bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of folic acid‐linked chitosan‐coated PLGA‐based curcumin nanoparticles on the redox system of glioblastoma cancer cells
Authors: Ghoreyshi Nima , Ghahremanloo Atefeh , Javid Hossein , Homayouni Tabrizi Masoud , Hashemy Seyed Isaac 
Published: July 2023

AbstractObjectivesOxidative stress is one of the carcinogenic mechanisms underlying the development of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), a highly aggressive brain tumor type associated with poor prognosis. Curcumin is known to be an efficient antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and anticancer compound. However, its poor solubility in water, inappropriate pharmacokinetics, and low bioavailability limit its use as an antitumor drug. We prepared PLGA‐based curcumin nanoparticles changed with folic acid and chitosan (curcumin‐PLGA‐CS‐FA) and evaluated its effects on GBM tumor cells' redox status.MethodsThe nanoprecipitation method was used to synthesize CU nanoparticles (CU‐NPs). The size, morphology, and stability were characterized by DLS, SEM, and zeta potential analysis, respectively. The CU‐NPs' toxic properties were studied by MTT assay and measuring the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations. The study was completed by measuring the gene expression levels and activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutaredoxin, and thioredoxin antioxidant enzymes.ResultsThe size, polydispersity index, and zeta potential of CU‐NPs were 77.27 nm, 0.29, and −22.45 mV, respectively. The encapsulation efficiency was approximately 98%. Intracellular ROS and MDA levels decreased after CU‐NP treatment. Meanwhile, the CU‐NPs increased gene expression and activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutaredoxin, and thioredoxin antioxidant enzymes.ConclusionCU‐NPs might be effective in the prevention and treatment of glioblastoma cancer by modulating the antioxidant–oxidant balance.
Mechanism of strength degradation of frozen soil–rock mixture under temperature rise‐induced particle ice film ablation
Authors: Tang Liyun , Lu Zihan , Zheng Juanjuan , Zheng Jianguo , Jin Long , Yu Yongtang , Jia Hailiang , Sun Qiang , Wu Di , Li Gang 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe mesoscale effect of climate change and engineering activities on a superficial frozen soil–rock mixture (FSRM) in regions is complex. The decrease in strength caused by particle ice film ablation under temperature rise has various effects, such as upper subgrade settlement deformation. However, the internal mechanism of FSRM strength degradation remains unclear. Triaxial and nuclear magnetic resonance tests on FSRM were performed at various temperatures to clarify the mechanism of FSRM internal degradation. The results show that the strength, cohesion, and internal friction angle of FSRM decrease with increasing temperature, and the attenuation is significant in the range of −5 to 0°C. The change in ice–water content can be divided into three stages (i.e., freezing, phase transformation, and complete melting). In the three stages, the maximum free water is only 24%, while the maximum bound water is 100% above 0°C. Based on the microscopic test results, a mesoscopic calculation model for FSRM particles was developed. It was found that the work between particles is consistent with the law of strength degradation, and the friction function by particles gradually changes to bite work with increasing temperature. By introducing the strain energy theory, the strain energy generated by particle shear work is considered the key index to reflect FSRM strength. The particle ice film locking effect is weakened under temperature rise, and the increase in water weakens the strain energy generated by the work of the bite friction between particles during the shear process. At the macro level, the strength of FSRM deteriorates.
Insight into the stability and thermal decomposition behavior of nitrocellulose supplemented with different types of zeolites
Authors: Chebbah Memdouh , Benaliouche Fouad , Trache Djalal , Abdelaziz Amir , Fouzi Tarchoun Ahmed 
Published: July 2023

