bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of C- and N-terminal protection on the stability, metal chelation and antimicrobial properties of calcitermin
Authors: D’Accolti Maria , Bellotti Denise , Dzień Emilia , Leonetti Carlotta , Leveraro Silvia , Albanese Valentina , Marzola Erika , Guerrini Remo , Caselli Elisabetta , Rowińska-Żyrek Magdalena , Remelli Maurizio 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe main limitation to the use of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) as regular drugs, against antibiotic and antifungal resistance, mainly relates to their rapid degradation by proteolytic enzymes. The introduction of suitable structural changes in the peptide chain can make the peptide less susceptible to the action of proteases, thus overcoming this problem. To improve the plasma stability of calcitermin, a metal-chelating AMP present in the human respiratory tract and investigated in the present study, C- and/or N- terminal modifications have been introduced in the native sequence. Evaluation of peptide stability has been performed to determine the half-life times in human plasma of both native calcitermin and its derivatives. However, the protection of the peptide termini can also affect its metal coordination behaviour. Thus, the characterization of Zn2+ and Cu2+ complexes has been performed by means of several techniques, including potentiometry, high-resolution mass spectrometry, UV–Vis, circular dichroism and EPR. On the basis of the obtained results, it was possible to compare the biological activity of the studied systems, taking into account both the metal-binding ability and the peptide stability to search for a link among them. A significant result of this study is that the N-terminal protection increases the calcitermin half-life over seven times and the formation of metal complexes confers resistance towards degradation almost doubling its half-life.
Synthesis of potent MDA-MB 231 breast cancer drug molecules from single step
Authors: Govindaraj Senthilnathan , Ganesan Kilivelu , Dharmasivam Mahendiran , Raman Lakshmisundaram , Alam Mohammed Mujahid , Amanullah Mohammed 
Published: October 2023

AbstractWe have prepared novel potent breast cancer drug molecules from non-toxic and inexpensive method. Column chromatography is not necessary for purification of target molecules. The value of overall atom economy, environmental factor, environmental catalyst and product mass intensity gives additional merits for this synthetic method. Synthesized flexible dimeric imidazolium bromides showed less toxicity and gives excellent anticancer response against normal mammary epithelial cells. Novel dimeric pyridinium bromides showed excellent anticancer response against tested cancer cell lines. In cell cycle, novel flexible dimeric pyridinium bromides showed significant arrest in the G2/M phase by nearly three folds, when compared with control drug. We have studied the targeting epidermal growth factor receptor for all the synthesized flexible amino substituted and methyl substituted dimeric pyridinium bromides.
Analysis of proteins released from osteoarthritic cartilage by compressive loading
Authors: Tsuno Hirotaka , Tanaka Nobuho , Naito Masashi , Ohashi Satoru , Iwasawa Mitsuyasu , Kadoguchi Tomoyasu , Mitomi Hiroyuki , Matsui Toshihiro , Furukawa Hiroshi , Fukui Naoshi 
Published: October 2023

AbstractIn osteoarthritis (OA), synovial pathology may be induced by proteins released from degenerated cartilage. This study was conducted to identify the proteins released from OA cartilage. OA cartilage was obtained from OA knees at macroscopically preserved areas (PRES) and degenerated areas (DEG), while control cartilage (CONT) was collected from non-arthritic knees. Released proteins were obtained from these cartilage samples by repeatedly applying compressive loading, which simulated loading on cartilage in vivo. The released proteins were analyzed comprehensively by antibody array analyses and a quantitative proteomic analysis. For several proteins, the exact amounts released were determined by Luminex assays. The amount of active TGF-β that was released was determined by an assay using genetically-engineered HEK cells. The results of the antibody array and proteomic analyses revealed that various biologically active proteins are released from OA cartilage, particularly from DEG, by loading. The Luminex assay confirmed that several alarmins, complement proteins C3a and C5a, and several angiogenic proteins including FGF-1, FGF-2 and VEGF-A were released in greater amounts from DEG than from CONT. The HEK cell assay indicated that active TGF-β was released from DEG at biologically significant levels. These findings may be helpful in understanding the pathology of OA.
Cocaine-induced loss of LTD and social impairments are restored by fatty acid amide hydrolase inhibition
Authors: Alegre-Zurano Laia , Caceres-Rodriguez Alba , Berbegal-Sáez Paula , Lassalle Olivier , Manzoni Olivier , Valverde Olga 
Published: October 2023

