bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimizing indoor air quality and energy efficiency in multifamily residences: Advanced passive pipe system parametrics study
Authors: Obeidat L. M. , Jones J. R. , Mahaftha D. M. , Amhamed A. I. , Alrebei O. F. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis research focuses on enhancing natural ventilation in multifamily residential buildings to improve air quality and minimize reliance on mechanical ventilation, thereby reducing energy consumption. The study pioneers the integration of passive pipe systems within structural floor slabs and building envelopes, aiming to overcome the inherent challenges of indoor environmental quality (IEQ) related to design constraints, occupant behavior, and urban context. Our innovative approach, utilizing a novel application of Grasshopper for precise architectural modeling and Ansys for advanced multiphysics simulation, enables a detailed comparative analysis of airflow dynamics across various system configurations. A comprehensive literature review underscores the significance of natural ventilation as a key passive cooling strategy, vital for reducing energy use and enhancing IEQ in the face of urbanization challenges. Our empirical findings reveal that configurations with more inlet and outlet pipes significantly outperform simpler ones, with a notable configuration of 11 pipes (5 × 6) achieving an actual-to-required ventilation rate increase in 158.15%. This evidence highlights the substantial benefits of adopting complex system configurations for improved ventilation efficiency. The study’s outcomes include impactful design recommendations for adopting enhanced natural ventilation strategies in multifamily residential buildings. These recommendations promise to inform sustainable urban planning and building management strategies, offering a scalable solution for cities seeking to balance growth with environmental sustainability. By demonstrating the clear advantages of targeted passive cooling interventions, this research contributes valuable insights toward achieving energy efficiency and superior IEQ in residential buildings, paving the way for future exploration in diverse climatic and urban contexts.
High-performance liquid chromatography-based analytical techniques for simultaneous determination of Naltrexone hydrochloride (NTX) and Bupropion hydrochloride (BUP): a comprehensive review
Authors: Zehra Sehrish , Saeed Muhammad Asad , Zaman M. , Hassan Sadia , Fazal-Ur-Rehman  
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe confluence of Bupropion Hydrochloride and Naltrexone Hydrochloride within a composite pharmaceutical formulation has garnered the prestigious endorsement of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its targeted application in addressing the pervasive issue of obesity. Naltrexone hydrochloride, a semi-synthetic opioid compound, exerts its therapeutic influence through competitive antagonism of the mu receptors, while Bupropion hydrochloride, a tricyclic antidepressant, operates by impeding the reuptake of dopamine, thus amplifying its activity in distinctive cerebral domains. Notably, Naltrexone's impact is modulated through the intricate manipulation of pro-opiomelanocortin neurons within the hypothalamus, underscoring the amalgamated efficacy of this unique tandem in the protracted management of obesity. This scholarly exposition focalizes on the meticulous delineation of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-based analytical methodologies, meticulously tailored for the concurrent quantification of naltrexone hydrochloride (NTX) and bupropion hydrochloride (BUP). This comprehensive review scrutinizes an array of analytical strategies, traversing from archetypal HPLC (high performance liquid chromatography) methodologies to the burgeoning realm of environmentally conscious chromatographic approaches. Each method undergoes scrupulous examination, elucidating the nuanced applications, from the constitution of the mobile phase and judicious column selection to the refinement of optimal flow rates. Moreover, the review orchestrates a comprehensive evaluation of the validation parameters intrinsic to these analytical approaches, fortifying the reliability and precision of their findings. This erudite exploration not only encapsulates the diversity of chromatographic techniques but also expounds on the methodological robustness that underpins the determination of these pharmacologically significant compounds. In doing so, it elevates the pursuit of scientific excellence in pharmaceutical analysis, contributing significantly to the ongoing discourse in this critical field.
Graphical abstract
Semi-automatic recognition of rock mass discontinuity based on 3D point clouds
Authors: Chen Na , Wu Xiaochan , Xiao Henglin , Yao Chi , Cheng Yuke 
Published: April 2024

