bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identifying Epstein-Barr Virus Immunoevasins and their Protein-Protein Interactions through Database Mining
Authors: Aziz Norazlin Abdul , Tan Lu Ping , Murray Paul G. , Kornain Noor Kaslina Mohd , Ismail Aletza Mohd 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
Viruses can utilise a variety of mechanisms to escape recognition and elimination by the host immune system. Here, we aim to exploit the UniProt database to identify Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) proteins with a function in immune system evasion (so-called ‘immunoevasins’) and to explore their associated biological processes and protein-protein interactions.
Methods
The UniProt database was used as the primary source for data mining. Keywords related to biological processes, including ‘immune system inhibition’ and ‘evasion’, were used. Only Swiss-Prot-reviewed proteins were included, and the retrieved data were further analysed by extracting information on annotation scores, gene ontologies and interactors. Further protein-protein interactions analysis was performed using the IntAct database.
Results
Our search in the UniProt database yielded 11 EBV proteins from 5 known EBV strains associated with host-immune evasion. The majority of the EBV proteins identified were involved in the inhibition of the host innate immune response. Others were related to the inhibition of adaptive host immune responses and the interferon signalling pathway. Protein-protein interactions analysis revealed four host proteins that have direct interaction with the EBV proteins.
Conclusion
Database mining has contributed to the rapid identification of curated EBV immunoevasins and identified the involved biological processes and relevant protein interactions.
Falling Head Permeameter Test and Darcy's Equation
Authors: Lee Bong-Joo 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
A new permeameter was proposed for field falling head test, and evaluated under laboratory and field conditions. The device, an open-ended standpipe permeameter connected to two manometers by flexible tubes, was designed to measure heads at double ends of the sediment column inside the permeameter during the falling head tests. The heads were used to estimate water flux (q) and vertical hydraulic gradient (i) for determination of vertical hydraulic conductivity (K) using Darcy equation. Water flux was calculated by taking the first derivative of the best fit equation for the water level change above the sediment column. Differences in heads measured simultaneously at the two points were used to calculate hydraulic gradients. Tests under both laboratory and field conditions showed strong linear relationships between q and i (R2 > 0.999), indicating that Darcy’s equation could be directly applied for determination of K from the falling head tests. The laboratory test data was also analyzed using the Hvorslev falling head permeameter test for comparison, and the results showed a good agreement with those of the proposed method. The mean with 95% confidence interval for K values by the proposed (0.0478\(\pm\)4.1E-4 cm/s) is similar to that by the Hvorslev falling head permeameter test (0.048\(\pm\)8.5E-4 cm/s). Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA showed that the two groups are not significantly different at the 0.05 level. Field tests in a streambed also showed the relationships between water flux and hydraulic gradient by the proposed method were highly linear (R2 > 0.999). The ratios of mean K values by the two methods at each point, Kproposed / KHvorslev, were closer to 1 (0.91 at point A, 1.06 at point B, 1.07 at point C, and 1.03 at point D), indicating the agreement between the two methods was good.
Preparation and Performance Characterization of Copper and Diamond Filled Composite Thermal Conductivity Materials
Authors: Wang Shuai , Ma Xiang , Gao Quan , Wang Jinyu , Xu Na , Zhang Yonghai , Wei Jinjia , Zhao Jianfu , Li Bin 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
An experiment investigation was conducted to prepare and study the thermal conductivity performance of copper and diamond composite materials. Copper powder and diamond particles were used as fillers, epoxy resin was used as matrix, and composite materials were prepared by vacuum-assisted mechanical stirring. The thermal expansion coefficient of different composite materials was measured by a laser flash method, which can be used to calculate the thermal conductivity. The effect of the filling rate of copper powder, the morphology of copper powder, the filling rate of diamond, and the thermal conductivity of the particles on the thermal conductivity of composite materials was studied. The results showed that thermal conductivity of copper powder and diamond particles composite materials are 874% and 535% higher than that of the epoxy resin when their filling rates were 50.3 vol.% and 40.0 vol.%, respectively. For two-dimensional flake copper powder materials, the thermal conductivity could be effectively improved at a lower filling rate. However, the flake particles were easy to aggregate at a high filling rate, which is not conducive to the thermal conductivity of the composite materials.
