bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pentraxin-3 and atherosclerosis risk: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Shen Meirong , Hang Mingming , chen Tielong 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Objective: To assess the potential causal relationship between pentraxin 3 (PTX3) levels and atherosclerosis (AS) using a Mendelian randomization study.
Methods: Data from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) were analyzed using the exposure factor PTX 3 and the outcome of atherosclerosis at different sites, including coronary atherosclerosis, peripheral atherosclerosis, cerebral atherosclerosis, and atherosclerosis at other sites (except cerebral, coronary, and peripheral arteries). The IVW method, MR⁃Egger method, WM method, method, and method were used for MR analysis, and heterogeneity tests, sensitivity analyses, and pleiotropy tests were performed. No artificial intelligence (AI) methods, such as large language models (LLMs), chatbots, or image creator-related assistive technologies, were used in this writing process.
Results: Inverse variance weighting (IVW) analysis revealed no evidence of a causal association between PTX3 and the risk of coronary or peripheral atherosclerosis (OR=0.99, 95% CI=0.99-1.00, P=0.978; OR=1.01, 95% CI=0.92-1.11, P=0.723). No evidence of a causal association with the risk of cerebral atherosclerosis or other atherosclerosis was found (OR=1.18, 95% CI=0.7-2.01, P=0.524; OR=1.01, 95% CI=0.92-1.10, P=0.793).
Conclusions There were no causal associations between PTX3 and coronary atherosclerosis, peripheral atherosclerosis, cerebral atherosclerosis, or atherosclerosis at other sites (except cerebral, coronary, or peripheral arteries).
Lignite-based hard carbon high-performance potassium-ion batteries anode
Authors: Yang Hui , Lei Long , Zhao Yue , Lan Dawei , An Shengli , Liu Yunying , Cui Jinlong 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Amorphous C has the advantages of low cost and adjustable interlayer spacing, which shows great potential in K+ storage. However, the sluggish diffusion kinetics of K+ in the C lattice and mediocre capacity limit the use of C materials as anodes in potassium-ion batteries (PIBs). Herein, we develop an N-doped hierarchical porous C derived from lignite by a simple carbonization activation process. The resulting N-doped hierarchical porous C delivers reversible capacities of 314 mAh g− 1 after 100 cycles at 0.1 A g− 1 and 124.3 mAh g− 1 after 1500 cycles at 1.0 A g− 1 when utilized as anode materials for PIBs. The outstanding reversible capacity and excellent cyclic performance can attribute to the porous structure and N doping, which improves electronic conductivity and facilitates K+ insertion. This research aids in the development of high-performance anode materials for PIBs and provides some insights into the manufacturing of heteroatom-doped C materials.
Saccharomyces cerevisiae β-glucan auspiciously improves the response of trained macrophages to severe P. aeruginosa infections.
Authors: Ciszek-Lenda Marta , Nowak Bernadeta , Majka Grzegorz , Suski Maciej , Walczewska Maria , Angelika Fedor , Golińska Edyta , Sabina Górska , Andrzej Gamian , Olszanecki Rafał , Strus Magdalena , Marcinkiewicz Janusz 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Objective P. aeruginosa
(PA), the major pathogen of lung cystic fibrosis (CF), polarizes macrophages into hyperinflammatory tissue damaging phenotype. The main aim of this study was to verify whether training of macrophages with β-glucan (BG) might improve their response to P. aeruginosa infections.
Methods
To perform this task C57BL/6 mice sensitive to infections with P. aeruginosa were used. Peritoneal macrophages were trained with Saccharomyces cerevisiae BG and exposed to PA57, the bacterial strain isolated from the patient with severe lung CF. The release of cytokines and the expression of phenotypic markers of naïve and trained macrophages was measured. A quantitative proteomic approach was used for the characterization of proteome-wide changes in macrophages. Most importantly, the effect of trained macrophages in the air pouch model of PA57 infection was investigated. In all experiments the effect of trained macrophages was compared with that of naïve macrophages.
Results
Trained macrophages acquired a specific phenotype with mixed pro-inflammatory and pro-resolution characteristics, however they retained anti-bacterial properties. Transfer of trained macrophages into infected air pouches markedly ameliorated the course of infection. Bacterial growth and formation of biofilm were significantly suppressed.