AbstractA single dose of cocaine abolishes endocannabinoid-mediated long-term depression (eCB-LTD) in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) within 24 h of administration. However, it is uncertain whether this altered neuroplasticity entails a behavioral deficit. As previously reported, after a single dose of cocaine (20 mg/kg), mice displayed impaired eCB-LTD in the NAc. Such cocaine-induced neuroplastic impairment was accompanied by an altered preference for saccharin and social interactions and a reduction in mRNA levels of the anandamide-catabolizing enzyme NAPE-PLD. The pharmacological increase of anandamide through the fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) inhibitor URB597 (1 mg/kg) reversed the cocaine-induced loss of eCB-LTD in the NAc and restored normal social interaction in cocaine-exposed mice, but it did not affect saccharin preference. Overall, this research underlines the neuroplastic and behavioral alterations occurring after the initial use of cocaine and suggests a potential role for anandamide.
Effective clearance of rituximab-resistant tumor cells by breaking the mirror-symmetry of immunoglobulin G and simultaneous binding to CD55 and CD20
Authors: Lee Sang Min , Min Sung-Won , Kwon Hyeong Sun , Bae Gong-Deuk , Jung Ji Hae , Park Hye In , Lee Seung Hyeon , Lim Chung Su , Ko Byoung Joon , Lee Ji Chul , Jung Sang Taek 
Published: October 2023

AbstractComplement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC), which eliminates aberrant target cells through the assembly and complex formation of serum complement molecules, is one of the major effector functions of anticancer therapeutic antibodies. In this study, we discovered that breaking the symmetry of natural immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies significantly increased the CDC activity of anti-CD20 antibodies. In addition, the expression of CD55 (a checkpoint inhibitor in the CDC cascade) was significantly increased in a rituximab-resistant cell line generated in-house, suggesting that CD55 overexpression might be a mechanism by which cancer cells acquire rituximab resistance. Based on these findings, we developed an asymmetric bispecific antibody (SBU-CD55 × CD20) that simultaneously targets both CD55 and CD20 to effectively eliminate rituximab-resistant cancer cells. In various cancer cell lines, including rituximab-resistant lymphoma cells, the SBU-CD55 × CD20 antibody showed significantly higher CDC activity than either anti-CD20 IgG antibody alone or a combination of anti-CD20 IgG antibody and anti-CD55 IgG antibody. Furthermore, the asymmetric bispecific antibody (SBU-CD55 × CD20) exhibited significantly higher CDC activity against rituximab-resistant cancer cells compared to other bispecific antibodies with symmetric features. These results demonstrate that enhancing CDC with an asymmetric CD55-binding bispecific antibody could be a new strategy for developing therapeutics to treat patients with relapsed or refractory cancers.
222Rn and its relation with meteorological conditions and gaseous pollutants in the outdoor environment of Qena City South of Egypt
Authors: Abbady Adel. G. E. , Din Khaled Salahel , Saad Nagwa 
Published: October 2023

