bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Virtual Machine Consolidation Based on Load Distribution and Realtime Scheduler With Multi-objective Optimization
Authors: Brahmam Madala Guru , R Vijay Anand 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Optimal resource utilization and reduced energy consumption have been the primary objectives of cloud data centers as the dependency on cloud platforms is increasing day by day. Consolidating the virtual machines is a standard procedure for addressing the common issues and meeting the objectives. Though the approach seems viable for effective functionality, it is observed that consolidation performed over the permissible limit may result in violating the service level agreements in cloud service providers. When energy conservation is concentrated in the cloud platforms, multiple other factors are neglected or compromised. The supposed strategy for effective virtual machine consolidation must contemplate the parameters such as quality of service, service level agreements, reducing violations, resource distribution, load management, migration overheads, network resource management and other communication protocols. The proposed approach focusses on determining the dynamic load and resource management based on multiple objectives in order to reduce the power consumption. The dynamic load is derived based on a time-series analysis over the distributed load in different time zones. Increment in load distribution owing to virtual machine consolidation and selection is observed for improving the efficiency of consolidations. The load prediction approach along with current load detection has included multiple objectives as desired. The proposed approach, from the experimental analysis, has delivered a promising solution for load prediction, distribution and energy conservation in cloud service providers and optimized the functionalities of users. The energy efficiency was observed to be higher than existing virtual machine consolidation approaches along with effective load sequencing and maintaining the service level agreements.
The association of acetabulum fracture and mechanism of injury with BMI, days spend in hospital, blood loss, and surgery time – a retrospective analysis of 67 patients
Authors: Wójcicki Rafał , Pielak Tomasz , Walus Piotr , Jaworski Łukasz , Małkowski Bartłomiej , Jasiewicz Przemysław , Gagat Maciej , Łapaj Łukasz , Zabrzyński Jan 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Objective: The objective of this retrospective study was to investigate the association between acetabulum fractures, mechanism of injury, and variables such as BMI, duration of hospital stay, blood loss, and surgery time. By exploring these factors, we aim to enhance our understanding of the accompanying factors of pelvic fractures and their impact on the healing process and subsequent management.
Methods: This study included 136 consecutive patients who were admitted for pelvic ring fracture surgery between 2017 and 2022. The data was collected prospectively at a single trauma center. . The inclusion criteria were acetabulum fractures and indications for operative treatment. The exclusion criteria were non-operative treatment for acetabular and pelvic ring fractures, fractures requiring primary total hip arthroplasty (THA), and periprosthetic acetabular fractures. Upon admission, all patients underwent evaluation using X-ray and computed tomography (CT) scans of the pelvis.
Results: The present study found no statistically significant differences among the examined groups of patients with pelvic fractures in terms of BMI, surgery duration, length of hospital stay, and blood transfusion. However, two notable findings approached statistical significance. Firstly, patients who experienced a fall from height while sustaining a pelvic fracture required a higher number of blood transfusions (2.3 units) compared to other mechanisms of injury (Fig. 2D), which was close to achieving statistical significance (p=0.07).
Secondly, patients undergoing posterior wall stabilization exhibited a significantly lower number of blood transfusions compared to other specific pelvic injuries (0.33 units per patient), approaching statistical significance (p=0.056).
Conlusions: We firmly believe that our study has provided valuable insights into pelvic fractures and their association with the investigated factors. The findings indicate that factors such as BMI, time of surgery, blood loss, and duration of hospital stay are not directly correlated with the morphology of acetabular fractures, the presence of additional trauma, or the mechanism of injury. However, it is worth noting that many of our findings align with existing literature on the subject.
