bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Re-defining the Climatic Zones over Nigeria
Authors: Agada I. O. , Aondoakaa S. I. , Eweh E. J. 
Published: August 2023

Aims: This study aimed at identifying climatic zones over Nigeria.
Duration of Study: Daily air temperature data for the 36 states and FCT in Nigeria were obtained from National Aeronautic and Space Administration (NASA) for the period of thirty-seven (37) years (1984-2020).
Method: Several hierarchical clustering procedures–single linkages, complete linkage, average distance within clusters, average distance between clusters, centroid clustering, median linkage and Ward’s method were used in this study.
Results: Based on the findings, median linkage, complete linkage and Ward’s clustering method solutions seems more realistic. The application of cluster analysis, revealed five climate zones (cluster) over Nigeria. Cluster 1 covers Plateau state only while cluster 2 covers three south-west states and one north-west state (Kaduna). Cluster 3 covers all the states in south-east, south-south (except Cross River), North-central (except Kogi and Kwara), Bauchi in North-west and ogun and Oyo in South-west. Cluster 4 covers one state in south-south (Cross River), South-south (Lagos), two states in North-central (Kogi and Kwara), three states in North-east (Adamawa, Gombe and Taraba) and four states in North-west (Jigawa, Kano, Kastina and Zamfara). Lastly cluster 5 covers two states in North-east (Borno and Yobe) and North-west (Kebbi and Sokoto).
Conclusion: Our findings clearly show that cluster analysis can be applied to identify similar weather/climate state from air temperature data.
Fundamental study on probabilistic generative modeling of earthquake ground motion time histories using generative adversarial networks
Authors: Matsumoto Yuma , Yaoyama Taro , Lee Sangwon , Hida Takenori , Itoi Tatsuya 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThis study proposes a probabilistic model for earthquake ground motion prediction, named ground motion generation model, which can generate ground motion time history data directly. The ground motion generation model is based on a data‐driven technique called generative adversarial networks, allowing generation of ground motion time history data without making assumptions about physical or statistical models. A method to quantitatively and qualitatively evaluate the performance of constructed model is also proposed and the ground motion generation model is optimized for high performance from earthquake engineering and deep learning perspectives. Numerical experiments show that our proposed model is probabilistic, approximating the probabilistic distribution of the dataset of observed records and generating realistic ground motion time histories with various characteristics in the time and frequency domains.
A trichotomy method for defining homogeneous subgroups in a dementia population
Authors: Caprihan Arvind , Hillmer Laura , Erhardt Erik Barry , Adair John C. , Knoefel Janice E. , Prestopnik Jillian , Rosenberg Gary A. ,   for Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: August 2023

AbstractIntroductionDiagnosis of dementia in the aging brain is confounded by the presence of multiple pathologies. Mixed dementia (MX), a combination of Alzheimer's disease (AD) proteins with vascular disease (VD), is frequently found at autopsy, and has been difficult to diagnose during life. This report develops a method for separating the MX group and defining preclinical AD (presence of AD factors with normal cognition) and preclinical VD subgroups (presence of white matter damage with normal cognition).MethodsClustering was based on three diagnostic axes: (1) AD factor (ADF) derived from cerebrospinal fluid proteins (Aβ42 and pTau), (2) VD factor (VDF) calculated from mean free water and peak width of skeletonized mean diffusivity in the white matter, and (3) Cognition (Cog) based on memory and executive function. The trichotomy method was applied to an Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative cohort (N = 538).ResultsEight biologically defined subgroups were identified which included the MX group with both high ADF and VDF (9.3%) and a preclinical VD group (3.9%), and a preclinical AD group (13.6%). Cog is significantly associated with both ADF and VDF, and the partial‐correlation remains significant even when the effect of the other variable is removed (r(Cog, ADF/VDF removed) = 0.46, p < 10−28 and r(Cog, VDF/ADF removed) = 0.24, p < 10−7).DiscussionThe trichotomy method creates eight biologically characterized patient groups, which includes MX, preclinical AD, and preclinical VD subgroups. Further longitudinal studies are needed to determine the utility of the 3‐way clustering method with multimodal biological biomarkers.
Incidence Rate and Factors Associated With Fractures Among Medicare Beneficiaries With Ankylosing Spondylitis in the United States
Authors: Stovall Rachael , Kersey Emma , Li Jing , Baker Rahaf , Anastasiou Christine , Palmowski Andriko , Schmajuk Gabriela , Gensler Lianne , Yazdany Jinoos 
Published: August 2023

