bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between levels of receptor binding domain antibodies of SARS-CoV-2, receipt of booster and risk of breakthrough infections: LA pandemic surveillance cohort study
Authors: Sood Neeraj , Lam Chun Nok , Kawaguchi Eric , Pernet Olivier , Kovacs Andrea , Unger Jennifer B. , Hu Howard 
Published: November 2023

AbstractPrevention of COVID-19 with vaccine requires multiple doses and updated boosters to maintain protection; however currently there are no tests that can measure immunity and guide clinical decisions about timing of booster doses. This study examined the association between the risk of COVID-19 breakthrough infections and receptor binding domain (RBD) antibody levels and receipt of booster of COVID-19 vaccines. A community sample of Los Angeles County adults were surveyed between 2021 and 2022 to determine if they had a self-reported breakthrough infection. Predictors included RBD antibody levels, measured by binding antibody responses to the ancestral strain at baseline and self-reported booster shot during the study period. Of the 859 participants, 182 (21%) reported a breakthrough infection. Irrespective of the level of antibodies, the risk of breakthrough infection was similar, ranging from 19 to 23% (P = 0.78). The risk of breakthrough infections was lower among participants who had a booster shot (P = 0.004). The protective effect of a booster shot did not vary by antibody levels prior to receiving the booster. This study found no association between RBD antibody levels and risk of breakthrough infections, while the receipt of booster was associated with lower risk of breakthrough infections, which was independent of pre-booster antibody levels. Therefore, antibody levels might not be a useful guide for clinical decisions about timing of booster doses.
Post-quantum distributed ledger technology: a systematic survey
Authors: Parida Nikhil Kumar , Jatoth Chandrashekar , Reddy V. Dinesh , Hussain Md. Muzakkir , Faizi Jamilurahman 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBlockchain technology finds widespread application across various fields due to its key features such as immutability, reduced costs, decentralization, and transparency. The security of blockchain relies on elements like hashing, digital signatures, and cryptography. However, the emergence of quantum computers and supporting algorithms poses a threat to blockchain security. These quantum algorithms pose a significant threat to both public-key cryptography and hash functions, compelling the redesign of blockchain architectures. This paper investigates the status quo of the post-quantum, quantum-safe, or quantum-resistant cryptosystems within the framework of blockchain. This study starts with a fundamental overview of both blockchain and quantum computing, examining their reciprocal influence and evolution. Subsequently, a comprehensive literature review is conducted focusing on Post-Quantum Distributed Ledger Technology (PQDLT). This research emphasizes the practical implementation of these protocols and algorithms providing extensive comparisons of characteristics and performance. This work will help to foster further research at the intersection of post-quantum cryptography and blockchain systems and give prospective directions for future PQDLT researchers and developers.
Single-tuned passive filter (STPF) for mitigating harmonics in a 3-phase power system
Authors: Ishaya Meshack Magaji , Adegboye Oluwatayomi Rereloluwa , Agyekum Ephraim Bonah , Elnaggar Mohamed F. , Alrashed Mohammed M. , Kamel Salah 
Published: November 2023

AbstractNumerous integrals of the fundamental frequency are known as harmonics and can be found in power systems or electrical circuitry systems. Non-linear loads occasionally drain current or contains a varying impedance with each period of the AC voltage are often responsible for power system harmonics. This can result in system overheating, system losses, and equipment or system damage. In order to achieve the IEEE 519 power quality standard, filters are routinely employed to lower harmonic levels. In this work, we designed a single tuned passive filter (STPF) to minimize harmonics of sequence 5th, 7th, 11th, 13th, 17th, and 19th in a three (3) phase power system. The measurements were taken at the point of common coupling. To test the filter performance, the system and STPF were designed in MATLAB/Simulink, and the simulated results produced without and with STPF were compared. The $${THD}_{I}$$

