bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genetically Synthesized Supergain Broadband Wire-Bundle Antenna
Authors: Vovchuk Dmytro , Uziel Gilad , Machnev Andrey , Porins Jurgis , Bobrovs Vjaceslavs , Ginzburg Pavel 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

High-gain antennas are essential hardware devices, powering numerous daily applications, including distant point-to-point communications, safety radars, and many others. While a common approach to elevate gain is to enlarge an antenna aperture, highly resonant subwavelength structures can potentially grant high gain performances. The Chu-Harrington limit is a standard criterion to assess electrically small structures and those surpassing it are called superdirective. Supergain is obtained in a case when internal losses are mitigated, and an antenna is matched to radiation, though typically in a very narrow frequency band. Here we develop a concept of a spectrally overlapping resonant cascading, where tailored multipole hierarchy grants both high gain and sufficient operational bandwidth. Our architecture is based on a near-field coupled wire bundle. Genetic optimization, constraining both gain and bandwidth, is applied on a 24-dimensional space and predicts 8.81 dBi realized gain within a half-wavelength in a cube volume that is 13% fractional bandwidth, which is the best performance in the field. Small wire bundle structures are rather attractive for designing superscattering and superdirective structures, as they have a sufficient number of degrees of freedom to perform an optimization, and, at the same time rely on simple fabrication-tolerant layouts, based on low-loss materials.
On the Nonlinear Dynamics of In-Contact Rigid Bodies experiencing Stick-Slip and Wear Phenomena
Authors: D'Annibale Francesco , Casalotti Arnaldo 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

In this paper, the dynamic behavior of one degree-of-freedom oscillator subject to stick-slip and wear phenomena at the contact interface with a rigid substrate is investigated. The motion of the oscillator, induced by a harmonic excitation, depends on the tangential contact forces, exchanged with the rigid soil, which are modeled through nonlinear constitutive laws accounting for stick-slip phenomena due to friction as well as wear due to abrasion. The nonlinear ordinary differential equations governing the problem are derived, whose solution is numerically obtained via a typical Runge–Kutta-based algorithm. The main target of this study is to analyze and discuss the strong nonlinear behavior descending from the presence of stick-slip and wear phenomena, thus investigating the effect of the different interface modeling.
Comparative Study for Improving Soft Soil Beneath an Embankment
Authors: Abdrabbo Fathi M. , Gaaver Khaled E. , Khalifa Shahinaz A. 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Earth embankments are often required at construction sites to support roads, networks, and rail systems. Therefore, this paper studies different methods for improving soft soil in order to construct an earth embankment on such soft soil. A numerical analysis was performed using 2D finite element software (Plaxis) to simulate the proposed embankment and the underlying soil. The findings revealed that the soil at the site could not sustain the stresses imposed from the full height of the embankment, leading to shear failure in the soil before establishing the proposed height of the embankment. To tackle this problem, two techniques were considered and a comparative analysis was conducted to assess the effectiveness of these techniques. The first technique involved using lightweight materials, such as soil mixed with sawdust or geo-foam for constructing the embankment. In the second technique variety of replacement techniques, including concrete piles (CP), deep-mixing columns(DMC), stone columns(SC), and sand piles(SP) were employed to improve the bearing capacity of the soft soil layers. Research findings indicate that only 60% of embankment height could be constructed on non-improved soil with acceptable settlement. Using lightweight materials significantly reduces settlement and stress without the need for additional improvement measures. Replacing the weak soil with different materials enhances the soil properties and helps in transferring loads through the soil. Replacing soft soil reduced the settlement by ratio varied between 8.50–75% and the stress by ratios ranging from 30–80%. Importantly, the findings from DMC align with those of CP. Finally, British Standard 8006 (2010) overestimates the loads acting on CP by a ratio varied from 2 to 14. This ratio increases as the pile's material stiffness decreases.
Prevalence of dental anxiety among adult patients attending the University of Ghana Dental school clinic, Accra
Authors: Dai-Kosi Alfred Dickson , Tormeti Daniel , Adu-Kofi Darkowaa , Sackeyfio Josephine , Nyako Ebenezer Anno , Acquaye Victoria Akuorkor , Abbey Elizabeth Anorkor 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Introduction: There have been substantial efforts over the years to improve oral healthcare through technology, preventive methods, and dental behavioral management. Despite these efforts, dental anxiety poses considerable challenges to both patients and dentists. Its burden has however not been thoroughly explored in Ghana.
