bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Learning to Suppress Tremors: A Deep Reinforcement Learning-Enabled Soft Exoskeleton for Parkinson's Patients
Authors: Tamás Endrei , Földi Sándor , Makk Ádám , Cserey György 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Neurological tremors, prevalent among a large population, are one of the most rampant movement disorders. Biomechanical loading and the utilization of exoskeletons have been demonstrated to enhance the everyday life of patients. However the reliance on traditional control algorithms limit the use of this treatment in dynamic movements and in diseases where the model of the underlying condition is not available or where the model is susceptible to change.

Here we present a novel deep reinforcement learning based control strategy capable of handling a wide range of tremors across multiple dynamic movements. Our approach incorporates the use of encoder networks, modified buffers and heavily shaped rewards to create actuation forces for the exoskeleton.

We find that the control strategy is capable of efficiently suppressing tremors with different frequencies originating from multiple concurrent joint axes, present in a multitude of dynamic movements.
An ecological view on the correlates of sedentary behavior in Brazilian adolescents: a cross- sectional study with network analysis
Authors: Ywgne José , Luz Leonardo , Thuany Mabliny , Lima Cayo , Araújo Raphael , Silva Ellen , Magalhães Kleberton , Bandeira Paulo , Silva Danilo 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background: Sedentary behavior has been identified as a public health concern. The present study analyzed the correlates of sedentary behavior in Brazilian adolescents through network analysis, in the light of an ecological approach.
Methods: The sample consisted of 123,596 adolescents, participating in the fourth edition of the Brazilian National School Health Survey. The variables were grouped into domains, namely intrapersonal, interpersonal, perceived environment, school variables, food variables, active behavior domains, and leisure sedentary behavior. The data were analyzed using network analysis.
Results: The results reinforce that sedentary behavior is independent of the assessed active behavior domains, despite being weakly related to physical activity outside physical education classes (-0.074). The variable with the greatest closeness and one of the variables with the greatest expected influence in the model was having internet at home, which was associated with private schools (-0.051), having a cell phone (0.376), having a computer or notebook at home (0.408), and a greater weekly frequency of watching television (0.166). Furthermore, having internet at home was strongly associated with an increase in sedentary behavior (-0.198), which, in turn, was linked to greater consumption of treats (0.067) and sodas (0.052).
Conclusions: We concluded that having internet at home is associated with longer sedentary time, which, in turn, is associated with greater consumption of foods of poorer nutritional quality. Interventions on sedentary behavior should be specific for population subgroups and consider actions in different levels.
Investigation of Obesity Gene Methylation Induced by SARS-CoV-2 Infection through Molecular Docking
Authors: Andrade Luís Jesuino de Oliveira , de Oliveira Gabriela Correia Matos , de Oliveira Luisa Correia Matos , Bittencourt Alcina Maria Vinhaes , Rios Ana Paula Rodrigues dos Santos , Nascimento Guilherme Peixoto , de Oliveira Luís Matos 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Introduction
The global COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, has been associated with a range of health complications, including the development of metabolic conditions such as obesity. Recent studies suggest that SARS-CoV-2 infection may trigger epigenetic changes in the human genome, including DNA methylation, which can influence gene expression and contribute to the development of metabolic diseases.
Objective
To use molecular docking simulations to identify potential interactions between viral proteins and methylation sites in the obesity gene.
Methodology
Data collection and processing: Genomic sequence data for SARS-CoV-2 Omicron (7QTK - SARS-CoV-2 S Omicron Spike B.1.1.529 - RBD down − 1-P2G3 Fab (Local)) were obtained from the PDB RCSB structure database. Identification of the obesity gene: The PDB RCSB structure database was used to isolate the FTO gene (4ZS2 - Structural complex of FTO/fluorescein) and the MC4R gene (6W25 - Crystal structure of the Melanocortin-4 Receptor (MC4R) in complex with SHU9119). Molecular modeling: Molecular docking simulations were carried out using AutoDock software to model the interaction between the FTO and MC4R obesity genes and proteins encoded by SARS-CoV-2 (Spike protein). DNA methylation analysis: Based on the obtained data, methylation sites in the FTO and MC4R genes were analyzed. The bisulfite sequencing technique was used to identify methylation sites.
