bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
HIV-1 Virion Lysis following Centrifugation improves the Sensitivity of the Fourth- Generation HIV Ag/Ab Combo Assay
Authors: Wandera Allan , Ssekatawa Kenneth , Kato Charles Drago , Kwizera Eliah , Mujinya Pastori , Siida Robert 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Objective
Fourth-generation HIV Ag/Ab Combo assay is used for HIV screening of blood for transfusion in developing countries, however, the sensitivity of the assay is questionable during the acute phase of HIV infection. Thus, the study aimed to determine the effect of combining centrifugation with HIV-1 virion lysis on the sensitivity of the fourth-generation HIV Ag/Ab combo assay.
Results
Of the 59 samples used, 50 were found to be HIV-1 Antibody negative and 9 were HIV Antibody positive. When the 50 HIV-1 antibody-negative samples were run on the fourth-generation HIV Ag/Ab combo assay, 8 (16%) were positive following centrifugation, 13 (26%) were positive following lysis while 25 (50%) were positive after combining centrifugation with HIV-1 virion lysis.
A New Intelligent Cross-Domain Routing Method in SDN Based on a Proposed Multiagent Reinforcement Learning Algorithm
Authors: Ye Miao , Huang Linqiang , Wang Xiaoli , Wang Yong , Jiang Qiuxiang , Qiu Hongbing 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Message transmission and message synchronization for multicontroller interdomain routing in software-defined networking (SDN) have long adaptation times and slow convergence speeds, coupled with the shortcomings of traditional interdomain routing methods, such as cumbersome configuration and inflexible acquisition of network state information. These drawbacks make it difficult to obtain a global state information of the network, and the optimal routing decision cannot be made in real time, affecting network performance. This paper proposes a cross-domain intelligent SDN routing method based on a proposed multiagent deep reinforcement learning. First, the network is divided into multiple subdomains managed by multiple local controllers, and the state information of each subdomain is flexibly obtained by the designed SDN multithreaded network measurement mechanism. Then, a cooperative communication module is designed to realize message transmission and message synchronization between root and local controllers, and socket technology is used to ensure the reliability and stability of message transmission between multiple controllers to realize the real-time acquisition of global network state information. Finally, after the optimal intradomain and interdomain routing paths are adaptively generated by the agents in the root and local controllers, a prediction mechanism for the network traffic state is designed to improve the awareness of the cross-domain intelligent routing method and enable the generation of the optimal routing paths in the global network in real time. Experimental results show that the proposed cross-domain intelligent routing method can significantly improve the network throughput, reduce the network delay and the packet loss rate compared to the Dijkstra and OSPF routing methods.
Expression of Immunogenic Cell Death-Related Genes is Correlated with Immune Microenvironment and Predicts Prognosis in Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Gong Wenlin , Gao Fushan , Shao Fei , Chen Leifeng , Gao Yibo , He Jie 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Immunogenic cell death (ICD) is a type of regulated cell death that is enough to primes adaptive immune response. Mounting evidence has demonstrated that ICD has the potential to modify the tumor immune microenvironment by release of numerous damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), which may contribute to the immunotherapy. We aimed to explore the expression profile of ICD-associated biomarkers and construct a prognostic signature based on these genes in Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Here, we identified two ICD-associated molecular subgroups with significantly different survival. The cluster 1 presented a favorable prognosis and associated with high abundance of immune infiltrating cells and relatively high immune status. Functional analyses revealed that the Differentially Expressed Genes (DEGs) between the two subgroups were mainly enriched in immune response signaling. Besides, a risk score signature was established based on eleven ICD-related genes, the signature possessed potent potential for prognosis prediction of LUAD patients, Analysis of immune profiles showed that low-risk groups presented noticeable immune-cell infiltrations and more likely to benefit from immunotherapy. In conclusion, our research established a new classification system of LUAD based on ICD signature. This stratification had significant guide clinical practice for estimating prognosis, as well as the potential immunotherapy for LUAD patients.
