bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Geotechnical Site Investigation of Two Failed Buildings in Enugu Metropolis, South East Nigeria
Authors: Uchenna Joseph Ezea , Igwe Ogbonnaya , Obinna Hyginus Ozioko , Kelechi Nnaji Eze 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Foundation integrity investigation was carried out on a building in Enugu State University of Science and Technology permanent site in Nkanu west and Godfrey Okoye University, Thinkers' Corner, Enugu East Local Government Area. Both locations are in the Enugu state,Nigeria. In recent times, lives and properties have been lost to building failures in the study area hence; this study seeks to reveal the reason for the cracks seen and possibly deduces the cause(s) of building failures in the area studied. At the foundation level in the different corners of buildings, samples were collected and geotechnical tests were conducted. The results showed that the area is made up of 50–70% clay fraction soil and has intermediate to high plasticity. The Liquid Limit and Plastic Limit range from 46–58% and 23–32% respectively while the Plasticity Index ranges from 21–28%. The area also showed an increase in moisture content as it ranged from 19.54 to 34.99%. The MDD and OMC which range from 1.65–1.74(g/m3) and 16.6–18.2% respectively show that the soil samples studied are not fit for foundation purposes. The Triaxial test showed high cohesion values of 29.06–37.62 KN/m2 and a low angle of internal friction of 4.74–8.880. Due to high cohesion, the area has improved bearing capacity from 241.77 to 305.2 KN/m2. The average coefficient of consolidation is 0.1392 m2/yr. in "E Section" and 0.1902 m2/yr. in "G Section". The coefficient of volume change (Mv) ranges from 4.10 x10− 5 m2/KN to 4.1x10− 4 m2/KN in the "E Section" and from 4.1 x10− 5m2/KN to 3.4 x10− 4m2/KN in "G Section. The porosity value ranging from 25.90–36.15% in the E section and from 29.80–35.20% in the G section shows the soil in the study area can take in water as much as possible which then finds it difficult to leave because of low permeability ranging from 9.99 x 10− 13cm/sec to 2.12 x 10− 5cm/sec and causes water log at the site. X-ray diffraction (XRD) results showed the presence of the kandite group of minerals occurring with goethite, magnetite, quartz, hematite, muscovite, and feldspar. The Soil in the studied area undergoes compression as seen in values of Coefficient of consolidation showing that soils in both locations are highly compressible meaning the building is underlain by an incompetent soil layer experiencing differential settlement in an amount ranging from 2.06 x10− 4m2/yr. to 3.44x10− 3m2/yr. in "E Section" and from 3.11 x10− 4m2/yr. to 2.90 x10− 3m2/yr. in the "G Section which can be minimized by proper surface and underground drainage systems.
Attributing Greenland summer temperature extremes to feedback processes and circulation anomalies
Authors: Ha Kyung-Ja , Blau Manuel Tobias , Chung Eui-Seok 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

The polar regions have been undergoing amplified warming in recent years. In particular, Greenland experiences a series of hot summers with intense melt rates. By employing a surface radiation budget framework, we examine the causes for extreme summer temperature events over Greenland over the period 1979-2021, considering feedback attribution analysis and natural climatic modes. We found a dominant contribution of the clear-sky downwelling longwave radiation and the surface albedo feedback to temperature anomalies. Atmospheric temperature perturbations resulting from changes in the static stability, dominate the effect of anomalous emissivity on clear-sky downwelling longwave radiation. The warming surface enhances turbulent heat exchange, warming the near-surface temperature, leading to enhanced pressure anomalies and a blocking anti-cyclone in warm years, causing more moisture advection and leading to the self-enhancing feedback loop. Different modes of natural climate variability can further amplify or dampen the ongoing warming trend causing extreme temperature events. The dominant mode over Greenland is the Greenland blocking Index, which exerted a significant impact on extreme events by modulating the feedback strength. Furthermore, we find that extreme temperature events can be explained in large part by anomalous atmospheric circulation related to strengthened blocking anti-cyclones associated with the Greenland Blocking Index.
