bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research on an Assembly Building Buffer Zone Based on Gray Critical Chain
Authors: Chen Jiaying , Ye Ziyang , Ye Zehui , Sun Qiao
Published: December 2023

The complexity of construction in prefabricated buildings makes it vulnerable to uncertainty in project timelines, and traditional project timeline management is insufficient to control project timelines for prefabricated buildings. Therefore, research on project timeline management for prefabricated buildings is needed in order to optimize project timelines and improve project execution rates. This study proposed an improved method of setting prefabricated building buffer zones through the use of improved grey critical chain technology. Five major factors affecting project timelines in actual prefabricated construction projects were selected: personnel experience, degree of prefabrication, technical complexity, reasonableness of construction plans, and degree of construction space availability. The OPA technique was introduced and combined with the entropy weight method to improve the comprehensive weight coefficient of the grey critical chain calculation of the factors affecting the timeline. Other influencing coefficients were determined, and a new calculation method for the size of prefabricated building buffer zones was proposed. Monte Carlo simulations were conducted in Matlab on actual construction projects to ensure the scientific rationality of the improved method. The results showed that compared with the classical buffer calculation methods (cut-and-paste method, C&PM and square root standard deviation method, RSEM), the project timeline was reduced by 14.3% and 11.7%, respectively, using the improved method. The improved method not only reduces project uncertainties, but also achieves the goal of optimizing project timelines, and it is reasonable and effective. The results of the study provide a direction for the project timeline management of prefabricated building critical chains, and this method can be applied to the planning and management of prefabricated building buffer zones.
Quantitative Investigation of Containment Liner Plate Thinning with Combined Thermal Wave Signal and Image Processing in Thermography Testing
Authors: Chung Yoonjae , Lee Seungju , Kim Chunyoung , Kim Wontae
Published: December 2023

This study presents a process for the quantitative investigation of thinning defects occurring in the containment liner plate (CLP) of a nuclear power plant according to various depths with a combined thermal wave signal and image processing in a lock-in thermography (LIT) technique. For that, a plate sample with a size of 300 × 300 mm was produced considering the 6 mm thickness applied to an actual CLP. The sample was designed with nine thinning defects on the back side with defect sizes of 40 × 40 mm and varying thinning rates from 10% to 90%. LIT experiments were conducted under various modulation frequency conditions, and phase angle data was calculated and evaluated through four-point method processing. The calculated phase angle was correlated with the defect depth. Then, the phase image was binarized by the Otsu algorithm to evaluate defect detection ability and shape. Furthermore, the accuracy of defect depth assessment was evaluated through third-order polynomial curve fitting. The detectability was analyzed by comparing the number of pixels of the thinning defect in the binarized image and the theoretical calculation. Finally, it was concluded that LIT can be applied for fast thinning defect detection and accurate thinning depth evaluation.
Real-Time 3D Reconstruction of UAV Acquisition System for the Urban Pipe Based on RTAB-Map
Authors: Chen Xinbao , Zhu Xiaodong , Liu Chang
Published: December 2023

In urban underground projects, such as urban drainage systems, the real-time acquisition and generation of 3D models of pipes can provide an important foundation for pipe safety inspection and maintenance. The simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) technique, compared to the traditional structure from motion (SfM) reconstruction technique, offers high real-time performance and improves the efficiency of 3D object reconstruction. Underground pipes are situated in complex environments with unattended individuals and often lack natural lighting. To address this, this paper presents a real-time and cost-effective 3D perception and reconstruction system that utilizes an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) equipped with Intel RealSense D435 depth cameras and an artificial light-supplementation device. This system carries out real-time 3D reconstruction of underground pipes using the RTAB-Map (real-time appearance-based mapping) method. RTAB-Map is a graph-based visual SLAM method that combines closed-loop detection and graph optimization algorithms. The unique memory management mechanism of RTAB-Map enables synchronous mapping for multiple sessions during UAV flight. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed system, based on RTAB-Map, exhibits the robustness, textures, and feasibility for 3D reconstruction of underground pipes.
Energy-Efficient Lane Change Trajectory Planning for Highway Traffic Scenarios Considering Different Driving Needs
Authors: Song Rui , Zhang Xinfeng , Zhang Haojie , Dai Yiheng , Zhu Yuxuan , Tian Shengzhe
Published: December 2023

This paper proposes an energy-saving lane-changing trajectory model for intelligent electric vehicles at high speeds that considers different driving needs under multiple constraints to address the issues of simple lane-changing considerations and poor safety. An economic index is added to construct a multi-objective optimization function based on the comfort, safety, and efficiency of lane changing. The particle swarm optimization algorithm is used to solve the optimal lane-changing time. The weight of the index is obtained by analyzing different driving needs using the Analytic Hierarchy Process in different scenarios. The multi-objective function is adjusted to plan the optimal lane-changing trajectory that meets driving needs. The simulation shows that the proposed model can generate smooth and feasible lane-changing trajectories that meet different driving needs. The energy consumption analysis results indicate that the construction of economic indicators can effectively reduce the energy consumption of vehicles driving on highways. The tracking analysis results indicate that the target vehicle can smoothly and safely change lanes on the planned trajectory, verifying the effectiveness and rationality of the planned trajectory.
Multi-Electron Ionization and Coulomb Explosion of the IBr Molecule in the Near-Infrared Femtosecond Laser Field
Authors: Liu Botong , Li Zhipeng , Sun Zhenrong , Yang Yan
Published: December 2023