AbstractInformation on rock mass discontinuities is crucial for rock mass stability analysis. Due to the low efficiency, incompleteness, and potential risk of the traditional compass methods in measuring discontinuities, three-dimensional light detection, ranging, and other remote sensing methods have become essential. In this study, voxel filtering was used to subsample a point cloud so that its feature points were retained while reducing the computational load. An improved regional growing (RG) algorithm was then used to extract rock mass discontinuities. A software Geocloud v1.0 was developed based on the proposed method to semi-automatically recognize discontinuities. Additionally, two groups of sensitivity experiments were performed to analyze the influence of different numbers of nearest neighbors and maximum RG angles on the extraction of discontinuities. Results showed that most of the discontinuities could be accurately recognized with different thresholds. Furthermore, the accuracy of the proposed method was verified by real geometries, on a real highway slope, and in a natural quarry. Finally, the efficiency of the proposed method was proven using comparative computational experiments.
On the spectrum of tridiagonal operators in the context of orthogonal polynomials
Authors: Lasser Rupert , Obermaier Josef 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe basis for our studies is a large class of orthogonal polynomial sequences $$(P_n)_{n\in {{\mathbb {N}}}_0}$$

(

P
n

)

n
∈

N
0

, which is normalized by $$P_n(x_0)=1$$

P
n

(

x
0

)

=
1

for all $$n\in {\mathbb {N}}_0$$

n
∈

N
0

where the coefficients in the three-term recurrence relation are bounded. The goal is to check if $$x_0 \in {\mathbb {R}}$$

x
0

∈
R

is in the support of the orthogonalization measure $$\mu $$
μ
. For this purpose, we use, among other things, a result of G. H. Hardy concerning Cesàro operators on weighted $$l^2$$

l
2

-spaces. These investigations generalize ideas from Lasser et al. (Arch Math 100:289–299, 2013).
Food waste biochar: a sustainable solution for agriculture application and soil–water remediation
Authors: Pradhan Snigdhendubala , Parthasarathy Prakash , Mackey Hamish R. , Al-Ansari Tareq , McKay Gordon 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBiochar is a promising pyrolysed carbon-enriched soil amendment and has excellent properties for agriculture production and to remediate environmental pollution. A set of reviews were conducted on biochar production by pyrolysis process from various waste biomass which has drawn extensive interest due to the low cost of production with several benefits. As many potential technologies have been developed, there are still several knowledge gaps that have been identified for some key points to contribute a comprehensive study towards soil fertility, nutrient and water retention, soil microbial activity, plant growth and yield, pollution remediation, mitigation of greenhouse gas emission and an improvement in the farmer’s economy to achieve maximum profit by adopting environmentally friendly technique “pyrolysis”. Therefore, this review explored a detailed study on food waste biochar production by the pyrolysis process and its impact on different applications as an amendment. Slow pyrolysis process at low and medium temperatures is a potential amendment for agriculture production and soil and water remediation by enhancing biochar properties like carbon, BET surface area, cation exchange capacity, zeta potential, and nutrient content, etc. with minimum ash content. The biochar enhances soil water and nutrient retention capacity, crop yield, and improved microbial community at different soil quality. Additionally, food waste to biochar is a realistic adsorbent and economical carbon sequester to mitigate GHG emissions. This review conducted a brief assessment of the knowledge gaps and future research directions for researchers, encouraging investigators, stakeholders, and policymakers to make the best possible decision for food waste valorization.
A positive feedback inhibition of isocitrate dehydrogenase 3β on paired-box gene 6 promotes Alzheimer-like pathology
Authors: Wang Xin , Liu Qian , Yu Hai-tao , Xie Jia-zhao , Zhao Jun-ning , Fang Zhi-ting , Qu Min , Zhang Yao , Yang Ying , Wang Jian-Zhi 
Published: April 2024

AbstractImpaired brain glucose metabolism is an early indicator of Alzheimer’s disease (AD); however, the fundamental mechanism is unknown. In this study, we found a substantial decline in isocitrate dehydrogenase 3β (IDH3β) levels, a critical tricarboxylic acid cycle enzyme, in AD patients and AD-transgenic mice’s brains. Further investigations demonstrated that the knockdown of IDH3β induced oxidation-phosphorylation uncoupling, leading to reduced energy metabolism and lactate accumulation. The resulting increased lactate, a source of lactyl, was found to promote histone lactylation, thereby enhancing the expression of paired-box gene 6 (PAX6). As an inhibitory transcription factor of IDH3β, the elevated PAX6 in turn inhibited the expression of IDH3β, leading to tau hyperphosphorylation, synapse impairment, and learning and memory deficits resembling those seen in AD. In AD-transgenic mice, upregulating IDH3β and downregulating PAX6 were found to improve cognitive functioning and reverse AD-like pathologies. Collectively, our data suggest that impaired oxidative phosphorylation accelerates AD progression via a positive feedback inhibition loop of IDH3β-lactate-PAX6-IDH3β. Breaking this loop by upregulating IDH3β or downregulating PAX6 attenuates AD neurodegeneration and cognitive impairments.
The crosstalk between mitochondrial quality control and metal-dependent cell death
Authors: Zhou Qi-yuan , Ren Chao , Li Jing-yan , Wang Lu , Duan Yu , Yao Ren-qi , Tian Ying-ping , Yao Yong-ming 
Published: April 2024

