bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
One step synthesis of high-performance CoSe 2 /PPy nanocomposite for water oxidation in alkaline media
Authors: Abid Abdul Ghafoor , Abdullah Muhammad , Manzoor Sumaira 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Electrochemical water splitting is an undergoing intensive investigation in an effort to report the environmental degradation and the energy problems. The progress of low-cost metal electrocatalysts with desirable electrocatalytic activity and long-lasting stability for quick oxygen evolution is a goal of the clean and sustainable energy industries. In this study, a CoSe2 nanoparticles are decorated on PPy to form CoSe2/PPy nanocomposite synthesized by controlled hydrothermal method. This method depends on the creation of cross-linked network of PPy, which makes it possible to include highly active sites. The CoSe2/PPy nanocomposite exhibits comparable activity toward oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in basic conditions, taking advantage of the metallicity of selenides and the development of a heterogeneous interface. The electrocatalyst performs efficiency with extremely low OER overpotential. On the other hand, the fabricated nanocomposite shows an overpotential of 215 mV with 43 mV/dec of Tafel slope at a current density 10 mA/cm2. The current study shows a unique method for creating highly active cobalt-based catalysts to improve the performance in long-lasting water splitting, also exposed new route for the widespread use in energy domains.
3D modeling of in vivo MRI guided nano-photothermal therapy mediated by magneto-plasmonic nanohybrids
Authors: Tavangari Zahed , Asadi Mohammadreza , Irajirad Rasoul , Sarikhani Abolfazl , Alamzadeh Zahra , Ghaznavi Habib , Khoei Samideh 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background: Nano-photothermal therapy (NPTT) has gained wide attention in cancer treatment due to its high efficiency and selective treatment strategy. The biggest challenges in the clinical application are the lack of (i) a reliable platform for mapping the thermal dose and (ii) efficient photothermal transduction agents (PTAs). This study developed a 3D treatment planning for NPTT to reduce the uncertainty of treatment procedures, based on our synthesized nanohybrid.
Methods: This study aimed to develop a three-dimensional finite element method (FEM) model for in vivonano-photothermal therapy (NPTT) in mice using magneto-plasmonic nanohybrids, which are complex assemblies of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles and gold nanorods. The model was based on Pennes' bio-heat equation and utilized a geometrically correct mice whole-body. CT26 colon tumor-bearing BALB/c mice were injected with nanohybrids and imaged using MRI (3 Tesla) before and after injection. MR images were segmented, and STereoLithography (STL) files of mice bodies and nanohybrid distribution in the tumor were established to create a realistic geometry for the model. The accuracy of the temperature predictions was validated by using an infrared (IR) camera.
Results: The photothermal conversion efficiency (η) of the nanohybrids was experimentally determined to be approximately 30%. The intratumoral (IT) injection group showed the highest temperature increase, with a maximum of 17°C observed at the hottest point on the surface of the tumor-bearing mice for 300 seconds of laser exposure at a power density of 1.4 W/cm². Furthermore, the highest level of tissue damage, with a maximum value of Ω=0.4, was observed in the intratumoral (IT) group, as determined through a simulation study.
Conclusions: Our synthesized nanohybrid shows potential as an effective agent for MRI-guided NPTT. The developed model accurately predicted temperature distributions and tissue damage in the tumor. However, the current temperature validation method, which relies on limited 2D measurements, may be too lenient. Further refinement is necessary to improve validation. Nevertheless, the presented FEM model holds great promise for clinical NPTT treatment planning.
Understanding the Prediction of Student Retention Behavior during covid-19 Using Effective Data Mining Techniques