THD

I

was reduced from 14.93% down to 4.87% when STPF was connected which is within the IEEE 519-2022 standard; proving that the STPF was effective in decreasing the harmonics to the desired level.
Improving efficiency of parallel inverters operation in island mode microgrids
Authors: Zaki Mohamed , Shahin Ahmed , Eskender Saad , Elsayes Mohamed A. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractDC/AC inverters play a vital role in microgrids, efficiently converting renewable energy into usable AC power. Parallel operation of inverters presented numerous challenges, including maximizing system efficiency, minimizing circulating current, and maximizing system accuracy. This proposal introduces an analytical optimization technique designed to enhance the efficiency of paralleled inverters in microgrid systems while minimizing circulating current. The system parameter estimation is performed with a rapid recursive least squares (RLS) estimator. An optimized proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller achieves high accuracy and streamlining system construction. The performance of the proposed optimizer is compared to common optimization methods, such as particle swarm optimization (PSO), neural networks, interior search, and interior point optimizers, focusing on system efficiency and eliminating circulating currents. Simulation investigations validated the method's applicability and demonstrated the proposed optimizer's superiority in efficiency, stability, and limiting circulating currents. It also achieved zero execution time, significantly outperforming alternatives like the neural network optimizer, which took 0.693 s. In various scenarios, the proposed optimizer improved system efficiency by 3% compared to the equally shared current system.
Gender differences in empathy, compassion, and prosocial donations, but not theory of mind in a naturalistic social task
Authors: McDonald Brennan , Kanske Philipp 
Published: November 2023

AbstractDespite broad interest, experimental evidence for gender differences in social abilities remains inconclusive. Two important factors may have limited previous results: (i) a lack of clear distinctions between empathy (sharing another's feelings), compassion (a feeling of concern toward others), and Theory of Mind (ToM; inferring others’ mental states), and (ii) the absence of robust, naturalistic social tasks. Overcoming these limitations, in Study 1 (N = 295) we integrate three independent, previously published datasets, each using a dynamic and situated, video-based paradigm which disentangles ToM, empathy, and compassion, to examine gender differences in social abilities. We observed greater empathy and compassion in women compared to men, but found no evidence that either gender performed better in ToM. In Study 2 (n = 226) we extend this paradigm to allow participants to engage in prosocial donations. Along with replicating the findings of Study 1, we also observed greater prosocial donations in women compared to men. Additionally, we discuss an exploratory, novel finding, namely that ToM performance is positively associated with prosocial donations in women, but not men. Overall, these results emphasize the importance of establishing experimental designs that incorporate dynamic, complex stimuli to better capture the social realities that men and women experience in their daily lives.
Auditory thresholds compatible with optimal speech reception likely evolved before the human-chimpanzee split
Authors: Stoessel Alexander , David Romain , Bornitz Matthias , Ossmann Steffen , Neudert Marcus 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe anatomy of the auditory region of fossil hominins may shed light on the emergence of human spoken language. Humans differ from other great apes in several features of the external, middle and inner ear (e.g., short external ear canal, small tympanic membrane, large oval window). However, the functional implications of these differences remain poorly understood as comparative audiometric data from great apes are scarce and conflicting. Here, we measure the sound transfer function of the external and middle ears of humans, chimpanzees and bonobos, using laser-Doppler vibrometry and finite element analysis. This sound transfer function affects auditory thresholds, which relate to speech reception thresholds in humans. Unexpectedly we find that external and middle ears of chimpanzees and bonobos transfer sound better than human ones in the frequency range of spoken language. Our results suggest that auditory thresholds of the last common ancestor of Homo and Pan were already compatible with speech reception as observed in humans. Therefore, it seems unlikely that the morphological evolution observed in the bony auditory region of fossil hominins was driven by the emergence of spoken language. Instead, the peculiar human configuration may be a by-product of morpho-functional constraints linked to brain expansion.
The effects of active and passive smoking on selected trace element levels in human milk
Authors: Mansouri Borhan , Azadi Nammam Ali , Sharafi Kiomars , Nakhaee Samaneh 
Published: November 2023

