bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Numerical Modeling of Flow in Complex Arterial Geometries using FreeFem ++
Authors: Carvalho P. P. , Carvalho V. de O. , Braga V. L. , Neto O. P. de Sá 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
This study performs a numerical analysis of the flow in a common thoracic aortic artery, to model the experimental results of fluid flow, with emphasis on volumetric velocity input data. We used the open-source software FreeFem++ to encode the data, the anatomical arterial geometries were collected from Vascular Model Repository, and Paraview as a post-processing tool.The mathematical model adopted is based on the incompressible Navier-Stokes equations under Dirichlet-Neumann boundary conditions, solved numerically using the Finite Element Method, Finite Difference Method, and Method of Characteristics. The resulting computer simulations systematically examine various parameters associated with blood flow, particularly mean pressure and flow characteristics at the inlet and outlet surfaces
Design Of a Compact Ultra-Wideband Antenna for Wireless Communication
Authors: Ahmed A. Y , Salah A. I , Mumin Abdul Rashid. , Osman Shakib A. , Hussien Anisa A. , Mohamud Y. A. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Ultra-wideband (UWB) technology heralds a swiftly evolving wireless communication medium with a high data rate. Embracing this burgeoning technology poses numerous challenges. The primary concern is crafting an antenna element optimized for the expansive UWB frequency band. Equally crucial is the development of UWB antenna beam-forming systems that incorporate a suite of UWB components—feed networks, transitions, crossovers, hybrid couplers, and phase shifters aligned meticulously with UWB standards. This article recommends deploying an Ultra-wideband (UWB) antenna tailored for UWB applications, operating within the 3.1 GHz to 10.6 GHz range. The goal is a compact, linear antenna with a VSWR of 2, ensuring compliance with UWB requirements. Extensive research examines the antenna's characteristics, encompassing radiation patterns and maximum gain. Notably, the proposed UWB antenna maintains a stable impedance (Za) of 50 Ω, successfully achieving a 3.1 to 10.6 GHz bandwidth. Empirical measurements validated the calculations, confirming gains of 2.45dBi at 3.1 GHz and 6.62dBi at 10.6 GHz.
Meat production traits of a new breed called Lalahan sheep in Turkey: Fattening, slaughter, and carcass characteristics of lambs
Authors: Ünal Necmettin , Arslan Rabia , Yakan Akın 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

This study was carried out to investigate fattening performance, slaughter and carcass characteristics of Lalahan genotype lambs at different slaughter weights. The animal material of the study consisted of 36 male lambs of Lalahan genotype, randomly divided into 3 groups and fed intensively. Six lambs were slaughtered from each group with average weights of 35 (Gr35), 40 (Gr40) and 45 kg (Gr45). Average daily weight gain (DWG) 241,50 ± 17,90; 243,33 ± 29,68 and 235,45 ± 26,15 g; feed conversion rate (FCR) 3,590; 3,958 and 4,392 kg were calculated. Cold dressing were 45,26 ± 0,57%, 44,66 ± 1,15 and 46,11 ± 0,85%; carcass lean, fat and bone ratios were 61,82 ± 0,60%, 61,04 ± 0,47 and 57,53 ± 0,74% (P < 0,001); 13,57 ± 0,24%, 14,05 ± 0,17 and 19,46 ± 0,68% (P < 0,001); 18,52 ± 0,68%; 18,58 ± 0,42 and 17,99 ± 0,34 (P < 0,001); leg, back and loin ratios were 31,57 ± 0,71, 30,04 ± 0,58 and 28,41 ± 0,27 (P < 0,01); 13,39 ± 0,23, 12,63 ± 0,46 and 14,72 ± 0,56 (P < 0,05); 8,41 ± 0,13, 7,88 ± 0,26 and 7,19 ± 0,12 (P < 0,001) (P < 0,001). It was determined that lean/fat ratio in Gr30 and Gr35 was higher than the Gr45 (P < 0.001), but meat/bone ratio was similar in all groups. It was concluded that the Lalahan genotype was similar or better than the Kıvırcık breed from which the genotype originated in terms of fattening performance, slaughter and carcass characteristics, had the potential for meat production in steppe climatic conditions and 40 kg weight could be recommended as the appropriate slaughter weight.
Note On Importance of Correct Stoichiometric Assumptions for Modeling of Monoclonal Antibodies
Authors: Gibiansky Leonid , Gibiansky Ekaterina 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Modeling of monoclonal antibodies with non-linear binding is based on equations of the target-mediated drug disposition (Mager and Jusko, 2001). These equations demonstrated their utility for modeling monoclonal antibodies (mABs) in countless examples and drug development programs. The model assumes that the drug and the target have only one binding site each while most antibodies have two binding sites. We investigated, using simulations, whether this discrepancy is important and when it is advisable to use a model with correct stoichiometric 2-to-1 ratio. It was shown that for soluble targets when elimination rate of the drug-target complex is comparable with the elimination rate of the drug or lower, and when measurements of both total drug and total target concentrations are available, the model with 1-to-1 binding cannot describe data simulated from the model with 2-to-1 binding. In these cases, models with correct stoichiometric assumptions may be necessary for an adequate description of the observed data. Also, a model with allosteric binding that encompasses both 2-to-1 and 1-to-1 binding models as particular cases was proposed and applied. It was shown to be identifiable given the detailed concentration data of total drug and total target.
Deep understanding of the dependence between capillary adhesion behavior and meniscus Kelvin radius or interface micromorphology
Authors: Liu Fangfang , Liu Xinyang , Ran Xin , Li Hongli , Zhao Huining , Yang Lei , Xia Haojie 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