Biogenic approach for synthesis of ZnO/NiO Nanocomposites as a highly efficient photocatalyst and evaluation of their biological properties
Authors: D Puttaraju T , M Manjunath , g Nagaraju , K Lingaraju , L Soundarya T , V Manjula M , S Devaraja 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Mixed metal oxide-based nanocomposites (NCs) had remained broadly used for photo catalysis-facilitated elimination of harmful substances from the aquatic ecosystem. Now a days searching for an improved photo catalyst looks plentiful metal oxide-based materials take began out of studies. In present works concerning the use of ZnO/NiO NCs as photocatalytic treatment of wastewater utilizing oxides of metals as photo catalysts has merged a subject of major concern. The way of coupling with other semiconductors for improved photo degradation in the presence of UV-visible light. NCs were mainly characterized by XRD, FT-IR, UV-DRS, morphological studies such as SEM and TEM, elemental composition by EDAX that all affirmed the effective synthesis of NCs. For instance, ZnO/NiONCs having a bandgap of about 3.11eV achieved an outstanding degradation activity toward 100% photo degradation of methylene blue (MB) within a short period of time. Further, prepared ZnO/NiO NCs have excellent antibacterial activity against both Gram negative and Gram-positive bacteria. This behavior is primarily caused by the accumulation of ZnO/NiO NCs on the bacteria’s surface, which results in cytotoxic bacteria and a relatively increased ZnO, resulting in cell death. Also ZnO/NiO NCs exhibit essential harmless effects on human red blood cells and their intervention with the action of the clotting on both PPP and PRP in human erythrocytes. As an outcome, the studies have shown that Phyllanthus Niruri (L) mediated Green Synthesis by combustion methods performs well as a good capping agent to synthesize ZnO/NiO NCs with important multi-disciplinary applications.
Inferring the natural history of HPV from global cancer registries: insights from a multi-country calibration
Authors: Stuart Robyn M. , Cohen Jamie A. , Abeysuriya Romesh G. , Sanz-Leon Paula , Kerr Cliff C. , Rao Darcy , Klein Daniel 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the cause of almost all cases of cervical cancer, a disease that kills some 340,000 women per year. The timeline from initial infection with HPV to the onset of invasive cervical cancer spans decades, and observational studies of this process are limited to settings in which treatment of precancerous lesions was withheld or inadequate. Such studies have been critical for understanding the natural history of HPV, but some uncertainty remains as to how generalizable this process is across geographical settings, especially given variation in the prevalence of factors known to affect the host-side immune response to HPV, such as HIV and tobacco use. In this study, we create models for the 30 most populous countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, each with country-specific demographic, and behavioral inputs. We found that it was not possible to fit the data if we assumed that the natural history parameters were the same for all countries, even after accounting for demographic and behavioral differences, but that we could achieve a good fit with the addition of a single immunocompetence parameter for each country. Our results indicate that variation in host immune responses may play a role in explaining the differences in the burden of cervical cancer between countries, which in turn implies a greater need for more geographically diverse data collection to understand the natural history of HPV.
Development of a risk prediction model to predict the risk of hospitalization due to exacerbated asthma among adult asthma patients in a lower middle-income country
Authors: Punyadasa Dhanusha , Kumarapeli Vindya , Senaratne Wijith 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background: Asthma patients experience higher rates of hospitalizations due to exacerbations leaving a considerable clinical and economic burden on the healthcare system. The use of a simple, risk prediction tool offers a low-cost mechanism to identify these high-risk asthma patients for specialized care. The study aimed to develop and validate a risk prediction model to identify high-risk asthma patients for hospitalization due to exacerbations.
Methods: Hospital-based, case-control study was carried out among 466 asthma patients aged ≥20 years recruited from four tertiary care hospitals in a district of Sri Lanka to identify risk factors for asthma-related hospitalizations. Patients (n=116) hospitalized due to an exacerbation with respiratory rate >30/min, pulse rate >120 bpm, O2 saturation (on air) < 90% on admission, selected consecutively from medical wards; controls (n=350;1:3 ratio) randomly selected from asthma/medical clinics. Data was collected via a pre-tested interviewer-administered questionnaire (IAQ). Logistic regression analyses were performed to develop the model with consensus from an expert panel. A second case-control study was carried out to assess the criterion validity of the new model recruiting 158 cases and 101 controls from the same hospitals. Data was collected using an IAQ based on the newly developed risk prediction model.