AbstractMitochondria are the centers of energy and material metabolism, and they also serve as the storage and dispatch hubs of metal ions. Damage to mitochondrial structure and function can cause abnormal levels and distribution of metal ions, leading to cell dysfunction and even death. For a long time, mitochondrial quality control pathways such as mitochondrial dynamics and mitophagy have been considered to inhibit metal-induced cell death. However, with the discovery of new metal-dependent cell death including ferroptosis and cuproptosis, increasing evidence shows that there is a complex relationship between mitochondrial quality control and metal-dependent cell death. This article reviews the latest research results and mechanisms of crosstalk between mitochondrial quality control and metal-dependent cell death in recent years, as well as their involvement in neurodegenerative diseases, tumors and other diseases, in order to provide new ideas for the research and treatment of related diseases.
Plasma-assisted manipulation of vanadia nanoclusters for efficient selective catalytic reduction of NOx
Authors: Yin Yong , Luo Bingcheng , Li Kezhi , Moskowitz Benjamin M. , Mosevitzky Lis Bar , Wachs Israel E. , Zhu Minghui , Sun Ye , Zhu Tianle , Li Xiang 
Published: April 2024

AbstractSupported nanoclusters (SNCs) with distinct geometric and electronic structures have garnered significant attention in the field of heterogeneous catalysis. However, their directed synthesis remains a challenge due to limited efficient approaches. This study presents a plasma-assisted treatment strategy to achieve supported metal oxide nanoclusters from a rapid transformation of monomeric dispersed metal oxides. As a case study, oligomeric vanadia-dominated surface sites were derived from the classic supported V2O5-WO3/TiO2 (VWT) catalyst and showed nearly an order of magnitude increase in turnover frequency (TOF) value via an H2-plasma treatment for selective catalytic reduction of NO with NH3. Such oligomeric surface VOx sites were not only successfully observed and firstly distinguished from WOx and TiO2 by advanced electron microscopy, but also facilitated the generation of surface amide and nitrates intermediates that enable barrier-less steps in the SCR reaction as observed by modulation excitation spectroscopy technologies and predicted DFT calculations.
scLENS: data-driven signal detection for unbiased scRNA-seq data analysis
Authors: Kim Hyun , Chang Won , Chae Seok Joo , Park Jong-Eun , Seo Minseok , Kim Jae Kyoung 
Published: April 2024

AbstractHigh dimensionality and noise have limited the new biological insights that can be discovered in scRNA-seq data. While dimensionality reduction tools have been developed to extract biological signals from the data, they often require manual determination of signal dimension, introducing user bias. Furthermore, a common data preprocessing method, log normalization, can unintentionally distort signals in the data. Here, we develop scLENS, a dimensionality reduction tool that circumvents the long-standing issues of signal distortion and manual input. Specifically, we identify the primary cause of signal distortion during log normalization and effectively address it by uniformizing cell vector lengths with L2 normalization. Furthermore, we utilize random matrix theory-based noise filtering and a signal robustness test to enable data-driven determination of the threshold for signal dimensions. Our method outperforms 11 widely used dimensionality reduction tools and performs particularly well for challenging scRNA-seq datasets with high sparsity and variability. To facilitate the use of scLENS, we provide a user-friendly package that automates accurate signal detection of scRNA-seq data without manual time-consuming tuning.
The hinge-engineered IgG1-IgG3 hybrid subclass IgGh47 potently enhances Fc-mediated function of anti-streptococcal and SARS-CoV-2 antibodies
Authors: Izadi Arman , Karami Yasaman , Bratanis Eleni , Wrighton Sebastian , Khakzad Hamed , Nyblom Maria , Olofsson Berit , Happonen Lotta , Tang Di , Sundwall Martin , Godzwon Magdalena , Chao Yashuan , Toledo Alejandro Gomez , Schmidt Tobias , Ohlin Mats , Nilges Michael , Malmström Johan , Bahnan Wael , Shannon Oonagh , Malmström Lars , Nordenfelt Pontus 
Published: April 2024

