bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Review on Fluoroquinolones’ Toxicity to Freshwater Organisms and a Risk Assessment
Authors: Pauletto Marianna , De Liguoro Marco
Published: June 2024

Fluoroquinolones (FQs) have achieved significant success in both human and veterinary medicine. However, regulatory authorities have recommended limiting their use, firstly because they can have disabling side effects; secondly, because of the need to limit the spread of antibiotic resistance. This review addresses another concerning consequence of the excessive use of FQs: the freshwater environments contamination and the impact on non-target organisms. Here, an overview of the highest concentrations found in Europe, Asia, and the USA is provided, the sensitivity of various taxa is presented through a comparison of the lowest EC50s from about a hundred acute toxicity tests, and primary mechanisms of FQ toxicity are described. A risk assessment is conducted based on the estimation of the Predicted No Effect Concentration (PNEC). This is calculated traditionally and, in a more contemporary manner, by constructing a normalized Species Sensitivity Distribution curve. The lowest individual HC5 (6.52 µg L−1) was obtained for levofloxacin, followed by ciprofloxacin (7.51 µg L−1), sarafloxacin and clinafloxacin (12.23 µg L−1), and ofloxacin (17.12 µg L−1). By comparing the calculated PNEC with detected concentrations, it is evident that the risk cannot be denied: the potential impact of FQs on freshwater ecosystems is a further reason to minimize their use.
Revolutionizing Sleep Health: The Emergence and Impact of Personalized Sleep Medicine
Authors: Garbarino Sergio , Bragazzi Nicola Luigi
Published: June 2024

Personalized sleep medicine represents a transformative shift in healthcare, emphasizing individualized approaches to optimizing sleep health, considering the bidirectional relationship between sleep and health. This field moves beyond conventional methods, tailoring care to the unique physiological and psychological needs of individuals to improve sleep quality and manage disorders. Key to this approach is the consideration of diverse factors like genetic predispositions, lifestyle habits, environmental factors, and underlying health conditions. This enables more accurate diagnoses, targeted treatments, and proactive management. Technological advancements play a pivotal role in this field: wearable devices, mobile health applications, and advanced diagnostic tools collect detailed sleep data for continuous monitoring and analysis. The integration of machine learning and artificial intelligence enhances data interpretation, offering personalized treatment plans based on individual sleep profiles. Moreover, research on circadian rhythms and sleep physiology is advancing our understanding of sleep’s impact on overall health. The next generation of wearable technology will integrate more seamlessly with IoT and smart home systems, facilitating holistic sleep environment management. Telemedicine and virtual healthcare platforms will increase accessibility to specialized care, especially in remote areas. Advancements will also focus on integrating various data sources for comprehensive assessments and treatments. Genomic and molecular research could lead to breakthroughs in understanding individual sleep disorders, informing highly personalized treatment plans. Sophisticated methods for sleep stage estimation, including machine learning techniques, are improving diagnostic precision. Computational models, particularly for conditions like obstructive sleep apnea, are enabling patient-specific treatment strategies. The future of personalized sleep medicine will likely involve cross-disciplinary collaborations, integrating cognitive behavioral therapy and mental health interventions. Public awareness and education about personalized sleep approaches, alongside updated regulatory frameworks for data security and privacy, are essential. Longitudinal studies will provide insights into evolving sleep patterns, further refining treatment approaches. In conclusion, personalized sleep medicine is revolutionizing sleep disorder treatment, leveraging individual characteristics and advanced technologies for improved diagnosis, treatment, and management. This shift towards individualized care marks a significant advancement in healthcare, enhancing life quality for those with sleep disorders.
Development Perspectives for Curative Technologies in Primary Demyelinating Disorders of the Central Nervous System with Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD) and Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein Antibody-Associated Disease (MOGAD) at the Forefront
Authors: Pitter János György , Nagy László , Nagy Balázs , Hren Rok
Published: June 2024

Primary demyelinating disorders of the central nervous system (CNS) include multiple sclerosis and the orphan conditions neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein IgG-associated disease (MOGAD). Curative technologies under development aim to selectively block autoimmune reactions against specific autoantigens while preserving the responsiveness of the immune system to other antigens. Our analysis focused on target patient selection for such developments, carefully considering the relevant clinical, regulatory, and market-related aspects. We found that the selection of patients with orphan conditions as target populations offers several advantages. Treatments for orphan conditions are associated with limited production capacity, qualify for regulatory incentives, and may require significantly shorter and lower-scale clinical programs. Furthermore, they may meet a higher acceptable cost-effectiveness threshold in order to compensate for the low numbers of patients to be treated. Finally, curative technologies targeting orphan indications could enter less competitive markets with lower risk of generic price erosion and would benefit from additional market protection measures available only for orphan products. These advantages position orphan conditions and subgroups as the most attractive target indications among primary demyelinating disorders of the CNS. The authors believe that after successful proof-of-principle demonstrations in orphan conditions, broader autoimmune patient populations may also benefit from the success of these pioneering developments.
Symptom Clusters in Acute SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Long COVID Fatigue in Male and Female Outpatients
Authors: Leone Vincenza , Freuer Dennis , Goßlau Yvonne , Kirchberger Inge , Warm Tobias , Hyhlik-Dürr Alexander , Meisinger Christine , Linseisen Jakob
Published: June 2024

