bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Experimental Investigation of the Mechanical Properties of Polypropylene Fiber-Reinforced Clay Soil and Development of Predictive Models: Effects of Fiber Length and Fiber Content
Authors: Yazici Mehmet Fatih , Keskin Siddika Nilay 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
This study investigated the mechanical properties of a low plasticity clay soil reinforced with polypropylene (PP) fiber in various contents (0.05%, 0.10%, 0.15%, 0.20%) and lengths (6, 12, 19 mm). The reinforced specimens were subjected to unconsolidated-undrained (UU) triaxial compression tests under three different confining pressures (50, 100, and 200 kPa). The optimum fiber contents in specimens reinforced with 6, 12, and 19 mm PP fiber were determined as 0.15%, 0.15%, and 0.20%, respectively. As a result, the highest values regarding deviator stress at failure (σdev), energy absorption capacity (EAC), and shear strength parameters occurred in specimens containing 0.20% PP (19 mm). As a result of the reinforcement process, the most remarkable improvements in the σdev, cohesion, internal friction angle, and EAC values of the natural soil are 59.95%, 21.80%, 63%, and 34.70%, respectively. Linear and non-linear relationships between σdev and fiber length, fiber content, and confining pressure were investigated by multiple linear regression (MLR) and artificial neural network (ANN) methods. Equations were generated to predict σdev of a low plasticity clay soil reinforced with PP fiber and were made available to geotechnical researchers.
Front interface defect signature and benefits of CdSeTe thickness and band gap in CdSeTe/CdTe graded solar cell
Authors: Filipe Daniel Inacio , Chenene Manuel Luis 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Thin film solar cells based on CdTe absorber suffer from abnormal current density – voltage (J-V) shapes and opencircuit voltage deficit due to suboptimum device architecture, non-optimal back contact and bulk absorber limiting factors, such as low doping density, grain boundary and low carrier lifetime. In this study, we investigate the role of window/absorber interface defects properties in the JV curve shape and the combined effect of CdSexTe1−x thickness and band gap on the device performance using SCAPS-1D. For donor-type interface defects no abnormalities are reported in the J-V curve shape of the device. Acceptor-like defects show strong effect on the J-V shape and two types of anomalies in the J-V curve are reported, hysteresis and s-kink. Those abnormalities are eliminated when the defects concentration at the front interface is bellow or equal to 1011cm-2. The simulations also point out the optimum CdSeTe thickness and band gap to achieve simultaneously high values of open-circuit voltage and short-circuit density, as well as, high conversion efficiency and fill factor. We demonstrate that further device structural optimization is required in MZO/CdSeTe/CdTe solar cell.
An ANXA11 P93S variant dysregulates TDP-43 and causes corticobasal syndrome
Authors: Snyder Allison , Ryan Veronica H , Hawrot James , Lawton Sydney , Ramos Daniel M , Qi Y Andy , Johnson Kory , Reed Xylena , Johnson Nicholas L , Kollasch Aaron W , Duffy Megan , VandeVrede Lawren , Cochran J Nicholas , Miller Bruce L , Toro Camilo , Bielekova Bibiana , Yokoyama Jennifer S , Marks Debora S , Kwan Justin Y , Cookson Mark R , Ward Michael E 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