The DC-sliced ion velocity map imaging approach was used to analyze the multi-electron ionization and subsequent Coulomb explosion of an IBr molecule exposed to a near-infrared femtosecond laser field. The existence of the molecular ions up to IBr7+ was observed in the experiment, and a series of Coulomb explosion channels are assigned. According to the “ladder-path” ionization model, the multi-electron ionization paths of IBr molecules are determined. We find that the charge transfer process does not occur during ionization, and the presence of higher charge states can be explained by considering the higher-order ionization process.
Application-Oriented Data Analytics in Large-Scale Metal Sheet Bending
Authors: Penalva Mariluz , Martín Ander , Ruiz Cristina , Martínez Víctor , Veiga Fernando , Val Alain Gil del , Ballesteros Tomás
Published: December 2023

The sheet-metal-forming process is crucial in manufacturing various products, including pipes, cans, and containers. Despite its significance, controlling this complex process is challenging and may lead to defects and inefficiencies. This study introduces a novel approach to monitor the sheet-metal-forming process, specifically focusing on the rolling of cans in the oil-and-gas sector. The methodology employed in this work involves the application of temporal-signal-processing and artificial-intelligence (AI) techniques for monitoring and optimizing the manufacturing process. Temporal-signal-processing techniques, such as Markov transition fields (MTFs), are utilized to transform time series data into images, enabling the identification of patterns and anomalies. synamic time warping (DTW) aligns time series data, accommodating variations in speed or timing across different rolling processes. K-medoids clustering identifies representative points, characterizing distinct phases of the rolling process. The results not only demonstrate the effectiveness of this framework in monitoring the rolling process but also lay the foundation for the practical application of these methodologies. This allows operators to work with a simpler characterization source, facilitating a more straightforward interpretation of the manufacturing process.
Experimental Studies on Pore Structure and the Gas Content Evolution Mechanisms of Shale Gas Reservoirs at Different Burial Depths in the Longmaxi Formation, Southern Sichuan Basin
Authors: Fu Yonghong , Zhang Renjing , Jiang Yuqiang , Fan Xiangyu , Gu Yifan
Published: December 2023

Micro- and nano-scale pores develop in shale reservoirs, and the associated pore structure controls the occurrence state, gas content, seepage capacity, and micro-migration and accumulation mechanisms of shale gas. For this study, we mainly conducted tests, using field emission-scanning electron microscopy, of the isothermal methane adsorption of powder-sized samples under high temperatures (60–130 °C) and pressures (0–45 MPa), along with methane-saturated nuclear magnetic resonance tests of plug-sized samples under different temperatures (60–100 °C) and pressures (0–35 MPa). These samples were from Longmaxi shale cores from strata at different burial depths from the Zhaotong, Weiyuan, and Luzhou areas. As the burial depth increases, organic pores transform from complex networks to relatively isolated and circular pore-like structures, and the proportion of organic matter-hosted pores increases from 25.0% to 61.2%. The pore size is influenced by the pressure difference inside and outside the pores, as well as the surface tension of organic matter in situ. As the burial depth increases to 4200 m, the main peak of the pore size first increases from 5–30 nm to 200–400 nm and then decreases to 50–200 nm. This work establishes an NMR method of saturated methane on plug-sized samples to test the free gas content and develop a prediction model of shale reservoirs at different burial depths. The gas content of a shale reservoir is influenced by both burial depths and pore structure. When the burial depth of the shale gas reservoir is less than 2000 m, inorganic pores and microfractures develop, and the self-sealing ability of the reservoir in terms of retaining shale gas is weak, resulting in low gas content. However, due to the small pore size of organic pores and the low formation temperature, the content of adsorbed gas increases, accounting for up to 60%. As the burial depth increases, the free gas and total gas content increase; at 4500 m, the total gas content of shale reservoirs is 18.9 m3/t, and the proportion of free gas can be as high as 80%. The total gas content predicted by our method is consistent with the results of the pressure-holding coring technique, which is about twice our original understanding of gas content, greatly enhancing our confidence in the possibility of accelerating the exploration and development of deep shale gas.
Plasma Accelerator Utilizing the Medium of Near-Earth Space for Orbital Transfer Vehicles
Authors: Karimov Alexander R. , Murad Paul A. , Yamschikov Vladimir A. , Baranov Dmitriy S.
Published: December 2023

The development of plasma accelerators for spacecraft propulsion that can capture space matter and energy shows great promise for spacecraft advancement. Such a technical approach offers a viable solution to the challenges associated with traditional rocket fuel. In the present paper, we explore the utilization of interplanetary matter as fuel for plasma thrusters on space vehicles, specifically for flights within the vicinity of Earth. Herein, solar radiation is considered a source of energy for the ionization and acceleration of particles captured from the space environment.
New Insights into Bioactive Compounds of Wild-Growing Medicinal Plants
Authors: Salem Omar , Szwajkowska-Michałek Lidia , Przybylska-Balcerek Anna , Szablewski Tomasz , Cegielska-Radziejewska Renata , Świerk Dariusz , Stuper-Szablewska Kinga
Published: December 2023

