bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Molecular Basis of MC1R Activation: Mutation‐Induced Alterations in Structural Dynamics
Authors: Cavatão Fernando Guimarães , Pinto Éderson Sales Moreira , Krause Mathias J. , Alho Clarice Sampaio , Dorn Marcio 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACTThe MC1R protein is a receptor found in melanocytes that plays a role in melanin synthesis. Mutations in this protein can impact hair color, skin tone, tanning ability, and increase the risk of skin cancer. The MC1R protein is activated by the alpha‐melanocyte‐stimulating hormone (α‐MSH). Previous studies have shown that mutations affect the interaction between MC1R and α‐MSH; however, the mechanism behind this process is poorly understood. Our study aims to shed light on this mechanism using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to analyze the Asp84Glu and Asp294His variants. We simulated both the wild‐type (WT) protein and the mutants with and without ligand. Our results reveal that mutations induce unique conformations during state transitions, hindering the switch between active and inactive states and decreasing cellular levels of cAMP. Interestingly, Asp294His showed increased ligand affinity but decreased protein activity, highlighting that tighter binding does not always lead to increased activation. Our study provides insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the impact of MC1R mutations on protein activity.
The effects of pomegranate (Punica granatum) on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: A systematic review of in vivo interventional studies
Authors: Tangestani Hadith , Jamshidi Ali , Farhadi Akram , Ghalandari Hamid , Dehghani Pardis , Moghaddas Nika , Safaei Zahra , Emamat Hadi 
Published: June 2024

AbstractNonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a disorder in which excess fat accumulates in hepatocytes and can lead to serious complications. Oxidative stress is one of the leading causes of NAFLD. Pomegranates are considered antioxidant‐rich fruit. This systematic review study was aimed to investigate the impact of pomegranate on NAFLD. PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases/search engines (from inception up to July 2023) were searched for interventional studies (human and animal) that examined the effects of supplementation with different parts of pomegranate including fruits, peels, seeds, or flower on NAFLD outcomes. A total of 222 articles were retrieved following the initial search. After excluding duplicates, the title and abstract of 114 articles were screened. Afterward, irrelevant articles were removed and the full texts of the remaining 27 articles were reviewed. Eventually, 19 articles (16 animal and three human interventional studies) that met the inclusion criteria, published between 2009 and 2023, were included in this systematic review. Our study indicates the potential beneficial effects of different parts of pomegranate on the improvement of NAFLD. However, given that the majority of the included articles were animal studies, further investigations in the form of human clinical trials are warranted to suggest a clinical indication of such interventions.
Rainbow Trapping with Engineered Topological Corner States and Cavities in Photonic Crystals
Authors: AbdelAll Naglaa , Almokhtar Mohamed , Khouqeer Ghada , Abood Israa , El. Soliman Sayed 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThis work presents a pioneering photonic crystal (PC) heterostructure design exploiting tailored topological corner states and cavities to unleash a fascinating topological rainbow effect. This effect arises from the strategic integration of a nontrivial topological PC with sharp corners within a trivial PC matrix, resulting in a heterostructure rich in corner states and cavities. The critical innovation lies in manipulating the sector angle of circular columns, granting dynamic control over the rainbow effect and light localization. This manipulation induces distinct group velocities for different light frequencies, leading to their separation and localization at specific corner states. This remarkable “rainbow trapping” phenomenon manifests as highly confined light exhibiting exceptional resilience against disorder. These findings illuminate a pathway toward crafting next‐generation photonic devices boasting unparalleled functionalities. The reconfigurable rainbow trapping holds immense potential for applications in wavelength division multiplexing, optical sensing, and even venturing into quantum information processing.
