bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Raising the bar: What determines the ambition level of corporate climate targets?
Authors: Privato Clara , Johnson Matthew Phillip , Busch Timo 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Since the launch of the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), we have witnessed a steady increase in the number of companies committing to climate targets for large-scale reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. While recent studies present various methodologies for establishing climate targets (e.g., sectoral decarbonization approach, near-term, long-term, net zero), we still don’t understand the explanatory factors that determine how ambitious companies are in target setting. In this paper, a two-stage qualitative study is conducted with a sample of 22 international companies from five countries. First, these companies’ publicly disclosed climate targets are evaluated according to five target ambition criteria. Secondly, various explanatory factors for target setting are explored to see how present they are in specific levels of ambition. The findings indicate that within companies with highly ambitious climate targets, certain salient factors are highly present, including leadership engagement, continual management support, employee involvement, participation in climate initiatives, and stakeholder collaboration. Conversely, none of these key factors are highly present in companies with less ambitious climate targets. Rather, these companies strongly identify the initiating factors of market-related pressures and non-market stakeholder influence as being the driving forces behind their target setting. This paper contributes to the literature on corporate responses to climate change by expanding our understanding of explanatory factors for different corporate climate target ambition levels.
Models of Ignition Delay of Diesel Fuel Surrogates
Authors: Nunes Paulo Gustavo Krejci , Gallo Waldyr Luiz Ribeiro 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

The study aims to present new constants of ignition delay based on the Arrhenius model for two diesel fuel surrogates formulated from four components (n-Hexadecane, Heptamethylnonane, Decahydro-naphthalene, and 1-Methyl-naphthalene) as a function of temperature and pressure. When the combustion occurs in two stages, we detail the ignition delay of each stage, and it's first stage fraction are presented. Surrogate fuels showed 35 and 45 cetane numbers and 48 and 35 threshold soot index, respectively. The main application of these models relates to stochastic combustion models. The main differential of this study refers to its description of two stage combustion, if it occurs.
Inflammation Impacts Androgen Receptor Signaling in Basal Prostate Stem Cells Through Interleukin 1 Receptor Antagonist
Authors: Ratliff Timothy , Cooper Paula , Yang Jiang , Wang Hsing-Hui , Broman Meaghan , Awdalkreem Gada , Cresswell Gregory , Wang Liang , Goossens Emery , Atallah-Lanman Nadia , Doerge Rebecca , Zheng Faye , Cheng Liang , Crist Scott , Braun Robert , Jerde Travis 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

The majority of patients with benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) exhibit chronic prostate inflammation and the extent of inflammation correlates with the severity of symptoms. How inflammation contributes to prostate enlargement and/or BPH symptoms and the underlying mechanisms are not clearly understood. We established a unique mouse model Prostate Ovalbumin Expressing Transgenic 3 (POET3) that mimics chronic non-bacterial prostatitis in men to study the role of inflammation in prostate hyperplasia. After the injection of ovalbumin peptide-specific T cells, POET3 prostates exhibited an influx of inflammatory cells and an increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines that led to epithelial and stromal hyperplasia. We have previously demonstrated with the POET3 model that inflammation expands the basal prostate stem cell (bPSC) population and promotes bPSC differentiation in organoid cultures. In this study, we investigated the mechanisms underlying the impact of inflammation on bPSC. We found that AR activity was enhanced in inflamed bPSC and was essential for bPSC differentiation in organoid cultures. Most importantly, we identified, for the first time, interleukin 1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA) as a key regulator of AR in basal stem cells. IL-1RA was one of the top genes upregulated by inflammation and inhibition of IL-1RA abrogated the enhanced AR nuclear accumulation and activity in organoids derived from inflamed bPSC. The mirroring effects of IL-1RA recombinant protein and IL-1α neutralizing antibody suggest that IL-1RA may function by antagonizing IL-1α inhibition of AR expression. Furthermore, we established a lineage tracing model to follow bPSC during inflammation and under castrate conditions. We found that inflammation induced bPSC proliferation and differentiation into luminal cells even under castrate conditions, indicating that AR activation driven by inflammation in bPSC is sufficient for their proliferation and differentiation under androgen-deprived conditions. However, proliferation of the differentiated bPSC in the luminal layer significantly diminished with castration, suggesting inflammation may not maintain AR activity in stromal cells, as stromal cells deprived of androgen after castration could no longer provide paracrine growth factors essential for luminal proliferation. Taken together, we have discovered novel mechanisms through which inflammation modulates AR signaling in bPSC and induces bPSC luminal differentiation that contributes to prostate hyperplasia.