Results
Docking simulations revealed potential binding interactions between viral proteins SARS-CoV-2 (Spike protein) and methylation sites in the obesity FTO gene and MC4R gene. Several structural features, including hydrophobic interactions, hydrogen bonds, and electrostatic interactions, were observed.
Conclusion
Molecular docking simulations identified potential interaction sites between viral proteins and methylation sites within the obesity gene, which could elucidate underlying molecular mechanisms for the relationship between SARS-CoV-2 infection and predisposition to obesity.
An Adaptive Quantization Model Compression Method for Heterogeneous Federated Learning
Authors: li xiaohai , chen yiqiang , zhang yiwei , yang xiaodong 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

In this paper, we introduce a novel adaptive In-Parallel Pruning-Quantization method, speciffcally designed for heterogeneous federated learning environments. Federated learning, as a distributed machine learning approach, allows multiple devices to collaboratively train a shared model while keeping the data localized. However, due to the computational and storage capability disparities among participating devices, the efffciency of standard federated learning methods is limited in heterogeneous settings. Our framework consists of two steps. The ffrst step is to train both the pruning and quantization networks of the same model simultaneously, and improve the accuracy of the pruning network through mutual learning. The second step is to quantify the pruning network and reduce the accuracy loss caused by quantization through multi-teacher knowledge distillation. Based on this framework, we propose a new pruning quantization method that selects the parts that need to be quantiffed based on pruning masks, and gradually quantizes them to reduce the loss of quantization accuracy. Our method employs adaptive In-Parallel Pruning-Quantization techniques to reduce the model size, thereby decreasing the bandwidth needed for transmitting the model among participating devices. By dynamically adjusting the pruning and quantization levels, our approach optimally scales the model size and performance based on each device’s computational and storage capacity. Additionally, we introduce an efffcient quantization strategy that achieves signiffcant compression rates with minimal loss in model accuracy. We tested our method across various heterogeneous federated learning environments. Experimental results demonstrate that, compared to traditional federated learning methods, our approach signiffcantly reduces the model size and transmission time while maintaining model performance. Moreover, our method exhibits excellent scalability and ffexibility, making it suitable for different types and scales of federated learning applications. Overall, our adaptive In-Parallel Pruning-Quantization method provides an efffcient, scalable solution for heterogeneous federated learning environments, potentially facilitating the widespread application of federated learning in resource-constrained settings.
Prognostic Insights and Survival Analysis of Gallbladder Cancer in Bihar, India: A Prospective Observational Study Emphasizing the Impact of Surgical Intervention on Overall Survival
Authors: Singh Dharmendra , Singh Pritanjali , Mandal Avik , Rakesh Amrita 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the one- and three-year overall survival rates. Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted at a tertiary care center in Bihar state, India. Results: The study analyzed 228 patients in Bihar with a median age at diagnosis of 55 ± 12.05 years. The most common symptoms included upper abdominal pain (26.3%), weight loss (14%), and ascites (13.6%). The majority of patients presented at stage IV (72.8%), with liver metastasis being prevalent (61.4%). Interventional biliary drainage was performed in 9.6% of cases, and systemic chemotherapy was received by 84.64%, while 15.36% opted for best supportive care. Univariate Cox regression analysis identified Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status, stage, gallstone disease, and surgical intervention as significant risk factors influencing overall survival (OS) (p<0.001). Multivariate Cox regression analysis confirmed ECOG performance status (p<0.001), stage (p=0.039), and surgical intervention (p=0.038) as independent factors impacting OS.
One-year OS rates for stages II, III, and IV were 100%, 97%, and 44%, respectively, while three-year OS rates were 29%, 4%, and 0%. Surgical intervention significantly influenced OS (p<0.001). OS for surgical intervention was 28 months, and for inoperable cases, it was 12 months. One and three-year OS for surgical intervention were 95% and 11%, while for inoperable cases, they were 41% and 0%, respectively. Conclusion: Patients with gallbladder cancer, particularly in Bihar's Gangetic plains, face poor survival, especially with advanced disease. Adequate surgery improves outcomes, prompting a call for enhanced strategies, particularly for locally advanced GBC.
