bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Potential dynamic corneal response parameters for myopia: Relationship of axial length with whole eye movement at the first and second applanations and the highest concavity
Authors: Yang Ye , Chu Zhe , Cheng Lu , Cheng Hao , Ren Qi
Published: October 2023

Purpose: To investigate the correlation between whole eye movement (WEM) parameters measured using Corvis ST and axial length (AL) to explore whether AL has an effect on WEM in addition to orbital soft tissue.
Methods: This single-center, cross-sectional study included data from healthy subjects and patients preparing for refractive surgery in the Qingdao Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University. Data were collected from July 2021 to April 2022. First, we determined the correlations of WEMs at the time of first applanation (A1_WEM), highest concavity (HC_WEM) and second applanation (A2_WEM) and the maximum value of WEM (WEM_Max) with AL. Then we established a series of regression models to analyze the relationship between different WEM values and AL.
Results: AL was negatively correlated with HC_WEM, A2_WEM, and WEM_Max (r = −0.28, −0.23, and −0.22, respectively; P < 0.001). The correlation between AL and A1_WEM was not significant (P = 0.77). In adjusted regression models, AL was negatively associated with HC_WEM (Model 2: β = −7.39, P < 0.001) and WEM_Max (Model 4: β= −3.52, P = 0.02), but the associations of AL with A1_WEM (Model 1: P= 0.61) and A2_WEM (Model 3: P = 0.23) were not significant.
Conclusions: This study confirmed a negative correlation between AL and HC_WEM. AL is an independent influencing factor for HC_WEM.
Role of transesophageal echocardiography in decision-making of coronary artery obstruction in surgical aortic valve replacement
Authors: Mitsuishi Atsuyuki , Orihashi Kazumasa , Miura Yujiro , Saito Ren
Published: October 2023

Background
Acute coronary artery obstruction is a rare but lethal complication of surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR), which may be caused by embolization of resected native tissue such as calcium plaque, thrombus or perivalvular aortic tissue like fatembolus. Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) are the main treatment modalities. PCI is less invasive, but it is difficult to determine its feasibility intraoperatively.
Case presentation
We report an 86-year-old woman who had asymptomatic severe aortic stenosis. She had scleroderma with an intractable left leg ulcer and bilateral leg varices. Considering the possibility of the spread of infection from the leg wound, SAVR was performed via right anterior thoracotomy to avoid complications such as mediastinitis. Coronary artery occlusion was suspected after weaning of cardiopulmonary bypass in the operation room due to asynergywith ST elevation and new severe mitral regurgitation. Transoesophageal echocardiography (TEE) helped diagnose coronary obstruction by embolus based on the degree of stenosis and the movement of the stenosis site. Percutaneous catheter intervention was performed successfully to restore coronary perfusion.
Conclusion
Repeated and continuous TEE enabled the diagnosis of coronary artery stenosis caused by embolus and helped ascertain the feasibility of percutaneous catheter intervention. This is especially invaluable in cases where obtaining a saphenous graft for CABG is difficult or where CABG would have required conversion from minimally invasive surgery (anterolateralapproach) to median sternotomy. By communication with anesthesiologists who performed repeated and continuous TEE during an operation, we were able to select a less invasive surgery for the patient.
Surgical therapy of acute diaphragmatic hernia: long experience in our facilities
Authors: Saad Hassan Awad , Baz Azza , Eraky Mohamed Elsayed , El-Taher Ahmed Kamal , Riad Mohamed , Farid Mohamed Ibrahim , Sharaf Khaled
Published: October 2023

Context Here, we discuss our surgical experience treating traumatic diaphragmatic hernias while attempting to determine the historical influence of various time periods on mortality risk factors and outcomes. methods From Mau 2005 to April 2022, we operated on 126 individuals who had been with traumatic diaphragmatic hernias in emergency Zagazig University Hospital. In order to show the features of the injuries, determine the best course of treatment, identify death risk factors, and compare two time periods (2010–2016 and 2016–2022) separated by the introduction of computed tomography at our institution, the patient records were examined and statistically evaluated. Results The average age of the population was 31.2 ± 16.3 years, with a ratio of 11/52 for men to women. In 38 cases (30.2%), penetrating trauma was the mechanism; in 88 cases (69.9%), blunt trauma was the cause. Computed tomography was performed on two-thirds of the patients in the second group (201 6–2022) but not on any of the patients in the first group (2010–2016). Twenty patients (15.9%), with four in the second group and sixteen in the first (p = .042), received their diagnoses later than expected. Thoracotomies were the most often performed incision (n = 86, 89.6%). Between the two periods, there was no statistically significant variation in either mortality or etiology. According to univariate analysis, survivors outnumbered non-survivors in terms of age, injury severity scores (ISS), and American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) grade. Increased age (odds ratio, 1.275; p = .013) and greater ISS (OR, 1.174; p = .028) were found to be risk factors for death in all patients by multivariate logistic regression analysis. In conclusion The preoperative diagnostic rate has increased dramatically with the use of high-definition computed tomography. With favorable results, the transthoracic technique may be performed in certain cases of traumatic diaphragmatic hernia. Patients who are older and have a higher ISS have a higher mortality rate.
Partial femoral head replacement: A new innovative hip-preserving approach for treating osteonecrosis of the femoral head and its finite element analysis
Authors: Yang Yanjiang , Cheng Xiaodong , Zhu Yanbin , Li Guimiao , Wang Yuchuan , Sun Weiyi , An Wen , Zhang Qi , Zhang Yingze
Published: October 2023