(1) Background: After an acute SARS-CoV-2 infection, patients are at risk of developing Long COVID, with fatigue as a frequent and serious health problem. Objectives: To identify symptom clusters in acute SARS-CoV-2 infections and investigate their associations with the development of Long COVID fatigue, and to examine sex-specific differences. (2) Methods: The analysis included a total of 450 COVID-19 outpatients, of whom 54.4% were female. The median ages of the men and women were 51 years (IQR 36.0; 60.0) and 48 years (IQR 33.0; 57.0), respectively. Data collection took place between November 2020 and May 2021, with a median time between acute SARS-CoV-2 infection and examination in the study center of 240 days (IQR 133; 326). The Fatigue Assessment Scale (FAS) was used to identify fatigue and its severity. A multiple correspondence analysis was used to group forty-two COVID-19 symptoms into seven symptom clusters. Logistic and log-linear regressions were used to investigate associations between acute symptom clusters and Long COVID fatigue as dichotomous and continuous outcome, respectively. (3) Results: Fatigue occurred more frequently in women than in men (45% vs. 25%) and the median FAS score, indicating severity of fatigue, was higher in women than in men. The comparison between men and women revealed notable differences in four out of seven clusters. The strongest associations between symptom clusters in infection and Long COVID fatigue were identified for the cluster “cognitive and mental symptoms”. In the log-linear regression model, each additional symptom in this cluster was associated with an increase of the FAS score by 5.13% (95% CI: [0.04; 0.07]; p < 0.001). The results of the logistic regression models supported this finding. Each additional symptom in this symptom cluster increased the odds of fatigue by 42% (95% CI: [1.23; 1.66]; p < 0.001). (4) Conclusions: In our study in COVID-19 outpatients, a strong association was observed between the number of symptoms in the cluster “cognitive and mental symptoms” during acute SARS-CoV-2 infection and the risk of developing fatigue months later. The consequent use of preventive and therapeutic strategies is necessary to decrease the burden of fatigue in the context of Long COVID.
Gully Erosion Development in Drainage Basins: A New Morphometric Approach
Authors: Ciccolini Ugo , Bufalini Margherita , Materazzi Marco , Dramis Francesco
Published: June 2024

The formation and evolution of management gullies is a highly intense process of soil erosion often overlooked in policies and river basin strategies. Despite the worldwide spread of the phenomenon, our ability to assess and simulate gullying and its impacts remains limited; therefore, predicting the development and evolution of these river reaches represents a significant challenge, especially in areas where the loss of productive soil or the hazards linked to landslides or floods represent critical factors. Our study demonstrates how an exclusively morphometric approach, based on the construction of the hypsometric curve and applied to small hydrographic basins that are lithologically homogeneous and hierarchized according to the Strahler classification method, is able to predict the triggering height of the gullies; this height corresponds to the mean elevation of the basin and the inflection point of the hypsometric curve itself, confirming the hypothesis that this point coincides with the point at which a sudden change in surface runoff energy occurs, The study also shows that the portion of the basin necessary to trigger these intense erosive processes is always within a small range, regardless of the size and morphology (slope) of the basin itself. Such an approach, which is quick and relatively easy to apply, could help develop hydrogeological hazard mitigation practices in land planning projects.
Current Developments in Diagnosis of Salivary Gland Tumors: From Structure to Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Faur Alexandra Corina , Buzaș Roxana , Lăzărescu Adrian Emil , Ghenciu Laura Andreea
Published: June 2024

Salivary glands tumors are uncommon neoplasms with variable incidence, heterogenous histologies and unpredictable biological behaviour. Most tumors are located in the parotid gland. Benign salivary tumors represent 54–79% of cases and pleomorphic adenoma is frequently diagnosed in this group. Salivary glands malignant tumors that are more commonly diagnosed are adenoid cystic carcinomas and mucoepidermoid carcinomas. Because of their diversity and overlapping features, these tumors require complex methods of evaluation. Diagnostic procedures include imaging techniques combined with clinical examination, fine needle aspiration and histopathological investigation of the excised specimens. This narrative review describes the advances in the diagnosis methods of these unusual tumors—from histomorphology to artificial intelligence algorithms.
A High-Fat and High-Fructose Diet Exacerbates Liver Dysfunction by Regulating Sirtuins in a Murine Model
Authors: Ding Zehuan , Zhang Jian , Choudhury Mahua
Published: June 2024