Aim of the study: To determine the prevalence of dental anxiety among adult patients attending the University of Ghana Dental School Clinic.
Methods: This was a cross-sectional study which assessed the level of anxiety of patients by use of the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to present results in the form of charts and graphs while Pearson’s Chi-square test was used to test the relationship between categorical variables.
Results: There were 72 participants included in the study, consisting of 41.7% females, and 58.3% males. The cumulative prevalence of dental anxiety was 95.8%, with 41.7% respondents having ‘low anxiety’, 33.3% with ‘moderate anxiety’, 16.7% with ‘high anxiety’ and 4.2% respondents had ‘extreme anxiety’. The most commonly reported causes of dental anxiety were the sound and feel of the drill/handpiece (38.6%), followed by injection (36.8%). The level of dental anxiety was significantly influenced by the gender of patients and their experience in visiting the dental clinic.
Conclusion: This study found the prevalence of dental anxiety to be high among participants. Behavioural management in dental practices should therefore be prioritized to optimize care and treatment outcomes.
A machine learning technique for deriving the optimal mesh size of a gizzard shad (Konosirus punctatus) gillnet
Authors: Koo Myungsung , Kwon Inyeong 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
This study aims to prevent the bycatch of young gizzard shads, a non-target fish species, and to derive mesh sizes appropriate for economic fishery management. Test fishing operations (11 times) were conducted by manufacturing gillnet fishing gear with different mesh sizes (50.5, 55.1, 60.6, and 67.3 mm) in the coastal waters of the southern Gyeongsang Province. Selectivity curve estimation and machine learning models were developed to design an appropriate mesh using data measured at sea. Model 1 was constructed using mesh variables to classify score groups. In contrast, Model 2 was constructed using mature, bycatch, and CPUE variables to categorize score groups. As a result of this study, the total length with a 0.5 gillnet selection ratio was estimated to be 179.3, 195.6, 215.1, and 238.9 mm for the 50.5, 55.1, 60.6, and 67.3 mm mesh sizes, respectively. In Model 1, a mesh size of 57.85 mm or less was determined as the most appropriate mesh size for biological and economic measurements. Considering biological and economic aspects, shad gillnets should have a mesh size in the 50.5-55.1 mm range.
The Application of Reverse Z-Plasty Design in Medial Canthal Skin Redundancy Reconstruction Surgery.
Authors: Huahui Zhang , Xiaohui Long , Jiange Qian , Qiming Zhao 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Purpose
To investigate the clinical outcomes of reverse Z-plasty in the reconstruction of epicanthal fold.
Methods
A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of patients who underwent reverse Z-plasty for epicanthal fold reconstruction from September 2019 to January 2023. The surgical procedure involved preoperative design line incision, dissection beneath the orbicularis oculi muscle to form a muscular flap, and using the temporal side muscular flap as the reconstructed epicanthal fold. Postoperative follow-up included assessing the degree of epicanthal fold reduction, the appearance of the epicanthal fold, incision scars, and patient satisfaction. The intercanthal distance was measured in all patients before surgery and at 6 months postoperatively, and the paired t-test was used for statistical analysis with a significance level of P < 0.05 indicating statistical significance.
Results
A total of 16 patients (15 females, 1 male) with an average age of 32 years (range: 17–38 years) were included in the study. All patients had a follow-up period of at least 3 months, with an average follow-up of 7 months. Patient satisfaction evaluation showed that 13 patients were very satisfied, 3 patients were satisfied, and there were no cases of dissatisfaction. The degree of exposure of the lacrimal prominence decreased in all patients, the shape of the epicanthal fold was natural, the size of bilateral eyelid fissure was appropriate, and the parallel double eyelids were transformed into fan-shaped double eyelids. The appearance of the incision scars was not prominent and the lines were smooth. The increase in intercanthal distance ranged from 3 to 6mm, with a range of ICD elongation ratio from 9.09–28.30%. The preoperative measurement of intercanthal distance ranged from 28 to 35.0mm, with a mean of 31.25 ± 2.32mm, and the postoperative measurement was 35.19 ± 2.26mm. The difference was statistically significant (t=-4.793, P < 0.001). There were no urgent or discomfort sensations in eye movement, and the results were satisfactory.
