bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Storage Stability and Antioxidant Properties of Vegetable and Marine Lecithin Liposomes Loaded with Sea Cucumber (Holothuria forskali) and Musky Octopus (Eledone moschata) Protein Hydrolysates
Authors: Pascual-Silva C. , Alemán A. , Montero M. P. , Gómez-Guillén M. C. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
This study is aimed at comparing how the lipid composition of lecithins from vegetable and marine sources affects the properties and storage stability of liposomes and at evaluating their capacity to encapsulate two protein hydrolysates derived from undervalued marine invertebrates. The particle properties (size, polydispersity index or PDI, and ζ potential), thermal properties, in vitro antioxidant properties, and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory capacity of liposomes produced from soybean, sunflower, and herring roe lecithin were compared. All lecithins exhibited a high polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) content (52.7 − 59.18%); however, for the marine-derived lecithin, rich in long chain ω-3 fatty acids, a partial purification process of phospholipids was required to obtain a stable liposomal dispersion. Mean particle sizes of 212 nm, 130 nm, and 96 nm were obtained for sunflower lecithin (LSun), soy lecithin (LSoy), and partially purified marine lecithin (LMarP) liposomes, respectively, all with electronegative zeta potential. Two protein hydrolysates obtained from sea cucumber and musky octopus protein concentrates were successfully encapsulated in liposomes prepared with the respective lecithins and then characterised. The hydrolysates provided liposomes with high ACE-inhibitory capacity; however, antioxidant properties were highly dependent on the lecithin source. Unloaded and loaded liposomes presented high colloidal stability during 4 weeks of chilled storage. Finally, a principal component analysis (PCA) was conducted to summarise and interpret the results. Liposomes derived from marine phospholipids offer a nutritious alternative, due to their long-chain omega-3 fatty acid content, high biological activity, and favourable structural attributes.
Introducing digital air-traffic controllers for urban-air mobility to ensure safe and energy-efficient flight operations
Authors: Schier-Morgenthal S. , Abdellaoui R. , Metz I. C. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Facing the continued growth of cities, the introduction of urban-air mobility intends to reduce traffic congestion and improve the quality of services such as on-demand-transport, reduced travel times and increased connectivity. Nevertheless, its integration into existing air-traffic flows remains one of the biggest challenges ahead, especially once controlled airspace overlaps with urban-air mobility areas, such as at airport control zones. Here, air-traffic control needs to coordinate amobng urban-air mobility vehicles and conventional air traffic. In 2022, DLR conducted a human-in-the-loop simulation with ten air-traffic controllers to validate previously developed workflows for that coordination task applied for Hamburg airport. The simulation results revealed that additional urban-air mobility traffic increases controllers’ experienced workload up to 30% while slightly reducing their perceived situation awareness. Thus, a majority of controllers participating in the trials suggested to introduce an additional controller working position to exclusively control airtaxis and traffic following visual flight rules. This option is assessed as owning a high potential as cost intensive adaptions of regulations and procedures can be omitted. Nevertheless, the feasibility of this option is rather low due to the limited availability of endorsed human controllers.
This study proposes a concept for a digital controller taking the responsibility of guidance for airtaxis under visual flight rules traffic (abbr. VFR) within a control zone. This digital controller is named “UAM digital controller” (abbr. UDC) and based on algorithms calculating slots and trajectories which have been validated in previous DLR projects. The UDC coordinates with the human controller once a potential conflict is detected. Within the study, first the concept of the digital controller is defined, following existing work. As a second step, a theoretical evaluation based on an air-traffic control task model and an operational concept for airtaxi integration will analyze the task load reduction for the human controller. Last but not least, the expected energy saving of flight operations by the digital controllers will be assessed.
