bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Workability and environmental evaluation of using sunflower stalk ash (SSA) as an alkali activator with blast furnace slag (BFS) and black rice hull ash (BRHA) to prepare geopolymer grouts
Authors: Zhu Zhijing , Li Xiuhao , Liu Rentai , Wang Zhiheng , Zhang Huasheng , Zhao Dukun , Bai Jiwen , Chen Mengjun , Li Wei 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

To solve the problem of environmental pollution from stockpiling of solid waste and to achieve safe and efficient underground engineering, an environment-friendly waste-based ternary geopolymer grout was developed using BFS, SSA, and BRHA. KOH-activated grouts were used as the controls. The applicability of grouts with different SSA additions was also investigated. The results showed that the 28-day compressive strength of SSA-activated grout reached 24.31 MPa, which exceeded that of the control group by 163.7%. Potassium and calcium salts, such as fairchildite and magnesium potassium silicate, in SSA promoted the formation of C(K)-A-S-H and C-S-H gels. The carbon emissions calculated from global warming potential in the life cycle assessment of the SSA system were 83.5% lower than those of KOH. The leaching results showed that the concentration of all heavy metals dropped below 0.02 mg/L after 28 days of solidification. The immobilization efficiencies of Cr, Pb, and Zn exceeded 98.65%, indicating the considerable immobilization ability of the SSA-activated grout and that it can be used safely in further applications. These findings support the treatment of solid waste resources and preparation of high-performance grouts for underground engineering.
Structural Analysis and Sealing Capacity of Gasketed Plate Heat Exchangers with HNBR and EPDM Rubbers
Authors: Zanzi Mateus de Sousa , Dutra Gabriel Benedet , Martins Giovani Silveira Magalhães , Barra Guilherme Mariz de Oliveira , Oliveira Jorge Luiz Goes , Paiva Kleber Vieira 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Rubber is an engineering polymer of interest in most industrial sectors. In gasketed plate heat exchangers (GPHEs), these elements comprise gaskets that are responsible for sealing the system under high levels of compression, temperature and pressure. Therefore, it is a necessity to understand how operating conditions affect GPHE structural behavior and sealing performance, regarding rubber materials and features. This work aims at determining GPHE integrity and mechanical characteristics with the aid of sealing performance experiments and strain gauge measurements at critical plate locations in a real equipment and in prototypes consisting of GPHE components. Hydrogenated Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (HNBR) and Ethylene-Propylene-Diene Rubber (EPDM) gasket materials were evaluated. Based on compression strength experiments, the effects of the number of plates and the compression level on the system stiffness in the direction where the quasi-static compression load is applied have been determined. Stable compression strength behavior was attained with prototypes containing six gaskets or more. The combined effects of pressure load and compression levels, and rubber material on sealing performance were obtained with prototypes comprising six gaskets. Stress analysis was possible with plate deformation measurements in a heat exchanger comprising twenty plates. Highest stress levels were obtained with EPDM gaskets during tightening. It is conjectured that higher operation loads can occur with the latter material. Empirical correlations relate sealing capacity and compression level for EPDM and HNBR gaskets.