Conclusion
Reverse Z-plasty design is suitable for epicanthal fold reconstruction. The incision design is clear and precise, and the postoperative outcomes are stable, achieving successful reconstruction of the epicanthal fold.
Identification of Potential Inhibitors Against Staphylococcus Aureus: In Silico Analysis of the LLM Gene as a Therapeutic Target
Authors: Ojeniyi Fiyinfoluwa , Ehigie Folashade Adeola , Fakuade Ayodeji Adebayo , Ayoola Babatunde Paul , Ehigie Leonard Ona 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus is a bacterium that poses a significant global health threat due to its versatile pathogenicity and increasing antibiotic resistance. To counteract this menace, researchers have been exploring strategic approaches, such as targeting the bacterium's essential genes. In this study, the focus is on the LLM gene, which is crucial for bacterial lysis and methicillin resistance. In silico analysis was conducted to identify the protein as a potential therapeutic target. Various computational techniques, including molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations, were employed to assess the inhibitory potential of different compounds against this target, benchmarking them against the standard drug, Tunicamycin. Through virtual screening, twenty-two ligands were docked against the protein receptor and six promising inhibitors were indetified, namely: ZINC06605913, ZINC06905586, ZINC35022243, ZINC40483738, ZINC90417652, and ZINC85428484. Among these, Zinc 90417652 (ZIN) emerged as a frontrunner, demonstrating superior binding affinity and stability metrics compared to Tunicamycin. Molecular dynamics analyses, spanning RMSD, RMSF, Rg, SASA, and MM-PBSA, validated the stability and dynamics of the LLM protein in the presence of ZIN. Further, binding free energy evaluations accentuated ZIN's superior binding profile, and residue decomposition analyses pinpointed key residues integral to this enhanced binding. Overall, the findings of this study highlight the potential of Zinc 90417652 as a lead candidate for the development of potent antimicrobial agents against Staphylococcus aureus, offering a promising avenue for combating this global health threat.
TMEM173 is a biomarker of predicting prognosis, immune responses and therapeutic effect in human Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Li Bo , Wang pengru , Zhou Pingting 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
The role of Transmembrane protein 173 (TMEM173) in predicting the prognosis and response to treatment in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) remain unclear. We found that the expression level of TMEM173 in LUAD tissues was significantly decreased and high TMEM173 expression is associated with better overall survival in LUAD patients. TMEM173 was mainly enriched in immune response-regulating signaling pathway, T cell activation and cell cycle G2/M phase. Furthermore, it was found that TMEM173 expression was positively related to markers and infiltration levels of tumor-infiltrating immune cells. TMEM173 could predict response to targeted therapy, chemotherapy and immunotherapy in LUAD patients. In vitro knockdown TMEM173 decreased the percentage of G2 phase cells, contributing to the increased growth of lung cancer cells. TMEM173 might be a prognostic biomarker and a potential target of precision therapy for LUAD patients.