A chloroplast localized Ca2+-permeable channel regulates grain calcium accumulation in rice
Authors: Huang Xin-Yuan , Liu Huan , Lu Cun , Liu Xiang-Qian , Zhuo Chen-Jin , Luo Rong-Jian , Huang Qiu-Tang , Tang Zhong , Zhao Chun-Qing , Guerinot Mary Lou , Salt David , Zhao Fang-Jie 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Calcium (Ca) is an essential mineral nutrient and plays a crucial signaling role in all living organisms. Increasing Ca content in staple foods such as rice is vital for improving Ca nutrition of humans. Here we map a quantitative trait locus that controls Ca concentration in rice grains and identify the causal gene as GCSC1, which encodes a chloroplast vesicle localized homo-oligomeric protein. GCSC1 exhibits Ca2+ transport activity and functions as a Ca2+-permeable channel to mediate the efflux of Ca2+ from the chloroplast to the cytosol. Knockout of GCSC1 results in increased chloroplast Ca concentration, lower stomatal conductance in leaves and enhanced Ca allocation to grains. Natural variation in grain Ca concentration is attributed to the variable expression of GCSC1 resulting from its promoter sequence variation. Our study identifies a new type of chloroplast Ca2+-permeable channel that mediates chloroplast Ca2+ efflux and provides a way to biofortify Ca in rice to benefit human nutrition.
Unveiling the Future Water Pulse of Central Asia: A Comprehensive 21st Century Hydrological Forecast from Stochastic Water Balance Modeling
Authors: Siegfried Tobias , Mujahid Aziz Ul Haq , Marti Beatrice , Molnar Peter , Karger Dirk Nikolaus , Yakovlev Andrey 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Using a novel dataset, this study assesses the impact of 21st-century climate change on the hydrology of 221 high-mountain catchments in Central Asia. We employed a parsimonious, steady-state stochastic soil moisture water balance model to project changes in runoff and evaporation across three future timeframes: 2011–2040, 2041–2070, and 2071– 2100, compared to the baseline period of 1979–2011. Baseline climate data were sourced from CHELSA V21 climatology, providing daily temperature and precipitation for each subcatchment. Future projections utilized bias-corrected CMIP6 outputs from four General Circulation Models under four scenarios. Global datasets informed the spatial soil parameter distribution, and glacier imbalance ablation data were integrated to refine discharge modeling, which was validated against long-term catchment norm data.
The results indicate an upward trend in precipitation (+4.5%, +5.8%, and +8.4% for the three future periods) and median temperature increases of +1.3°C, +2.4°C, and +3.6°C, respectively. Modeling results predict an initial discharge increase of +4.1% in the first period, tapering off to +1.4% by the third, with glacier wastage in the Tien Shan impacting runoff zones and reducing discharge there. In contrast, the Gissar-Alay and Pamir ranges are projected to experience discharge increases throughout the century due to delayed peak water and enhanced glacier ablation. Shifts in precipitation patterns suggest potential alterations in hydrological extremes, a topic that warrants further investigation in the region. Our findings highlight the differentiated hydrological responses to climate change within Central Asian high-mountain catchments and underscore the critical role of glaciers in future water availability, with implications for local and regional water resource management.
Title: Organ Donation and first year students: A multidisciplinary study in eastern part of India
Authors: Datta Panchali , BHATTACHERJEE SHARMISTHA 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background
In patients with end-stage organ failure, organ transplantation is gaining popularity and logistical footing as the therapy of choice. Considering there is a mismatch between demand for organ transplantation and organ donation, our study seeks to identify the causes of this low response. As the future society's pivot, first-year students' knowledge and attitudes may have a significant impact on bringing about a positive shift in the thinking of their family members and society towards organ donation.