Authors: Parvez Rezwanul , Tarantino Alysha , Meerza Syed Imran Ali 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Student success, including enrollment, degree completion, and improved retention, has been adversely affected due to the covid-19 pandemic across the higher academic landscape in the United States. It is quite a challenge to accurately predict what factors impact student retention in an academic institution most. This research aims to develop and empirically test a comprehensive list of factors contributing to student retention behavior using data mining techniques (DMT). This study examines retention behavior prediction from the dataset (pre-pandemic and post-pandemic) of 18,000+ students enrolled at an academic institution. Here, we deploy six different machine learning (ML) models (e.g., Logistic Regression (LR), Support Vector Machine (Linear Classifier), Support Vector Machine (Radial Basis Function), Decision Tree (DT), Random Forest (RF), K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN) to predict student retention. Synthetic Minority Oversampling Technique (SMOTE) is also being used to fix the imbalance class problem and improve the performance of data mining algorithms. Empirical results showed that completed credits, grade point average (GPA), college entrance age, and attempted credits were vital factors in student retention behavior. This research also highlighted that RF algorithms outperformed other DMTs' and achieved the highest accuracy (0.86) with SMOTE for retention prediction. The critical results discussed here should apply to similar higher academic institutions worldwide. Academic institutions would benefit from launching preventative measures to avoid dropouts and improve retention based on the retention metrics reported here.
Association between nutritional status and gait performance in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: He Mingyue , Lian Tenghong , Guo Peng , Zhang Yanan , Huang Yue , Qi Jing , Li Jinghui , Guan Huiying , Luo Dongmei , Liu Zhan , Zhang Weijia , Zheng Zijing , Yue Hao , Li Jing , Zhang Wenjing , Wang Ruidan , Zhang Fan , Wang Xiaomin , Zhang Wei 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients have worse nutritional status and gait performance, but the current research is not in-depth, and the relationship between the two is not clear. This study aimed to comprehensively explore the nutrition and gait of AD patients at different stages and the relationship between them.
Methods
AD patients were consecutively enrolled in this cross-sectional study, and divided into the mild cognitive impairment (MCI) due to AD (AD-MCI) and the dementia due to AD (AD-D) groups. Demographic information, nutritional status and gait performance were compared between the two groups, and the correlation between nutritional status and gait performance was subsequently analyzed by Pearson and Spearman correlation analysis.
Results
Totals 85 AD patients were included in this study. The AD-D group had lower scores of Mini-nutritional Assessment (MNA) and MNAm, lower levels of blood urea nitrogen, folic acid and vitamin B12, and higher homocysteine level than that in the AD-MCI group (all P < 0.05). AD-D group had slower step speed, shorter step length, and shorter stride length than those in the AD-MCI group (all P < 0.05). AD patients with decreased scores of MNA and MNAm, and declined levels of blood urea nitrogen and vitamin B12 had reduced gait speed and gait cadence, and prolonged step time and stride time, whereas, homocysteine showed the opposite result (all P < 0.05). In the AD-MCI group, the MNA score was negatively correlated with coefficient of variation (CV) of stride length, and the folic acid level was negatively correlated with the CV of stride length and cadence (all P < 0.05).
Conclusions
AD patients in the dementia stage had worse nutritional status and gait performance than those in the MCI stage, which was associated with worse global cognition and activities of daily living. Poorer nutritional status was associated with higher gait variability in patients at the MCI stage, and with poorer gait performance in patients at the dementia stage. Early identification and intervention of patients with nutritional risk or malnutrition may improve gait performance, thus reducing the risk of falling and cognitive decline, as well as the mortality.
Bifurcation and synchronization analysis of chemical synapses coupled neuron models
