bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Seamless incorporation of artificial water channels in defect-free polyamide membrane for desalination of brackish water
Authors: Wang Jianbing , Liu Yingsong , Xu Xieyang , Wang Chenshuo , Yu Huijun , Wang Weiyi , Gong Yanxi 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Artificial water channel (AWC) showed the potential for overcoming the permeability-selectivity tradeoff of polyamide (PA) membranes. However, the availability of biomimetic materials and limitations posed by fabrication-induced defects make the development of AWC-PA membranes a daunting task. Herein, we synthesized imidazolylethyl-ureidoethyl-phenyl (IUP) compounds to form AWC by self-assembling and provided a strategy to seamlessly incorporate AWC in defect-free PA membranes. IUP compounds were molecularly designed with enhanced nature to form AWC due to π-π stacking interactions. In addition, nanosized colloid AWC aggregates can be obtained in water directly with the aid of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and conveniently incorporated into PA layers. The AWC not only promotes the preferential selective passage of water but also has good compatibility with the surrounding PA matrix. The biomimetic membranes provided a water permeance of 4.3 L·m-2·h-1·bar-1 and NaCl rejection of 99.3%, much higher than that observed with marketed state-of-the-art membranes. Mechanism understanding revealed the compatible interaction between AWC, SDS and PA matrix was a necessary requisite to fabricate defect-free AWC-PA layers. This strategy can be easily extended to industrial scale and the biomimetic membranes may represent the development direction of the next generation of high-performance reverse osmosis membranes.
Characterization of Jasmonate-ZIM domain family in response to abiotic stresses; functional insights for developing climate resilience cotton
Authors: Imran Ifrah , Zahid Rida , Ehsan Aiman , Awan Muhammad Jawad Akbar , Akhtar Mariam , Asif Muhammad , Amin Imran , Naqvi Rubab Zahra 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Jasmonate-ZIM domain (JAZ) genes are essential for the regulation of physiological processes in plants and help plants to protect from various stresses. Given the increasing global food security concerns related to growing populations, climate change, and scarce arable land, understanding stress-resilient crops such as cotton (Gossypiumspp.) is essential. Cotton is a crucial crop for economic and agricultural sustainability, especially in conditions of increasing salinity, drought, and heat, made worse by climate change. Here, genome-wide analyses of the JAZ gene family in cotton is performed, and their functional response to salt, drought, and heat stimuli is examined. In this study, 91 JAZ genes in five cotton species that are found to be unequally distributed on all chromosomes throughout genomes have been identified. This study focuses on these genes' evolutionary preservation with land plants and functional differentiation potential. Comparative genomics and phylogenetic studies have revealed the JAZ gene family's evolutionary dynamics and functional diversity, emphasizing its role in stress response pathways including salinity, drought and heat. Multiple stress-responsive cis-acting regulatory elements (CARE) including MYB/ARE have been found in JAZ gene promoters which indicates a sophisticated regulatory network that allows cotton to change its physiological and defensive responses to abiotic stimuli accurately. Understanding these networks improves our understanding and might improve cotton and other crops for sustainable agriculture. We identified the enhanced expression of JAZ01 and its related genes under abiotic stresses in transcriptomes. Functional validation of JAZ01 and other stress-related genes confirm their upregulation in abiotic stresses, particularly heat stress. These results show that the JAZ01 gene is essential to cotton's adaptive responses. This study explains how the JAZ gene family is implicated in cotton's stress tolerance, improves our understanding of cotton's stress tolerance genetic mechanisms, and provides a foundation for developing genetically modified climate smart crops that can thrive under ever-changing environmental conditions.
Comprehensive Biomarkers of Soman (GD)-induced Chronic Toxicity: Proinflammatory Cytokines, Oxidative Stress, and Organ Function Parameters
Authors: Massey Nyzil , Vasanthi Suraj S , Gimenez-Lirola Luis G , Tyler Harm , Thippeswamy Thimmasettappa 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background: Organophosphate (OP) nerve agents, such as Soman (GD), pose a serious risk to neurological health due to their ability to inhibit acetylcholinesterase, which can result in seizures, epilepsy, and behavioral deficits. Despite acute treatments, the long-term consequences of exposure to OP agents, particularly neuroinflammation and systemic toxicity, remain inadequately understood.
Methods: This study used a Sprague dawley rat model to investigate the long-term effects of acute soman exposure (132 µg/kg, s.c) on neuroinflammation and systemic toxicity. Following exposure, animals were treated immediately with atropine sulfate (2 mg/kg, i.m) and oxime HI-6 (125 mg/kg, i.m) to control peripheral effects, and behavioral seizures were managed with midazolam (3 mg/kg, i.m) one hour later. The development of epilepsy was monitored through handling-induced seizures and EEG. At 18 weeks post-exposure, brain, serum, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were collected under terminal anesthesia to assess neuroinflammatory markers and proinflammatory cytokines' gene expression in the brain, as well as cytokine protein levels in serum and CSF.