ObjectiveWe evaluated the incidence rate and factors associated with fractures among adults with ankylosing spondylitis (AS).MethodsWe performed a retrospective cohort study with data from the Rheumatology Informatics System for Effectiveness registry linked to Medicare claims from 2016 to 2018. Patients were required to have two AS International Classification of Diseases codes 30 or more days apart and a subsequent Medicare claim. Then, 1 year of baseline characteristics were included, after which patients were observed for fractures. First, we calculated the incidence rate of fractures. Second, we constructed logistic regression models to identify factors associated with the fracture, including age, sex, race and ethnicity, body mass index, Medicare/Medicaid dual eligibility, area deprivation index, Charlson comorbidity index, smoking status, osteoporosis, historical fracture, and use of osteoporosis treatment, glucocorticoids, and opioids.ResultsWe identified 1,426 adults with prevalent AS. Mean ± SD age was 69.4 ± 9.8 years, 44.3% were female, and 77.3% were non‐Hispanic White. Fractures occurred in 197 adults with AS. The overall incidence rate of fractures was 76.7 (95% confidence interval [CI] 66.4–88.6) per 1,000 person‐years. Older age (odds ratio [OR] 2.8, 95% CI 1.39–5.65), historical fracture (OR 5.24, 95% CI 3.44–7.99), and use of more than 30 mg morphine equivalent (OR 1.86, 95% CI 1.08–3.19) conferred increased odds of fracture.ConclusionsIn this large sample of Medicare beneficiaries with AS, increasing age, historical fracture, and use of opioids had higher odds of fracture. Men and women were equally likely to have a fracture. Because opioid use was associated with fracture in AS, this high‐risk population should be considered for interventions to mitigate risk.
IL‐17A/p38 Signaling Pathway Induces Alveolar Epithelial Cell Pyroptosis and Hyperpermeability in Sepsis‐Induced Acute Lung Injury by Activating NLRP3 Inflammasome
Authors: Zhou Kun Lin , He Yi Ran , Liu Yu Jing , Liu Yi Mei , Xuan Li Zhen , Gu Zhun Yong , He Hong Yu , Ju Min Jie 
Published: August 2023

AbstractSepsis is a syndrome with poor prognosis. Nucleotide‐binding domain‐like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome and T helper 17 (Th17) cells are involved in the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases. This study aims to explore their roles and underlying mechanisms in sepsis. The blood and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid are collected from sepsis patients and healthy donors. A sepsis mice model is established by cecal ligation puncture (CLP). The contents of cytokines are detected by ELISA. The amounts of Th17 cells, IL‐17A, IL‐1β, IL‐18, and lipopolysaccharide is significantly elevated in sepsis patients. The increased differentiation of Th17 cells can promote lung cell pyroptosis and induce hyperpermeability via activating NLRP3 inflammasome and p38 pathway. The inhibitors targeting Th17 cells, NLRP3 inflammasome, and p38 pathway can significantly alleviate lung injury in sepsis mice. Th17 cells can secrete IL‐17A to activate NLRP3 inflammasome via p38 signaling pathway, which contributes to the development of sepsis‐induced acute lung injury.
Ductile Oligomeric Acceptor‐Modified Flexible Organic Solar Cells Show Excellent Mechanical Robustness and Near 18% Efficiency
Authors: Ye Qinrui , Chen Zhenyu , Yang Daobin , Song Wei , Zhu Jintao , Yang Shuncheng , Ge Jinfeng , Chen Fei , Ge Ziyi 
Published: August 2023