Moderate-intensity continuous training and high-intensity interval training modulate gut microbes, and weaken leaky gut-immune activation reduces systemic inflammation in high-fat diet APOE-KO mice
Authors: tang yingzhe , Wang Juan , Wang Yi-rong , Wu Wei-jia , Meng Xiang-yuan , Chen Dan-dan , Lei Yong , Tao Xia , Yuan Shun-ling , Liu Wen-feng 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Atherosclerosis is a common disease typically associated with the dysregulation of inflammatory pathways and lipid metabolism. Regular exercise can prevent and delay atherosclerosis-related dysfunctions; however the effects of different types of exercise on atherosclerosis and their underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Based on the evidence of intestinal microbiota dysbiosis and impaired intestine-liver-brain axis in APOE-knockout (KO) mice, we found plasma lipid profile abnormalities, intestinal microbiota imbalance, intestinal inflammation, liver inflammation, bacterial lipopolysaccharide displacement, and neuroinflammation in APOE-KO mice fed a high-fat diet. Our experimental findings indicate that following a twelve-week intervention of moderate-intensity continuous training and high-intensity interval training interventions, alterations in the gut microbiota and improvements in the damaged gut-liver-brain axis were partially associated with the beneficial effects of exercise. demonstrating that both forms of exercise effectively reduce body weight and lipid profiles associated with hyperlipidemia in APOE-KO mice, while promoting stability in the gut microbiota of these mice, thereby inhibiting the expression of inflammatory signaling pathways. It is noteworthy that exercise downregulates LPS, retards intestinal leakage and brain leakage in mice, thereby alleviating systemic inflammation linked closely with the TLR4/MyD88/NF-KB inflammatory signaling pathway. The mechanism involves MICT and HIIT reinforcing the gut-liver and gut-brain barriers against LPS interception, weakening LPS translocation to the internal milieu, inhibiting the liver and brain TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB inflammatory signaling pathways, and alleviating systemic inflammation in APOE-KO mice. Particularly, HIIT demonstrates superior improvement in plasma lipid profiles in APOE-KO mice compared to MICT.
Psychological Implications of Unemployment among Higher Educated Migrant Youth: A Study in Kolkata City, India
Authors: Biswas Mohai Menul , Das Kailas Chandra , Sheikh Illias 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Mental health issues are intricately linked to socioeconomic background, employment, and migration status. However, there remains a gap in understanding the mental health challenges faced by graduate youth in India, particularly in Kolkata City. This study aims to assess the prevalence and associated risk factors of depression, anxiety, and stress among higher-educated migrant youth. A survey was conducted on four hundred migrant graduate youths aged 21–35 residing in Kolkata. Measures included socio-demographics and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21). Chi-square tests and binary logistic regression were employed to identify factors associated with mental health issues. The overall prevalence rates were 56.44% for depression, 71.7% for anxiety, and 50.92% for stress. Unemployed youths exhibited significantly more symptoms of depression and anxiety. The logistic regression model showed that unemployed youth, female sex, never married, and second- and third-time migrant youths were risk factors for DASS-21. This study showed that mental health issues alarming in the higher educated migrant youth. The study suggests the implementation of skill-based, job-oriented, and professional courses at the graduation level to prevent graduates from being rendered unproductive and jobless. Beside these, regular psychological support should be provided to the higher educated youth by the local governments.
Utility of Oxygen Saturation Index (Osi) Over Oxygenation Index (Oi) in Monitoring of Neonates with Respiratory Diseases
Authors: Ashwini KH , Badiger Shriharsha , S SATISH T 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background: -Respiratory diseases is associated with increased risk of mortality, morbidity and worse neurological outcomes. OI is routinely used as an indicator of severity of respiratory disease in neonates. Study aims to find a non-invasive indicator.
Aims and objectives : To evaluate the correlation of oxygen saturation index and oxygenation index among the term and preterm neonates with respiratory diseases who meets the inclusion criteria.
Materials & Methods : It is a Prospective observational study, conducted at tertiary care NICU , 50 neonates , both preterm and term neonates , who met inclusion criteria were enrolled . Paired samples of OI and OSI were compared.
Results : Pearson’s correlation coefficient was calculated to be 0.491 and was statistically significant (p<0.001). This shows significant positive correlation between OI and OSI. Based on the above we propose a regression equation to calculate OS based on given OSI or vice versa, as OSI = 0.391*OI+4.2341
Conclusion : OSI (non invasive measure ) has positive correlation with OI (invasive measure) in neonates with respiratory disease. It can be used to monitor the severity of lung disease thereby preventing sepsis and iatrogenic anemia.