AbstractOur study aimed to compare levels of six micro-elements and six potentially toxic elements in the breast milk of non-smoking women compared to those found in women who smoke tobacco and women exposed to second-hand smoke during pregnancy and lactation. This was a cross-sectional study conducted on 100 lactating women in western Iran. The studied subjects were in three groups: passive smokers, active smokers, and a control group. Concentrations of selected trace elements in breast milk (essential and non-essential metals) were determined using ICP-MS. Our results indicated that the parameters of education, fruit consumption, and cosmetics usage had a significant difference among the groups (p < 0.05). Moreover, for trace elements, the Kruskal–Wallis test was statistically significant for arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), and lead (Pb) (p < 0.05). The post hoc Dunn test revealed a significant difference in the levels of As, Cd, Hg, and Pb between non-smoker and passive/active smoker groups (p < 0.05). Our findings illustrate that exposure to cigarette smoke can cause an increase in the level of potentially toxic elements in human milk, which is dangerous for the consumption of premature newborns, but more research is needed to evaluate the potential toxic mechanisms of toxic metals.
A new model to estimate duration of survival in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma with BCLC intermediate stage
Authors: Ninomiya Masashi , Tsuruoka Mio , Inoue Jun , Hiraoka Atsushi , Iwata Tomoaki , Sano Akitoshi , Sato Kosuke , Onuki Masazumi , Sawahashi Satoko , Kuroda Hidekatsu , Oikawa Takayoshi , Fujita Masashi , Abe Kazumichi , Katsumi Tomohiro , Sato Wataru , Igarashi Go , Iino Chikara , Endo Tetsu , Tanabe Nobukazu , Numao Hiroshi , Iijima Katsunori , Matsumoto Takayuki , Ohira Hiromasa , Ueno Yoshiyuki , Masamune Atsushi 
Published: November 2023

AbstractIt is difficult to determine whether an individual therapy contributes to the elongation of survival because of the difficulty of organizing clinical research in patients who receive multiple treatments in HCC. We aimed to establish a new model of survival prediction in patients with intermediate stage HCC to establish standards in the recent and coming multi-MTA era. This analysis was prepared using a data set of 753 patients diagnosed HCC prior to 2017. Multiple regression analysis showed age, naïve or recurrence, the size of the largest tumor nodule, the number of nodules, total bilirubin, albumin and α-fetoprotein as independent predictors of survival. A Weibull model had the best fit and, based on these predictors, we established a new predicted survival model. The survival duration can be predicted the proposed model; EXP (4.02580 + (− 0.0086253) × age + (− 0.34667) × (naïve/recurrence) + (− 0.034962) × (number of nodules) + (− 0.079447) × (the size of the largest nodule) + (− 0.21696) × (total bilirubin) + 0.27912 × (albumin) + (− 0.00014741) × (α-fetoprotein)) × (− natural logarithm(0.5))^0.67250. This model is useful for the planning and evaluating the efficacy of recent sequential therapies in multi-MTA era.
Phylogenetic, population structure, and population demographic analyses reveal that Vicia sepium in Japan is native and not introduced
Authors: Tamaki Ichiro , Mizuno Mizuo , Ohtsuki Tatsuo , Shutoh Kohtaroh , Tabata Ryoichi , Tsunamoto Yoshihiro , Suyama Yoshihisa , Nakajima Yusuke , Kubo Naoki , Ito Takeru , Noma Naohiko , Harada Emiko 
Published: November 2023