Background
Controversy remains regarding the optimal treatment for stage III Osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). This study presents, for the first time, the precise treatment of stage III ONFH using the "substitute the beam for a pillar" technique and performs a comparative finite element analysis with other hip-preserving procedures.
Methods
A formalin-preserved femur of male cadavers was selected to obtain the CT scan data of femur. The proximal femur model was reconstructed and assembled using Mimics 20.0, Geomagic, and UG-NX 12.0 software with four different implant types: simple core decompression, fibula implantation, porous tantalum rod implantation, and partial replacement prosthesis. The finite element simulations were conducted to simulate the normal walking gait, and the stress distribution and displacement data of the femur and the implant model were obtained.
Results
The peak von Mises stress of the femoral head and proximal femur in the PRFH group were 22.8 MPa and 37.4 MPa, respectively, which were 3.1–38.6% and 12.8–37.4% lower than those of the other three surgical methods.
Conclusions
After partial replacement of femoral head, the curvature of prosthetic head and femoral head is the same, and the stress conduction mode is the same as that of normal hip joint. However, stress concentration occurs at the joint between prosthetic head and stem, and the choice of materials with higher strength should be considered.
ANWO-MPL:An Adaptive Nonlinear Multi-layer Perceptron Cyber Intrusion Detection Framework
Authors: El-ghaish Hany , Miqrish Haitham , Elmogy Ahmed , Elawady Wael
Published: October 2023

The critical need for robust defense against cyber-attacks has driven thedevelopment of Cyber Intrusion Detection Systems (CIDSs). AlthoughCIDSs have proven good capabilities of swiftly and accurately iden-tifying malicious activities, there are still some challenges have to betackled. The exponential growth of the search space is one of thesechallenges making finding an optimal solution computationally infeasi-ble for large datasets. Furthermore, the weight space while searchingfor optimal weight is highly nonlinear. Motivated by the observedcharacteristics, complexities, and challenges in the field, this paperpresents an innovative (CIDS) named ANWO-MLP (Adaptive NonlinearWhale Optimization Multi-layer Perceptron). A novel feature selectionmethod called ANWO-FS (Adaptive Nonlinear Whale Optimization -Feature Selection) is employed in the proposed CIDS to identify themost predictive features enabling robust MLP training even in thehighly nonlinear weight spaces. The insider threat detection process is improved by investigating vital aspects of CIDS, including data pro-cessing, initiation, and output handling. We adopt ANWOA (previouslyproposed by us) to mitigate local stagnation, enable rapid conver-gence, optimize control parameters, and handle multiple objectives byinitializing the weight vector in the ANWO-MLP training with mini-mal mean square error. Experiments were conducted on various highlyimbalanced datasets to verify the robustness, stability, and efficiencyof our proposed ANWO-MLP . By employing diverse metrics, superiordetection rates are demonstrated compared to existing approaches.
Apoptotic cell death in an animal model of virus-induced acute liver failure – observations during Lagovirus europaeus/GI.2 infection
Authors: Bębnowska Dominika , Hrynkiewicz Rafał , Rzeszotek Sylwia , Freus Marika , Niedźwiedzka-Rystwej Paulina
Published: October 2023

Lagovirus europaeus/GI.2 causes severe and highly fatal Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease. Because of its characteristics, this infection is used as an animal model for acute liver failure (ALF). Apoptosis is one of the key processes underlying ALF and has been described as one of the mechanisms of RHD pathogenesis. Apoptotic cell death has been quite well characterized in infection with different variants of GI.1 strains, but so far GI.2 genotype has not been widely studied. In this study, we performed an evaluation of apoptotic cell death in hepatocytes of rabbits infected with Lagovirus europaeus/GI.2. We analyzed the expression of genes involved in apoptotic cell death by real-time PCR and performed immunohistochemical (IHC) assay. As a result, we showed a significant increase in the expression of caspase-3 and the pro-apoptotic Bax and anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 in infected animals. In addition, we recorded increased Bax/Bcl2 ratios. IHC analysis showed the presence of morphological signs of apoptosis in the hepatocytes of infected rabbits. Our results indicate that caspase-3 and the proteins from Bcl2 families play a key role in apoptosis induced by Lagovirus europaeus/GI.2 infection.
Si 2 BN QuantumDots as Efficient Detectors of Carbamazepine in Aqueous Environment: First principles study
Authors: Elbendary Nada , Abdelsalam Hazem , Tawfik Walid , Ibrahim Medhat A. , Khalil Mostafa M. H.
Published: October 2023

Pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) excreted into the environment have dangerous consequences on environmental impacts and public health. Therefore, it is crucial to find efficient methods for the treatment of these pollutants. Currently, a wide range of physical, biological, and chemical processes are being explored for the removal of such contaminants. Here we consider the capability of the ultrathin Si2BN quantum dots to adsorb and eliminate Carbamazepine. Based on first-principles calculations, we studied the electronic structure and the adsorption energy of Carbamazepine (CBZ) by a stable Si2BN nanoflakes. We estimated the adsorption energies on two different sites of Si2BN monolayer. The calculated positive values (~0.83eV) of adsorption energy implies that the considered Si2BN nanoflakes are able to adsorb Carbamazepine through all the proposed adsorption sites.
Measuring the Similarity of Charts in Graphical Statistics. Cartograms, Choropleth Maps and Radar Charts
Authors: Górnisiewicz Krzysztof , Palka Zbigniew , Ratajczak Waldemar
Published: October 2023

