bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enhancement of Mechanical Properties in Laterite-Based Composites Using Powdered Eggshells for Sustainable Construction
Authors: Yirijor John , Mensah David Mawutor 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

This study investigates the enhancement of mechanical properties in laterite-based composites through the incorporation of powdered eggshells (ESP) for sustainable construction applications. Composites were prepared by blending laterite soil (LS) with Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) and varying concentrations of ESP (0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%). Mechanical properties were evaluated through tests on compressive strength, flexural strength, density, water absorption, and hardness. Results indicate that the composite with 15% ESP exhibited the highest compressive strength of 2.56 MPa and flexural strength of 1.028 MPa. Additionally, increasing ESP content led to a reduction in density. Water absorption decreased up to an ESP concentration of 10%, after which it increased. The hardness of the composites also peaked at 15% ESP. These findings demonstrate that incorporating 15% ESP into laterite-based composites significantly enhances their mechanical properties, suggesting its potential as a sustainable and performance enhancing material for construction. The use of powdered eggshells, a waste product, aligns with environmental sustainability goals and offers an innovative approach to improving the performance of construction materials while reducing their environmental impact.
Energy-Resolved Fast-Neutron Radiography Using an Event-Mode Neutron Imaging Detector
Authors: Wolfertz Alexander , Losko Adrian , Long Alexander Makenzie , Brodish Sophia , Craft Aaron E. , Khaplanov Anton , Vogel Sven C. , Nelson Ronald O. , Wender Stephen Arthur , Tremsin Anton , Hirsh Tsviki Y. , Jäger Tim T. , Morgano Manuel , Feng Patrick 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Energy-resolved fast-neutron radiography is a powerful technique to remotely and non-destructively measure the quantity and distribution of elements and isotopes in a sample. It is based on comparing the energy-dependent neutron transmission of a sample with the known cross-sections of individual isotopes. The reconstruction of the composition is possible due to the unique features (e.g. resonances) in the cross-sections of individual isotopes. At short-pulsed (≲ns) neutron sources, such information is accessible via time-of-flight neutron imaging in principle, but requires a detector with nanosecond temporal resolution. Conventional neutron detectors can meet this requirement only by heavily compromising spatial resolution or efficiency. Here, we present a unique approach on fast neutron resonance radiography using a scintillator-based event-mode imaging detector at a short-pulsed neutron source, including first results on spatially mapped resonance profiles using MeV neutrons. The event mode approach applied in the presented detector allows recording of individual neutron interactions with nanosecond precision in time and sub-mm resolution in space. As a result, the entire available neutron energy spectrum can be measured for each pulse. At the same time, the use of a thick scintillator screen and lenses to focus the produced light results in a highly flexible field of view and a high interaction probability in the sensitive volume of the detector.
FDA-approved PDE4 inhibitors alleviate the dominant toxicity of ALS–FTD-associated CHCHD10S59L by reducing the PINK1/Parkin pathway
Authors: Maitra Swati , Baek Minwoo , Choe Yun-Jeong , Kim Nam Chul 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background Mutations in coiled-coil-helix-coiled-coil-helix domain containing 10 (CHCHD10) have been identified as a genetic cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and/or frontotemporal dementia(ALS-FTD). In our previous studies using in vivo Drosophila model expressing CHCHD10S59L, and human cell models expressing CHCHD10S59L, we have identified that the PINK1/Parkin pathway is activated and causes cellular toxicity. Furthermore, we demonstrated that pseudo-substrate inhibitors for PINK1 and mitofusin2 agonists mitigated the cellular toxicity of CHCHD10S59L. Evidences using in vitro, in vivo genetic, and chemical tools indicate that inhibiting PINK1 would be the most promising treatment for CHCHD10S59L-induced diseases.
Methods An in vivo human cell culture and in vivo Drosophila models expressing CHCHD10S59L mutant were utilized in this study to evaluate the effect of PDE4 inhibitors in PINK-parkin mediated cytotoxicity through immunohistochemical and seahorse assays. Data were analysed using one-way ANOVA and post-hoc Dunnett’s test for statistical significance.