Probing Intracellular Potassium Dynamics in Neurons with the Genetically Encoded Sensor lc-LysM GEPII 1.0 in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Groschup Bernhard , Calandra Gian Marco , Raitmayr Constanze , Shrouder Joshua , Llovera Gemma , Zaki Asal Ghaffari , Burgstaller Sandra , Bischof Helmut , Eroglu Emrah , Liesz Arthur , Malli Roland , Filser Severin , Plesnila Nikolaus 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Neuronal activity is accompanied by a net outflow of potassium ions (K+) from the intra- to the extracellular space. While extracellular [K+] changes during neuronal activity are well characterized, intracellular dynamics have been less well investigated due to lack of respective probes. In the current study we characterized the FRET-based K+ biosensor lc-LysM GEPII 1.0 for its capacity to measure intracellular [K+] changes in primary cultured neurons and in mouse cortical neurons in vivo. We found that lc-LysM GEPII 1.0 can resolve neuronal [K+] decreases in vitro during seizure-like and intense optogenetically evoked activity. [K+] changes during single action potentials could not be recorded. We confirmed these findings in vivo by expressing lc-LysM GEPII 1.0 in mouse cortical neurons and performing 2-photon fluorescence lifetime imaging. We observed an increase in the fluorescence lifetime of lc-LysM GEPII 1.0 during periinfarct depolarizations, which indicates a decrease in intracellular neuronal [K+]. Our findings suggest that lc-LysM GEPII 1.0 can be used to measure large changes in [K+] in neurons in vitro and in vivo but requires optimization to resolve smaller changes as observed during single action potentials.
Calreticulin (CALR) Promotes Ionophore-Induced Microneme Secretion in Toxoplasma gondii
Authors: Shan Zhili , Song Xingju , Yang Xu , Xue Yangfei , Wu Yayun , Wang Xianmei , Liu Jing , Liu Qun 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The flow of calcium ions (Ca2+) is involved in numerous vital activities of Toxoplasma gondii. Calreticulin is a type of Ca2+-binding protein in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), that is involved in Ca2+ signaling pathway regulation, Ca2+ storage, and protein folding. In this work, the calreticulin (CALR), a protein predicted to possess a conserved domain of calreticulin in T. gondii, was characterized. The CALR localized in the ER. Using reverse genetics, we discovered that CALR is not necessary for the lytic cycle, including invasion and replication. However, depletion of CALR affected microneme secretion triggered by A23187, which is a Ca2+ ionophore used to increase cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration. Furthermore, we discovered that CALR influences Ca2+ release. Transcriptomic comparison between Δcalr and Δku80 parasites showed that 226 genes in the Δcalr parasites were significantly down-regulated (p<0.05). The cellular biological functions of the down-regulated genes were mainly involved in calmodulin-dependent protein kinase pathways. Furthermore, in the absence of CALR, tachyzoites were still able to cause acute infection in mice. These results imply that by influencing ER Ca2+ release content, CALR may further impair the ionophore-induced secretion of the parasite. However, this protein is not required for the completion of the parasite's lytic cycle or for the acute virulence of the parasite.
Metabolic activities of marine ammonia-oxidizing archaea orchestrated by quorum sensing
Authors: Pereira Olivier , Qin Wei , Galand Pierre. E , Debroas Didier , Lami Raphael , Hochart Corentin , Zhou Yangkai , Zhou Jin , Zhang Chuanlun 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA) play crucial roles in marine carbon and nitrogen cycles by fixing inorganic carbon and performing the initial step of nitrification. Evaluation of carbon and nitrogen metabolism popularly relies on functional genes such as amoA and accA. Increasing studies suggest that quorum sensing (QS) mainly studied in biofilms for bacteria may serve as a universal communication and regulation mechanism among prokaryotes; however, this has yet to be demonstrated in marine planktonic archaea. To bridge this knowledge gap, we employed a combination of metabolic activity markers (amoA, accA, and grs) to elucidate the regulation of AOA-mediated nitrogen and carbon processes, including their interactions with the surrounding heterotrophic population. Through co-transcription investigations linking metabolic markers to potential key QS genes, we discovered that QS molecules could regulate AOA's carbon, nitrogen, and lipid metabolisms under different conditions. Interestingly, specific AOA ecotypes showed a preference for employing distinct QS systems and a distinct QS circuit involving typical population. Overall, our data demonstrate that quorum sensing (QS) orchestrates nitrogen and carbon metabolism, including the exchange of organic metabolites between AOA and surrounding heterotrophic bacteria, which has been previously overlooked in marine AOA research.