Early estimation of faba bean yield based on unmanned aerial systems hyperspectral images and stacking ensemble
Authors: Cui Yuxing , Ji Yishan , Fei Shuaipeng , Liu Zehao , Liu Rong , Zong Xuxiao , Yang Tao 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Faba bean is a vital legume crop, and its early yield estimation can improve field management practices. In this study, unmanned aerial system (UAS) hyperspectral imagery was used for the first time to estimate faba bean yield early. Different basic algorithms, including random forest (RF), support vector machine (SVM), k-nearest neighbor (KNN), partial least squares regression (PLS), and eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGB), were employed along with stacking ensemble learning to construct the faba bean yield model and investigate factors influencing model accuracy. The results are as follows: when using the same algorithm and growth period, integrating texture information into the model improved the estimation accuracy compared to using spectral information alone. Among the base models, the XGB model performed the best in the context of growth period consistency. Moreover, the stacking ensemble significantly improved model accuracy, yielding satisfactory results, with the highest model accuracy (R2) reaching 0.76. Model accuracy varied significantly for models based on different growth periods using the same algorithm. The accuracy of the model gradually improved during a single growth period, but the rate of improvement decreased over time. Data fusion of growth period data helped enhance model accuracy in most cases. In conclusion, combining UAS-based hyperspectral data with ensemble learning for early yield estimation of faba beans is feasible, therefore, this study would offer a novel approach to predict faba bean yield.
Simoniteuthis, a new vampyromorph coleoid with prey in its arms from the Early Jurassic of Luxembourg
Authors: Fuchs Dirk , Weis Roby , Thuy Ben 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
The evolutionary history of the cephalopod order Vampyromorpha with its only recent representative, Vampyroteuthis infernalis, the deep sea vampire squid, is still obscure and a new specimen from the Early Jurassic of Luxembourg, provides new information on the vampyromorph morphology at this period. The new taxon Simoniteuthis michaelyi n. sp., which is based on a nearly complete gladius with associated head-arm complex, is morphologically intermediate between the families Loligosepiidae and Geopeltidae. Interestingly, the arm crown displays only four arm pairs, although an arm configuration consisting of five arm pairs should be expected in vampyromorph stem lineage representatives. This observation encouraged us to critically review the presumed homology of the filaments of Vampyroteuthis and the lost arm pair in cirrate and incirrate octopods. Moreover, two bony fishes in the mouth region implicated that Simoniteuthis michaelyi n. sp. preyed upon them in hostile water depths, a taphonomic phenomenon called distraction sinking. By contrast to modern Vampyroteuthis infernalis, Simoniteuthis michaelyi n. sp. roamed and hunted in shallower waters as typical for Mesozoic stem lineage vampyromorphs. According to the current fossil record, a vertical migration into deeper waters (probably associated with a shift in feeding behaviour) occurred at least since the Oligocene.
Studying the human factor impact on the success of Just-In-Time implementation: a case study conducted on Moroccan industrial companies.
Authors: Sebtaoui Fatima Ezzahra , Meddaoui Anwar , En-nhaili Ahmed 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
The main objective of this study is to show the impact of human factor on JIT implementation by highlighting the best practices deployed JIT organizations and benefits obtained. The critical success factors (CSFs) or activities executed by manufacturing organizations during the process of JIT implementation are studied and grouped as three latent variables that are: human resources, management commitment, and relations with suppliers. The benefits obtained are also studied and grouped as three latent variables: benefits in production process, benefits in inventory management and economic benefits. A case study is conducted in the Moroccan automotive and aerospace industries. Furthermore, the study proposes a structural equations model that presents the human factor as the most important factor in JIT implementation and is proposed as the initial independent latent variable, being in interaction with other CSFs and benefits.