With the structure and device entering the micro/nano scale, the interaction between micro devices is mainly governed by the interface forces. The capillary adhesion force, as the main component of the interface force, significantly affects the detection accuracy and reliability of the micro/nano measurement system. In this paper, an accurate parameterized theoretical model of the capillary force related to relative humidity considering a non-constant Kelvin equilibrium radius, as well as a model with respect to surface roughness derived from a sinusoidal characteristic microtopography under the partially infiltrated state of surface microcosmic grooves are established which can more accurately describe the capillary adhesion behavior between real workpiece surfaces. A high-sensitivity force measurement system using the probe tip on micrometre scale is developed to measure capillary forces. The experiment results demonstrate the accuracy of the theoretical models and reveal the relationship between effective distance, rate of change of the capillary force with the relative humidity or surface roughness. This work will expand the scope of understanding of the interaction effects appeared on micrometer-scale probe tips and lead to many potential applications of the interface interaction in micro- and nanotechnology.
Downregulation of aryl hydrocarbon receptor-mediated gene expression by Fraglide-1, a PPARγ agonist isolated from aromatic vinegar
Authors: Kato Kosuke , Akamatsu Miki , Kakimaru Saya , Koreishi Mayuko , Takagi Masahiro , Miyashita Masahiro , Murata Yoshiyuki , Nakamura Yoshimasa , Satoh Ayano , Tsujino Yoshio 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Fraglide-1 (FG1), a lactone isolated from the traditional Chinese Zhenjiang aromatic vinegar Kozu, has previously demonstrated antiobesity, antifungal, and antioxidant properties. Given the role of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis and its association with the neurotrophic factor artemin, we investigated the potential of FG1 as an AhR ligand in this study. Docking simulations revealed promising interactions between FG1 and AhR. Subsequent cell-based reporter assays using a human skin keratinocyte cell line showed that FG1 effectively suppressed the AhR-mediated induction of genes with a xenobiotic response element (AhR/XRE), which in turn downregulated the expression of artemin, a biomarker of atopic dermatitis. FG1 demonstrated not only comparable efficacy but also superior safety compared with the known AhR inhibitor StemRegenin 1. These results not only underscore the therapeutic promise of FG1 in atopic dermatitis but also reinforce its previously known bioactivities, such as antiobesity, antifungal, and antioxidant effects, which indicate that it is a versatile compound with multiple health benefits.
The influence mechanism of urban built environment on cardiovascular diseases
Authors: Deng Shuguang , Liang Jinlong , Peng Ying , Liu Wei , Su Jinhong , Zhu Shuyan 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a major public health concern, and their morbidity is influenced by various built environment elements. This paper aims to investigate the influence mechanisms of different built environment elements on CVDs, and to provide a theoretical foundation for health-oriented urban planning and CVD prevention. We selected the Xixiangtang built-up area of Nanning city as the case study area, and used the distribution data of CVDs and urban point of interests (POIs) as the main data sources. We applied spatial autocorrelation analysis, kernel density analysis, and geographic detector methods to examine the spatial correlation and influence of urban built environment elements on CVD samples. The results show that both the built environment elements and the CVD samples have a spatially clustered distribution, and there is a significant positive correlation between the distribution density of each environmental element and the CVD morbidity. Among the environmental elements, medical care has the largest influence on CVDs, followed by shopping consumption, catering and food, and transportation facilities, while parks and squares and the road network have relatively small influence.
Adsorption of Cd and Mn from neutral mine effluents using bentonite, zeolite, and stabilized dewatered sludge
Authors: Prepilková Veronika , Poništ Juraj , Ďuricová Anna , Salva Jozef , Schwarz Marián , Samešová Dagmar , Mordačová Martina 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the adsorption efficiency of Cd and Mn using natural sorbents - bentonite, zeolite and stabilized digested dewatered waste sludge. The main contributions of the scientific article are in adding to the scientific knowledge of the use of natural and waste sorbents in the removal of heavy metals from neutral mine effluents. Current studies mainly focus on metal removal by sorption using natural sorbents from acid mine drainage. Our study investigates sorption in neutral mine drainage. The maximum efficiency of Mn removal by bentonite at the end of the test was approximately 90%. The removal of Mn by zeolite was considerably lower - about 20% compared to the use of sludge - 80%. Based on the sorption efficiency, the sludge was suitable for sorption. Much higher levels of Cd sorption were achieved using sludge compared to using natural bentonite and zeolite. The main novelty of the work lies in the sorption of metals using dewatered digested sludge. Previous studies have focused on metal sorption using activated sludge. Another novelty of our scientific paper is the comparison of the sorption of this waste sorbent with natural sorbents.
The real-world-data of immune-checkpoint inhibitor combination therapy for unresectable or metastatic esophageal cancer: A multi- institutional cohort study
Authors: Sato Sho , Suzuki Takashi , Chinen Yakashi , Yamaguchi Hironori , Suzuki Yusuke , Hokamura Nobukazu , Saze Zenichiro , Kono Koji , Takahashi Keita , Yano Fumiaki , Kunisaki Chikara , Kosaka Takashi , Endo Itaru , Ichikawa Yasushi , Miyawaki yutaka , Sato Hiroshi , Shimada Hideaki 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background