Plants contain bioactive substances and secondary metabolites that have a variety of functions, including antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities. In this study, the content of bioactive compounds in five medicinal plants was determined, i.e., Plantago major L., Armoracia rusticana, Hypericum perforatum L., Rumex acetosa L., and Urtica dioica L., from 38 locations. Additionally, the antimicrobial effect of extracts of bioactive compounds from the above-mentioned plants was checked. The experiment used an original method of extracting bioactive compounds. Purpose of the research: the assessment of antimicrobial activity and chemical characterization of extracts obtained using our own method of isolating bioactive compounds from green parts of medical plants in Poland. Based on the research, the presence of bioactive compounds, i.e., phenolic acids and flavonoids, was found in the tested plant extracts. The results of this study suggest that the geographic parameters of the locations where these plants grow have different effects on their biochemical composition and biological activity. The results showed that all tested plants had significant antibacterial activities. Rumex acetose L. showed the highest antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli and Salmonella enteritidis. These studies supplement the existing literature on the subject with information about the antimicrobial properties of the tested plant extracts that can be used in herbal medicine. The results have significant implications for the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and cosmetic sectors, establishing a foundation for future research in this area.
Experimental Study on the Effect of High Temperature on the Physical and Mechanical Properties of Sandstone with Different Bedding Angles
Authors: Qin Yan , Xu Nengxiong , Chen Wei , Wu Linqing
Published: December 2023

As a typical sedimentary rock, the number of beddings in the horizontal direction of sandstone is far greater than that in the vertical direction, leading to its physical and mechanical properties showing obvious anisotropy with changes in bedding angle. After high temperature exposure, bedding damage further transforms the change rule of the physical and mechanical properties of sandstone with the bedding angle. This study tested the appearance, wave velocity, uniaxial compression, and conventional triaxial compression properties of sandstone with five bedding angles before and after high temperature exposure. The results show that (1) the longitudinal wave velocity, shear wave velocity, elastic modulus, and cohesion decreased, while the internal friction angle increased slightly. At the same temperature, when the dip angle of sandstone was 30° or 60°, the mechanical properties were optimal, and when the dip angle was 45°, the mechanical properties were the worst. (2) High temperature increases the development degree of micropores and microfractures in the sandstone bedding plane and matrix, thus increasing the anisotropy degree of the physical and mechanical properties of sandstone with different bedding angles. (3) With increasing temperature, the rock samples gradually transitioned from brittle failure to ductile failure. Sandstone with a bedding angle of 0° presented splitting failure that vertically penetrated the bedding plane at different temperatures. Sandstone with dip angles of 30° and 40° presented shear failure that penetrated the matrix and bedding plane. A failure plane along the bedding plane appeared at the end. Sandstone with dip angles of 60° and 90° was more prone to failure along the bedding plane, showing shear failure along the bedding plane and tensile failure along the bedding plane, respectively.
Performance Evaluation of Cross-Correlation Based Photoacoustic Measurement of a Single Object with Sinusoidal Linear Motion
Authors: Fujinami Kotaro , Shirai Katsuaki
Published: December 2023

Photoacoustic (PA) velocimetry holds the advantage of detecting ultrasound signals from selective targets sensitive to specific wavelengths of light irradiation. In particular, it is expected to be applied for measuring blood flow in microvasculature. However, PA velocimetry has not been sufficiently investigated for small velocity ranges down to several tens of millimeters per second. This study evaluates the performance and uncertainty of PA velocity measurements using a single graphite cylinder (GC) as a moving object. A pair of short laser pulses irradiated the object within a brief time interval. The velocity was measured based on the cross-correlation peak of successive PA signal pairs in the time domain. The limiting measurement uncertainty was 3.4 mm/s, determined by the sampling rate of the digitizer. The object motion was controlled in a sinusoidal linear motion, realized using a loudspeaker. With the PA measurement, the velocity of the object was obtained with a time resolution in milliseconds and with directional discrimination. Notably, the PA velocity measurements successfully provided the local velocities of the object across a wide range, with the reference velocity obtained as the time derivative of the displacement data acquired using a laser displacement sensor (LDS). The PA measurement exhibited uncertainties ranging from 0.86 to 2.1 mm/s for the maximum and minimum velocities during the experiment. The uncertainties are consistent with those in stationary cases, and nearly constant in the investigated velocity range. Furthermore, the PA measurements revealed local fine velocities of the object, which were not resolved by the reference velocities of the LDS measurements. The capability of the PA velocity measurement was found to be advantageous for measurements of objects with dynamic variations in magnitude and direction.
Performance Comparison of Deep Learning Models for Damage Identification of Aging Bridges
Authors: Chung Su-Wan , Hong Sung-Sam , Kim Byung-Kon
Published: December 2023

