bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE FUZZY LOGIC METHOD TO DETERMINE EMPLOYEE ASSESSMENT
Authors: Siregar Agus Trinanda , Andrianto Richi , Rahayu Putri Perra Budiarti 
Published: January 2025

Abstract: Performance assessment is the process of measuring an organization in achieving predetermined goals. Performance assessment can also be interpreted as periodically determining the operational effectiveness of an organization and its personnel, based on the vision, mission and organizational standards that have been previously established. Performance appraisals are carried out between superiors and subordinates, looking at the employee's work results in the last year. Employee performance assessment at the North Padang Lawas Regency PUPR Service still uses a manual system so that the files are not arranged quickly and employee performance assessment still uses calculations with Microsoft Excel. With this problem, the fuzzy logic method is used. The fuzzy method is used to obtain the best employee performance assessment, with 3 criteria to produce the greatest value selected. This research aims to design an employee performance assessment application using the fuzzy method, to obtain recommendations for promotion. The test results of 8 people had sufficient value and 2 people had low value. For low-ranking employees, they will be given sanctions and reprimands by their superiors, while for employees with sufficient value, their performance must be improved to be even better. Keywords: fuzzy logic; performance; assessment; employee; Abstrak: Penilaian kinerja merupakan proses pengukuran organisasi dalam mencapai tujuan yang telah ditetapkan. Penilaian kinerja dapat juga diartikan sebagai penentuan secara periodik efektivitas operasional suatu organisasi, dan personilnya, berdasarkan visi, misi dan standar organisasi yang telah ditetapkan sebelumnya. Penilaian kinerja dilakukan antara atasan dengan bawahan, melihat hasil kerja pegawai dalam setahun terakhir. Penilaian kinerja pegawai pada Dinas PUPR Kabupaten Padang Lawas Utara masih menggunakan sistem manual sehingga berkas-berkas file tidak tersusun secara rapid dan penilaian kinerja pegawai masih menggunakanperhitungan dengan microsoft excel.Dengan permasalahah tersebut menggunakan metode fuzzy logic. Metode fuzzy digunakan dalam mendapatkan penilaian kinerja pegawai terbaik, dengan 3 kriteria untuk menghasilkan nilai terbesar yang terpilih. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk merancang aplikasi penilaian kinerja karyawan dengan metode fuzzy, untuk mendapatkan rekomendasi kenaikan jabatan. Hasil tes dari 8 orang memiliki nilai cukup dan 2 orang memiliki nilai rendah. Bagi pegawai yang memiliki nilai rendah akan diberikan sanksi dan teguran oleh atasannya, sedangkan bagi pegawai yang memiliki nilai cukup, kinerjanya harus ditingkatkan agar lebih baik lagi. Kata kunci: fuzzy logic; penilaian; kinerja; pegawai
K-nearest neighbor algorithm for imputing missing longitudinal prenatal alcohol data
Authors: Sania Ayesha , Pini Nicolò , Nelson Morgan E. , Myers Michael M. , Shuffrey Lauren C. , Lucchini Maristella , Elliott Amy J. , Odendaal Hein J. , Fifer William P. 
Published: January 2025

AimsThe objective of this study is to illustrate the application of a machine learning algorithm, K Nearest Neighbor (k-NN) to impute missing alcohol data in a prospective study among pregnant women.MethodsWe used data from the Safe Passage study (n = 11,083). Daily alcohol consumption for the last reported drinking day and 30 days prior was recorded using the Timeline Follow back method, which generated a variable amount of missing data per participants. Of the 3.2 million person-days of observation, data were missing for 0.36 million (11.4%). Using the k-NN imputed values were weighted for the distances and matched for the day of the week. Since participants with no missing days were not comparable to those with missing data, segments of non-missing data from all participants were included as a reference. Validation was done after randomly deleting data for 5–15 consecutive days from the first trimester.ResultsWe found that data from 5 nearest neighbors (i.e., K = 5) and segments of 55 days provided imputed values with least imputation error. After deleting data segments from the first trimester data set with no missing days, there was no difference between actual and predicted values for 64% of deleted segments. For 31% of the segments, imputed data were within +/−1 drink/day of the actual. Imputation accuracy varied by study site because of the differences in the magnitude of drinking and proportion of missing data.Conclusionk-NN can be used to impute missing data from longitudinal studies of alcohol during pregnancy with high accuracy.
Regulation of static and dynamic balance in healthy young adults: interactions between stance width and visual conditions
Authors: Luo Wei , Huang Zhirui , Li Hao , Zhong Tao , Chen Peishun , Min Yu 
Published: January 2025