Approaching a population‐level assessment of body size in pinnipeds using drones, an early warning of environmental degradation
Authors: Carroll Daire , Infantes Eduardo , Pagan Eva V. , Harding Karin C. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBody mass is a fundamental indicator of animal health closely linked to survival and reproductive success. Systematic assessment of body mass for a large proportion of a population can allow early detection of changes likely to impact population growth, facilitating responsive management and a mechanistic understanding of ecological trends. One challenge with integrating body mass assessment into monitoring is sampling enough animals to detect trends and account for individual variation. Harbour seals (Phoca vitulina) are philopatric marine mammals responsive to regional environmental changes, resulting in their use as an indicator species. We present a novel method for the non‐invasive and semi‐automatic assessment of harbour seal body condition, using unoccupied aerial vehicles (UAVs/drones). Morphological parameters are automatically measured in georeferenced images and used to estimate volume, which is then translated to estimated mass. Remote observations of known individuals are utilized to calibrate the method. We achieve a high level of accuracy (mean absolute error of 4.5 kg or 10.5% for all seals and 3.2 kg or 12.7% for pups‐of‐the‐year). We systematically apply the method to wild seals during the Spring pupping season and Autumn over 2 years, achieving a near‐population‐level assessment for pups on land (82.5% measured). With reference to previous mark‐recapture work linking Autumn pup weights to survival, we estimate mean expected probability of over‐winter survival (mean = 0.89, standard deviation = 0.08). This work marks a significant step forward for the non‐invasive assessment of body condition in pinnipeds and could provide daily estimates of body mass for thousands of individuals. It can act as an early warning for deteriorating environmental conditions and be utilized as an integrative tool for wildlife monitoring. It also enables estimation of yearly variation in demographic rates which can be utilized in parameterizing models of population growth with relevance for conservation and evolutionary biology.
Sustainable futures: Toward institutionalizing green industrial policy
Authors: Amankwah‐Amoah Joseph 
Published: June 2024

AbstractAlthough there have been substantial accomplishments in understanding environmental sustainability policy, there remains a paucity of research categorizing the mechanisms through which firm ownership architectures can be harnessed to advance green industrial policy (GIP). The purpose of this study is to examine how different types of ownership structures can be utilized as mechanisms for capitalizing on and championing GIP. By integrating the fragmented streams of research, this study advances a four‐cell typology of GIP‐firm ownership dimensions (privately‐owned enterprises (POEs)/state‐owned enterprises (SOEs) × intra‐country/inter‐country GIP), which sheds much‐needed light on the long‐term energy transition (ETs) pathway through institutional and industrial challenges. The analysis further enhances researchers' understanding of leveraging SOEs and POEs to neutralize uncertainties inherent in scaling up renewables and addressing the “pollution haven hypothesis.” Directions for future research pertaining to ETs are outlined.
Are we there yet? Saturation analysis as a foundation for confidence in system dynamics modeling, applied to a conceptualization process using qualitative data
Authors: Tomoaia‐Cotisel Andrada , Allen Samuel D. , Kim Hyunjung , Andersen David F. , Qureshi Nabeel , Chalabi Zaid 
Published: June 2024

AbstractSaturation is a useful concept for system dynamics, yet it has not been widely explored or integrated into the modeling process. In this article, we describe saturation as a metaphor describing the point at which a conceptual representation of a system meets the study purpose and no longer requires modification. When saturation is reached, additional data about the problem would not offer added information, thus indicating that additional data gathering and analysis would likely be redundant. We discuss two visualization techniques, “saturation curves” and “shared understanding diagrams,” for assessing saturation when conceptualizing with causal loop diagrams and show their application in a case example. Using saturation analysis during a system dynamics research process has many advantages, including: (i) identifying model structures potentially needing revisions, (ii) observing the extent to which evidence supports the current conceptualization, (iii) reflecting extensively, (iv) documenting important modeling decisions, and (v) potentially improving the problem statement. © 2024 The Author(s). System Dynamics Review published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of System Dynamics Society.
Uncovering Temperature‐Insensitive Feature of Phase Change Thermal Storage Electrolyte for Safe Lithium Battery
Authors: Luo Zicheng , He Yulong , Hui Jia , Yang Shubin , Li Bin 
Published: June 2024

AbstractLithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) have emerged as highly promising energy storage devices due to their high energy density and long cycle life. However, their safety concern, particularly under thermal shock, hinders their widespread applications. Herein, a temperature‐insensitive electrolyte (TI‐electrolyte) with exceptional resistance to thermal stimuli is presented to address the safety issues arising from the lack of thermal abuse tolerance in LIBs. The TI‐electrolyte is composed of two phase‐change polymers with differentiation melting points (60 and 35°C for polycaprolactone and polyethylene glycol respectively), delivering a wide temperature‐resistant range. It is demonstrated that the TI‐electrolyte possesses a heat capacity of 27.3 J g−1. The crystalline region in the TI‐electrolyte shrinks when confronted with above‐ambient temperature, absorbing heat to unlock molecular chains fixed in the crystal lattice, becoming amorphous. Notably, the Li||LFP pouch cell delays 3 valuable minutes to achieve the same temperature as conventional liquid electrolytes (LE) when subjected to thermal shocks, paralleling with the simulation results. Moreover, symmetrical Li||Li cell cycles stably for over 600 h at 0.1 mA cm−2, and Li||LFP full cell demonstrates excellent electrochemical performance, with a capacity of 142.7 mAh g−1 at 0.5 C, thus representing a critical approach to enhancing the safety of LIBs.