Objective
To assess the knowledge, attitude and willingness regarding organ donation among first year students of different disciplines and to determine the association of knowledge, attitude and willingness with selected sociodemographic variables
Methods
A cross-sectional observational study was done among 762 first-year medical, nursing, engineering, and business students from several colleges in Eastern India. A pretested, validated questionnaire was constructed using Google Forms and distributed to participants via social media. SPSS version 20.0 was used for the analysis.
Results
Out of the 762 participants, 68.6% had fair to good understanding about organ donation, only 5.9% had a favourable attitude, and 21.4% were willing to donate organs in the future if needed. The relationship between knowledge and attitude and desire to give organs was found to be statistically significant.
Conclusions
A variety of factors influence organ donation, including information, cultural beliefs, and individual motivation. Understanding these elements is critical for establishing effective organ donation promotion tactics.
The origins of IgA-secreting cells in the acinar structures of the nasal turbinates
Authors: Shulman Ziv , Liu Jingjing , Stoler-Barak Liat , Hezroni-Bravyi Hadas , Biram Adi , Lebon Sacha , Davidzohn Natalia , Kedmi Merav , Chemla Muriel , Pilzer David , Cohen Marina , Brenner Ori , Biton Moshe 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Nasal vaccination elicits a humoral immune response that provides protection from airborne pathogens, yet the origins and specific immune niches of antigen-specific IgA-secreting cells in the upper airways remain unknown. Here, we define glandular acinus structures of the nasal turbinates as an immunological niche that recruits IgA-secreting plasma cells from the nasal-associated lymphoid tissues (NALT) in response to intranasal vaccination. Using intact organ imaging to visualize cognate T and B cells in the upper airways, we demonstrate that nasal vaccination induced extensive B cell expansion in the subepithelial dome (SED) of the NALT, followed by invasion into commensal bacteria-driven chronic germinal centers (GCs) in a T cell-dependent manner. Antigen-specific B cell response in the NALT required pre-expansion of cognate T cells, which initiate the immune response in the inter-follicular regions of the NALT, and occurred effectively in the presence of Monophosphoryl-Lipid A (MPLA), a synthetic, non-toxic TLR-4 agonist. NALT ablation and blockade of PSGL-1 demonstrated that intranasal vaccination generates IgA-expressing plasma cells that home to the nasal turbinates through the blood circulation where they are positioned primarily around glandular acinus structures. Thus, the glandular part of the nasal turbinate is an immunological niche that hosts NALT-derived IgA-secreting cells. These cellular events can be manipulated to design vaccines against inhaled pathogens or in the treatment of upper airway allergic responses.
Convenient and efficient N-methylation of secondary amines under solvent-free ball milling conditions
Authors: Walter Mikołaj , Ciupak Olga , Biernacki Karol , Rachon Janusz , Witt Dariusz , Demkowicz Sebastian 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
In the present work, we report the development of a rapid, efficient, and solvent-free procedure for the N-methylation of secondary amines under mechanochemical conditions. After optimization of the milling parameters, a vibrational ball mill was used to synthesize 26 tertiary N-methylated amine derivatives. During our research, we investigated alternate reaction selectivity occurring in compounds able to form ring closure products that are 3,4-dihydro-2H-1,3-benzoxazine derivatives instead of N-methylated products. The liquid-assisted grinding (LAG) technique has been applied using formalin as a methylating agent and sodium triacetoxyborohydride as a reducing agent in a reductive amination reaction.
Osteoporosis management in a rural community hospital in Japan: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Mabuchi Sayaka , Ohta Ryuichi , Sano Chiaki 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by decreased bone strength and an increased risk of fragility fractures. Its prevalence is increasing in developed countries, highlighting the need for appropriate diagnosis and intervention. However, in practice, adequate testing and treatment are not often provided. Therefore, this study investigated the status of osteoporosis management in a rural community hospital in Japan.
Methods
We included women aged 65 years and above who were recommended to undergo osteoporosis screening. We analyzed the bone mineral density (BMD) test rate and characteristics of the patients who underwent these tests at the Department of General Medicine of Iinan Hospital between September 2017 and August 2021. Data were retrospectively extracted from electronic medical records, and statistical methods such as descriptive statistics, univariate analysis, and multivariable analysis were used for analysis.