Local and global rhythmic dynamics in small-group conversations
Authors: Farrera Arodi , Rascon Caleb , Ramos-Fernandez Gabriel 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Rhythmic information is an essential part of verbal and non-verbal coordination during human conversations. In small group settings, who coordinates with whom can further shape the overall coordination and create unique global rhythmic patterns qualitatively different from the individual rhythms involved. Despite their significance, the local and global characteristics of these rhythmic dynamics have rarely been studied directly. To address this gap, our study investigates the network topology of turn-taking and rhythmic information flow in small group conversations from the AMI corpus. Nodes in these networks represent participants and edges are either the number of sequential speech turns or a significant flow of acoustic rhythm information between them, inferred through Multivariate Granger causality. We calculated density and centralization metrics for the network and centrality metrics for each node. Simultaneously, Recurrence Quantification Analysis was used to characterize the collective acoustic rhythm arising from this web of interactions. Our findings reveal at least two distinct local and global dynamics in different conversations: sparse networks with centralized-turn-taking that lead to more organized collective acoustic rhythms with a slow tempo, and decentralized and dense networks leading to less organized collective acoustic rhythms with a faster tempo. By uncovering these regularities, our results complement previous knowledge on the complexity of interpersonal coordination of non-verbal rhythmic information in small groups.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis resisters despite HIV exhibit activated T cells and macrophages in their pulmonary alveoli
Authors: Schurr Erwin , Dallmann-Sauer Monica , Fava Vinicius , Malherbe Stephanus , McDonald Candice , Orlova Marianna , Kroon Elouise , Cobat Aurélie , Boisson-Dupuis Stéphanie , Hoal Eileen , Abel Laurent , Möller Marlo , Casanova Jean-Laurent , Walzl Gerhard , du Plessis Nelita 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
To understand natural resistance to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection, we studied people living with HIV (PLWH) in an area of high Mtb transmission. Given that alveolar leukocytes may contribute to this resistance, we performed single cell RNA-sequencing of bronchoalveolar lavage cells, unstimulated or ex vivo stimulated with Mtb. We obtained high quality cells for 7 participants who were TST & IGRA positive (called LTBI) and 6 who were persistently TST & IGRA negative (called resisters). Alveolar macrophages (AM) from resisters displayed more of an M1 phenotype relative to LTBI AM at baseline. Alveolar lymphocytosis (10%-60%) was exhibited by 5/6 resisters, resulting in higher numbers of CD4+ and CD8+ IFNG-expressing cells at baseline and upon Mtb challenge than LTBI samples. Mycobactericidal granulysin was expressed almost exclusively by a cluster of CD8+ T cells that co-expressed granzyme B, perforin and NK cell receptors. For resisters, these poly-cytotoxic T cells over-represented activating NK cell receptors and were present at 15-fold higher numbers in alveoli compared to LTBI. Altogether, our results showed that alveolar lymphocytosis, with increased numbers of alveolar IFNG-expressing cells and CD8+ poly-cytotoxic T cells, as well as activated AM were strongly associated with protection from persistent Mtb infection in PLWH.
Degree of coincidence of the change in health-related QOL in the recovery-phase rehabilitation ward and the proxy’s response: Evaluation of patients with musculoskeletal disorder by EQ-5D-5L
Authors: Izumi Ryota , Noto Shinichi , Nagayama Hirofumi , Sano Tetsuya , Takizawa Hirokazu , Tsukakoshi Daichi 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background Recently, a conversion table of the EuroQol 5-dimension 5-level (EQ-5D-5L) unique to Japan was created that can easily measure the health-related quality of life (QOL) of a subject. Currently, however, only a few investigations have been conducted of health-related QOL using the EQ-5D-5L in the recovery-phase rehabilitation ward. Moreover, proxy responses for patients who are unable to respond for themselves have only been reported for stroke patients.
Methods In this study, we used the EQ-5D-5L to investigate changes in health-related QOL before and after rehabilitation and the degree of agreement between the patient’s responses and the occupational therapist’s proxy responses in patients with musculoskeletal disorders who were hospitalized in a recovery-phase rehabilitation ward.
Results Among the 77 subjects, health-related QOL was improved after rehabilitation, and the effect size was large. Regarding the degree of agreement between the QOL values, the intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.68 for the initial evaluation and 0.72 for the re-evaluation, indicating substantial agreement.
