bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pyroptosis-related gene signature in neutrophils for predicting the prognosis of sepsis
Authors: Xie Jian , Wang Ling , Guo Yu , Zhou Wang 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
Sepsis is a systemic inflammatory response syndrome caused by pathogen infection, which is associated with pyroptosis. Previous studies have shown that neutrophil pyroptosis may play an important role in sepsis; however, the potential prognostic and diagnostic value of pyroptosis-related genes in sepsis remains undefined.
Methods
The RNA-seq data and clinical data of sepsis were extracted from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Then, neutrophil-related pyroptosis genes (NRPGs) were filtered by overlapping neutrophil-related genes obtained from weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between sepsis and healthy samples and pyroptosis-related genes (PRGs) retrieved from prior reviews. Subsequently, survival analysis was performed, and the correlation between the NRPGs and clinical traits was assessed. Furthermore, independent prognostic indicators were screened using Cox regression analyses, and independent prognostic genes were defined as biomarkers. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was performed to explore the potential biological pathway related to biomarkers. Correlation between prognostic indicators and immune cell infiltration were investigated. Eventually, the potential therapeutic drugs targeting biomarkers were predicted from ZINC15 database.
Results
A total of 6 NRPGs were filtered by overlapping 3109 neutrophil-related module genes, 4078 DEGs, and 33 PRGs. Meanwhile, 5 NRPGs (CASP6, GSDMB, CASP4, ELANE, and NLRP3) were related to the survival of sepsis. The correlation analysis results indicated that CASP6, GSDMB, CASP4, ELANE, and NLRP3 were significantly correlated with endotype class. In addition, the age, endotype class, and ELANE were regarded as independent prognostic indicators, and ELANE could be used as a biomarker. GSEA suggested that ELANE was markedly related to endocytosis, bacterial infection, autophagy, cell cycle and TNF signaling pathway. Additionally, NK cell, myeloid dendritic cell, and neutrophil were different in ELANE expression groups, and NK cells and neutrophil had a strongly negative correlation with ELANE. Ultimately, molecular docking results showed ZINC000164760756 had the lowest docking energy, which might be used to treat sepsis by targeting ELANE.
Conclusion
ELANE may be used as a biomarker for sepsis, which may provide a theoretical basis for the investigation of the molecular mechanisms of sepsis.
Effects of Biochar and Nps Fertilizers on Growth and Yield of Swiss Chard (Beta vulgaris var. cicla L.) in North Ari, South Omo Zone, Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Hantalo Simon Koroto , Metaferia Bantayehu Muluneh , Andualem Muluhabt Birhanu , Nesherdaki Engida Micho 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Swiss chard is widely cultivated and one of the most nutritious vegetable in the world. It is highly appreciated in many parts of the world for its year-round availability, low-cost and wide use in many traditional dishes as well as more robust and easier to grow. In Ethiopia, it ranked fourth among cool-season leaf-vegetables based on area coverage and production in quintals next to Ethiopian cabbage, head cabbage and lettuce. However, little research effort was made before to enhance its productivity. The crop is neglected in relation to research. Furthermore, the information on the use and application of biochar and mineral NPS fertilizer rate for Swiss chard is lacking in the study area. Hence, this study was conducted with the objective of assessing the effect of biochar and NPS fertilizer on growth and yield of Swiss chard and soil properties in North Ari, Southern Ethiopia. Therefore, a field experiment was conducted during the 2022/2023 in North Ari District to assess the effects of biochar (10,20 and 30 t/ha) and NPS fertilizer rate (0, 50, 100,150 and 200 kg N ha-1 ) on growth and yield components of Swiss chard. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) of factorial arrangement with three replications where, Ford Hook Giant variety of Swiss chard was used as a test crop. Results indicated that biochar and NPS fertilizer significantly (P < 0.05) influenced days to first harvest of Swiss chard in their main effects. The interaction effects of biochar and NPS fertilizer influenced plant height, leaf number, and leaf fresh weight of Swiss chard highly significantly (P < 0.01). Accordingly, the highest leaf number per plant (14.83), total number of leaves harvested per plant (12.00) and average leaf fresh weight (93.37g) of Swiss chard plant were recorded in response to the application of 200 kg N ha-1 and 30 t/ha biochar. The highest leaf length per plant (67.30 cm), marketable (36.54 t ha-1 ) and total leaf fresh yields (37.31t ha-1 ) of Swiss chard were recorded by application of 30 t/ha biochar with 100 kg NPS ha-1. As the results were limited to one location and season, repetition of the study in multi-location and season is also recommended.