The use of X-ray computed tomography and X-ray fluorescence in research into historical printing from the 17 th century
Authors: Neoralová Jitka , Kazanskii Andrei , Kindlerová Rita Lyons , Novotná Dana , Vávrová Petra , Vavrik Daniel , Kumpová Ivana , Vopálenský Michal , Kyncl Tomáš 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
This work presents the use of X-ray computed tomography and X-ray fluorescence in analyses and expert surveys of historical manuscripts and early prints. Historic early prints and manuscripts retain much information about their origins, owners and creators, or various defects hidden in the book binding or hidden between layers of material. The Department of Research Laboratories of the National Library of the Czech Republic has long been involved in non-invasive methods of making visible and documenting information that is not available during normal historical or restoration research. The book that was selected for the survey was a 17th-century historical print of the collection of the Slavic Library originally from Kiev, with the full title Eukhologīon albo Molitoslov, ili Trebnik. The main purpose of the survey was to confirm whether the book binding is original or whether it is a rebinding, and whether there are no fragments of older texts in the binding. Radiography was unable to provide sufficient quality documents confirming or refuting the binding or the presence of layers in the book binding carrying the text. Computed tomography made it possible to display detailed structure of bookbinding materials, including wooden boards. No fragments or layers with older texts were found in the structure of the book binding therefore, there is no need for invasive intervention. All binding elements were visible and no internal defects in materials and stitching were detected. The possibility of reading text in a closed book based on X-ray computed tomography will be presented, as this option may be advantageous for massively damaged manuscripts. Thanks to a very detailed representation of the wood structure using tomography, it was possible to carry out a dendrochronological survey without invasive intervention. Dendrochronological analysis confirmed the original bookbinding materials corresponding to the age of early printing. As part of the survey, an elemental analysis of the font was also carried out using an X-ray fluorescence spectrometer. The letters in the CT reconstruction have significantly different contrasts. The different elemental composition of the printing inks was verified using XRF analysis.
Meninigovascular syphilis presenting as acute ischemic stroke in an HIV + young adult: A case report and a brief literature review
Authors: Kuma¹ Abera , Tadesse¹ Sinetibeb , Girma Abdulkerim 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
Meningovascular syphilis, a distinct classification of neurosyphilis, has gained attention for its association with cerebral ischemia, particularly among individuals living with HIV. This unique manifestation of syphilis affects the meningeal and vascular structures of the central nervous system, leading to cerebrovascular complications. Notably, in young patients who present with stroke-like symptoms, especially within the context of HIV infection, should prompt suspicion of meningovascular syphilis
Case presentation
A right-handed male patient presented with a sudden paresis of the right upper and lower extremities, along with facial deviation to the left and low verbal output, constructing sentences, and conveying thoughts or ideas effectively. Upon admission, the patient's neurological examination revealed a Glasgow Coma score of 10A. He exhibited motor aphasia, right facial paralysis sparing the forehead, and right upper and lower extremity spastic hemiparesis with a strength of 3 out of 5 on the Medical Research Council scale. The Plantar reflex was positive on the affected side. Brain Magnetic resonance imaging revealed left middle cerebral artery infarction (cortical and lenticulostrial territory acute infarction).
Conclusion:
The authors recommend treating physician to have a high index of suspicion towards meningovascular syphilis as a potential cause of stroke in young individuals. This is crucial, especially when there is also a concurrent HIV infection, as it can significantly affect treatment decisions.
Quantifying Numerical Uncertainty in Background-Oriented Schlieren
Authors: Anand Pranjal , Zhang Jiacheng , Rajendran Lalit , Bane Sally , Vlachos Pavlos 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Our study presents and evaluates a method for computing the numerical uncertainty in Background Oriented Schlieren (BOS). We use Richardson extrapolation to assess the uncertainty of numerical integration of density gradients, based on residuals of density results across two grid levels. By integrating this numerical uncertainty with the existing random uncertainty, we obtain the final uncertainty of the density field. We assess the method's effectiveness using synthetic fields with artificial noise. Our error analysis shows that the sharpness of the density gradient significantly affects bias error and the prediction of numerical uncertainty. The prediction of numerical uncertainty corresponds to variations in bias error, particularly when the noise level and wavelength of the flow field are altered. By accounting for the numerical uncertainty, our method achieves up to 91% accuracy in predicting total uncertainty, as measured against the root-mean-square of the total error. We further demonstrate the utility of our methodology by applying it to experimental BOS images. Our proposed approach offers a more accurate understanding of uncertainty estimation in the BOS technique, with implications for future experiments.
Stimulation of M2 Macrophage Polarization and Presentation of Tumor Antigens by Hybrid Hydrogel Based on Lysate of M1 Macrophages and Tumor Cells for Activation of Anti-Tumor Immunotherapy
Authors: Gao Meng , Luo Yingli 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Tumor therapy remains a major challenge in modern medicine. In recent years, autologous cell-derived hydrogels have gained significant attention as an innovative treatment strategy and have been extensively investigated for their potential applications in tumor immunotherapy. They not only directly interact with cells but also provide an ideal scaffold structure, facilitating the restoration of tumor tissue to a normal state. Moreover, hydrogels demonstrate excellent drug loading capacity for targeted delivery of anti-tumor drugs, thereby enhancing therapeutic efficacy. As they are derived from the patient's own cells, immunological rejection and safety concerns associated with exogenous materials can be avoided. Here, we prepared the hybrid hydrogel with the combination of tumor cells lysate and M1 macrophages lysate. The M1 macrophages lysate polarized the M2 macrophages, otherwise, the induced M1 macrophages could uptake the tumor antigens from the prepared hybrid hydrogel. Then, they will present the tumor antigens and stimulate the naïve T cells. The activated T cells will specifically kill the tumors. Therefore, the platform of autologous hybrid cells lysate will be helpful for the tumor immunotherapy.