AbstractHigh power conversion efficiency (PCE) and mechanical robustness are key requirements for wearable applications of organic solar cells (OSCs). However, almost all highly efficient photoactive films comprising polymer donors (PD) and small molecule acceptors (SMAs) are mechanically brittle. In this study, highly efficient (PCE = 17.91%) and mechanically robust (crack‐onset strain [COS] = 11.7%) flexible OSCs are fabricated by incorporating a ductile oligomeric acceptor (DOA) into the PD:SMA system, representing the most flexible OSCs to date. The photophysical, mechanical, and photovoltaic properties of D18:N3 with different DOAs are characterized. By introducing DOA DOY‐C4 with a longer flexible alkyl linker and lower polymerization, the D18:N3:DOY‐C4‐based flexible OSCs exhibit a significantly higher PCE (17.91%) and 50% higher COS (11.7%) than the D18:N3‐based device (PCE = 17.06%, COS = 7.8%). The flexible OSCs based on D18:N3:DOY‐C4 retain 98% of the initial PCE after 2000 consecutive bending cycles, showing greater mechanical stability than the reference device (maintaining 89% of initial PCE). After careful investigation, it is hypothesized that the enhancement in mechanical properties is mainly due to the formation of tie chains or entanglement in the ternary blend films. These results demonstrate that DOAs have great potential for achieving high‐performance flexible OSCs.
Boosting Oxygen Evolution Reaction of (Fe,Ni)OOH via Defect Engineering for Anion Exchange Membrane Water Electrolysis Under Industrial Conditions
Authors: Wu Libo , Ning Minghui , Xing Xinxin , Wang Yu , Zhang Fanghao , Gao Guanhui , Song Shaowei , Wang Dezhi , Yuan Chuqing , Yu Luo , Bao Jiming , Chen Shuo , Ren Zhifeng 
Published: August 2023

AbstractDeveloping non‐precious catalysts with long‐term catalytic durability and structural stability under industrial conditions is the key to practical alkaline anion exchange membrane (AEM) water electrolysis. Here, an energy‐saving approach is proposed to synthesize defect‐rich iron nickel oxyhydroxide for stability and efficiency toward the oxygen evolution reaction. Benefiting from in situ cation exchange, the nanosheet‐nanoflake‐structured catalyst is homogeneously embedded in, and tightly bonded to, its substrate, making it ultrastable at high current densities. Experimental and theoretical calculation results reveal that the introduction of Ni in FeOOH reduces the activation energy barrier for the catalytic reaction and that the purposely created oxygen defects not only ensure the exposure of active sites and maximize the effective catalyst surface but also modulate the local coordination environment and chemisorption properties of both Fe and Ni sites, thus lowering the energy barrier from *O to *OOH. Consequently, the optimized d‐(Fe,Ni)OOH catalyst exhibits outstanding catalytic activity with long‐term durability under both laboratory and industrial conditions. The large‐area d‐(Fe,Ni)OOH||NiMoN pair requires 1.795 V to reach a current density of 500 mA cm−2 at an absolute current of 12.5 A in an AEM electrolyzer for overall water electrolysis, showing great potential for industrial water electrolysis.
An economic appraisal of the effect of tire inflation pressure for alternative tillage systems on a silty clay loam soil
Authors: Shaheb Md Rayhan , Misiewicz Paula A. , Godwin Richard J. , Dickin Edward , White David R. , Lowenberg‐DeBoer James , Shearer Scott A. , Grift Tony E. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractCompacting soil has an adverse effect on soil properties, decreases crop productivity, and subsequently reduces farm income. Low tire inflation pressure (LTP) help in managing soil compaction and protecting the soil environment; however, there is scant economic data available on LTP in US Midwest farming systems. Hence, a 3‐year study investigated the effects of LTP, compared to tires inflated to the standard tire inflation pressure systems, on crop yield and farm economy for a typical maize/soybean rotation. The effect of the two tire inflation pressure systems was factorialized with three tillage systems: deep tillage (DT, 450 mm), shallow tillage (ST, 100 mm), and no‐till systems. The results showed that LTP systems increased maize (Zea mays) yield by 4.51% (2017) and 2.70% (2018) and soybean (Glycine max) by 3.70% in 2018. Annual earnings for both 200‐ and 800‐ha farms increased for all tillage systems with LTP tires based on a partial budget analysis. The payback periods for LTP tires were very short, ranging from 0.32 years for DT on an 800‐ha farm to 1.18 years for ST on a 200‐ha farm. The net present value of the higher returns with LTP tires was substantial, especially for the DT system. This study shows a strong economic benefit from investments in LTP tires on silty clay loam soils in the US Midwest.
Sequencing‐based analysis of clonal evolution of 25 mantle cell lymphoma patients at diagnosis and after failure of standard immunochemotherapy
Authors: Karolová J. , Kazantsev D. , Svatoň M. , Tušková L. , Forsterová K. , Maláriková D. , Benešová K. , Heizer T. , Dolníková A. , Klánová M. , Winkovska L. , Svobodová K. , Hojný J. , Krkavcová E. , Froňková E. , Zemanová Z. , Trněný M. , Klener P. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractOur knowledge of genetic aberrations, that is, variants and copy number variations (CNVs), associated with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) relapse remains limited. A cohort of 25 patients with MCL at diagnosis and the first relapse after the failure of standard immunochemotherapy was analyzed using whole‐exome sequencing. The most frequent variants at diagnosis and at relapse comprised six genes: TP53, ATM, KMT2D, CCND1, SP140, and LRP1B. The most frequent CNVs at diagnosis and at relapse included TP53 and CDKN2A/B deletions, and PIK3CA amplifications. The mean count of mutations per patient significantly increased at relapse (n = 34) compared to diagnosis (n = 27). The most frequent newly detected variants at relapse, LRP1B gene mutations, correlated with a higher mutational burden. Variant allele frequencies of TP53 variants increased from 0.35 to 0.76 at relapse. The frequency and length of predicted CNVs significantly increased at relapse with CDKN2A/B deletions being the most frequent. Our data suggest, that the resistant MCL clones detected at relapse were already present at diagnosis and were selected by therapy. We observed enrichment of genetic aberrations of DNA damage response pathway (TP53 and CDKN2A/B), and a significant increase in MCL heterogeneity. We identified LRP1B inactivation as a new potential driver of MCL relapse.
Marginal zone lymphoma: 2023 update on diagnosis and management
Authors: Cheah Chan Y. , Seymour John F. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractDisease overviewMarginal zone lymphomas (MZL) are collectively the second most common type of indolent lymphoma.DiagnosisThree subtypes of MZL are recognized: splenic, extranodal, and nodal. The diagnosis is secured following biopsy of an involved nodal or extranodal site demonstrating a clonal B‐cell infiltrate with CD5 and CD10 negative immunophenotype most common. Some cases will features IgM paraprotein, but MYD88 L256P mutations are less frequent than in Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia. Prognostication Several prognostic models have been developed, including the MALT‐IPI and the MZL‐IPI. The latter is broadly applicable across MZL subtypes and incorporates elevated serum LDH, anemia, lymphopenia, thrombocytopenia and nodal or disseminated subtypes as independent predictors of outcome.TreatmentWe discuss suggested approach to therapy for both early and advanced‐stage disease, with reference to chemo‐immunotherapy, radiotherapy, and emerging treatments in relapsed/refractory disease such as BTK inhibitors.
Debottlenecking and reformulating feed media for improved CHO cell growth and titer by data‐driven and model‐guided analyses
Authors: Park Seo‐Young , Choi Dong‐Hyuk , Song Jinsung , Park Uiseon , Cho Hyeran , Hong Bee Hak , Silberberg Yaron R. , Lee Dong‐Yup 
Published: August 2023

