Inspired by the human learning process, we aim to transfer knowledge from humans to avoid starting from scratch. Given the growing emphasis on the Human-on-the-Loop concept, this study focuses on addressing the challenges of large-population learning by incorporating suboptimal human knowledge into the cooperative multi-agent environment. To leverage human experience, we integrate human knowledge into the training process of MADRL, representing it in natural language rather than specific action-state pairs. Compared to previous works, we further consider the attributes of transferred knowledge to assess its impact on algorithm scalability. Additionally, we examine several features of knowledge mapping to effectively convert human knowledge to the action space where agent learning occurs. In reaction to the disparity in knowledge construction between humans and agents, our approach allows agents to decide freely which portions of the state space to leverage human knowledge. From the challenging domains of the StarCraft Multi-agent Challenge, our method successfully alleviates the scalability issue in MADRL. Furthermore, we find that, despite individual-type knowledge significantly accelerating the training process, cooperative-type knowledge is more desirable for addressing a large agent population. We hope this study provides valuable insights into applying and mapping human knowledge, ultimately enhancing the interpretability of agent behavior.
Core-sheath PVDF hollow porous fibers via coaxial wet spinning for energy harvesting
Authors: yue tiantian , Li Xingxing , Wang Mengqi , Zheng Minfeng , Liu Jinxin , Lin Jinyou , Liu Yuqing 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

As a promising sustainable power source for intelligent electronics, flexible piezoelectric nanogenerators (PENGs) have gained significant attention for their potential applications in the Internet of Things. Here, the polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) fibers with a core-sheath hollow porous structure that consisting of the liquid metal (LM) as the inner electrode layer and the copper and silver nanoparticle (Cu@AgNP) as the external electrode layer are prepared via a coaxial wet spinning process to construct high-performance PVDF/LM/Cu@AgNP composite fibers. The PVDF fiber has stratified pore structure and the existence of arbitrarily deformable LM electrode, which significantly reduces the effective dielectric constant, thereby enhancing the piezoelectric properties. The results demonstrate that PVDF/LM/Cu@AgNP-PENG yields an optimal voltage output of 410 mV, providing a clear advantage over PENG by using alternative fibers. Moreover, the PVDF/LM/Cu@AgNP-PENG demonstrates an excellent charging capability for energy storage devices, being able to charge 1 µF capacitors to 10 V within 30 seconds and directly power commercial LEDs. This study demonstrates the significant potential for utilizing composite PVDF piezoelectric fibers in flexible wearable electronic devices.
Retinoic Acid-Induced 2 Contributes to Proficient Homologous Recombination and Maintains Genomic Stability in Breast Cancer
Authors: Boettcher Lena , Greimeier Sarah , Borgmann Kerstin , Mughal Shabbir S. , Ellinger Bernhard , Bartkowiak Kai , Zobiak Bernd , Failla Antonio V. , Steffen Pascal , Claus Ellen , Besler Katharina , Buccitelli Christopher , Schaaf Violetta , Ozga Ann-Kathrin , Parretta Simona , Schneegans Svenja , Mansour Wael Y. , Korbel Jan O. , Schlueter Hartmut , Brors Benedikt , Pantel Klaus , Wikman Harriet , Werner Stefan 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
Genome instability is a fundamental feature and hallmark of cancer associated with aggressiveness, drug resistance and poor prognosis. RAI2 was initially identified as a novel metastasis suppressor protein specifically associated with the presence of disseminated tumour cells in the bone marrow of breast cancer patients, but its molecular function is largely unknown.
Methods
We analysed the consequences of RAI2 depletion on gene expression and genomic stability in luminal breast cancer cell lines, performed cytotoxicity profiling using a library of pharmacologically active compounds, and characterized the function of the RAI2 protein in the DNA damage response. We performed in silico validation in different breast cancer datasets.