Currently, damage in aging bridges is assessed visually, leading to significant personnel, time, and cost expenditures. Moreover, the results depend on the subjective judgment of the inspector. Machine-learning-based approaches, such as deep learning, can solve these problems. In particular, instance-segmentation models have been used to identify different types of bridge damage. However, the value of deep-learning-based damage identification may be reduced by insufficient training data, class imbalance, and model-reliability issues. To overcome these limitations, this study utilized photographic data from real bridge-management systems for the inspection and assessment of bridges as the training dataset. Six types of damage were considered. Moreover, the performances of three representative deep learning models—Mask R-CNN, BlendMask, and SWIN—were compared in terms of loss–function values. SWIN showed the best performance, achieving a loss value of 0.000005 after 269,939 training iterations. This shows that bridge-damage-identification performance can be maximized by setting an appropriate learning rate and using a deep learning model with a minimal loss value.
Mathematical Models for Predicting the Elastic and Thermal Behavior of Heterogeneous Materials through Curve Fitting
Authors: Beji Hamdi , Kanit Toufik , Messager Tanguy , Ben-Ltaief Nada , Ammar Ahmed
Published: December 2023

The aim of this study is to establish a new method for predicting the effective elastic and thermal behavior of heterogeneous materials through mathematical curve fitting. The research initiates with the collection of 3D microstructures comprising 200 spherical inclusions embedded within a linear elastic matrix. This database is acquired by varying the volume fraction of the inclusions (10%, 15%, 20%, or 25%) and the contrast between the two phases. The contrast is quantified in terms of the ratio of the Young’s modulus and thermal conductivity modulus, EiEm and λiλm, with values ranging from 10 to 200. These microstructures are then used to estimate the elastic and thermal properties by calculating the effective bulk, shear, and thermal conductivity moduli via the finite element method (FEM). The compiled database is a crucial asset for the development of mathematical equations that precisely fit the curves of various moduli based on changes to input parameters such as the volume fraction and the contrast. The process includes analyzing the data, identifying patterns, and establishing mathematical relationships that effectively reflect the moduli’s observed behavior. By integrating these individual equations and taking into account their interdependencies, the resultant comprehensive 3D model provides an extensive representation of the material’s behavior and takes into consideration the impacts of varying the volume fraction and contrast on the different moduli. This approach enables a better understanding of the material’s response under diverse conditions. Results exhibit the accuracy and reliability of the chosen mapping functions and parameters. Thereby, these proposed functions, with respect to boundary conditions and analytical limits, confirm the relevance of the proposed model to capture such information with a suitable level of precision.
Enhancing Fake News Detection in Romanian Using Transformer-Based Back Translation Augmentation
Authors: Bucos Marian , Drăgulescu Bogdan
Published: December 2023

Misinformation poses a significant challenge in the digital age, requiring robust methods to detect fake news. This study investigates the effectiveness of using Back Translation (BT) augmentation, specifically transformer-based models, to improve fake news detection in Romanian. Using a data set extracted from Factual.ro, the research finds that BT-augmented models show better accuracy, precision, recall, F1 score, and AUC compared to those using the original data set. Additionally, using mBART for BT augmentation with French as a target language improved the model’s performance compared to Google Translate. The Extra Trees Classifier and the Random Forest Classifier performed the best among the models tested. The findings suggest that the use of BT augmentation with transformer-based models, such as mBART, has the potential to enhance fake news detection. More research is needed to evaluate the effects in other languages.
Two Dynamic Remarks on the Chebyshev–Halley Family of Iterative Methods for Solving Nonlinear Equations
Authors: Gutiérrez José M. , Galilea Víctor
Published: December 2023

The aim of this paper is to delve into the dynamic study of the well-known Chebyshev–Halley family of iterative methods for solving nonlinear equations. Our objectives are twofold: On the one hand, we are interested in characterizing the existence of extraneous attracting fixed points when the methods in the family are applied to polynomial equations. On the other hand, we are also interested in studying the free critical points of the methods in the family, as a previous step to determine the existence of attracting cycles. In both cases, we want to identify situations where the methods in the family have bad behavior from the root-finding point of view. Finally, and joining these two studies, we look for polynomials for which there are methods in the family where these two situations happen simultaneously. The rational map obtained by applying a method in the Chebyshev–Halley family to a polynomial has both super-attracting extraneous fixed points and super-attracting cycles different from the roots of the polynomial.
Bacteremia Following Alkalihalobacillus clausii (Formerly Bacillus clausii) Administration in Immunosuppressed Adults: A Case Series
Authors: Díaz-Madriz José Pablo , Zavaleta-Monestel Esteban , Rojas-Chinchilla Carolina , Arguedas-Chacón Sebastián , Serrano-Arias Bruno , Ferreto-Meza Mery Alejandra , Romero-Chavarría Betzy María , Zumbado-Amerling Priscila , Vásquez-Mendoza Ana Fernanda , Gutiérrez-González Karla Sofia , Rodríguez César
Published: December 2023

