bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spatial Patterns of Above-Ground Biomass in Tropical Alpine Páramo Ecosystems Using Allometric Models and LiDAR Data
Authors: Veloza Paula , Rozo Anamaría , Segura Leonardo , Cabrera Marian , Niño Freddy , Prado-Castillo Luis Fernando , Benavides Juan C. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Context
Páramos, high-elevation alpine ecosystems found in the northern Andes, are a biodiversity hotspot and play a crucial role in climate change mitigation due to their carbon storage capacity. Above-ground biomass, AGB, serves as a key indicator of ecosystem health and carbon sequestration potential. Accurate estimates of above-ground biomass are essential for understanding the variability of carbon storage across different páramo vegetation types, successional stages and degradation impacts supporting the design of effective conservation and management strategies.
Objectives
Using a combination of methods from direct measurements to UAS LiDar, we describe the main patterns of above-ground biomass across contrasting vegetation types and plant growth forms in páramos of the northeast Andes of Colombia.
Methods
This study was conducted in conserved páramo areas in El Cocuy National Natural Park in the northern part of the Colombian Andes. We measured the ABG biomass of the different growth forms and related that to relevant allometric traits by using simple linear models. Using the allometric equations we estimated the AGB of 30 plots in areas dominated by different páramo vegetation types. Airborne LiDAR data was collected from these plots and canopy height and density metrics were processed to determine landscape-level above-ground biomass calibrated with the ground measurements.
Results
We found that plant height, basal diameter, and leaf area explained above-ground biomass variation for the different growth forms. We selected models with canopy height model (CHM) as predictor, to explain above-ground biomass at the landscape lev el. Allometric and LiDAR derived models showed páramo biomass values ranging from 3 to 11 Mg C ha− 1.
Conclusions
Our results demonstrated that it is possible to understand above ground carbon accumulation patterns at the landscape level by combining direct and indirect methods, such as allometric equations and LiDAR data, in areas representing the heterogeneity of páramo vegetation. This study is pioneering in providing information for non-forest carbon reservoirs and the impacts of human actions on the dynamics of the ABG biomass, which are crucial to reach national GHG emission targets.
Gut Microbiota Causally Affects Ulcerative Colitis by Potential Mediation of Plasma Metabolites: a Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Zhao Shidong , Zheng Xianjing , Shen Weisong , Shen Zhanlong 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease with a multifactorial etiology, including genetic, immunological, and environmental factors, as well as alterations in the gut microbiome and plasma metabolites. The interplay between these factors is complex and not fully elucidated, particularly regarding the potential mediation of metabolites in the relationship between gut microbiota and UC.
Methods
We performed a Mendelian randomization (MR) study to investigate the causal associations between gut microbiota, plasma metabolites, and UC. The study utilized a two-sample MR approach to discern causal relationships among these factors. Genetic variants from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) served as instrumental variables (IVs) in the MR analyses, conducted using the “TwoSampleMR” package in R software. We adhered to the fundamental assumptions of MR analyses, ensuring the validity of our causal inferences. Additionally, we incorporated a mediation analysis to assess the potential mediating role of plasma metabolites in the relationship between gut microbiota and UC.
Results
Our study identified significant associations between specific gut microbial taxa and the risk of UC. We found that six microbial taxa, including Genus Dorea, Phylum Proteobacteria, Species Streptococcus parasanguinis, Species Ruminococcus obeum, Species Roseburia intestinalis, and Order Lactobacillales, were causally associated with UC. Seventy-three metabolites and metabolite ratios were also causally associated with UC, with mediation analysis revealing that metabolites such as Stearoylcarnitine, 3-hydroxyoctanoylcarnitine, 1-arachidonoyl-GPE (20:4n6), 3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)propionate sulfate, and Thioproline mediated the effects of gut microbiota on UC, suggesting a role for these metabolites in the disease's pathogenesis.
Conclusion
This MR study provides evidence for causal relationships between specific gut microbiota and UC, with plasma metabolites potentially mediating these effects. The findings offer new perspectives on the causal nexus between the gut microbiota, plasma metabolites, and UC, suggesting potential intervention targets for the disease. Further research is warranted to validate these results and to explore the underlying mechanisms.
HWI Encoding/Decoding of a Non-invasive HWI BCI Paradigm Based on Temporal Variation Abundance Scale
Authors: Ding Peng , Wang Fan , Zhao Lei , Gong Anming , Fu Yunfa 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