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is rapidly emerging as the most prevalent chronic liver disease, closely linked to the escalating rates of diabesity. The Western diet’s abundance of fat and fructose significantly contributes to MASLD, disrupting hepatic glucose metabolism. We previously demonstrated that a high-fat and high-fructose diet (HFHFD) led to increased body and liver weight compared to the low-fat diet (LFD) group, accompanied by glucose intolerance and liver abnormalities, indicating an intermediate state between fatty liver and liver fibrosis in the HFHFD group. Sirtuins are crucial epigenetic regulators associated with energy homeostasis and play a pivotal role in these hepatic dysregulations. Our investigation revealed that HFHFD significantly decreased Sirt1 and Sirt7 gene and protein expression levels, while other sirtuins remained unchanged. Additionally, glucose 6-phosphatase (G6Pase) gene expression was reduced in the HFHFD group, suggesting a potential pathway contributing to fibrosis progression. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis demonstrated a significant increase in histone H3 lysine 18 acetylation within the G6Pase promoter in HFHFD livers, potentially inhibiting G6Pase transcription. In summary, HFHFD may inhibit liver gluconeogenesis, potentially promoting liver fibrosis by regulating Sirt7 expression. This study offers an epigenetic perspective on the detrimental impact of fructose on MASLD progression.
Brake Wear and Airborne Particle Mass Emissions from Passenger Car Brakes in Dynamometer Experiments Based on the Worldwide Harmonized Light-Duty Vehicle Test Procedure Brake Cycle
Authors: Hagino Hiroyuki
Published: June 2024

Brake wear particles, as the major component of non-exhaust particulate matter, are known to have different emissions, depending on the type of brake assembly and the specifications of the vehicle. In this study, brake wear and wear particle mass emissions were measured under realistic vehicle driving and full friction braking conditions using current commercial genuine brake assemblies. Although there were no significant differences in either PM10 or PM2.5 emissions between the different cooling air flow rates, brake wear decreased and ultrafine particle (PM0.12) emissions increased with the increase in the cooling air flow rate. Particle mass measurements were collected on filter media, allowing chemical composition analysis to identify the source of brake wear particle mass emissions. The iron concentration in the brake wear particles indicated that the main contribution was derived from disc wear. Using a systematic approach that measured brake wear and wear particle emissions, this study was able to characterize correlations with elemental compositions in brake friction materials, adding to our understanding of the mechanical phenomena of brake wear and wear particle emissions.
Revisiting Electronic Topological Transitions in the Silver–Palladium (AgcPd1−c) Solid Solution: An Experimental and Theoretical Investigation
Authors: Reiter Florian , Marmodoro Alberto , Mardare Andrei Ionut , Mardare Cezarina Cela , Hassel Achim Walter , Ernst Arthur , Hoffmann Martin
Published: June 2024

Multiple thick film samples of the AgcPd1−c solid solution were prepared using physical vapour deposition over a borosilicate glass substrate. This synthesis technique allows continuous variation in stoichiometry, while the distribution of silver or palladium atoms retains the arrangement into an on-average periodic lattice with smoothly varying unit cell parameters. The alloy concentration and geometry were measured over a set of sample points, respectively, via energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and via X-ray diffraction. These results are compared with ab initio total energy and electronic structure calculations based on density functional theory, and using the coherent potential approximation for an effective medium description of disorder. The theoretically acquired lattice parameters appear in qualitative agreement with the measured trends. The numerical study of the Fermi surface also shows a variation in its topological features, which follow the change in silver concentration. These were related to the electrical resistivity of the AgcPd1−c alloy. The theoretically obtained variation exhibits a significant correlation with nonlinear changes in the resistivity as a function of composition. This combined experimental and theoretical study suggests the possibility of using resistivity measurements along concentration gradients as a way to gain some microscopic insight into the electronic structure of an alloy.
Design of Environmental-Friendly Carbon-Based Catalysts for Efficient Advanced Oxidation Processes
Authors: Xu Xinru , Kuang Guochen , Jiang Xiao , Wei Shuoming , Wang Haiyuan , Zhang Zhen
Published: June 2024

Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) represent one of the most promising strategies to generate highly reactive species to deal with organic dye-contaminated water. However, developing green and cost-effective catalysts is still a long-term goal for the wide practical application of AOPs. Herein, we demonstrated doping cobalt in porous carbon to efficiently catalyze the oxidation of the typically persistent organic pollutant rhodamine B, via multiple reactive species through the activation of peroxymonosulfate (PMS). The catalysts were prepared by facile pyrolysis of nanocomposites with a core of cobalt-loaded silica and a shell of phenolic resin (Co-C/SiO2). It showed that the produced 1O2 could effectively attack the electron-rich functional groups in rhodamine B, promoting its molecular chain breakage and accelerating its oxidative degradation reaction with reactive oxygen-containing radicals. The optimized Co-C/SiO2 catalyst exhibits impressive catalytic performance, with a degradation rate of rhodamine B up to 96.7% in 14 min and a reaction rate constant (k) as high as 0.2271 min−1, which suggested promising potential for its practical application.
Enhanced Mechanical Properties of Ti/Mg Laminated Composites Using a Differential Temperature Rolling Process under a Protective Atmosphere
Authors: Qi Zichen , Jia Zhengchi , Wen Xiaoqing , Xiao Hong , Liu Xiao , Gu Dawei , Chen Bo , Jiang Xujian
Published: June 2024