Results: All soman-exposed animals developed epilepsy, as confirmed by handling-induced seizures or EEG. Significant elevations of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1α, IL-18, IL-17A, and MCP1) were found in both serum and CSF, and corresponding gene expression increases were observed in the brain. Reactive nitrogen species (RNS) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were significantly elevated in the serum of soman-exposed animals, though other blood biochemical parameters were similar to age-matched controls. No hematological changes were observed, indicating the inflammatory response originated in the brain. Elevated serum bilirubin and BUN levels indicated potential liver and kidney dysfunction, although no significant structural changes were detected in these organs.
Conclusions: This study identified key biomarkers of the chronic effects of soman exposure on the brain, blood, CSF, liver, and kidney. The findings suggest that monitoring liver and kidney function is crucial for survivors of nerve agent exposure or OP pesticide exposure suicides, and the identified biomarkers may assist in developing diagnostic and therapeutic strategies to mitigate long-term public health impacts.
Cell nuclei extraction technology
Authors: taohsueh liao 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

In eukaryotic cells, the nucleus is an important component,the nucleus contains genetic
material, chromosomes and histones,different tissues contain different cells,some cells
have thicker cell walls,like Saccharomyces cerevisiae,the more commonly used
eukaryotic cell models for research include mammals,yeast,Our laboratory used an
improved method to successfully extract the cell nucleus,we refer to (Philip D. Gregory,
Slobodan Barbaric, and Wolfram Horz 1998) and (Jacqes Cote,Rhea T et.al 1995),these
two papers mentioned once used Hela Cell to extract nucleus,but we used yeast to
extract nucleus,the advantage of using yeast as a module is that it is easy and fast to
cultivate,yeast has a thicker cell wall and the number of cells is not as large as HeLa
cells,we get about half the number of nuclei,but it is enough to provide the experimental
needs,our method could help biologists who need this technology
Tuning aromaticity of cyclocarbons by heteroatom doping
Authors: Xu Wei , Sun Luye , Guo Yuan , Sahalianov Ihor , Zhou Zheng , Zheng Wei , Xiang Wenzhi , Guo Yumeng , Feng Yuanhao , Valiev Rashid , Kuklin Artem , Ågren Hans , Baryshnikov Glib 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Cyclo[n]carbons (Cn), a family of molecular carbon allotropes, have attracted significant attention owing to their elusive geometric structures and unique aromaticity. Cn consists of sp-hybridized carbon atoms, thus processing two perpendicular (out-of-plane and in-plane) conjugated π-electron systems (Fig. 1a, b). For even-numbered cyclocarbons, the aromaticity of Cn can be predicated by Hückel’s rule, as known as double aromaticity for n = 4 k + 2, where k is a non-negative integer (e.g., C6, C10, C14, C18, C26) (Fig. 1c, d); and double anti-aromaticity for n = 4 k (e.g., C12, C16, C20) (Fig. 1e, f), which already have been generated on surfaces. In the case of odd-numbered cyclocarbons, aromaticity cannot be evaluated using Hückel’s rule, which is typically based on calculations of magnetically induced ring currents. For example, the recently generated C13 was determined to be of double anti-aromaticity. In comparison with the doubly anti-aromatic C12, adding a carbon atom does not change the anti-aromatic character. In contrast and interestingly, our theoretical calculations predict that a heteroatom doping (e.g., S or N atom) into cyclocarbons (e.g. C12) could significantly influence its geometric and electronic structures, and moreover tune its aromaticity. It is here shown that C12S exhibits a self-canceling out-of-plane (aromatic) and in-plane (anti-aromatic) aromaticity, resulting in a global non-aromaticity (Fig. 1g, h), which has not been reported for any cyclocarbon so far. For C12N, the strong out-of-plane (aromatic) and weak in-plane (anti-aromatic) aromaticity leads to a global aromaticity (Fig. 1i, j), thus achieving a reversed aromaticity compared to C12. It is therefore of utmost interest to experimentally generate such heteroatom-doped cyclocarbons. Herein, we report on-surface generation of C12S and C12N, on the inert NaCl surface at 4.7 K, via tip-induced dehalogenation and ring opening reactions of fully halogenated molecular precursors, C12SCl8 and C12NCl9, respectively. Bond-resolved atomic force microscopy (AFM) reveals the polyynic and polyyne-cumulene combined structures of C12S and C12N, respectively, also confirmed by theoretical calculations. Aromaticity calculations inspire that such doped heteroatoms could induce the in-plane and out-of-plane electron redistributions, and engineering the interplay between in-plane and out-of-plane orbitals may open up a broad field for designing cyclocarbons with tuned aromaticity.