Results We investigated cellular pathways that can modulate the PINK1/Parkin pathway and reduce CHCHD10S59L-induced cytotoxicity. Here, we report that FDA-approved PDE4 inhibitors reduced CHCHD10S59L-induced morphological and functional mitochondrial defects in human cells and an in vivo Drosophila model expressing C2C10HS81L. Multiple PDE4 inhibitors decreased PINK1 accumulation and downstream mitophagy induced by CHCHD10S59L.
Conclusion These findings suggest that PDE4 inhibitors currently available in the market may be repositioned to treat CHCHD10S59L-induced ALS-FTD and possibly other related diseases, and that disease treatment with PDE4 inhibitors should include careful consideration of the PINK1/Parkin pathway, as it is generally recognized as a protective pathway.
Optimized Multiple-Attribute Decision-Making through Employing Probabilistic Hesitant Fuzzy Number ExpTODIM and EDAS Technique and Application to Performance Evaluation of Smart Tourism Cities
Authors: Guo Yan 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

At present, the society is in the process of rapid urbanization, and the core force to promote urban development is to vigorously develop urban economy. Urban tourism is an important part of urban economy, and there is a dialectical relationship between interdependence and promotion between urban tourism and urban economy. The innovative development of urban tourism is to follow the pace of the smart era and develop "smart tourism" by taking advantage of the development opportunities of "smart earth" and "smart city". "Smart tourism" refers to the application of cloud computing, high-performance information processing and other new generation information technology, intelligent data mining and other tourism development and industry management, which can explore the future development path of urban tourism from a new perspective. The performance evaluation of smart tourism cities is multiple-attributes decision-making (MADM). Currently, the Exponential TODIM(ExpTODIM) and EDAS was executed to put forward MADM. The probabilistic hesitant fuzzy sets (PHFSs) are executed for portraying fuzzy data during the performance evaluation of smart tourism cities. In this study, CRITIC approach is executed for weight values under PHFSs and probabilistic hesitant fuzzy number TODIM-EDAS (PHFN-ExpTODIM-EDAS) approach is put forward the MADM under PHFSs. At last, numerical example for performance evaluation of smart tourism cities is executed to verify the PHFN-ExpTODIM-EDAS. The major contributions are executed: (1) the ExpTODIM-EDAS was extended to PHFSs along with Entropy model; (2) CRITIC approach is executed for weight values under PHFSs. (3) the PHFN-ExpTODIM-EDAS is put forward MADM under PHFSs; (4) numerical example for performance evaluation of smart tourism cities and different comparative analysis is executed to verify the PHFN-ExpTODIM-EDAS model.
Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Antiproliferative Effects of α-Mangostin Extracted from the Pericarp of the Mangosteen Fruit (Garcinia mangostana L.) on Rat C6 Glioma Cells
Authors: Do Huyen Thi , Nguyen Anh Kim , Nguyen Nhung Huyen , Dao Anh Thi Mai , Nghiem Lien Thi Ha , Nguyen Tru , Nguyen Linh Khanh , Ly Thuy Thi Bich , Le Duong Thi Thuy 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the effects of α-mangostin, a xanthone present in the pericarp of mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana L.), on C6 glioma cells, an in vitro model for glioblastoma.
Methods: The study was conducted using an in vitro model with C6 glioma cells. The antioxidant activity of α-mangostin was measured using the IC50 value for DPPH free radical scavenging activity. Cytotoxicity was assessed using the MTS assay. DNA fragmentation analysis was performed to determine DNA damage in C6 cells. Additionally, changes in mitochondrial morphology and membrane potential in C6 cells upon exposure to α-mangostin were evaluated using mitochondrial fluorescence staining and membrane potential measurement.