Screening tropical and sub-tropical maize germplasm for resistance to Striga hermonthica and S. asiatica and yield-related traits
Authors: Dossa Emeline N. , Shimelis Hussein , Shayanowako Admire I. T. , Laing Mark D. 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Identification of maize germplasm with dual resistance to Striga hermonthica (Sh) and S. asiatica (Sa), could lead to the development of cultivars with stable resistance. 130 tropical and sub-tropical maize germplasms were evaluated in a controlled environment for their reaction to Sh and Sa infestations using a 13x10 alpha lattice design with two replications over two seasons. Significant differences (P < 0.05) were detected among the assessed genotypes for all the recorded traits in Sh and Sa-infested treatments. Under Sa-infested conditions, mean Striga emergence counts 8 weeks after planting (SEC8) and 10 weeks after planting (SEC10) were 5.00 and 45.50 respectively, while the mean Striga damage rate 8 weeks after planting (SDR8) and 10 weeks after planting (SDR10) were 3.35 and 3.07, respectively. Under Sh-infested conditions, SEC8 and SEC10 mean values were 3.66 and 3.77, respectively, while the SDR8 and SDR10 values were 5.25 and 2.75 respectively. Positive and significant (P < 0.05) correlations were found between anthesis-silking interval (ASI) and SDR8 (r = 0.18) and SDR10 (0.32) under Sa-infested conditions. Negative and significant correlations were recorded between ear per plant (EPP) and SEC8, SDR8, and SDR10, with r=-0.18, r=-0.27, and r=-0.24, respectively. Under Sh-infested conditions, significant and negative correlations were recorded between SDR8 and EPP (r=-0. 20), EHT and SEC8 (r=-0.22), EHT and SDR8 (r=-0.36), PLHT and SDR8 (-0.48), and PLHT and SDR10 (-0.22). The results suggest that dual resistance to the two Striga species exists in some tropical and sub-tropical maize lines. The following genotypes have dual resistance to Sa and Sh: CML440, CML566, CML540, CML539, CLHP0343, CLHP0326, TZISTR1248, TZSTRI115, TZISTR25, TZISTR1205, TZSTRI113, TZISTR1119, TZISTR1174 and the OPVs B.King/1421, Shesha/1421, ZM1421, DTSTR-W SYN13, DTSTR-Y SYN14, and 2*TZECOMP3DT/WhiteDTSTRSYN) C2. The identified genotypes are suitable for use as parents in developing and deploying high-performing maize varieties with Striga resistance and improved grain yield.
Evaluation of the influence of temperature and time exposure on Peruvian Maca (Lepidium meyenii) flour samples through NIR spectroscopy and chemometrics
Authors: Goldoni Juliane Cristina Ramos , Bernaski Gabriel Radael , Paulino Hellen Fernanda Silva , Trevisoli Thayse Renata , Tauler Romà , Valderrama Patrícia , Março Paulo Henrique 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
In this study, the three most known varieties of the Peruvian Maca (Lepidium meyenii), yellow, red, and black, were submitted to heating (from 25 to 200°C) for one hour, during 10-minute intervals and measured by near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy, after 24 hours resting in a desiccator, to evaluate the changes at each temperature. The study focused on changes related to heating for considering new applications on Maca-enriched food products such as bread, cakes, and cookies. To perform the experiment, 9 portions of 1g of each sample remained in an oven at each temperature (25, 50, 100, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190, and 200°C) for different times (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 minutes). The multivariate curve resolution with alternating least squares (MCR-ALS) was applied to interpret the results. In general, it was observed that spectral variations start to occur from heating samples from above 100°C. The recovered signals indicated that most spectral variations occurred in regions assigned to N-H vibrations, suggesting that heating influences the protein and/or macamides, which are responsible for most of the properties attributed to the Peruvian Maca. The yellow Maca phenotype was the most susceptible to spectral variations after heating, while the black Maca displayed the slowest spectral transformations. This study may encourage deeper investigations into the use of Maca-derived foods regarding their health-beneficial effects after heating to indicate the limitations of Maca applications.
Long noncoding RNA MCM3AP-AS1 promotes ovarian cancer cells progression by modulating miR-383/DDIT4 axis
Authors: Yan Huan , Chen Yibing , Guo Ruixia 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) was recently reported to be implicated in cancer progression. However, the role of MCM3AP-AS1 in ovarian cancer (OC) remains undetected. In this study, MCM3AP-AS1 expression was elevated in OC tissues. High MCM3AP-AS1 expression was related to advanced tumor stage and poor survival. MCM3AP-AS1 knockdown inhibited OC cells proliferation, migration, invasion and EMT in vitro and suppressed primary tumor growth in vivo. Mechanically, MCM3AP-AS1 sponged miR-383 and upregulated the expression of DDIT4. In addition, the suppression of EMT induced by silencing of MCM3AP-AS1 involved with miR-383 inhibition. In sum, MCM3AP-AS1 promoted cell progression through regulating miR-383/DDIT4, which suggested a novel potential oncogenic target for OC.
Disparities in the association between ambient temperature and preterm birth according to individual and regional characteristics: a nationwide time-stratified case-crossover study
Authors: Min Jieun , Lee Whanhee , Oh Jongmin , Kwag Youngrin , Kim Eunji , Kim Joyce Mary , Lee Kyung A , Ha Eunhee 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
Several studies have reported that high temperatures during pregnancy are associated with preterm births (PTBs). Although the association might be disproportionate, related evidence remains sparse. We evaluated the disproportionate risk of PTB associated with ambient temperature during pregnancy by individual and regional characteristics in South Korea.