(1) Background: Given the widespread use of Alkalihalobacillus clausii (A. clausii) as a probiotic in recent decades and the detection of bacteremia cases in a group of patients, we sought to analyze cases of A. clausii bacteremia following oral probiotic use (2) Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted at a private hospital in San Jose, Costa Rica. Cases of bacteremia caused by A. clausii confirmed by the microbiology laboratory were analyzed in patients who received oral treatment with this probiotic between January 2020 and January 2022. In addition, an isolate (HCB-AC2) was compared through whole genome sequencing to demonstrate the correlation of bacteremia and A. clausii. Possible vulnerability factors related to the development of this condition were determined. (3) Results: Four cases were identified in this hospital over 2 years. Genomic analysis of isolate HCB-AC2, using two different methods, showed identical results. This indicates that HCB-AC2 is genomically identical to ENTpro and the Enterogermina® reference genome. The median age was 71 years, and all patients had some degree of immunosuppression. All patients met at least three sepsis criteria at the time of bacterial identification. Most patients were treated with vancomycin and levofloxacin. Three of the identified patients died. (4) Conclusion: A. clausii can be used as a probiotic, but caution is advised when used in immunosuppressed and elderly patients. These findings align with those reported in similar case studies.
Targeting Hyaluronan Synthesis in Cancer: A Road Less Travelled
Authors: Karalis Theodoros
Published: December 2023

Hyaluronan is one of the major components of the extracellular matrix and is involved in the regulation of multiple processes in both human physiology and disease. In human cancers, hyaluronan metabolism displays remarkable alterations, leading to the accumulation of large amounts of hyaluronan matrices in the tumoural tissues. The altered levels of hyaluronan in the tumours stem from the enhanced expression and activity of hyaluronan synthases in both tumour and stromal cells. Moreover, hyaluronidase activity is also upregulated in cancer, leading to the generation of lower molecular weight hyaluronan fragments that in turn assist tumour growth, neo-angiogenesis and the metastatic cascade. Hyaluronan accumulation in malignant tissues not only assists tumour growth and metastases but is also associated with worse outcomes in cancer patients. Therefore, targeting hyaluronan synthesis emerges as an interesting strategy that might be employed for cancer treatment. This review article summarises current evidence and discusses ways to move forward in the field of targeting hyaluronan synthesis for cancer therapy.
Immunopeptidomics in the Era of Single-Cell Proteomics
Authors: Mayer Rupert L. , Mechtler Karl
Published: December 2023

Immunopeptidomics, as the analysis of antigen peptides being presented to the immune system via major histocompatibility complexes (MHC), is being seen as an imperative tool for identifying epitopes for vaccine development to treat cancer and viral and bacterial infections as well as parasites. The field has made tremendous strides over the last 25 years but currently still faces challenges in sensitivity and throughput for widespread applications in personalized medicine and large vaccine development studies. Cutting-edge technological advancements in sample preparation, liquid chromatography as well as mass spectrometry, and data analysis, however, are currently transforming the field. This perspective showcases how the advent of single-cell proteomics has accelerated this transformation of immunopeptidomics in recent years and will pave the way for even more sensitive and higher-throughput immunopeptidomics analyses.
In Search of the Elusive North: Evolutionary History of the Arctic Fox (Vulpes lagopus) in the Palearctic from the Late Pleistocene to the Recent Inferred from Mitogenomic Data
Authors: Panitsina Valentina A. , Bodrov Semyon Yu. , Boulygina Eugenia S. , Slobodova Natalia V. , Kosintsev Pavel A. , Abramson Natalia I.
Published: December 2023

Despite the high level of interest, the population history of arctic foxes during the Late Pleistocene and Holocene remains poorly understood. Here we aimed to fill gaps in the demographic and colonization history of the arctic fox by analyzing new ancient DNA data from fossil specimens aged from 50 to 1 thousand years from the Northern and Polar Urals, historic DNA from museum specimens from the Novaya Zemlya Archipelago and the Taymyr Peninsula and supplementing these data by previously published sequences of recent and extinct arctic foxes from other regions. This dataset was used for reconstruction of a time-calibrated phylogeny and a temporal haplotype network covering four time intervals: Late Pleistocene (ranging from 30 to 13 thousand years bp), Holocene (ranging from 4 to 1 thousand years bp), historical (approximately 150 years), and modern. Our results revealed that Late Pleistocene specimens showed no genetic similarity to either modern or historical specimens, thus supporting the earlier hypothesis on local extinction rather than habitat tracking.
Endogenously Produced Jasmonates Affect Leaf Growth and Improve Osmotic Stress Tolerance in Emmer Wheat
Authors: Pigolev Alexey V. , Miroshnichenko Dmitry N. , Dolgov Sergey V. , Alekseeva Valeria V. , Pushin Alexander S. , Degtyaryova Vlada I. , Klementyeva Anna , Gorbach Daria , Leonova Tatiana , Basnet Aditi , Frolov Andrej A. , Savchenko Tatyana V.
Published: December 2023