Results: The developed model consisted of ten predictors with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.83 (95% CI: 0.78 to 0.88, P<0.001), sensitivity 69.0%, specificity 86.1%, positive predictive value (PPV) 88.6%, negative predictive value (NPV) 63.9%. Positive and negative likelihood ratios were 4.9 and 0.3, respectively.
Conclusions: The newly developedmodel was proven valid to identify adult asthma patients who are at risk of hospitalization due to exacerbations. It is recommended as a simple, low-cost tool for identifying and prioritizing high-risk asthma patients for specialized care.
Assessing the Relationship between Psychopathological Conditions, Perceived Social Support and Chronic Low Back Pain among Patients of a Health Facility in Cape Coast Metropolis, Ghana
Authors: Ankomah Isaac , Sambah Francis , Amissah Nana K. , Seidu Abdul Aziz , Frimpong James Boadu , Ameyaw Edward Kwabena , Ahinkorah Bright Opoku , Ansah Edward Wilson , Ha John Elvis Jr 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background: Chronic low back pain significantly increases the risk/incidence of depression and has been the reason for many hospitalizations and the use of auxiliary healthcare services. This study examined whether any relationship existed among psychopathological conditions, perceived social support and chronic low back pain among patients with low back pain.
Methods: Adopting a cross-sectional study design, the study sampled 155 chronic low back pain patients from the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital in the Central Region of Ghana. Purposive and convenience sampling techniques were adopted for the study. Validated preexisting instruments comprising the Oswestry Disability Index, Depression, Anxiety and Stress scale, Pain Catastrophizing Scale and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support were used for data collection. The data were analysed using multivariate regression.
Results: Chronic low back pain disability has a large influence on depression, anxiety and catastrophizing thoughts of patients. However, the relationship between chronic low back pain and catastrophizing is contingent on the respondent’s level of social support.
Conclusion: Chronic low back pain in patients leads to elevated levels of depression, anxiety and catastrophizing thoughts. However, social support reduces catastrophizing thoughts among people living with low back pain. Health practitioners should integrate nonpharmacological interventions such as moderate physical exercise as well as behavioural therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy, mindfulness-based treatments, and acceptance and commitment therapy to help with the usual pharmacological interventions of caring for chronic low back pain patients.
Intermittent fasting reduces alpha-synuclein pathology and functional decline in mice
Authors: Falkenburger Bjoern , Bernhardt Nadine , Szegö Eva 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is an age-related neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the degeneration of the nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons, and by intraneuronal accumulation of aggregated α-synuclein (aSyn). Environmental factors contribute significantly to neurodegeneration in patients, and non-pharmacological interventions are increasingly explored. Among these, caloric restriction and time-restricted feeding have demonstrated beneficial effects in animal models of neurodegenerative diseases. The ketone body β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) has been suggested to mediate some of these effects.
In this study, we tested the therapeutic potential of intermittent fasting (IF, every other day feeding) in an aSyn-based mouse model of PD. IF was initiated four weeks after induction of aSyn pathology. Four weeks of IF mitigated the aSyn-induced degeneration of dopaminergic neurons and axon terminals. IF also reduced aSyn pathology as reported by staining for phosphorylated aSyn and Triton X-100 solubility. IF mitigated the aSyn-induced motor phenotype, the decrease in striatal dopamine and the decrease in synaptic markers. Mechanistically, we observed an increased expression of the neurotrophin BDNF in the striatum and a shift in microglia activation towards an anti-inflammatory phenotype. In addition, IF induced neuronal autophagy, and we observed more aSyn in the expanded autolysosomal compartment. Furthermore, both starvation and BHB, but not BDNF, induced autophagy and reduced αSyn pathology in primary mouse neurons.
Taken together, IF might constitute a plausible neuroprotective strategy for patients with Parkinson’s diseases. BHB-induced autophagy and altered neuroinflammation are pathways that potentially contribute to the protective effect.
Identification and expression profiling of GAox gene family in potato (Solanum tuberosum L.)