AbstractIn the outdoor environment of Qena city, located in southern Egypt, 222Rn concentrations were continuously measured from January 2015 to December 2015 using Alpha-Guard radon monitor, PQ 2000 PRO. Meteorological parameters (air temperature AT, relative humidity RH, and evaporation rate EV) and gaseous pollutants [ozone O3, nitrogen oxide NOx, and particulate matter that has a diameter of less than 10 µm (PM10)] data for the same period were collected from the meteorological station. This work aims to study the potential relationships between 222Rn and each of the meteorological parameters and gaseous pollutants. According to observational data, the yearly average concentrations of 222Rn were 19.35 ± 1.58 Bq/m3, 31.68 ± 1.97 µg/m3 for O3, 9.97 ± 2.27 µg/m3 for NOx, and 109.95 ± 6.48 µg/m3 for PM10. The concentration of 222Rn is positively correlated with relative humidity, nitrogen oxide, and particulate matter, whereas it is negatively correlated with air temperature, evaporation rate, and ozone. Descriptive statistical analysis revealed various distribution patterns for 222Rn, meteorological parameters, and gaseous pollutants.
Impact of micro/nano cadmium oxide on shielding properties of cement–ball clay matrix
Authors: Gouda Mona M. , Abbas Mahmoud I. , Eid Malak H. , Ziedan Mohamed S. , Ibrahim Moaaz A. , Tawfik Mohamed M. , El-Khatib Ahmed M. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThis study investigates the gamma radiation shielding properties of cement–ball clay matrix composites doped with micro- and nano-sized cadmium oxide (CdO) particles. The linear attenuation coefficient (LAC) was determined using a sodium iodide (NaI) detector and five radioactive point sources with energies ranging from 59.5 to 1408 keV. The LAC values obtained were compared to the XCOM database and found to be in good agreement. The composites' half-value layer (HVL), tenth value layer (TVL), mean free path (MFP), effective atomic number (Zeff), equivalent atomic number (Zeq), and absorption buildup factor (EABF) were determined. The results showed that the addition of CdO particles improved the radiation-shielding behavior of the composites and increasing the weight fraction of CdO particles increased the shielding effectiveness. The results also illustrated that when nano-sized CdO particles were compared to their micro-sized counterparts, there was a significant enhancement in radiation shielding effectiveness. For instance, a composite material composed of 50% cement, 41.7% ball clay, and 3.8% nano CdO at an energy level of 0.0595 MeV exhibited a remarkable 12.2% increase in attenuation, surpassing the performance of the micro-sized sample with an equivalent concentration. Similarly, another composite consisting of 50% cement, 33.3% ball clay, and 16.7% nano CdO demonstrated a significant 15.4% increase in attenuation at the same energy level, when compared to the micro-sized sample. The study demonstrates the potential of CdO-doped cement–ball clay matrix composites for gamma radiation shielding applications.
Development and pharmaceutical investigation of novel cervical cancer-targeting and redox-responsive melittin conjugates
Authors: Sahsuvar Seray , Guner Rabia , Gok Ozgul , Can Ozge 
Published: October 2023

AbstractCervical cancer has recently become one of the most prevalent cancers among women throughout the world. Traditional cancer therapies generate side effects due to off-target toxicity. Thus, novel cancer medications coupled with suitable drug delivery systems are required to improve cancer therapies. Melittin peptide has a high affinity to disrupt cancer cells. In this study, we designed targeted and redox-responsive Melittin conjugates for cervical cancer and then tested them in vitro. Folic acid and squamous cell carcinoma-specific peptide (CKQNLAEG) were used as targeting agents to design various conjugates. Our findings indicate that both anticancer conjugates were effective against different cancer cell lines, including MCF-7, C33A, and HeLa. Moreover, these conjugates were found to have antioxidant and antibacterial effects as well as reduced hemolytic activity. The CM–Target (N-terminus cysteine modified-Melittin–targeting peptide-functionalized conjugate) has become more stable and acted specifically against squamous cell carcinoma, whereas folic acid (FA)–containing conjugates acted efficiently against all cancer types studied, especially for breast cancer. According to our results, these anticancer conjugates may be possible anticancer drug candidates that have fewer adverse effects.
Fragmented imaginary-time evolution for early-stage quantum signal processors
Authors: Silva Thais L. , Taddei Márcio M. , Carrazza Stefano , Aolita Leandro 
Published: October 2023

