bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Diagnostic Performance of Multiparametric Ultrasound in the Qualitative Assessment of Inconclusive Cervical Lymph Nodes
Authors: Wakonig Katharina Margherita , Dommerich Steffen , Fischer Thomas , Arens Philipp , Hamm Bernd , Olze Heidi , Lerchbaumer Markus Herbert
Published: October 2023

Background: Enlarged cervical lymph nodes (CLNs) can result from infection or malignancies, and a definitive diagnosis requires histological examination. Ultrasound (US) remains the first-line imaging modality for detection, and new US techniques may improve characterization. The aim of our study was to investigate whether the qualitative assessment of multiparametric US (mpUS) can improve diagnostic performance in the differentiation of benign and malignant CLNs. Methods: 107 CLNs in 105 patients were examined by preoperative mpUS consisting of B-mode US, color-coded duplex sonography (CCDS), shear wave elastography (SWE) and contrast-enhanced US (CEUS). US images were evaluated in consensus by two experienced US operators. Histopathological examination was used as reference standard. Results: SWE and CEUS combined showed the highest overall diagnostic performance (91% sensitivity, 77% specificity, 87% positive predictive value (PPV), 83% negative predictive value (NPV), 90% accuracy, χ2 (1) = 51.485, p < 0.001) compared to B-mode US and CCDS (87% sensitivity, 44% specificity, 73% PPV, 65% NPV, 73% accuracy χ2 (1) = 12.415, p < 0.001). In terms of individual techniques, SWE had higher specificity than B-mode and CCDS (71% sensitivity, 90% specificity, 92% PPV, 64% NPV, 78% accuracy, χ2 (1) = 36.115, p < 0.001), while qualitative CEUS showed the best diagnostic performance of all investigated US techniques (93% sensitivity, 85% specificity, 91% PPV, 87% NPV, 90% accuracy, χ2 (1) = 13.219, p < 0.001). Perfusion patterns, homogeneity, presence of necrosis, and malignancy differed significantly between malignant and benign CLNs (p < 0.001). Conclusions: SWE and CEUS can facilitate the differentiation of inconclusive CLNs when performed to supplement B-mode US and CCDS. MpUS may thus aid the decision between surgery and a watch-and-scan strategy in enlarged CLNs.
Prospective, Multicenter Phase II Trial of Non-Pegylated Liposomal Doxorubicin Combined with Ifosfamide in First-Line Treatment of Advanced/Metastatic Soft Tissue Sarcomas
Authors: Buonadonna Angela , Scalone Simona , Lombardi Davide , Fumagalli Arianna , Guglielmi Alessandra , Lestuzzi Chiara , Polesel Jerry , Canzonieri Vincenzo , Lamon Stefano , Giovanis Petros , Gagno Sara , Corona Giuseppe , Mascarin Maurizio , Belluco Claudio , De Paoli Antonino , Fasola Gianpiero , Puglisi Fabio , Miolo Gianmaria
Published: October 2023

Doxorubicin is a widely used anticancer agent as a first-line treatment for various tumor types, including sarcomas. Its use is hampered by adverse events, among which is the risk of dose dependence. The potential cardiotoxicity, which increases with higher doses, poses a significant challenge to its safe and effective application. To try to overcome these undesired effects, encapsulation of doxorubicin in liposomes has been proposed. Caelyx and Myocet are different formulations of pegylated (PLD) and non-pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (NPLD), respectively. Both PLD and NPLD have shown similar activity compared with free drugs but with reduced cardiotoxicity. While the hand–foot syndrome exhibits a high occurrence among patients treated with PLD, its frequency is notably reduced in those receiving NPLD. In this prospective, multicenter, one-stage, single-arm phase II trial, we assessed the combination of NPLD and ifosfamide as first-line treatment for advanced/metastatic soft tissue sarcoma (STS). Patients received six cycles of NPLD (50 mg/m2) on day 1 along with ifosfamide (3000 mg/m2 on days 1, 2, and 3 with equidose MESNA) administered every 3 weeks. The overall response rate, yielding 40% (95% CI: 0.29–0.51), resulted in statistical significance; the disease control rate stood at 81% (95% CI: 0.73—0.90), while only 16% (95% CI: 0.08–0.24) of patients experienced a progressive disease. These findings indicate that the combination of NPLD and ifosfamide yields a statistically significant response rate in advanced/metastatic STS with limited toxicity.
One-Step Microwave Synthesis of New Hybrid Phosphor (CSSC) for White Light-Emitting Diodes
Authors: Sychov Maxim , Keskinova Mariia , Dolgin Andrey , Turkin Igor , Hara Kazuhiko , Kominami Hiroko
Published: October 2023

The possibility of synthesizing a new hybrid phosphor CSSC (mixture of 0.5 CaSrSiO4:Eu2+: 0.29 Ca6Sr4Si6O21Cl2:Eu2+: 0.21 Ca10Si6O21Cl2:Eu2+) using a one-step microwave synthesis method is demonstrated. The concentrations of europium and calcium in the synthesized phosphors were optimized at 1 and 10 mol. %, respectively, to achieve maximum brightness and color rendering index. The optimal conditions for the synthesis of phosphors in a microwave furnace were determined as 750 °C for 10 min. The resulting phosphor exhibited a wide luminescence spectrum that covered the entire visible region, resulting in a high color rendering index and a warm white luminescence when used as a light source. It is shown that the sol–gel method for preparing the charge mixture for the new phosphor allows for a 35% higher luminescence brightness compared to the solid-phase method, due to a more uniform distribution of the activator.
Characteristics and Risk Factors Associated with SARS-CoV-2 Pneumonias in Hospitalized Pediatric Patients: A Pilot Study
Authors: Hernández-García María , Solito Claudia , Pavón Ortiz Alba , Arguedas Casamayor Noelia , Melé-Casas Maria , Pons-Tomàs Gemma , F. de Sevilla Mariona , Pino Rosa , Launes Cristian , Guitart Carmina , Girona-Alarcón Mònica , Jordan Iolanda , García-García Juan José
Published: October 2023

SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia in children has a lower incidence and severity compared to adults. Risk factors are adolescence and comorbidities. Our aims were to describe the characteristics of children admitted with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia, identify risk factors associated with severity and compare the cases according to the variant of SARS-CoV-2. This was a descriptive and retrospective study, including patients aged 0–18 years hospitalized in a tertiary-care hospital between 1 March 2020 and 1 March 2022. Epidemiological, clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic data were analyzed. Forty-four patients were admitted; twenty-six (59%) were male and twenty-seven (61%) were older than 12 years. Thirty-six (82%) had comorbidities, the most frequent of which were obesity and asthma. Seven (15.9%) patients required high-flow oxygen, eleven (25%) non-invasive ventilation and four (9.1%) conventional mechanical ventilation. In critically ill patients, higher levels of anemia, lymphopenia, procalcitonin, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and hypoalbuminemia and lower levels of HDL-cholesterol were detected (all p < 0.05). Prematurity (p = 0.022) was associated with intensive care unit admission. Patients were younger during the Omicron wave (p < 0.01); no variant was associated with greater severity. In conclusion, pediatric patients with a history of prematurity or with anemia, lymphopenia, elevated procalcitonin, elevated LDH levels, hypoalbuminemia and low HDL-cholesterol levels may require admission and present more severe forms. Apart from age, no notable differences between SARS-CoV-2 variant periods were found.
Experimental Investigation of Ultrasonic Vibration-Assisted Grinding of HVOF-Sprayed WC-10Co-4Cr Coating
Authors: Ji Ning , Zhang Junhong , Liu Minjie , Dai Huwei , Ding Kunying , Yu Jun , Zhang Xueling
Published: October 2023

WC-10Co-4Cr coating is highly valued for its corrosion resistance and wear resistance when applied using the high-velocity oxy-fuel (HVOF) spraying method. However, conventional grinding (CG) of this coating presents challenges, including substantial grinding forces and elevated surface temperatures. To address these concerns, our study proposed the utilization of ultrasonic vibration-assisted grinding (UVAG) as a means to enhance the machining properties of HVOF-sprayed WC-10Co-4Cr coatings. Comparative experiments were conducted to analyze the impacts of various factors on the grinding forces and surface roughness in UVAG and CG processes. Additionally, the topography of the ground surfaces was examined to gain insights into the material removal mechanism in UVAG. The experimental outcomes reveal significant reductions in tangential and normal grinding forces, amounting to 15.47% and 22.23%, respectively, in UVAG when compared with CG. Furthermore, UVAG led to a roughly 29.14% decrease in ground surface roughness compared with CG. Microscopic analysis of the ground surfaces using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) indicated that ductile removal was the predominant material removal mode in UVAG. Overall, UVAG was found to be effective in diminishing grinding forces, improving ground surface roughness, and enhancing surface integrity when contrasted with CG. These findings introduce a novel approach for processing WC-10Co-4Cr coatings.
A Qualitative Analysis of Older Adults’ Cognitive Appraisal in Coping during the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Role of Social Capital
Authors: Dong Linying , Katsiris Alexandra , Lecompte Mariah , Skrotzki Cassandra , Yang Lixia
Published: October 2023

The ability to adaptively cope with the challenges of stressful events such as the COVID-19 pandemic is crucial for healthy aging. One effective coping strategy is social coping in which social networks are tapped for support. However, our review of the current literature on older adults’ coping abilities reveals two shortcomings: (1) a lack of consideration of a specific context and (2) an inadequate amount of attention paid to the different types of social networks in the cognitive appraisal process. As coping is a process in which older adults undergo the cognitive appraisal process to identify appropriate coping strategies, the shortcomings result in an incomplete understanding of older adults’ coping efforts and impair the development of effective community and intervention programs to improve older adults’ well-being. To fill this gap, drawing on the Transactional Model of Stress and Coping and the Social Capital Theory, we conducted 22 interviews with older adults who experienced lockdown measures during COVID-19. Our in-depth qualitative analysis shows the different roles played by bonding and bridging social capital in the cognitive appraisal process and illustrates the influence of a specific context on cognitive appraisals and subsequent coping efforts. Our findings provide significant contributions to theories regarding coping and social capital, as well as practices and policies for improving the well-being of older adults.
Characterization of Ca-Dicarboxylate Salt Hydrates as Thermochemical Energy Storage Materials
Authors: Werner Jakob , Smith Jakob , Stöger Berthold , Artner Werner , Werner Andreas , Weinberger Peter
Published: October 2023