Addressing the issue of low bonding strength in Ti/Mg laminated composites due to interfacial oxidation, this study employs a differential temperature rolling method using longitudinal induction heating to fabricate Ti/Mg composite plates. The entire process is conducted under an argon gas protective atmosphere, which prevents interfacial oxidation while achieving uniform deformation. The effects of reduction on the mechanical properties and microstructure of the composite plates are thoroughly investigated. Results indicate that as the reduction increases, the bonding strength gradually increases, mainly attributed to the increased mechanical interlocking area and a broader element diffusion layer. This corresponds to a transition from a brittle to a ductile fracture at the microscopic tensile–shear fracture surface. When the reduction reaches 47.5%, the Ti/Mg interfacial strength reaches 63 MPa, which is approximately a 20% improvement compared to the bonded strength with previous oxidation at the interface. Notably, at a low reduction of 17.5%, the bonding strength is significantly enhanced by about one time. Additionally, it was found that a strong bonded interface at a high reduction is beneficial in hindering the propagation of interfacial cracks during tensile testing, enhancing the ability of the Ti/Mg composite plates to resist interfacial delamination.
Effect of Secondary Foaming on the Structural Properties of Polyurethane Polishing Pad
Authors: Chen Minxuan , Jiang Zhenlin , Zhu Min , Wang Baoxiu , Chen Jiapeng , Wang Wenjun
Published: June 2024

Polyurethane polishing pads are important in chemical mechanical polishing (CMP). Thus, understanding how to decrease the density but increase the porosity is a crucial aspect of improving the efficiency of a polyurethane polishing pad. According to the principle of gas generation by thermal decomposition of sodium bicarbonate and ammonium bicarbonate, polyurethane polishing pad was prepared by a secondary foaming method. The influence of adding such an inorganic foaming agent as an auxiliary foaming agent on the structure, physical properties, and mechanical properties of polyurethane polishing pads was discussed. The results showed that compared with the polyurethane polishing pad without an inorganic foaming agent, the open-pore structure increased, the density decreased, and the porosity and water absorption increased significantly. The highest porosity and material removal rate (MRR) with sodium bicarbonate added was 3.3% higher than those without sodium bicarbonate and 33.8% higher than those without sodium bicarbonate. In addition, the highest porosity and MRR with ammonium bicarbonate were 7.2% higher and 47.8% higher than those without ammonium bicarbonate. Therefore, it was finally concluded that the optimum amount of sodium bicarbonate to be added was 3 wt%, and the optimum amount of ammonium bicarbonate to be added was 1 wt%.
Electrochemical Behaviour of an Au-Ge Alloy in an Artificial Saliva and Sweat Solution
Authors: Vastag Gyöngyi , Majerič Peter , Lazić Vojkan , Rudolf Rebeka
Published: June 2024

In modern times, more and more different materials (including alloys) are in direct contact with human electrolytes (sweat, saliva, lymph, blood, etc.). One of the most important properties for the use of these materials is therefore their chemical inertness or resistance to corrosion when they are in contact with human electrolytes. Consequently, during the development of such new materials, it is necessary to study and understand their basic electrochemical behaviour in a given environment. The purpose of this research was to monitor the electrochemical behaviour of the new Au-Ge alloy in artificial sweat and artificial saliva solutions, depending on the electrolyte composition and exposure time. This new alloy represents a potential material for use in dentistry or for jewellery. The obtained results of the study show that the immersion time and the pH value have a significantly greater influence on the corrosion resistance of the new Au-Ge alloy than the composition of the electrolyte solution. The results of the SEM/EDX analysis additionally confirm the main results of the electrochemical measurements.
Surface Growth of Boronize Coatings Studied with Mathematical Models of Diffusion
Authors: Ortiz-Domínguez Martín , Morales-Robles Ángel Jesús , Gómez-Vargas Oscar Armando , Moreno-González Georgina
Published: June 2024

The following investigation focused on examining the kinetics of Fe2B coating formation on the surface of ASTM A681 steel during the powder-pack boronizing process. The study measured Fe2B coating thicknesses at various temperatures and exposure times to confirm the diffusion-controlled growth mechanism during boronizing. Five distinct mathematical models were devised to determine the boron diffusion coefficients in Fe2B coatings. Understanding the growth kinetics of boronize coatings is imperative as it facilitates the optimization and automation of industrial processes. This ensures the efficient and consistent production of boronize coatings on cutting tools, such as drills and milling cutters, due to their high hardness and wear resistance. The value of the activation energy estimated with five mathematical diffusion models for the Fe2B coating was 209.8 kJ∙mol−1. The X-ray diffraction technique was used to identify the presence of the iron boronize phase. Tribological studies were also performed to evaluate the coefficient of friction (COF) of the boronized (0.256) and untreated (0.781) samples, having a 300% positive effect of the boronize coating on wear resistance. Finally, the models were empirically validated for two supplementary treatment conditions for 1223 K for 3 h and 1273 K for 1.5 h, where the percentage error for both conditions was estimated to be approximately 2.5%.
On the Problem of the Distillation Separation of Secondary Alloys of Magnesium with Zinc and Magnesium with Cadmium
Authors: Volodin Valeriy , Kenzhaliyev Bagdaulet , Trebukhov Sergey , Nitsenko Alina , Linnik Xeniya , Trebukhov Alexey
Published: June 2024