AbstractNitrocellulose is commonly used as a main ingredient in propellant formulations, but its thermal instability necessitates the employment of stabilizers as additives. In this study, the potential of four adsorbents, namely, zeolites MOR, BEA, MFI, and FAU as stabilizing agents for nitrocellulose was evaluated. Their performance was compared to that of the traditional stabilizer, DPA. The thermal stability of nitrocellulose (NC) that contains each stabilizer was assessed through VST, B&J test, and TGA analysis. The compatibility of NC with each stabilizer was also scrutinized using FTIR, heat of combustion, and DSC. The computation of the kinetic parameters for NC that contains each stabilizer was carried out using non‐isothermal DSC experiments. The obtained results demonstrated that the different zeolites exhibited promising stabilizing efficiency toward NC. The zeolites revealed good compatibility with NC as well, as confirmed by FTIR and DSC analyses. This work contributes to the ongoing efforts to develop environmentally friendly stabilizers for NC.
Design of negative‐regulating proteins of Rheb/mTORC1with much‐reduced sizes of the tuberous sclerosis protein complex
Authors: Fu Wencheng , Wu Geng 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe mTORC1 signaling pathway regulates cell growth and metabolism in a variety of organisms from yeast to human, and inhibition of the mTORC1 pathway has the prospect to treat cancer or achieve longevity. The tuberous sclerosis protein complex (TSCC) is a master negative regulator of the mTORC1 signaling pathway through hydrolyzing the GTP loaded on the small GTPase Rheb, which is a key activator of mTOR. However, the large size (~700 kDa) and complex structural organization of TSCC render it vulnerable to degradation and inactivation, thus limiting its potential application. In this work, based on thorough analysis and understanding of the structural mechanism of how the stabilization domain of TSC2 secures the association of TSC2‐GAP with Rheb and thus enhances its GAP activity, we designed two proteins, namely SSG‐MTM (short stabilization domain and GAP domain‐membrane targeting motif) and SSG‐TSC1N, which were able to function like TSCC to negatively regulate Rheb and mTORC1, but with much‐reduced sizes (~1/15 and ~ 1/9 of the size of TSCC, respectively). Biochemical and cell biological assays demonstrated that these designed proteins indeed could promote the GTPase activity of Rheb to hydrolyze GTP, inhibit the kinase activity of mTORC1, and prevent mTORC1 from down‐regulating catabolism and autophagy.
Can deciduous tree revetments reduce streambank erosion rates on a sand‐bed stream?
Authors: Bigham Kari A. , Keane Tim D. , Moore Trisha L. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractAccelerated streambank erosion can threaten infrastructure and land, as well as water quality and aquatic habitats. Streambank stabilization techniques have been developed with the intent to reduce or halt streambank erosion. One such technique is the use of woody revetments. This case study evaluates the effectiveness of deciduous tree revetments on stabilizing streambanks on the Smoky Hill River, a low‐gradient, sand‐bed stream located in central Kansas in the United States. It was hypothesized that deciduous tree revetments would mimic bank protection processes of permeable‐type spurs, capturing sediment and reducing velocities and shear stresses near the toe of the streambank. To test this hypothesis, cross‐sectional dimensions of four streambanks were obtained before and after installation of tree revetments and compared to four natural, control streambanks (i.e., not stabilized) over a 5‐year period. Rates of bank erosion were calculated and compared. This study found that, in its current design form, deciduous tree revetments were not effective at reducing bank erosion, as all sites had experienced revetment failures by the end of the study period. Furthermore, the installation of tree revetments accelerated bank erosion rates following revetment failure. Increased bank erosion was attributed to both the construction disturbance, as well as improper anchoring of the revetment. The results of this case study show the importance of collecting bank stratigraphic data and incorporating it, as well as expected flow scenarios, in numerical modelling tools to assess designs and adjust accordingly. While conducting these analyses upfront may result in higher design costs, long‐term maintenance or replacement costs would be decreased.
Complexities of sustainable palm oil production by smallholders in sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Ayompe Lacour Mody , Nkongho Raymond Ndip , Wandum Lionel M. , Orang Bessem O. , Fiaboe Komi K. M. , Tambasi Emmanuel E. , Kettunen Marianne , Egoh Benis N. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractSub‐Saharan Africa is increasingly viewed as an important area for oil palm cultivation and expansion. Palm oil is a commodity that can help developing countries like Cameroon attain their sustainable development goals (SDGs) targets through poverty alleviation (SDG 1) and by providing revenue to smallholder farmers to buy a variety of food thereby reducing hunger. However, due to the many negative environmental and social consequences, the sector needs to be made more sustainable. In this study, we set out to unpack the complexities including costs and benefits for smallholder farmers to practice sustainable palm oil production. We use both gray and peer‐reviewed literature, conversational interviews with smallholder farmers and managers of certified palm oil mills, and a workshop with smallholders in Cameroon. We found that smallholders face several challenges including weak land tenure rights, the use of poor‐quality seeds and low‐yielding oil palms, and a lack of skills, expertise, and access to financing. Certification could help alleviate some of the challenges by providing access to financing, training to improve yields, access to better seedlings, and increased access to higher value markets. However, the certification cost is very high compared to the income from oil palm cultivation for most farmers. Farmers will therefore need considerable assistance from organizations and brokers to remain financially viable. Our study provides important insights to countries such as the EU, United Kingdom, and United States that are in the process of adopting legislation to regulate deforestation associated with imports of key commodities such as palm oil.
Ultra‐Long Cycle of Prussian Blue Analogs Achieved by Equilibrium Electrolyte for Aqueous Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Liu Jiahe , Yang Cheng , Wen Bo , Li Ben , Liu Yu 
Published: July 2023