Realisation of Automation for Vehicle to Grid Charging and its impact on grid
Authors: B Soundhar , K Rathnakannan 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
This paper presents and emphasis E-vehicle charging process automation based on optimization between the grid and vehicle by considering the real time constraints in charging and discharging process. Due to increase in E- vehicle and more demand for electricity, the vehicle battery charging process must be automated to reduce the impact on the grid. The real time parameters such as charging cost, Load demand on the grid, distance from the grid to vehicle and demand of the vehicles are primarily considered in this study. Actor-critic algorithm is used for the automation of Electric Vehicle charging and it is correlated with the vehicle data such as cost of charging, vehicle demand and grid demand for assessing the switching response and for improving the accuracy in results. The load variations of real and reactive power on various types of configurations such as domestic, industrial and vehicle connecting to the grid throughout the day has been done using IEEE 33 standard bus system. Frequency analysis of vehicle charging, grid stability analysis, sag and swell voltage conditions during the faulty conditions have been analysed using IEEE 33 standard bus system using MATLAB. Based on the outcome of the simulation study an embedded hardware proto type model was developed for implementing E- vehicle charging automation concept proposed in this paper.
Performance of Post-Stroke Patient's Balance on a Game Platform "Game Balance" and its Correlation with Functional Tests: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: de Oliveira Maria Júlia Ferreira Rodrigues , Souza João Victor de Araújo , Barreto Rodrigo Lopes , Cacho Enio Walker Azevedo 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Introduction: Commercial platforms are widely used in research to assess and treat balance deficits in post-stroke patients. However, they do not provide the necessary specificity for the limitations and/or compensations that these patients may present. It is also difficult to extract the captured data, and there are concerns about the accuracy of this capture.
Objective:To validate a low-cost game platform called "Game Balance" for the analysis and training of balance in post-stroke patients.
Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach. Eight (8) post-stroke patients of both genders were recruited from the Physiotherapy Clinic of FACISA (Santa Cruz/RN). This sample was evaluated using the following clinical scales: Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Functional Ambulation Categories (FAC), The Modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction and Balance (mCTSIB), Modified Rankin Scale (mRS), and Fugl-Meyer Assessment Scale. The statistical analysis was performed using means or medians and standard deviation or quartiles, followed by correlation analysis using the Pearson coefficient based on the identification of data normality or non-normality using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software, version 20.0, with a significance level of 5%.
Results: We had an n = 8, with a majority of males (62.5%), a mean age of 60.88 ± 11.67 years, and a majority of patients with ischemic stroke (62.5%) and left hemiparesis (75%) for a duration of 6.75 ± 4.33 years. Significant correlations were found between age and scores on "Game Balance" (Pearson's ρ = -0.743; p-value = 0.035), as well as between scores and activity time on the platform (Pearson's ρ = -0.738; p-value = 0.037), and between limb balance on the platform and the Rankin scale (Pearson's ρ = -0.745; p-value = 0.034).
Conclusions:The platform achieved the proposed objective, with some relationships between the variables of the device and the physical conditions of the selected population. The results of this research serve as a basis for future studies aiming to establish the effectiveness of this therapeutic approach in the rehabilitation of post-stroke sequelae.
