bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fire safety in heritage structures: A case study on heritage temple with performance-based design fire approach
Authors: Kumar Aravind , Shoeb Mohammad Ahmad , Tiwari Mahesh Kumar , Kumar Rakesh , Mehta Charu 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Heritage structures are continuously subject to fire accidents due to the presence of combustible materials that result in the loss of heritage as well as the fatality of occupants. The probability of fatalities increases when the limit of the number of occupants is violated. Fire accidents in Indian heritage temples witnessed a huge number of deaths due to incapacitation and stampedes. This study aims to evaluate fire hazards (thermal, visibility, and toxic hazards) using a performance-based design fire approach for an Indian heritage temple. A heritage model temple was created in Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS) with dimensions of 19.25 m × 19.25 m × 9.75 m. A design fire of 5 MW was specified for three different fire growth rates i.e., medium (0.012 kW/s2), fast (0.047 kW/s2), and ultrafast (0.19 kW/s2). Thermal, visibility, and toxic hazards expressed in terms of temperature, visibility, and concentration of CO2 and CO reached the tenable limit in 170, 160, 383, and 176 s respectively. Thus Available Safe Egress Time (ASET) for occupants was only 160 s. The effect of soot yield and ventilation conditions on fire hazards was also analyzed. Required Safe Egress Time (RSET) estimated with an egress model for an occupant load factor of 1.4 m2/ person as per the National Building Code of India 2016 was found to be 109 s. The safety margin between ASET and RSET was increased significantly with the help of two smoke extractors. The results obtained from this study will provide valuable insights into fire safety measures in similar heritage structures.
Morinda officinalis alleviates apoptosis of hippocampal CA3 cells by up-regulating raphe nucleus miR-16-5p in the rat model of depression
Authors: Li Pengwan , Chen Shiqi , Zhang Jing , Yin Dehui , Zhu Ye 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
In the classic pathogenesis of depression, the reduced 5-HT projection in cholinergic neurons located in the raphe nucleus to the hippocampus leads to the loss of hippocampal neurons. In order to increase the 5-HT projection in the the raphe nucleus to hippocampus, the classic drug fluoxetine developed for the 5-HT reuptake mechanism in the raphe nucleus not only competitively binds to the serotonin transporter (SERT), but also affects miR-16 targeting 5-HT reuptake proteins. Morinda officinalis has a clear antidepressant effect, but its mechanism of action on miR-16 is still unclear. Therefore, this study validated the mechanism by which Morinda officinalis alleviates hippocampal CA3 cell apoptosis by upregulating miR-16-5p in the raphe nucleus in vivo. Firstly, Chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) combined with solitary depression rats were established.Secondly, after 3 weeks of administration, the effects of Morinda officinalis (3g/(kg·d)) on behavior, raphe nucleus miR-16-5p level, raphe nucleus serotonin transporte level, hippocampal 5-HT content and hippocampal CA3 cell apoptosis of depressed rats were observed by Open-Field Test, PCR, Western blot, ELISA and TUNEL. The results showed that Morinda officinalis can significantly improve the behavioral score of CUMS rats, increase the level of miR-16-5p in raphe nucleus, decrease the level of serotonin transporte in raphe nucleus, increase the content of 5-HT in hippocampal cells, and alleviate the apoptosis of hippocampal CA3 cells. In conclusion, Morinda officinalis inhibits the reuptake of 5-HT by indirectly up-regulating the expression level of miR-16-5p in raphe nucleus, thereby increasing the 5-HT projection in the raphe nucleus to hippocampus CA3 cells, alleviating the apoptosis of hippocampal CA3 cells and playing an antidepressant role.