Results
Analysis of clinical samples revealed that in primary breast tumours, low RAI2 gene expression is significantly associated with genomically unstable tumours and poor prognosis. RAI2 depletion in breast cancer cell lines resulted in loss of mitotic fidelity characterized by prolonged mitosis with increased chromosome segregation errors and micronuclei formation. Drug screening revealed increased sensitivity of RAI2-depleted breast cancer cells to topoisomerase I and Aurora A inhibitors. We also found that genotoxic stress induces RAI2 protein, which shows affinity for poly-(ADP-ribose) and contributes to efficient DNA repair by homologous recombination. We validated the functional association of RAI2 gene expression with DNA double-strand break repair capacity in clinical samples.
Conclusions
Our findings support, for the first time, an important functional role of RAI2 in the maintenance of mitotic fidelity and DNA repair associated with early metastatic relapse. The underlying molecular mechanisms could be exploited to improve patient diagnosis and treatment.
Rock abrasiveness prediction based on multi-source physical, mechanical and mineralogical properties
Authors: Wu Yun , Li Xiao-Zhao , Deng Long-Chuan , Liu Jiang-Feng , Zou Chun-Jiang , Zhang Chi 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Rock abrasiveness is a vital parameter that affects cutter wear, tunneling efficiency, and cost budgeting during mechanical excavation. The Cerchar abrasivity index (CAI), a suggested standard parameter to characterize the rock abrasiveness, can be obtained through the laboratory test. Understanding the correlations between the CAI and physical, mechanical, and mineralogical properties helps to precisely evaluate the cutter wear and improve the excavation efficiency. In this study, 27 groups of rock samples collected from around the country were determined to establish the correlations between the CAI and 17 commonly used rock parameters using simple regression and multiregression. Based on PCC results, the possibility of linear relationships between CAI and 17 rock physical, mechanical, and mineralogical parameters was analyzed for determining the appropriate model. Subsequently, simple linear regression and Boltzmann models were developed based on physical and mechanical parameters, the model based on the porosity showed the excellent forecasting performance over other models. Through the analysis on the coefficient of determination (R2) value, a better multiregression model (R2=0.922) based on the mechanical parameters was obtained, but a more feasible model (R2=0.912) based on the thermal conductivity, diffusion coefficient, elastic modulus, and Rock Abrasivity Index (RAI) was also suggested after consideration of the simplicity and period of parameter measurement. After classification of rock types, the linear correlations strengthened significantly especially for the mineralogical properties, the CAI showed a linear correlation with equivalent quartz content (EQC) and RAI for the granite and sandstone, the quartz content (Q) still showed no relation with CAI.
Global change and forest disturbances in the Mediterranean basin: factors affecting pine processionary moth populations in two different bioclimatic strata in Northern Algeria
Authors: Boudjahem Ibtissem , Brivio Maurizio.F. , Mastore Maristella , Aouati Amel 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The pine processionary moth (PPM), Thaumetopoea pityocampa (Denis and Schiffer-müller), is one of the most important defoliators of pine and cedar forests on the Mediterranean margin. Repeated attacks by this pest are generating considerable natural and economic damage in the area. In order to study the population dynamic patterns of its range, a winter nest abundance survey was conducted in two different areas of cedar forest in the two National Parks of Chréa and Belezma during the three-year period 2020-2022 in northern Algeria. The altitudinal distribution of the insect was developed at three different sites in each area. The effects of temperature and precipitation on the infestation index were developed over the four-year period 2019-2022. Under a global climate change scenario, we discussed how perturbations in meteorological factors can affect PPM density in different bioclimatic layers. Data analysis revealed a permanent increase in PPM population density in Chréa forest and a gradual decrease in its size in Belezma forest. Important winter nest count values were recorded at higher elevations in the two areas mentioned above. Seasonal variation analyses show a strong correlation between perturbations in climatic parameters and winter nest abundance in both semi-arid and sub-humid strata.