Results
Among 984 patients included in the study, the BMD test rate was 14%. Despite being at risk of osteoporosis, older patients and those requiring nursing care showed a lower rate of testing. We also investigated the diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis; the proportion of patients diagnosed with osteoporosis was 41%, and the treatment rate was 19%.
Conclusions
The management of osteoporosis in a rural Japanese community hospital was found to be inadequate. The rate of BMD testing was low, particularly among older adults and those requiring nursing care. This finding suggests that these patients can be considered to have osteoporosis without confirming the diagnosis through testing based on their age alone, raising the question of ageism and highlighting the importance of personalized healthcare that is not based solely on age. Further cohort studies and intervention strategies are required to fully investigate these issues.
Effects of PEEP in intracranial pressure in patients with acute brain injury: An observational, prospective and multicenter study
Authors: Barea-Mendoza Jesús Abelardo , Collado Zaira Molina , Ballesteros-Sanz María Ángeles , Ansa Luisa Corral , Campo Maite Misis del , Rey Cándido Pardo , Jiménez Juan Angel Tihista , Márquez Carmen Corcobado , Rincón Juan Pedro Martín del , Llompart-Pou Juan Antonio , Prieto Luis Alfonso Marcos , Martínez Ander Olazabal , Lamas Ana María Diaz , Monge Rubén Herrán , Chico-Fernández Mario 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
The communication pathway between the brain and the lung is called the brain-lung crosstalk. The effects of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) in intracranial pressure (ICP) are variable. We prospectively analyzed the impact of PEEP changes in ICP dynamics in patients with acute brain injury (ABI).
Methods
Observational, prospective and multicenter study (PEEP-PIC study) including neurocritically ill patients who underwent invasive neuromonitorization from November, 2017 to June, 2018. Baseline ventilatory, hemodynamic and neuromonitoring variables were collected immediately before PEEP changes and during the following 30 minutes. Ethics Committee approval for the study was initially obtained (Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid: CEI: 17/221). Written informed consent was obtained from patients’ closest relatives.
Results
One-hundred and nine patients were included. Mean age was 52.68 (15.34) years, male 71 (65.13%). Traumatic brain injury was the cause of ABI in 54 (49.54%) patients. Length of mechanical ventilation was 16.52 (9.23) days. In-hospital mortality was 21.1%. Moderate PEEP increases (mean 6.24 to 9.10 cmH2O) resulted in ICP increase from 10.4 to 11.39 mmHg, p < 0.001, without changes in cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) (p = 0.548). Moderate PEEP decreases (mean 8.96 to 6.53 cmH2O) resulted in ICP decrease from 10.5 to 9.62 mmHg (p = 0.052), without changes in CPP (p = 0.762). Significant correlations were established between the increase of ICP and the delta PEEP (R = 0.28, p < 0.001), delta driving pressure (R = 0.15, p = 0.038) and delta compliance (R=-0.14, p = 0.052). ICP increment was higher in patients with lower baseline ICP.
Conclusions
Moderate PEEP changes were not associated with clinically relevant modifications in ICP values in patients with ABI. The magnitude of the change in ICP after PEEP increase was correlated with the delta of PEEP, the delta driving pressure and the delta compliance. Patients who had lower baseline ICP had a higher percentage of increase in ICP values.
Diagnosis of Renal Tubular Acidosis and Bicarbonatemia Above Sea Level in Pediatric Patients in Mexico City
Authors: Negrete-Pedraza Francisco H. , Garcia-Nieto Víctor , Castro-Fuentes Carlos A. , Valencia-Ledezma Omar E. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background
Renal tubular acidosis (RTA) is most often misdiagnosed due to several factors. Altitude, which influences bicarbonate levels, is a variable that is hardly considered in diagnosing RTA, so it should be a factor to consider when diagnosing this pathology. Regarding of this, the present study established reference limits for HCO3- levels in healthy children without pathologies associated with alterations in the acid-base balance in Mexico City and the metropolitan area.