Psoas major muscle mass and upper limb muscle strength are the main factors influencing the rate of HDL-cholesterol within the target in T2DM patients
Authors: Guo Shanshan , Han Zhilin , Cheng Wei , Zhang Zhitian , Liu Jiaojiao , Wang Yongjian , Wang Xiangyu , Yan Hongmei , Wang Ru 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Background
Achieving lipid control standards is one of the most important measures to slow down the development of diabetic complications. Clinically, effective drugs have been widely used to reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) and triglycerides (TG). However, there are no effective drugs to increase high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c). Studies have shown that exercise can improve HDL-c, so this study intends to investigate the association between muscle mass/muscle strength at different sites and HDL-c to provide clinical evidence to develop precise exercise therapy in the future.
Methods
We included 2 populations to analyze the relationship between muscle and HDL-c in two aspects: muscle mass and muscle strength. The first study population, including 218 participants, was recruited from inpatients with T2DM in the Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University between February 2017 and December 2020. The second study population, including 138 participants, was recruited from patients with T2DM in Shanghai Yangpu District Central Hospital from June to December 2021. Both groups were analyzed to determine the relationship between psoas major muscle (PMM) mass and muscle strength at different sites and HDL-c.
Results
The results showed that PMM mass and HDL-c were independently associated and that lower limb muscle strength was not associated with HDL-c. In addition, the odds of achieving the HDL-c target increased with the increase in biceps, triceps and deltoids after adjustment by weight. Furthermore, there were no significant interactions in the trend test for the correlation between PMM mass or upper limb muscle strength and HDL-c between age, sex, and BMI after stratification in the subgroup analysis.
Conclusion
Our study demonstrates that greater PMM mass and upper limb muscle strength are beneficial for reaching HDL-c targets in certain T2DM patients. This suggests that in clinical practice, specific training of PMM mass and upper limb muscle strength can improve HDL-c in those patients.
Exploring Student Experiences of Learning Chemistry Using Holism Evolution Infused Poetry
Authors: Mirkin Philip 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Holism evolution states that although energy, matter, life, consciousness and the human personality are independent and different substances/levels of evolution, they are holistically and intimately related. This paper presents the findings from teaching chemistry to high school and post-graduate university science-education students using poetry constructed from physical science ideas imbedded in holism evolution. The research findings are from observed student behaviour and written feedback from being taught chemistry using poems on the periodic table and acids and bases. Both poems demonstrate the holism intimacy between various substances/levels of evolution, with the periodic table poem also presenting groups of chemical elements as representing the characteristics of infant, teenager, adult and old age of matter, presenting a holistic relationship between matter and life. The findings indicate that using holism evolution infused content led to a personally meaningful engagement with chemistry even among students with limited previous interest in the subject. Many post-graduate students expressed an awakened new level of engagement with chemistry as well as new insights to enliven their teaching practice.
A new risk model of predicting left atrial thrombus/spontaneous echo contrast using left atrial diameter and brain natriuretic peptide in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation
Authors: Wang Guangyu , Zhu Junying , Li Guangyu , Hu Feng , Zang Minhua , Pu Jun 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Objective
To develop a new model for predicting left atrial thrombus (LAT) or spontaneous echo contrast (SEC) and explore the influence from left atrial diameter (LAD) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) to LAT/SEC in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF).
Methods
A total of 434 consecutive PAF patients who underwent transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) were divided into LAT/SEC group and No LAT/SEC group between January 2019 and December 2021. Then, we retrospectively analyzed the baseline clinical characteristics, routine laboratory and echocardiographic parameters.
Results
Among the 434 PAF patients, 45 patients had LAT/SEC (10.4%, 45/434). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified LAD [odds ratio (OR) = 1.202, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.107–1.305, P < 0.001] and BNP (OR = 1.001, 95% CI: 1.000–1.003, P = 0.035) were independent risk factors of LAT/SEC. The optimal cut-off values when predicting LAT/SEC using LAD and BNP were 41.5 mm and 62.6 pg/mL, respectively. A model of combining LAD, BNP and CHA2DS2-VASc score significantly improved discrimination in LAT/SEC. In medium risk group, the incidence of LAT/SEC (22.6%) rose significantly when LAD or BNP was higher than cut-off values.
Conclusion
LAD and BNP, as independent predictors of LAT/SEC, combine with CHA2DS2-VASc score may better help thromboembolic risk stratification in PAF patients. Especially if LAD or BNP was higher than their cut-off values, the risk of cardioembolic stroke would rise accompanied by the increased incidence of LAT/SEC in patients with medium risk group.