Salt hydrates are highly promising materials for thermochemical energy storage applications to store waste heat below 200 °C. Although highly researched and theoretically promising, in practical applications salt hydrates often cannot fulfill expectations. Based on the promising results of the Ca-oxalate monohydrate/Ca-oxalate system, other Ca-dicarboxylate salt hydrates were investigated to determine whether potential materials for heat storage can be found amongst them. A simultaneous thermal analysis showed that all candidates are applicable in the temperature range of 100–200 °C, and thermally stable up to 220 °C. Calcium malonate dihydrate (637 J/g), calcium terephthalate trihydrate (695 J/g), and tetrafluoro calcium terephthalate tetrahydrate (657 J/g) have shown higher enthalpies of dehydration than Ca-oxalate monohydrate. Due to the investigation of derivatives of Ca-terephthalate, it is possible to report the crystal structure of 2-fluoro calcium terephthalate. In single crystals, it forms a trihydrate and crystallizes in the Pmna space group (Z = 4, Z’ = ½) forming infinite chains of Ca atoms. De- and rehydration reactions of the most promising candidates were studied in situ with powder X-ray diffraction showing the structural changes between the hydrate and anhydrate states.
A Data-Driven Exploration of a New Islamic Fatwas Dataset for Arabic NLP Tasks
Authors: Alyemny Ohoud , Al-Khalifa Hend , Mirza Abdulrahman
Published: October 2023

Islamic content is a broad and diverse domain that encompasses various sources, topics, and perspectives. However, there is a lack of comprehensive and reliable datasets that can facilitate conducting studies on Islamic content. In this paper, we present fatwaset, the first public Arabic dataset of Islamic fatwas. It contains Islamic fatwas that we collected from various trusted and authenticated sources in the Islamic fatwa domain, such as agencies, religious scholars, and websites. Fatwaset is a rich resource as it does not only contain fatwas but also includes a considerable set of their surrounding metadata. It can be used for many natural language processing (NLP) tasks, such as language modeling, question answering, author attribution, topic identification, text classification, and text summarization. It can also support other domains that are related to Islamic culture, such as philosophy and language art. We describe the methodology and criteria we used to select the content, as well as the challenges and limitations we faced. Additionally, we perform an Exploratory Data Analysis (EDA), which investigates the dataset from different perspectives. The results of the EDA reveal important information that greatly benefits researchers in this area.
Novel Entropy-Based Phylogenetic Algorithm: A New Approach for Classifying SARS-CoV-2 Variants
Authors: Perovic Vladimir , Glisic Sanja , Veljkovic Milena , Paessler Slobodan , Veljkovic Veljko
Published: October 2023

The SARS-CoV-2 virus, the causative agent of COVID-19, is known for its genetic diversity. Virus variants of concern (VOCs) as well as variants of interest (VOIs) are classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) according to their potential risk to global health. This study seeks to enhance the identification and classification of such variants by developing a novel bioinformatics criterion centered on the virus’s spike protein (SP1), a key player in host cell entry, immune response, and a mutational hotspot. To achieve this, we pioneered a unique phylogenetic algorithm which calculates EIIP-entropy as a distance measure based on the distribution of the electron–ion interaction potential (EIIP) of amino acids in SP1. This method offers a comprehensive, scalable, and rapid approach to analyze large genomic data sets and predict the impact of specific mutations. This innovative approach provides a robust tool for classifying emergent SARS-CoV-2 variants into potential VOCs or VOIs. It could significantly augment surveillance efforts and understanding of variant characteristics, while also offering potential applicability to the analysis and classification of other emerging viral pathogens and enhancing global readiness against emerging and re-emerging viral pathogens.
Absorption-Enhanced Methanol Steam Reforming for Low-Temperature Hydrogen Production with Carbon Capture
Authors: Li Xiao , Yang Lingzhi , Hao Yong
Published: October 2023

Methanol is a prospective hydrogen storage medium that holds the potential to address the challenges of hydrogen storage and transportation. However, hydrogen production via methanol steam reforming faces several key obstacles, including high reaction temperature (e.g., 250–300 °C) and low methanol conversion (at <200 °C), while the purification procedure of hydrogen is commonly required to obtain high-purity H2. A novel method of H2 absorption-enhanced steam reforming of methanol is proposed to overcome the challenges mentioned above. The method involves the absorption and separation of H2 using an absorbent to facilitate the forward shift of the reaction equilibrium and enhance reaction performance. A thermodynamic analysis using the equilibrium constant method presents that the separation of H2 can improve the methanol conversion rate and the total H2 yield. The feasibility of the method is validated through experiments in a fixed-bed reactor (4 mm diameter, 194 mm length) under the conditions of 200 °C and 1 bar. In the experiments, 1 g of bulk catalyst (CuO/ZnO/Al2O3) and 150 g of bulk hydrogen absorbent (Aluminum-doped lanthanum penta-nickel alloy, LaNi4.3Al0.7 alloy) are sequentially loaded into the reactor. As a proof of concept, a CO2 concentration of 84.10% is obtained in the reaction step of the first cycle, and a gas stream with an H2 concentration of 81.66% is obtained in the corresponding regeneration step. A plug flow reactor model considering the kinetics is developed to analyze the effects of the number of cycles and H2 separation ratio on the enhancement performance. The method indicates a high potential for commercialization given its low reaction temperature, high-purity H2, and membrane-free design.
Energy Efficiency of Induction Motor Drives: State of the Art, Analysis and Recommendations
Authors: Dinolova Plamena , Ruseva Vyara , Dinolov Ognyan
Published: October 2023