Partial diallel in Physalis ixocarpa Brot. to improve fruit production
Authors: Tejeda Jonathan Said , Silva Luiz Cláudio Costa , Passos Adriana Rodrigues 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Tomate de cáscara (Physalis ixocarpa Brot.) has great potential to generate hybrids and cultivars that present high yields. The objective of this work was to estimate genetic parameters using the REML/BLUP methodology and investigate selection strategies for F1 populations from a partial diallel, to increase fruit production. The crosses were carried out in 2020 and the evaluation of the parents and hybrids were carried out in 2021, using a randomized block design with three replications, and an experimental plot of 10 plants. Combining ability, heterosis, phenotypic correlations, correlation networks, path analysis, and selection indexes were estimated. Genetic variability was found for the descriptors fruit production, number of fruits per plant, fruit transverse axis, and soluble solids. Additive effects were predominant over non-additive ones. The 92V and 173V parents were recommended to increase fruit production and the number of fruits per plant, due to their general combining ability values. PI02 and PI05 were the hybrids with the highest heterosis estimates for fruit production and number of fruits per plant. The negative correlation between fruit production and soluble solids stood out in the correlation study and trail analysis, assisting in the strategy regarding the selection direction. The selection indexes selected the progenies: PI02, PI04, PI05, 92V and 173V.
Influence of APTES modified HNTs on properties of NR/EPDM nanocomposites
Authors: G Sundaravadivel , Venkataraman  , S Vishvanathperumal , V Navaneethakrishnan 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe use of amino silane (3-aminopropyl) triethoxysilane (APTES) to modify the surface of natural halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) was researched. Natural rubber (NR)/ethylene-propylene-diene monomer (EPDM) nanocomposites' cure features, tensile properties, hardness, rebound resilience, and compression set qualities were all examined in relation to the impact of APTES modified halloysite nanotubes (APTES-HNTs). Measurements of swelling and cross-link density, an analysis of abrasion resistance, and examination of fracture morphology under a FESEM were also used to validate the experimental results. Several attributes, including tensile strength, stress at 100% elongation, abrasion resistance, hardness, tear strength, and curing characteristics, were improved by using APTES-HNTs as filler. Compared to base vulcanizates, the produced nanocomposites displayed superior wear characteristics. The increased contact surface area between the filler and rubber matrix led to improvements in mechanical characteristics and swelling resistance. Comparing base vulcanizates and the nanocomposite with 10 phr nanofiller, abrasion loss is reduced by 30%. According to the research, 8 phr of nanofiller might increase tensile strength and tear strength by roughly 112% and 49%, respectively.
Study on an analytical model of asymmetrical and symmetrical tailor rolled blank rolling
Authors: Wang Ji , Hu Xianlei , Feng Xue 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

A new model suitable for both asymmetrical and symmetrical tailor rolled blank (TRB) rolling is proposed by the slab method. In the transition of TRB, the work roll moves up or down during the rolling process to carry out variable gauge rolling (VGR). The difference between the rolling pressure in the VGR and that in the conventional rolling is analyzed. The results show that the rolling pressure, rolling force and torques in the downwards rolling are larger than those in the conventional rolling, and those in upwards rolling are less than those in the conventional rolling. The difference between the VGR and the conventional rolling is related to the transition zone shape factor and roll radius, the larger transition zone shape factor, the larger difference between the VGR and the conventional rolling. The effect of the roll speed ratio on the mechanical parameters in the VGR is almost the same as that in the conventional rolling. With the increase of the roll speed ratio, the thickness ratio of the TRB increases. The VGR force calculated by the proposed model agrees well with the experimental value, the maximum error is 9.7%.
Counting Temporal Path
Authors: Enright Jessica , Meeks Kitty , Molter Hendrik 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
The betweenness centrality of a vertex v is an important centrality measure that quantifies how many optimal paths between pairs of other vertices visit v. Computing betweenness centrality in a temporal graph, in which the edge set may change over discrete timesteps, requires us to count temporal paths that are optimal with respect to some criterion. For several natural notions of optimality, including foremost or fastest temporal paths, this counting problem reduces to #Temporal Path, the problem of counting all temporal paths between a fixed pair of vertices; like the problems of counting foremost and fastest temporal paths, #Temporal Path is #P-hard in general. Motivated by the many applications of this intractable problem, we initiate a systematic study of the parameterised and approximation complexity of #Temporal Path. We show that the problem presumably does not admit an FPT-algorithm for the feedback vertex number of the static underlying graph, and that it is hard to approximate in general. On the positive side, we prove several exact and approximate FPT-algorithms for special cases.