Dihydroartemisinin Enhances the Effects of Oxaliplatin by Activating PDCD5/ARAF mediated Signal Transduction in Colon Cancer
Authors: Peng Yanling , Zheng Yingying , Qiu Juanjuan , Liu Jing , Zou Jiaorui , Liu Chunyan , Chai Zhengbin 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Programmed cell death 5 (PDCD5) has been reported to be expressed at low levels in various types of cancers and can be upregulated and rapidly migrate from the cytoplasm to the nucleus when cell death is induced. It is believed to be an important prognostic marker for the response to cancer therapy. Further study of the molecular mechanism by which PDCD5 exerts its antitumour activity and exploration of low toxicity and high-efficiency drugs targeting PDCD5 may reveal a promising strategy for clinical cancer therapy. In this study, the function and molecular mechanism of PDCD5 in colon tumorigenesis were thoroughly studied. PDCD5 was distributed mainly in nontumor tissues and expressed at low levels in colon cancer tissues, and the expression level of PDCD5 was negatively related to cell proliferation and tumour growth. In addition, PDCD5 expression was positively related to the cytotoxicity of oxaliplatin and dihydroartemisinin (DHA). The molecular mechanism of PDCD5 in colon tumorigenesis was also studied using proteomic analysis, which showed that PDCD5 can downregulate ARAF expression and subsequently impair ARAF/MEK/ERK signal transduction. DHA exerts its antitumour activity via active PDCD5 to suppress the ARAF/MEK/ERK signalling pathway and improve the antitumour effects of oxaliplatin. In summary, DHA can enhance the cytotoxic effects of oxaliplatin by regulating PDCD5 expression and subcellular localization to suppress the ARAF/MEK/ERK signalling pathway.
Trunk distortion weakens the tree productivity revealed by half-sib progeny determination of Pinus yunnanensis
Authors: Li Zhongmu , Gao Chengjie , Che Fengxian , Li Jin , Wang Lu , Cui Kai 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Twisted trunks are not uncommon in trees, but their effects on tree growth are still unclear. Among coniferous tree species, the phenomenon of trunk distortion of P. yunnanensis is more prominent. In order to expand the germplasm genetic resources, select families with excellent phenotypic traits and provide materials for advanced generation breeding, the progeny test forest containing 93 excellent families was used as the research material. Phenotypic measurements were performed at 9, 15 and 18 years of age, respectively, and genetic parameters were estimated. The results showed as follows: (1) There were significant differences in phenotypic traits (plant height, diameter breast height, long crown diameter, short crown diameter, height under branches, degree of stem-straightness, and volume) among and within families, indicating that there was abundant variation among families and potential for selection. (2) At half rotation period (18 years old), there was a significant correlation between the traits. The proportion of trees with twisted trunks (level 1–3 straightness) was 48%, and the degree of stem-straightness significantly affected vegetative growth traits, among which plant height and diameter breast height were the most affected, and the volume loss rate caused by twisted trunk was 18.06%-56.75%, implying that trunk distortion could not be completely eliminated after an artificial selection. (3) The influence of tree shape, crown width and trunk on volume increased in turn, and the correlation between plant height, diameter breast height and volume was extremely significant. The range of phenotypic coefficient of variation, genetic variation coefficient and heritability of growth traits (plant height, diameter breast height and volume) were 44.29%-127.13%, 22.88%-60.87% and 0.79–0.83, respectively. (4) A total of 21 superior families were selected by the method of membership function combined with independent selection. Compared with the mid-term selection (18 years old), the accuracy of early selection (9 years old) reached 77.5%, indicating its feasibility. The average genetic gain and realistic gain range of the selected families were 5.79%-19.82% and 7.12%-24.27%, respectively. This study can provide some reference for the breeding of coniferous species.
Decomposition Methods for Monotone Two-Time-Scale Stochastic Optimization Problems
Authors: Rigaut Tristan , Carpentier Pierre , Chancelier Jean-Philippe , De Lara Michel 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
It is common that strategic investment decisions are made at a slow time-scale, whereas operational decisions are made at a fast time-scale. Hence, the total number of decision stages may be huge. In this paper, we consider multistage stochastic optimization problems with two time-scales, and we propose a time block decomposition scheme to address them numerically. More precisely, i) we write recursive Bellman-like equations at the slow time-scale and ii), under a suitable monotonicity assumption, we propose computable upper and lower bounds — relying respectively on primal and dual decomposition — for the corresponding slow time-scale Bellman functions. With these functions, we are able to design policies.We assess the methods tractability and validate their efficiency by solving a battery management problem where the fast time-scale operational decisions have an impact on the storage current capacity, hence on the strategic decisions to renew the battery at the slow time-scale.