Apatite Geochemical Perspectives on the Maturation of Continental Arc Crust via Mush‐Facilitated Processes During Magmatic Flare‐Up
Authors: Chen Long , Gao Peng , Somerville Ian , Li San‐Zhong , Deng Jiang‐Hong , Li Dong‐Yong , Yu Sheng‐Yao , Li Xiao‐Hui , Cao Hua‐Hua , Zhao Zi‐Fu , Yin Zhi‐Feng 
Published: January 2025

AbstractIn volcanic arcs, magma evolves from basaltic to intermediate and felsic composition, resulting in arc crust maturation. It remains unclear whether processes involving mush during magmatic flare‐ups would enhance this evolution. This study revealed a temporal‐compositional evolution of plutonic rocks from mafic (∼94 Ma) to intermediate (∼92–88 Ma) to felsic (∼88 Ma) during a magmatic flare‐up event in the Gangdese arc, Tibet, with increasing radiogenic Sr–Nd isotope enrichment. Apatites in mafic and felsic rocks have εNd(t) values similar to their hosts, while intermediate rocks show higher values. The elemental composition of apatites in mafic and intermediate rocks is similar but differs from those in felsic rocks. Textural and compositional features indicate varying degrees of influence of mafic rock compositions by accumulation. Triangular and linear covariation relationships between apatite‐compatible (e.g., La) and ‐incompatible (e.g., Rb) elements with SiO2, respectively, for all plutonic rocks as a whole, confirm the incorporation of apatite‐rich mushes into the mixing process. These findings suggest that mafic magma crystallized into apatite‐rich mush, which was later remobilized and mixed with felsic magma to form intermediate magma. Felsic rocks represent end‐member magmas resulting from crustal anatexis and/or mafic magma differentiation. Thus, the Gangdese arc's maturation during the magmatic flare‐up progressed sequentially through mafic magma crystallization and mush formation, mush remobilization and mixing with felsic magma, and the eventual accumulation and segregation of felsic magma. This sequence of events during flare‐ups illustrates a common crustal maturation process in volcanic arcs, as also seen in the Andean Cordillera.
Helicobacter pylori reduces METTL14-mediated VAMP3 m6A modification and promotes the development of gastric cancer by regulating LC3C-mediated c-Met recycling
Authors: Cui Xixi , Chang Mingjie , Wang Yuqiong , Liu Jiayi , Sun Zenghui , Sun Qiyu , Sun Yundong , Ren Juchao , Li Wenjuan 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) plays an important role in the malignant transformation of the gastric mucosa from chronic inflammation to cancer. However, the mechanisms underlying the epigenetic regulation of gastric carcinogenesis mediated by H. pylori remain unclear. Here, we uncover that H. pylori inhibits METTL14 by upregulating ATF3. METTL14 inhibits gastric cancer (GC) cell proliferation and metastasis in vitro and in vivo. Downregulation of METTL14 inhibits Vesicle-associated membrane protein-3 (VAMP3) by reducing the m6A modification level of VAMP3 mRNA and the stability of IGF2BP2-dependent mRNA. H. pylori also accelerates the malignant progression of GC by regulating VAMP3/LC3C-mediated c-Met recycling. Moreover, the expression of METTL14 and VAMP3 in Hp+ chronic gastritis tissues is much lower than that in Hp− chronic gastritis tissues. METTL14 and VAMP3 expression levels are downregulated notably in cancerous tissues of patients with GC. Therefore, our results show a novel METTL14-VAMP3-LC3C-c-Met signalling axis in the GC development mediated by H. pylori infection, which reveals a novel m6A epigenetic modification mechanism for GC and provides potential prognostic biomarkers for GC progression.