AbstractDesigning and selecting cell culture media along with their feeding are a key strategy to maximize culture performance in biopharmaceutical processes. However, the sensitivity of mammalian cells to their culture environment necessitates specific nutritional requirements for their growth and the production of high‐quality proteins such as antibodies, depending on the cell lines and operational conditions employed. In this regard, previously we developed a data‐driven and in‐silico model‐guided systematic framework to investigate the effect of growth media on Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell culture performance, allowing us to design and reformulate basal media. To expand our exploration for media development research, we evaluated two chemically defined feed media, A and B, using a monoclonal antibody‐producing CHO−K1 cell line in ambr15 bioreactor runs. We observed a significant impact of the feed media on various aspects of cell culture, including growth, longevity, viability, productivity, and the production of toxic metabolites. Specifically, the concentrated feed A was inadequate in sustaining prolonged cell culture and achieving high titers when compared to feed B. Within our framework, we systematically investigated the major metabolic bottlenecks in the tricarboxylic acid cycle and relevant amino acid transferase reactions. This analysis identified target components that play a crucial role in alleviating bottlenecks and designing highly productive cell cultures, specifically the addition of glutamate to feed A and asparagine to feed B. Based on our findings, we reformulated the feeds by adjusting the amounts of the targeted amino acids and successfully validated the effectiveness of the strategy in promoting cell growth, life span, and/or titer.
Target localization intervention and prognosis evaluation for an individual with mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Wang Weiping , Zhao Haiyan , He Chang , Cui Yuanbo , Wang Zhen , Hramov Alexander , Luan Ping , Luo Xiong , Ouyang Jipeng , Jürgen Kurths 
Published: August 2023