As genetic testing has become more accessible and affordable, variants of uncertain significance (VUS) are increasingly identified, and determining whether these variants play causal roles in disease is a major challenge. The known disease-associated Annexin A11 (ANXA11) mutations result in ANXA11 aggregation, alterations in lysosomal-RNA granule co-trafficking, and TDP-43 mis-localization and present as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or frontotemporal dementia. We identified a novel VUS in ANXA11 (P93S) in a kindred with corticobasal syndrome and unique radiographic features that segregated with disease. We then queried neurodegenerative disorder clinic databases to identify the phenotypic spread of ANXA11 mutations. Multi-modal computational analysis of this variant was performed and the effect of this VUS on ANXA11 function and TDP-43 biology was characterized in iPSC-derived neurons. Single-cell sequencing and proteomic analysis of iPSC-derived neurons and microglia were used to determine the multiomic signature of this VUS. Mutations in ANXA11 were found in association with clinically diagnosed corticobasal syndrome, thereby establishing corticobasal syndrome as part of ANXA11 clinical spectrum. In iPSC-derived neurons expressing mutant ANXA11, we found decreased colocalization of lysosomes and decreased neuritic RNA as well as decreased nuclear TDP-43 and increased formation of cryptic exons compared to controls. Multiomic assessment of the P93S variant in iPSC-derived neurons and microglia indicates that the pathogenic omic signature in neurons is modest compared to microglia. Additionally, omic studies reveal that immune dysregulation and interferon signaling pathways in microglia are central to disease. Collectively, these findings identify a new pathogenic variant in ANXA11, expand the range of clinical syndromes caused by ANXA11 mutations, and implicate both neuronal and microglia dysfunction in ANXA11 pathophysiology. This work illustrates the potential for iPSC-derived cellular models to revolutionize the variant annotation process and provides a generalizable approach to determining causality of novel variants across genes.
Residual carbon emissions in companies’ climate pledges: Who has to reduce and who gets to remove?
Authors: Arendt Rosalie 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Corporate carbon neutrality pledges have been criticised for their lack of integrity, especially when they are primarily based on the simple purchase of carbon offsets without making any significant emission reductions. Neutrality pledges that are consistent with the goal of net zero standards should be based on the reduction of all but the so-called unavoidable or residual emissions and compensate for them not through reduction offsets but by actually removing the equivalent amount of emissions from the atmosphere. In this paper, I analyse whether net zero pledges of 115 large companies, which cover all eleven Global Industry Classification Standards’ sectors, follow the net zero definition. The assessed criteria are i) the type of pledge made, ii) the definition of residual emissions employed and iii) whether the company commits to neutralise its emissions exclusively with removals. Secondly, I assess the companies’ level of commitment to their net zero pledges by examining the residual emission level provided and whether their climate goal also applies to absolute scope 3 emissions. Fifty-five companies mention residual emissions, but only eleven of them linked residual emissions to a specific process or product, while 28 companies provided a quantitative residual emission level in percent for their target year. Furthermore, only 23 companies committed to neutralise emissions in their target year exclusively with removals. From the companies that had a net zero target (69) only 22% aimed to reduce emissions to a residual level and compensate with removals. The residual emission levels range between 0–80% (mean = 19.6%, median = 10%). More than half of the residual emissions that exceed the mean of 10% are claimed by sectors that are not classified as hard-to-abate such as information technology or communication companies. The results call for a more rigorous use of the term “net zero” and a dialogue between politicians, civil society and industry regarding residual emission levels.
Insights into Nutrient-stimulated Hormone Dynamics and Obesity: A Mathematical Modeling Study Using Bioinformatics Tools
Authors: Andrade Luís Jesuino de Oliveira , de Oliveira Gabriela Correia Matos , de Oliveira Luisa Correia Matos , Bittencourt Alcina Maria Vinhaes , de Oliveira Luís Matos 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Introduction
The concept of nutrient-stimulated hormone (NUSH) refers to the dynamic interaction between dietary components and the endocrine system, leading to the modulation of hormone secretion and subsequent metabolic changes. There is a notable gap in the existing literature regarding the utilization of mathematical models in studying the dynamics of NUSH levels and feedback loops related to obesity.
Objective
To explore the relationship between NUSH and obesity using mathematical modeling with bioinformatics tools.
Method
Data on obesity was collected from meta-analyses studies available on Pubmed that utilized incretin-based therapies. A mathematical model was developed using bioinformatics tools to integrate interactions between NUSH levels and body weight changes. The model accurately captured the complex dynamics and feedback loops involved in obesity-related hormone regulation using differential equations and statistical techniques. Parameter estimation was performed through optimization algorithms to minimize discrepancy between model predictions and observed data.
Results
This study included 10 meta-analyses on liraglutide and semaglutide for obesity treatment. A mathematical model was developed to understand the dynamics of NUSH in relation to obesity. The model incorporated a formula: NUSH(t) = N0 * (1 - e^(-kt)) + I * [1 - e^(-βt)] / β, that considered NUSH levels over time, initial levels, decay rate, impact of nutrient intake on hormone secretion, and the rate at which the effect of nutrient intake reaches its maximum. The model aimed to explain the relationship between NUSH and obesity development.
Conclusion
The combination of mathematical modeling and bioinformatics tools has provided insights into the complex interplay between NUSH and obesity.
Reduced charge transfer in mixed-spin ferropericlase inferred from its high-pressure refractive index
Authors: Schifferle Lukas , Speziale Sergio , Winkler Björn , Milman Victor , Lobanov Sergey S. 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Physical properties of mantle minerals are essential for comprehensive geodynamic modeling. High-pressure experiments allow measurements of physical properties but fundamental insights into their evolution with pressure are often experimentally inaccessible. Here we report the first in situ experimental determination of the optical refractive index, its wavelength-dispersion, and optical absorption coefficient of ferropericlase up to ~140 GPa at room temperature. All these properties change gradually in dominantly high-spin (below ~50 GPa) and low-spin (above ~80 GPa) ferropericlase. However, in the mixed-spin state (i.e., significant presence of both high- and low-spin iron), the index dispersion and the absorption coefficient decrease by a factor of three and ~30%, respectively. These anomalies suggest that charge transport by small polaron is reduced in mixed-spin ferropericlase, providing fundamental insights into the factor-of-three lower electrical conductivity of ferropericlase at ~50–70 GPa.
Compositional transformation of Ni2+ and Fe0 during the removal of Ni2+ by nanoscale zero-valent iron and the implications to groundwater remediation
Authors: Anang Emmanuella , Liu Hong , Fan Xianyuan 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