AbstractAqueous sodium‐ion batteries have promising prospects in large‐scale electrical energy storage, which lack of suitable cathode with high specific capacity and long cycle lifespan, unfortunately. Manganese‐based Prussian blue analogs (PBAs) (KMnHCF/NaMnHCF) are ideal candidates for low‐cost and high theoretical specific capacity merits. But the rapid decline hinders their application, due to side reactions caused by water imbalance. Here, an equilibrium strategy, which can balance the interstitial water supplement and water attack, is proposed. As proof of the concept, xCS (x: proportion, CS: co‐solvent, such as polyethylene glycol and trimethyl phosphate) equilibrium electrolytes are introduced to solve the rapid decline. Assisting with the electrolyte, KMnHCF realizes excellent performance (10 000 cycles), which is beyond most cathode materials of sodium‐ion batteries. The full batteries composed of KMnHCF cathode and NaTi2(PO4)3 anode also display outstanding performance (7000 cycles) and promising application prospects at low‐temperature and engineering scenes. And then, the equilibrium electrolyte concept is verified by NaMn0.8Fe0.2HCF and NaMnHCF, proving its universality for low‐cost and long‐life manganese based PBAs.
Effect of water‐reducing admixtures water content on rheology, workability, and mechanical properties of fly ash‐based geopolymer and slag‐based alkali‐activated mixtures
Authors: Keser Hasan Erinc , Ramyar Kambiz , Gultekin Adil 
Published: July 2023

AbstractAdmixtures used in concrete have been produced for conventional concrete and the behavior of these additives in geopolymer/alkali‐activated systems is still complicated. In this study, the effects of different types of water‐reducing admixtures on the fresh and mechanical properties of Class F fly ash‐based geopolymer mortars and alkali‐activated slag mortars were investigated. For this purpose, flow diameter, rheological examination, compressive and flexural strength tests were carried out. The data obtained showed that the admixtures used in the study did not have a positive effect on the fresh properties of geopolymer/alkali‐activated mortars, and the improvements in the flow properties were due to the extra water contributed by the admixture. The flow diameters of the mixtures containing the same amount of water with the mixture containing plasticizer were generally higher than those of the mixtures prepared with the admixture up to 10.3% in the fly ash‐based mortars and 15.4% in the slag‐based mortars. Addition of plasticizers reduced the compressive strength of fly ash‐based geopolymer and slag‐based alkali‐activated mortars up to 31.7% and 29.7%, respectively.
Religion, Values and Politics: The Effect of Religiosity on Attitudes Towards Immigrants and Muslims
Authors: Polak Regina , Schuster Dirk 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe European Values Study demonstrates a significant impact of religiosity on political attitudes. As an example, the authors investigate the effect of religiosity on attitudes towards immigrants and Muslims, as they are crucial for liberal democracy and a focal point of conflicts about values, politics, and religion. In three steps, the authors reflect on the complexity of this effect. First, selected theories about secularisation, individualisation, and pluralisation of religion are used to outline the development of religion in Europe and its role in the political arena. Second, the effect of religiosity in relation to sociodemographic factors is analysed. A cluster analysis forming socioreligious types offers a deeper insight, quantitatively and qualitatively, of the effect of religiosity on attitudes towards immigrants and Muslims in selected countries. Third, the results are theoretically interpreted. The authors demonstrate that religiosity is neither an independent influencing factor nor one that directly affects attitudes towards immigrants and Muslims. Rather, across Europe, the effect of religiosity is inseparably connected with sociodemographic variables such as ‘age’ and ‘size of town’ and depends on country-specific factors such as political discourses on migration, and religious historical constellations.
Autophagy protein 5 controls flow-dependent endothelial functions
Authors: Nivoit Pierre , Mathivet Thomas , Wu Junxi , Salemkour Yann , Sankar Devanarayanan Siva , Baudrie Véronique , Bourreau Jennifer , Guihot Anne-Laure , Vessieres Emilie , Lemitre Mathilde , Bocca Cinzia , Teillon Jérémie , Le Gall Morgane , Chipont Anna , Robidel Estelle , Dhaun Neeraj , Camerer Eric , Reynier Pascal , Roux Etienne , Couffinhal Thierry , Hadoke Patrick W. F. , Silvestre Jean-Sébastien , Guillonneau Xavier , Bonnin Philippe , Henrion Daniel , Dengjel Joern , Tharaux Pierre-Louis , Lenoir Olivia 
Published: July 2023