An alternative to the existing method of processing secondary magnesium raw materials by remelting in a salt furnace can be distillation separation into volatile metals (Mg, Zn and Cd), low-volatile metals (Al, Mn and Zr) and rare earth elements. The separation of metals may be tracked based on phase diagrams where the field boundaries of the vapor–liquid equilibrium are plotted. Due to the fact that Mg, Zn and Cd have comparable saturated vapor pressures, the possibility of the distillation separation of Mg–Zn and Mg–Cd systems using full state diagrams including the melt–vapor phase transition boundaries were determined in this work. The boundaries of these systems were calculated based on the partial values of saturated vapor, determined by the boiling point method, and presented in the form of temperature–concentration dependencies with the indicated boundaries. The field boundaries were calculated (L + V) at atmospheric pressure (101.33 kPa) and in vacuum (1.33 kPa and 0.7 kPa,) supposing the implementation of the process. The possibility of the separate extraction of zinc and cadmium from magnesium was considered using complete phase diagrams including the boundaries of the melt–steam phase transition. When considering the boundaries of the vapor–liquid equilibrium in the binary systems Mg–Zn and Mg–Cd, it was established that it is impossible to separate metals in one “evaporation–condensation” cycle in a vacuum of 1.33 and 0.7 kPa. The problem is caused by the small size of the fields (L + V) at the temperature, which suggests processes of the re-evaporation of the condensate from the previous distillation stage. The separation of zinc and cadmium from liquid alloys with magnesium under equilibrium conditions requires several repetitions of the condensate distillation process. In non-equilibrium conditions, the real processes will require a larger number of conversions. This implies the expediency of the joint evaporation of magnesium with zinc and cadmium and the use of condensate for additional charging to liquid magnesium, and the remainder of the distillation, where volatile metals such as Al, Mn, Zr and rare earth elements will be concentrated, should be directed to the preparation of ligatures for special magnesium-based alloys.
Magnetic-Controlled Microrobot: Real-Time Detection and Tracking through Deep Learning Approaches
Authors: Li Hao , Yi Xin , Zhang Zhaopeng , Chen Yuan
Published: June 2024

As one of the most significant research topics in robotics, microrobots hold great promise in biomedicine for applications such as targeted diagnosis, targeted drug delivery, and minimally invasive treatment. This paper proposes an enhanced YOLOv5 (You Only Look Once version 5) microrobot detection and tracking system (MDTS), incorporating a visual tracking algorithm to elevate the precision of small-target detection and tracking. The improved YOLOv5 network structure is used to take magnetic bodies with sizes of 3 mm and 1 mm and a magnetic microrobot with a length of 2 mm as the pretraining targets, and the training weight model is used to obtain the position information and motion information of the microrobot in real time. The experimental results show that the accuracy of the improved network model for magnetic bodies with a size of 3 mm is 95.81%, representing an increase of 2.1%; for magnetic bodies with a size of 1 mm, the accuracy is 91.03%, representing an increase of 1.33%; and for microrobots with a length of 2 mm, the accuracy is 91.7%, representing an increase of 1.5%. The combination of the improved YOLOv5 network model and the vision algorithm can effectively realize the real-time detection and tracking of magnetically controlled microrobots. Finally, 2D and 3D detection and tracking experiments relating to microrobots are designed to verify the robustness and effectiveness of the system, which provides strong support for the operation and control of microrobots in an in vivo environment.
Non-Destructive Sensor for Glucose Solution Concentration Detection Using Electromagnetic Technology
Authors: Yang Shasha , Gao Shiwen , Zhuang Yi , Hu Wence , Zhao Junyi , Yi Zhenxiang
Published: June 2024

In this paper, a sensor using a complementary split ring resonator (CSRR) is proposed for non-destructive testing of blood glucose. By depicting the complementary split ring structure on the ground, the electromagnetic field strength between the split rings can be enhanced effectively. The structure size of the sensor by CSRR is determined by simulation, so that the insertion loss curve of the device has a resonance point at the frequency of 3.419 GHz. With a special holder created by three-dimensional (3D) printing technology, the test platform was established when the concentration of the solution varied from 0 mg/mL to 20 mg/mL. The experimental results indicate that there is an obvious linear relationship between the insertion loss S21 and the glucose concentration at the resonant frequency. Similarly, the measured real part and imaginary part of the S21 both vary with glucose concentration linearly. Based on the above experimental results, the feasibility of the sensor using a CSRR proposed in this paper for non-destructive detection of blood glucose is preliminarily verified.
Phosphates on Mars and Their Importance as Igneous, Aqueous, and Astrobiological Indicators
Authors: Hausrath E. M. , Adcock C. T. , Berger J. A. , Cycil L. M. , Kizovski T. V. , McCubbin F. M. , Schmidt M. E. , Tu V. M. , VanBommel S. J. , Treiman A. H. , Clark B. C.
Published: June 2024