YTHDF3 modulates the progression of breast cancer cells by regulating FGF2 through m6A methylation
Authors: Gong RF , Zhang ZH , Sun Ting , Zhao XY , Fang Wen 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
Breast cancer (BC) is a prevailing malignancy among women, and its inconspicuous development contributes significantly to mortality. The RNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification represents an emerging mechanism for gene expression regulation, with the active involvement of the YTH N6-methyladenosine RNA binding protein 3 (YTHDF3) in tumor progression across multiple cancer types. Nonetheless, its precise function in breast cancer necessitates further investigation.
Methods
The expression of YTHDF3 in both cell lines and patient tissues was examined using Western blotting, reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), and immunohistochemistry (IHC) techniques. Bioinformatics analysis of methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing (MeRIP-seq) and transcriptome RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) data was employed to screen for the target genes of YTHDF3. The main focus of this study was to investigate the in vitro biological functions of YTHDF3. The specific binding of YTHDF3 to its target genes and its correlation with m6A methylation were studied through RNA pull-down, RNA immunoprecipitation, and co-immunoprecipitation experiments. The protein regulatory mechanisms of downstream genes of YTHDF3 were assessed using protein stability analysis. Furthermore, the biological functions of YTHDF3 and its target genes in breast cancer cells were validated through CRISPR-Cas9 technology and rescue experiments.
Results
By constructing a risk model using the TCGA database, YTHDF3 was identified as a high-risk factor among m6A methylation factors. Subsequent investigations revealed its elevated expression in various subtypes of breast cancer, accompanied by poor prognosis. MeRIP-seq analysis further revealed fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) as a downstream gene of YTHDF3. Knockdown of YTHDF3 in breast cancer cells led to significant inhibition of cell self-renewal, migration, and invasion abilities in vitro. Mechanistically, YTHDF3 specifically recognized the methylated transcript of FGF2 within its coding sequence (CDS) region, leading to the inhibition of FGF2 protein degradation. Moreover, depletion of FGF2 markedly suppressed the biological functions of breast cancer cells, while reducing FGF2 expression in YTHDF3-overexpressing breast cancer cell lines substantially alleviated the malignant progression.
Conclusions
In summary, our study elucidates the role of YTHDF3 as an oncogene in maintaining FGF2 expression in BC cells through an m6A-dependent mechanism. Additionally, we provide a potential biomarker panel for prognostic prediction in BC.
Enteral Nimodipine in Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage (Real World Application and Challenges)
Authors: Shinger Gavindeep , Haymond Jennifer , Young Flora , Leung Tim 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background/Objective:
Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) has an estimated mortality rate of 32% and complications include cerebral vasospasm, delayed cerebral ischemia and hydrocephalus. Guidelines recommend nimodipine as standard of care. Nimodipine has been shown to reduce death and dependency on others for activities of daily living and secondary ischemia, when compared to placebo. Our primary objective was to determine the proportion of patients with aSAH admitted to intensive care unit (ICU) or high acuity unit (HAU) at a tertiary referral hospital who received guideline recommended dose and duration of nimodipine. Our secondary objectives were to characterize usage and prescribing practices of nimodipine and describe barriers to receiving full treatment.
Methods
We conducted a retrospective chart review of 100 patients diagnosed with aSAH admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) or high acuity unit (HAU) at a tertiary referral hospital between January 1st, 2012 and August 31st, 2022. Descriptive statistics were used during statistical analysis.
Results
One patient with aSAH admitted to critical care received the guideline recommended dose and duration of nimodipine. Ninety five percent of patients experienced a delay to initiation. Reasons included transfer from another hospital site (47%) and lack of safe enteral route (65%). Sixty-six percent of patients received alternative dosing. Reasons included blood pressure below target (24%) and vasospasm requiring a higher blood pressure target (33%). A total of 13% experienced treatment interruption and 86% had nimodipine discontinued early. Reasons included vasospasm requiring a higher blood pressure target (12%) and nimodipine not being continued on transfer/discharge (14%). Fourty-four percent of our patients experienced mortality.