This paper adds to the existing literature in the field of graphical statistics, proposing a new approach to assessing the degree of similarity of statistical charts of various types, and presenting new metrics that make this possible.
This improves analytical capabilities with respect to various processes mapped with well-known types of statistical charts, such as choropleth maps, radar charts, etc.
Decomposition of the Anisotropic Strain in 3D-Structure GaN Layers using Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Takeuchi Kazuma , Ogura Hiroyuki , Hasuike Noriyuki , Kamikawa Takeshi
Published: October 2023

Strain engineering for gallium nitride has been studied by many researchers to improve the performance of various devices (i.e., light-emitting diodes, laser diodes, power devices, high electron mobility transistors, and so on). Further miniaturization of gallium nitride devices will clearly continue in the future, and therefore an accurate understanding of the strain state in the devices is essential. However, a measurement technique for axially resolved evaluation of the strain in microareas has not yet been established. In this study, we revealed that the anisotropic strain state induced in c-plane growth gallium nitride is linked to the split state of Raman peaks, which were measured with z(xx)z̅ and z(yx)z̅ polarized configurations. The anisotropic strain state in c-plane gallium nitride was induced in the 3D- structure by epitaxial lateral overgrowth, which enabled successful performance of our work. This result allowed us to axially decompose the strain in c-plane gallium nitride through Raman spectroscopy and establish a measurement technique for axially resolving the strain. This measurement technique is feasible using a conventional Raman spectrometer. Furthermore, the method was indicated to be applicable to all wurtzite-type crystals, including gallium nitride, silicon carbide, and aluminum nitride. Our work provides a new perspective for understanding the complex strain state in microareas for wurtzite materials.
Comprehending the strain state, which strongly affects device performance, will help promote the research and development of III-V semiconductor devices.
Welcome to the next generation of Malaria Rapid Diagnostic Tests: Comparative Analysis of NxTek Eliminate Malaria P.f, Biocredit Malaria Ag Pf, and SD Bioline Malaria Ag Pf for Plasmodium falciparum Diagnosis in Ghana
Authors: Kayode Tolulope A , Addo Agyapong Kofi Addo , Addison Thomas Kwame , Tweneboah Austine , Afriyie Stephen Opoku , Abass Dawood Ackom , Seth Ayesha , Badu-Tawiah Abraham K. , Badu Kingsley , Koepfli Cristian
Published: October 2023

Background: Accurate diagnosis and timely treatment are crucial in combating malaria.
Methods: We evaluated the diagnostic performance of three Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) in diagnosing febrile patients, namely: Abbott NxTek Eliminate Malaria Ag Pf (detecting HRP2), Rapigen Biocredit Malaria Ag Pf (detecting HRP2 and LDH on separate bands), and SD Bioline Malaria Ag Pf (detecting HRP2). Results were compared to qPCR.
Results: Among 449 clinical patients, 45.7% (205/449) tested positive by qPCR for P. falciparum with a mean parasite density of 12.5parasites/μL. The sensitivity of the Biocredit RDT was 52.2% (107/205), NxTek RDT was 49.3% (101/205), and Bioline RDT was 40.5% (83/205). When samples with parasite densities lower than 20 parasites/uL were excluded (n=116), a sensitivity of 88.8% (79/89, NxTek), 89.9% (80/89, Biocredit), and 78.7% (70/89, Bioline) was obtained. All three RDTs demonstrated specificity above 95%. The limits of detection was 84 parasites/μL (NxTek), 56 parasites/μL (Biocredit, considering either HRP2 or LDH), and 331 parasites/μL (Bioline). None of the three qPCR-confirmed P. falciparum positive samples, identified solely through the LDH target, carried hrp2/3 deletions.
Conclusion: The Biocredit and NxTek RDTs demonstrated comparable diagnostic efficacies and both RDTs performed better than Bioline RDT.
Simulation and Characteristic Analysis of High-Temperature Thermal Runaway Process in Ternary Lithium- Ion Batteries
Authors: LIANG KUNFENG , ZHU QING , ZHOU XUN
Published: October 2023

This study addresses the thermal safety issues of ternary lithium-ion batteries, focusing on NCM523 monomer lithium-ion batteries as the research subject. A thermal abuse model for lithium-ion batteries is established, and thermal Oven experiments are simulated to investigate the thermal runaway (TR) process of lithium-ion batteries under high-temperature conditions (135°C ~ 195°C). The study analyzes the impact of various factors such as environmental temperature, state of charge (SOC) of the battery, initial battery temperature, and heat transfer coefficient on the thermal runaway of lithium-ion batteries. Additionally, it examines the changes in the internal material content of the battery and heat generation in various parts of the battery during the thermal runaway process. The research reveals that at an oven temperature of 195°C, the maximum temperature during the thermal runaway of lithium-ion batteries can reach approximately 625°C. The reactions between the negative electrode and electrolyte, as well as the positive electrode and electrolyte, are the primary sources of heat generation during thermal runaway. An increase in the state of charge of the battery leads to an earlier onset of thermal runaway. Furthermore, an increase in the heat transfer coefficient results in an earlier onset of thermal runaway. Implementing appropriate cooling methods (liquid cooling or direct cooling) can to some extent prevent the occurrence of thermal runaway phenomena.
Astrocyte-specific inhibition of primary cilium functions improves cognitive impairment during neuroinflammation by suppressing C3-positive reactive astrocyte differentiation
Authors: Muhamad Nor Atiqah , Masutani Kohei , Furukawa Shota , Yuri Shunsuke , Toriyama Michinori , Matsumoto Chuya , Itoh Seiya , Shinagawa Yuichiro , Isotani Ayako , Toriyama Manami , Itoh Hiroshi
Published: October 2023