This paper reviews the phosphate phases in meteorites and those measured by landed spacecraft, what they reveal about past igneous and aqueous conditions on Mars, and important implications for potential prebiotic chemistry, past habitability, and potential biosignatures that could be detected in samples returned from Mars. A review of the 378 martian meteorites as of 2023 indicate that of the two most common phosphate minerals in Mars meteorites, merrillite and apatites, the apatite composition is largely F- and Cl-rich, with shergottites containing more OH. The phosphate concentrations examined across multiple missions show a relatively narrow range of phosphate, with higher concentrations observed in the Mount Sharp Group in Gale crater and Wishstone at Gusev crater and lower concentrations observed at Jezero crater floor and Jezero fan. Possible secondary phosphates detected on Mars, including Fe phosphates at Jezero crater and Gusev crater and Ca- and Al-bearing secondary phosphates, temperatures of formation of secondary phases and their dissolution rates and solubilities are reviewed and summarized. Despite this wealth of information about phosphates on Mars, due to their fine scale and relatively low concentrations, Mars Sample Return is needed to better understand phosphate and its implications for the igneous, aqueous, and astrobiological history of Mars.
Geochemical Characteristics of Soil Rare Earth Elements within Spontaneous Combustion Coalfields of Rujigou Coal Mine
Authors: Xiao Bei , Wang Zhenghai , Xie Peng , Tian Yuxin
Published: June 2024

(1) Background: The spontaneous combustion of coal (SCC) not only consumes huge amounts of coal resources but also causes environmental degradation. Rare earth elements (REE) can be taken as an effective indicator to evaluate the environmental effects of SCC. Coal in the Rujigou Mine has been spontaneously combusting for hundreds of years. (2) Methods: The geochemical properties of REE and major elements in the soil of the Rujigou coal mine are methodically examined to reveal the environmental effects of SCC. (3) Results: Soil REE concentration in the Rujigou mine is 216.09 mg/kg, and there is an enrichment of light rare earth elements (LREE) and a depletion of heavy rare earth elements (HREE), LREE/HREE in Rujigou mine was 5.52. The spontaneous combustion of coal could change the vertical distribution of REE, which is conducive to the enrichment of LREE. According to the Eu anomaly and δCe/δEu, the source of material in this mine may be derived from the terrigenous clastic rock controlled by weak reduction. Aluminum and titanium have similar geochemical behavior to REE, especially LREE. The concentration of sulfur is negatively correlated with REE, especially HREE. Calcium, sodium, and magnesium all had a negative correlation with LREE. (4) Conclusions: The spontaneous combustion of coal can lead to the fractionation of light and heavy rare earth elements, resulting in the enrichment of LREE and depletion of HREE.
Shape Change of Mineral Inclusions in Diamond—The Result of Diffusion Processes
Authors: Afanasiev Valentin , Ugapeva Sargylana , Logvinova Alla
Published: June 2024

The paper considers the possibility of changing the morphology of inclusions in diamonds based on the study of these inclusions and the inclusion–diamond boundary. Raman spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy methods were used. According to the literature data, it is known that the octahedral form of mineral inclusions in diamond is induced, and does not correspond to the initial conditions of joint growth of diamond and inclusion, but the mechanism of this process is not considered. Solids differ in the value of surface Gibbs energy; the harder the material, the higher its melting point and the greater the value of surface Gibbs energy In the case of the diamond–inclusion pair, the surface energy of diamond far exceeds the surface energy of the inclusion. Diamond crystals have a surface energy value for an octahedron face of 5.3 J/m2, dodecahedron—6.5 J/m2, and cube—9.2 J/m2, i.e. it is anomalously high compared to the surface tension of silicate and other minerals. Therefore, the mineral inclusion in diamond tends to the form corresponding to the minimum of free energy in the “diamond–inclusion” pair, and when the energy of diamond dominates, the final shape will be determined by it, i.e. it will be an octahedron. The authors suggest the possibility of redistribution of diamond substance around the inclusion with simultaneous change of the inclusion morphology.
Provenance Studies of Natural Stones Used in Historical Buildings of the Peninsula de Barbanza, Galicia, Spain (North-Western Iberia)
Authors: Hernández Ana C. , Sanjurjo-Sánchez Jorge , Alves Carlos , Figueiredo Carlos A. M.
Published: June 2024

Traditionally, the building stones used in the architectural heritage of Galicia (Spain) during the past were mainly extracted from quarries located in the surrounding areas of the historical buildings. Thus, a great variety of monuments were built with the same type of granite but with different degrees of weathering depending on local conditions, geological context (facies), and period of construction. The main purpose of this work is to evaluate the probable origin of the construction materials of six historical buildings on the Barbanza Peninsula, Galicia (Spain), based on the degree of weathering and petrographic-mineralogical characteristics. The evaluation was performed on six different samples of granite according to the geological context in outcrops of places where there are old quarries. We used X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and petrographic microscopy (PM) to attempt to address whether the origin is really local to the Barbanza Peninsula or whether the stone was brought from more distant places, based on our knowledge of the geological context of the study area. Based on the chemical, textural, and mineralogical analyses obtained, the material used for construction has a local origin and comes from small quarries spread over a wide area within the Peninsula itself. Barbanza-type granite is the most abundant within the geological context of the area and also the most used as a construction material. Other types of granites identified are the Confurco Granite and other granitoids of the Noya complex. The Chemical Alteration Index (CIA) shows low to moderate weathering in the granites, fitting petrographic observations. In monuments, samples show higher concentrations of Na and K due to salt crystallization. They show microcracks due to extraction, cutting, and finishing processes and common alteration processes of the main minerals, such as sericitization of plagioclase and chloritization of biotite. This work consists of a multidisciplinary study focused on the geological perspective for the identification and preservation of historic quarries. Knowledge of the original material also presents a unique opportunity for the restoration and/or reconstruction of monuments, which allows for the maintenance of their conceptual and constructive homogeneity.
Enhanced Tunability of Dual-Band Chiral Metasurface in the Mid-Infrared Range via Slotted Nanocircuit Design
Authors: Wang Shengyi , Kuang Hanzhuo , Li Wenjie , Wang Yanni , Luo Hao , Li Chengjun , Ge Hua , Wang Qiu , Jia Bowen
Published: June 2024