ObjectivesThis study investigates the impact of five distinct stance widths on static balance and limits of stability in healthy adults under varying visual conditions, specifically with eyes open and closed.MethodsThe Prokin Balance Instrument was used to evaluate static balance with both eyes open and closed, as well as limits of stability with eyes open, in 20 healthy adults (male, age = 21.55 ± 1.39). Participants were assessed at five stance widths (0 cm, 10 cm, 20 cm, 30 cm, and self-selected width) for each condition. Statistical analysis of the test indices was conducted using repeated measures ANOVA.ResultsIn static balance tests, index values were higher with eyes closed than with eyes open, with this difference being most pronounced at narrower stance widths. Notably, a significant main effect was observed for all indicators, in the static balance test under varying visual and stance width conditions (P &lt; 0.001). Significant interactions between visual conditions and stance width were identified for all static balance indicators (P &lt; 0.001), except for average speed of anteroposterior sway (P = 0.195). Across both visual conditions, static balance indicators displayed a U-shaped distribution (a decrease followed by an increase) with increasing stance width, reaching a minimum at the self-selected width (16.35 ± 4.20 cm) and 20 cm. Additionally, significant main effects were observed for limits of stability in both the anteroposterior and mediolateral directions (P &lt; 0.001). The limits of stability in the anteroposterior and mediolateral directions increased monotonically with stance width, peaking at 30 cm. The influence of stance width on static balance and limits of stability was significantly greater in the mediolateral direction compared to the anteroposterior direction, regardless of visual condition.ConclusionAs stance width increases, the reliance on visual input for maintaining static balance decreases in healthy adults. We recommend using a self-selected stance width to optimize static balance and a 30 cm stance width to achieve maximum limits of stability during postural assessments.
Multi-omics study on the effect of moderate-intensity exercise on protein lactylation in mouse muscle tissue
Authors: Chang Jiahui , Wu Wanyu , Qian Ping , Lu Zhaoxu , He Xuejia , Wang Fang , Zhang Ting 
Published: January 2025

IntroductionThis study explores the effects of moderate-intensity exercise on protein lactylation in mouse muscle tissue metabolism.MethodsHealthy adult mice running for 6 weeks as an exercise model and sedentary mice as the control were used to perform transcriptomic, proteomic, lactylation-proteomic, and metabolomic analyses. Correlation analysis between transcriptome and proteome and between proteome and metabolome was also conducted.ResultsIn this study, 159 lactylation sites of 78 proteins were identified as being differentially regulated by moderate-intensity exercise. Enrichment analysis showed that the lactylation of proteins Atp5mg, and Atp5po exhibited ATP hydrolysis activity. Mtatp8 and Atp5po were involved in biological processes such as mitochondrial transmembrane transport, and Mtatp8, Atp5mg, and Atp5po participate in oxidative phosphorylation and thermogenesis pathways. The lactylation levels of Mtatp8, Atp5mg, and Atp5po proteins in the exercise group were significantly decreased, while their protein levels were significantly increased. The combined analysis of proteomics and metabolomics showed that the oxocarboxylic acid metabolism and sphingolipid signaling pathways had significant changes under the influence of moderate-intensity exercise.DiscussionOur results indicate that moderate-intensity exercise has an effect on the lactylation level of mice, possibly by reducing the lactylation levels of Mtatp8, Atp5mg, and Atp5po and increasing the expression of their protein levels, thereby regulating the oxidative phosphorylation pathway and participating in energy metabolism. Further exploration is needed into the 2-oxocarboxylic acid metabolism pathway and the sphingolipid signaling pathway.
Transcriptional profiles analysis of effects of Toxoplasma gondii rhoptry protein 16 on THP-1 macrophages
Authors: Yang Ningai , Li Mingyang , Yang Hong , Li Jiaming , Dang Tiantian , Li Guangqi , Zhao Zhijun 
Published: January 2025