C3-positive reactive astrocytes play a neurotoxic role in various neurodegenerative diseases. While inhibiting the differentiation of C3-positive reactive astrocytes can slow disease progression, the mechanisms controlling C3-positive reactive astrocyte differentiation are largely unknown. The primary cilium is a cellular organelle that receives extracellular signals and regulates cell proliferation, differentiation, and maturation. To elucidate the physiological function of the primary cilium in C3-positive reactive astrocytes, we utilized primary astrocytes and an inflammation mouse model. We found that the length of the primary cilium was increased in astrocytes, and the inhibition of primary cilium formation inhibited their differentiation into C3-positive reactive astrocytes. Since mice with systemic ciliogenesis defects exhibit embryonic lethality, the function of the primary cilium in adults has remained largely unclear. Therefore, we established conditional knockout (cKO) mice that specifically inhibit primary cilium function in astrocytes upon drug stimulation. In a neuroinflammation mouse model in which lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was intraperitoneally injected into wild-type mice, increases in C3-positive reactive astrocyte number and primary cilium length were observed in the brain. In contrast, cKO mice exhibited a reduction in the proportions of C3-positive reactive astrocytes and apoptotic cells in the brain. Additionally, the novel object recognition (NOR) score observed in the cKO mice was higher than that observed in the neuroinflammation model mice. These results suggest that the primary cilium in astrocytes is essential for C3-positive reactive astrocyte differentiation, which leads to a decline brain function. We propose that regulating astrocyte-specific primary cilium signalling may be a novel strategy for the suppression of neuroinflammation.
Reduced Gray Matter Volume of the Hippocampal Tail as a Characteristic Change in Melancholic Depression: Evidence from an MRI Study
Authors: Chu Zhaosong , Yuan Lijin , Lian Kun , He Mengxin , Lu Yi , Cheng Yuqi , Xu Xiufeng , Shen Zonglin
Published: October 2023

Background
Melancholic depression (MD) is one of the most prevalent and severe subtypes of major depressive disorder (MDD). However, to date, no research has been conducted on the alterations in grey matter volume (GMV) of the hippocampal and amygdala subregions in MD. The purpose of this study is to investigate subregional differences of the hippocampus and amygdala in MD, non-melancholic depression (NMD) and healthy controls (HCs).
Methods
A total of 146 drug-naïve MDD patients with first-episode (72 patients with MD and 74 patients with NMD) and 81 gender-, age-, education matched HCs were included in the study. All participants completed the 3.0T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. The subregional segmentation of hippocampus and amygdala was performed using the FreeSurfer 6.0 software. The multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) was used to detect GMV differences of the hippocampal and amygdala subregions between three groups, and partial correlation analysis was conducted to explore the relationship between abnormal hippocampus or amygdala subfields and clinical characteristics in MD group.
Results
Patients with MD exhibited a significantly lower GMV of the right hippocampal tail compared to HCs, which was uncorrelated with clinical characteristics of MD. There were no significant differences between the three groups in overall and subregional GMV of amygdala.
Conclusions
Our findings suggest that specific hippocampal subregions in MD patients are more susceptible to volumetric alterations than the entire hippocampus. Atrophy of the right hippocampal tail may underlie the unique neuropathology of MD. Future longitudinal studies would be required to better investigate the associations between right hippocampal tail atrophy and the onset and progression of MD.
An Empirical Analysis of the Performance of Small Finance Banks (SFBs) in India using DEA and Tobit Model
Authors: Verma Amandeep
Published: October 2023

This study scrutinizes Small Finance Banks (SFBs) in India from 2019 to 2022, focusing on efficiency and their post-COVID-19 role in financial inclusion. It employs a two-stage Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) framework, revealing SFBs' resilience despite a brief 2020-21 dip due to lockdowns. The study offers valuable insights for niche segment expansion, expense management, and liquidity risk mitigation, recommending stock exchange listings and policy support to enhance the SFB ecosystem and their contribution to financial inclusion in India.
JEL: C24, C80, G29
Experimental Investigation of the Mechanical Properties of Polypropylene Fiber-Reinforced Clay Soil and Development of Predictive Models: Effects of Fiber Length and Fiber Content
Authors: Yazici Mehmet Fatih , Keskin Siddika Nilay
Published: October 2023

This study investigated the mechanical properties of a low plasticity clay soil reinforced with polypropylene (PP) fiber in various contents (0.05%, 0.10%, 0.15%, 0.20%) and lengths (6, 12, 19 mm). The reinforced specimens were subjected to unconsolidated-undrained (UU) triaxial compression tests under three different confining pressures (50, 100, and 200 kPa). The optimum fiber contents in specimens reinforced with 6, 12, and 19 mm PP fiber were determined as 0.15%, 0.15%, and 0.20%, respectively. As a result, the highest values regarding deviator stress at failure (σdev), energy absorption capacity (EAC), and shear strength parameters occurred in specimens containing 0.20% PP (19 mm). As a result of the reinforcement process, the most remarkable improvements in the σdev, cohesion, internal friction angle, and EAC values of the natural soil are 59.95%, 21.80%, 63%, and 34.70%, respectively. Linear and non-linear relationships between σdev and fiber length, fiber content, and confining pressure were investigated by multiple linear regression (MLR) and artificial neural network (ANN) methods. Equations were generated to predict σdev of a low plasticity clay soil reinforced with PP fiber and were made available to geotechnical researchers.
Front interface defect signature and benefits of CdSeTe thickness and band gap in CdSeTe/CdTe graded solar cell
Authors: Filipe Daniel Inacio , Chenene Manuel Luis
Published: October 2023