The performance of non-invasive Handwriting Imagery (HWI) input in Brain-computer interface (BCI) systems is highly dependent on the paradigms employed, yet there is limited research on interpretable scales to measure how HWI-BCI paradigms and neural encoding designs affect performance. This study introduces the "Temporal Variation Abundance" metric and utilizes it to design two classes of handwriting imagery paradigms: Low Temporal Variation Abundance (LTVA) and High Temporal Variation Abundance (HTVA). A dynamic time warping algorithm based on random templates (rt-DTW) is proposed to align HWI velocity fluctuations using EEG. Comprehensive comparisons of these experimental paradigms are conducted in terms of feature space distance, offline and online classification accuracy, and cognitive load assessment using functional near-infrared spectroscopy. Results indicate that HTVA-HWI exhibits lower velocity stability but demonstrates higher spatial distance, offline classification accuracy, online testing classification accuracy, and lower cognitive load. This study provides deep insights into paradigm design for non-invasive HWI-BCI and scales of neural encoding, offering new theoretical support and methodological insights for future advancements in brain-computer interaction.
A Novel Pricing Mechanism for Profitable Growth of Pumped-Hydro Energy Storage in India
Authors: Jacob Ammu Susanna , Garg Rishu 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

In the path to achieving net-zero targets, the integration of renewable energy (RE) and storage solutions is necessary to overcome challenges such as intermittency and optimal dispatch. Pumped-hydro energy storage (PHES) is a mature storage technology, but its uptake has been slow in India. The existing PHES plants operate on a no-profit, no-loss basis for grid balancing without incentives. The current tariff structure does not remunerate and guarantee any profit from operations, discouraging investments in this sector needed to support the clean energy transition. This study proposes a differential pricing mechanism for PHES based on specific use cases in two different markets: power exchanges (liberalized markets) and bilateral/long-term contracts (regulatory markets). Two case studies were examined—the Tehri PHES, Uttarakhand (power exchange option for energy arbitrage and peak load management) and the Pinnapuram PHES, Andhra Pradesh (bilateral/long-term contract option for RE integration). This differential pricing policy will benefit PHES developers by increasing revenue generation, financial institutions by aiding debt recovery, grid operators by balancing the grid smoothly, and distribution companies by reducing the average cost of supply. Implementing this policy can help India meet its 2030 clean energy transition targets and 2070 net-zero goals by ensuring grid flexibility and promoting investments.
Identification and characterization of binders to a novel cryptic and functional pocket in KRAS
Authors: Maira Sauveur-Michel , Beyer Kim , Klein Jessica , Katz Stephanie , Welker Patrick , Lanter Mylene , Guthy Daniel , Pollehn Kerstin , Gluck-Gadé Aurelie , Bleu Melusine , Hattenberger Marc , Borrello Damiano , Rahman wassim Abdul , Zink Florence , Ostermann Nils , Dumelin Christoph , Leder Lukas , Esser Oliver , Muller Lionel , Marzinzik Andreas , Cebe Regis , Müller Kathrin , Galli Giorgio , Tordella Luca , Cotesta Simona , Brachmann Saskia 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

RAS proteins control cell proliferation and activating mutations are collectively the most frequent oncogenic event observed in cancer patients, justifying investments into multiple drug discovery efforts.
While RAS-directed therapeutic agents targeting either the inactive GDP-bound or the active GTP-bound state have entered the clinic, invariably resistance is observed. Mutations at drug binding sites represent a common resistance mechanism indicating the need to discover new targetable pockets in RAS. Such efforts are hindered by the small globular size of the protein, for long considered undruggable.
Here we perform macrocyclic peptides mRNA and nanobody yeast display screens and discover a new targetable ligand-induced pocket in RAS. In vitro and cellular experiments with the KM12 and KM12-AM nanobodies show RAS inhibition via displacement of cRAF, by affecting their protein-protein interaction via the less studied cRAF CRD domain. Further, we provide orthogonal functional validation for the new binding pocket via mutagenesis experiments. Notably, the newly discovered RAS-targeting approach enable simultaneous targeting of both GTP-bound active and GDP-bound inactive states and leaves the SwII pocket unaltered, opening possibilities of combinatorial approaches with clinically approved SwII pocket inhibitors.
Characterization of phenolic compounds from Annona muricata leaf and pulp
Authors: Ruiz-López Mario Alberto , Vargas-Guerrero Belinda , Vargas-Radillo J. de Jesus , Montalvo-González Efigenia , Salcedo-Pérez Eduardo , Pizano-Andrade Juan Carlos 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