The use of nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI) to remove heavy metal ions like Ni2+ from groundwater has been extensively studied; however, the compositional transformation of the Ni2+ and Fe0 during the removal is not clearly comprehensible. This study provides an insight into the componential, structural, and morphological transformations of Ni2+ and Fe0 at a solid–liquid interface using various characterization devices. The underlying mechanism of transformation was investigated along with the toxicity/impact of the transformed products on the groundwater ecosystem. The results indicated that Fe0 is transformed into lath-like lepidocrocite (γ-FeOOH), twin-crystal goethite (α-FeOOH), and spherical magnetite (Fe3O4), while Ni2+ is converted into Fe0.7Ni0.3 alloy and Fe–Ni composite (trevorite – NiFe2O4) with a fold-fan morphology. The Fe0 transformation mechanism includes the redox of Fe0 with Ni2+, H2O, and dissolved oxygen, the combination of Fe2+ and OH– produced by Fe0 corrosion to amorphous ferrihydrite, and the further mineralogical transformation to Fe oxides with the aid of Fe2+ adsorbed on ferrihydrite. The conversion of Ni2+ is accomplished by reduction by Fe0 and surface coordination with Fe oxides. Compared with Ni2+ and Fe0, the toxicity and bioavailability of the transformed products are significantly reduced, hence conducive to the application of zero-valent iron technology in groundwater remediation.
Challenges and Solutions in the Recombinant Expression of Membrane
Proteins
Authors: Liu Caijuan , He Hanxue , Tian Jie , Ma Yunqi 
Published: October 2023