Results: The results showed that the antioxidant activity of α-mangostin increased in a concentration-dependent manner, with an IC50 value for DPPH free radical scavenging activity of 67.55 ± 0.91 μg/mL. The proliferation of C6 cells decreased as the concentration of α-mangostin increased, demonstrating cytotoxicity with an IC50 value of 6.57 ± 0.199 μg/mL. α-mangostin also induced DNA damage in C6 cells, as evidenced by DNA fragmentation analysis. Furthermore, α-mangostin from mangosteen pericarp altered mitochondrial function and morphology in C6 cells in a concentration-dependent manner.
Conclusion:α-mangostin extracted from mangosteen pericarp exhibited significant effects on C6 glioma cells. This study underscores the promising preclinical potential of α-mangostin as a multitarget therapeutic agent in the treatment of glioma.
Study protocol: A cluster randomized trial to assess the effectiveness of comprehensive school meal nutrition standards on the diet quality of Cambodian schoolchildren (Version 2; May 2024)
Authors: Vargas Melissa , Brouwer Inge D. , Kuijsten Anneleen , Doura Michele , Kroeun Hou , Rem Ngik , Gupta Aman Sen , Sre Sambo , Felix Jyoti , Chan Dara , Cook Giles Hanley , Hachem Fatima 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background: Poor diets compromise the health and physical and cognitive development of children. In Cambodia, schoolchildren’s diets are characterized by low intakes of fruits and legumes and high intakes of energy-dense, micronutrient poor snacks. Intakes of vitamin A, calcium and iron are also often below requirements. At present, the national school meal programme is being transitioned to full government ownership, presenting a unique opportunity to evaluate the effects of comprehensive school meal nutrition standards on the diet quality of Cambodian schoolchildren.
Methods and analysis: Mixed-methods cluster randomized controlled trial with a closed cohort design. Forty schools, including 20 children per school, have been allocated 1:1 to control and intervention arms using a covariate constrained randomization. Schools allocated to intervention will provide school meals complying with the nutrition standards and a complementary food education package, while control schools will continue serving their regular school meals without modification. Dietary intake among schoolchildren will be assessed using quantitative 24-hour recalls, with a second non-consecutive recall among a subsample and weighed food records of the school meals. Baseline data were collected from March-June 2023 and endline data will be collected in August-September 2024.
Primary outcomes are the intervention effect on usual intakes of fruits, vegetables, animal-source foods, and snack foods rich in salt, sugar and fat. Secondary outcomes include differences in usual energy, protein and micronutrient intakes and usual intakes of key food groups from the home diet across trial arms. Meal acceptability and implementation fidelity will also be assessed.
Purposive sampling of schools will be employed for the qualitative assessment of implementation barriers and enablers in intervention schools.
Mixed effects linear regression models will be fitted for the continuous outcomes, to estimate the mean difference across trial arms. Models will be adjusted for the baseline value of the outcome of interest and predictors, and include a random intercept for school.
Discussion: This study will investigate if school meals compliant with comprehensive, context-specific nutrition standards have better results on diet quality than regular school meals that are planned based on budget constraints. The results of the trial can have implications on the review and uptake of the proposed nutrition standards at the national level.
Trial registration: ISRCTN79659112. Registration date: 30 October 2023
Dual-Fuctionality Op-Amp Circuit for Half-Wave and Full-Wave Rectification
Authors: Kumaresan Sudarshan , Upadhyay Pravesh , Patil Shital 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

The paper on Dual-functionality op-amp circuit for half-wave and full-wave rectification introduces a novel design for a dual-functionality operational amplifier (op-amp) circuit using the IC741, capable of performing both half-wave and full-wave rectification without the need to modify the circuit components. The innovative aspect of this design lies in its ability to switch between rectification modes simply by adjusting a single feedback resistor, thus eliminating the need for additional or alternative components. The circuit harnesses the versatile properties of the IC741 to achieve this flexibility, presenting a cost-effective and space-efficient solution for applications requiring rectification. Detailed analysis and experimental validation demonstrate that the proposed circuit maintains excellent performance and reliability in both rectification modes. This dual-functionality approach opens up new possibilities for multi-purpose signal processing in compact electronic systems.
