bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Metallurgical pathways of lead leaching from brass
Authors: Ngan Alfonso , Zhu Te , Li Wei , Kwok Johnathan , Siu Kai Wing , Yin Lu 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Leaded (Pb) brass components are widely used in water pipeworks for their good machinability and low costs. However, even the so-called “lead-free”, potable-water grade of brass is known to cause excessive Pb leaching into water after common soldering and brazing during pipe installation works. Despite the serious public concerns on drinking-water safety worldwide, the metallurgical pathways of lead leaching from such brass have remained unknown. In this work, synchrotron radiation X-ray imaging shows that in the initial state of potable-water grade brass samples, Pb exists mainly in the form of isolated or linked together particles (some at triple points of brass grain boundaries), with sizes ranging from sub-micron to several microns. Then, on heating to ~ 200°C to simulate soldering, surfacing of Pb contents happens rapidly in minutes, with diffusion pathways including a novel interpenetrating Pb-brass structure with orientation relationship (11\(\stackrel{-}{1}\))α−brass//(220)Pb; [011]α−brass//[\(\stackrel{-}{1}\)13]Pb, and voids left behind in the brass matrix after Pb surfacing. On heating to 700°C to simulate brazing, the original isolated or connected Pb particles melt and expand in volume, with the Pb content forced into the brass lattice preferentially along {101}α−brass planes, forming Pb phase of low sphericity or even large sheets. Finally, on immersion in water to simulate leaching, the surfaced Pb particles are oxidized to form PbO needles along the normal direction of {\(\stackrel{\text{-}}{\text{2}}\stackrel{\text{-}}{\text{2}}\text{2}\)}PbO planes, which are then easily washed away to increase the Pb content in the water. Some of these experimental findings are rationalized by molecular dynamics using a Cu-Pb potential system. The results here unveil, for the first time, how Pb leaches into water from the so-called “lead-free” grade brass.
Evaluating propensity score weighting methods in heterogeneous population: a comparative study
Authors: Hu Yu , Huang Chen , Wang Ce , Liu Yahang , Yu Yongfu , Qin Guoyou 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background: Propensity score weighting methods are frequently used in observational studies to estimate causal effects. However, researchers usually evaluate their performance only in homogeneous populations. When treatment effects are heterogeneous, it is unclear about the ability of commonly used weighting methods in estimating the average treatment effect (ATE) for the whole population.
Methods: Two categories of propensity score weighting approaches are discussed to estimate the ATE for the whole population with heterogeneity: one in which the target of inference is the whole population, including Stabilized inverse probability weighting (SIPW), Empirical likelihood weighting (ELW), Covariate balancing propensity score weighting (CBPS); and the other whose target of inference is the specific population, including Inverse probability weighting with trimming (IPWT), Overlap weighting (OW). To assess the performance of these methods, a simulation study was conducted in terms of bias and root mean square error (RMSE), under six heterogeneity scenarios and three degrees of overlap in the propensity score distributions.
Results: According to simulation results, approaches that target the specific population have a substantial bias that rises quickly with increasing heterogeneity. In contrast, approaches for the whole population perform well with relatively smaller bias and RMSE, where CBPS outperforms the others in all heterogeneity scenarios and overlap degrees. When methods are applied to Lindner data with heterogeneity, the results of approaches for the whole population are quite different from approaches for the specific population.
Conclusions: When the estimand is the ATE for the whole populations with heterogeneity, applying weighting methods that target specific populations (e.g. IPWT, OW) to estimate it would lead to substantial bias. It is recommended to use methods targeting the whole population (e.g. CBPS, ELW) to achieve this goal.
Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) is essential for colonization and expansion of turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) spermatogonia stem cells in recipient and in vitro culture
Authors: Duan Lei , Du Shuran , Wang Xueying , Zhou Li , Liu Qinghua , Li Jun 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Germ cell transplantation (GCT) is a promising biotechnology producing donor-derived gametes in surrogate recipients. It plays a critical role of protecting endangered species, propagation of elite species with desired traits as well as long-term preservation of genetic resources in combination with cryopreservation. However, GCT often fails because of the low colonization rate even complete loss of donor cells in recipients. Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) is necessary for self-renew of mammals spermatogonia stem cells (SSCs), and it also contributes to the proliferation of SSCs in vitro culture in some animals. In turbot (Scophthalmus maximus), we found that the expressions of gdnf and gfrα1a were predominantly observed in spermatogonia rather than somatic cells, which differed from their expression patterns in mammals. The efficiency of exogenous spermatogonia transplantation in Japanese flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) larvae could be substantially enhanced by incubating donor cells from turbot with 100ng/ml GDNF prior to transplantation, resulting in a notable rise in colonization rate from 33%-50% to 61.5%. Besides, the addition of 20ng/ml GDNF in cell medium could also promote the proliferation of turbot SSCs in vitro. These results demonstrated the gdnf in turbot testis expression characteristics and suggested that addition of GNDF might be an effective way to improve the GCT efficiency and promote the SSCs expansion in vitro culture.