Thin film solar cells based on CdTe absorber suffer from abnormal current density – voltage (J-V) shapes and opencircuit voltage deficit due to suboptimum device architecture, non-optimal back contact and bulk absorber limiting factors, such as low doping density, grain boundary and low carrier lifetime. In this study, we investigate the role of window/absorber interface defects properties in the JV curve shape and the combined effect of CdSexTe1−x thickness and band gap on the device performance using SCAPS-1D. For donor-type interface defects no abnormalities are reported in the J-V curve shape of the device. Acceptor-like defects show strong effect on the J-V shape and two types of anomalies in the J-V curve are reported, hysteresis and s-kink. Those abnormalities are eliminated when the defects concentration at the front interface is bellow or equal to 1011cm-2. The simulations also point out the optimum CdSeTe thickness and band gap to achieve simultaneously high values of open-circuit voltage and short-circuit density, as well as, high conversion efficiency and fill factor. We demonstrate that further device structural optimization is required in MZO/CdSeTe/CdTe solar cell.
An ANXA11 P93S variant dysregulates TDP-43 and causes corticobasal syndrome
Authors: Snyder Allison , Ryan Veronica H , Hawrot James , Lawton Sydney , Ramos Daniel M , Qi Y Andy , Johnson Kory , Reed Xylena , Johnson Nicholas L , Kollasch Aaron W , Duffy Megan , VandeVrede Lawren , Cochran J Nicholas , Miller Bruce L , Toro Camilo , Bielekova Bibiana , Yokoyama Jennifer S , Marks Debora S , Kwan Justin Y , Cookson Mark R , Ward Michael E
Published: October 2023

As genetic testing has become more accessible and affordable, variants of uncertain significance (VUS) are increasingly identified, and determining whether these variants play causal roles in disease is a major challenge. The known disease-associated Annexin A11 (ANXA11) mutations result in ANXA11 aggregation, alterations in lysosomal-RNA granule co-trafficking, and TDP-43 mis-localization and present as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or frontotemporal dementia. We identified a novel VUS in ANXA11 (P93S) in a kindred with corticobasal syndrome and unique radiographic features that segregated with disease. We then queried neurodegenerative disorder clinic databases to identify the phenotypic spread of ANXA11 mutations. Multi-modal computational analysis of this variant was performed and the effect of this VUS on ANXA11 function and TDP-43 biology was characterized in iPSC-derived neurons. Single-cell sequencing and proteomic analysis of iPSC-derived neurons and microglia were used to determine the multiomic signature of this VUS. Mutations in ANXA11 were found in association with clinically diagnosed corticobasal syndrome, thereby establishing corticobasal syndrome as part of ANXA11 clinical spectrum. In iPSC-derived neurons expressing mutant ANXA11, we found decreased colocalization of lysosomes and decreased neuritic RNA as well as decreased nuclear TDP-43 and increased formation of cryptic exons compared to controls. Multiomic assessment of the P93S variant in iPSC-derived neurons and microglia indicates that the pathogenic omic signature in neurons is modest compared to microglia. Additionally, omic studies reveal that immune dysregulation and interferon signaling pathways in microglia are central to disease. Collectively, these findings identify a new pathogenic variant in ANXA11, expand the range of clinical syndromes caused by ANXA11 mutations, and implicate both neuronal and microglia dysfunction in ANXA11 pathophysiology. This work illustrates the potential for iPSC-derived cellular models to revolutionize the variant annotation process and provides a generalizable approach to determining causality of novel variants across genes.
Residual carbon emissions in companies’ climate pledges: Who has to reduce and who gets to remove?
Authors: Arendt Rosalie
Published: October 2023

Corporate carbon neutrality pledges have been criticised for their lack of integrity, especially when they are primarily based on the simple purchase of carbon offsets without making any significant emission reductions. Neutrality pledges that are consistent with the goal of net zero standards should be based on the reduction of all but the so-called unavoidable or residual emissions and compensate for them not through reduction offsets but by actually removing the equivalent amount of emissions from the atmosphere. In this paper, I analyse whether net zero pledges of 115 large companies, which cover all eleven Global Industry Classification Standards’ sectors, follow the net zero definition. The assessed criteria are i) the type of pledge made, ii) the definition of residual emissions employed and iii) whether the company commits to neutralise its emissions exclusively with removals. Secondly, I assess the companies’ level of commitment to their net zero pledges by examining the residual emission level provided and whether their climate goal also applies to absolute scope 3 emissions. Fifty-five companies mention residual emissions, but only eleven of them linked residual emissions to a specific process or product, while 28 companies provided a quantitative residual emission level in percent for their target year. Furthermore, only 23 companies committed to neutralise emissions in their target year exclusively with removals. From the companies that had a net zero target (69) only 22% aimed to reduce emissions to a residual level and compensate with removals. The residual emission levels range between 0–80% (mean = 19.6%, median = 10%). More than half of the residual emissions that exceed the mean of 10% are claimed by sectors that are not classified as hard-to-abate such as information technology or communication companies. The results call for a more rigorous use of the term “net zero” and a dialogue between politicians, civil society and industry regarding residual emission levels.
Insights into Nutrient-stimulated Hormone Dynamics and Obesity: A Mathematical Modeling Study Using Bioinformatics Tools
Authors: Andrade Luís Jesuino de Oliveira , de Oliveira Gabriela Correia Matos , de Oliveira Luisa Correia Matos , Bittencourt Alcina Maria Vinhaes , de Oliveira Luís Matos
Published: October 2023