Despite activities to introduce low-carbon energy sources worldwide, the share of conventional facilities burning organic fuels remains high. One approach to address this problem is to look for solutions to reduce energy consumption. There are various research projects in the area of energy efficiency that lead to diverse results—such as models, methodologies, new data and theories. On the other hand, induction motor drives are becoming a major consumer of electric power because of their wide range of applications. In this paper, after careful selection and systematization of 151 literature sources, an extensive study and criteria analysis of the existing state of affairs in the area of energy efficiency improvement of induction motor drives has been carried out. Five major and 48 minor research areas in this field have been identified. The results show that issues related to the adaptation of scientific results and the conditions for their effective and wide-ranging application in practice have not been discussed and investigated so far. Adaptation should take into account the possibilities of data acquisition, including data from measurements; the competences of energy managers; and the type of information provided to them. Based on the seven conclusions formulated below, summary recommendations are made to direct future research towards the justification of models for increasing the power efficiency of induction drives, adapted for use by energy managers.
An Anti-Islanding Protection Method Based on Voltage-Synchronous Impedance Angle Measurements
Authors: Yang Fan , Lei Yang , Chen Hechong , Yang Zhichun , Xu Huabo , Chen Heng , Chen Yu
Published: October 2023

Grid-tied distributed generators (DGs) need to be equipped with anti-islanding protection to avoid the impact of unplanned islanding, which would affect system stability, auto-reclosing, and personal safety. Among the active anti-islanding protections, impedance measurements based on signal injection have the advantages of a low non-detection zone (NDZ) and are less prone to maloperation during grid disturbances; however, there are problems with signal interference in multi-DG systems. Hence, the impedance angle measurement method with signals injected synchronously is proposed. In this method, each DG injects phase-coherent signals to detect islanding using zero-cross points of the voltage (ZCPV) to avoid the protection failures caused by signal interference. An islanding identification criterion based on the measured impedance angle is proposed by analyzing the impedance characteristics of grid connection and islanding, which avoids the influence of variation of the DG operation state on islanding detection. Finally, we present a signal injection strategy and performance analysis in combination with an existing DG control platform, avoiding additional hardware investment. RTDS-based simulation verification shows that the proposed method can 100% avoid DG maloperation due to voltage and frequency disturbances during grid-connected operation and exit operation within 2 s when islanding occurs.
Kinetic Vibration Energy Harvester Based on Electromechanical Converter with Power Electronics Active Rectifier
Authors: Drzymała Bartosz , Gęca Jakub , Bocheński Marcin
Published: October 2023

Electromechanical energy harvesters are used to extract energy from vibrations occurring in nature, transport, or industry. The main problem with such solutions is that their output voltage is completely dependent on the frequency and amplitude of the vibrations, which can make it difficult to power a specific device or charge a battery. Therefore, it is necessary to use solutions that meet these requirements. Most harvesters contain additional, specialized mechanical gearboxes, called mechanical rectifiers or power electronic interfaces, used to match the harvester’s output voltage to the load. Design work was carried out, the construction of the proposed energy harvester was described, and the operation principle of the author’s control algorithm was presented. The results of the research confirm the possibilities of influencing the output voltage and power of the harvester system independently of the frequency and excitation amplitude.
Patterns of Water Consumption in Longleaf Pine Restoration Areas and the Relationship with Cone Production
Authors: Chen Xiongwen , Willis John L. , Guo Qinfeng
Published: October 2023

Monitoring water consumption dynamics across the geographic range of an ecosystem may indicate the possible variation and stress in a biome. Here, model output data based on remote sensing (1979–2022) were used to examine the water consumption dynamics and effects on cone production in three geographic margins in the longleaf pine’s range (i.e., Bladen Lake State Forest, Escambia Experimental Forest, and Kisatchie National Forest) under varying climatic conditions. Results indicated that the mean annual transpiration at Escambia was approximately 431 mm and that at Bladen and Kisatchie was 500 mm. Mean monthly transpiration peaked twice (June and October) at Escambia but only once (August) at Bladen and Kisatchie. The mean annual evapotranspiration ranged from approximately 900 mm at Kisatchie to about 791 mm at Escambia and Bladen. The mean annual transpiration/evapotranspiration ratio was about 0.65 at Bladen and 0.55 at Escambia and Kisatchie. A significant correlation existed between evapotranspiration and specific humidity across the sites on a monthly scale but not on a yearly scale. Significant negative relationships existed between precipitation and the ratios of transpiration/precipitation and evapotranspiration/precipitation on the yearly scale across the sites. Negative power relationships were observed between precipitation and the specific humidity/precipitation ratio on monthly and yearly scales. Cone production was generally highest in years with moderate water consumption. These results provide baseline information on how hydrological and ecological processes of longleaf pine forests interact with climate across broad spatial and temporal scales.
A High-Precision Ensemble Model for Forest Fire Detection in Large and Small Targets
Authors: Qian Jiachen , Bai Di , Jiao Wanguo , Jiang Ling , Xu Renjie , Lin Haifeng , Wang Tian
Published: October 2023