AbstractCurrently, no specific treatments are available for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Mild cognitive impairment (MCI), the preclinical stage of AD, has a high possibility of reversing symptoms through neural regulation. A state dynamics model for single brain regions was developed to simulate blood oxygen level‐dependent signals in a patient with early mild cognitive impairment. Subsequently, the analysis of functional connections was used to comprehensively consider multiple complex network centralities to locate the intervention targets, and a multiple brain region collaborative control scheme was designed. Finally, the reliability and effectiveness of the intervention were verified at the brain region and subnetwork levels. This technique provides a basis for future clinical diagnosis and treatment of AD and MCI.
Efficient and high precision target‐driven fluid simulation based on spatial geometry features
Authors: Zhou Xiangyang , Liu Sinuo , Zeng Haokai , Wang Xiaokun , Ban Xiaojuan 
Published: August 2023

SummaryWe proposed a novel target‐driven fluid simulation method based on the weighted control model derived from the spatial geometric features of the target shape. First, the spatial geometric characteristics of the target model are taken into account to set the color field weights of control particles. This enabled the full expression of geometric characteristics of the target model, and improve the shape accuracy of controlled fluid. Then, the fluid is controlled to form the target shape under driving constraints, wherein we proposed a new adaptive constraint mechanism that enables efficient target shape generation. Finally, a new density constraint between the control particles and the controlled fluid particles is proposed to ensure the incompressibility of fluid during control. Compared to the state‐of‐the‐art target‐driven fluid control methods, our method achieves higher precision fluid control with higher efficiency.
Coleus vettiveroides ethanolic root extract protects against thioacetamide‐induced acute liver injury in rats
Authors: Mohamed Azar Kadmad Abdul Hameed , Ezhilarasan Devaraj , Shree Harini Karthik , Karthick Munusamy , Uthirappan Mani 
Published: August 2023

AbstractAcute liver injury is caused by various factors, including oxidative stress and inflammation. Coleus vettiveroides, an ayurvedic medicinal plant, is known to possess antioxidant, antibacterial, and antidiabetic properties. In this current study, we investigated the protective effect of C. vettiveroides ethanolic root extract (CVERE) against thioacetamide (TAA)‐induced acute liver injury in rats. A single dose of TAA (300 mg/kg, b.w., i.p.) was administered to induce acute liver injury. The treatment groups of rats were concurrently treated with CVERE (125 and 250 mg/kg, b.w., p.o.) and silymarin (100 mg/kg, b.w., p.o.), respectively. After 24 h of the experimental period, TAA‐induced liver injury was confirmed by increased activity of serum transaminases and malondialdehyde levels in liver tissue, decreased levels of antioxidants, upregulated expression of the inflammatory marker gene, and altered liver morphology. Whereas CVERE simultaneous treatment inhibited hepatic injury and prevented the elevation of serum aspartate and alanine transaminases, alkaline phosphatase, and lactate dehydrogenase activities. CVERE attenuated TAA‐induced oxidative stress by suppressing lipid peroxidation and restoring antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, and reduced glutathione. Further, CVERE treatment was found to inhibit nuclear factor κB‐mediated inflammatory signaling, as indicated by downregulated pro‐inflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor‐α and interleukin‐1β. Our findings suggest that CVERE prevents TAA‐induced acute liver injury by targeting oxidative stress and inflammation.
A case of adult‐onset Still's disease in a patient after a car accident
Authors: Yaman Feride , Kimiaei Ali 
Published: August 2023

Key Clinical MessageAdult‐onset Still's disease is a rare inflammatory condition with diverse clinical features. Yamaguchi criteria aid diagnosis, and pleural effusion and elevated ferritin levels are important markers. Steroids are the first‐line treatment.AbstractAdult‐onset Still's disease (AOSD) is a rare systemic inflammatory condition with an unknown etiology. It is characterized by, spiking fever, arthritis, evanescent rash, sore throat, serositis, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, and lymphadenopathy. It is a diagnosis of exclusion and has infections, systemic autoimmune and inflammatory rheumatic diseases, malignancy, and adverse drug reactions as its differential diagnosis. Because of these characteristics, diagnosis is frequently delayed, posing a significant challenge for physicians. While several classification criteria can be used to diagnose Still's disease, they have limitations in terms of sensitivity and specificity. The Yamaguchi criteria are considered the most sensitive and commonly used, requiring the presence of at least five characteristics, with at least two being major diagnostic criteria. Steroid therapy is the first‐line treatment for AOSD patients. In this case report, we present a 56‐year‐old female patient who developed pleurisy a few months after a car accident, subsequently diagnosed with adult‐onset Still's disease.