Association of Lung Function With Benzene, Toluene and Xylene (Btx) in End-exhaled Air in Gas Station Attendants
Authors: Warnakulasuriya Tania , Medagoda Kushan , Amarasiri Lakmali , Wadasinghe Dilesha , Kottahachchi Dulani , Luke Dunya , Ariyawansa Janaki , Rathnayake Prasanna , Dissanayake Tharuka , Fernando Sudeera , de Werdt Laurie , Ediriweera Dileepa , Wickramasinghe Rajitha , De Silva Deepthi C , Devanarayana Niranga Manjuri , Scheepers Paul T.J. 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background - Gas station attendants are exposed to benzene, toluene and xylenes (BTX) from fuels. The aim was to study the association between this exposure and spirometry parameters in gas station attendants and office workers as controls.
Method – In 44 male gas station attendants and 38 office workers in the Gampaha district of Sri Lanka, spirometry was performed according to the guidelines of the American Thoracic Society (ATS). Pre- and postshift end-exhaled air samples were collected from a subgroup of 20 gas station attendants and 11 office workers and analysed for BTX by gas chromatography‒mass spectrometry.
Results –The peak expiratory flow rate (PEF) and %-predicted PEF were significantly lower among gas station attendants compared to controls (p = 0.012). Among gas station attendants, the postshift sample benzene level showed a significant negative correlation with %-predicted forced vital capacity (FVC) (Spearman’s correlation coefficient of -0.683, p = 0.014). The %-predicted FVC was lower in gas station attendants working ≥ 5 years compared to those who worked < 5 years (82.71% ±12.53 vs 91.25%±7.50; p = 0.026). In controls, a distinct pattern was observed, indicating a moderate to strong association of postshift toluene and xylenes with all lung function parameters but not benzene. These results were adjusted for smoking.
Conclusion –In gas station attendants, we observed restrictive responses in spirometry that were most pronounced for the level of work-related benzene exposure and associated with duration of employment. Air pollutants other than BTX may have contributed to explaining our findings.
Effect of HNTs and modified HNTs nanotubes on the mechanical properties and swelling resistance of EPDM/SBR rubber blend nanocomposites
Authors: A Arunkumar , D Srinivasan , S Vishvanathperumal , V Navaneethakrishnan 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
The relationship between the structure and mechanical properties of intricate rubber nanocomposites holds the key to enhancing the performance of roofing membranes. This study involves the incorporation of halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) that have been modified with 3-Aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) into blends of ethylene-propylene diene monomer (EPDM) and styrene butadiene rubber (SBR). These blends maintain consistent concentrations, with a composition of 80% EPDM and 20% SBR. This addition aims to assess changes in curing behavior, mechanical characteristics, microstructure, and swelling tendencies. The incorporation of APTES-modified HNTs leads to an increase in minimum torque, maximum torque, and delta torque during the curing process. However, both scorch time and optimal cure time decrease as HNTs content rises. Notably, systems containing 6 parts per hundred rubber (phr) of APTES-modified HNTs exhibit a remarkable 121% enhancement in tensile strength and a 59% increase in stress at 100% elongation. With the escalating concentration of HNTs within the EPDM/SBR nanocomposites, a multitude of alterations come into play. Tear strength, hardness, and resistance to abrasion experience improvements, while elongation at break, rebound resilience, and mole percent uptake undergo reduction. APTES-modified HNTs filler-filled EPDM/SBR nanocomposites exhibited superior performance compared to those filled with unmodified HNTs. The augmented hydrophobic nature of APTES-modified HNTs fosters enhanced particle dispersion, thereby fostering improved mechanical properties, as evidenced in FESEM.