Abstract:
Membrane proteins are important components of the proteome and play key roles in
many biological processes, such as signal transduction, material transport, cell recognition, etc.
Membrane proteins are involved in several fields, and more and more researchers want to
understand them. However, the structural properties of membrane proteins make their recombinant
expression yield low. This adversely affects the study of the structure and function of membrane
proteins. Therefore, it is crucial to have a comprehensive and up-to-date understanding of
membrane protein recombinant expression. Based on the current stage of research on membrane
proteins, the article describes the current challenges faced by membrane protein recombinant
expression and the solutions that can be applied to lay the foundation for a better study of
membrane proteins in the future.
Research Progress of Pyroptosis in Renal Diseases
Authors: Hu Boyan , Ma Kuai , Wang Wei , Han Zhongyu , Chi Mingxuan , Nasser Moussa Ide , Liu Chi 
Published: October 2023

:
Kidney diseases, particularly Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) and Chronic Kidney
Disease (CKD), are identified as global public health issues affecting millions of individuals.
In addition, the frequency of renal diseases in the population has increased dramatically
and rapidly in recent years. Renal disorders have become a significant public
health burden. The pathophysiology of renal diseases is significantly connected with renal
cell death, including apoptosis, necrosis, necroptosis, ferroptosis, pyroptosis, and autophagy,
as is now recognized. Unlike other forms of cell death, pyroptosis is a unique
planned cell death (PCD). Scientists have proven that pyroptosis is crucial in developing
various disorders, and this phenomenon is gaining increasing attention. It is considered a
novel method of inflammatory cell death. Intriguingly, inflammation is among the most
significant pathological characteristics of renal disease. This study investigates the effects
of pyroptosis on Acute Kidney Injury (AKI), Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), Diabetic
Nephropathy (DN), Immunoglobulin A (IgA) Nephropathy, and Lupus Nephritis
(LN) to identify novel therapeutic targets for kidney diseases.
Revisiting the Role of B-RAF Kinase as a Therapeutic Target in
Melanoma
Authors: Kozyra Paweł , Pitucha Monika 
Published: October 2023

Abstract:
Malignant melanoma is the rarest but most aggressive and deadly skin cancer.
Melanoma is the result of a malignant transformation of melanocytes, which leads to their
uncontrolled proliferation. Mutations in the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)
pathway, which are crucial for the control of cellular processes, such as apoptosis, division,
growth, differentiation, and migration, are one of its most common causes. BRAF
kinase, as one of the known targets of this pathway, has been known for many years as a
prominent molecular target in melanoma therapy, and the following mini-review outlines
the state-of-the-art knowledge regarding its structure, mutations and mechanisms.
Synthesis and Selective Anticancer Activity Evaluation of
2-phenylacrylonitrile Derivatives as Tubulin Inhibitors
Authors: Jin Ye-Zhi , Xin Ya-Bing , Li Yuan , Chen Xin-Yuan , Man De-Ao , Tian Yu-Shun 
Published: October 2023

Objective:
This study aimed at synthesizing 13 series of novel derivatives
with 2-phenylacrylonitrile, evaluating antitumor activity both in vivo and in vitro, and
obtaining novel tubulin inhibitors.

Methods:
The 13 series of 2-phenylacrylonitrile derivatives were synthesized by Knoevenagel
condensation and the anti-proliferative activities were determined by MTT assay.
The cell cycle and apoptosis were analyzed by flow cytometer. Quantitative cell migration
was performed using 24-well Boyden chambers. The proteins were detected by
western blotting. in vitro kinetics of microtubule assembly was measured using ELISA
kit for Human β-tubulin (TUBB). Molecular docking was done by Discovery Studio (DS)
2017 Client online tool.

Results:
Among the derivatives, compound 1g2a possessed strong inhibitory activity
against HCT116 (IC50 = 5.9 nM) and BEL-7402 (IC50 = 7.8 nM) cells. Compound 1g2a
exhibited better selective antiproliferative activities and specificities than all the positive
control drugs, including taxol. Compound 1g2a inhibited proliferation of HCT116 and
BEL-7402 cells by arresting them in the G2/M phase of the cell cycle, inhibited the migration
of HCT116 and BEL-7402 cells and the formation of cell colonies. Compound
1g2a showed excellent tubulin polymerization inhibitory activity on HCT116 and
BEL-7402 cells. The results of molecular docking analyses showed that 1g2a may inhibit
tubulin to exert anticancer effects.