Methods
We collected data on birth certificates and daily mean temperatures during the period from 2011 to 2019. A time-stratified case-crossover design was used to investigate the association between temperature and PTB and stratified analyses were conducted to examine the effect modification of individual and regional characteristics.
Results
A total of 160,067 singleton PTBs were recorded in Korea from 2011 to 2019. A 5℃ increase in the mean temperature during the last four weeks before delivery was associated with an increased risk of PTB with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.03 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02, 1.05), and the association was more evident in mothers aged ≥ 35 years (OR: 1.06 [95% CI: 1.03, 1.10]) and with low education levels (OR: 1.04 [95% CI: 1.02, 1.05]). Additionally, the estimated risk was evident in districts with lower medical resources and more prominent disparities were shown by individual and regional characteristics in rural areas than in urban areas.
Conclusions
This study provides evidence that the risk of PTB related to ambient temperature is disproportionate by individual and regional characteristics and suggests the need for public health policies to alleviate the disparities, especially in rural areas.
Emergence of Morbid Jealousy in the context of executive dysfunction and stroke
Authors: Blackman Graham , Bird Jacob , Ruths Florian , Ederle Joerg , Nashef Lina , Hejda-Forde Sylvia , Bell Vaughan , Okai David 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Morbid jealousy is a pathological state in which an individual becomes convinced that their partner has become unfaithful. Morbid jealousy can emerge as either part of a primary psychiatric disorder or secondary to an underlying medical condition. We report a 46-year-old male who presented with morbid jealousy and depression 24 years after a left frontotemporal haemorrhagic stroke complicated by epilepsy. Neuropsychological assessment identified evidence of executive dysfunction. Antipsychotic and antidepressant medication, alongside cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) resulted in full remission of his delusions of jealousy and associated psychiatric symptoms. Neuropathological and neuropsychological factors in the case are discussed alongside the existing literature. Whilst the underlying mechanisms underpinning morbid jealousy remain elusive, the case illustrates the potential role of executive dysfunction in the aetiology of morbid jealousy.
Reevaluating the splice-altering variant in TECTA as a cause of nonsyndromic hearing loss DFNA8/12 by functional analysis of RNA
Authors: Yang Yan , Luo Haiyan , Pan Lijuan , Feng Chuanxin , Guo Zhen , Zou Yongyi , Zeng Baitao , Huang Shuhui , Yuan Huizhen , Wu Ping , Liu Danping , Dan Yi , Xiao Junfang , Li XinYu , Chen ZhongFa , Zeng Xiao Ni , Jiang XiangLong , Yang Bicheng , Liu Yuhe , Liu Yanqiu 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Purpose
The aim of this study was to determine the genetic cause of early onset autosomal dominant hearing loss segregating in five-generation kindred of Chinese descent and provide preimplantation genetic testing for them.
Methods
Clinical examination, pedigree analysis and exome sequencing were carried out on the family. Minigene-based splicing analysis, in vivo RNA analysis and predicted changes in protein structure by molecular modeling were conducted on the candidate variant. Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) for the causative variation and chromosome aneuploidis based on SNP analysis has been used to avoid transmission of hearing loss in this family.
Results
All the affected individuals presented with moderate down-sloping hearing loss and whole-exome sequencing identified a novel splice-site variant c.5383 + 6T > A in the tested subjects within the TECTA locus. Genotyping of all the 32 family members confirmed segregation of this variant and the hearing loss phenotype in the extended family. Functional analysis of RNA and molecular modeling indicates that c.5383 + 6T > A is a pathogenic splice-site variant and should be considered as genetic cause of the hearing loss. Furthermore, a successful singleton pregnancy with no variation in TECTA c.5383 + 6 was established and a healthy male child was born by PGT.
Conclusion
We have identified a novel variant c.5383 + 6T > A in TECTA ZA-ZP inter-domain, which could be contributing to the early-onset autosomal dominant hearing loss phenotype. The implications of our study are valuable in elucidating the disrupted RNA splicing and uncovering the genetic cause of hearing loss with TECTA pathogenic variants, as well as providing reproductive approaches to healthy offspring .