In light of recent climate change, with its rising temperatures and precipitation changes, we are facing the need to increase the valuable crop’s tolerance against unfavorable environmental conditions. Emmer wheat is a cereal crop with high nutritional value. We investigated the possibility of improving the stress tolerance of emmer wheat by activating the synthesis of the stress hormone jasmonate by overexpressing two genes of the jasmonate biosynthetic pathway from Arabidopsis thaliana, ALLENE OXIDE SYNTHASE (AtAOS) and OXOPHYTODIENOATE REDUCTASE 3 (AtOPR3). Analyses of jasmonates in intact and mechanically wounded leaves of non-transgenic and transgenic plants showed that the overexpression of each of the two genes resulted in increased wounding-induced levels of jasmonic acid and jasmonate-isoleucine. Against all expectations, the overexpression of AtAOS, encoding a chloroplast-localized enzyme, does not lead to an increased level of the chloroplast-formed 12-oxo-phytodienoic acid (OPDA), suggesting an effective conversion of OPDA to downstream products in wounded emmer wheat leaves. Transgenic plants overexpressing AtAOS or AtOPR3 with increased jasmonate levels show a similar phenotype, manifested by shortening of the first and second leaves and elongation of the fourth leaf, as well as increased tolerance to osmotic stress induced by the presence of the polyethylene glycol (PEG) 6000.
The Association between Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D3 Levels and Pro-Inflammatory Markers in New-Onset Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Prediabetes
Authors: Fenercioglu Aysen Kutan , Gonen Mustafa Sait , Uzun Hafize , Sipahioglu Nurver Turfaner , Can Gunay , Tas Ebru , Kara Zehra , Ozkaya Hande Mefkure , Atukeren Pinar
Published: December 2023

In this study, we aimed to reveal the pro-inflammatory effects of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (Vit D) deficiency and insufficiency in new-onset type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and prediabetes. We recruited 84 prediabetes patients, 94 new-onset T2DM patients and 113 healthy participants. We measured the levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), fibrinogen, ferritin, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) in the serum of the participants. ANOVA Bonferroni and Kruskal–Wallis Dunn tests were used to compare the inflammation markers and vitamin D levels between the groups. Based on covariance analysis with age, gender and BMI, the Vit D levels of the T2DM group were significantly lower (p < 0.003). Pro-inflammatory markers and CRP were significantly higher in prediabetic and diabetic subjects. In the prediabetes group, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α and MAPK were significantly higher in those with Vit D insufficiency and deficiency groups. In the T2DM group, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, NF-κB, MAPK and CRP were significantly higher in those with Vit D insufficiency and deficiency. Our study emphasizes the pro-inflammatory effects of Vit D deficiency and insufficiency in new-onset type 2 diabetes mellitus and prediabetes.
Correction: Kobroob et al. Effectiveness of N-Acetylcysteine in the Treatment of Renal Deterioration Caused by Long-Term Exposure to Bisphenol A. Biomolecules 2021, 11, 655
Authors: Kobroob Anongporn , Peerapanyasut Wachirasek , Kumfu Sirinart , Chattipakorn Nipon , Wongmekiat Orawan
Published: December 2023

The authors would like to replace Figure 2 of the following published paper [...]
SREBP Regulation of Lipid Metabolism in Liver Disease, and Therapeutic Strategies
Authors: Li Na , Li Xiaodan , Ding Yifu , Liu Xiao , Diggle Karin , Kisseleva Tatiana , Brenner David A.
Published: December 2023

Sterol regulatory element-binding proteins (SREBPs) are master transcription factors that play a crucial role in regulating genes involved in the biogenesis of cholesterol, fatty acids, and triglycerides. As such, they are implicated in several serious liver diseases, including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), fibrosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). SREBPs are subject to regulation by multiple cofactors and critical signaling pathways, making them an important target for therapeutic interventions. In this review, we first introduce the structure and activation of SREBPs, before focusing on their function in liver disease. We examine the mechanisms by which SREBPs regulate lipogenesis, explore how alterations in these processes are associated with liver disease, and evaluate potential therapeutic strategies using small molecules, natural products, or herb extracts that target these pathways. Through this analysis, we provide new insights into the versatility and multitargets of SREBPs as factors in the modulation of different physiological stages of liver disease, highlighting their potential targets for therapeutic treatment.
Plasma Insulin-like Growth Factor-Binding Protein-2 of Critically Ill Patients Is Related to Disease Severity and Survival
Authors: Mester Patricia , Räth Ulrich , Popp Luisa , Schmid Stephan , Müller Martina , Buechler Christa , Pavel Vlad
Published: December 2023

Insulin-like growth factor-binding protein (IGFBP)-2 regulates the bioactivity of the anabolic hormone’s insulin-like growth factors, which are decreased in sepsis and contribute to the catabolic status of severely ill patients. The circulating levels of IGFBP-2 in critical illness have been rarely studied; therefore, we evaluated IGFBP-2 plasma levels in patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) or sepsis as well as healthy controls. Our analysis of 157 SIRS/sepsis patients revealed higher plasma IGFBP-2 levels compared to 22 healthy controls. Plasma IGFBP-2 levels correlated positively with procalcitonin but not with C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, or the leukocyte count. Septic shock patients exhibited higher IGFBP-2 levels than those with SIRS. Bacterial or SARS-CoV-2 infection did not influence plasma IGFBP-2 levels. There was no difference in the IGFBP-2 levels between ventilated and non-ventilated SIRS/sepsis patients, and vasopressor therapy did not alter these levels. Dialysis patients had elevated plasma IGFBP-2 levels. Survivors had lower plasma IGFBP-2 levels than non-survivors. In conclusion, our study indicates that plasma IGFBP-2 levels are associated with disease severity, renal failure, and mortality in SIRS/sepsis patients.
Maternal Caffeine Consumption during Gestation and Lactation Abolishes Cortical Oxidative Stress and Restores Na+/K+-ATPase Activity in Neonates Exposed to Hyperthermia-Induced Seizures
Authors: Crespo María , León-Navarro David Agustín , Martín Mairena
Published: December 2023