Impact of stain variation and color normalization for prognostic predictions in pathology
Authors: Lin Siyu , Zhou Haowen , Watson Mark , Govindan Ramaswamy , Cote Richard J. , Yang Changhuei 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
In recent years, deep neural networks (DNNs) have demonstrated remarkable performance in pathology applications, potentially even outperforming expert pathologists due to their ability to learn subtle features from large datasets. One complication in preparing digital pathology datasets for DNN tasks is the variation in tinctorial qualities. A common way to address this is to perform stain normalization on the images. In this study, we show that a well-trained DNN model trained on one batch of histological slides failed to generalize to another batch prepared at a different time from the same tissue blocks, even when stain normalization methods were applied. This study used sample data from a previously reported DNN that was able to identify patients with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose tumors did and did not metastasize, with high accuracy, based on training and then testing of digital images from H&E stained primary tumor tissue sections processed at the same time. In this study, we obtained a new series of histologic slides from the adjacent recuts of the same tissue blocks processed in the same lab but at a different time. We found that the DNN trained on either batch of slides/images was unable to generalize and failed to predict progression in the other batch of slides/images (AUCcross-batch = 0.52 - 0.53 compared to AUCsame-batch = 0.74 - 0.81). The failure to generalize did not improve even when the tinctorial difference corrections were made through either traditional color-tuning or stain normalization with the help of a Cycle Generative Adversarial Network (CycleGAN) process. This highlights the need to develop an entirely new way to process and collect consistent microscopy images from histologic slides that can be used to both train and allow for the general application of predictive DNN algorithms.
Quantitative study on the environmental impact of Beijing’s urban rail transit based on carbon emission reduction
Authors: Jia Cai , Wang Xudong , Qian Chengyang , Cao Zini , Zhao Long , Lin Luzhou 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Urban rail transit, as an efficient and eco-friendly mode of transportation, plays a pivotal role in mitigating traffic congestion and lowering urban carbon emissions. Despite the significant contributions by scholars in this area, debates surrounding the quantification of carbon emissions during the operational phase of urban rail transit persist, particularly in assessing its impact on reducing ground traffic congestion. This study examines the passenger flow during Beijing’s morning and evening peak hours, assuming that all passengers initially using urban rail transit switch to buses and taxis during these periods. A traffic congestion prediction model is developed based on the analysis of actual traffic operation data under this assumption. Through this model, the study calculates the potential congestion times across various scenarios, employing a bottom-up approach to carbon emission estimation to analyze the impact on carbon emissions. Results spanning 2015 to 2021 suggest that substituting urban rail transit with buses could increase congestion by 37–92 min and 46–59 min during morning and evening peaks, respectively, leading to a 24-82% and 27-56% surge in carbon emissions. The conversion of all these vehicles to taxis would result in a direct paralysis of Beijing’s road transport network, with a corresponding increase in carbon emissions of between 289% and 556% and 333% and 614%, respectively.These outcomes emphasize the substantial efficacy of urban rail transit in curbing traffic congestion and carbon emissions.
Investigating the role of the metabolic score for visceral Fat in assessing the prevalence of chronic kidney disease from the NHANES 1999–2018
Authors: Zhou Xingcheng , Xiang Jiayi , Zhang Shuxian , Yang Jun , Tang Yi , Wang Yalan 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
This study investigates the association between the Metabolic Score for Visceral Fat (METS-VF) and chronic kidney disease (CKD), assessing METS-VF as a potential predictor of CKD risk. Utilizing data from the 1999–2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), this cross-sectional study included 24,387 adult participants. Multivariable logistic regression, restricted cubic spline models, and threshold effect analyses were employed to explore the relationship. The results revealed a significant positive association, with multivariable logistic regression showing that each unit increase in METS-VF was associated with an 86% higher risk of CKD (OR: 1.86, 95% CI: 1.48–2.34). Critical METS-VF thresholds (6.10 and 7.55) were identified, at which CKD risk increased substantially. Subgroup analyses indicated that the association was particularly pronounced among older adults and males. These findings suggest that METS-VF is a reliable predictor for assessing CKD risk and that lifestyle interventions, including dietary modifications and exercise programs, may mitigate this risk.