The TP53-activated E3 ligase RNF144B is a tumour suppressor that prevents genomic instability
Authors: Abad Etna , Sandoz Jeremy , Romero Gerard , Urgel-Solas Julia , Borredat Pablo , Kourtis Savvas , Ortet Laura , Martínez Carlos , Sdelci Sara , Janic Ana 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

The tumor suppressor protein TP53 regulates a vast transcriptional program that serves protective mechanisms against cancer development. However, the complexity of this program makes it difficult to unravel the role of each of its targets in TP53-mediated tumour suppression. ​​Knockdown of RNF144B, a E3-ubiquitin ligase transcriptionally regulated by TP53, enhanced the rate of tumour development and severity of malignant disease in the context of murine c-MYC-driven lymphomagenesis. Here we asked whether RNF144B has an impact on tumor suppression beyond the hematopoietic compartment. Integrative transcriptomics, proteomics, genomics and functional analysis of human and mouse oncogene-expressing cells with TP53 wild-type revealed a role for RNF144B in coordinating cellular proliferation and transformation, DNA repair and genome stability. Moreover, we show that in the context of lung adenocarcinomas, RNF144B deficiency leads to resistance to cytotoxic drugs that induce DNA damage and chromosomal instability, and that patients have a worse disease-survival overall. Supported by clinical data, our study suggests that RNF144B governs genomic stability during transformation suppression, which could explain its inactivation in human cancers.
Eigenstate polyaniline deposited on carbon cloth with optimized electrochemical performance for supercapacitors
Authors: Xu Hui , Ma Ji , Zhu Yuanqiang , Jiang Xudong , Chen Yong 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
In this paper, conductive carbon cloth (CC) is applied as substrate, polyaniline (PANI) was synthesized on the surface of CC (CC/PANI) by cyclic voltammetric polymerization, and then fully soaked in ammonia to obtain eigenstate polyaniline (EB) hybrid electrode material (CC/EB), Meanwhile, the electrochemical properties of CC/EB in acidic electrolyte and acidic electrolyte containing Mn2+ were investigated by cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge–discharge (GCD) test and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) in three-electrode system. The results indicated that compared with protonic acid electrochemically doped EB, Mn2+ doping can effectively improve the pseudo-capacitance of EB. in acid electrolyte (1 M H2SO4) containing 0.3 M MnSO4, the specific capacitance of CC/EB reaches 942.9 mF/cm2 at a current density of 1 mA/cm2, significantly higher than CC/EB (638.3 mF/cm2) and CC/PANI (440.0 mF/cm2) in 1 M H2SO4. CC/EB also exhibits good cycling stability in H2SO4 electrolyte containing 0.3 M MnSO4, retaining 73.6% at a current density of 5mA/cm2 of the initial capacitance after 3000 cycles. Furthermore, a flexible asymmetric supercapacitor (ASCs) based on EB/CC and active carbon (AC) with the optimized gel electrolyte（PVA-H2SO4（0.3 M Mn2+）is assembled, and the system delivers an energy density of 2.57 mWh/cm3 at a power density of 18.3 mW/cm3 at 1 mA/cm2, showing good application potential.
Influence Blocking Maximization Under Refutation
Authors: Luo Qi , Yu Dongxiao , Wang Dongbiao , Zhang Yafei , Zheng Yanwei , Cai Zhipeng 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
In social networks, a phenomenon termed the refutation mechanism arises when certain users spontaneously counter negative information based on their knowledge and experience. To the best of our knowledge, this paper focuses on the influence blocking maximization under the refutation mechanism for the first time. Specifically, incorporating the refutation mechanism with the Competitive Independent Cascade (CIC) model, we introduce the Refutation Competitive Independent Cascade (RCIC) model, while also considering real-time delay. Under the proposed model, we study the Joint Influence Blocking Maximization (JIBM) problem. The objective of JIBM is to maximize the expected number of nonnegatives by finding a set of positive seeds in a network. We show that the problem is NP-hard. We present a scalable approximation algorithm, named RR-JIBM, by making a non-trivial adaptation of the generation process of reverse reachable sets. We prove that the given algorithms achieve (1 − 1/e − ε)-approximation for any ε > 0 for JIBM problem. An improved algorithm named RR-JIBM+ is also proposed to improve the efficiency of RR-JIBM in reality. Experiments on real-world social networks show that our algorithms outperform other intuitive baselines in reducing the number of nodes influenced by negative seed nodes. Meanwhile, the RR-JIBM+ algorithm has a higher efficiency advantage than RR-JIBM on different datasets.