Forest fires are major forestry disasters that cause loss of forest resources, forest ecosystem safety, and personal injury. It is often difficult for current forest fire detection models to achieve high detection accuracy on both large and small targets at the same time. In addition, most of the existing forest fire detection models are single detection models, and using only a single model for fire detection in a complex forest environment has a high misclassification rate, and the accuracy rate needs to be improved. Aiming at the above problems, this paper designs two forest fire detection models (named WSB and WSS) and proposes an integrated learning-based forest fire detection model (named WSB_WSS), which also obtains high accuracy in the detection of forest fires with large and small targets. In order to help the model predict the location and size of forest fire targets more accurately, a new edge loss function, Wise-Faster Intersection over Union (WFIoU), is designed in this paper, which effectively improves the performance of the forest fire detection algorithm. The WSB model introduces the Simple-Attention-Module (SimAM) attention mechanism to make the image feature extraction more accurate and introduces the bi-directional connectivity and cross-layer feature fusion to enhance the information mobility and feature expression ability of the feature pyramid network. The WSS model introduces the Squeeze-and-Excitation Networks (SE) attention mechanism so that the model can pay more attention to the most informative forest fire features and suppress unimportant features, and proposes Spatial Pyramid Pooling-Fast Cross Stage Partial Networks (SPPFCSPC) to enable the network to extract features better and speed up the operation of the model. The experimental findings demonstrate that the WSB model outperforms other approaches in the context of identifying forest fires characterized by small-scale targets, achieving a commendable accuracy rate of 82.4%, while the WSS model obtains a higher accuracy of 92.8% in the identification of large target forest fires. Therefore, in this paper, a more efficient forest fire detection model, WSB_WSS, is proposed by integrating the two models through the method of Weighted Boxes Fusion (WBF), and the accuracy of detecting forest fires characterized by small-scale targets attains 83.3%, while for forest fires with larger dimensions, the accuracy reaches an impressive 93.5%. This outcome effectively leverages the strengths inherent in both models, consequently achieving the dual objective of high-precision detection for both small and large target forest fires concurrently.
The Effect of Elevation on the Population Structure, Spatial Patterning and Intraspecific Interactions of Picea schrenkiana in the Eastern Tianshan Mountains: A Test of the Stress Gradient Hypothesis
Authors: He Jianing , Ning Caiwen , Zhang Wentao , Halik Ümüt , Shen Zehao
Published: October 2023

Changes in age structure, spatial distribution and intraspecific interactions across environmental gradients often reflect adaptations of plant populations to their environment. Our study explored the growth status of the Picea schrenkiana population on the north slope of the eastern Tianshan Mountains and tested the stress gradient hypothesis (SGH) against changes in the age structure and spatial pattern of P. schrenkiana populations along the environmental gradient. We sampled the forests at eight elevational locations, comprising a total of 24 plots of 30 × 30 m area from 1800 to 2500 m a.s.l. in the Jiangbulake region. By scanning the 3D structure of the forests and sampling tree rings in each plot, we precisely determined the spatial location and diameter of the breast height (DBH) of each P. schrenkiana individual. By fitting the DBH-age power model and g(r) function of the point pattern, we examined the age structure, spatial patterning and intraspecific interactions of local P. schrenkiana populations within each plot and their correlation with habitat parameters. The results indicate that (1) juveniles dominate the overall population density, age structure and spatial patterning of the P. schrenkiana population. Trees of low–middle elevations represent younger forests with faster growth and better regeneration, while trees at high elevations form older forests with slower growth and poorer regeneration. (2) The aggregated population patterns and positive intraspecific interactions occur mostly at medium elevations (2000 and 2100 m a.s.l.). (3) Population density, aggregation intensity and intraspecific interaction strength are strongly and positively correlated (p < 0.01). Our results did not fit the SGH but support a hump-shaped hypothesis that proposes that facilitation is stronger under medium stress along the elevational gradient. This study validates the spatial point pattern testing of the SGH of different types. We recommend the implementation of more intensive forest closure measures, together with a reduction in the harvesting intensity of trees to ensure the sustainable regeneration of P. schrenkiana forests in the eastern Tianshan Mountains.
Autoinducer-2: Its Role in Biofilm Formation and L-Threonine Production in Escherichia coli
Authors: Han Hui , Zhang Kaijie , Li Guoxiong , Yu Ying , Shi Shuqi , Liang Caice , Niu Huanqing , Zhuang Wei , Liu Dong , Yang Pengpeng , Chen Tianpeng , Sun Wenjun , Chen Yong
Published: October 2023

Biofilms enable bacterial cells to adhere and thrive on surfaces, with associated changes in growth and gene expression aiding their survival in challenging environments. While previous research has explored E. coli biofilm formation, there has been limited exploration of its application in industrial production. Prior studies have shown that immobilized fermentation can enhance L-threonine production. This study aims to augment biofilm formation and subsequently increase L-threonine production in E. coli by regulating the quorum sensing system, focusing on key AI-2-related genes, including luxS, lsrB, lsrK, and lsrR. In +pluxS and +plsrB strains, AI-2 levels were significantly altered, resulting in enhanced biofilm formation, increased curli expression, shorter free-cell fermentation periods, and improved production efficiency through immobilized continuous fermentation. In a single batch of free-cell fermentation with E. coli W1688, L-threonine production was 10.16 g/L. However, +pluxS and +plsrB strains achieved L-threonine yields of 15.27 g/L and 13.38 g/L, respectively, after seven fermentation batches. Additionally, the fermentation period was reduced from 36 h to 28 h and 30 h, respectively.
Application of Artificial Intelligence in the Study of Fishing Vessel Behavior
Authors: Cheng Xin , Zhang Fan , Chen Xinjun , Wang Jintao
Published: October 2023