AbstractStreptococcus pyogenes can cause invasive disease with high mortality despite adequate antibiotic treatments. To address this unmet need, we have previously generated an opsonic IgG1 monoclonal antibody, Ab25, targeting the bacterial M protein. Here, we engineer the IgG2-4 subclasses of Ab25. Despite having reduced binding, the IgG3 version promotes stronger phagocytosis of bacteria. Using atomic simulations, we show that IgG3’s Fc tail has extensive movement in 3D space due to its extended hinge region, possibly facilitating interactions with immune cells. We replaced the hinge of IgG1 with four different IgG3-hinge segment subclasses, IgGhxx. Hinge-engineering does not diminish binding as with IgG3 but enhances opsonic function, where a 47 amino acid hinge is comparable to IgG3 in function. IgGh47 shows improved protection against S. pyogenes in a systemic infection mouse model, suggesting that IgGh47 has promise as a preclinical therapeutic candidate. Importantly, the enhanced opsonic function of IgGh47 is generalizable to diverse S. pyogenes strains from clinical isolates. We generated IgGh47 versions of anti-SARS-CoV-2 mAbs to broaden the biological applicability, and these also exhibit strongly enhanced opsonic function compared to the IgG1 subclass. The improved function of the IgGh47 subclass in two distant biological systems provides new insights into antibody function.
Linear interaction between replication and transcription shapes DNA break dynamics at recurrent DNA break Clusters
Authors: Corazzi Lorenzo , Ionasz Vivien S. , Andrejev Sergej , Wang Li-Chin , Vouzas Athanasios , Giaisi Marco , Di Muzio Giulia , Ding Boyu , Marx Anna J. M. , Henkenjohann Jonas , Allers Michael M. , Gilbert David M. , Wei Pei-Chi 
Published: April 2024

AbstractRecurrent DNA break clusters (RDCs) are replication-transcription collision hotspots; many are unique to neural progenitor cells. Through high-resolution replication sequencing and a capture-ligation assay in mouse neural progenitor cells experiencing replication stress, we unravel the replication features dictating RDC location and orientation. Most RDCs occur at the replication forks traversing timing transition regions (TTRs), where sparse replication origins connect unidirectional forks. Leftward-moving forks generate telomere-connected DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), while rightward-moving forks lead to centromere-connected DSBs. Strand-specific mapping for DNA-bound RNA reveals co-transcriptional dual-strand DNA:RNA hybrids present at a higher density in RDC than in other actively transcribed long genes. In addition, mapping RNA polymerase activity uncovers that head-to-head interactions between replication and transcription machinery result in 60% DSB contribution to the head-on compared to 40% for co-directional. Taken together we reveal TTR as a fragile class and show how the linear interaction between transcription and replication impacts genome stability.
Macrophage-fibroblast JAK/STAT dependent crosstalk promotes liver metastatic outgrowth in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Raymant Meirion , Astuti Yuliana , Alvaro-Espinosa Laura , Green Daniel , Quaranta Valeria , Bellomo Gaia , Glenn Mark , Chandran-Gorner Vatshala , Palmer Daniel H. , Halloran Christopher , Ghaneh Paula , Henderson Neil C. , Morton Jennifer P. , Valiente Manuel , Mielgo Ainhoa , Schmid Michael C. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractPancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly metastatic disease for which better therapies are urgently needed. Fibroblasts and macrophages are heterogeneous cell populations able to enhance metastasis, but the role of a macrophage-fibroblast crosstalk in regulating their pro-metastatic functions remains poorly understood. Here we deconvolve how macrophages regulate metastasis-associated fibroblast (MAF) heterogeneity in the liver. We identify three functionally distinct MAF populations, among which the generation of pro-metastatic and immunoregulatory myofibroblastic-MAFs (myMAFs) critically depends on macrophages. Mechanistically, myMAFs are induced through a STAT3-dependent mechanism driven by macrophage-derived progranulin and cancer cell-secreted leukaemia inhibitory factor (LIF). In a reciprocal manner, myMAF secreted osteopontin promotes an immunosuppressive macrophage phenotype resulting in the inhibition of cytotoxic T cell functions. Pharmacological blockade of STAT3 or myMAF-specific genetic depletion of STAT3 restores an anti-tumour immune response and reduces metastases. Our findings provide molecular insights into the complex macrophage–fibroblast interactions in tumours and reveal potential targets to inhibit PDAC liver metastasis.
Lifecycle of a predatory bacterium vampirizing its prey through the cell envelope and S-layer
Authors: Santin Yoann G. , Sogues Adrià , Bourigault Yvann , Remaut Han K. , Laloux Géraldine 
Published: April 2024