The real-world efficacy, feasibility, and prognostic factors of immune-checkpoint inhibitor combination therapy for unresectable or metastatic esophageal cancer are not fully established.

Methods

This multi-institutional retrospective cohort study evaluated 77 consecutive patients treated with immune-checkpoint-inhibitor combination therapy for esophageal cancer between March 2021 and December 2022. We assessed tumor response, safety, and long-term survival.

Results

In patients with measurable lesions, the response rate was 60%, and the disease control rate for all enrolled patients was 78%. Five patients (6.5%) underwent successful conversion surgery. Grade 3 or higher adverse events occurred in 35% of patients, but no treatment-related deaths were reported. Median progression-free survival was 9.7 (95% confidence interval: 6.5-13 months). C-reactive protein levels and performance status were identified as significant predictors of progression-free survival through Cox proportional hazards analysis.

Conclusions

Immune-checkpoint-inhibitor combination therapy for esophageal cancer demonstrated comparable tumor response, safety, and long-term survival to previous randomized clinical trials. Patients with good performance status and low C-reactive protein levels may be suitable candidates for this treatment.
Differences in the permeability and function of eggshell in different-aged eggs of Frankliniella occidentalis (Thysanoptera: Thripidae)
Authors: Zheng Changying , Huo Haoyu , Li Wenyu , Sun Lijuan 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
The western flower thrips Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) is an economically important invasive pest of crops in China. Previous work showed that the insecticide spirotetramat has lethal effects on Frankliniella occidentalis eggs, but that these effects decrease as the eggs age. It was hypothesized that the eggshell becomes less permeable to spirotetramat as the egg ages. Thus, the current study examined age-related changes in eggshell permeability by removing the eggshell using sodium hypochlorite solution. Eggs that were 0-h old ruptured, whereas 24-h-old eggs developed insoluble endoplasmic layers and embryonic development was normal. However, these eggs were more sensitive to spirotetramat treatment compared with control eggs, with only 11.67% of eggs surviving. Furthermore, when exposed to air, the rate of water loss from eggs reduced with age, with 0-h-old eggs shriveling within 10 min of exposure to air compared with 20 min for 24-h-old and 48-h-old eggs. Together, these results suggest that 0-h-old eggs have only thin eggshells, with poor water retention ability and weak resistance to chemicals; therefore, exposure of F. occidentalis eggs to insecticides should occur as early as possible during the egg-laying cycle. Thus, this study provides a basis for improving the biochemical control of F. occidentalis by using spirotetramat.
Healthy beverage index and non-alcoholic fatty liver; Ravansar Non- Communicable Disease (RaNCD) Cohort Study
Authors: Sadafi Sepehr , Azizi Ali , Rezaeian Shahab , Pasdar Yahya 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
The quality of beverages can have an impact on the metabolic system. The objective of this study was to explore the association between Healthy Beverage Index (HBI) and the risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) among adults.
Methods
We included 6,276 participants aged 35 to 65 from the Ravansar Non-Communicable Disease (RaNCD) cohort study at baseline. NAFLD is defined based on the fatty liver index (FLI), calculated using anthropometric measurements and non-invasive markers. The HBI was developed using a combination of water, low-fat milk, 100% fruit juice, sugar-sweetened beverages, met fluid requirement and % energy from beverages. Logistic and linear regression models were employed to investigate the associations of the HBI and NAFLD.
Results
The average FLI was significantly lower in the first tertile of HBI compared to the third tertile (47.83 vs. 45.77; P = 0.001). After adjusting for confounding variables, the odds of NAFLD decreased by 28% (OR: 0.72, 95% CI: 0.63, 0.82) in the second tertile of HBI and by 21% in the third tertile (OR: 0.79, 95% CI: 0.70, 0.91). There is an inverse association between the level of Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and aspartate transaminase (AST) with HBI, although this association was not statistically significant.
Conclusion
The study findings indicate an inverse association between NAFLD and HBI. Therefore, it is recommended to consume healthy beverages and without added sugar. However, additional longitudinal studies are required to examine the association between beverage consumption and the development of NAFLD.
A split crRNA with CRISPR-Cas12a enables highly sensitive, selective, and multiplexed detection of RNA and DNA
Authors: liu yi , Chen Yichuan , Wang Xinping , He Baoxia , yin wenhao , Qiao Jie 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