A Whole‐Course‐Repair System Based on Stimulus‐Responsive Multifunctional Hydrogels for Myocardial Tissue Regeneration
Authors: Liu Wenqi , Long Linyu , Wang Zhicun , He Shuyi , Han Yaling , Yang Li , Hu Cheng , Wang Yunbing 
Published: June 2024

AbstractMyocardial infarction (MI) has emerged as the predominant cause of cardiovascular morbidity globally. The pathogenesis of MI unfolds as a progressive process encompassing three pivotal phases: inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling. Smart stimulus‐responsive hydrogels have garnered considerable attention for their capacity to deliver therapeutic drugs precisely and controllably at the MI site. Here, a smart stimulus‐responsive hydrogel with a dual‐crosslinked network structure is designed, which enables the precise and controlled release of therapeutic drugs in different pathological stages for the treatment of MI. The hydrogel can rapidly release curcumin (Cur) in the inflammatory phase of MI to exert anti‐apoptotic/anti‐inflammatory effects. Recombinant humanized collagen type III (rhCol III) is loaded in the hydrogel and released as the hydrogel swelled/degraded during the proliferative phase to promote neovascularization. RepSox (a selective TGF‐β inhibitor) releases from Pluronic F‐127 grafted with aldehyde nanoparticles (PF127‐CHO@RepSox NPs) in the remodeling phase to against fibrosis. The results in vitro and in vivo suggest that the hydrogel improves cardiac function and alleviates cardiac remodeling by suppressing inflammation and apoptosis, promoting neovascularization, and inhibiting myocardial fibrosis. A whole‐course‐repair system, leveraging stimulus‐responsive multifunctional hydrogels, demonstrates notable effectiveness in enhancing post‐MI cardiac function and facilitating the restoration of damaged myocardial tissue.
Bacteria/Nanozyme Composites: New Therapeutics for Disease Treatment
Authors: Wang Qirui , Jin Lulu , Yang Huang , Yu Lisha , Cao Xinran , Mao Zhengwei 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBacterial therapy is recognized as a cost‐effective treatment for several diseases. However, its development is hindered by limited functionality, weak inherent therapeutic effects, and vulnerability to harsh microenvironmental conditions, leading to suboptimal treatment activity. Enhancing bacterial activity and therapeutic outcomes emerges as a pivotal challenge. Nanozymes have garnered significant attention due to their enzyme‐mimic activities and high stability. They enable bacteria to mimic the functions of gene‐edited bacteria expressing the same functional enzymes, thereby improving bacterial activity and therapeutic efficacy. This review delineates the therapeutic mechanisms of bacteria and nanozymes, followed by a summary of strategies for preparing bacteria/nanozyme composites. Additionally, the synergistic effects of such composites in biomedical applications such as gastrointestinal diseases and tumors are highlighted. Finally, the challenges of bacteria/nanozyme composites are discussed and propose potential solutions. This study aims to provide valuable insights to offer theoretical guidance for the advancement of nanomaterial‐assisted bacterial therapy.