Triple-Layer Bayesian Euclidean Curve Algorithm for Automated Ransomware Classification
Authors: Njeri Nathaniel , Ivanov Oliver , Rodriguez Samuel , Richardson Annabelle , Delgado Catherine 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Ransomware attacks have emerged as a significant threat in cybersecurity, exploiting vulnerabilities across various systems and infrastructures. The need for highly accurate, automated classification techniques has become paramount to combat the rapid evolution of ransomware. The Triple-Layer Bayesian Euclidean Curve Algorithm offers a novel approach by combining probabilistic inference with distance-based methods, enabling more precise identification of ransomware families even when dealing with complex or overlapping feature spaces. Through its multi-layered structure, the algorithm refines classification decisions incrementally, significantly reducing misclassification rates, particularly for ransomware samples that employ obfuscation or other evasion techniques. Evaluation results demonstrate the algorithm’s superior performance in terms of precision, recall, and accuracy compared to traditional machine learning models, while also exhibiting strong generalization capabilities for unseen ransomware variants. This methodology addresses key challenges in ransomware classification by improving both detection accuracy and the algorithm's adaptability to emerging threats, presenting a robust solution to the growing problem of ransomware in cybersecurity.
CrimeKGQA: A Crime Investigation System Based on Retrieval-Augmented Generation and Knowledge Graphs
Authors: Kuok Ka Lok , Liu Hao Hui , Lo Wai Weng 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

In this paper, we introduce CrimeKGQA, an investigative system that integrates Large Language Models (LLMs) with an improved Crime Knowledge Graph (KG) to enhance the accuracy and speed of crime investigation. Compared to traditional LLMs, traditional LLMs are often prone to produce inaccurate responses when challenged with specialized domain knowledge (e.g., crime privacy data), as such data typically belongs to specialized and privacy-sensitive domains which beyond what would be included in the pre-training datasets used for LLMs. This can have dire consequences in some critical fields, such as crime investigation. To address this issue, we create the CrimeKGQA system, which combines the Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG) framework with the Neo4j graph database. With this, CrimeKGQA generates precise Cypher queries on the crime investigation knowledge graph stored in Neo4j as well as dynamically retrieves and incorporates the corresponding information to deliver highly qualified and contextually grounded answers. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first work that aims to exploit the potential of large language models within a crime knowledge graph to build efficient and accurate functionality for crime investigation. The experimental results show that the CrimeKGQA system can help answer questions and help in the investigative process, validating the efficacy of our proposed method.
Comparative Efficacy and Safety of Topical Tacrolimus vs. Mometasone in Pediatric Localized Vitiligo: A Retrospective Study
Authors: ELBIDAIRI MUTWAKIL , Khalid Sara , Attia Sherif , Salih Mutaz , Azzab Mai Abu , Thaher Fuad , Mohamed Kawthar , Allouch Oussama , Mohamed Eiman , Allam Mohamed 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background:
Mometasone furoate 0.1% cream and tacrolimus 0.03% cream are commonly used treatments for vitiligo, where achieving repigmentation and managing side effects are key outcomes. This study compares the efficacy and side effect profiles of these two treatments over 3 and 6 months using patients' medical records, as well as analyzing statistical significance through the Wilcoxon rank-sum (Mann-Whitney) test.
Objective:
The objective of this study is to compare the safety and efficacy of tacrolimus 0.03% ointment compared to mometasone furoate 0.1% cream in the treatment of vitiligo in children.
Methods:
For efficacy, repigmentation was categorized in ranges (1-24%, 25-49%, 50-74%, and 75-100%) and assessed at 3 and 6 months for both treatments to measure the efficacy. Adverse effects, such as atrophy, burning sensation, erythema, and pruritus, were assessed. The differences in efficacy and adverse effects were analyzed using a two-sample Wilcoxon rank-sum test.
Results:
Tacrolimus showed higher rates of repigmentation, with 40% of patients achieving 75-100% repigmentation at 3 months and 32% at 6 months, compared to mometasone which had the same repigmentation range in 34% of patients at 3 months and 23% at 6 months. However, the statistical analysis (p = 0.6170) indicated that there is no significant difference in the overall repigmentation efficacy between the treatments. In terms of adverse effects, tacrolimus had a slightly better safety profile, with fewer cases of atrophy and burning sensation, and a higher percentage of patients reporting no side effects. Nevertheless, no statistically significant difference was found (p = 0.6170).
Conclusion:
Both treatments were effective, but tacrolimus demonstrated a slightly better long-term repigmentation and fewer side effects, making it a favorable option for localized vitiligo in children. Although the side effect profiles were comparable, tacrolimus showed a marginally better tolerability. These findings suggest that treatment selection should consider patient-specific factors, such as skin sensitivity and lesion location, to optimize therapeutic outcomes.