Authors: Wang Qixia , Li Xinying , Guo Wenhui 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Based on a modified four-dimensional Hindmarsh-Rose neuron model, two neurons are coupled using chemical synapses to study the effects of different parameters on the bifurcation and synchronization of the coupled system. Matcant software is used to determine the type of equilibrium point and Hopf bifurcation point. It is found that the system generates subcritical Hopf bifurcation with the change of parameters, and the hidden dynamics behavior near the subcritical Hopf bifurcation point is discussed. Based on the bifurcation theory, the effects of single and multiple parameters on the firing pattern, bifurcation, and synchronization of the coupled neuron system are studied, and it is concluded that the coupled neuron system can generate periodic firing, inverse period-doubling discharge, and chaotic cluster discharge under different parameter values, and compare and analyze the synchronization situation of the coupled system before and after adding time lag; moreover, a certain time lag can destroy and delay the synchronization state of the coupled neural system is found. Using the synchronization factor statistic, the synchronous behavior and existence of chimera states of coupled neural network systems are studied, which will provide useful clues to reveal the underlying mechanisms of information encoding and transmission processes in complex neural systems.
Hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin-complexed resveratrol protects A53T transgenic Parkinson’s disease mice via modulating signaling pathways of the microbiota-gut-brain axis
Authors: Sang Ming , Sun Xiaodong , Feng Shenglan , Qin Binqing , Ye Junjie , Xie Lixia , Gui Jianjun 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurological disorder characterized by motor and gastrointestinal dysfunctions. There is a significant need for more effective treatment options. Resveratrol (RES) is a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory phytoalexin known for its health-promoting benefits. However, little is known about its potential in treating PD by modulating the microbial gut-brain axis, and its clinical application has been limited due to poor water solubility, rapid metabolism, and limited systemic bioavailability. Our study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic potential of RHSD, a resveratrol-cyclodextrin inclusion complex, in treating PD through the gut-brain axis in human SNCA-transgenic (A53T) mice PD models.Results We have demonstrated that administering RHSD can prevent neurodegeneration, improve motor skills, and restore the levels of phosphorylated tyrosine hydroxylase in A53T mice, while also leading to a positive impact on gastrointestinal function. Our metagenomic sequencing indicated significant changes in the richness, evenness, and composition of the gut microbiome in A53T mice, with a significant increase in the levels of Lactobacillus murinus, Lactobacillus reuteri, Enterorhabduscaecimuris, Lactobacillus taiwanensis, and Lactobacillus animals following RHSD administration. Furthermore, metabolomics profiling showed that the levels of gut microbiome metabolites were reversed after RHSD treatment, with altered metabolites primarily present in metabolic pathways such as drug metabolism-cytochrome P450, retinol metabolism, purine metabolism, tyrosine metabolism, and methane metabolism. The altered gut microbiota showed significant correlations with microbiota metabolites. With an integrated analysis of microbiota metabolites and host transcriptomics, our research provides insights into the potential interaction between abnormalities in amino acid metabolism, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation in Parkinson's disease.Conclusions This study illustrates the profound impact of RHSD administration on rectifying gut microbiota dysbiosis and improving the A53T mouse model. We also observed that the proliferation and metabolism of multiple probiotic strains of Lactobacillus were significantly altered. Moreover, our research supports the hypothesis that microbiota-related metabolites could regulate the transcription of host genes, including dopamine receptors and calcium stabilization. Our findings thus highlight the potential of RHSD as a viable therapeutic candidate for treating PD by targeting several signaling pathways of the microbiota-gut-brain axis.
Does Aftermarket Monopolization Facilitate Upstream Collusion?
Authors: Cheng Long , Ye Guangliang 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