A validated RP- HPLC technique was utilized to evaluate the quantifiability of methylprednisolone and its derivatives and to assess its in-use stability activities
Authors: Al-Hakkani Mostafa F. 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Methylprednisolone sodium succinate (MPSS) is a parenteral water-soluble corticosteroid ester. It gives three peaks methylprednisolone (MP), 17-methylprednisolone hemisuccinate (17-MPHS), and methylprednisolone hemisuccinate (MPHS) that share in the assay determination as total MP. It is used on a wide scale in prescribed anti-inflammatory drugs as a common use. The current study aimed to find a rapid RP-HPLC method of MP analysis with high linearity, repeatability, sensitivity, selectivity, and inexpensive to use without the need for any special chemical reagents. The chromatographic system consists of RP-HPLC using the BDS column (250 mm x 4.6 mm x 5 µm). The mobile phase was prepared by mixing the WFI: glacial acetic acid: acetonitrile in a volume ratio (63:2:35) at a flow rate of 2.0 mL/min with detection wavelength at 254 nm at room temperature and injection volume 20 µL. The method manifested a satisfied linearity regression R2 (0.9998–0.99999) with LOD 143.97 ng/mL and 4.49 µg/mL; and LOQ 436.27 ng/mL and 13.61 µg/mL for MP and MPHS respectively. The method proved its efficiency via system suitability achievement in the robustness and ruggedness conduction according to the validation guidelines. High sensitivity according to its LOD and LOQ. So, the current method could be considered in the pharmaceutical industry.
Dynamic Response of Dilute to Viscous Channelized Debris Flow on Pipeline Crossing
Authors: Khan Mudassir Ali , Mustaffa Zahiraniza , Harahap indrasati Hamonanagan 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
This study aims to experimentally investigate the dynamic response of dilute to viscous debris flows on pipeline crossing. The debris flow impact mechanism, front flow depths, and front velocities were measured and analyzed using pressure transducers, ultrasonic sensor, and high-speed cameras in a 9-degree inclined flume. The experimental findings revealed that dilute debris flows were characterized by turbulent and rapid flow regimes that produced splashing phenomena. In contrast, viscous debris flows exhibited relatively slow flow velocities, leading to the impact of the pipe via run-up or layered phenomena. Significant variations in flow depths, frontal velocity, and impact pressures were observed due to wavelike and layered phenomena from dilute to viscous debris flows. Front flow depths were substantially increased while front velocities and impact pressures were decreased with an increment of solid volume fraction (αs). The calculated dimensionless number confirmed the similarity of experimental results with those observed in natural phenomena and other experimental studies. Further, for dilute debris flows, dimensionless impact pressure was a power function of Froude number (Fr), while for viscous debris flows, it was a power function of both Froude (Fr) and Reynold number (Re).