The complete 40-nt CRISPR RNA (crRNA) of Cas12a can be artificially divided into two parts, including the 20-nt scaffold RNA with fixed sequences and the 20-nt spacer RNA with variable sequences, respectively. Herein, we found that Cas12a protein, scaffold RNA, and spacer RNA can be reassembled into an active ribonucleoprotein (RNP) which has a trans-cleavage activity comparable to that of wild-type Cas12a RNP. By leveraging such split CRISPR-Cas12a system (SCas12a), we devised fast fluorescence and lateral flow assays for highly sensitive, selective, and multiplexed detection of miRNAs without the need for reverse transcription and pre-amplification, achieving a limit of detection (LoD) of 10 fM. Additionally, our SCas12a assay enables detecting long-stranded RNA without secondary structure, as well as distinguishing mature miRNA from its precursor (pre-miRNA) that comprises the same sequence of miRNA. Beyond RNA detection, SCas12a outperforms wild-type Cas12a in specificity towards DNA point mutations. In combination with recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA), we set up a one-pot assay to detect attomolar concentrations of human papillomavirus (HPV) in patient samples. In conclusion, this work provides a simple, cost-effective, yet powerful SCas12a-based rapid nucleic acid detection platform in various diagnostic settings.
Factors associated with the SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin-G titer levels in convalescent whole-blood donors: A Chinese cross-sectional study
Authors: Tan Donglin , Du Xinman , Tang Jingyun , Liu Humin , Li Meng , Kang Jianxun , Li Xiaochun , Li Ying , Luo Yue , Wang Qing , Gu Xiaobo , zhao Zonghan , Fu Xuemei , Chen Xue 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Blood transfusions from convalescent Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infected patients could be used to treat patients with severe infections or immunocompromised patients. However, it is necessary to select the optimal donors to maximize the utilization of resources. In this study, we investigated the associations among body mass index (BMI), tobacco smoking, exercise frequency and duration, and alcohol consumption with the SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin-G (IgG) antibody titer levels with in the Chinese convalescent blood donor population. Here we show that BMI, smoking habits, and exercise frequency appear to be predictive factors for IgG levels in convalescent male blood donors. However, these variables were not observed as predictive of IgG levels in female convalescent blood donors. The findings could be used to optimize the screening for potential blood donors to treat immunocompromised or severely ill COVID-19 patients.
The practical implications of weekly sports camps for improving the somatic, motor, and psychomotor characteristics of volleyball players (longitudinal data).