Improving mechanical properties and electrical conductivity of Al-Cu-Mg matrix composites by GNPs and sc additions
Authors: Yuan Li , Liu Fengguo , Wu Chun , Lou Changsheng 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
To enhance the mechanical properties and electrical conductivity of Al-Cu-Mg-based composites, aluminum matrix composites containing scandium (Sc) and graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) were fabricated by means of stepwise ball milling, vacuum hot pressing sintering, and hot rolling techniques. When Sc and GNPs were incorporated at concentrations of 0.1 wt% and 0.2 wt% respectively, the resultant composites demonstrated a maximum tensile strength of 326.81 MPa, an elongation of 3.2%, an electrical conductivity of 46.95% IACS, and a hardness of 112.96 HV. In comparison with the 2024 aluminum alloy matrix, enhancements of 39%, 255%, 51% and 51.21% were witnessed in tensile strength, elongation, electrical conductivity, and hardness respectively. These improvements can be primarily ascribed to the addition of Sc, which facilitated the precipitation of solute atoms and enhanced the interfacial bonding between the GNPs and the matrix, as well as the remarkable heterogeneous layered microstructure induced by the incorporation of GNPs. This study presents a feasible approach to concurrently enhance the strength and electrical conductivity of composites through the combined addition of Sc and GNPs.
A slab window in the south rim of the Parece-Vela Basin
Authors: Zhen Zhang , dong Xu , Lintao Zhao 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Slab windows represent regions within the mantle that are largely devoid of slab material, facilitating direct communication between the mantle above and below the subducting slab. This unprecedented interaction disrupts the conventional material-energy exchange mechanisms between the subducted slab and mantle wedge, giving rise to anomalous heat flow, distinct magmatism, metamorphism, and geophysical features. Geochemical analyses of samples collected from the southern margin of the Parece-Vela Basin have illuminated the magmatic processes associated with a slab window. C20-3 is indicative of a hot and dry mantle upwelling that occurs through the slab window. On the other hand, C20-1 signifies an adakitic rock, which originates from the melting of oceanic crust at the periphery of the slab window. Slightly east of the slab window, C21-1 reveals evidence of a heated depleted mantle, influenced by the hot and dry mantle upwelling through the slab window. Additionally, a common Island Arc Basalt (IAB), denoted as C21-2, was also observed in the island arc region. Topographical data highlights the irregular distribution of numerous seamounts between the West Mariana Ridge and the Parece-Vela Basin spreading center. Seismological records reveal a preponderance of strike-slip earthquakes in the southern seamount region, alongside exceptionally high heat flow measurements at the northwest extremity of this area. The shape of the slab window can be roughly modeled by analyzing the distribution of earthquakes. Collectively, these observations lead us to postulate the existence of a slab window beneath the southern rim of the Parece-Vela Basin, likely attributed to the tearing of the subducting Pacific Plate along the strike-slip fault situated between the Ulithi and Fais Atolls.
Inferring single-cell and spatial microRNA activity from transcriptomics data
Authors: Herbst Efrat , Mandel-Gutfreund Yael , Yakhini Zohar , Biran Hadas 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The activity of miRNA varies across different cell populations and systems, as part of the mechanisms that distinguish cell types and roles in living organisms and in human health and disease. Typically, miRNA regulation drives changes in the composition and levels of protein-coding RNA and of lncRNA, with targets being down-regulated when miRNAs are active. The term “miRNA activity" is used to refer to this transcriptional effect of miRNAs. This study introduces miTEA-HiRes, a method designed to facilitate the evaluation of miRNA activity at high resolution. The method applies to single-cell transcriptomics, type-specific single-cell populations, and spatial transcriptomics data. By comparing different conditions, differential miRNA activity is inferred. For instance, miTEA-HiRes analysis of peripheral blood mononuclear cells comparing Multiple Sclerosis patients to control groups revealed differential activity of miR-20a-5p and others, consistent with the literature on miRNA underexpression in Multiple Sclerosis. We also show miR-519a-3p differential activity in specific cell populations.