Complexity measures for EEG microstate sequences - concepts and algorithms
Authors: von Wegner Frederic , Wiemers Milena , Hermann Gesine , Tödt Inken , Tagliazucchi Enzo , Laufs Helmut 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
EEG microstate sequence analysis quantifies properties of ongoing brain electrical activity which is known to exhibit complex dynamics across many time scales. In this report we review recent developments in quantifying microstate sequence complexity, we classify these approaches with regard to different complexity concepts, and we evaluate excess entropy as a yet unexplored quantity in microstate research. We determined the quantities entropy rate, excess entropy, Lempel-Ziv complexity (LZC), and Hurst exponents on Potts model data, a discrete statistical mechanics model with a temperature-controlled phase transition. We then applied the same techniques to EEG microstate sequences from wakefulness and non-REM sleep stages and used first-order Markov surrogate data to determine which time scales contributed to the different complexity measures. We demonstrate that entropy rate and LZC measure the Kolmogorov complexity (randomness) of microstate sequences, whereas excess entropy and Hurst exponents describe statistical complexity which attains its maximum at intermediate levels of randomness. We confirmed the equivalence of entropy rate and LZC when the LZ-76 algorithm is used, a result previously reported for neural spike train analysis (Amigó et al. 2004). Surrogate data analyses prove that entropy-based quantities and LZC focus on short-range temporal correlations, whereas Hurst exponents include short and long time scales. Sleep data analysis reveals that deeper sleep stages are accompanied by a decrease in Kolmogorov complexity and an increase in statistical complexity. Regarding the practical use of these methods, we suggest that LZC can be used as an efficient entropy rate estimator that avoids the estimation of joint entropies, whereas entropy rate estimation via joint entropies has the advantage of providing excess entropy as the second parameter of the same linear fit. We conclude that metrics of statistical complexity are a useful addition to microstate analysis and address a complexity concept that is not yet covered by existing microstate algorithms while being actively explored in other areas of brain research.
Modified Niche Modelling for Niche Specific Conservation and Ecorestoration Planning of Threatened Tree Species: A Case Study on Four Goniothalamus Species in the Western Ghats
Authors: K.H. Amitha Bachan , A. Devika M. 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
The species distribution based on Maximum Entropy using 19 bioclimatic variables has been considered better for prediction of potential habitat of species. Critiques suggested incorporation of more parameters especially of the vegetation and terrain, as hierarchical SDM for more precise predication. A modified niche model incorporating WorldClim bioclimatic spatial data and more factors of terrain, landuse, vegetation, and geographical zonation standardised for the Western Ghats mountain part of the Western Ghats-Sri Lanka biodiversity hotspot was experimented here with four threatened and endemic trees of the genus Goniothalamus (Annonaceae). This brought more precise predictions, with an average predicted potential area of 2.25 km2, compared to 16.5 km2 in normal niche modelling. The differential prediction pattern obtained here for congeneric taxa that share similar vegetation and habits endemic to this tropical monsoonal mountain suggests niche modelling as the most simple and niche-specific method to predict potential areas of tree species, where the inclusion of more special parameters as a modified niche model gives more precision considering both the Grinnellian and Eltonian niche factors. This could be useful in site-specific conservation and ecorestoration planning for threatened trees.
Should rectal cancer be regarded as a different tumor entity from left-sided colon cancer? A clinical and molecular NGS-based study of 552 cases
Authors: Ciepiela Izabela , Szczepaniak Magdalena , Ciepiela Przemysław , Hińcza-Nowak Kinga , Kopczyński Janusz , Macek Paweł , Kubicka Kamila , Chrapek Magdalena , Tyka Magdalena , Góźdź Stanisław , Kowalik Artur 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Despite the introduction of new molecular classifications, advanced colorectal cancer (CRC) is treated with chemotherapy supplemented with anti-EGFR and anti-VEGF targeted therapy. In this study, 552 CRC cases with different primary tumor locations (250 left side, 190 rectum, and 112 right side) were retrospectively analyzed by next generation sequencing for mutations in 50 genes. The most frequently mutated genes were TP53 in left-sided tumors and BRAF in right-sided tumors. Mutations in KRAS,NRAS, and BRAF were not detected in 28.6% of patients with right-sided tumors and in 45% of patients with left-sided tumors. Liver metastases were more common in patients with left-sided tumors. Tumors on the right side were larger at diagnosis and had a higher grade (G3) than tumors on the left. Tumors located in the rectum differed from those in other locations in biology, site of metastasis (lung), and mutation rates (e.g., BRAF, FBXW7, and TP53). KRAS, NRAS, and BRAF gene mutations were not detected in >47% of rectal tumors compared with 42.8% of left-sided and 28.6% of right-sided tumors. Primary tumor location has implications for the potential treatment of CRC with anti-EGFR therapy.