Authors: Jiao Shujuan , Liu Zhen , Kang Yichen , Zhang Junlian , Liu Yuhui , Qin Shuhao 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
GAox is a key enzyme involved in GA biosynthesis pathway and plays an important role in regulating various processes in plant life cycle.
Results
In this study, GAox gene family (StGAox) in potato was identified, and their physical and chemical properties, distribution on chromosomes, gene structure, conserved motifs, gene duplication events and expression patterns were analyzed. The results showed that a total of 33 GAox proteins were identified and unevenly distributed on 10 chromosomes. According to their protein structure and phylogenetic protein characteristics, these 33 StGAoxes were divided into 5 distinct subclasses. Collinearity analysis revealed that there were 5 pairs of duplicated genes in the StGAox gene family, and all these genes evolved under purifying selection. RNA-seq data of doubled monoploid (DM) potato in different tissues, under abiotic stresses and hormone treatments were used to screen tissue-specifically expressed StGAox genes, and those responded to abiotic stress and hormone treatments. In addition, StGAox genes that might respond to drought stress in drought-sensitive and drought-tolerant tetraploid potato cultivars was further analyzed based on RNA-seq data.
Conclusions
These results provided a theoretical basis for further understanding the function of GAox genes in potato.
What species is it really? A comparison of morphological and collagen fingerprinting (ZooMS) methods using a double-blind protocol
Authors: Morin Eugène , Oldfield Ellie-May , Bakovic Mile , Bordes Jean-Guillaume , Castel Jean-Christophe , Crevecoeur Isabelle , Monnier Gilliane , Tostevin Gilbert , Buckley Michael 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Modeling the subsistence strategies of prehistoric groups depends on the accuracy of the faunal identifications that provide the basis for these models. However, our knowledge remains limited about the reproducibility of published taxonomic identifications and how they accurately reflect the range of species deposited in the archaeological record. This study compares taxonomic identifications at three Paleolithic sites (Saint-Césaire and Le Piage in France, Crvena Stijena in Montenegro) characterized by high levels of fragmentation. Identifications at these sites were derived using two methods: morphological identification and collagen fingerprinting, the latter a peptide-based approach known as ZooMS. Using a double-blind experimental design, we show that the two methods give taxonomic profiles that are statistically indistinguishable at all three sites. However, rare species and parts difficult to identify such as ribs seem more frequently associated with errors of identification. Comparisons with the indeterminate fraction indicate that large game is over-represented in the ZooMS sample at two of the three sites. These differences are possibly an artifact caused by differential fragmentation of elements from large species. Collagen fingerprinting can produce critical insights on the range distribution of animal prey in the past while also contributing to improved models of taphonomic processes and subsistence behavior.
Utility of Next Generation Sequencing in Paediatric Neurological Disorders: experience from South Africa
Authors: Moosa Shahida , Niekerk Magriet Van , Toorn Ronald Van , Solomons Regan 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Next generation sequencing (NGS)-based tests have become routine first-line investigative modalities in paediatric neurology clinics in many high-income countries (HICs). Studies from these countries show that these tests are both cost-effective and reliable in diagnosing many complex childhood neurological diseases; however, NGS-based testing in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs) is limited due to cost. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic yield and impact of targeted gene panels in a selected paediatric cohort attending a tertiary paediatric neurology clinic in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. This retrospective study included 124 consecutive paediatric patients with neurological disease, referred for multi-gene panel testing over a 41-month period. Twenty-four different disease group-specific panels were utilized. A caregiver experience questionnaire was administered when a pathogenic variant was identified. The overall study diagnostic yield (DY) was 53% (66/124 patients). It was highest for neuromuscular disorders 64% (16/25), cerebral palsy spectrum disorders 54% (9/16) and early-onset epilepsies 44% (28/63). Testing proved inconclusive (variants of uncertain significance) in 38% (47/124). The majority of caregivers (97%) viewed NGS-based testing as a positive experience. The diagnostic yield in this study is similar to previously reported paediatric cohorts in HICs. The high yields for neuromuscular disorders and early epileptic encephalopathies suggest that NGS-based panels may be more cost-effective as first-line testing in well-defined phenotypes. The latter finding argues for early inclusion of all children with developmental epileptic encephalopathies (DEE), as early diagnosis leads to better treatment and avoidance of unnecessary investigations.