Monitoring and understanding the behavior of fishing vessels are important in facilitating effective management, preventing illegal fishing, informing fishing grounds and evaluating effects of harvests on fishery resources. In recent decades, a large quantity of real-time data of fishing vessels have become available with the development of vessel-tracking systems, making it possible to study the behavior of fishing vessels in high spatial and temporal resolutions. To effectively and efficiently deal with the large amount of data, algorithms from artificial intelligence (AI) are increasingly applied in the study of fishing vessel behavior. In this paper, we first introduce the various data sources for studying fishing vessel behavior and compare their pros and cons. Secondly, we review the AI methods that have been used to monitor and extract the behavior of fishing vessels from big data. Then, studies on the physical, ecological and social mechanisms affecting the behavior of fishing vessels were synthesized. Lastly, we review the applications of fishing vessel behavior in fishery science and management.
Removal of Arsenate by Fixed-Bed Columns Using Chitosan-Magnetite Hydrogel Beads and Chitosan Hydrogel Beads: Effect of the Operating Conditions on Column Efficiency
Authors: Mendizabal Eduardo , Ríos-Donato Nely , Jasso-Gastinel Carlos Federico , Verduzco-Navarro Ilse Paulina
Published: October 2023

Fixed-bed columns packed with chitosan-magnetite (ChM) hydrogel and chitosan (Ch) hydrogel were used for the removal of arsenate ions from aqueous solutions at a pH of 7.0. The effect of flow rate (13, 20, and 25 mL/h), height of the columns (13 and 33 cm), and initial arsenate concentration (2, 5 and 10 mg/L) on the column’s efficiency for the removal of As(V) is reported. The maximum adsorption capacity (qb), obtained before the allowed concentration of contaminant is exceeded, the adsorption capacity (qe) when the column is exhausted, and the mass transfer zone were determined. With this information, the efficiency of the column was calculated, which is given by the HL/HLUB ratio. The higher this ratio, the higher the efficiency of the column. The highest efficiency and the highest uptake capacity value at breakthrough point were obtained when using the lower flow rate, lower initial arsenate concentration, and longer bed length. When 33 cm-high columns were fed with a 10 mg As(V)/L solution at 13 mL/h, the maximum uptake capacity values at exhaustion obtained for Ch and ChM were 1.24 and 3.84 mg/g, respectively. A pH increase of the solution at the column’s exit was observed and is attributed to the proton transfer from the aqueous solution to the amino and hydroxyl groups of chitosan. The incorporation of magnetite into Ch hydrogels significantly increases their capacity to remove As(V) due to the formation of complexes between arsenic and the magnetite surface. Experimental data were fitted to the Thomas model, the Yoon–Nelson model and the Bohart–Adams model using non-linear regression analysis.
An MXene-Grafted Terpolymer Hydrogel for Adsorptive Immobilization of Toxic Pb(II) and Post-Adsorption Application of Metal Ion Hydrogel
Authors: Mondal Himarati , Karmakar Mrinmoy , Datta Bhaskar
Published: October 2023

Toxic metal ions present in industrial waste, such as Pb(II), introduce deleterious effects on the environment. Though the adsorptive removal of Pb(II) is widely reported, there is a dearth of research on the suitable utilization and disposal of the Pb(II)-adsorbed adsorbent. In this work, an MXene-grafted terpolymer (MXTP) hydrogel has been designed for the adsorption of Pb(II) under ambient conditions of pH and temperature. The hydrogel MXTP was synthesized by facile one-pot polymerization in aqueous solvent, and the detailed structural characterization of terpolymer (TP), MXTP, and Pb(II)-loaded MXTP, i.e., Pb(II)-MXTP, was carried out by a combination of proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffractometric (XRD), thermogravimetric/differential thermogravimetric (TG/ DTG), and field emission scanning electron microscopic (FESEM) analyses. The specific capacitance and conductivities of Pb(II)-MXTP were studied with cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), which unambiguously indicate successful post-adsorption application. The specific capacitance of MXTP decreased after Pb(II) adsorption, whereas the conductivity increased significantly after Pb(II) adsorption, showing that MXTP can be successfully deployed as a solid electrolyte/anode after Pb(II) adsorption. This study covers the synthesis of a novel MXene-grafted terpolymer hydrogel for adsorptive exclusion of Pb(II) and assessment of the as-adsorbed Pb(II)-loaded hydrogel as a solid electrolyte/anode material and is the first demonstration of such post-adsorptive application.
Exploring Gel-Point Identification in Epoxy Resin Using Rheology and Unsupervised Learning
Authors: Gazo Hanna Eddie , Younes Khaled , Amine Semaan , Roufayel Rabih
Published: October 2023

Any thermoset resin’s processing properties and end-use performance are heavily influenced by the gel time. The complicated viscosity of resin as a function of temperature is investigated in this work, with a particular emphasis on identifying the gel point and comprehending polymerization. Rheology studies carried out using a plate-plate controlled stress rheometer under isothermal conditions were used to compare three experimental techniques for figuring out an epoxy resin’s gel point. We also look at the basic modifications that take place during polymerization. We verify the reliability of the three strategies by including Principal Component Analysis (PCA), an unsupervised machine learning methodology. PCA assists in uncovering hidden connections between these methods and various affecting factors. PCA serves a dual role in our study, confirming method validity and identifying patterns. It sheds light on the intricate relationships between experimental techniques and material properties. This concise study expands our understanding of resin behavior and provides insights that are essential for optimizing resin-based processes in a variety of industrial applications.
Benefits of Urban Forest Healing Program on Depression and Anxiety Symptoms in Depressive Patients
Authors: Yeon Poung-Sik , Kang Si-Nae , Lee Nee-Eun , Kim In-Ok , Min Gyeong-Min , Kim Ga-Yeon , Kim Jin-Gun , Shin Won-Sop
Published: October 2023