Conclusions
Our study demonstrated that training of murine macrophages with S. cerevisiae β-glucan enhanced macrophage defense properties along with inhibition of secretion of some detrimental inflammatory agents. We suggest that training of macrophages with such β-glucan might be a new therapeutic strategy in P. aeruginosa infections, including CF.
Vague Set Model for Mining Amino Acid Associations in Peptide Sequences of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Complex (MTBC).
Authors: Jain Amita , Solanki Priyanka , Pardasani Kamal Raj 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Huge amount of molecular data generated through experiments all over the world is available in online databases. This provides new opportunities and challenges for structuring, management, and analysis of data. One of the major challenges for analysis is the presence of inherent uncertainty in molecular data. Some fuzzy set-based models for mining amino acid associations patterns in peptide sequences are reported in the literature to deal with the uncertainty arising due to degree of relationship among amino acids present in peptide sequences. The existing approaches for association rule mining are not capable of dealing with the uncertainty arising due to missing amino acids in available peptide sequences and due to partial peptide sequences. In the present paper a vague set approach is proposed for mining amino acid associations’ patterns in the peptide sequences of MTBC. The dataset of peptide sequences of MTBC has been taken from NCBI. This dataset consists of both partial and complete peptide sequences. Appropriate vague membership function has been constructed. The results have been computed by vague set and fuzzy set approaches. Based on the comparison of results obtained by fuzzy set and vague set approach it is observed that the vague set approach shows the significant changes in the results due to presence of partial sequences. The results have been used to obtain association rules, secondary structures, and the physiochemical properties. Such models will be of great use in developing signatures that will provide better insight into the structures, functions, and interactions of proteins.
Assessing yellow fever outbreak potential and implications for vaccine strategy
Authors: Fraser Keith , Hamlet Arran ,   K&#x00E9 Jean, Ramos Daniel , Romano Alessandro , Horton Jennifer , Cibrelus Laurence , Ferguson Neil , Gaythorpe Katy 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background: Yellow fever (YF), a vector-borne viral hemorrhagic fever, is endemic in tropical regions of Africa and South America, with large vaccination programmes being used for control. However, significant outbreaks have occurred in recent years. Data on infection rates and seroprevalence is often sparse, requiring robust mathematical models to estimate the burden of yellow fever. In particular, modelling is required to estimate the risk of outbreaks and inform policy decisions regarding the targeting of vaccination.
Methods: We present a dynamic, stochastic model of YF transmission which uses environmental covariates to estimate the force of infection due to spillover from the sylvatic (non-human primate) reservoir and the basic reproduction number for human-to-human transmission. We examine the potential for targets identified by the World Health Organization EYE Strategy (50%, 60% or 80% vaccination coverage in 1-60 year olds) to achieve different threshold values for the effective reproduction number. Threshold values are chosen to reflect the potential for seasonal and/or climatic variation in YF transmission even in a scenario where vaccination lowers the median reproduction number below 1.
Results: Based on parameter estimates derived from epidemiological data, it is found that the 2022 EYE Strategy target coverage is sufficient to reduce the static averaged annual effective reproduction number R below 1 across most or all regions in Africa depending on the effectiveness of reported vaccinations, but insufficient to reduce it below 0.5 and thereby eliminate outbreaks in areas with high seasonal range. Coverage levels aligned with the 2026 targets are found to significantly decrease the proportion of regions where R is greater than 0.5.
Generalized measure Black-Scholes equation: Towards option self-similar pricing
Authors: Riane Nizar , David Claire 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
In this work, we give a generalized formulation of the Black-Scholes model. The novelty resides in considering the Black-Scholes model to holds on "average" while the pointwise option price dynamics depends on a measure representing investors' "uncertainty". We make use of the theory of non-symmetric Dirichlet forms and the abstract theory of partial dierential equations to establish well posedness of the problem. A detailed numerical analysis is given in the case of self-similar measures.