Possible mechanism of action potential propagation mediated by electric field: A novel assumption of understanding nerve interaction and ephaptic coupling
Authors: Guo Yi Ming , Ong Chong Kim 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
The generation and propagation of physical signals in living biosystems are continuous issues. Traditional Hodgkin-Huxley model based on ionic current conduction could not explain the fast transmission of action potential in myelinated axons and factors influencing AP velocity. We propose that the ion distribution variation induced by sodium channel generates near field quasi-static electric field at extracellular space, termed as an ephaptic field which is able to excite nearby passive axons. Our simulation reveals the static electric field generated by sodium ion channels in one node of Ranvier is unlikely to activate the ion channels at nearest neighbor node. However, the ion channels ring on a node could induce 0.01 mV membrane potential difference on the node at nearby axon located at the middle of the two nodes, assuming the internode distance is 100 μm. Together with the superposition of ephaptic feedback field by the collective motion of many neighbor parallel axons, which could activate the next node of the original axon, the action potential could propagate in a zigzag path. Our simulation result also explain the fast speed of action potential propagation observed in experiments.
Theoretical Prediction of the Adiabatic Electron Affinity of Hydantoin based drugs and their derivatives
Authors: Wazzan Nuha , Safi Zaki 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
The addition of electron to a neutral system can either release or consume energy, which is known as the electron affinity (EA) of the system. EA quantifies the attractive forces between the incoming electron and the nucleus, with greater attraction leading to higher energy release. In this research, the adiabatic electron affinity (AEA) of some hydantoin derivatives, including some important drugs such as phenytoin, allantoin, iprodine, ethotoin and mephenytoin were theoretically predicted by using the B3PW91 method with 6-311 + G(2df,2p) basis set at the B3LYP/6–31 + G(d,p) geometries. The accuracy of the different DFT methods was statistically proven based on the standard AEAs, as determined by the average AEA of the three composite high-level ab-initio methods (G4, G3B3 and CBS-QB3). The results reveal that both the AEA of hydantoin derivatives are predicted to increase or decrease based on the nature of the substituted groups and its position at the hydantoin ring. The natural spin density and the natural atomic charges of the neutral and anionic radicals were computed by using the natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis at the B3LYP/6–31 + G(d,p) level of theory. For the majority of the investigated hydantoins, the NBO shows that the maximum spin density is mainly located on the carbonyl carbon atom (C4). The geometries of the formed anions are distorted compared to their neutral molecules. Adequate linear relationships between the predicted AEA and the energy gaps of the neutral molecules with the correlation coefficient (R2) of 0.9781.
Prognostic value and immunological role of NDRG1 gene in pan-cancer
Authors: Wang Xin Xin , Wang Yong Feng , Dong Bao Long , Hou Ya Bo , Li Yuan , Cai Hui , Yang Xiao Jun 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Purpose To investigate the prognostic value of NDRG1 and the relationship between NDRG1 and immunoinfiltration. Meanwhile, the expression of NDRG1 in gastric cancer was investigated.Methods A comprehensive analysis of the relationship between NDRG1 gene and prognosis of various cancers, tumor mutational burden (TMB), microsatellite instability (MSI) and immune cell infiltration was conducted by using a range of bioinformatics methods on the basis of existing public databases as a mean to investigate the potential prognostic value of NDRG1 in pan-carcinoma. At the same time, 40 gastric cancer tissues and paracancer tissue specimens were collected. The expression of NDRG1 in gastric cancer tissues and adjacent tissues were verified by experiments. R software and GraphPad Prism 8 software were used for statistical analysis and mapping.Results NGRG1 was shown to be weakly expressed in BRCA, STAD, THCA, while it was shown to be highly expressed in CHOL, HNSC, KIRC, LIHC and LUSC. The survival rate of patients with high expression of NDRG1 in BRCA, LIHC and LUAD was lower than that of patients with low expression of NDRG1. However, patients with high expression of NDRG1 in KIRC had better survival than those with low expression of NDRG1. The expression of NDPG1 was positively correlated with TMB in CESC, BRCA, ACC, UCEC, SARC, PAAD and KIRC, but negatively correlated with TMB in THCA, SKCM, PRAD, PCPG and LGG. The expression of NDRG1 was positively correlated with MSI in COAD, BRCA, UCEC, SARC, PAAD and LUSC, and negatively correlated with MSI in PRAD. In addition, the results of the study indicated that NDRG1 was low expressed in gastric cancer tissues, high expressed in paracancer tissues and mainly distributed in cytoplasm (P = 0.0002). In terms of the degree of differentiation, the expression level of NDRG1 protein in moderately differentiated and highly differentiated gastric cancer tissues was higher than that in undifferentiated and poorly differentiated groups (P = 0.038). In terms of tumor invasion, NDRG1 expression in T1-T2 group was significantly higher than that in T3-T4 group (P = 0.025). In clinicopathologic stage, the expression of NDRG1 in stage I-II was significantly higher than that in stage III-IV (P = 0.024).Conclusion NDRG1 can be used as a prognostic marker in multiple cancers. NDRG1 was low expressed in gastric cancer tissues and high expressed in paracancer tissues. High expression of NDRG1 was associated with favorable pathological features of gastric cancer, which may be involved in inhibiting the occurrence and development of gastric cancer.