Introduction
The concept of nutrient-stimulated hormone (NUSH) refers to the dynamic interaction between dietary components and the endocrine system, leading to the modulation of hormone secretion and subsequent metabolic changes. There is a notable gap in the existing literature regarding the utilization of mathematical models in studying the dynamics of NUSH levels and feedback loops related to obesity.
Objective
To explore the relationship between NUSH and obesity using mathematical modeling with bioinformatics tools.
Method
Data on obesity was collected from meta-analyses studies available on Pubmed that utilized incretin-based therapies. A mathematical model was developed using bioinformatics tools to integrate interactions between NUSH levels and body weight changes. The model accurately captured the complex dynamics and feedback loops involved in obesity-related hormone regulation using differential equations and statistical techniques. Parameter estimation was performed through optimization algorithms to minimize discrepancy between model predictions and observed data.
Results
This study included 10 meta-analyses on liraglutide and semaglutide for obesity treatment. A mathematical model was developed to understand the dynamics of NUSH in relation to obesity. The model incorporated a formula: NUSH(t) = N0 * (1 - e^(-kt)) + I * [1 - e^(-βt)] / β, that considered NUSH levels over time, initial levels, decay rate, impact of nutrient intake on hormone secretion, and the rate at which the effect of nutrient intake reaches its maximum. The model aimed to explain the relationship between NUSH and obesity development.
Conclusion
The combination of mathematical modeling and bioinformatics tools has provided insights into the complex interplay between NUSH and obesity.
Aminoethoxyvinylglycine Reduces Preharvest Fruit Drop and Fruit Ethylene Evolution in ‘Red Delicious’ Apple but Affects Fruit Size and Quality Inconsistently
Authors: Malladi Anish , Tonapi Krittika V. , Kon Thomas M.
Published: October 2023

Aminoethoxyvinylglycine (AVG) is widely used in commercial apple (Malus ×domestica Borkh.) production to reduce preharvest fruit drop (PFD) and delay ripening for harvest management. Recently, the maximum allowable concentration of AVG was doubled (up to 264 mg⋅L−1). Reports of the relationship between the AVG concentration and fruit growth, size, and quality have been contradictory. We evaluated the relationship between the AVG concentration and PFD, fruit size, fruit quality, and expression of ethylene signaling-related and cell wall modification-related genes. Experiments were conducted in 2019 and 2020 using mature ‘Red Delicious’ in western North Carolina. The AVG treatments [0 and 132 (AVG-1x) and 264 mg⋅L−1 (AVG-2x)] were applied 3 weeks before the expected harvest. The AVG treatments reduced fruit drop and internal ethylene concentration relative to the control in both years. There was no difference in drop between AVG-1x and AVG-2x applications. Only in 2020 did AVG treatments delay fruit softening and starch hydrolysis and reduce soluble solids concentration. There were no effects on red fruit color development. Fruit size was unaffected by AVG in 2019, but it was reduced in 2020 with the AVG-2x application. AVG reduced ethylene synthesis and altered signaling, evidenced by decreased relative expression of genes related to ethylene signaling (ARGOS1, ARGOS2). AVG applications also reduced the expression of EXPA8;1, suggesting that reduced cell wall disassembly was associated with a reduction in fruit softening. These results indicate that preharvest applications of 132 mg⋅L−1 AVG effectively reduced PFD via altering ethylene evolution and signaling. Use of a higher AVG concentration was of limited benefit.
Modeling of Grapefruit External Color as Affected by Drought Stress
Authors: Zhang Congmu , Hoogenboom Gerrit , Ritenour Mark A. , Perez-Perez Juan Gabriel , Alam-Eldein Shamel M. , Muñoz-Carpena Rafael , Sargent Steven A.
Published: October 2023

Grapefruit are well-adapted to arid and warm climatic conditions, but well-irrigated trees usually produce better-quality fruits. Because water is a major component of the fruits, there is a strong relationship between drought stress and fruits quality traits such as fruits size, external fruits color, and juice quality. The object of this study was to develop a computer model to predict postharvest external grapefruit color as a function of drought stress. During model development, drought stress was quantified using a concise water balance model based on crop evapotranspiration, precipitation, and irrigation. Data collected from Murcia, Spain, during the 2007 and 2008 growing seasons were used for model development, and the model was optimized by comparing model predictions and observations for each growing season. The root mean square error and Nash and Sutcliffe coefficient of efficiency (NSE) were used to evaluate model performance. Then, the model was evaluated with independent data collected from Florida during the 2005–06 growing season. A second-order polynomial relationship was found between external fruits color and drought stress, with less drought stress resulting in better external fruits color. Model optimization revealed good model performance for predicting external fruits color in Murcia, with NSE values of 0.975 and 0.979 for the 2007 and 2008 growing seasons, respectively. Model evaluation with the data from Florida showed that model predictions were reliable, with a NSE value of 0.984. A robust model to predict external grapefruit color as affected by drought stress was developed during the present study and could be potentially applied to supply information for suitable irrigation management of various grapefruit cultivars grown under different climatic conditions. Model performance could be confirmed by future research with data collection during further multiple seasons for different cultivars and a range of climatic conditions.
Reduced charge transfer in mixed-spin ferropericlase inferred from its high-pressure refractive index
Authors: Schifferle Lukas , Speziale Sergio , Winkler Björn , Milman Victor , Lobanov Sergey S.
Published: October 2023