Comparative Assessment of Physics-Based In Silico Methods to Calculate Relative Solubilities
Authors: Suarez Adiran Garaizar , Göller Andreas H. , Beck Michael E. , Kashef Sadra Ol Gheta , Meier Katharina 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Relative solubilities, i.e. whether a given molecule is more soluble in one solvent compared to others, is a critical parameter for pharmaceutical and agricultural formulation development and chemical synthesis, material science, and environmental chemistry. In silico predictions of this crucial variable can help reducing experiments, waste of solvents and synthesis optimization. In this study, we evaluate the performance of different physics-based methods for predicting relative solubilities. Our assessment involves quantum mechanics-based COSMO-RS and molecular dynamics-based free energy methods using OPLS4, the open-source openFF Sage, and GAFF force fields, spanning over 200 solvent-solute combinations. Our investigation highlights the important role of compound multimerization, an effect which must be accounted for to obtain accurate relative solubility predictions. The performance landscape of these methods is varied, with significant differences in precision depending on both the method used and the solute considered, thereby offering an improved understanding of the predictive power of physics-based methods in chemical research.
Diversity and co-occurrence patterns of soil bacterial and fungal communities in two morels
Authors: Li Xue , Fu Tianhong , Wang Yuqian , Li Wendi , Tang Ling , Chen Bo , Yang Rende , Wang Xiaomin , Zhang Yujin , Zhang Bangxi 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

This study investigates the influence of different morels growth on soil properties, microbial communities, and cultivation outcomes. Through comprehensive analysis, we found that M. sextelata and M. septimelata significantly affect soil physical and chemical properties, including pH and effective content of carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and potassium (K). While both species exhibit similar effects on soil nutrient enhancement, M. sextelata displays superior pH reduction and disease resistance. Microbial community analysis revealed significant differences between M. sextelataand M. septimelata, with M. sextelatashowing a higher abundance of certain bacterial taxa, indicating resilience to environmental stress. Co-occurrence network analysis demonstrates the complexity of microbial interactions, with M. sextelata exhibiting a more intricate network. Moreover, soil phosphorus levels play a crucial role in shaping fungal community structure. Understanding these intricate relationships is vital for effective morel cultivation and ecosystem management strategies.
Elucidation of Therapeutic Mechanism of Lipopeptide Iturin A from Bacillus aryabhattai on Lung Cancer Through Integration of Network Pharmacology, Molecular Docking, Molecular Dynamics Simulation and In Vitro Analysis
Authors: Yaraguppi Deepak A. , Bagewadi Zabin K. , Parsanth DSNBK , Madalgi Radhika K. , Mantri Nitin 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

This study used network pharmacology to evaluate iturin A's mechanism of action on lung cancer. Iturin action targets were gathered using the Swiss Target Prediction and PubChem databases. The Gene Cards database was utilised to gather pertinent target sets for lung cancer, and the drug-disease target intersection was identified as a possible site of iturin activity in lungcancer. Using a target protein-protein interaction (PPI) network constructed with the STRING database, topological network analysis was used to identify the primary target genes of iturin A in lung cancer. Subsequently, Cytoscape 3.7.1 was used to import the data. The Shiny database was used to analyse the Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment and Gene Ontology (GO) functional enrichment. Three common targets between lung cancer and iturin A were identified through target intersection. Phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit alpha isoform (PIK3CA) may be the primary target of iturin activity on lung cancer, according to the PPI map and topological study. According to molecular docking experiments, iturin A had the highest binding affinity to the target. Later, the phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase complexed with Iturin A underwent a 200 ns molecular dynamics simulation within a physiological environment. The results illustrated that the ligand maintained a relatively constant shape throughout the simulation. Iturin A was used to treat human lung cancer A549 cells, and the results of the MTT test demonstrated inhibitory action with an IC50 value of 7.73 µM. This allowed for an assessment of the cell's viability. These findings validated iturin-A as an anticancer agent. The combined insights from our network analysis, in-silico tests, and in vitro analyses collectively underscore the potential efficacy of Iturin A in fighting lung cancer.