Conclusion The result of this study showed that the EQ-5D-5L was useful as an indicator of outcome of patients with musculoskeletal disorders who were hospitalized in a recovery-phase rehabilitation ward and that proxy responses by occupational therapists can measure QOL values similar to those of the individuals themselves.
Ether-linked phosphatidylethanolamine is a chemo-desensitizer of human carcinomas and epithelial ovarian cancer cells
Authors: Su Yu-Ting , Chang Wei-Chun , Chen Lumin , Yu Ying-Chun , Lin Wen-Jen , Lin Cheng-Yo , Cheng Wei-Chung , Yang Juan-Cheng , Hung Yao-Ching , Ma Wen-Lung 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Lipid reprogramming in carcinoma is reported to have a role in carcinogenesis, prognosis, and therapy response. Autonomous or nonautonomous resources may contribute to lipid reprogramming. Nonautonomous lipid resources contributed by lipoproteins and their receptors have been reported in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC), but the impact of autonomous lipid metabolites is unknown. This report reveals that a unique lipid class, ether-linked phosphatidylethanolamine (PE O–), enhanced chemoinsensitivity and progression in EOC, and potentially in other carcinomas.
Method
Unbiased bioinformatics analyses of data from the carcinoma databases CCLEC (Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia Consortium) and GDSCC (Genomics of Drug Sensitivity in Cancer Consortium) and an in-house lipidomic database of human carcinoma lines were performed to identify relationships with chemoagent cytotoxicity. EOC cells (SKOV3 and OVCAR3) were treated with PE O– and/or alkylglycerone phosphate synthase (AGPS), an ether lipid-producing enzyme, inhibitor to observe cell growth, mobility, and chemosensitivity. The clinical impact of PE O– metabolic gene expression was determined by analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas transcriptome to find an association with various clinical features of EOC.
Results
Glycerophospholipids were the consensus lipid class in lipid metabolism gene and chemosensitivity association analyses of the CCLEC/GDSCC database. In the lipidome database analyses of in-house human carcinoma cell lines, the glycerophospholipid, PE O–, was identified as the dominant lipid associated with cisplatin/paclitaxel sensitivity. In various hypothesis-driven cisplatin/paclitaxel sensitivity analyses of cell line lipidomes, PE O– remained the dominant lipid class. Tests of the effects of PE O– on cancer phenotypes showed that it enhanced cell growth and migratory activities and promoted insensitivity to cisplatin/paclitaxel. However, the AGPS inhibitor sensitized EOC cells to the chemocytotoxic effects of cisplatin/paclitaxel, whereas treatment with PE O– reversed this effect. Analysis of a TCGA-EOC transcriptome database showed that PE O– gene expression was positively correlated with progression in general or in those treated with platin- or taxel-based chemotherapies.
Conclusion
The expression of PE O– synthesis genes aggravated negative responses of EOC patients to therapy. PE O– facilitated human carcinoma cell line growth, mobility, and chemoinsensitivity.
Investigation on Mathematical Modelling and Estimation of Blood Concentration in Three-Compartment Model during Propofol Infusion for the Five Pharmacokinetic Parameter sets
Authors: Sujatha V. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
This article investigates the mathematical modelling and estimation of blood concentration in three compartment pharmacokinetic models. The dynamic behaviour of blood concentration in blood tissues are described using the compartmental models. The dynamics of the five pharmacokinetic parameter sets using first-principles method, model is derived. The concentrations in all the three-compartments are estimation using MATLab. In this research work, concentration in all the three compartments is estimated for all five pharmacokinetic parameter sets. The estimated concentration in all the three compartments is validated with the experimental value. The quality of estimation has been verified based on the validation of experimental values with the estimated concentration values in all the three compartments. Quantitative comparison also done based on the computation and comparison of square relative error.
Optimal Bounds for Fully Fuzzy Transportation Problems: A Parametric Approach
Authors: Shalini K , Rao T. D. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
This article presents an algorithm for addressing optimization problems using fuzzy sets. Fuzzy optimization refers to the process of optimizing in a fuzzy environment, specifically involving optimization with fuzzy constraints. We have simplified this problem by employing the parametric technique, which transforms a fuzzy set into a collection of ordinary sets. As a result, we have converted it into a family of conventional optimization problems. The Vogel's Approximation Method (VAM) has been utilized to determine the best optimal solution for the fuzzy transportation problem. In addition, we employed the exact optimal solution to guarantee the accuracy of the acquired results.