Land Property Rights and Investment Incentives in Movable Farm Assets: Evidence from Post-Soviet Central Asia
Authors: Kurbanov Zafar , Djanibekov Nodir , Herzfeld Thomas 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
We examined whether perceived land rights—use, management, transfer, and tenure security—are associated with investment in movable farm assets. Using micro-level data from crop-specialized farmers in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, we distinguish investment incentives linked to tenure security, transferability, and decision-making autonomy (use and management rights). Comparing market-oriented versus government-controlled contexts provides insights into differential role of land rights on investment behavior. Our findings underscore significant investment incentives linked to use and management rights rather than tenure security or transferability. Moreover, we reveal how country-specific institutional contexts influence the effectiveness of these land rights in stimulating agricultural investments.
Association of cognitive deficits with sociodemographic characteristics among adults with post-COVID conditions: Findings from the United States household pulse survey
Authors: Wu Daniel J , Liu Nianjun 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
People infected with coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) may continue to experience symptoms for several weeks or even months after acute infection, a condition known as long COVID. Cognitive problems such as memory loss are among the most commonly reported symptoms of long COVID. However, a comprehensive evaluation of the risks of cognitive decline following COVID-19 infection among different sociodemographic groups has not been undertaken at the national level in the USA. We conducted a secondary analysis on the datasets from the U.S. Census Bureau Household Pulse Survey, encompassing data collected from 1 June 2022 to 19 December 2022. Based on a cohort of 385 370 individuals aged 18 years or older, we employed logistic regression analysis to examine the association between self-reported cognitive deficits and different sociodemographic factors among individuals with long COVID conditions. We have demonstrated that individuals with long COVID had a significantly higher risk of cognitive deficits compared to those with no history of COVID infection. Cognitive deficits vary across sociodemographic groups. In individuals without long COVID, men, older adults, and those with higher education reported fewer cognitive deficits, while Hispanics and residents of the South reported more. Long COVID had similar impacts across genders and regions but appeared to have the smallest impact on Hispanics compared to other racial groups. Conversely, the effects of long COVID were most significant in older adults and individuals with higher education. The state-level analysis further suggests potential variation in long COVID’s effects across different states. The risks of cognitive deficits among adults with post-COVID conditions are substantial. Various sociodemographic groups can have different risks of developing cognitive deficits after experiencing long COVID. The findings of this large-scale study can help identify sociodemographic groups at higher risk of cognitive deficits, facilitate medical interventions, and guide resource allocation to target populations at risk and prioritize areas with a high rate of cognitive decline.
Development of a yeast-based sensor platform for evaluation of ligands recognized by the human free fatty acid 2 receptor
Authors: Clausen Lind Andrea , De Castro Gomes Davi , Bisquert Ricardo , Mårtensson Jonas , Sundqvist Martina , Forsman Huamei , Dahlgren Claes , David Florian , Siewers Verena 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Yeast-based sensors have shown great applicability for deorphanization of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and screening of ligands targeting these. A GPCR of great interest is free fatty acid 2 receptor (FFA2R), for which short-chain fatty acids such as propionate and acetate are agonists. FFA2R regulates a wide array of downstream receptor signaling pathways in both adipose tissue and immune cells and has been recognized as a promising therapeutic target, having been implicated in several metabolic and inflammatory diseases. While research aiming to identify ligands recognized by FFA2R for translational applications is ongoing, screening is complicated by the complex regulatory and cell-specific responses mediated by the receptor. To simplify screening towards identification of novel ligands, heterologous platforms are valuable tools that offer efficient identification of ligand activity in the absence of regulatory mechanisms. Here, we present a yeast-based sensor designed to evaluate G protein α i1-mediated FFA2R signaling, with an assay time of 3 h. We verify this platform towards the natural agonists, propionate and acetate, and show applicability towards evaluation of synthetic agonists, antagonists, and allosteric agonists. As such, we believe that the developed yeast strain constitutes a promising screening platform for effective evaluation of ligands acting on FFA2R.