Multi-band circular dichroism (CD) response and tunability on the chiral metasurface are crucial for this device’s applications in sensing and detection. This work proposes a dual-band CD Au-CaF2-Au dimer elliptical metasurface absorber, where chiroptical sensing is realized by breaking the geometric symmetry between two ellipses. The proposed metasurface can achieve high CD values of 0.8 and −0.74 for the dual-band within the 3–5 μm region, and the CD values can be manipulated by independently adjusting the geometric parameters of the metasurface. Furthermore, a slotted nanocircuit is introduced onto the metasurface to enhance its tunability by manipulating the geometry parameter in the design process, and the related mechanism is explained using an equivalent circuit model. The simulation of the sensing model revealed that the slotted nanocircuit enhances the sensor’s tunability and significantly improves its bandwidth and sensitivity, achieving peak enhancements at approximately 753 nm and 1311 nm/RIU, respectively. Due to the strong dual-band positive (and negative) responses of the CD values, flexible wavelength tunability, and nonlinear sensitivity enhancement, this design provides a new approach for the development and application of mid-infrared chiroptical devices.
Enhancement of Light Efficiency of Deep-Ultraviolet Light-Emitting Diodes by Encapsulation with a 3D Photonic Crystal Reflecting Layer
Authors: Lai Chun-Feng , Lin Chun-Peng , Lee Yu-Chun
Published: June 2024

Recently, UVC LEDs, which emit deep ultraviolet light, have found extensive applications across various fields. This study demonstrates the design and implementation of thin films of three-dimensional photonic crystals (3D PhCs) as reflectors to enhance the light output power (LOP) of UVC LEDs. The 3D PhC reflectors were prepared using the self-assembly of silica nanospheres on a UVC LED lead frame substrate via the evaporation-induced method (side) and the gravitational sedimentation method (bottom), respectively. These PhCs with the (111) crystallographic plane were deposited on the side wall and bottom of the UVC LED lead frame, acting as functional materials to reflect UVC light. The LOP of UVC LEDs with 3D PhC reflectors at a driving current of 100 mA reached 19.6 mW. This represented a 30% enhancement compared to commercial UVC LEDs with Au-plated reflectors, due to the UVC light reflection by the photonic band gaps of 3D PhCs in the (111) crystallographic plane. Furthermore, after aging tests at 60 °C and 60% relative humidity for 1000 h, the relative LOP of UVC LEDs with 3D PhC reflectors decreased by 7%, which is better than that of commercial UVC LEDs. Thus, this study offers potential methods for enhancing the light output efficiency of commercial UVC light-emitting devices.
Comparative Analysis of Immune Gene Transcription in Sea Bream (Sparus aurata) Challenged with RGNNV or RGNNV/SJNNV Betanodaviruses
Authors: Gemez-Mata Juan , Moreno Patricia , Alvarez-Torres Daniel , Garcia-Rosado Esther , Bejar Julia , Alonso M. Carmen
Published: June 2024

Gilthead sea bream and European sea bass display different resistance–susceptibility patterns during infection with different nervous necrosis virus (NNV) species, which may derive from differences in the triggered immune response. Based on this premise, we analysed the transcription of several selected immune-related genes in sea bream experimentally infected with NNV isolates obtained from sea bass (DlNNV, RGNNV) or sea bream (SaNNV, RGNNV/SJNNV). Viral replication only occurred in SaNNV-inoculated fish; therefore, the differences between the immune response elicited by both viruses may be the key to understanding the mechanism behind the inhibition of DlNNV replication. Principal component analysis clustered samples according to the viral isolate from 1 day post infection onwards and evidenced differences in the immune response against both viruses, even though no mortalities or symptoms were recorded. The response against DlNNV is characterized by higher rtp3 transcription early after the infection, longer-lasting il-10 transcription and stronger induction of casp1 and hsp70. These genes should be targets for future studies in order to elucidate their role in hampering NNV replication in sea bream, which is essential for developing effective prophylactic measures.
In Vitro Predictive Model for Intestinal Lymphatic Uptake: Exploration of Additional Enhancers and Inhibitors
Authors: Yousef Malaz , O’Croinin Conor , Le Tyson S. , Park Chulhun , Zuo Jieyu , Bou Chacra Nadia , Davies Neal M. , Löbenberg Raimar
Published: June 2024