The present study characterizes the phenolic compounds present in the pulp of Annona muricata (guanábana), a species widely used in Latin America in both food and traditional medicine. Methanolic extractions of the pulp were performed to identify and quantify secondary metabolites using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) techniques and qualitative phytochemical tests. The results show the significant presence of phenolic acids, flavonoids and other bioactive compounds, with shikimic acid as the main phenolic component identified. Soursop stands out for its potential therapeutic applications, such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, and for its potential in the development of nutraceutical products. This study contributes to the knowledge of the bioactive metabolites of A. muricata, promoting their valorization in human nutrition and health contexts.
Current aviation roadmaps are not within planetary boundaries
Authors: Païs Bastien , Gondran Alexandre , Hamelin Lorie , Simatos Florian 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Current aviation roadmaps predominantly rely on the replacement of fossil kerosene by alternative jet fuels to mitigate climate change, but the systemic impact of such energy transitions on other planetary boundaries remains unexplored. Here we fill this gap by integrating prospective life-cycle inventories within absolute environmental sustainability assessment. We find that the core climate change and biosphere integrity planetary boundaries are systematically transgressed, making these roadmaps unsustainable toward 2050. Lower energy demand brings aviation closer to its share of safe operating space, but air traffic needs to degrow by 8.6% yr-1 for additional planetary boundaries to be respected. Associated demand in energy, land, freshwater and CO2 capture is significant, with clear implication on the feasibility of these scenarios. Our results therefore show that, in order to achieve absolute sustainability, a rethinking of aviation governance is needed toward a systemic approach combining energy transition and demand-side measures.
Equilibrium oxygen isotope fractionation in Mg(OH)2-Ca(OH)2-H2O: Implication from in situ high-temperature and high-pressure vibrational spectra
Authors: Zhu Xi , Ye Yu , Hu Yancheng , Wang Sha , Miao Yunfan , Liu Dan , Wang Qingbo , Wu Zhen , Pan Yanming 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Equilibrium oxygen isotope fractionations have been extensively studied between H2O and minerals (like brucite-type hydroxides) in isotope geochemistry. In this study, pure 18O-enriched hydroxides were synthesized through reactions between M3N2 (M = Mg and Ca) powders and H218O water. In situ high-temperature (T) and high-pressure (P) Raman and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra were systematically collected for these phases. The observed 18O-16O effect on the frequency shifts aligns with the theoretical model, and has little impact on the anharmonic O-H potential well. The calculated intrinsic anharmonic parameters (ai) for both lattice and OH-stretching modes are essentially identical between M(16OH)2 and M(18OH)2, satisfying the classical limit for the Helmholtz free energy at extremely high temperature. Based on the measured vibrational data, the equilibrium oxygen isotope fractionation β(T,P) factors were modeled for both hydroxides. Both the intrinsic and external anharmonic contributions are smaller than the experimental uncertainties, and this model is also validated by ab initio calculation. Next, the 103·lnα(T) profiles were computed between brucite/portlandite and H2O, which are consistent with the reported oxygen isotope exchange measurements above 200 °C. Additionally, the discrepancy between this equilibrium model and the precipitation experiment below 120 °C also provides useful information for investigating the mechanism of kinetic isotope fractionation. The predicted 103·lnαbrucite-portlandite(T) curve also agrees well with points inferred from the 18O-16O exchange measurements, while the pressure effect can be ignored for 18O-16O fractionations. Therefore, vibrational spectroscopic measurements, including both Raman and infrared spectroscopies, have valuable applications in studying equilibrium non-metallic isotope fractionations in minerals.
Screening of Optimal Phytoconstituents through in silico Docking, Toxicity, Pharmacokinetic, and Molecular Dynamics Approach for Fighting against Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
Authors: Narayanan Pavithra Lakshmi , Vellapandian Chitra 
Published: November 2024

Background:
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder caused by excessive secretion
of male sex hormones in females. Herbal remedies for PCOS are lightning up as they bypass the adverse
effects and are profoundly safe on prolonged usage.