Breeding and exploitation of animals among the inhabitants of the East Central Zagros in the Late Chalcolithic Age: Fauna study of Kuy-e Keyvan Tepe
Authors: Sarbisheh Behzad Hoseyni , Khaledabadi Fatemeh Zeynali 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Kuy-e Keyvan Tepe of Azna is located in the East Central Zagros of Iran. This archaeological site was excavated during an emergency project in 2019 by the first author. Azna plain is one of the most important intercultural plains in Iran. Due to its rich ecosystem, suitable climatic conditions, and strategic geographical location, Azna has been a desirable area for the settlement of different communities and could have been one of the important cultural centers of interaction between nomadic life and sedentary life. Kuy-e Keyvan Tepe, located in this plain, has favorable conditions for settlement and its findings obtained from archaeological excavations indicate the settlement of human communities at this site during prehistoric, historical, and Islamic periods. In addition, the study of bone remains at this site can provide very important results in terms of the subsistence system of its inhabitants. The animal remains studied in this article belong to the cultural layers of the Late Chalcolithic Age. In general, most of the animal bone collection at this site is divided into two groups: large mammals and small ruminants. According to the analysis of the frequency of identified animal species (Caprinae, Bos taurus, Equidae, Sus scrofa Carnivorae), it can be said that the exploitation of domestic animals is much more than wild species and animal husbandry has been one of the main ways to provide the subsistence for the inhabitants of this site in the second half of the fourth millennium BC.
Changing seroprevalence of Schistosomiasis japonica in China from 1982 to 2025
Authors: Zhou Yu , Zheng Mao , Gong Yanfeng , Huang Junhui , Wang Jiamin , Xu Ning , Tong Yixin , Chen Yue , Jiang Qingwu , Cai Yu , Zhou Yi-Biao 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Schistosomiasis is a tropical disease that seriously threatens human health. Achieving the goal of eliminating schistosomiasis in China by 2030 necessitates precise identification of endemic areas and high-risk populations. This study aimed to figure out the long-term trends of Schistosomiasis japonica seroprevalence in China from 1982 to 2020 and age and spatial variations. Additionally, to forecast the seroprevalence for 2021–2025.
Methods
Seroprevalence data were collected from literature databases and national schistosomiasis surveillance system. Meta-analysis was conducted to estimate the seroprevalence. Autoregressive integrated moving average model was used to forecast the seroprevalence from 2021 to 2025. Joinpoint model was used to identify changing trend and inflection point. Inverse distance weighted interpolation was used to determine the spatial distribution of seroprevalence in different periods.
Results
The seroprevalence decreased from 34.8% in 1982 to 2.4% in 2020 in China. ARIMA model predicted that the seroprevalence would stabilize at the level of around 2.0% for 2021–2025. Before 2006, the seroprevalence was higher in the middle age group, and a pattern of increasing with age was observed afterwards. The areas with high seroprevalence existed in Dongting Lake, Poyang Lake, Jianghan Plain, the Anhui branch of the Yangtze River and some localized mountainous regions in Sichuan and Yunnan provinces.
Conclusions
There was a significant decline in the seroprevalence of Schistosomiasis japonica from 1982 to 2020 in China, and would remain at a low level in 2021–2025. Nevertheless, schistosomiasis has not been eradicated; thus, ongoing monitoring remains crucial, especially in endemic areas and with a particular focus on the elderly.
Analysis of Simulated Track and Field Starting Motion Based on Spectral Sensors and Motion Capture Algorithms
Authors: Ma Lei 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

In track and field movements, effective starting movements can improve an athlete's explosive power and acceleration, and enhance their competitive level. The existing methods are mainly based on manual visual inspection and two-dimensional image analysis. Therefore, this study proposes a new method based on spectral sensors and motion capture algorithms to better analyze starting movements. The study used spectral sensors and motion capture systems to collect data on starting movements. Spectral sensors measure the movement status of various parts of the athlete's body in real-time, accurately capturing the movement changes during the starting process. In order to analyze the key links and motion trajectories of the starting motion, the motion capture algorithm processes the data collected by sensors in real time, and obtains key parameters based on changes in body parts to analyze the details of the starting motion. By analyzing the collected data, a quantitative evaluation and feedback on the starting movement can be obtained. These evaluation results can help athletes and coaches better understand the advantages and improvement space of the starting movement, and provide them with targeted training suggestions.