The clinical impacts of lung microbiome in bronchiectasis with fixed airflow obstruction
Authors: Chen Yen-Fu , Hou Hsin-Han , Chien Ning , Lu Kai-Zen , Lin Chieh-Hua , Liao Yu-Chieh , Lor Kuo-Lung , Chien Jung-Yien , Chen Chung-Ming , Chen Chung-Yu , Cheng Shih-Lung , Wang Hao-Chien Wang , Hsueh Po-Ren , Yu Chong-Jen 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Airflow obstruction is a hallmark of disease severity and prognosis in bronchiectasis. The relationship between lung microbiota, airway inflammation, and outcomes in bronchiectasis with fixed airflow obstruction (FAO) remains unclear. This study explores these interactions in bronchiectasis patients, with and without FAO, and compares them with those diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Results
In this prospective, observational study conducted in Taiwan, we enrolled patients diagnosed with either bronchiectasis or COPD. Bronchoalveolar lavage samples were collected for 16S rRNA gene sequencing to analyze the lung microbiome and assess inflammatory markers. The study cohort comprised 181 patients: 86 with COPD, 46 with bronchiectasis, and 49 with bronchiectasis accompanied by FAO, as confirmed by spirometry. We found that patients with bronchiectasis, whether with FAO or not, had similar microbiome profiles, characterized by reduced alpha diversity and a predominance of Proteobacteria, distinctly different from the microbiomes of COPD patients which exhibited more Firmicutes, greater diversity, and more commensal taxa. Furthermore, compared to COPD and bronchiectasis without FAO, bronchiectasis with FAO showed more severe disease and a higher risk of exacerbations. A significant correlation was found between the presence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and increased airway neutrophilic inflammation such as Interleukin [IL]-1β, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF]-α, as well as with higher bronchiectasis severity, which might contribute to an increased risk of exacerbations. Moreover, in bronchiectasis patients with FAO, the ROSE (Radiology, Obstruction, Symptoms, and Exposure) criteria were employed to classify individuals as either ROSE (+) or ROSE (-), based on smoking history. This classification highlighted notable differences in clinical features, inflammatory profiles, and slight variations in the microbiome between ROSE (-) and ROSE (+) patients, suggesting diverse endotypes within the bronchiectasis with FAO group.
Conclusion
Bronchiectasis patients with FAO exhibit greater disease severity and a lung microbiome more akin to bronchiectasis without FAO than to COPD. The significant correlation between Pseudomonas aeruginosa colonization and increased airway neutrophilic inflammation, as well as disease severity, underscores the clinical relevance of microbial patterns, reinforcing their potential role in disease progression and exacerbations in bronchiectasis with FAO.
Statistical study of the feeding factor in samples of Iberian pig microbiome
Authors: Caldito Rafael Vazquez , Roman Javier Gómez , Antonelli Angela Lacombe 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
This study has investigated how the food factor influences samples of the intestinal microbiome of Iberian pigs from birth to 90 days of age. Three types of different diets in piglets were taken into account in it. The alpha diversity of the samples, their beta diversity and the beta dispersion of these were studied. It could conclude that Prevotella hominis is the specie that generates the greatest significant differences in relation to the comparisons of the different levels of feeding and it was evidenced that the microorganism can be a possible option as a probiotic in the feeding of post-weaning piglets. It was also evidenced that age generates phylogenetic distance between samples regardless of the food factor. It was also compared, by statistical inference, whether the composition of the samples in relation to the Phylum was different. The Shallow Whole Metagenomic Sequencing technique was implemented to obtain the abundances of microbiome samples in this study.
Cannabidiol Attenuates Doxorubicin-Related Cardiac Disorders Using Modulation of IL6R Signifying Trail in Adult Male Sprague Dawley Rats
Authors: Soliman Nabil A. , Dahmy Samih I. El , Shalaby Amr A. , Mohammed Khadija A. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Chemotherapeutic medications are commonly used for treating a variety of cancer types; nevertheless, they can also have biological adverse effects, particularly on non-tumor cells, and regularly upset the physiological balance in a number of different organs, specifically the heart. The current inquiry's objective was to determine how well Cannabidiol (CBD) oil mitigated the cardiotoxicity caused by Doxorubicin (DOX). Five equal groups of fifty male Sprague-Dawley rats with 150±25g were molded. Group I received distilled water orally, while Group II received an intraperitoneal dose of DOX (18 mg/kg bwt). CBD was given to Group III, while 1 ml CBD (26 mg/kg bwt) was given to Group IV, and Trimetazidine (10 mg/kg bwt) was given to Group V. Both groups (IV and V) also got a single dose of Doxorubicin (18 mg/kg bwt) on the 11th day. Heart histology, biochemical measurements, immunological tests, and gene expression were examined. In addition to bringing ECG and blood pressure back to normal, the administration of CBD (26 mg/kg bwt) showed a substantial improvement in cardiac enzyme activity (Troponin I and CK-MB), and is related to decreasing cholesterol and triglycerides. Additionally, there was a reduction in oxidative stress, as measured by MDA, and inflammatory markers (IL6 and TNF-a) and improvement in SOD, GSH in cardiac homogenate. There has also been a noticeable drop in the expression of the frequency concentration of IL6R associated with improved heart tissue. CBD may be protective because of its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant assets.