Objective:
The present study included a selection of 34 herbs pursuing biological effects on the uterus, and
their major chemical constituents were subjected to a series of in silico techniques using different software.
The proteins contributing majorly to the hormonal functions like Human cytochrome P450 CYP17A1
(3RUK), Progesterone (1E3K), and estrogen receptor (1X7R) were selected for the study.

Methods:
Molecular docking studies were performed using AutoDock 1.5.7. The pharmacokinetic properties
were predicted using the SwissADME online tool, while toxicity parameters were assessed with OSIRIS toxicity
explorer and pkCSM. Molecular dynamics simulations and free energy calculations were performed using
the Schrödinger suite.

Results:
Constituents with a basic steroidal nucleus demonstrated high binding energy values. An analysis of
all the in silico techniques showed that Sarsasapogenin from Asparagus racemosus exhibited strong binding
energies of -10.88 kcal/mol, -10.51 kcal/mol, and -9.79 kcal/mol with the selected specific proteins. In molecular
dynamics simulations, Sarsasapogenin displayed ideal stability, with RMSD fluctuations below 3 Å and
RMSF slightly higher than the corresponding peak of apoprotein. Additionally, it showed a favorable druglikeness
profile and non-toxic effects across all screened parameters.

Conclusion:
From the list of the selected constituents, sarsasapogenin was found to be ideal, and further research
on it for targeting PCOS is expected to yield promising results.
The Prognostic Value and Immunotherapeutic Characteristics of GFPT2 in Pan-cancer
Authors: Zhou Yiyi , Dong Yuchao 
Published: November 2024

Purpose:
The purpose of this study is to investigate the underlying relationship of diagnosis
and therapy between glutamine-fructose-6-phosphate transaminase 2 (GFPT2)
and various cancers.

Methods:
The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database was utilized to get gene expression
RNAseq and clinical data for 33 tumors. The immunotherapeutic cohorts, including GSE35640,
GSE78220, GSE67501, GSE181815, and IMvigor210, were derived from the Gene Expression
Omnibus database (GEO) and a previously released article. Differential expression
analysis of GFPT2 was performed using several clinical factors, and prognostic analysis was performed
using Cox proportional hazard regression. In addition, the Cell type Identification By
Estimating Relative Subsets Of RNA transcripts (CIBERSORT) and the Estimation of STromal
and Immune cells in MAlignant Tumor tissues utilizing Expression data (ESTIMATE) algorithms
were used to investigate the connection between GFPT2 and the tumor microenvironment.
This approach additionally incorporated dynamic immunological indicators, such as tumor mutational
burden (TMB) and microsatellite instability (MSI). In addition, a correlation between
GFPT2 expression and the effectiveness of anticancer drugs was plotted for discussion.

Results:
GFPT2 expression significantly differed in 11 out of 33 cancers. Although the distinct
correlation between GFPT2 expression and clinical parameters had no wide distribution in
pan-cancer, it demonstrated the potential prognostic validity of gene expression. GFPT2
demonstrated a strong correlation with immune infiltration, immune modulators, and immunerelated
biomarkers. Furthermore, a variance analysis demonstrated a significant relationship between
GFPT2 and the efficacy of immunotherapy. In addition, GFPT2 was associated with increased
sensitivity of drugs such as Olaparib and Lenvatinib and decreased sensitivity of drugs
such as Nilotinib.