Childhood maltreatment and anxiety, depression and self-harm behaviors : A Two-Sample Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Zhang Zheng , Wang Xinglian , Qiu Haitang , Wang Yating , Li Jiazheng , Ju Yuanzhi , Luo Qinghua 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Objective
Observational studies have shown associations between childhood maltreatment (CM) and increased risks of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), Anxiety (ANX), and self-harm and suicidal behaviors. We conducted a Mendelian Randomization study to evaluate the causal effects of these associations.
Methods
We gathered genetic data from publicly available Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) on childhood maltreatment, MDD, ANX, age of onset for depression, number of depressive episodes, and self-harm and suicidal behaviors. To assess the causal impact of childhood maltreatment on the incidence and symptoms of ANX and MDD, we conducted comprehensive MR analyses and sensitivity analyses using methods such as Inverse Variance Weighted (IVW), MR Egger, Weighted Median (WM), and MR-PRESSO models. The findings were reported as Odds Ratios (ORs) with Confidence Intervals (CIs).
Results
There was a significant association between childhood maltreatment and the risk of developing MDD (IVW: OR = 2.28, 95% CI = 1.66–3.14, P < 0.001) and ANX (IVW: OR = 1.01, 95% CI = 1-1.02, P = 0.027). Additionally, childhood maltreatment was likely to increase the self-harming behaviors (IVW: OR = 1.06, 95% CI = 1.04–1.08, P < 0.001) and the frequency of depressive episodes (IVW: β = 0.31, 95% CI = 0.17–0.46, P < 0.001), and was associated with an earlier age of onset for depression (IVW: β=-0.17, 95% CI=-0.32 to -0.02, P = 0.025).
Conclusion
Childhood maltreatment is a potential risk factor for MDD, ANX, and self-harming behaviors. It is associated with the frequency of depressive episodes and an earlier age of onset for depression.
Nonlinear steady of natural convection through a high-order continuation approach
Authors: Laasl Boutayna , Hilali Youssef , Mesmoudi Said , Bourihane Oussama 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
In this investigation, we present a novel Meshfree method for addressing nonlinear steady natural convection equations, leveraging the Radial Point Interpolation Method (RPIM) for dis-cretization and a high-order continuation procedure for solution computation. The proposed approach is validated through examples involving two-dimensional air-filled cavities with diverse geometries and different boundary conditions, considering constant fluid properties except density. The numerical simulations demonstrate good agreement with Finite Element Method (FEM) and literature data. Various parameters, such as Rayleigh number, angular position of the inner elliptic cylinder, and radius of the inner circular cylinder, are systematically analyzed. Results, including streamlines, isotherms, and average equivalent conductivity, are presented graphically, establishing the effectiveness and accuracy of the proposed method.
Comparative Characterization of the Viscoelastic Properties of Additive Manufacturing Polymers
Authors: Singh Anil , Chen Mia , Youssef George 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

The recent availability of a wide range of additively manufactured materials has facilitated the translation from prototype-limited to application-ready 3D printed components. As such, additively manufactured materials deployed in dynamic environments require extensive characterization to elucidate and optimize performance. This research evaluates the dynamic response of fused filament fabrication and vat-photopolymerization printed polymers as a function of temperature. Dynamic mechanical analysis is used to extract the viscoelastic properties of several generations of samples exhibiting a range of thermomechanical behavior, highlighting the stiffness and damping characteristics. A modified stiffness-temperature model supports the experimental characterization and provides additional insight concerning the molecular motion occurring over each thermal transition. The insights from the analysis were collated into a case study that leverages their dynamic characteristics in a multi-material application. The outcomes from this research assimilate a framework that defines the temperature operating range and broadens the design envelope for these additive manufacturing materials.