A Novel Statistical Framework for Butterfly Species Recognition Using Raw Spatio-Hyperspectral Images
Authors: Adjé Erick A. , Delmaire Gilles , Ahouandjinou Arnaud S. R. M. , Puigt Matthieu , Roussel Gilles 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Insects, particularly butterflies, play a crucial role in maintaining ecosystems. Therefore, better management is needed, which involves identifying the different species. This work aims to classify four important butterfly species using raw images from a spatio-spectral camera. This camera generates images in 192 spectral layers, posing a significant challenge as capturing a moving butterfly across all spectral layers is impossible, often resulting in limited spectral data for the butterfly specimen. To address this issue, we assume that the spectral features of butterfly species follow Gaussian distributions. However, due to significant overlap between some Gaussian distributions caused by spectral similarities between species, traditional classification methods for Gaussian observations, such as Gaussian Naive Bayes and the Z-score, prove ineffective. To overcome these limitations, we develop robust approaches based on convex combinations of both previous methods. These new approaches improve the results on our test images, providing better robustness even in the presence of noise. Notably, we observed significantly better results when butterflies are detected in the near-infrared, with an accuracy of 88.75% for a single detection image, reaching up to 97.5% for a sequence of four images.
Cooperativity among clustered κB sites within promoters and enhancers dictates transcriptional specificity of NF-κB-RelA along with specific cofactors
Authors: Shahabi Shandy , Biswas Tapan , Shen Yuting , Sanahmadi Rose , Zou Yaya , Ghosh Gourisankar 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

The functional role of weak DNA binding sites for transcription factor (TF) recruitment and gene expression remains largely unknown. Our study reveals that the weak NF-κB DNA binding sites, which are abundant in gene promoters and enhancers, appear in clusters and exhibit minimal to undetectable NF-κB binding activity in isolation in vitro, yet they play prominent roles in gene regulation within native context in cells. We found nuclear concentration of RelA/p65, the predominant NF-κB, is approximately 0.2 µM in stimulated cells, challenging the idea that these weak κB sites operate through mass action- dependent binding mechanisms. Through proteomic analysis, we identified a range of nuclear factors, including various other TFs, interacting with RelA at these κB-sites. ChIP-seq, RNA-seq and phase- separated condensation analyses suggest these additional TFs, referred to as the cofactors of NF-κB, facilitate dynamic recruitment of NF-κB to clustered κB sites of specific target genes. Overall, our findings demonstrate the collective contribution of both strong and weak κB sites in occupancy of NF-κB at the promoters and enhancers, with the recruitment facilitated by a variety of cofactors. This congregation of multiple factors forming larger dynamic complexes appearing as a transcription condensate is likely to be common to all transcriptional programs.
Paus Fransiskus dan Kepemimpinan Perempuan dalam Gereja Katolik
Authors: Widyawati Fransiska , Monteiro Yohanes Hans 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe position and leadership of women in the Catholic Church has been a long debate. The church is considered patriarchal because it stillmarginalizes women in ordination which allows women to become leaders in this institution. This article critically examines how the Church, especially Pope Francis, provides a place for women’s leadership in the Catholic Church. This researc employs literature study or library researchas its method. This study found that in the 10 years of his leadership, Pope Francis has provided open space for women in various aspects of Church leadership. He placed women in positions previously only given to men and clergy. However, in the aspect of ordination, Pope Francis still continues and upholds the old tradition of special ordination only for men. Regarding this, there are camps that are pro and there are those who are against. For those who are against it, Pope Francis and the Catholic Church are still considered to be gender biased in aspects of leadership.
AbstrakPosisi dan kepemimpinan perempuan di dalam Gereja Katolik telah menjadi perdebatan yang panjang. Gereja dianggap patriarkat karenamasih memarginalkan perempuan dalam tahbisan yang memungkinkan perempuan menjadi pemimpin di dalam institusi ini. Artikel ini secara kritis mengkaji bagaimana posisi Gereja Katolik, khususnya Paus Fransiskus dalam memandang kepemimpinan dan tahbisan perempuan di dalam Gereja Katolik. Metode penelitian yang dipakai adalah studi pustaka. Penelitian ini menemukan bahwa dalam 10 tahun kepemimpinannya Paus Fransiskus telah memberi ruang bagi perempuan dalam aneka aspek kepemimpinan Gereja. Ia menempatkan perempuan pada posisi yang sebelumnya hanya diberikan kepada laki-laki dan klerus. Namun, dalam aspek tahbisan, Paus Fransiskus masih melanjutkan dan menjunjung tradisi lama penahbisan khusus hanya bagi laki-laki. Terhadap hal ini, ada kubu yang pro dan ada yang kontra. Bagi yang kontra, Paus Fransiskus dan Gereja Katolik dianggap masih bias gender dalam aspek kepemimpinan.