Robust prediction of patient outcomes with immune checkpoint blockade therapy for cancer using common clinical, pathologic, and genomic features
Authors: Ruppin Eytan , Chang Tian-Gen , Cao Yingying , Sfreddo Hannah , Dhruba Saugato , Lee Se-Hoon , Valero Cristina , Yoo Seong-Keun , Chowell Diego , Morris Luc 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Despite the revolutionary impact of immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) in cancer treatment, accurately predicting patients’ responses remains elusive. We analyzed eight cohorts of ~2900 ICB-treated patients across 18 solid tumor types, the largest dataset to date, examining diverse clinical, pathologic, and genomic features. We developed the LOgistic Regression-based Immunotherapy-response Score (LORIS) using a transparent, compact 6-feature logistic regression model. LORIS outperforms previous signatures in ICB response prediction and can identify responsive patients, even those with low tumor mutational burden or tumor PD-L1 expression. Importantly, LORIS consistently predicts both objective responses and short-term and long-term survival across most cancer types. Moreover, LORIS showcases a near-monotonic relationship with ICB response probability and patient survival, enabling more precise patient stratification across the board. As our method is accurate, interpretable, and only utilizes a few readily measurable features, we anticipate it will help improve clinical decision-making practices in precision medicine to maximize patient benefit.
Plant Spacing Effects on Stem Secondary Growth Dynamics in Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum)
Authors: Xu Na , Meng Lin , Tang Fang , Du Shasha , Xu Yanli , Kuang Shuai , Lv Yuanda , Song Wenjing , Li Yang , Qi Weicong , Zhang Yu 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Plant spacing usually refers to distances between plants within and between rows in the field. Different spacing of crop planting would generally influence the size, plant architecture, economical productivity et al. Present research provided a time course monitoring on the tissue transmission in tobacco stem development from the plants with different spacing. The result showed cambium activity, vascular bundle thickness, lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose content differed in the stem because of the varied plant spacing, as well as the macro nutrients deposition. Furthermore, the genes coding the homologous of key transcription factors HB8 and NST3 (NtHB8s and NtNST3s) which involved in plant secondary growth were clone in tobacco. In the time course, they also indicated diverse expression patterns among altered plant spacing treatment. Their transcriptomic activities were validated and the motifs which might bind transcription factor in their promoter regions were predicted. Promoters of NtHB8s and NtNST3s gene were rich in light response elements, as a result, light might be the main environmental factor for plant spacing to regulate stem secondary growth.
Study on CNT/TPU Cubic under the 3D Printing Conditions of Infill Patterns and Density
Authors: Jung Imjoo , Shin Eun Joo , Lee Sunhee 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Soft sensors applicable to wearable robots can be manufactured using stretchable polymers and conductive fillers. In this study, 3.25 wt% carbon nanotubes/thermoplastic polyurethane composites were used to manufacture filaments with shore 94 A. Three infill densities (20%, 50%, and 80%) and patterns (zigzag (ZG), triangle (TR), honeycomb (HN)) were applied to print a cubic via fused filament fabrication 3D printing. Most suitable infill conditions were confirmed based on the slicing images, morphologies, compressive properties, electrical properties, and electrical heating properties. For each fill pattern, ZG and TR divided the layers into lines and figures, and the layers were stacked by rotation. For HN, the same layers were stacked in a hexagonal pattern. Consequently, TR, in which the layer was divided in various directions, showed the strongest compressive properties. For each infill density, 20%, 50%, and 80% measured 0.18 J, 0.84 J, and 1.99 J, respectively. The HN pattern became tougher with increased infill density. The HN laminated with the same layer showed excellent electrical properties, with results greater than 14.7 mA. The electrical heating properties confirmed that ZG had the highest layer density, which exhibited excellent heating characteristics.