Caffeine is a psychoactive substance that is widely consumed by individuals of various demographics, including pregnant women. It can readily cross the blood–brain and placental barriers, easily reaching the fetal brain. In addition, caffeine has also shown antioxidant properties, as its consumption reduces oxidative stress in various pathologies, including epilepsy. Febrile seizures (FS) are among the most common convulsive disorders in infants and young children. Here, we used an animal model of FS to learn whether maternal caffeine (1 g/L) intake consumption during gestation and lactation could exert beneficial effects on the rat cortex. Neonatal development was analyzed by measuring pinna opening, eye opening, righting reflex on the surface, and geotaxis reflex. Five and twenty days after HIS, the rats were euthanized, and plasma membranes and cytosolic fractions were isolated from their cortex brain. The enzymatic activities of glutathione reductase, glutathione S-transferase, Na+/K+-ATPase, and Mg2+-ATPase, as well as the levels of thiobarbituric acid reacting substances, were quantified. Results showed that maternal caffeine intake eliminates oxidative stress and normalizes Na+/K+-ATPase activity disrupted by HIS and also affects some parameters relating to the neurodevelopment of neonates. As FS in infants has been related to epilepsy in adults, the antioxidant properties of caffeine could prevent potential damage from hyperthermia.
Sodium Promoted FeZn@SiO2-C Catalysts for Sustainable Production of Low Olefins by CO2 Hydrogenation
Authors: Ni Zhijiang , Cai Mingxing , Zhong Shiyu , Chen Xiaoyu , Shen Hanyu , Su Lin
Published: December 2023

A prepared FeZnNa@SiO2-C catalyst with graphitized carbon (C)-modified mesoporous SiO2 supports metal nanoparticles with the sol–gel method. The effect of adding metal Na and Zn promoters as a dispersion on the CO2 hydrogenation to low olefins was systematically studied. The results showed that Zn–Na, as a combination, could promote the absorption of CO2 and improved the conversion rate of CO2. Na as an alkaline substance can improve the absorption of more acidic CO2, which could increase the conversion rate of CO2 to 59.03%. Meanwhile, the addition of secondary metal Zn to Fe-based catalysts to form a surface alloy could alter the adsorption of CO2 and the activation of C-O bonds, inhibit the subsequent hydrogenation of olefins to paraffins, and facilitate the reduction of Fe2O3 and the formation of active Fe5C2 species. The formation of active Fe5C2 species was found in TEM and XRD, and the selectivity of the target product was 41.07%. The deep hydrogenation of olefins was inhibited, and the space–time yield (STY) of low olefins was raised again by inhibiting their deep hydrogenations, up to 0.0436. However, the corresponding STY did not increase infinitely with the increase of Na doping, and higher catalytic performance for CO2 hydrogenation could be exhibited when the Na doping reached 6.4%. Compared with Fe@SiO2-C catalyst, Na- and Zn-promoted Fe-based catalysts, prepared by the modified sol-gel method, can be used directly for highly efficient CO2 hydrogenation to low olefins and thus has a more promising application prospect in the future.
Special Issue: Advanced Research in Pediatric Radiology and Nuclear Medicine
Authors: Ng Curtise K. C.
Published: December 2023

The importance of pediatric radiology and nuclear medicine is increasing [...]
Characteristics of Pre-Lens Tear Film Behavior in Eyes Wearing Delefilcon A Silicone Hydrogel Water Gradient Contact Lenses
Authors: Yokoi Norihiko , Furusawa Yuki , Kato Hiroaki , Kusada Natsuki , Sotozono Chie , Eftimov Petar , Georgiev Georgi As.
Published: December 2023