Study of hygroscopic properties of the mixture of porous and non-porous materials by using optical techniques
Authors: Sepúlveda Ruth D. Mojica , Herrera Luis J. Mendoza , Muñoz Mercedes , Grumel Eduardo E. , Tebaldi Myrian 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

The hygroscopicity of Urea/Diatom compounds was investigated using the dynamic speckle technique, alongside the study of textural properties through nitrogen sorption. The results obtained by using optical methods provided insights into the hygroscopic behavior of the sample, in particular when high urea contents were present, which fall outside the range of applicability for the nitrogen sorption technique. The dynamic speckle technique served as a valuable complement to the conventional technique.
The Anchoring Role of Social Safety Nets and Coping Strategies: A Study on the Rural Households of Manipur in North-East India
Authors: De Utpal Kumar , Solomon S. 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Empirical research on the effects of social safety nets in developing countries is becoming increasingly important in order to create a comprehensive programme that may assist the targeted groups to minimise their vulnerability to poverty. This paper examines the impact of social safety nets in the rural areas of Manipur, India and its role in increasing the choices of coping strategies ex-post shocks. Based on primary data collected in 2021-22, we estimate the vulnerability to poverty score of the households using three Stage Feasible Generalized Least Square (3S FGLS) and categorised them into different poverty status. We used simultaneous endogenous switching regression to estimate the impact of social safety nets and further employed propensity score matching to check the robustness of the result.
Results reveal that household’s vulnerability to poverty reduced by 14.2 percent for the participants in social safety nets. We also evaluate the existing coping strategies that households deploy post shocks and analyse the impact of social safety nets in affecting the choices of decision in coping strategies using a multivariate probit model. The results indicate that choice of coping strategies depend on economic endowment and stability of household income sources. Households facing economic shock are more likely to work intensively for consumption smoothing, while households that are well-endowed are less likely to adopt ex-post coping strategies as they have sufficient resources to tide over the shocks.
JEL Classifications: C21 C34, D04, I32, I38
TEMPO Oxidation for High Cellulose Content Biomass: A Study on Palm Oil Empty Fruit Bunch Fibers
Authors: Martínez-Ramírez Andrea P. , Rincón-Ortiz Sergio A. , Baldovino-Medrano Víctor G. , Blanco-Tirado Cristian , Combariza Marianny Y. 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Palm oil milling in Colombia generates abundant residual biomass. With a yearly production of over one million tons, empty fruit bunches (EFB) from palm oil extraction can be a valuable source of biopolymers due to their high cellulose, lignin, and hemicellulose contents. We investigate the impact of reaction time, primary oxidizing agent, and a pretreatment process on the physicochemical properties of TEMPO-oxidized cellulose nanofibers (TOCN) derived from palm oil empty fruit bunch (EFB) fibers. Conductometric titrations (CT) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were used to determine the total carboxylate contents of nanocellulose and examine the influence of experimental parameters on the EFB-TOCN surface chemistry. Statistical analysis indicates a positive and significant influence of reaction time and primary oxidizing agent on EBF-TOCN degree of oxidation and surface charge density. Partial EFB delignification increased EFB-TOCN oxidation and reaction yield compared to EFB without pretreatment. We also found that only time significantly influences EFB-TOCN hydrodynamic radii, with a reaction length of over 120 minutes required to obtain nanocellulose below 100 nm in size. EFB-TOCN hydrodynamic radii, reaction yield, and oxidation are directly linked to reaction time, primary oxidizing agent amount, and biomass pretreatment process.