Conclusion
Patients fail to receive full course of nimodipine treatment due to multiple barriers during the treatment course. Pharmacists can play a role in optimizing nimodipine treatment through educating transferring sites on timely initiation, reconciling medications on transfer and discharge and mitigating interactions with concomitant medications.
An observational study to identify causative factors for non-use of hydroxychloroquine in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Manabe Atsushi , Sada Ryuichi Minoda , Miyake Hirofumi , Akebo Hiroyuki , Tsugihashi Yukio , Hatta Kazuhiro 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Introduction: Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) use is indicated for patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, HCQ was unavailable in Japan until 2015, and its usage is limited. Nevertheless, few reports are available discussing the reasons for not prescribing HCQ. Therefore, we aimed to identify the factors that interfere with HCQ use in patients with SLE.
Method: This observational, single-center study included data from 265 patients with SLE in 2019. The patients were categorized into two groups: groups with and without a history of HCQ use. Between these groups, clinical characteristics, including demographics, disease duration, clinical manifestations, disease activity, treatment patterns, and laboratory data, were compared using univariate analysis and logistic regression models.
Results: Among the 265 patients, 133 (50.2%) had a history of HCQ use. Univariate analysis identified the following variables related to HCQ non-use: older age, longer disease duration, lower prednisolone dose, lower SLE disease activity index 2000, lower estimated glomerular filtration rate, higher C3 level, and lower anti-double-stranded DNA antibody concentration. Logistic regression models identified a positive association between HCQ non-use and longer disease duration (odds ratio [OR]: 1.08), prednisolone dose ≤7.5 mg/day (OR: 4.18), C3 level ≥73 mg/dL (OR: 2.40), and attending physician having graduated >10 years prior (OR: 3.29).
Conclusions: A longer disease duration, lower prednisolone dose, higher C3 level, and longer time since the graduation of attending physicians were associated with HCQ non-use. Therefore, physicians and patients should be educated to facilitate HCQ use despite these factors.
Identification of Novel PI3Kα Inhibitor against Gastric Cancer: QSAR, Molecular Docking, and Molecular Dynamics Simulation based Analysis
Authors: Yuan Fang , Li Ting , Xu Xinjie , Chen Ting , Cao Zhiqun 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) is a malignant tumor with global incidence and death ranking fifth and fourth, respectively. GC patients nevertheless have a poor prognosis despite the effectiveness of more advanced chemotherapy and surgical treatment options. The second most frequently mutated gene in GC is PI3Kalpha, a confirmed oncogene that results in abnormal PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling, causing enhanced translation, proliferation, and survival, and is mutated in 7–25% of GC patients. The protein PI3Kalpha was targeted in the present study by utilizing machine learning (ML), molecular docking, and simulation. Total of 9214 molecules from the Drug Bank database were chosen for the first screening. A training set for 6770 compounds tested against PI3Kalpha was assessed to create a quantitative structure-activity relationship-based machine learning model using five different classification algorithms: random forest, random tree, J48 pruned tree, decision stump, and REPTree. Furthermore, consideration was given to the random forest classifier for screening based on its performance index (kappa statistics, ROC, and MCC). Overall 1539 of the 9214 drug bank compounds were predicted to be active. Thereafter, three pharmacological filters, Lipinski's rule, Ghose filter, and Veber rule, were applied to test the drug-like properties of the screened compounds. 26 of 1593 compounds showed excellent drug-like properties and were further considered for molecular docking. Thereafter, two compounds were screened as hits because they possessed the molecular docked position with the lowest binding energy and an excellent bonding profile. The binding stability of the selected compounds was further assessed through molecular dynamics simulations for up to 20 ns. Furthermore, compound 1-(3-(2,4-Dimethylthiazol-5-YL)-4-oxo-2,4-dihydroindeno [1,2-C]pyrazol-5-YL)-3-(4-methylpiperazin-1-YL) urea was selected as a potential hit in the final screening by analyzing a number of parameters, including the Rg, RMSD, RMSF, H bonding, and SASA profile. Therefore, we conclude that compound 1-(3-(2, 4-Dimethylthiazol-5-YL)-4-oxo-2,4-dihydroindeno[1,2-C]pyrazol-5-YL)-3-(4-methylpiperazin-1-YL) urea has efficient inhibitory potential against PI3Kalpha protein and could be utilized for the development of effective drugs against GC.