IntroductionToxoplasma gondii, an intracellular parasitic protozoan, is globally recognized for its ability to cause parasitic diseases and has developed diverse strategies to evade immune-mediated elimination. The protein ROP16 of T.gondii plays a crucial role in this evasion process by specifically targeting macrophages and mononuclear phagocytes in vivo. However, the precise mechanisms underlying the involvement of type II ROP16 proteins in infection, inflammation, and other processes remain unknown.MethodsTo investigate the mechanism of action of gonococcal ROP16 proteins in human macrophages, we constructed a lentivirus overexpressing ROP16 and established stably transfected cell lines. We then analyzed the gene transcriptional profiles of ROP16 II in THP-1 macrophages using transcriptome sequencing. Interaction networks were constructed by screening differentially expressed genes and performing gene function enrichment analysis.ResultsAs a result, five differentially expressed genes were identified: AAMDC, GPR158, RAD9A, STOML1, and STRA13. Immuno-featured differential analysis showed that type 17 T helper cells were more strongly correlated with GPR158 and STRA13, while CD8 T-cell was most strongly correlated with STOML1.DiscussionTherefore, we conclude that the ROP16 protein plays a pivotal role in THP-1 macrophage infection and these five differentially expressed genes may serve as promising molecular targets for the prevention or control of toxoplasmosis. These findings have significant implications for the diagnosis and treatment of toxoplasmosis.
Impact of climate warming on vegetation cover: positive effects of native artiodactyla vs. grazing pressure in Alborz Protected Area
Authors: Salmanpour Farid , Shakoori Zahra , Keshtkar Mostafa , Kia Mehdi , Sayahnia Romina 
Published: January 2025

IntroductionClimate warming, combined with grazing pressures, poses significant challenges to vegetation cover and ecosystem stability. In particular, livestock grazing is a primary factor in vegetation degradation, adversely affecting plant diversity, soil health, and key ecological interactions.MethodsThis study investigates the impact of grazing on vegetation in the Alborz region of Iran, focusing on the comparison between native herbivores (Artiodactyla) and livestock in the Central Alborz Protected Area (CAPA). We utilized 30 years of NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) data from May to June (1994–2024) to assess vegetation dynamics and evaluate the influence of climate and grazing. ANOVA, Pearson correlation, and regression analyses were performed to identify relationships between vegetation cover, climate variables (temperature and rainfall), and grazing intensity.ResultsResults show a significant increase in vegetation cover, with Golestanak (without livestock) exhibiting a stronger positive response to climate variables (R² = 65%), while Zānoos (higher livestock density) showed greater variability (R² = 58%). Vegetation in Golestanak demonstrated a more significant positive correlation with temperature and rainfall, reflecting resilience to climatic stressors and the beneficial effect of moderate grazing by native Artiodactyla. In contrast, Zānoos showed more fluctuation in vegetation trends due to high livestock grazing pressure.DiscussionThis study highlights that while climate warming can positively affect vegetation cover, intensive livestock grazing can impede these gains, underlining the importance of adaptive management strategies for maintaining ecosystem health.
Mendelian randomization analysis reveals genetic evidence for a causal link between inflammatory bowel disease and uterine cervical neoplasms
Authors: Cao Chunge , Sun Xiaorui , Chen Xiaohu , Zhang Ying , Yue Chaoyan 
Published: January 2025

BackgroundInflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has been reported to be associated with risk of uterine cervical neoplasm. We aimed to evaluate the causal relationship between IBD and uterine cervical neoplasm using a bidirectional Mendelian randomization analysis.MethodsWe derived instrumental variables for IBD, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, from the IEU Open genome-wide association study (GWAS) database, and for the histological subtypes of uterine cervical neoplasm from the FinnGen repository’s GWAS data. The collected GWAS data predominantly represent individuals of European ancestry. The inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method was employed as primary analysis approach.ResultsIBD (IVW odds ratio = 1.127, 95% confidence interval = 1.016–1.251; p = 0.024) and CD (IVW odds ratio = 1.119, 95% confidence interval = 1.023–1.224; p = 0.014) exhibited a significant causal effect on malignant cervical carcinoma. Sensitivity analyses confirmed these findings.ConclusionGenetically predicted IBD and CD are risk factors for the development of malignant cervical carcinoma. Patients with IBD and CD require specific attention to prevent cervical squamous cell carcinoma. Further studies to elucidate the underlying mechanisms may reveal new therapeutic targets.
Recombinant SpTransformer proteins bind to specific sites on sea urchin phagocytes and modulate SpTransformer gene expression and immune responsiveness
Authors: Crow Ryley S. , Grayfer Leon , Smith L. Courtney 
Published: January 2025

IntroductionThe California purple sea urchin, Strongylocentrotus purpuratus, relies exclusively on an innate immune system to survive in its pathogen rich marine environment. Central to this defense is the SpTransformer (SpTrf) gene family that is unique to the euechinoid group of echinoderms. These genes were initially identified based on their striking upregulation in response to immune challenge. The SpTrf gene family encodes structurally similar proteins with a wide range of sequence diversity within and among individual sea urchins. A recombinant (r)SpTrf protein interacts specifically with a variety of non-self targets. Other rSpTrf proteins cross-linked to inert beads show distinct functions for cell binding and augmenting phagocytosis . However, whether the rSpTrf proteins bind to sea urchin phagocytes, and the cellular consequences of binding are largely unexplored. MethodsrSpTrf protein binding to, and responses by phagocytes was investigated by cytology, flow cytometry, binding competitions using In-cell ELISA, and gene expression analyses. ResultsSoluble rSpTrf proteins bind specifically and exclusively to both live and fixed polygonal and small phagocytes. The different rSpTrf proteins appear to bind shared receptor(s) or other form of cell surface binding site. The phagocyte response to bound rSpTrf proteins culminates in modulated expression of the SpTrf gene family as well as other immune-related genes. ConclusionsThese findings underscore the multifaceted and dynamic functions of SpTrf proteins within the innate immune system of the purple sea urchin. Their varied functions enable a robust immune response while also providing a unique modulatory mechanism by which response levels are controlled and adjusted to the level of the foreign threat.
Single-cell RNA sequencing revealed PPARG promoted osteosarcoma progression: based on osteoclast proliferation
Authors: Sun Lei , Zhang Jinhao , Xiahou Zhikai , Zhao Zhenzhen , Liang Yanchen 
Published: January 2025

BackgroundOsteosarcoma (OS) is one of the most common primary malignant bone tumors, primarily originating from mesenchymal tissue. It is notorious for its high invasiveness, high disability rate, high mortality rate, and poor prognosis. In most primary and metastatic malignant tumors, bone destruction can promote cancer progression, which is closely related to osteoclast activation and the imbalance between osteoblasts and osteoclasts. A large number of studies confirmed that osteoclasts are an important part of OS, which play an active role in destroying bone homeostasis and promoting the progress of OS. Therefore, we conducted a detailed study of osteoclasts at the single cell level, aiming to find new OS therapeutic targets to prevent tumor progression and local spread.MethodsWe analyzed the single-cell sequencing data of OS patients and usedMonocle2, Cytotrace, and Slingshot software to analyze the pseudo-sequential trajectory during OS progression. CellChat was used to reveal the communication between cells. PySCENIC was used to identify active transcription factors in osteoclasts. Finally, we further demonstrated the results by RT-qPCR analysis, CCK-8 assay, wound healing assay, Transwell assay, etc.ResultsThrough the analysis of single-cell sequencing data in OS, we identified a highly specific subgroup, C2MKI67+ Osteoclast. The key signaling pathway APP and the top 1 transcription factor PPARG in this subgroup played essential roles in osteoclast proliferation and differentiation. Given the pivotal role of osteoclasts in OS progression, we speculated that these signaling pathways and transcription factors could emerge as novel therapeutic targets, offering innovative strategies for OS treatment.ConclusionThis study enhanced our understanding of OS and osteoclasts through scRNA-seq. Furthermore, we discovered that PPARG amplifies osteoclast activation and proliferation, resulting in excessive bone resorption and degradation of the bone matrix, thereby creating a favorable environment for tumor cell proliferation and growth. By innovatively targeting PPARG, it affected osteoclast proliferation and thus affected tumor progression; this work offered new insights and directions for the clinical treatment of OS patients.
A novel approach to digital characterisation of Tertiary Lymphoid Structures in colorectal cancer
Authors: Munoz-Erazo Luis , Park Saem Mul , Lin Shelly , Chen Chun-Jen J. , Zhou Lisa Y. Y. , Rhodes Janet L. , Jeon Taesung , Fenton Sonya , McCall John L. , Kemp Roslyn A. , Dunbar P. Rod 
Published: January 2025