Conclusion:
Compound 1g2a shows outstanding antitumor activity both in vivo and in
vitro and has the potential to be further developed into a highly effective antitumor
agent with little toxicity to normal tissues.
Combinatorial Implications of Nrf2 Inhibitors with FN3K Inhibitor: In vitro Breast
Cancer Study
Authors: Beeraka Narasimha M. , Zhang Jin , Zhao Di , Liu Junqi , A U Chinnappa , Vikram PR Hemanth , Shivaprakash Priyanka , Bannimath Namitha , Manogaran Prasath , Sinelnikov Mikhail Y. , Bannimath Gurupadayya , Fan Ruitai 
Published: October 2023

Background::
Platinum derivatives are chemotherapeutic agents preferred for the treatment of cancers
including breast cancer. Oxaliplatin is an anticancer drug that is in phase II studies to treat metastatic
breast cancer. However, its usage is constrained by chemoresistance and dose-related side effects.

Objective::
The objective of this study is to examine the combinatorial efficacy of brusatol, an Nrf2 blocker,
with oxaliplatin (a proven FN3K blocker in our study) in mitigating breast cancer growth in vitro.

Methods::
We performed cytotoxicity assays, combination index (CI) analysis, colony formation assays, apoptosis
assays, and Western blotting.

Results::
Results of our study described the chemosensitizing efficacy of brusatol in combination with lowdose
oxaliplatin against breast cancer through synergistic effects in both BT-474 and T47D cells. A significant
mitigation in the migration rate of these cancer cells was observed with the combination regimen, which is
equivalent to the IC-50 dose of oxaliplatin (125 μM). Furthermore, ROS-mediated and apoptotic modes of
cell death were observed with a combinatorial regimen. Colony formation of breast cancer cell lines was mitigated
with a combinatorial regimen of bursatol and oxaliplatin than the individual treatment regimen. FN3K
expression downregulated with oxaliplatin in T47D cells. The mitigation of FN3K protein expression with a
combination regimen was not observed but the Nrf2 downstream antioxidant signaling proteins were significantly
downregulated with a combination regimen similar to individual drug regimens.

Conclusion::
Our study concluded the combination efficacy of phytochemicals like brusatol in combination
with low-dose oxaliplatin (FN3K blocker), which could enhance the chemosensitizing effect in breast cancer
and minimize the overall dose requirement of oxaliplatin.
Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease and its Metal Chelation Therapeutics: A
Narrative Review
Authors: Thakur Ritik , Karwasra Ritu , Umar Tarana 
Published: October 2023

Abstract:
The neurodegenerative disorders are age-related illnesses that cause the morphology or activity of
neurons to deteriorate over time. Alzheimer’s disease is the most frequent neurodegenerative illness in the
long run. The rate of advancement might vary, even though it is a progressive neurological illness. Various explanations
have been proposed, however the true etiology of Alzheimer’s disease remains unclear. Most pharmacological
interventions are based on the cholinergic theory, that is earliest idea. In accordance with the amyloid
hypothesis, the buildup of beta-amyloid in brain regions is the primitive cause of illness. There is no proof
that any one strategy is useful in avoiding Alzheimer’s disease, though some epidemiological studies have
suggested links within various modifiable variables, such as cardiovascular risk, diet and so on. Different metals
like zinc, iron, and copper are naturally present in our bodies. In metal chelation therapy drugs are used to
jam the metal ions from combining with other molecules in the body. Clioquinol is one of the metal chelation
drugs used by researchers. Research on metal chelation is still ongoing. In the present review, we go over the
latest developments in prevalence, incidence, etiology, or pathophysiology of our understanding of
Alzheimer’s disease. Additionally, a brief discussion on the development of therapeutic chelating agents and
their viability as Alzheimer’s disease medication candidates is presented. We also assess the effect of clioquinol
as a potential metal chelator.