Denning and maternal behavior of caracals (Caracal caracal)
Authors: Serieys Laurel , Leighton Gabriella RM , Merondun Justin , Bishop Jacqueline M 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Knowledge of behaviors surrounding reproduction in wild species is essential to the development of effective management and conservation strategies. Many carnivores use dens to increase the safety and survival of their neonatal young while females shift to central-place foraging to meet the energetic demands of raising young. Caracals (Caracal caracal), a medium-size wild cat, have a widespread geographic distribution but limited information from minimal observations exists on the behaviors associated with denning and caring for young. We report observations of dens used by four caracals in the surrounds of Cape Town, South Africa, including the duration of den use, maternal home ranges, and movements away from dens. Three of four females established denning in September and one in December, suggesting a birth pulse during the Southern Hemisphere spring and summer. Of seven den sites we documented, six were in dense shrubland fynbos vegetation and one among boulders; all of which had thick overhead cover. Females and neonatal young used 1–3 primary dens for approximately six weeks, followed by the use of short-term auxiliary dens. Female maternal home ranges were approximately 31% the size of their home ranges estimated using all their data. Trips away from the dens averaged 12 hours while the average maximum distances across all trips away from dens for each female was 1135 m (range = 801–1327 m). Our observations inform our understanding of the timing and physical characteristics of caracal dens and help fill research gaps on the natural history of caracal denning behavior.
18F-FDG positron emission tomography as a marker of disease activity and treatment response in Ankylosing Spondylitis and Psoriatic Arthritis
Authors: Rodríguez-Fonseca Omar D. , Aguiar Pablo , García Francisco M. González , Llana Belén Fernández , Díaz Carmen Vigil , Grande María Luz Domínguez , Silva Rubén Queiro , Brandy-García Anahy M. , Castro Sara Alonso , Hernández Julia Cortés 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Objectives The ability of 18F-FDG positron emission tomography (PET) to track disease activity and treatment response in patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) or Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) remains unclear. Here, we assessed whether 18F-FDG uptake is a marker of disease activity and treatment response in AS or PsA, and explored the ability of 18F-FDG to predict treatment response.Methods Patients with AS (n = 16) or PsA (n = 8) who were scheduled to initiate treatment with biologics were recruited. Participants underwent a clinical evaluation and an 18F-FDG scan prior to therapy initiation. Eleven participants underwent a follow-up 18F-FDG scan 3 months post-treatment. Images were quantified using a composite measure that describes the inflammatory status of the patient.Results Clinically involved joints/entheses had higher 18F-FDG uptake compared to unaffected areas (median difference > 0.6, p < 0.01). Among patients with AS, pre-treatment 18F-FDG uptake was strongly associated with disease activity (r = 0.65, p = 0.006). Longitudinal 18F-FDG scans demonstrated that decreases in uptake at 3 months were associated to clinical response (βΔgSUVmax > 8.5, p < 0.001). We found no significant association between pre-treatment 18F-FDG uptake and subsequent clinical response.Conclusions 18F-FDG PET shows potential as a marker of disease activity in AS and PsA, allowing for monitorization of biological treatment efficacy in these patients.
Perception of Ethical Risks of Artificial Intelligence Technology in the Context of Individual Cultural Values and Intergenerational Differences: The Case of China
Authors: GUO JUNTAO , CHEN JIAQI , CHENG SUYANG 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The rapid development of General Artificial Intelligence Technology has attracted significant attention from global society, which gradually emerged some concerns due to the ethical implications it may bring. Experts, scholars, and the public from different fields and age groups have mixed views on this technology. Under the current circumstances, it is crucial to explore the relationship between digital intergenerational differences, cultural values, and the perception of ethical risks associated with artificial intelligence. Through multiple regression analysis by using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) on 310 collected responses, the results have indicated that digital intergenerational differences do not significantly affect the perception of ethical risks related to artificial intelligence; under the interaction of collectivism, long-term orientation, and intergenerational differences with masculinity, the impact on the perception of AI ethical risks is positive. Combining the findings can not only help to mitigate the inherent biases between digital generations but also facilitates a multidimensional approach to address differences in perceptions of AI ethical risks. Additionally, it contributes to establishing a more diverse and inclusive environment by incorporating cultural differences into policy formulation, enabling a collective response to potential ethical risks that may emerge in the future of the artificial intelligence field.