This article explores the stability of collusion among upstream firms selling to downstream firms with an aftermarket. Consumer lock-in due to aftermarket monopolization prevents the deviating firm from capturing the aftermarket of its rivals which reduces the deviation profits. On the other hand, the deviation firm locks in the old consumers in the aftermarket, which mitigates the severity of the punishments. The latter effect dominates the former, making collusion unstable in the aftermarket monopolization case. Ironically, when the size of the monopolistic aftermarket is large enough, increasing the aftermarket size stabilizes the collusion. In contrast to prior literature, there is an inverted U-shaped relationship between the stability of collusion and collusive prices in the presence of an aftermarket.
Face Warping Detection and Localization in a Digital Video using Transfer Learning Approach
Authors: Dhanaraj Rachel Selva , Srid M 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is making its entire existence safer in this digital world. Another deepfake technique, face warping, is booming in the media. Digitally altered videos of a person’s face or body are considered as deepfakes. Face warping is the process of digitally processing a face to significantly distort shapes represented in itself. Warping can be used to correct image distortion or for creative purposes such as morphing. It is important to track such face warping in images and videos so that the very purpose of face warping is not used for destructive purposes. The deep learning approaches are used to determine and localize face warping in videos. In the proposed approach, the input video is extracted to perform various image preprocessing techniques that refine the video into a format that is more likely to classify the classes efficiently. Transfer learning is employed and the pretrained model is adopted to train using Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) with the source videos to detect and localize face warping. It is perceived that the proposed model is able to detect and localize the warped areas in the face satisfactorily with an accuracy of 89.25%.
Thymoquinone affects hypoxia-inducible factor-1α expression in pancreatic cancer via HSP90 and PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathways
Authors: Zhao Zhanxue , Yang Jinyu , Chen Hekai , Li Shuai , Hou Xiaofan , Ma Chunhua , Liu Linxun 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Purpose
To clarify the therapeutic effects of thymoquinone (TQ) in pancreatic cancer (PC) and the potential hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α)-mediated mechanisms.
Methods
Western blotting and polymerase chain reaction were used to detect the expression levels of HIF-1α in PC cells treated with TQ. The effects of TQ on proliferation, migration, invasion, cell cycle, and apoptosis of PC cells and pancreatic ductal epithelial cells were assessed using in vitro experiments.
Results
TQ significantly inhibited the migration and invasion ability of PANC-1 cells (p < 0.05) but had no effects in hTERT-HPNE cells, and it significantly increased the proportion of the G2 phase and promoted apoptosis in PANC-1 cells compared with those in hTERT-HPNE cells (p < 0.05). Additionally, TQ significantly inhibited the expression of HIF-1α and phosphatidyl inositol-4,5-bisphosphate-3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/Akt/mTOR)-related proteins in PANC-1 cells (p < 0.05). TQ affected the interaction between heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) and HIF-1α in PANC-1 cells.
Conclusion
TQ showed suppressive effects on proliferation, migration, invasion, cell cycle, and apoptosis of PC; promoted ubiquitination-mediated degradation of HIF-1α by affecting the interaction of HIF-1α with HSP90; and reduced HIF-1α synthesis by affecting PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. The findings suggest that TQ might have potential anti-tumor effects in PC.
ETS1-Mediated Control of EFNA4 in Gastric Cancer: Effects on Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition and Cancer Immune Response
Authors: Chen Yixuan , Yao Zhoujuan , Zhang Hui , Wang Wenbin 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, with complex molecular mechanisms driving its development and progression. The PI3K-Akt signaling pathway is known to be dysregulated in various cancers, including GC. In this research, our objective was to explore the relationship between EFNA4 and ETS1 in GC and assess their interconnections with relevant signaling cascades and immune system components. Utilizing publicly accessible datasets, we conducted bioinformatic analyses to evaluate the expression profiles, functional roles, and prognostic significance of EFNA4 and ETS1 in the context of GC. We conducted consensus clustering on 373 TCGA-STAD specimens, utilizing the expression matrix of EFNA4 and ETS1, which resulted in the segregation of samples into two distinct clusters. To evaluate immune infiltration, we employed analytical techniques such as ESTIMATE, CIBERSORT, and ssGSEA to investigate the relationship between these two clusters concerning tumor purity, immune checkpoints, and various immune cell populations. Our findings demonstrated a negative correlation between EFNA4 and ETS1 expression in GC tissues, with distinct roles of EFNA4 in cell differentiation and signaling pathways, while ETS1 played a key role in modulating tumor immunity. Additionally, we performed experimental validation using dual-luciferase reporter assays to investigate the potential regulatory effects of ETS1 on EFNA4 transcription. Our study provides novel insights into the roles of EFNA4 and ETS1 in GC pathogenesis and tumor immunity, highlighting their potential as prognostic markers and therapeutic targets for gastric cancer.
Machine Learning Models for Ultrafine Particles in Copenhagen, Denmark
Authors: Amini Heresh 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Long-term mean ambient particle size (PS) in the ultrafine particle (UFP) range (< 100 nm) varies over space within cities, with locations near UFP sources having smaller PS. Spatial models for PS and lung deposited surface area (LDSA) within urban areas are limited. We collected particle number concentration (PNC), LDSA, and PS data over one-year monitoring campaign from May 2021 to May 2022 across 27 locations and estimated annual mean in Copenhagen, Denmark, and obtained additionally annual mean PNC data from 5 curbside monitors within the city. We developed 94 predictor variables (majority at 1 m spatial resolution (90%)), and machine learning models (random forest and bagged tree) were developed for PNC, LDSA, and PS. The annual mean PNC, LDSA, and PS were, respectively, 5,416 pt/cm3, 12.0 µm2/cm3, and 46.1 nm. The cross-validation R2values (10-fold repeated 10-times) were 0.70, 0.67, and 0.60 for PNC, LDSA, and PS, respectively. Traffic-related variables, such as streets below/above specific speed-limits, and length of major roads within buffers of 100–150 m, amongst others, were strong predictors. External validation with high-quality data is warranted to ensure good performance of these models. These UFP predictions may assist urban planners, environmental justice studies, or epidemiologists conducting population-based studies.
A Dual Leucine-rich Repeat in Proteins from the Eukaryotic SAR Group
Authors: Matsushima Norio , Batkhishig Dashdavaa , Enkhbayar Purevjav , Kretsinger Robert H. 
Published: May 2023