The PulE ATPase is required for twitching motility and DNA donation during Thermus thermophilus transjugation
Authors: Esteban Alba Blesa , Sánchez-Costa Mercedes , Carlos José Berenguer 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Thermus thermophilus can acquire DNA through natural competence and through transjugation, a mechanism that involves a two-step process of DNA secretion (push) and DNA internalization (pull) between mating cells of related species. The natural competence apparatus (NCA) is required in the recipient mate for the pull step. However, how the DNA gets out of the donor cell is only partially known. The putative DNA translocase TdtA, encoded in mobile genetic element ICETh1 of T. thermophilus HB27, was shown to be required for DNA donation (Blesa et al. 2017a). This ring-shaped hexameric ATPase binds to the membrane and likely interacts with yet unknown secretory components that allow the extrusion of DNA through the membrane, so a genetic screening to identify additional putative secretory components was executed. Here, we describe that mutants in gene TT_C1844, encoding a putative AAA-ATPase thereafter named PulE, do not synthesize the recently described “narrow” type 4 pili required for twitching motility and made of major PilA5 pilin. Concomitantly, pulE mutants were also defective in DNA dotation during transjugation, suggesting a role of narrow pili in the donation process. However, single pilA5 null mutants were still functional as DNA donors in transjugation experiments, so we conclude that the need for PulE in transjugation is independent from its role in narrow pili synthesis and twitching motility.
Weighted Link Prediction Improvement using Community Detections Algorithms
Authors: Burhani Zabihullah , Sulaimany Sadegh , Dibaji Abolfazl 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Link prediction, which aims to estimate missing or future connections in networks, is an important problem with a wide range of applications. Traditional similarity-based link prediction methods exploit local structural features but fail to capture community structures. This paper proposes a weighted link prediction method that incorporates community detection algorithms for computing the proposed methods. Four real-world weighted networks from different domains are analyzed using three established community detection algorithms - Louvain, Girvan-Newman, and ALPA. The identified community structures are then utilized to augment five traditional weighted link prediction methods - WCN, WPA, WAA, WJC, and WRA. Experimental results on the four networks show that the proposed community-informed link prediction approach significantly outperforms the baseline methods, achieving improvements in AUC ranging from 0.32–13.62%. Further analysis indicates that the performance boost depends on the network topology, community structure, and properties of different prediction algorithms. This work demonstrates the importance of leveraging global network structures beyond local features for more accurate link prediction, especially in sparse and scale-free networks. The proposed methods can help advance and apply link prediction across complex networked systems.
Maternal weight during pregnancy and risk of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia in offspring
Authors: Fallah Mahdi , Liu Jiaye , Kharazmi Elham , Liang Qunfeng , Chen Yafei , Sundquist Jan , Sundquist Kristina 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Maternal exposures during pregnancy are critical for leukemogenesis in offspring since childhood leukemia often originates in utero. We conducted a population-based cohort study in Sweden to investigate the association between the risk of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in offspring and maternal anthropometrics during pregnancy, including gestational weight gain (GWG) and maternal weight and body mass index (BMI) in early pregnancy and before delivery. A total of 2 964 813 live-born singletons during 1983–2018 were included and followed from birth to ALL diagnosis, age 18, or 2018. Standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) were calculated to compare the risk of ALL in different exposed groups. 1 446 children were diagnosed with ALL, of whom 55.3% were boys. We observed an increased risk of ALL among daughters of overweight/obese mothers in early pregnancy (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2; SIR = 1.4, 95% CI: 1.2–1.6) compared with the risk in daughters of mothers with a normal BMI. This association was not found in sons (SIR = 1.0, 95% CI: 0.9–1.1). Similar results were found for the association between ALL and maternal BMI before delivery. We did not find an association between low or high GWG and risk of ALL (both SIRs = 1.0, 95% CI: 0.9–1.1) in either male or female offspring. Our findings suggest that maternal overweight or obesity is an important risk factor for childhood ALL in daughters, whereas GWG is not associated with an increased risk of ALL. Further research on this mother-daughter association may shed light on a possible sex hormone/chromosome-related etiology of ALL.