The pre-lens tear film (PLTF) over (i) delefilcon A silicone hydrogel water gradient (WG; 33–80% from core to surface) contact lenses (CLs) (SHWG-CLs) and (ii) subjects’ own non-WG soft CLs (SCLs) (SO-SCLs) was studied in 30 eyes of 30 subjects to assess the hypothesized PLTF stabilization over SHWG-CLs. In both eyes, delefilcon A SHWG-CLs (DAILIES TOTAL1®; Alcon, Fort Worth, TX, USA) or SO-SCLs were worn. After 15 min of wearing each lens, the tear meniscus radius (TMR, mm), lipid-layer interference grade (IG) and spread grade (SG), and non-invasive breakup time (NIBUT, seconds) were evaluated and compared between the SHWG-CLs and the SO-SCLs. The comparison between the SHWG-CL and SO-SCL groups (SHWG-CL and SO-SCL, mean ± SD) revealed that TMRs temporarily decreased and reached a plateau value after 15 min (0.21 ± 0.06; 0.21 ± 0.06) compared to the value prior to CL insertion (0.24 ± 0.08; 0.25 ± 0.08), with no significant difference between the two groups. The NIBUT, IG, and SG values after 15 min of wearing the CLs were (9.7 ± 3.7; 4.7 ± 4.2), (1.0 ± 0.2; 1.8 ± 1.0), and (1.1 ± 0.4; 1.9 ± 1.5), respectively, and all values were significantly better in the SHWG-CL group (p < 0.0001, p = 0.0039, and p < 0.0001, respectively). We found that compared to the SO-SCLs, the maintenance of the PLTF on the SHWG-CLs was supported by the thicker and more stable PLTF.
Impact of Corn Fiber on the Physicochemical/Technological Properties, Emotions, Purchase Intent and Sensory Characteristics of Gluten Free Bread with Novel Flours
Authors: Aleman Ricardo S. , Fuentes Jhunior Abrahan Marcia , Yadav Ajitesh , Kazemzadeh Shirin , Delcarca Franklin , Sarmientos Mallerly , Hasani-Azhdari Mehrdad , Montero-Fernández Ismael
Published: December 2023

Gluten-free products present huge advantages for individuals with gluten intolerance or celiac disease. The most influential strategy to develop a product comparable to wheat-containing gluten products is to promote its nutritional and sensorial attributes. Recently, rice flour and teosinte flour were used to develop gluten-free bread. As a result, this work aimed to compare the physical/technological attributes of bread made with rice flour and teosinte flour with corn fiber fortification and examine consumer acceptance and purchase intent. An extreme vertices mixture design decided that a teosinte flour (43.4%), high protein white rice flour (55%), and high protein brown rice flour (1.6%) ratio of gluten-free flour mixture for bread was best based on the sensory attributes utilized for the desirability function methodology. After optimizing the gluten-free flour mixture, the bread was fortified with corn fiber under 1.7 g and 3.8 g per serving, and it was evaluated to examine its physical/technological attributes, consumer perception, liking, emotions, and purchase intent. Incorporating fiber into gluten-free bread impacted the color and texture, giving lighter and yellower colors with a firmer texture. Likewise, concerning health benefit claims, gluten-free bread with fiber claims only improves the purchase intent and overall liking of bread containing 1.7 g per serving of fiber. The flavor attribute was the main driver for consumers’ purchase decisions. This product could be beneficial for consumers who are seeking fiber in their diet.
A Real-Time and Robust Neural Network Model for Low-Measurement-Rate Compressed-Sensing Image Reconstruction
Authors: Chen Pengchao , Song Huadong , Zeng Yanli , Guo Xiaoting , Tang Chaoqing
Published: December 2023

Compressed sensing (CS) is a popular data compression theory for many computer vision tasks, but the high reconstruction complexity for images prevents it from being used in many real-world applications. Existing end-to-end learning methods achieved real time sensing but lack theory guarantee for robust reconstruction results. This paper proposes a neural network called RootsNet, which integrates the CS mechanism into the network to prevent error propagation. So, RootsNet knows what will happen if some modules in the network go wrong. It also implements real-time and successfully reconstructed extremely low measurement rates that are impossible for traditional optimization-theory-based methods. For qualitative validation, RootsNet is implemented in two real-world measurement applications, i.e., a near-field microwave imaging system and a pipeline inspection system, where RootsNet easily saves 60% more measurement time and 95% more data compared with the state-of-the-art optimization-theory-based reconstruction methods. Without losing generality, comprehensive experiments are performed on general datasets, including evaluating the key components in RootsNet, the reconstruction uncertainty, quality, and efficiency. RootsNet has the best uncertainty performance and efficiency, and achieves the best reconstruction quality under super low-measurement rates.
Development of Regulatory Strategies in the Sharing Economy: The Application of Game Theory
Authors: Veretennikova Anna Y. , Selezneva Daria A.
Published: December 2023

Regulating the sharing economy is one of the most important aspects in the development of a business model that has developed rapidly due to the widespread adoption of digital technologies and is closely linked to the fast pace of institutional changes. The present study aims to develop strategies for regulating the sharing economy through the application of game theory. The authors identify common cooperative and non-cooperative strategies in the interaction of two participants: the state and the company. The matrix of strategies is based on the results of the analysis, which considers the interaction benefits, costs, and the positive and negative effects of this process. These strategies are exemplified in scenarios of interaction between the state and the sharing economy company in relation to three possible problems: environmental pollution, parking deficiency, and budget deficit. Furthermore, the study presents a comprehensive payoff matrix and provides a description of various sustainable and long-term scenarios. It also highlights the key parameters that should be taken into account when selecting a behavioral strategy for economic agents. In addition, the study establishes that supporting industries and projects of the sharing economy, as well as creating conditions or attracting investments, increasing public trust in government and business, and involving various social groups in resolving social problems are essential elements in the harmonious development of the sharing economy. These elements contribute to its potential to raise living standards. The practical significance of this study lies in the possibility of applying its results in the implementation of social and ecological objectives through the advancement of sharing economy initiatives.