On the role of vortices in turbulent Rayleigh-Bénard convection
Authors: Ghazijahani Mohammad Sharifi , Cierpka Christian 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Understanding turbulent thermal convection is essential for modeling many natural phenomena. This study investigates the spatio-temporal dynamics of the vortical structures in the mid-plane of turbulent Rayleigh-Bénard convection in SF6 via experiments. For this, a Rayleigh-Bénard cell of aspect ratio 10 is placed inside a pressure vessel and pressurized up to 1, 1.5, and 2.5 bar in order to reach Rayleigh numbers of Ra = 9.4×105,2.0×106 and 5.5×106. For all three cases, the Prandtl number is Pr = 0.79 and ΔT ≈ 7K. Then, stereoscopic particle image velocimetry is conducted to measure the three velocity components in the horizontal mid-plane for 5.78×103 free-fall times. For the given aspect ratio the flow is no longer dominated by the side walls of the cell and turbulent superstructures that show a 2D repetitive organization form. These superstructures show diverse shapes with faster dissipation rates as Ra increases. Out-of-plane vortices are the main feature of the flow. As Ra increases, the number of these vortices also increases, and their size shrinks. However, their total number is almost constant for each Ra through the measurement period. Furthermore, their occurrence is random and does not depend on whether the flow is upward-heated, downward-cooled, or horizontally-directed. Vortex tracking was applied to measure life time, displacement, and traveled distance of these structures. The relation between life time and traveled distance is rather linear. Interestingly, in the vortex centers, the out-of-plane momentum transport is larger in comparison to the bulk flow. Therefore, these vortices will play a major role in the heat transport in such flows.
Monkeypox viruses circulate in distantly related small mammal species and only diversified recently
Authors: Mariën Joachim , Laudisoit Anne , Patrono Livia , Baelo Pascal , Vredendaal Rianne van , Musaba Prescott , Gembu Guy , Mande Claude , Ngoy Steve , Mussaw Moise , Houtte Natalie Van , de Perre Frederik Van , Gryseels Sophie , Muyembe-Tamfum Jean , Bottieau Emmanuel , Calvignac-Spencer Sébastien , Leendertz Fabian , Leirs Herwig , Verheyen Erik 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
We determined a near complete and complete monkeypox virus (Mpox) genome in an elephant shrew (Petrodromus tetradactylus), a squirrel (Funisciurus bayonii), and produced shorter sequencesobtained from two rats (Stochomys longicaudatus, Cricetomys sp. 2) originating from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We also ran a series of molecular clock analyses that all agree on a recent, clearly post Dahomey gap opening diversification of Mpox. This suggests that, besides squirrels, a number of rodents and elephant shrews are involved in Mpox ecology, whose current genomic diversity and distribution was likely shaped in the last 1,000 years.
A Simple Scoring Scale for Predicting the Risk of Diabetic Retinopathy over 50 years old in China
Authors: Ge Qiwei , Li Min , Gu Yunjuan , Liu Bihong , Sun Dajun , Liang Congkai , Zhu Rongrong , Zhuang Xun 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Purpose
To construct and evaluate a simple scoring scale for predicting the risk of diabetic retinopathy (DR).
Methods
Based on the chronic disease management database of Yancheng City, Jiangsu Province, China, 1896 diagnosed patients over the age of 50 with diabetes were randomly selected and subjected to the self-designed epidemiological questionnaire survey and ocular clinical examination. Single-factor and multi-factor logistic regression analysis was used to screen the relevant influencing factors of DR and then according to the reference value principle, the weights were assigned, and a simple scoring scale was constructed. A receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was developed and the accuracy and validity of the simple scale were evaluated.