Authors: Podstawski Robert , Bukowska Joanna M. , Borysławski Krzysztof , Biernat Elżbieta , Grodź Daria , Ihasz Ferenc , Wąsik Jacek 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the relationship between a week-long sports camp and changes in the somatic and motor characteristics of volleyball players aged 17.98±0.51 years. Potential changes in the participants' somatic characteristics were determined by bioelectrical impedance. The players' motor and psychomotor abilities were assessed (tests: reaction time, grip strength dynamometer, 5 x 20 s interval motor on a rowing ergometer, vertical, approach and standing long jumps). A decrease was observed in body fat mass (difference of 1.0 kg, p = 0.015), percent body fat (difference of 1.16 %, p = 0.008), and the waist-to-hip ratio (difference of 0.02, p = 0.001). An increase was noted in total body water (difference of 1.0 L, p = 0.002), proteins (difference of 0.33 kg, p = 0.001), minerals (difference of 0.12 kg, p = 0.003), fat-free mass (difference of 1.46 kg, p = 0.001), and skeletal muscle mass (difference of 0.9 kg, p = 0.001). In the group of motor abilities, a significant increase was observed only in the grip strength of the left hand. Sports camps can significantly affect the body composition characteristics of volleyball players, but they do not induce significant changes in their motor or psychomotor abilities.
The Prognostic Role of Sarcopenia in Long-term Outcomes of Colorectal Cancer Pathological Stage III Cases: A Propensity Score-matched Analysis
Authors: Kojima Masatsugu , Miyake Toru , Bamba Shigeki , Takebayashi Katsushi , Tani Soichiro , Nishina Yusuke , Kaida Sachiko , Maehira Hiromitsu , Mori Haruki , Otake Reiko , Matsunaga Takashi , Ishikawa Hajime , Shimizu Tomoharu , Tani Masaji 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
The prognostic role of sarcopenia for colorectal cancer (CRC) surgery remains controversial. We evaluated the prognostic role of sarcopenia in patients with pathological Stage III (pStage III) CRC.
Methods
We retrospectively examined 113 patients with pStage III CRC who underwent curative resection. We assessed sarcopenia based on a decrease in muscle mass; specifically, the cross-sectional area of the skeletal muscle at the level of the third lumbar vertebra was measured using computed tomography, and low values were defined as sarcopenia. The effects of sarcopenia on overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were investigated. The propensity score matching method was used to adjust for patient background.
Results
Of the 113 cases, 10 were excluded owing to lack of information, and 103 cases were analyzed. Of 103 patients, 67 (65.0%) had sarcopenia. Patients in the sarcopenia group were predominantly female and had a high number of right-sided lesions. Using propensity score matching, the sarcopenia and control groups were matched in 33 patients, and sex and tumor location were almost equal between the groups. Postoperative hospital stay was significantly longer in the sarcopenia group than in the non-sarcopenia group (median, 15 days vs. 10 days; p = 0.020). The sarcopenia group had significantly worse OS (5-year: 64.0% vs. 90.9%; hazard ratio, 4.870; 95% confidence interval, 1.371–17.306; p = 0.007) and RFS (5-year: 52.1% vs. 78.8%; hazard ratio, 2.654; 95% confidence interval, 1.078–6.537; p = 0.027) than the non-sarcopenia group.
Conclusions
Sarcopenia is a poor prognostic factor for both OS and RFS in patients with pStage III CRC.