Conclusion:
Collectively, GFPT2 is potentially useful as a biomarker for prognostic prediction
and immune infiltration in a variety of malignancies ,and could lead to exciting new approaches
to personalized oncotherapy.
Synthesis, Crystal Structure, Spectroscopic Characterization, In Vitro and In Silico Molecular Docking Studies of Benzyl Tetrazole-N-Isobutyl
Acetamide Hybrid
Authors: Geetha Selvaraj , Sribalan Rajendran , Lakshmi Srinivasakannan 
Published: November 2024

Background:
Tetrazole-based compounds are of significant interest due to their potential
pharmacological applications. The current study focuses on the synthesis and analysis of such
a compound.

Objective:
This research aims to synthesize the title compound N-(3-methyl-1-phenyl-2-(1Htetrazol-
1-yl) butyl) acetamide, analyze its crystal structure, perform computational studies, and
evaluate its potential pharmacological activities and it’s in silico and in vitro supports, specifically
antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory properties.

Methods:
The title compound, C14H19N5O, was synthesized, and its crystal structure was confirmed
using single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis by default parameters. Density Functional
Theory (DFT) calculations were performed using the Gaussian 09W software package with the
B3LYP/6-311++G (d,p) method to optimize the compound's structure and calculate its HOMOLUMO
energy gap, Molecular Electrostatic Potential (MEP), and Mulliken charge distribution. In
vitro, antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory activities were assessed and compared with standard
drugs by using reported protocols. Additionally, molecular docking studies were conducted with
enzymes related to diabetes and inflammation with default parameters, and Auto-Dock 4.2 software
was used.

Results:
The X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the crystal structure, and the Density Functional
Theory (DFT) calculations provided insights into the molecular properties of the compound.
Molecular docking experiments with relevant enzymes further supported the significant
antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory activities demonstrated in the in vitro tests.

Conclusion:
The synthesized tetrazole-based compound exhibits promising antidiabetic and antiinflammatory
activities, supported by both experimental and theoretical studies, suggesting its
potential for further pharmacological investigation.
Design of Cascode Current Mirror Using CMOS Technology for Low Power Application
Authors: Muzira Kudakwashe , Chander Sweta , Sinha Sanjeet Kumar 
Published: November 2024

Background:
Many applications, including biological applications, require a very high
output impedance current mirror because they run at very low voltages. The circuit known as the
current mirror applies the idea that two identical MOS transistors with the same gate-source voltage
will have equal channel currents flowing through them.

Objective:
The objective of this study is to optimize the design to minimize power consumption
while maintaining accurate current mirroring, which is crucial for low-power and energy-efficient
electronic systems.

Methods:
This study is performed in Cadence Virtuoso using the gdpk45 technology node to construct
a cascode current mirror, comparing simulation findings to other contemporary mirrors.

Results:
A significant improvement in power usage is shown compared to other current mirrors, and
a small signal model analysis of the circuit, the design, and its mathematical model is investigated.

Conclusion:
Compared to the circuits that were previously designed, the output resistance values
are substantially greater. The cascode current mirror that is suggested in this paper uses 48 μW of
electricity, while the other cascode current mirror uses 74.186 μW.
60-GHz Millimeter-Wave over Visible Light Communications for Downlink Wireless Networks
Authors: Hamami Bouthaina , Graini Leila 
Published: November 2024

Background and Objective:
In this paper, we address potential solution for downlink
wireless communications by integrating visible light communications (VLC) with the broadband
radio frequency (RF) networks operating at 60 GHz-millimeter wave (mmWave) band. For this hybrid
design, the outdoor 60 GHz-mmWave based RF link is utilized to ensure backhaul connectivity
for VLC indoor system, while the VLC exploiting the lighting infrastructure that essentially used
LEDs as optical source to provide low-cost and high-speed data access.

Methods:
The hybrid 60 GHz-mmWave/VLC system is analyzed by using 16-QAM OFDM signal,
and its performance is investigated by evaluating the signal to noise ratio (SNR) and the received
signal power distributions, for regular placement of LEDs and random location of receivers within
the room. The impact of the transmitter-receiver parameters, and their orientations and directivities
are also considered.

Results:
Numerical results show the efficiency of the proposed system, which can retransmit RF
signals at 60 GHz-mmWave band using visible optical carriers in the indoor environment.

Conclusion:
The results suggest that the hybrid 60 GHz-mmWave/VLC system is able to provide
reliable wireless data transmission, making it an attractive solution for downlink indoor communications.