Determination of heavy metals and Morpho-anatomical characteristics of monocots Aristida mutabilis and Cenchrus ciliaris in dust polluted stone crushing industry of Sargodha, Pakistan
Authors: Sultan Muhammad Asim , Ahmad Iftikhar , Abbas Toqeer , Shah Anis Ali 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

The current investigation was carried out to examine the population dynamics in the vegetation growing in the severe dust pollution caused by the stone crushing industry in Sargodha's Kirana Hills. The floristic composition of the area was completed and study sites were chosen through a thorough survey. Data about dust, soil, and vegetation were gathered from all study sites at all times of the year in order to investigate seasonal variations in the structure of the plant community and the factors causing these variations. All heavy metal concentrations were higher at extreme dust sites, especially in the winter, according to a heavy metal analysis of the dust. Based on soil analysis, different sites and seasons had different soil compositions. Herbs were collected from all research sites in all seasons to investigate seasonal fluctuations in morpho-anatomical, biochemical, and physiological features in the vegetation and heavy metal analysis. All plants' morpho-anatomical features were severely affected in extreme dust sites, particularly in the winter. However, all plants in these sites also showed high levels of sclerification in their leaves, roots, and stems, as well as the presence of large aerenchyma cells in their roots. These modifications help the plants survive in such a harsh and polluted environment. Extreme dust areas significantly reduced the physiological characteristics of all plants, especially during the winter.Reactive oxygen species (H2O2) production was elevated in extreme dust sites according to biochemical parameters. Additionally, enzymatic, non-enzymatic, and osmoprotective antioxidant activity was elevated at extreme dust sites, primarily during the winter. These modifications aid in the survival of local plants in the severely dust-polluted environment. Heavy metal concentration in all studied ecotypes increased at extreme dust areas, particularly in the winter; this may have been caused by phytoaccumulation.
Impact of different fibrin glue application methods on hernia mesh fixation capability
Authors: Takegawa Yoshitaka , Tsutsumi Norifumi , Yamanaka Kazunori , Koga Yuki 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The use of fibrin glue for hernia mesh fixation has been suggested to be effective in preventing hematomas and reducing postoperative pain. The effect of fibrin glue can vary significantly based on the device used. This study assessed the efficacy of fibrin glue based on the type of devices used in an ex vivo system. The rabbit’s abdominal wall was trimmed to a size of 3.0 × 6.0 cm and was secured at the edges with metal fixtures. To measure the maximum tensile strength at the point of adhesion failure, the hernia mesh was fixed to the rabbit’s abdominal wall using fibrin glue in a 2-cm square area, left for 3 min, and then pulled at a speed of 50 cm/min. The test was conducted 10 times for each group. The median (minimum–maximum) tensile strength values using the spraying, two-liquid mixing, and sequential layering methods were 3.58 (1.99–4.95), 0.51 (0.27–1.89), and 1.32 (0.63–1.66) N, respectively. The spraying method had predominantly higher tensile strength values than the two-liquid mixing and sequential layering methods (P < 0.01). In conclusion, in hernia mesh fixation, the spraying method can be adopted to achieve appropriate adhesive effects.
Effects of Neural Adaptation to Habitual Spherical Aberration on Depth of Focus
Authors: Bang Seung Pil , Sabesan Ramkumar , Yoon Geunyoung 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

We investigated how long-term visual experience with habitual spherical aberration (SA) influences subjective depth of focus (DoF). Nine healthy cycloplegic eyes with habitual SAs of different signs and magnitudes were enrolled. An adaptive optics (AO) visual simulator was used to measure through-focus high-contrast visual acuity after correcting all monochromatic aberrations and imposing +0.5 µm and -0.5 µm SAs for a 6-mm pupil. The positive (n=6) and negative (n=3) SA groups ranged from 0.17 to 0.8 μm and from -1.2 to -0.12 μm for a 6-mm pupil, respectively. For the positive habitual SA group, the median DoF with positive AO-induced SA (2.18D) was larger than that with negative AO-induced SA (1.91D); for the negative habitual SA group, a smaller DoF was measured with positive AO-induced SA (1.81D) than that with negative AO-induced SA (2.09D). The difference in the DoF of individual participants between the induced positive and negative SA groups showed a quadratic relationship with the habitual SA. Subjective DoF tended to be larger when the induced SA in terms of the sign and magnitude was closer to the participant’s habitual SA, suggesting the importance of considering the habitual SA when applying the extended DoF method using optical or surgical procedures.