Urbanization and Kaniv Reservoir’s Impacts on Regional Thermal Characteristics
Authors: Pikl Miroslav , Brovkina Olga , Zemek František , Ladyka Maryna , Starodubtsev Vladimir 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
This study contributes to understanding impacts of urbanization and the large water body of Kaniv Reservoir on thermal characteristics in the region. We also wanted to learn if there are any common trends in air and surface temperatures during vegetation seasons in the period 1985–2022. Specifically, the study’s objectives were to 1) detect and quantify built-up area changes using Landsat satellite data, and 2) analyze land surface temperature (LST) trends in several shoreland zones of the reservoir and with different land cover types. To identify built-up areas, principal component analysis, spectral and texture analyses, and object-based classification were performed using Landsat 5, 7, and 9 data. LST was calculated in Google Earth Engine for the studied period for three shoreland zones and six land cover types. These included sites with substantial, partial, and no land use change. The built-up area increased unevenly over time and differently in each of the shoreland zones. The growth of built-up area was greatest – increasing by 3.7 times – in a zone close to the city of Kyiv. The highest mean LST values were found in the study zone with prevailing agricultural land use. Positive LST trends were observed throughout the entire study period, albeit with different trend slopes in individual months. Statistically significant trends were observed only in August and September. Knowledge of built-up area changes and LST trends in shoreland zones of Kaniv Reservoir can help to explain some ecological and anthropogenic processes that have occurred in recent decades.
Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptive Use and Associated Factors Among Extended Postpartum Women in Eastern Ethiopia: An Institution-Based Cross-Sectional Study Design
Authors: Negash Daniel , Baraki Negga , Dheressa Merga , Bayu Kefelegn 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background: Long-acting reversible contraceptives have provided birth control for at least 2 years. A lack of contraception by couples during the postpartum period can result in unwanted pregnancies and social and economic consequences. Despite the multiple impacts of these practices, limited studies have been conducted on the prevalence of long-acting reversible contraceptive use and associated factors among postpartum women in the study area. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of long-acting reversible contraceptive use and its associated factors among postpartum women in public hospitals in the East Hararghe Zone, Eastern Ethiopia.
Method: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 614 study participants in the East Hararghe Zone, eastern Ethiopia. Systematic random sampling was used to select the study participants.
A semi structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. The collected data were coded and entered into Epi Data version 3.1 and subsequently exported to SPSS version 22 software for analysis. Descriptive analysis was computed using frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation. Multivariate logistic regression was applied to identify the factors associated with long-acting reversible contraceptive use among extended postpartum women. The adjusted odds ratio (AOR) and its 95% confidence interval were computed to show the strength of the association between the dependent and independent variables. The goodness of fit of the model was tested by using the Hosmer–Lemeshow goodness of fit test, and the results were not significant (p=0.194). The results were then presented in tables, figures, and narratives.
Results: The prevalence of long-acting reversible contraceptives was 33%. Women’s educational level (AOR= 11.32, 95% CI=4.672–27.393), counseling (AOR=3.648, 95% CI=1.88–7.08), prior use of long-acting reversible contraceptives (AOR=7, 95% CI=3.79–15.202), and discussion with husbands (AOR=2.75, 95% CI=1.56–4.84) were significantly associated with long-acting reversible contraception usage.
Conclusion: Overall, the current study showed that the use of long-acting reversible contraceptives among extended postpartum women was low in eastern Ethiopia. Women’s educational level, prior use, discussions with husbands, and postnatal counseling were identified as significant associated factors for low use of long-acting reversible contraceptives among extended postpartum women. Therefore, strengthening counseling on the use of long-acting reversible contraceptives, improving women’s educational status, and providing postnatal counseling through discussion with spouses are important measures for enhancing the utilization of long-acting reversible contraceptives among extended postpartum women in the East Hararghe Zone, Eastern Ethiopia.