AbstractSimulating quantum imaginary-time evolution (QITE) is a significant promise of quantum computation. However, the known algorithms are either probabilistic (repeat until success) with unpractically small success probabilities or coherent (quantum amplitude amplification) with circuit depths and ancillary-qubit numbers unrealistically large in the mid-term. Our main contribution is a new generation of deterministic, high-precision QITE algorithms that are significantly more amenable experimentally. A surprisingly simple idea is behind them: partitioning the evolution into a sequence of fragments that are run probabilistically. It causes a considerable reduction in wasted circuit depth every time a run fails. Remarkably, the resulting overall runtime is asymptotically better than in coherent approaches, and the hardware requirements are even milder than in probabilistic ones. Our findings are especially relevant for the early fault-tolerance stages of quantum hardware.
Foveal avascular zone vessel density is associated with visual field progression in early-stage glaucoma eyes with central visual field damage
Authors: Yoon Jooyoung , Kim Ko Eun , Lee Anna , Song Woo Keun , Kook Michael S. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractWe investigated the relationship between foveal avascular zone (FAZ)-related parameters, assessed by optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A), and visual field (VF) progression in early-stage open-angle glaucoma (OAG) eyes with central visual field (CVF) defects. Early-stage glaucoma eyes [VF mean deviation (MD) ≥ − 6 dB] with CVF defects were included. The rates of longitudinal change in FAZ-related parameters and structural parameters were evaluated and compared between VF progressors and non-progressors, using linear mixed effects models. Cox proportional hazards model and linear regression models were used to identify factors associated with VF progression, the VF MD reduction rate and the change rate of mean total deviation in central 12 VF points (MTD10). A total of 131 eyes were included and VF progression was detected in 32 eyes (24.4%) during 3.45 years of follow-up. The rates of reduction in vessel density in the 300 µm width annular region surrounding the FAZ (FD300) and macular ganglion cell–inner plexiform layer thickness (mGCIPLT) were significantly faster in progressors than in non-progressors. The faster VF MD or MTD10 reduction rates were associated with faster rates of FD300 loss and mGCIPLT reduction. The FD300 reduction rate is significantly associated with VF progression in early-stage OAG eyes with CVF defects. FD300 may be an adjunctive biomarker of VF progression in glaucomatous eyes with CVF defects.
Monitoring of manufacturing process using bayesian EWMA control chart under ranked based sampling designs
Authors: Khan Imad , Noor-ul-Amin Muhammad , Khan Dost Muhammad , Ismail Emad A. A. , Sumelka Wojciech 
Published: October 2023

AbstractControl charts, including exponentially moving average (EWMA) , are valuable for efficiently detecting small to moderate shifts. This study introduces a Bayesian EWMA control chart that employs ranked set sampling (RSS) with known prior information and two distinct loss functions (LFs), the Square Error Loss function (SELF) and the Linex Loss function (LLF), for posterior and posterior predictive distributions. The chart's performance is assessed using average run length (ARL) and standard deviation of run length (SDRL) profiles, and it is compared to the Bayesian EWMA control chart based on simple random sampling (SRS). The results indicate that the proposed control chart detects small to moderate shifts more effectively. The application in semiconductor manufacturing provides concrete evidence that the Bayesian EWMA control chart, when implemented with RSS schemes, demonstrates a higher degree of sensitivity in detecting deviations from normal process behavior. Comparison to the Bayesian EWMA control chart using SRS, it exhibits a superior ability to identify and flag instances where the manufacturing process is going out of control. This heightened sensitivity is critical for promptly addressing and rectifying issues, which ultimately contributes to improved quality control in semiconductor production.
Study on the physical and chemical properties of lead passivating agent in soil
Authors: Han Chengyu , Li Juan , Shen Jianglong 
Published: October 2023

AbstractWith the rapid development of industry, heavy metal pollution has seriously damaged the health of soil, and heavy metals spread through the food chain, posing a threat to human health. The firm existence of heavy metals in soil under earthy conditions is a center trouble faced by soil dense metal pollution solidification and correction technology. However, the existing investigation results are mostly controlled to soil passivation experiments using various materials. Macroscopically, heavy metal passivation materials have been selected, but the intrinsic mechanisms of different compound functional groups in soil passivation have been ignored. With the common heavy metal ion Pb2+ as an example, the stability of the combination of heavy metal ions and common ion groups in soil was analyzed in this study by using quantum chemical calculation as the theoretical guidance. The results show that SO42− and PO43−, as functional groups of passivating agents, are used to control lead pollution and have been verified to have good effects. When the pollution is particularly serious and not easy to passivation and precipitation, Fe3+ can be considered to enhance the passivation effect.
Examining the endpoint impacts, challenges, and opportunities of fly ash utilization for sustainable concrete construction
Authors: Orozco Christian , Tangtermsirikul Somnuk , Sugiyama Takafumi , Babel Sandhya 
Published: October 2023