AbstractPredatory bacteria feed upon other bacteria in various environments. Bdellovibrio exovorus is an obligate epibiotic predator that attaches on the prey cell surface, where it grows and proliferates. Although the mechanisms allowing feeding through the prey cell envelope are unknown, it has been proposed that the prey’s proteinaceous S-layer may act as a defensive structure against predation. Here, we use time-lapse and cryo-electron microscopy to image the lifecycle of B. exovorus feeding on Caulobacter crescentus. We show that B. exovorus proliferates by non-binary division, primarily generating three daughter cells. Moreover, the predator feeds on C. crescentus regardless of the presence of an S-layer, challenging its assumed protective role against predators. Finally, we show that apparently secure junctions are established between prey and predator outer membranes.
Evaluating the impacts of climate change and land-use change on future droughts in northeast Thailand
Authors: Khadka Dibesh , Babel Mukand S. , Tingsanchali Tawatchai , Penny Jessica , Djordjevic Slobodan , Abatan Abayomi A. , Giardino Alessio 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe impacts of climate change (CC) on droughts are well documented, but the effects of land-use change (LUC) are poorly understood. This study compares the projected individual and combined impacts of these stressors on future droughts (2021–2050), with respect to baseline (1981–2010) in one of the major tributaries of the Mekong River. LUC impacts on hydrological droughts are minimal compared to CC, with the latter expected to shorten the recurrence interval of a 20-year return period event to every 14 years. Both CC and LUC have significant impacts on agricultural droughts with heightened sensitivity. ‘Once in a Decade’ agricultural droughts will be 40% (35%) longer and 88% (87%) more severe under the CC (LUC) scenario. Under both stressors, the events occurring every 20 years will be twice as frequent. Results highlight the intensification of future droughts and the urgency for actions to mitigate/adapt to climate change and manage land use. Future policy shall holistically address agricultural water management, sustainable land use management, and crop management to cope with future droughts. We recommend developing resilient agricultural practices, enhanced water resource management strategies, and incorporating drought risk into land-use planning to mitigate the compounded impacts of CC and LUC.
A national evaluation analysis and expert interview study of real-world data sources for research and healthcare decision-making
Authors: Mikl Veronika , Baltic Dejan , Czypionka Thomas , Degelsegger-Márquez Alexander , Forgó Nikolaus , Gouya-Lechner Ghazaleh , Herzog Arnold , Klimek Peter , Lumenta David Benjamin , Mraz Bernhard , Ostermann Herwig , Scharinger Robert , Stamm Tanja , Strassnig Michael , Zeitlinger Markus , Pleiner-Duxneuner Johannes 
Published: April 2024

AbstractReal-world data (RWD) can provide intel (real-world evidence, RWE) for research and development, as well as policy and regulatory decision-making along the full spectrum of health care. Despite calls from global regulators for international collaborations to integrate RWE into regulatory decision-making and to bridge knowledge gaps, some challenges remain. In this work, we performed an evaluation of Austrian RWD sources using a multilateral query approach, crosschecked against previously published RWD criteria and conducted direct interviews with representative RWD source samples. This article provides an overview of 73 out of 104 RWD sources in a national legislative setting where major attempts are made to enable secondary use of RWD (e.g. law on the organisation of research, "Forschungsorganisationsgesetz"). We were able to detect omnipresent challenges associated with data silos, variable standardisation efforts and governance issues. Our findings suggest a strong need for a national health data strategy and data governance framework, which should inform researchers, as well as policy- and decision-makers, to improve RWD-based research in the healthcare sector to ultimately support actual regulatory decision-making and provide strategic information for governmental health data policies.