Drug absorption via chylomicrons holds significant implications for both pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. However, a mechanistic understanding of predicting in vivo intestinal lymphatic uptake remains largely unexplored. This study aimed to delve into the intestinal lymphatic uptake of drugs, investigating both enhancement and inhibition using various excipients through our previously established in vitro model. It also examined the applicability of the model by assessing the lymphatic uptake enhancement of a lymphotropic formulation with linoleoyl polyoxyl-6 glycerides using the same model. The model successfully differentiated among olive, sesame, and peanut oils in terms of lymphatic uptake. However, it did not distinguish between oils containing long-chain fatty acids and coconut oil. Coconut oil, known for its abundance of medium-chain fatty acids, outperformed other oils. This heightened uptake was attributed to the superior emulsification of this oil in artificial chylomicron media due to its high content of medium-chain fatty acids. Additionally, the enhanced uptake of the tested formulation with linoleoyl polyoxyl-6 glycerides underscored the practical applicability of this model in formulation optimization. Moreover, data suggested that increasing the zeta potential of Intralipid® using sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and decreasing it using (+/−) chloroquine led to enhanced and reduced uptake in the in vitro model, respectively. These findings indicate the potential influence of the zeta potential on intestinal lymphatic uptake in this model, though further research is needed to explore the possible translation of this mechanism in vivo.
Sustaining the Yield of Maize, Blackgram, Greengram, Groundnut, Cotton, Sugarcane, and Coconut through the Application of Nutrients and Plant Growth Regulator Mixture
Authors: Alagarswamy Senthil , Karuppasami Kalarani M. , Djanaguiraman Maduraimuthu , Venugopal Prasad B. R. , Natarajan Sritharan , Rathinavelu Sivakumar , Dhashnamurthi Vijayalakshmi , Veerasamy Ravichandran , Parasuraman Boominathan
Published: June 2024

The foliar application of nutrients and plant growth regulators (PGRs) at critical crop growth periods can improve the yield of field crops. Hence, the present study was conducted to quantify the effects of the combined application of nutrients and PGRs (crop-specific formulation) on maize, blackgram, greengram, groundnut, cotton, sugarcane, and coconut yield. In all the crops except coconut, the treatments included (i) a foliar spray of crop-specific nutrients and PGR combinations and (ii) an unsprayed control. In coconut, the treatments included (i) the root feeding of coconut-specific nutrients and PGR combinations and (ii) an untreated control. Crop-specific nutrient and PGR formulations were sprayed, namely, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) maize maxim 1.5% at the tassel initiation and grain-filling stages of maize, TNAU pulse wonder 1.0% at the peak flowering stage of green gram and black gram, TNAU groundnut-rich 1.0% at the flowering and pod-filling stages of groundnut, TNAU cotton plus 1.25% at the flowering and boll development stages of cotton, and TNAU sugarcane booster 0.5% at 45 days after planting (DAP), 0.75% at 60 DAP, and 1.0% at 75 DAP of sugarcane. The results showed that the foliar application of TNAU maize maxim, TNAU pulse wonder, TNAU groundnut-rich, TNAU cotton plus and TNAU sugarcane booster and the root feeding of TNAU coconut tonic increased the yield of maize, pulses, groundnut, cotton, sugarcane, and coconut, resulting in higher economic returns.
Transcriptomic Profiling of Sugarcane White Leaf (SCWL) Canes during Maturation Phase
Authors: Lohmaneeratana Karan , Leetanasaksakul Kantinan , Thamchaipenet Arinthip
Published: June 2024

Sugarcane white leaf (SCWL) disease, caused by Candidatus Phytoplasma sacchari, results in the most damage to sugarcane plantations. Some SCWL canes can grow unnoticed through the maturation phase, subsequently resulting in an overall low sugar yield, or they can be used accidentally as seed canes. In this work, 12-month-old SCWL and asymptomatic canes growing in the same field were investigated. An abundance of phytoplasma in SCWL canes affected growth and sugar content as well as alterations of transcriptomic profiles corresponding to several pathways that responded to the infection. Suppression of photosynthesis, porphyrin and chlorophyll metabolism, coupled with an increase in the expression of chlorophyllase, contributed to the reduction in chlorophyll levels and photosynthesis. Blockage of sucrose transport plausibly occurred due to the expression of sugar transporters in leaves but suppression in stalks, resulting in low sugar content in canes. Increased expression of genes associated with MAPK cascades, plant hormone signaling transduction, callose plug formation, the phenylpropanoid pathway, and calcium cascades positively promoted defense mechanisms against phytoplasma colonization by an accumulation of lignin and calcium in response to plant immunity. Significant downregulation of CPK plausibly results in a reduction in antioxidant enzymes and likely facilitates pathogen invasion, while expression of sesquiterpene biosynthesis possibly attracts the insect vectors for transmission, thereby enabling the spread of phytoplasma. Moreover, downregulation of flavonoid biosynthesis potentially intensifies the symptoms of SCWL upon challenge by phytoplasma. These SCWL sugarcane transcriptomic profiles describe the first comprehensive sugarcane–phytoplasma interaction during the harvesting stage. Understanding molecular mechanisms will allow for sustainable management and the prevention of SCWL disease—a crucial benefit to the sugar industry.