Depression is considered a widespread mental health problem worldwide. Moreover, anxiety symptoms are very closely related to depression in patients, and it is known that the coexistence rate of depression and anxiety diagnosed simultaneously is high. Treatment and preventive management of depression and anxiety are essential for public health. Forest healing is attracting attention as a form of low-cost preventive medicine that is safe and has no side effects. However, although the physiological and psychological effects have been scientifically proven, it is insufficient to reveal a direct relationship between forest healing and depression. This study investigated the benefits of an urban forest healing program on depression and anxiety symptoms in depressive disorders. We employed a randomized controlled trial design. Forty-seven depressive patients were randomly divided into an urban forest healing program group and a control group. Measures included the Montgomery-Asberg depression rating scale (MADRS), the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS), and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) questionnaires. Our results revealed that the combination of general treatment and forest healing programs for patients with depression is more effective in improving depression and anxiety than routine treatment alone. We expect our work to serve as a starting point for more sophisticated research discussing the availability of non-pharmacological treatments in forest healing.
Identification of Challenges for the Reconstruction of Heritage Tourism—Multiple Case Studies of European Heritage Cities
Authors: Szromek Adam R. , Walas Bartłomiej , Kruczek Zygmunt
Published: October 2023

The process of coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic is an opportunity to create various scenarios for returning to the path of tourism development. The search for suitable and effective solutions was at the heart of the Tourism Friendly Cities project, in which eight European cities participated. The aim is to define the challenges and tools related to the sustainability of urban tourism. The empirical research was based on the opinions of experts from eight cities involved, and concerned four thematic areas: the quality of life and tourism in the city before and during/after COVID-19, tourism dysfunctions, the sources of conflicts between local stakeholders, and the tools for the sustainable reconstruction of tourism. The results confirmed the existence of a wide range of declared tools for the development of sustainable tourism after the pandemic. The conducted research indicates key areas of conflict in the field of tourism activity. The authors also come to the conclusion that tools for regulating tourist traffic should not be universal, but should meet the individual needs of the city.
Application of a Protein Hydrolysate-Based Biostimulant Obtained from Slaughterhouse Sludge on Pepper Crops
Authors: Ávila-Pozo Paloma , Parrado Juan , Martin-Presas Luis , Orts José M. , Tejada Manuel
Published: October 2023

Currently, biostimulants obtained from protein hydrolysates are considered essential agronomic tools to promote sustainable agriculture without the use of chemical fertilizers. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a biostimulant obtained from slaughterhouse sludge via enzymatic hydrolysis processes on green pepper crops in a greenhouse. The biostimulant was administered through both root and foliar applications at two different doses (0.7 and 1.4 g L−1), with a total of four applications made over the 140-day experimental period. Throughout the crop growth period, various parameters were assessed, including plant height, the number of flowers and fruits, macro- and micronutrient content, and photosynthetic pigments in the leaves. Additionally, the nutritional content and vitamin C levels in the harvested fruits were determined. The results obtained indicated higher values of these parameters in the pepper plants when the biostimulant was applied at a higher dose and through root application. These higher values are likely a consequence of the increased plant absorption of the low-molecular-weight amino acids and nutrients derived from the biostimulant.
Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Analysis of BnPP2C Gene Family in Response to Multiple Stresses in Ramie (Boehmeria nivea L.)
Authors: Chen Yu , Zhao Haohan , Wang Yue , Qiu Xiaojun , Gao Gang , Zhu Aiguo , Chen Ping , Wang Xiaofei , Chen Kunmei , Chen Jia , Chen Peng , Chen Jikang
Published: October 2023

The protein phosphatase 2C (PP2C), a key regulator of the ABA signaling pathway, plays important roles in plant growth and development, hormone signaling, and abiotic stress response. Although the PP2C gene family has been identified in many species, systematic analysis was still relatively lacking in ramie (Boehmeria nivea L.). In the present study, we identified 63 BnPP2C genes from the ramie genome, using bioinformatics analysis, and classified them into 12 subfamilies, and this classification was consistently supported by their gene structures and conserved motifs. In addition, we observed that the functional differentiation of the BnPP2C family of genes was restricted and that fragment replication played a major role in the amplification of the BnPP2C gene family. The promoter cis-regulatory elements of BnPP2C genes were mainly involved in light response regulation, phytohormone synthesis, transport and signaling, environmental stress response and plant growth and development regulation. We identified BnPP2C genes with tissue specificity, using ramie transcriptome data from different tissues, in rhizome leaves and bast fibers. The qRT-PCR results showed that the BnPP2C1, BnPP2C26 and BnPP2C27 genes had a strong response to drought, high salt and ABA, and there were a large number of stress-responsive elements in the promoter region of BnPP2C1 and BnPP2C26. The results suggested that BnPP2C1 and BnPP2C26 could be used as the candidate genes for drought and salt tolerance in ramie. These results provide a reference for further studies on the function of the PP2C gene and advance the development of the mechanism of ramie stress response, with a view to providing candidate genes for the molecular breeding of ramie for drought and salt tolerance.
Serine 31 Phosphorylation-Driven Regulation of AGPase Activity: Potential Implications for Enhanced Starch Yields in Crops
Authors: Yu Guowu , Mou Yuewei , Shoaib Noman , He Xuewu , Liu Lun , Di Runze , Mughal Nishbah , Zhang Na , Huang Yubi
Published: October 2023