Maternal polystyrene nanoplastics exposure during pregnancy induces obesity development in adult offspring through disrupting lipid homeostasis
Authors: Shen Zhaoping , Wang Lin , Tang Jiayi , Gao Zhengnan , Tang Can , Huang Donglei , Mo Siyi , Tang Juan , Xiao Pei , Zhao Xinyuan , Wang Xiaoke 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background: Airborne nanoplastics have raised increasing concerns since they become an integral part of daily human activities and pose a potential hazard to health. Previous studies indicated that in utero exposure to environmental toxicants is associated with metabolic dysfunction in later life. However, maternal exposure to polystyrene nanoplastics (PSNPs) during pregnancy through inhalation route on the development of obesity in offspring still unclear.
Results: Pregnant dams were exposed to 0 µg/µL (0 particles), 0.5 µg/µL (approximately 0.15 × 1011 particles per day) and 1.0 µg/µL (approximately 0.30 × 1011 particles per day) PSNPs during conception period through oropharyngeal aspiration three times per week. Offspring were sacrificed at postnatal 12 weeks and adipose tissue including perigonadal white adipose tissue and interscapular brown adipose tissue were collected for weight measurement, histopathological observation as well as molecular detection. Our data illustrated that maternal PSNPs exposure during pregnancy induced a decline in birth weight in 0.5 μg/μl but increase postnatal body weight both in 0.5 and 1.0 μg/μl without sex specific manner. Moreover, maternal PSNPs exposure significantly increased the weight of perigonadal white adipose tissue with elevated energy efficiency but not food intake. Furthermore, the genes involved in de novo lipogenesis and uptake of fatty acid in perigonadal white adipose tissue were upregulated after maternal PSNPs exposure; while the gene related with triacylglycerol (TAG) synthesis was simultaneously significantly increased after maternal PSNPs exposure; In addition, maternal PSNPs exposure also upregulated the gene participated in fatty acid oxidation and adipogenesis in female and male offspring. In term of brown adipose tissue, the weight of interscapular brown adipose tissue was increased with upregulated UCP-1expression after maternal PSNPs exposure.
Conclusion: In summary, these finding demonstrated that maternal exposure to PSNPs in pregnancy can cause the development of obesity in offspring, which is mainly through the increased genes involved in de novo lipogenesis and uptake of fatty acid as well as genes participated TAG synthesis in perigonadal white adipose tissue.
Prognostic value of circular RNAs expression and correlation with clinicopathological features in acute myeloid leukemia; a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Mirazimi Yasin , Aghayan Amir Hossein , Atashi Amir , Mohammadi Davood , Rafiee Mohammad 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) prognosis is affected by unique factors to each individual and studies have indicated that dysregulated expression of circRNAs may serve as prognostic biomarkers for AML. Therefore, we conducted this study to assess the prognostic value of circRNAs expression and it’s correlation with clinicopathological features.
Methods
Comprehensive search was conducted in WOS, Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar, ProQuest, and grey literature. The certainty of evidence was assessed using the modified GRADE approach for prognostic and clinicopathological meta-analysis. The hazard ratio (HR) was employed to assess the prognostic value of dysregulated expression of circRNAs in patient survival, while the risk ratio (RR) was utilized to analyze the correlation between circRNAs and clinicopathological features.
Results
Our results demonstrated that dysregulation of circRNAs expression was associated with poor prognosis related to overall survival (OS) indicator (HR:2.05; 95%CI: 1.75–2.40) and also related to non-OS indicators such as (EFS, LFS, RFS, and DFS) (HR:2.09, 95%CI: 1.47–2.97). Priori and post-hoc subgroup analysis was conducted to describe variables that potentially affected heterogeneity and effect size. We also evaluated the association between dysregulated expression of circRNAs and 19 clinicopathological parameters. Our results show that there is significant relationship between the dysregulated expression of circRNAs and the mentioned parameters: type M6 vs. other types (RR:1.51, 95% CI:1.12–2.03), FLT3-ITD mutation (RR:1.17, 95%CI: 1.00-1.36), and risk status (RR:1.35, 95% CI: 1.13–1.60).
Conclusion
This systematic review and meta-analysis suggest that the investigation of circRNAs expression changes can serve as valuable biomarkers for the assessment of prognosis in AML patients.