Comprehensive Analysis of Cancer-related Genes: Challenging the Conventional Understanding of Oncogenes and Tumor Suppressor Genes
Authors: Zou Mingyuan , Huang Shiping , Qiu Li , Liu Hui , Liu Jun 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
The exploration of oncogenes and their involvement in cancer development and progression is a cornerstone of oncology research. Numerous studies have aimed to identify genes potentially linked to cancer by comparing gene expression levels between cancerous and normal tissues. It is widely acknowledged that upregulated genes in cancer tissues often function as oncogenes, and their expression levels correlate with cancer progression, and a poorer prognosis, while downregulated genes exhibit the opposite correlation. However, contrary to common belief, our analysis using the TCGA databases reveals a significant association between higher expressions of many upregulated genes in cancer and a better prognosis, as well as lower disease progression. In contrast, our findings indicate a statistical association between downregulated genes in cancer and a poorer prognosis. This paper critically examines this discrepancy and addresses the key question: What is the underlying relationship between gene expression differences in cancer, their correlation with cancer progression, and patient survival? This exploration is crucial as the potential limitations of these commonly held assumptions can significantly impact cancer research methodology.
Preparation and evaluation of curcumin nanoemulsion to inhibit TC-1 cell growth
Authors: Karimi Mehrnaz , Qomi Mahnaz , Jahromy Mahsa Hadipour , Parsania Masoud , Kazemi Negar Motakef 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Curcumin (Cur), a substance originating from Curcuma longa, has been comprehensively examined for its anticancer properties. Nonetheless, its clinical application has been restricted by its inadequate solubility, bioavailability, and stability. TC-1 cells have been impressive in understanding HPV biology and developing therapeutic approaches for HPV infection and related cancers, like cervical cancer, offering a close mimicry of HPV-induced carcinogenesis. This study's primary goal is to formulate and optimize curcumin nanoemulsions (Cur-NE) to address these challenges and, secondarily, evaluate their impact on TC-1 cell growth. Characterization of the nanoemulsions was conducted using dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) revealing an average particle size of 52.5 nm, a zeta potential of -13.1 mV, and a drug content of 94.6%. Through the dialysis diffusion technique, drug release profiles demonstrated a sustained, slower release of Cur from Cur-NE compared to free curcumin. According to an MTT assay, Cur-Ne with an IC50 35 µg/ml exhibited an increased inhibitory effect of Cur on TC-1 cancer cells, while showing no inhibitory effects on MC3T3 normal cells at concentrations up to 100 µg/ml. In summary, this study underscores the potential of nanoemulsions as efficient carriers for Cur, with demonstrated safety in both cancer and normal cells. Moreover, Cur-NE displayed substantial inhibitory activity against TC-1 cancer cells, suggesting its promise in treating HPV-associated cancers, particularly cervical cancer. Further research is warranted to evaluate the long-term safety of this nanoemulsion for clinical trials and its efficacy against other cancer cell lines.
Automated Detection of Plant Leaf Diseases using Image Processing Techniques
Authors: Singh Sanika , Mukherjee Saurabh 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Plant diseases can cause significant crop losses and have a major impact on agriculture. Early detection and diagnosis of plant diseases are crucial for preventing the spread of infection and minimizing damage. In this research paper, we propose a deep learning-based approach for the automated detection of plant leaf diseases. We collected a dataset of leaf images of diseased and healthy plants and used it to train a convolutional neural network (CNN) model.
The model was trained on several architectures and the best performing model was selected based on its accuracy on the validation dataset. The final model was tested on a test dataset and achieved an accuracy of 98.5%. The proposed method is a fast and efficient way to detect plant leaf diseases and can be used as a tool for plant pathologists and farmers to identify and diagnose plant diseases quickly and accurately.