Do macroprudential borrower-based measures influence inequality? A structural approach for an emerging economy
Authors: Alupoaiei Alexie , Ichim Simona , Neagu Florian , Popa Radu 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
In the context of high macroeconomic and financial volatility, it is appropriate to implement stricter macroprudential borrower-based measures, such as loan-to-value (LTV) ratios. Lower (stricter) LTV ratios can lead to decreased inequality in consumption. However, the effects on wealth inequality are mixed. On one hand, lower LTV supports decrease in non-performing loans, which can have positive consequences on wealth inequality. On the other hand, it reduces access to finance that might have negative consequences on wealth inequality. In the absence of negative unexpected economic shocks, loosening (higher) LTV ratios may lead to an increase in home ownership, which can have positive effects on reducing wealth inequality. In terms of credit risk, our results underline that a tighter LTV policy is associated with lower default rates. Moreover, our analysis based on a novel approach suggests that potential effects on inequality could be also taken into account within calibration of the LTV policy.
JEL codes: C53, E27, E32, E44.
Model establishment and pathological mechanism of portal vein thrombosis in rats with cirrhosis
Authors: Guo Yanan , Dong Sisi , Li Meng , Tao Yanyan , Lv Jing , Liu Chenghai 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background and Aims: Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is a common complication of liver cirrhosis that can aggravate portal hypertension. However, there are features of both PVT and cirrhosis that are not recapitulated in most current animal models. In this study, we aimed to establish a stable animal model of PVT and cirrhosis, intervene with anticoagulants, and explore the related mechanism.
Methods: First, 41 male SD rats were divided into 6 groups: the partial portal vein ligation (PPVL) group; week 4, 6, 8, and 10 model group; and the rivaroxaban-treated group. The rats were subjected to PPVL and were treated with or without carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) intoxication for different durations. Seven normal rats were used as controls. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate transferase (AST) levels and parameters for blood coagulation were all assayed with kits. Liver inflammation, collagen deposition and hydroxyproline (Hyp) levels were also evaluated. The extrahepatic macro-PVT was observed via portal vein HE staining, etc. The intrahepatic microthrombus was stained via fibrinogen immunohistochemistry. The portal blood flow velocity (PBFV) was detected via color Doppler ultrasound. Vascular endothelial injury was evaluated by von Willebrand Factor (vWF) immunofluorescence. Fibrinolytic activity was estimated by western blot analysis of fibrin and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1).
Results: After PPVL surgery and 10 weeks of CCl4 intoxication, a rat model that exhibited characteristics of both cirrhosis and extra and intrahepatic thrombus was established. In cirrhotic rats with PVT, the PBFV decreased, pro- and anticoagulation functions decreased, the PBFV tended to be easily embolized, and vascular endothelial injuried and fibrinolytic activity decreased. Rivaroxaban-treated rats had improved coagulation function, increased PBFV and fewer thrombi. This effect was related to the improvements in endothelial injury and fibrinolytic activity.
Conclusions: The PPVL operation plus CCl4 intoxication can induce a rat model of PVT with cirrhosis that is consistent with clinical features. Rivaroxaban can attenuate PVT and has the effect against liver fibrosis. The mechanism is associated with endothelial cell dysfunction and fibrinolytic activity.
Raw Milk Quality and Handling Practices by Pastoral Communities at Cattle Camps in Rejaf East, South Sudan
Authors: Aguer Elijah Majok Kiir , Rapheal Wangalwa , Jeninah Atwebembeire , Augustino Serafino Musa Abdelkarim 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Food safety including imported food and produced food, is a major issue for South Sudan. An effective safety food control system for guiding and eliminating hazardous food from the market is lacking. Milk is one of the food products consumed in South Sudan; however, there is limited information regarding its handling and safety, especially among pastoral communities. Therefore, this study assessed raw milk quality and handling practices by pastoral communities at cattle camps in the Rejaf East, South Sudan. The study was conducted in three cattle camps (Highland, Kadoro, and Jebel Amianin) of the Rejaf East. Raw milk handling practices in the cattle camps were assessed using a questionnaire and observation checklist among 240 households selected randomly. The physicochemical and microbial parameters were assessed in 75 samples of raw milk using standard methods. The findings revealed that milking handling practices at cattle camps are characterized by hygienic and unhygienic practices. The pastoral communities had no access to a cooling system for milk storage. Additionally, 90.8% of the households in cattle camps consumed unboiled raw milk, and 10% of the households experienced milk rejection at the point of milk sale. The overall means of the physicochemical parameters of the milk samples were as follows: fat = 7.76 ± 1.47%, SNF = 7.68 ± 0.26%, density = 1.03 ± 0.00 g/ml, lactose = 4.21 ± 0.15%, protein = 2.81 ± 0.09%, freezing point = -0.51 ± 0.030C, and pH 6.60 ± 0.21. The results of the microbiological quality of the raw milk indicated that the highest TVC (5.81 ± 0.51 logCFU/ml) was recorded in Jebel Amianin; on the other hand, the highest TCC (4.64 ± 0.21 logCFU/ml) was recorded in Kadoro, and the highest TSC (2.53 ± 0.31 logCFU/ml) was recorded in Highland Boma. The study indicated that pastoralists in cattle camps do not observe hygienic practices, including drying hands after handwashing or washing with udder and teats before milking. Furthermore, the study showed that the microbiological quality of raw milk samples obtained from the Rejaf East has a high bacterial load; therefore, there is a need to improve hygiene practices in milk production.