AbstractVicia sepium (bush vetch) is a perennial legume widely distributed throughout the Eurasian continent. However, its distribution in Japan is limited to Mt. Ibuki and small parts of central and southern Hokkaido. Therefore, each Japanese V. sepium lineage has been considered to have been introduced separately from Europe. Here, we examined whether the species was introduced or not on the basis of cpDNA sequences and genome-wide SNPs from Japanese and overseas samples. Both the cpDNA haplotype network and the nuclear DNA phylogenetic tree showed that Japanese V. sepium is monophyletic. Furthermore, although the nuclear DNA phylogenetic tree also showed that each lineage is clearly monophyletic, genetic admixture of the genetic cluster dominated in the Hokkaido lineage was also detected in the Mt. Ibuki lineage. Population divergence analysis showed that the two lineages diverged during the last glacial period. The Mt. Ibuki lineage showed a sudden population decline 300–400 years ago, indicating that some anthropogenic activity might be involved, while the Hokkaido lineage showed a gradual population decline from 5000 years ago. Consequently, these two lineages show low current genetic diversity compared with overseas lineages. These results show that the Japanese V. sepium is not introduced but is native.
Classification of precipitation types in Poland using machine learning and threshold temperature methods
Authors: Pham Quoc Bao , Łupikasza Ewa , Łukasz Małarzewski 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe phase in which precipitation falls—rainfall, snowfall, or sleet—has a considerable impact on hydrology and surface runoff. However, many weather stations only provide information on the total amount of precipitation, at other stations series are short or incomplete. To address this issue, data from 40 meteorological stations in Poland spanning the years 1966–2020 were utilized in this study to classify precipitation. Three methods were used to differentiate between rainfall and snowfall: machine learning (i.e., Random Forest), daily mean threshold air temperature, and daily wet bulb threshold temperature. The key findings of this study are: (i) the Random Forest (RF) method demonstrated the highest accuracy in rainfall/snowfall classification among the used approaches, which spanned from 0.90 to 1.00 across all stations and months; (ii) the classification accuracy provided by the mean wet bulb temperature and daily mean threshold air temperature approaches were quite similar, which spanned from 0.86 to 1.00 across all stations and months; (iii) Values of optimized mean threshold temperature and optimized wet bulb threshold temperature were determined for each of the 40 meteorological stations; (iv) the inclusion of water vapor pressure has a noteworthy impact on the RF classification model, and the removal of mean wet bulb temperature from the input data set leads to an improvement in the classification accuracy of the RF model. Future research should be conducted to explore the variations in the effectiveness of precipitation classification for each station.
Impact of recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide on emergency dialysis and prognosis in end-stage renal disease patients with type 4 cardiorenal syndrome
Authors: Zhou Yue , Wang Xiaojian , Yuan Hongbo , Wu Linke , Zhang Bin , Chen Xiaoxia , Zhang Yafeng 
Published: November 2023

AbstractRecombinant human brain natriuretic peptide (rhBNP) effects on type 4 cardiorenal syndrome (CRS) and adverse events such as heart failure rehospitalization and all-cause mortality have not been assessed in large-scale research. This study evaluated the impact of rhBNP on emergency dialysis and prognosis in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients with type 4 CRS, and the risk factors of emergency dialysis. This retrospective cohort study included patients with type 4 CRS and ESRD admitted for decompensated heart failure between January 2016 and December 2021. Patients were divided into the rhBNP and non-rhBNP cohorts, according to whether they were prescribed rhBNP. The primary outcomes were emergency dialysis at first admission and cardiovascular events within a month after discharge. A total of 77 patients were included in the rhBNP cohort (49 males and 28 females, median age 67) and 79 in the non-rhBNP cohort (47 males and 32 females, median age 68). After adjusting for age, residual renal function, and primary diseases, Cox regression analysis showed that rhBNP was associated with emergency dialysis (HR = 0.633, 95% CI 0.420–0.953) and cardiovascular events (HR = 0.410, 95% CI 0.159–0.958). In addition, multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (OR = 0.782, 95% CI 0.667–0.917, P = 0.002) and procalcitonin (PCT) levels (OR = 1.788, 95% CI 1.193–2.680, P = 0.005) at the first visit were independent risk factors for emergency dialysis while using rhBNP was a protective factor for emergency dialysis (OR = 0.195, 95% CI 0.084–0.451, P < 0.001). This study suggests that RhBNP can improve cardiac function and reduce the occurrence of emergency dialysis and cardiovascular events in ESRD patients with type 4 CRS.
Usage of computational method for hemodynamic analysis of intracranial aneurysm rupture risk in different geometrical aspects
Authors: Fattahi Mehdi , Abdollahi Seyyed Amirreza , Alibak Ali Hosin , Hosseini Saleh , Dang Phuyen 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe importance of the parent vessel geometrical feature on the risk of cerebral aneurysm rupture is unavoidable. This study presents inclusive details on the hemodynamics of Internal carotid artery (ICA) aneurysms with different parent vessel mean diameters. Different aspects of blood hemodynamics are compared to find a reasonable connection between parent vessel mean diameter and significant hemodynamic factors of wall shear stress (WSS), oscillatory shear index (OSI), and pressure distribution. To access hemodynamic data, computational fluid dynamics is used to model the blood stream inside the cerebral aneurysms. A hemodynamic comparison of the selected cerebral aneurysm shows that the minimum WSS is reduced by about 71% as the parent vessel’s mean diameter is increased from 3.18 to 4.48 mm.
Mechanism of Nardostachyos Radix et Rhizoma–Salidroside in the treatment of premature ventricular beats based on network pharmacology and molecular docking
Authors: Shuyuan Liu , Haoyu Chen 
Published: November 2023