AbstractDysregulated autophagy is associated with cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, where impaired flow-mediated endothelial cell responses promote cardiovascular risk. The mechanism by which the autophagy machinery regulates endothelial functions is complex. We applied multi-omics approaches and in vitro and in vivo functional assays to decipher the diverse roles of autophagy in endothelial cells. We demonstrate that autophagy regulates VEGF-dependent VEGFR signaling and VEGFR-mediated and flow-mediated eNOS activation. Endothelial ATG5 deficiency in vivo results in selective loss of flow-induced vasodilation in mesenteric arteries and kidneys and increased cerebral and renal vascular resistance in vivo. We found a crucial pathophysiological role for autophagy in endothelial cells in flow-mediated outward arterial remodeling, prevention of neointima formation following wire injury, and recovery after myocardial infarction. Together, these findings unravel a fundamental role of autophagy in endothelial function, linking cell proteostasis to mechanosensing.
The artificial oxygen carrier erythrocruorin—characteristics and potential significance in medicine
Authors: Kruczkowska Weronika , Kciuk Mateusz , Pasieka Zbigniew , Kłosiński Karol , Płuciennik Elżbieta , Elmer Jacob , Waszczykowska Klaudia , Kołat Damian , Kałuzińska-Kołat Żaneta 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe diminishing supply and increasing costs of donated blood have motivated research into novel hemoglobin-based oxygen carriers (HBOCs) that can serve as red blood cell (RBC) substitutes. HBOCs are versatile agents that can be used in the treatment of hemorrhagic shock. However, many of the RBC substitutes that are based on mammalian hemoglobins have presented key limitations such as instability and toxicity. In contrast, erythrocruorins (Ecs) are other types of HBOCs that may not suffer these disadvantages. Ecs are giant metalloproteins found in annelids, crustaceans, and some other invertebrates. Thus far, the Ecs of Lumbricus terrestris (LtEc) and Arenicola marina (AmEc) are the most thoroughly studied. Based on data from preclinical transfusion studies, it was found that these compounds not only efficiently transport oxygen and have anti-inflammatory properties, but also can be modified to further increase their effectiveness. This literature review focuses on the structure, properties, and application of Ecs, as well as their advantages over other HBOCs. Development of methods for both the stabilization and purification of erythrocruorin could confer to enhanced access to artificial blood resources.
Comparison of narrow-band imaging with autofluorescence imaging for endoscopic detection of squamous cell carcinoma of the tonsil
Authors: Syba J. , Trnkova K. , Dostalova L. , Votava M. , Lukesova E. , Novak S. , Kana M. , Tesarova M. , Zabrodsky M. , Plzak J. , Lukes P. 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Early detection of mucosal neoplastic lesions is crucial for a patient’s prognosis. This has led to the development of effective optical endoscopic diagnostic methods such as narrow band imaging (NBI) and autofluorescence (AFI). Independent of each other, both of these methods were proven useful in the detection of mucosal neoplasias. There are limited reported data comparing both methods for oropharyngeal cancer diagnostics. The aim of the study was to compare NBI and AFI endoscopic visualization of signs in identifying tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and assessing its extent and to determine whether the score was related to the evaluator’s experience.