MS1Former: A robust deep learning framework is used to identify nuances in LC-MS data for diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Xu Wei , Zhang Liying , Sun Nannan , Tu Xiao , Zhou Dengfeng , Qian Xiaoliang , Zheng Xiaoping , Chen Jia , Xie Zewen , He Tao , Qu Shugang , Wang Yinjia , Su Kunkai , Feng Shan , Ju Bin 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Clinical proteomics analysis is of great significance for analyzing pathological mechanisms and discovering disease-related biomarkers. Using computational methods to accurately predict disease types can effectively improve patient disease diagnosis and prognosis. However, how to eliminate the errors introduced by peptide precursor identification and protein identification for pathological diagnosis remains a major unresolved issue. Here, we develop a powerful end-to-end deep learning model, termed “MS1Former”, that is able to classify hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tumors and adjacent non-tumor (normal) tissues directly using raw MS1 spectra without peptide precursor identification. Our model provides accurate discrimination of subtle m/z differences in MS1 between tumor and adjacent non-tumor tissue, as well as more general performance predictions for data-dependent acquisition (DDA), data-independent acquisition (DIA), and full-scan data. Our model achieves state-of-the-art performance on multiple external validation datasets. Additionally, we perform a detailed exploration of the model’s interpretability. Prospectively, we expect that the advanced end-to-end framework will be more applicable to the classification of other tumors.
The Causal Role of Immune Cell Phenotypes in Colorectal Cancer: Mendelian Randomization (MR) Study
Authors: Yang kaiqi , Gong Rui , Ding Yuchen , Chen Jinlong , Sun Xiujing 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is currently the third most prevalent cancer globally, with increasing cases and fatalities. The emergence of immunotherapies, particularly cancer vaccines, in preventing and treating CRC has led researchers to investigate the connection between the immune system and CRC. Diverse immunophenotypes have been identified to either promote or hinder the onset and progression of cancer and elucidating their precise impact on CRC can aid in creating immune-based preparations.
Methods
Using publicly available genetic data, this study employs an extensive two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to investigate whether there is a causal relationship between 731 immune cell phenotypic traits and CRC. The study incorporates four types of immune signatures - median fluorescence intensity (MFI), relative cells (RC), absolute cells (AC), and morphological parameters (MP). To ensure accuracy, multiple sensitivity analyses were conducted to test for heterogeneity, horizontal pleiotropy, and robustness.
Results
29 exposure factors with a nominal causal relationship with colorectal cancer were screened. After correction by Bonferroni, two immune cell phenotypes still had a significant effect on CRC (P < 6.84E-5), including CD25 on activated CD4 regulatory T cell (IVW, P = 1.96E-05, OR = 0.714, 95%CI = 0.611 ~ 0.833) and CD3 on Terminally Differentiated CD8 + T cell (IVW, P = 2.76E-05, OR = 1.213, 95%CI = 1.108 ~ 1.328). None of the sensitivity analyses suggested significant heterogeneity or horizontal pleiotropism, demonstrating that our results were robust.
Conclusions
Our study analyzes the causal effects of immunophenotyping on CRC, contributing to the development of CRC immunoprevention and treatment.