Rapid analysis of insecticidal metabolites from the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana 331R using UPLC-Q-Orbitrap MS
Authors: Kim Jong-Cheol , Hwang In Min , Kim Ho Myeong , Kim S , Shin Teak Su , Woo Soo-Dong , Park Hae Woong 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Beauveria bassiana, a representative entomopathogenic fungus, is increasingly being utilized as an eco-friendly pest management alternative to chemical insecticides. This fungus produces a range of insecticidal secondary metabolites that act as antimicrobial and immunosuppressive agents. This study aimed to develop a method for the rapid analysis of these metabolites. Eight secondary metabolites (bassianin, bassianolide, beauvericin, beauveriolide Ⅰ, enniatin A, A1, and B, and tenellin) were efficiently extracted when B.bassiana-infected Tenebrio molitor larvae were ground in 70% EtOH extraction solvent and subsequently subjected to ultrasonic treatment for 30 minutes. The eight metabolites were rapidly and simultaneously analyzed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-Orbitrap mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-Orbitrap MS). Bassianolide (20.6–51.1 µg/g) and beauvericin (63.6–109.8 µg/g) were identified as the main metabolites in B. basssiana-infected larvae, indicating that they are likely major toxins of B. bassiana. Validation of the method exhibited recovery rates in the range of 80–115% and precision in the range of 0.1–8.0%, indicating no significant interference from compounds in the matrix. The validation results satisfied the guidelines of the Association of Official Agricultural Chemists. This study also suggests that B. bassiana may employ different metabolite production strategies depending on the target insect. The findings of this study reveal an efficient and time-effective method for analyzing B. bassiana metabolites. This method not only enhances our understanding of the insecticidal mechanisms of B. bassiana but also aids in the development of biopesticide products using these fungal-derived metabolites, thereby promoting eco-friendly pest management strategies.
WITHDRAWN: Improving Energy Efficiency of Massive MIMO Network Using Advanced Sleep Mode Technique
Authors: Ahmed Israa Hilme , Abdulkafi Ayad Atiyah 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Massive multiple-input multiple-output (Massive MIMO) is regarded as a potential technique to increase spectral efficiency (SE) and energy efficiency (EE) For the next generation of wireless networks. Meanwhile, EE is becoming an increasingly important concern for communications operators in order to not only maintain profitability but also reduce the overall negative impact on the environment. In this paper, a new advanced sleep mode (ASM) technique dedicated to massive MIMO network is proposed. In proposed ASM based massive MIMO, a certain number of antennas are switched ON/OFF according to the traffic loads aiming to improve the EE performance. Simulation results show that significant energy efficiency gains can be achieved by the proposed ASM based massive MIMO, especially in low load conditions. At optimal SE, the proposed approach improves the network EE by up to 3%, 24% and 54.6% for high, medium, and low traffic load factors, respectively, when compared to traditional MIMO operation without sleep mode.
Architecture of a dual biocompatible platform to immobilize genistin: Fabrication with physio-chemical and in vitro evaluation
Authors: Esmaeilneia Sakineh , Dehkharghani Rahebeh Amiri , Benisi S. Zamanlui 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
In this research, genistin was obtained by extracting from soybean meal powder, and then by adding polycaprolactone (PCL), genistin nanocapsules were prepared. For the first time, we used a lipophilic nanophase (encapsulated genistin) coated in hydrophilic nanofibers (gelatin /polyvinyl alcohol) as a dual nanosystem by the electrospinning method. In the approach, the nanofibers mimic the natural extracellular matrix, interact favorably with cells being cultured from one side, and raise the local concentration of a bioactive compound at the cell surface. The encapsulated drug was loaded in fibers with various percentages, which showed appropriate and significant controlled release using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). To prove the experiments, analysis using an ultraviolet-visible spectrometer (UV-Vis), 1 H NMR spectrometer, Fourier transforms infrared spectrometer (FTIR), mechanical test, scanning electron microscope (SEM) and microscope transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was performed. Finally, excellent biological effects, viability, and non-toxicity of the sample synthesized by the MTT method and significant proliferation and adhesion on mouse fibroblast cell line L929 were obtained.
Intra-Tier Interference Management using Massive MIMO for Spatial Channel Correlation with Pilot Contamination in HetNet
Authors: S Subaselvi , P Jeyakumar , J Anandpushparaj , M Dhamodaran 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Heterogeneous Network (HetNet) is a cochannel deployment of macro base stations (mBSs) with very large antenna arrays as massive MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) and a secondary tier of small cells (SCs) with a few antennas utilizing a synchronized time division duplexing (TDD) protocol in the network. The TDD protocol is a key enabler for a HetNet to provide ubiquitous coverage and unprecedented spectral area efficiencies in the network. The channel reciprocity in the proposed system enables not only the estimation of large-dimensional channels at the BSs, but also an implicit coordination between both tiers without the need to exchange user data or channel state information (CSI) over the backhaul. In the spatial channel correlation with pilot contamination for massive MIMO data transmission, the BSs and SCs suffer from dominant interference sub-space in the network. In order to overcome the problem in the HetNet, transmit precoding and different receive combining schemes are proposed to reduce the inta-tier interference in the network. The Least Square(LS) channel estimator for uplink (UL) and downlink (DL) increases an estimation quality, and UL and DL Spectral Efficiency (SE) based on channel estimation is implemented in the proposed system for improving Quality of Service (QoS) in the HetNet. The simulation results for SE in various receive combining schemes with trasmit precoding are implemented to increase the SE and reduce the intra-tier interference in the HetNet.