Methods
Patients with tonsillar SCC underwent endoscopic pharyngeal examination using NBI and AFI. Fiftyseven video sequences of examinations of lesions proven to be SCC were evaluated by three reviewers. The accuracy of determination of lesion extent and visualization of its endoscopic signs of malignancy were evaluated.

Results
Endoscopic visualization of tumour spread was significantly better using AFI than NBI (p = 0.0003). No significant difference was found between NBI and AFI in the visualization of endoscopic malignancy determining signs (p = 0.1405). No significant difference was found among the three reviewers in the visualization of tumour spread and for identifying malignancy-determining signs in NBI endoscopy or AFI endoscopy.

Conclusions
The results show that AFI obtained better results for assessing the extent of tonsillar cancers than NBI. Both methods were proven to be equal in the visualization of endoscopic malignancy-determining signs. Both are useful even for less experienced evaluators.
Accounting for weak interfaces in computing the effective crack energy of heterogeneous materials using the composite voxel technique
Authors: Ernesti Felix , Schneider Matti 
Published: July 2023

AbstractWe establish a computational methodology to incorporate interfaces with lower crack energy than the surrounding phases when computing the effective crack energy of brittle composite materials. Recent homogenization results for free discontinuity problems are directly applicable to the time-discretized Francfort-Marigo model of brittle fracture in the anti-plane shear case, and computational tools were introduced to evaluate the effective crack energy on complex microstructures using FFT-based solvers and a discretization scheme based on a combinatorially consistent grid. However, this approach only accounts for the crack resistance per volume and is insensitive to the crack resistance of the interface which is expected to play a significant role by considerations from materials science. In this work we introduce a remedy exploiting laminate composite voxels. The latter were originally introduced to enhance the accuracy of solutions for elasticity problems on regular voxel grids. We propose an accurate approximation of the effective crack energy of a laminate with weak interface where an explicit solution is available. We incorporate this insight into an efficient algorithmic framework. Finally, we demonstrate the capabilities of our approach on complex microstructures with weak interfaces between different constituents.
A novel disulfidptosis-related immune checkpoint genes signature: forecasting the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Chen Yuxin , Xue Wanying , Zhang Yuting , Gao Yu , Wang Yuanyuan 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
HCC is an extremely malignant tumor with a very poor prognosis. In 2023, a brand-new kind of cell death known as disulfidptosis was identified. Although, the prognosis as well as expression of immune checkpoints that are closely connected with it in HCC remain unknown.

Methods
In this work, we identified 49 genes with abnormal expression in liver cancer and normal liver tissue, with 23 of them being differentially expressed genes. To create a signature, we classified all HCC cases into three subtypes and used the TCGA database to evaluate each relevant gene’s prognostic value for survival.

Results
Five gene signatures were identified using the LASSO Cox regression approach, while those diagnosed with HCC were split into either low- or high-risk groups. Patients having low-risk HCC showed a much greater likelihood of surviving than those with high risk (p < 0.05). Through immune cell infiltration analysis, it was found that immune-related genes were abundant in high-risk groups and had reduced immune status.

Conclusion
In conclusion, immune checkpoint genes highly associated with disulfidptosis contribute to tumor immunity and can be used to evaluate HCC prognosis. When it comes to predicting overall survival (OS) time in HCC, risk score has been set to be a separate predictor. Through immune cell infiltration analysis, it was found that immune-related genes were abundant in high-risk groups and had reduced immune status. It is possible to measure the prognosis of HCC based on immune checkpoints genes strongly linked to disulfidptosis.