Physical properties of mantle minerals are essential for comprehensive geodynamic modeling. High-pressure experiments allow measurements of physical properties but fundamental insights into their evolution with pressure are often experimentally inaccessible. Here we report the first in situ experimental determination of the optical refractive index, its wavelength-dispersion, and optical absorption coefficient of ferropericlase up to ~140 GPa at room temperature. All these properties change gradually in dominantly high-spin (below ~50 GPa) and low-spin (above ~80 GPa) ferropericlase. However, in the mixed-spin state (i.e., significant presence of both high- and low-spin iron), the index dispersion and the absorption coefficient decrease by a factor of three and ~30%, respectively. These anomalies suggest that charge transport by small polaron is reduced in mixed-spin ferropericlase, providing fundamental insights into the factor-of-three lower electrical conductivity of ferropericlase at ~50–70 GPa.
Prêmio Jürgen Döbereiner 2022
Authors: Machado Fiuza Fialho Lia
Published: October 2023

Prêmio Jürgen Döbereiner 2022
Sustentabilidade e financiamento
Authors: Fontes Ilda , Fleury Heloisa
Published: October 2023

Sustentabilidade e financiamento
Acesso aberto: práticas que ampliam a democratização do conhecimento científico
Authors: Clio Anne , Trzesniak Piotr
Published: October 2023

Acesso aberto: práticas que ampliam a democratização do conhecimento científico
Compartilhando experiências na publicação científica
Authors: Frasson de Souza Montero Edna , Galleti Silvia
Published: October 2023

Compartilhando experiências na publicação científica
Ética na produção científica
Authors: Frasson de Souza Montero Edna , Posenato Garcia Leila
Published: October 2023

Ética na produção científica
Avaliação por pares e seus desafios
Authors: Fontes Ilda , Lopes da Silva Eli
Published: October 2023

Avaliação por pares e seus desafios
Desafios na indexação das revistas latino-americanas em bases de dados internacionais
Authors: Trzesniak Piotr , Maria de Sousa Pinto Juliana
Published: October 2023

Desafios na indexação das revistas latino-americanas em bases de dados internacionais
Impact of Customer Engagement on Purchase Intention: A Promotional Online Survey on Instagram Account of @bandengisimrb
Authors: Shafa Tharisa Putri , Kurniadi Endrian , Yuniati Ulfa
Published: October 2023

The effective utilization of Instagram as a communication and promotional tool by Bandeng Isi MRB has the potential to impact online engagement significantly. By leveraging the accessibility and popularity of Instagram, producers can foster a sense of closeness and connection with their customers, ultimately increasing their interest in purchasing Bandeng Isi MRB products. The research aimed to examine the extent to which customer engagement influenced customers’ purchase intentions in response to Bandeng Isi MRB promotions. With a quantitative approach, the research employed an associative method to investigate the relationship between customer engagement and purchase intentions. The target population consisted of 763 customers who followed the Instagram account @bandengisimrb. To achieve an adequate sample size, the researchers used the Slovin Formula and determined that 161 individuals were needed. Then, data collected from the respondents were meticulously analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) through multiple linear regression analysis, with a significance level set at 5%. The findings reveal that various factors, including connection, interaction, satisfaction, retention, commitment, advocacy, and engagement, exert individual and combined effects on customers’ purchase intentions. The results underscore the significance of cultivating a strong and engaging online presence on platforms like Instagram for businesses like Bandeng Isi MRB as it can significantly influence consumers’ willingness to make purchases.
Türkiye’de Cumhuriyet’in İlanını ABD Basını Nasıl Gördü?
Authors: OKUR Mehmet , BERK Abdullah
Published: October 2023

Millî Mücadele döneminde gerek kongreler gerekse Büyük Millet Meclisi’nde vurgulanan halk egemenliği kavramı esasında büyük zaferin ardından Cumhuriyet’e doğru evrilecek sürecin bir nevi habercisi olmuştur. Ancak vatanın bütünlüğü ve milletin bağımsızlığının ön planda olduğu bu dönemde Cumhuriyet düşüncesi zikredilmemiş, Cumhuriyet’in ilanına kadar Anadolu hareketinin mahiyeti ancak milli egemenlik kavramıyla sınırlı kalabilmiştir. Dış dünya tarafından yakından takip edilen bu dönem büyük bir güç olarak ortaya çıkan Amerika Birleşik Devletleri’ndeki basın tarafından da izlenmiş, Anadolu’daki gelişmelerle birlikte yeni Türkiye Cumhuriyeti’nin kuruluş süreci çeşitli haber ve yorumlarla Amerikan kamuoyuna aktarılmıştır. Cumhuriyet’e doğru ilerleyen bu dönem boyunca Türkiye konusunda iç ve dış kamuoyunda ismi en çok gündemde olan kişi ise yeni rejimin mimarı olan Mustafa Kemal Paşa olmuştur. Başlarda kendisi Ankara hükümeti ile ilgili ABD basınına yansıyan açıklamalarında Cumhuriyet ifadesini kullanmazken, bu yönetim şekline mesafeli bir pozisyon almış ve Cumhuriyet’in ilanı öncesinde izlenen temkinli politikayı bizzat yürütmüştür. Öte yandan Millî Mücadele hareketinin Bolşevizm’e kayma tehlikesi bu dönemde İtilaf Devletleri tarafından dile getirilirken, Ankara’dan iletilen ve bu tehlikeyi canlı tutan uyarı niteliğindeki açıklamalar gazete sütunlarında yer bulmuştur. Ekim 1923’te Cumhuriyet’in ilan edilerek rejimin adının resmen konulması Amerikan gazetelerinde yer yer övgü, yer yer de otoriter bir rejime gidiş endişesiyle yorumlanmış, Mustafa Kemal ise söz konusu haberlerde öne çıkan isim olmuştur.
Culturally Responsive Computing in teacher training: Designing towards the transformative learning of girls in STEM
Authors: Elsinbawi Maha , Norris Aaminah , Cohen Abigail , Paley Maureen
Published: October 2023