Glucose-sensitive insulin with attenuation of hypoglycaemia
Authors: Hoeg-Jensen Thomas , Slaaby Rita , Kruse Thomas , Brand Christian Lehn , Sturis Jeppe , Fledelius Christian , Nielsen Peter , Nishimura Erica , Madsen Alice , Lykke Lennart , Halskov Kim , Koscova Simona , Kotek Vladaslav , Davis Anthony , Tromans Robert , Tomsett Michael , Penuelas-Haro Guillem , Leonard Daniel J. , Orchard Michael , Chapman Andy , Invernizzi Gaetano , Johansson Eva , Granata Daniele , Hansen Bo , Pedersen Thomas , Kildegaard Jonas , Pedersen Karen , Refsgaard Hanne , Alirangis Lene , Fels Johannes , Neutzsky-Wulff Anita , Sauerberg Per 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

The risk of inducing hypoglycaemia (low blood glucose) constitutes the main challenge associated with insulin therapy for diabetes. Insulin doses must be adjusted to ensure blood glucose values within normal range, but matching insulin doses to fluctuating glucose levels is difficult since even a slightly higher insulin dose than needed can lead to a hypoglycaemic incidence which can be anything from uncomfortable to life-threatening. It has thus been a long-standing goal to engineer a glucose-sensitive insulin that can auto-adjust its bioactivity in a reversible manner according to ambient glucose levels to ultimately achieve better glycaemic control while lowering the risk of hypoglycaemia. Here we report the design and properties of NNC2215, an insulin conjugate with bioactivity that is reversibly responsive to glucose over the physiological range as demonstrated in vitro and in vivo. NNC2215 was engineered by conjugating a glucose-binding macrocycle and a glucoside to insulin, thereby introducing a “switch” that can open and close in response to glucose and thereby equilibrate insulin between active and less active conformations. The insulin receptor affinity of NNC2215 increased 12-fold when glucose concentration was increased from 0 to 20 mM. In animal studies, the glucose-sensitive bioactivity of NNC2215 was demonstrated to lead to protection against hypoglycaemia while partially covering glucose excursions.
Realization of Practical Eightfold Fermions and Fourfold van Hove Singularity in TaCo2Te2
Authors: Chen Chaoyu , Rong Hongtao , Huang Zhenqiao , Zhang Xin , Kumar Shiv , Zhang Fayuan , Zhang Chengcheng , Wang Yuan , Hao Zhanyang , Cai Yongqing , Wang Le , Liu Cai , Ma Xiaoming , Guo Shu , Shen Bing , Liu Yi , Cui Shengtao , Shimada Kenya , Wu Quansheng , Lin Junhao , Yao Yugui , Wang Zhiwei , Xu Hu 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Space groups describing the symmetry of lattice structure allow the emergence of fermionic quasiparticles with various degeneracy in the band structure. Theoretical efforts have predicted many materials hosting fermions with the highest degeneracy, i.e., eightfold fermions, yet lacking experimental realization. Here, we explore the band degeneracies in TaCo2Te2 crystals. Through systematic experimental and theoretical analyses, we establish TaCo2Te2 as a nonsymmorphic crystal with negligible spin-orbit coupling (SOC) and long-range magnetic order. These critical properties guarantee the first realization of practical eightfold fermions and fourfold van Hove singularity, as directly observed by photoemission spectroscopy. TaCo2Te2 serves as a topological quantum critical platform, which can be tuned into various magnetic, topologically trivial, and nontrivial phases by adding strain, magnetic field, or SOC. The latter is demonstrated by our first-principles calculations, which show that enhancing SOC in TaCo2Te2 will promote the experimental observation of bulk hourglass fermions. Our results establish TaCo2Te2 as a unique platform to explore the interplay between symmetry and band topology.