IntroductionTertiary Lymphoid Structures (TLS) in cancer tissue are potential sites for the organisation of immune responses to cancer, and correlate positively with improved clinical outcomes for patients including in colorectal cancer (CRC). However it has proven challenging to standardise assessment of TLS due to the highly variable appearances of circumscribed domains of TLS within tissue sections. A recent three-dimensional reconstruction of TLS in CRC tissue showed that TLS are often large, multi-lobular structures, suggesting that assessing TLS across whole sections may be necessary to provide an accurate view of TLS activity in a patient’s tumour.MethodsWe used whole-section scans of multiplexed immunofluorescence images to characterise TLS from 22 subjects with CRC. Multiplexed staining for CD20, CD3, CD8, Foxp3 and Ki-67 enabled us to identify B-cells, CD8+ T-cells, Foxp3– CD4 T-cells, and Foxp3+ CD4 Tcells in all sections, and quantify both the presence of these cell subsets in lymphocytic clusters and their degree of proliferation within those clusters.ResultsIn total we identified 524 lymphocytic clusters with morphology consistent with TLS. TLS domains varied substantially between samples in size, morphology, cellular constituents, count (from 4 to 100), and proportion of total section area they occupied (0.2%-7.8%). We quantified proliferation of B-cells and T-cell subsets within TLS domains across entire sections and compared data to the canonical approach of counting and phenotyping individual TLS domains. The whole-slide approach proved simpler, generating digital summaries that readily identified patients with strikingly different levels of immune activity within their TLS. Strong correlations were observed between the proliferation of B-cells and T-cell subsets. The presence of non-proliferating Foxp3+ CD4 T-cells within TLS showed no correlation with the level of proliferation of other lymphocyte subsets.DiscussionWhole-section digital quantification of immune cell activity within TLS has advantages over canonical approaches, and could accelerate research into correlations between TLS status and clinical outcomes, with potential to enable a standardised assay for clinical use.
Case report: Successful perioperative intervention with efgartigimod in a patient in myasthenic crisis
Authors: Shelly Shahar 
Published: January 2025

IntroductionThis case describes successful response to efgartigimod in the treatment of myasthenic crisis secondary to paraneoplastic disease, and in the perioperative setting.MethodsAn elderly female presented with speech difficulties, cessation of eating and 10kg weight loss over 4 months.ResultsExamination revealed ptosis, dysarthria, nasal speech, and weakness in limbs and neck flexors. Single fiber electromyography demonstrated abnormal jitter response in the orbicularis oculi muscle. Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor antibodies were detected in serum. The patient was diagnosed with very-late-onset myasthenia gravis (MG) in a myasthenic crisis and later required intubation and admission to intensive care but was unresponsive to plasma exchange. Paraneoplastic disease was suspected and computed tomography revealed a bladder mass. Efgartigimod 10 mg/kg was administered intravenously to stabilize her condition before surgery. The patient’s Myasthenia Gravis Activities of Daily Living (MG-ADL) score decreased from 19 to 14 after the first dose and she subsequently underwent surgical removal of the bladder tumor without complication. Her condition continued to improve post-operatively with completion of the first treatment cycle. Four cycles of efgartigimod over 10 months resulted in an MG-ADL score of 3.DiscussionEfgartigimod may be a novel treatment for perioperative management of MG, myasthenic crisis, and paraneoplastic MG. Further study is warranted.