Inequitable access to ecosystem services and commercial products is a major risk under certain political regimes in Myanmar
Authors: Feurer Melanie , Hunt Glenn , Maung Aye Chan , Rueff Henri 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

The impact of contrasting political regimes on people’s access to natural resources, which is vital for ecosystem service provision, remains largely understudied. While the promotion of equitable natural resources governance was regarded as key for lasting peacebuilding in Myanmar, the country is again facing a major crisis since the 1 February 2021 military coup. With this study we look beyond the current political crisis to investigate three long-term governance regimes (scenarios) and their expected impacts on ecosystem services for local communities: a unitary state with business-driven objectives, a military regime, and a federal democracy with strong community control over resources. We combined an online expert survey for qualitative storylines and subsequent modelling of commercial products, biodiversity, and cultural identity. Our findings show that while the area under agricultural plantations and thus the supply of commercial products is expected to increase under all scenarios, local communities would have limited access and thus few actual benefits under a military regime. A reduction in forest area, as expected under a unitary state and military regime, would entail high biodiversity losses. Biodiversity would in turn remain stable under a decentralized governance system where rural communities support more diverse agricultural and forest landscapes. For cultural identity, we found little change under the scenarios. A federal democracy scenario, which is most likely in the next decade according to experts, could mean a co-creation of landscapes with preferable outcomes for both nature and people compared to previous business-driven and current power-driven political structures.
Tuning surface properties of corn stover through ammonium and sodium sulfite (ASS) pretreatment for enhanced enzymatic hydrolysis
Authors: Chen Xiangxue , Yang Shizhong , Ouyang Shuiping , Yuan Xinchuan , Song Junlin , Ding Shuai , Sha Yuanyuan , Zhai Rui 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
The ammonia fiber expansion (AFEX) pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass offers a significant advantage in terms of obtaining high glucan conversion, with the added benefit of ammonia being fully recyclable. However, despite the high efficiency of AFEX in pretreating lignocellulose, relatively high enzyme loading is still required for effective cellulose conversions. In this study, we have updated the AFEX pretreatment method by supplementing additional sodium sulfite (ASS), which can be used to produce a more digestible substrate. The results demonstrate that ASS-pretreated corn stover (CS) yields a higher fermentable sugar yield compared with AFEX pretreatment, even at lower enzyme loadings. Specifically, at an enzyme loading of 12 mg protein/g glucan, ASS-CS achieved 88.8% glucose and 80.6% xylose yield. Characterization analysis reveals that lignin underwent sulfonation during ASS pretreatment. This modification results in a more negative zeta potential for ASS-CS, indicating a reduction in nonproductive adsorption between lignin and cellulase through increased electrostatic repulsion.
Design and ex vivo development of a suprachoroidal spacer implant to treat glaucoma
Authors: Chiang Bryce , Jang Kyeongwoo , Goldberg Jeffrey , Myung David 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Glaucoma is a leading cause of visual impairment and blindness in the United States and worldwide. Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) has been identified as the only modifiable risk factor in glaucoma, and there exists a need for a glaucoma procedure that is safe, efficacious, and can be performed in the outpatient clinic setting. Suprachoroidal expansion has been explored as a method to lower IOP previously. The purpose of this work was to design a monolithic hydrogel implant that would not clear or degrade to potentially achieve long term (possibly permanent) IOP reduction. Here, we developed and showed ex vivo testing of a novel photo-crosslinked polyethylene glycol (PEG) suprachoroidal spacer implant delivered via a custom-designed injector system. We optimized the composition, shape, and mechanics of the implant to be suitable for implantation with the suprachoroidal space. We developed a microneedle injector system to deliver this implant. We showed precise control over implant location and volume occupied within the suprachoroidal space. Further preclinical testing is needed to demonstrate efficacy.