Target reliabilities for heritage structures derived from cost optimization
Authors: Van Den Hende Karel , Caspeele Robby , Sykora Miroslav , Way Andrew 
Published: June 2024

AbstractIn the last decade, structural reliability and safety efforts have been oriented toward the assessment of existing structures and the development of related target reliability levels. However, up‐to‐date there is no consensus on the reliability philosophy that should be followed when considering the assessment of heritage structures, and the level of reliability which is appropriate to them. In this study, a framework is proposed which derives new values for the economically optimal target reliability for the upgrade of a structure, , and the reliability threshold for upgrade, , considering the cultural heritage value of the structure. The total expected life cycle cost is minimized, assuming that the structure is given up after collapse, as heritage value is typically lost after failure. The target reliability values are based on three main parameters: the relative annual benefit of using the structure (affected by its heritage value), the relative cost of failure and the relative cost of increasing the reliability. Target reliability values are proposed specifically for heritage structures, considering a range of the main input parameters.
A Comparative Study on the Interaction Between Protein and PET Micro/Nanoplastics: Structural and Surface Characteristics of Particles and Impacts on Lung Carcinoma Cells (A549) and Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Baysal Asli , Saygin Hasan , Soyocak Ahu 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACTThe interaction between particles and proteins is a key factor determining the toxicity responses of particles. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the interaction between the emerging pollutant polyethylene terephthalate micro/nanoplastics from water bottles with bovine serum albumin. The physicochemical characteristics of micro/nanoplastics were investigated using nuclear magnetic resonance, x‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared, dynamic light scattering, and x‐ray energy dispersive spectroscopy after exposure to various concentrations and durations of protein. Furthermore, the impact of protein‐treated micro/nanoplastics on biological activities was examined using the mitochondrial activity and membrane integrity of A549 cells and the activity and biofilm production of Staphylococcus aureus. The structural characteristics of micro/nanoplastics revealed an interaction with protein. For instance, the assignment of protein‐related new proton signals (e.g., CH2, methylene protons of CH2O), changes in available protons s (e.g., CH and CH3), crystallinity, functional groups, elemental ratios, zeta potentials (−11.3 ± 1.3 to −12.4 ± 1.7 to 25.5 ± 2.3 mV), and particle size (395 ± 76 to 496 ± 60 to 866 ± 82 nm) of micro/nanoplastics were significantly observed after protein treatment. In addition, the loading (0.012–0.027 mM) and releasing (0.008–0.013 mM) of protein also showed similar responses with structural characteristics. Moreover, the cell‐based responses were changed regarding the structural and surface characteristics of micro/nanoplastics and the loading efficiencies of protein. For example, insignificant mitochondrial activity (2%–10%) and significant membrane integrity (12%–28%) of A549 cells increased compared with control, and reductions in bacterial activity (5%–40%) in many cases and biofilm production specifically at low dose of all treatment stages (13%–46% reduction) were observed.
Live and Dead Clostridium butyricumGKB7 Diminish Osteoarthritis Pain and Progression in Preclinical Animal Model
Authors: Chen Li‐Chai , Lin Yen‐You , Tsai You‐Shan , Chen Chin‐Chu , Chang Tzu‐Ching , Chen Hsien‐Te , Hsu Chin‐Jung , Tang Chih‐Hsin 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACTOsteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease primarily affecting the elderly. It is characterized by the progressive decline of joint cartilage and alterations in the underlying bone. Several probiotic strains have exhibited immunomodulatory and anti‐inflammatory properties. Here, we examined the functions of live and dead Clostridium butyricum GKB7 (GKB7‐L and GKB7‐D) in a preclinical anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT)‐enhanced OA procedure. Oral administration of GKB7‐L and GKB7‐D ameliorated ACLT‐induced bone pain as assessed by weight‐bearing behavioral testing but did not affect body weight. Micro‐computed tomography (CT) results showed that GKB7‐L and GKB7‐D diminished ACLT‐induced bone destruction and loss. GKB7‐L and GKB7‐D‐enriched therapies also reduced ACLT‐induced production of the pro‐inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)‐1β and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, as well as the chondrolytic factor matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐3, leading to inhibition of aggrecan and collagen type II degradation and thereby blocking cartilage breakdown. We therefore suggest that oral supplementation with GKB7‐L or GKB7‐D can be beneficial in the prevention and treatment of OA.