AbstractFly ash has been widely used as a cement substitute to improve the sustainability of concrete. Although the advantages of fly ash have been extensively documented, there is a gap in understanding why its use in mass concrete applications remains low in some countries, such as the Philippines. Thus, this work aims to understand the issues that impede waste utilization, particularly fly ash in the concrete construction industry, quantify the impact of the current practice, and identify opportunities for sustainable fly ash utilization. Endpoint impact analysis was conducted through the life cycle using SimaPro 9.3 to quantify the impacts on human health, ecosystem, and resources of 31 concrete mixtures of low, normal, and high strength design with 0 to 20% fly ash as cement replacement. In-depth, semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders were undertaken to determine the institutional, economic, social, and technological challenges related to the utilization of waste materials in large-scale concrete construction. More than 90% of the total impact of concrete contributes to damage to human health, primarily caused by global warming and fine particulate matter. The use of fly ash at 20% replacement by weight of cement benefits resources more significantly than human health and the ecosystem. The use of chemical admixture to improve strength has a significant impact on resources. High fly ash replacement for normal and high-strength concrete has a greater reduction in all endpoint categories than for low-strength design. Recommendations are proposed to maximize the beneficial impact of using fly ash in the concrete industry.
A classification method for high‐dimensional imbalanced multi‐classification data
Authors: Li Mengmeng , Zheng Qibin , Liu Yi , Li Gengsong , Qin Wei , Ren Xiaoguang 
Published: October 2023

AbstractHigh‐dimensional imbalanced multi‐classification problems (HDIMCPs) occur frequently in engineering applications such as medical detection, item classification, and email classification. However, there is a paucity of research in the academic community on this topic. This paper proposes an evolutionary algorithm‐based classification method for HDIMCPs, named HIMALO (high‐dimensional imbalanced multi‐classification method based on ant lion optimizer). HIMALO proposes a new individual initialization strategy that replaces the random initialization of the ant lion optimizer with Fuch chaos. Then, it encodes individuals using concatenated sample features and base classifier weights, optimizes these features and weights concurrently during the iteration process. Additionally, a multi‐classification strategy, union one versus many, that combines one versus all and one‐against‐higher‐order is proposed. Numerous experiments are conducted to prove the superior classification performance and stability of HIMALO when compared with other algorithms.
±0.15 V three‐stage bulk‐driven AB OTA with 36 MHzpF/µW and 55(V/µs)pF/µW small and large‐signal figures of merit
Authors: Gangineni Manaswini , Angulo Ramirez Jaime , Paul Anindita , Solís Molinar Jesus Ezequiel , Diaz‐Sanchez Alejandro , Huerta‐Chua Jesus , Lavrova Olga 
Published: October 2023

AbstractA three‐stage rail‐to‐rail bulk‐driven class AB OTA that operates with ±0.15 V supplies and a power dissipation of 90 nW is introduced. The first two stages use resistive local common mode feedback. The OTA uses simple phase lead compensation. It has a 36 MHz.pF/μW small signal figure of merit and a 55(V/μs) pF/μW large signal figure of merit.
Advancements in Graft Placement Techniques
Authors: Speranzini Mauro , Souza Solon E.G. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractFor decades, the placement of follicular units (FUs) into incisions in the recipient area was exclusively carried out using forceps. In 1992, Dr. Choi introduced an instrument known as the “implanter,” which had the advantage of simultaneously creating incisions and placing FUs without damaging sensitive parts. Its initial popularity was greater in the East, primarily due to the characteristics of Asian hair. Asian hair is typically straight and thick, with FUs mostly consisting of just one or two hair.With the description of the follicular unit excision (FUE) technique in 2002 and its widespread adoption nearly a decade later, the advantages of using the implanter also gained popularity in the West. The uniformity in the size of FUs provided by the FUE technique and the possibility of delegating the placement were key attractions in the use of this placement tool. In addition to the traditional Korean implanter with a sharp needle, other implanters and inserters have been described.The choice of implantation technique depends on individual adaptation and the advantages and disadvantages offered by each instrument. Although forceps allow for safe placement in the hands of well-trained teams, the increased fragility of FUs obtained with the FUE technique has led to the growing acceptance of techniques that employ implanters and inserters.