AbstractTo analyse the mechanism of Nardostachyos Radix et Rhizoma–Salidroside in the treatment of Premature Ventricular Brats by using network pharmacology and molecular docking and to provide the basis for developing the use of experimental and clinical traditional Chinese medicine. The chemical compositions of Nardostachyos Radix et Rhizoma and Salidroside were determined, and their related targets were predicted. The disease-related targets were obtained by searching the common disease databases Genecards, OMIM, Drugbank and DisGeNET, and the intersection between the predicted targets and the disease targets was determined. Then using the STRING database to set up the protein‒protein interactions (PPIs) network between Nardostachyos Radix et Rhizoma–Salidroside and the common targets of PVB. An “herb-ingredient-target” network was constructed and analyzed by Cytoscape3.7.2 software. Using the metascape database to analysis the predicted therapeutic targets based on the GO and KEGG. Finally, molecular docking technology was used toconfirm the capacity of the primary active ingredients of the 2 herbs to bind to central targets using the online CB-Dock2 database. 41 active components of Nardostachyos Radix et Rhizoma–Salidroside were detected, with 420 potential targets of action, with a total of 1688 PVB targets, and the top 10 core targets of herb-disease degree values were AKT1, TNF, GAPDH, SRC, PPARG, EGFR, PTGS2, ESR1, MMP9, and STAT3. KEGG analysis indicated that its mechanism may be related to the calcium signalling pathway, cancer signalling pathway, AGE-RAGE signalling pathway and other pathways. Molecular docking suggested that main of the active ingredients of the Nardostachyos Radix et Rhizoma–Salidroside pairs were well bound to the core targets. Based on novel network pharmacology and molecular docking validation research methods, we revealed for the first time the potential mechanism of Nardostachyos Radix et Rhizoma–Salidroside in PVB therapy.
The role of sea surface temperature in shaping the characteristics of future convective afternoon rainfall in Taiwan
Authors: Huang Wan-Ru , Chien Yu-Tang , Cheng Chao-Tzuen , Hsu Huang-Hsiung , Koralegedara Suranjith Bandara 
Published: November 2023

AbstractConvective afternoon rainfall (CAR) is a significant summer rainfall feature in Taiwan. This study investigates the projected uncertainties in summer CAR in Taiwan, using a dynamical downscaling approach with the Weather Research and Forecasting Model (WRF) and the High-Resolution Atmospheric Model (HiRAM). The projections were driven by four different sea surface temperature (SST) categories derived from CMIP5 model simulations under the RCP8.5 scenario. All projections indicate a reduced frequency but increased intensity of CAR over Taiwan by the end of the 21st century. However, notable differences in the degree of CAR changes were observed among simulations with varying degrees of Pacific SST warming. These variations in potential future changes in CAR frequency and intensity can be attributed to the variations in daytime thermal instability, local inland wind convergence, and moisture flux convergence over Taiwan. Furthermore, this study explored the linkage between local thermodynamic conditions and projected large-scale circulation patterns.