Assessment of the Pollution Levels, Sources, and Exposure Risks of Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) in Urban Park Dusts within Lagos Metropolis
Authors: Adeniran Jamiu Adetayo , Odediran Emmanuel Toluwalope , Ogunlade Benjamin Toba , Adeagbo Toheeb Opeyemi , Akanbi Omodamola Fawaz , Adesina Olusola Adedayo 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACTPolychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) represent organic contaminants that are persistent hazardous, carcinogenic, and genotoxic, thereby endangering both human well‐being and the ecosystem. This research delved into concentration patterns, sources, and health hazards associated with PCBs in dust collected from vehicle parks in Lagos metropolis. PCBs in samples of Lagos park dust extended from 1.00 to 36.80 ng/g, with PCB 18 exhibiting the highest mean concentration of 17.02 ng/g. Among the 12 PCBs studied, 5 Cl atom PCBs contributed the highest percentage, constituting 30% of the total PCB content in Lagos park dust. Dioxin‐like PCBs (DLPCBs) made up 27% of the overall PCBs composition in the dust. Using the positive matrix factorization method, eight sources of PCBs were identified, with biomass combustion contributing the highest proportion at 42% of the total PCB emissions. Health risk estimates revealed that the magnitude of PCBs exposure in human followed the order: ingestion > dermal contact > inhalation. PCBs exposure through ingestion in children was 9.33 times higher than that of adults, potentially attributed to the inadvertent intake of dust particles by children via hand‐to‐mouth contact. Cancer risk assessments for all PCB congeners remained below 10−6, indicating acceptable risk levels. PCB 18 had the highest cancer risk values, reaching 8.69 × 10−9 for children and 1.19 × 10−9 for adults.
Pros and cons of auxin‐inducible degron as a tool for regulated depletion of telomeric proteins from Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Petrík Tomáš , Brzáčová Zuzana , Sepšiová Regina , Veljačiková Katarína , Tomáška Ľubomír 
Published: June 2024

AbstractTo assess the immediate responses of the yeast cells to telomere defects, we employed the auxin‐inducible degron (AID) enabling rapid depletion of essential (Rap1, Tbf1, Cdc13, Stn1) and non‐essential (Est1, Est2, Est3) telomeric proteins. Using two variants of AID systems, we show that most of the studied proteins are depleted within 10–30 min after the addition of auxin. As expected, depletion of essential proteins yields nondividing cells, provided that the strains are cultivated in an appropriate carbon source and at temperatures lower than 28°C. Cells with depleted Cdc13 and Stn1 exhibit extension of the single‐stranded overhang as early as 3 h after addition of auxin. Notably, prolonged incubation of strains carrying AID‐tagged essential proteins in the presence of auxin resulted in the appearance of auxin‐resistant clones, caused at least in part by mutations within the OsTIR1 gene. Upon assessing the length of telomeres in strains carrying AID‐tagged non‐essential telomeric proteins, we found that the depletion of Est1 and Est3 leads to auxin‐dependent telomere shortening. However, the EST3‐AID strain had slightly shorter telomeres even in the absence of auxin. Furthermore, a strain with the AID‐tagged version of Est2 (catalytic subunit of telomerase) not only had shorter telomeres in the absence of auxin but also did not exhibit auxin‐dependent telomere shortening. Our results demonstrate that while AID can be useful in assessing immediate cellular responses to telomere deprotection, each strain must be carefully evaluated for the effect of AID‐tag on the properties of the protein of interest.
Synthesis and Crystal Structures of Novel Group 6B Metal Carbonyl Complexes with N‐(4‐methyl‐2‐pyridinyl)‐P,P‐diphenylphosphinous Amide Ligand
Authors: Al‐Masri Harbi Tomah , Alrawashdeh Suzan Mohammed , Almejled Akram Ali , Moussa Ziad 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe reaction of N‐(4‐methyl‐2‐pyridinyl)‐P,P‐diphenylphosphinous amide ligand 4‐Me‐C5H3N‐2‐NH(PPh2) (1) with M(CO)6 (M=Cr, Mo, W) in refluxing toluene afforded a mononuclear group VIB metal tetracarbonyls [M(CO)4{1‐κ2P,N}] (M=Cr(2), Mo(3), W(4)). Complexes 2–4 were characterized by multinuclear NMR (1H, 13C and 31P NMR) and IR spectroscopy, and their structures were also determined by single crystal X‐ray diffraction. 2 and 4 represent the first examples of structurally characterized complexes of such ligands with group 6B metal carbonyls.