Results
The DR detection rate was 34.8 %. Multivariate analysis showed that family history of diabetes (odds ratio [OR]: 1.322, 95 % confidence interval [CI]: 1.012-1.727), diabetes treatment method (OR: 2.074, 95 % CI: 1.696-2.537), diabetes duration (OR: 1.113, 95 % CI: 1.089-1.138), and hemoglobin (Hb)A1c (OR: 1.276, 95 % CI: 1.099-1.482) were independent DR risk factors. After excluding confounding factors and based on the β coefficient of the multivariate logistic analysis, the scale had a maximum score of 12 points. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.753, the cut-off value was 4, the sensitivity was 66.5 %, and the coincidence rate was 70.9 %. To improve sensitivity, the cut-off value was lowered to 3; the sensitivity was 79.7 %, and the coincidence rate was 65.0 %.
Conclusion
The simple scale had good sensitivity and the ability to identify DR patients.
Eğitimde Artemis Ephesia Kültü: Kız Çocuklarının Geçiş Ayinleri
Authors: KÜLAHLI Nuriye 
Published: January 2024

Antik Yunan ve Anadolu politeizminde önemli kabul edilen Artemis kültü, tanrıçanın çok yönlü oluşundan dolayı oldukça yaygındır. Helen Artemis’i ve Anadolu Artemis’i olarak iki biçimde tanınan Tanrıça Artemis benzer özellikleri ile ünlüdür. Doğanın hâkimi, hayvanların, genç kızların ve kentlerin koruyucusu, ışık ve ay tanrıçası olan Artemis başka tanrıçalarla da özdeşleşmiştir. Farklı isimlerle tanınan Anadolu Artemis’inin gözdesi Ephesia, bu özellikleri içinde barındırmasının yanı sıra kendine has özellikleri ile de öne çıkmıştır. Tanrıça Kybele’nin isimlerine benzer epithetlere sahip ola Artemis Ephesia, “Ἀρτεμίς Ἐφεσία”, koruyucu sıfatı ile kız çocuklarını, genç kızları ve hamile kadınları himayesine almıştır. Tanrıçanın, kız çocuklarının geçiş ayinlerindeki önemi büyüktür ve onların eğitimlerine doğrudan katkı sağlamaktadır.
Bu çalışma, Artemis kültünün eğitimsel yönünü kız çocukların geçiş ayinleri üzerinden anlatmayı amaçlamaktadır. Bu doğrultuda, bir Anadolu Artemis’i olan Ephesia’nın kült faaliyetleri, antik kaynaklar ışığında ve modern eserler ile desteklenerek incelenmiştir. Sonuç olarak, Ephesoslu kız çocuklarının ve genç kızların geçiş ayinleri elde edilen veriler doğrultusunda anlatılmaya çalışılmış ve Artemis Ephesia kültünün eğitime olan katkısı anlamaya çalışılmıştır. Artemis Ephesia kültünde, kız çocuklarının reşit olma sürecindeki ayinlerde üç aşama öne çıkmıştır. Bu aşamalar, onların aldığı eğitim, evliliği ve anne olmaları olarak özetlenebilir. Ephesos kentinde kızlar için zorunlu olarak tanımlanan geçit törenlerinin amacı onların eşlerini bulmalarını sağlamaktır. Bu doğrultuda, kızlar evliliğe giden yolda belirli şartlar doğrultusunda eğitim almaktadırlar. Antik kaynaklar ve yazıtlar kızların üniforma giyerek spor ve dans yolu ile eğitildiklerini işaret etmektedir. Müzik ve dansın iç içe olduğu Ephesia festivalleri, kızların evliliklerinin planlanması nedeniyle toplumda güçlü bir sosyal işleve sahip olmuştur. Genç kızlar, ailelerinin desteğiyle Artemis Ephesia’ya kurban ve değerli eşyalarını sunarak uygun eş adayı bulmaya çalışmışlardır. Bu eşyalar içinde kıyafet baş sırada olmuştur. Evlenip doğum yapmış kadınlar da tanrıçanın korumasında olduklarından başarılı geçen doğumun ardından tanrıçaya özel hediyeler sunarak ona şükranlarını göstermek istemişlerdir. Bu uygulama, Artemis Ephesia'nın bereket tanrıçası olduğunun göstergesidir. Ancak, Ephesoslu annelerin kült faaliyetlerini anlatan detaylı bilgiler mevcut değildir.