Methods
A total of 267 pediatric patients were included, within normal percentiles for their age, with adequate psychomotor development, normal glomerular filtration rate (GFR), and without any associated pathology of any alteration in the acid-base balance.
Results
Compared to older children, children younger than two years of age showed statistically higher levels of calcemia and cystatin C. On the other hand, this same group showed lower values of creatininemia, pCO2, and HCO3-. Bicarbonate levels in children under two years of age were 13.94 mEq/L and 14.9 mEq/L in those over that age. A correlation was identified between HCO3- levels and pCO2 (r = 0.68; p < 0.001).
Conclusions
In the study population, an effect of altitude on blood levels of pCO2 and HCO3- was observed.
Salvage Haploidentical Transplantation for Graft Failure after First Haploidentical Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation: An Updated Experience
Authors: Sun Yuqian , Ma Rui , Zhu Danping , Zhang Xiao-hui , Xu Lan-Ping , Wang Yu , Mo Xiao-Dong , Lv Meng , Zhang Yuan-Yuan , Cheng Yifei , Yan Chen-Hua , Chen Yuhong , Chen Yao , Jingzhi Wang , Wang Feng-Rong , Han Tingting , Kong Jun , zhidong wang , han wei , Chen Huan , Chang Ying-Jun , He Yun , Xu Zheng-Li , Zheng Feng-Mei , fu haixia , Liu Kaiyan , Huang XiaoJun 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Second transplantation was almost the only salvage for graft failure. However, there is no recommended regimens for second transplantation, especially in the haplo-SCT setting. We recently reported very encouraging outcomes using a novel method (salvage haploidentical transplantation from a different donor after conditioning with fludarabine 30mg/m2 from − 6d to -2d and cyclophosphamide 1g/m2 from − 5d to -4d). Herein, we reported our updated experience in a total of 30 patients using this method. The median time of the second transplantation was 96.5 (33–215) days after the first transplantation. Among the 30 patients, 2 used the same donor since there was no other donor available. One patient died before engraftment at 19 days after second transplantation. For the 29 evaluable patients, neutrophil engraftments were achieved in all (100%) patients at a median of 11 (8–24) days, while platelet engraftments were achieved in 22 (75.8%) patients at a median of 17.5 (9-140) days. The 1-year OS and DFS was 60% and 53.3%, respectively. CIR and TRM was 6.7% and 33.3%, respectively. Compared with historical group (n = 34), the neutrophil engraftment (100% versus 58.5%, p < 0.001) and platelet engraftment (75.8% versus 32.3%, p < 0.001) were significantly better in the novel regimen group, and the OS was also significantly improved (60.0% versus 26.4%, p = 0.011). In conclusion, salvage haploidentical transplantation from a different donor using Flu/Cy regimen represents a promising option to rescue patients with graft failure after the first haploidentical stem cell transplantation.
Comparison between program synthesis with large language models and model predictive control for buildings optimal operation
Authors: Zabala Laura , Liventsev Vadim , Febres Jesus , Sterling Raymond 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Advanced control techniques, particularly Model Predictive Control (MPC), have proven effective in enhancing energy efficiency within buildings. While MPC remains a prominent choice, alternative strategies like program synthesis, employing large language models, warrant exploration. Despite its success in diverse applications and the inherent advantage of explainability, the performance of program synthesis in the building domain remains largely unexplored. Implemented through the Synthesize, Execute, Debug, and Rank framework with a pretrained GPT model, program synthesis is compared with MPC in an energy management problem using the BOPTEST building optimization testing framework. The test scenario involves a residential dwelling with a modulating heat pump. MPC, incorporating a graybox model recalibrated using real-time data, excels in improving thermal comfort in typical conditions, achieving a notable 35.5\% reduction in energy costs. In extreme peak conditions, MPC maintains thermal comfort improvements at a slightly higher energy cost. Program synthesis, while enhancing thermal comfort, lags behind MPC, revealing some trade-off challenges in certain scenarios. Notably, a program synthesis designed for a specific scenario demonstrates adaptability, achieving desired objectives across diverse scenarios. These findings emphasize the potential of program synthesis in optimizing energy efficiency and thermal comfort but underscore the importance of nuanced parameterization and scenario-specific optimization for its successful implementation in building control strategies.