Combined alkali impregnation and poly dimethyl diallyl ammonium chloride-assisted cellulase absorption for high-efficiency pretreatment of wheat straw
Authors: Huang Fuchun , Tian Zhongjian , Ma Hao , Ding Zhaodong , Ji Xingxiang , Si Chuanling , Wang Dongxing 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Bio-enzyme pretreatment can effectively reduce the chemical resistance of wood fibers, thereby resulting in a reduction in energy consumption during the pulping process. However, both cellulase and cellulose fibers commonly exhibit negative charge used in water, leading to inherent electrostatic repulsion. The present study developed a novel combined pretreatment approach involving alkali impregnation and poly dimethyl diallyl ammonium chloride (PDADMAC)-assisted treatment to enhance the efficiency of cellulase treatment and obtain pulp with superior properties. The results showed that the alkali impregnation effectively destroyed the waxy layer on the surface of wheat straw, enhancing the interaction between subsequent cellulase and wheat straw fibers. The presence of PDADMAC further facilitated cellulase adsorption onto the wheat straw surface. When the PDADMAC dosage was increased to 1.0×10− 3 g/g wheat straw, the cellulase adsorption rate exhibited a significant increase of 42.28%. Additionally, at cellulase dosages of 10 U/g and 15 U/g, the pulp filtration capacity demonstrated improvements of 35.41% and 16.30%, respectively.
Implications of serum liver enzymes for brain amyloidopathy and cognition
Authors: Han Sang-Won , Lee Sang-Hwa , Kim Jong Ho , Lee Jae-Jun , Park Young Ho , Kim SangYun , Nho Kwangsik , Sohn Jong-Hee 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

BackgroundAlzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by amyloid-β (Aβ) plaque accumulation and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain. Emerging evidence has suggested potential interactions between the brain and peripheral organs, particularly the liver, in regulating Aβ homeostasis. This study aimed to investigate the association of serum liver enzymes with brain amyloidopathy and cognitive performance as the precise relationship remains unclear.MethodsThis retrospective study analyzed data collected between November 2015 and June 2023 using a clinical big data analytic solution called the Smart Clinical Data Warehouse (CDW). A total of 1,036 patients with subjective cognitive decline (SCD), mild cognitive impairment (MCI), AD dementia, and other neurodegenerative diseases were included in the study. Amyloid positron emission tomography (PET) imaging, comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations, and measurements of liver enzymes, including aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin, and albumin, were assessed. Logistic and linear regression analyses were used to investigate the associations between liver enzymes, amyloid status, and cognitive performance. Additionally, a machine learning approach was used to assess the classification performance of liver enzymes in predicting amyloid status.ResultsLower ALT levels (OR, 0.976; 95% CI, 0.957–0.994;P= 0.031) and higher AST-to-ALT ratios (OR, 1.862; 95% CI, 1.397–2.521;P< 0.001) were significantly associated with amyloid PET positivity. The AST-to-ALT ratio wasalsosignificantly associated with poor memory function. Machine learning analysis revealed that the classification performance of amyloid status (area under the curve (AUC) = 0.642) for age, sex, and apolipoprotein E ε4 carrier status significantly improved by 6.2% by integrating the AST-to-ALT ratio.ConclusionsThe association of lower ALT levels and a higher AST-to-ALT ratio with amyloid status in the brain suggests potential implications of liver function in the Aβ pathogenesis of AD. Moreover, the AST-to-ALT ratio showed promising associations with memory function, and its integration with clinical information improved the classification performance of amyloid status in the brain.