ADP-Glc pyrophosphorylase (AGPase), which catalyzes the transformation of ATP and glucose-1-phosphate (Glc-1-P) into adenosine diphosphate glucose (ADP-Glc), acts as a rate-limiting enzyme in crop starch biosynthesis. Prior research has hinted at the regulation of AGPase by phosphorylation in maize. However, the identification and functional implications of these sites remain to be elucidated. In this study, we identified the phosphorylation site (serine at the 31st position of the linear amino acid sequence) of the AGPase large subunit (Sh2) using iTRAQTM. Subsequently, to ascertain the impact of Sh2 phosphorylation on AGPase, we carried out site-directed mutations creating Sh2-S31A (serine residue replaced with alanine) to mimic dephosphorylation and Sh2-S31D (serine residue replaced with aspartic acid) or Sh2-S31E (serine residue replaced with glutamic acid) to mimic phosphorylation. Preliminary investigations were performed to determine Sh2 subcellular localization, its interaction with Bt2, and the resultant AGPase enzymatic activity. Our findings indicate that phosphorylation exerts no impact on the stability or localization of Sh2. Furthermore, none of these mutations at the S31 site of Sh2 seem to affect its interaction with Bt2 (smaller subunit). Intriguingly, all S31 mutations in Sh2 appear to enhance AGPase activity when co-transfected with Bt2, with Sh2-S31E demonstrating a substantial five-fold increase in AGPase activity compared to Sh2. These novel insights lay a foundational groundwork for targeted improvements in AGPase activity, thus potentially accelerating the production of ADP-Glc (the primary substrate for starch synthesis), promising implications for improved starch biosynthesis, and holding the potential to significantly impact agricultural practices.
Phenylacetyl-/Trolox- Amides: Synthesis, Sigma-1, HDAC-6, and Antioxidant Activities
Authors: Flores Rafael , Iqbal Shoaib , Sikazwe Donald
Published: October 2023

In search of novel multi-mechanistic approaches for treating Alzheimer’s disease (AD), we have embarked on synthesizing single small molecules for probing contributory roles of the following combined disease targets: sigma-1 (σ-1), class IIb histone deacetylase-6 (HDAC-6), and oxidative stress (OS). Herein, we report the synthesis and partial evaluation of 20 amides (i.e., phenylacetic and Trolox or 6-hydroxy-2,5,7,8-tetramethylchroman-2-carboxylic acid derivatives). Target compounds were conveniently synthesized via amidation by either directly reacting acyl chlorides with amines or condensing acids with amines in the presence of coupling agents 1-[bis(dimethylamino)methylene]-1H-1,2,3-triazolo [4,5-b] pyridinium 3-oxide hexafluorophosphate (HATU) or 1,1′-carbonyldiimidazole (CDI). Overall, this project afforded compound 8 as a promising lead with σ-1 affinity (Ki = 2.1 μM), HDAC-6 (IC50 = 17 nM), and antioxidant (1.92 Trolox antioxidant equivalents or TEs) activities for optimization in ensuing structure–activity relationship (SAR) studies.
The Effects of Mammary Gland ATIII Overexpression on the General Health of Dairy Goats and Their Anti-Inflammatory Response to LPS Stimulation
Authors: Yan Laiqing , Wu Hao , Guan Shengyu , Ma Wenkui , Fu Yao , Ji Pengyun , Lian Zhengxing , Zhang Lu , Xing Yiming , Wang Bingyuan , Liu Guoshi
Published: October 2023

Antithrombin III is an important anticoagulant factor with anti-inflammatory properties. However, few studies have explored its anti-inflammatory actions in ATIII overexpressed transgenic animals. In this study, the dairy goats with mammary overexpression of ATIII were used to investigate their general health, milk quality and particularly their response to inflammatory challenge. The results showed that transgenic goats have a normal phenotype regarding their physiological and biochemical parameters, including whole blood cells, serum protein levels, total cholesterol, urea nitrogen, uric acid, and total bilirubin, compared to the WT. In addition, the quality of milk also improved in transgenic animals compared to the WT, as indicated by the increased milk fat and dry matter content and the reduced somatic cell numbers. Under the stimulation of an LPS injection, the transgenic goats had elevated contents of IGA, IGM and superoxide dismutase SOD, and had reduced proinflammatory cytokine release, including IL-6, TNF-α and IFN-β. A 16S rDNA sequencing analysis also showed that the transgenic animals had a similar compositions of gut microbiota to the WT goats under the stimulation of LPS injections. Mammary gland ATIII overexpression in dairy goats is a safe process, and it did not jeopardize the general health of the transgenic animals; moreover, the compositions of their gut microbiota also improved with the milk quality. The LPS stimulation study suggests that the increased ATIII expression may directly or indirectly suppress the inflammatory response to increase the resistance of transgenic animals to pathogen invasion. This will be explored in future studies.