Cure can be Achieved by Conversion to Microwave Ablation following Atezolizumab-Bevacizumab Therapy in Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Febro Rene John , Perillo Engelbert Simon , Kimura Akemi , Wong Stephen 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Introduction: Atezolizumab- Bevacizumab is the recommended first-line systemic therapy for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (uHCC) and may allow the transition to curative conversion using resection and locoregional therapies. However, there have been very few reports of curative conversion using microwave ablation (MWA). We aimed to determine the curative conversion rate with MWA, using Atezolizumab-Bevacizumab as first-line in patients with uHCC, and to compare the characteristics and survival of patients with and without curative conversion. Methods: Consecutive uHCC patients who were started on Atezolizumab-Bevacizumab from May 2021 to December 2023 in a single tertiary center were included. Objective response (ORR) and disease control rates (DCR) were based on RECIST 1.1 and mRECIST criteria. Results: Twenty consecutive uHCC patients (60% advanced stage) were included, with 90% exceeding the up-to-7 criteria. The ORR and DCR were 35% and 60%, and 35% and 55% using RECIST and mRECIST, respectively. Five (25%) patients underwent successful curative conversion with MWA (4 advanced and 1 intermediate stage) despite a median HCC size of 6.1 (range: 2.4-7.3) cm., two of whom were tumor and drug-free 132-133 weeks from the 1st Atezolizumab-Bevacizumab dose. Patients with curative conversion had significantly longer survival than those without. (p=0.024) Other factors associated with survival were male sex, Child-Pugh class A, and an objective response. Conclusions: Despite relatively large tumor sizes, successful curative conversion with MWA can be achieved with first-line Atezolizumab-Bevacizumab in uHCC. Data from prospective, multicenter trials are needed to determine if this strategy is universally applicable.
A Smart Contract-based Blockchain Solution for Key Revocation in IoT Networks
Authors: Bettayeb Sami , Messai Mohamed-Lamine , Hemam Sofiane Mounine 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

The emergence and growing use of advanced technologies have opened up new possibilities for addressing the security challenges of resource-constrained IoT networks. As IoT devices exchange sensitive data, secure key management is essential for IoT network security, particularly during the key revocation phase. However, current IoT key management solutions require improvements due to the resource limitations of IoT devices. Despite these limitations, existing key revocation solutions still have several areas for improvement, including high communication overheads. Therefore, a decentralized and efficient solution is necessary to address these issues in IoT networks, with a focus on security. This paper proposes a new solution for key revocation based on Blockchain technology using smart contracts to minimize communication overhead and energy consumption in IoT networks. The paper presents a security and performance analysis to assess its correctness. The results indicate that our proposal outperforms other solutions by having a reduced communication overhead of 93.55\%, 91.87\%, and 99.75\% compared to other solutions during the compromising, leaving, and draining cases, respectively. This demonstrates that our solution is efficient and suitable for IoT networks.
Edge-Terminated AlGaN/GaN/AlGaN Multi- Quantum Well IMPATT Sources for Terahertz Wave Generation
Authors: Ghosh Monisha , Deb Shilpi Bhattacharya , Ghosh Dwaipayan , Acharyya Aritra , Biswas Arindam , Inokawa Hiroshi , Satoh Hiroaki 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
In our pursuit of high-power terahertz (THz) wave generation, we propose innovative edge-terminated single-drift region (SDR) multi-quantum well (MQW) impact avalanche transit time (IMPATT) structures based on the AlxGa1−xN/GaN/AlxGa1−xN material system, with a fixed Aluminum mole fraction of x = 0.3. Two distinct MQW diode configurations, namely p+-n junction-based and Schottky barrier diode structures, are investigated for their THz potential. To enhance reverse breakdown characteristics, we employ mesa etching and nitrogen ion-implantation for edge termination, mitigating issues related to premature and soft breakdown. The THz performance is comprehensively evaluated through steady-state and high-frequency characterizations using a self-consistent quantum drift-diffusion (SCQDD) model. Our proposed Al0.3Ga0.7N/GaN/Al0.3Ga0.7N MQW diodes, as well as GaN-based single-drift region (SDR) and 3C-SiC/Si/3C-SiC MQW-based double-drift region (DDR) IMPATT diodes, are simulated. The Schottky barrier in the proposed diodes significantly reduces device series resistance, enhancing peak continuous wave power output to approximately 300 mW and DC to THz conversion efficiency to nearly 13% at 1.0 THz. Noise performance analysis reveals that MQW structures within the avalanche zone mitigate noise, improving overall performance. Benchmarking against state-of-the-art THz sources establishes the superiority of our proposed THz sources, highlighting their potential for advancing THz technology and applications.