Background:
Leucine-rich repeats (LRRs) occurring in tandem are 20 ⎼ 29 amino acids
long. Eleven LRR types have been recognized; they include plant-specific (PS) type with the
consensus of LxxLxLxxNxL SGxIPxxIxxLxx of 24 residues and SDS22-like type with the consensus
of LxxLxLxxNxL xxIxxIxxLxx of 22 residues.

Objective:
A viral LRR protein in metagenome data indicated that most of the LRRs (5/6 = 0.83) are
represented by the consensus of LxxLDLxxTxV SGKLSDLxxLTN of 23 residues. This LRR shows a
dual characteristic of PS and SDS22-like LRRs (called PS/SDS22-like LRR). A comprehensive
similarity search was performed under the hypothesis that many proteins contain LRR domains
consisting of only or mainly PS/SDS22-like LRR.

Methods:
Sequence similarity search by the FASTA and BLAST programs was performed using the
sequence of this PS/SDS22-like LRR domain as a query sequence. The presence of PS/SDS22-like
LRR was screened within the LRR domains in known structures.

Results:
Over 280 LRR proteins were identified from protists, fungi, and bacteria; ~ 40% come from
the SAR group (the phyla Alveolate and Stramenopiles). The secondary structure analysis of
PS/SDS22-like LRRs occurring sporadically in the known structures indicates three or four type
patterns of secondary structures.

Conclusion:
PS/SDS22-like LRR forms an LRR class with PS, SDS22-like and Leptospira-like LRRs.
It appears that PS/SDS22-like LRR is a chameleon-like sequence. A duality of two LRR types brings
diversity.
Transition Metal-Free Catalyzed Oxidative Coupling of Anilines to Azo Compounds
and Thiophenols to Disulfides
Authors: Yadav Vikas , Ghosh Mitushree , Prasad Virendra 
Published: May 2023

Introduction::
Herein we report the efficient oxidative transformations of aryl amines to
azoarenes and aryl thiols to the corresponding disulfides using diacetoxyiodobenzene and potassium iodide
as transition metal-free catalysts in acetonitrile at room temperature. The developed protocols are highly
efficient and employ readily accessible, inexpensive, and environmentally friendly starting

Methods::
All the reactions were carried out in a fuming hood at room temperature (approximately 25-
30°C). The chemicals used in these reactions were purchased from Avra, Aldrich and Spectrochem with a
minimum of 95-99% purities and used without further purification.

Results::
The reaction of DIB with KI would generate PhI(OAc)I through a partial AcO-I exchange process,
and the subsequent reaction of 2PhI(OAc)I with aromatic amines should produce PhNI2 on the elimination
of 2AcOH and 2PhI.

Conclusion::
The protocol was applicable to a wide range of aromatic amines and aromatic thiols under mild reaction conditions
and has no safety concerns, requires inexpensive chemicals and is environmentally friendly.