This Design-Based Research (DBR) study was conducted over a two-year period, and investigated the transformative learning of six high school computer science teachers through the application of professional development (PD) training with a focus on Culturally Responsive Computing (CRC). Findings reveal ways in which teachers’ understanding and enactment of CRC in their classrooms led to increased student engagement, knowledge of diverse learning needs, and improved access to cultural resources to specifically meet girls’ needs. The authors discovered positive effects on the teachers’ strategies in the classroom, especially in terms of understanding how historically marginalized students benefit from instruction that considers their cultural practices and gender identities.
Compositional transformation of Ni2+ and Fe0 during the removal of Ni2+ by nanoscale zero-valent iron and the implications to groundwater remediation
Authors: Anang Emmanuella , Liu Hong , Fan Xianyuan
Published: October 2023

The use of nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI) to remove heavy metal ions like Ni2+ from groundwater has been extensively studied; however, the compositional transformation of the Ni2+ and Fe0 during the removal is not clearly comprehensible. This study provides an insight into the componential, structural, and morphological transformations of Ni2+ and Fe0 at a solid–liquid interface using various characterization devices. The underlying mechanism of transformation was investigated along with the toxicity/impact of the transformed products on the groundwater ecosystem. The results indicated that Fe0 is transformed into lath-like lepidocrocite (γ-FeOOH), twin-crystal goethite (α-FeOOH), and spherical magnetite (Fe3O4), while Ni2+ is converted into Fe0.7Ni0.3 alloy and Fe–Ni composite (trevorite – NiFe2O4) with a fold-fan morphology. The Fe0 transformation mechanism includes the redox of Fe0 with Ni2+, H2O, and dissolved oxygen, the combination of Fe2+ and OH– produced by Fe0 corrosion to amorphous ferrihydrite, and the further mineralogical transformation to Fe oxides with the aid of Fe2+ adsorbed on ferrihydrite. The conversion of Ni2+ is accomplished by reduction by Fe0 and surface coordination with Fe oxides. Compared with Ni2+ and Fe0, the toxicity and bioavailability of the transformed products are significantly reduced, hence conducive to the application of zero-valent iron technology in groundwater remediation.
Challenges and Solutions in the Recombinant Expression of Membrane
Proteins
Authors: Liu Caijuan , He Hanxue , Tian Jie , Ma Yunqi
Published: October 2023

Membrane proteins are important components of the proteome and play key roles in
many biological processes, such as signal transduction, material transport, cell recognition, etc.
Membrane proteins are involved in several fields, and more and more researchers want to
understand them. However, the structural properties of membrane proteins make their recombinant
expression yield low. This adversely affects the study of the structure and function of membrane
proteins. Therefore, it is crucial to have a comprehensive and up-to-date understanding of
membrane protein recombinant expression. Based on the current stage of research on membrane
proteins, the article describes the current challenges faced by membrane protein recombinant
expression and the solutions that can be applied to lay the foundation for a better study of
membrane proteins in the future.
Research Progress of Pyroptosis in Renal Diseases
Authors: Hu Boyan , Ma Kuai , Wang Wei , Han Zhongyu , Chi Mingxuan , Nasser Moussa Ide , Liu Chi
Published: October 2023

:

Kidney diseases, particularly Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) and Chronic Kidney
Disease (CKD), are identified as global public health issues affecting millions of individuals.
In addition, the frequency of renal diseases in the population has increased dramatically
and rapidly in recent years. Renal disorders have become a significant public
health burden. The pathophysiology of renal diseases is significantly connected with renal
cell death, including apoptosis, necrosis, necroptosis, ferroptosis, pyroptosis, and autophagy,
as is now recognized. Unlike other forms of cell death, pyroptosis is a unique
planned cell death (PCD). Scientists have proven that pyroptosis is crucial in developing
various disorders, and this phenomenon is gaining increasing attention. It is considered a
novel method of inflammatory cell death. Intriguingly, inflammation is among the most
significant pathological characteristics of renal disease. This study investigates the effects
of pyroptosis on Acute Kidney Injury (AKI), Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), Diabetic
Nephropathy (DN), Immunoglobulin A (IgA) Nephropathy, and Lupus Nephritis
(LN) to identify novel therapeutic targets for kidney diseases.
Revisiting the Role of B-RAF Kinase as a Therapeutic Target in
Melanoma
Authors: Kozyra Paweł , Pitucha Monika
Published: October 2023

Malignant melanoma is the rarest but most aggressive and deadly skin cancer.
Melanoma is the result of a malignant transformation of melanocytes, which leads to their
uncontrolled proliferation. Mutations in the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)
pathway, which are crucial for the control of cellular processes, such as apoptosis, division,
growth, differentiation, and migration, are one of its most common causes. BRAF
kinase, as one of the known targets of this pathway, has been known for many years as a
prominent molecular target in melanoma therapy, and the following mini-review outlines
the state-of-the-art knowledge regarding its structure, mutations and mechanisms.