bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hexagonal Nanocrystal Growth of Mg or Zn from Incorporation in GaN Powders Obtained through Pyrolysis of a Viscous Complex Compound and Its Nitridation
Authors: Gastellóu Erick , García Rafael , Herrera Ana M. , Ramos Antonio , García Godofredo , Hirata Gustavo A. , Luna José A. , Carrillo Roberto C. , Rodríguez Jorge A. , Robles Mario , Ramírez Yani D.
Published: September 2023

Hexagonal nanocrystals were obtained from Zn-doped GaN powders and Mg-doped GaN powders, which were synthesized via pyrolysis of a viscous complex compound, followed by its nitridation. XRD showed well-defined peaks for hexagonal GaN with an average crystal size of 21.3 nm. Scanning electron microscopy showed an amorphous and porous appearance in surface morphology, which could be related to the combustion process. Energy-dispersive spectroscopy characterization showed contributions of gallium, nitrogen, and small traces of Zn and Mg in the GaN samples. TEM showed the presence of well-defined hexagonal nanocrystals with an area of 75.9 nm2 for the Zn-doped GaN powders and an area of 67.7 nm2 for the Mg-doped GaN powders. The photoluminescence spectra showed an emission energy of 2.8 eV (431.5 nm) for the Zn-doped GaN powders, while the Mg-doped GaN powders showed energies in the range from 2.7 eV to 2.8 eV (460.3 nm–443.9 nm). The Raman scattering showed spectra where the vibration modes A1(TO), E1(TO), and E2(High) could be observed, which are characteristic of hexagonal GaN.
Role of Semaphorin 3A in Kidney Development and Diseases
Authors: Sang Yizhen , Tsuji Kenji , Nakanoh Hiroyuki , Fukushima Kazuhiko , Kitamura Shinji , Wada Jun
Published: September 2023

Kidney diseases are worldwide public health problems affecting millions of people. However, there are still limited therapeutic options against kidney diseases. Semaphorin 3A (SEMA3A) is a secreted and membrane-associated protein, which regulates diverse functions, including immune regulation, cell survival, migration and angiogenesis, thus involving in the several pathogeneses of diseases, including eyes and neurons, as well as kidneys. SEMA3A is expressed in podocytes and tubular cells in the normal adult kidney, and recent evidence has revealed that excess SEMA3A expression and the subsequent signaling pathway aggravate kidney injury in a variety of kidney diseases, including nephrotic syndrome, diabetic nephropathy, acute kidney injury, and chronic kidney disease. In addition, several reports have demonstrated that the inhibition of SEMA3A ameliorated kidney injury via a reduction in cell apoptosis, fibrosis and inflammation; thus, SEMA3A may be a potential therapeutic target for kidney diseases. In this review article, we summarized the current knowledge regarding the role of SEMA3A in kidney pathophysiology and their potential use in kidney diseases.
Impact of Phantom Size on Low-Energy Virtual Monoenergetic Images of Three Dual-Energy CT Platforms
Authors: Greffier Joël , Van Ngoc Ty Claire , Fitton Isabelle , Frandon Julien , Beregi Jean-Paul , Dabli Djamel
Published: September 2023

The purpose of this study was to compare the quality of low-energy virtual monoenergetic images (VMIs) obtained with three Dual-Energy CT (DECT) platforms according to the phantom diameter. Three sections of the Mercury Phantom 4.0 were scanned on two generations of split-filter CTs (SFCT-1st and SFCT-2nd) and on one Dual-source CT (DSCT). The noise power spectrum (NPS), task-based transfer function (TTF), and detectability index (d’) were assessed on VMIs from 40 to 70 keV. The highest noise magnitude values were found with SFCT-1st and noise magnitude was higher with DSCT than with SFCT-2nd for 26 cm (10.2% ± 1.3%) and 31 cm (7.0% ± 2.5%), and the opposite for 36 cm (−4.2% ± 2.5%). The highest average NPS spatial frequencies and TTF values at 50% (f50) values were found with DSCT. For all energy levels, the f50 values were higher with SFCT-2nd than SFCT-1st for 26 cm (3.2% ± 0.4%) and the opposite for 31 cm (−6.9% ± 0.5%) and 36 cm (−5.6% ± 0.7%). The lowest d’ values were found with SFCT-1st. For all energy levels, the d’ values were lower with DSCT than with SFCT-2nd for 26 cm (−6.2% ± 0.7%), similar for 31 cm (−0.3% ± 1.9%) and higher for 36 cm (5.4% ± 2.7%). In conclusion, compared to SFCT-1st, SFCT-2nd exhibited a lower noise magnitude and higher detectability values. Compared with DSCT, SFCT-2nd had a lower noise magnitude and higher detectability for the 26 cm, but the opposite was true for the 36 cm.
The Value of Electroretinography in Identifying Candidate Genes for Inherited Retinal Dystrophies: A Diagnostic Guide
Authors: Yang Tsai-Hsuan , Kang Eugene Yu-Chuan , Lin Pei-Hsuan , Wu Pei-Liang , Sachs Jacob Aaron , Wang Nan-Kai
Published: September 2023

Inherited retinal dystrophies (IRDs) are a group of heterogeneous diseases caused by genetic mutations that specifically affect the function of the rod, cone, or bipolar cells in the retina. Electroretinography (ERG) is a diagnostic tool that measures the electrical activity of the retina in response to light stimuli, and it can help to determine the function of these cells. A normal ERG response consists of two waves, the a-wave and the b-wave, which reflect the activity of the photoreceptor cells and the bipolar and Muller cells, respectively. Despite the growing availability of next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology, identifying the precise genetic mutation causing an IRD can be challenging and costly. However, certain types of IRDs present with unique ERG features that can help guide genetic testing. By combining these ERG findings with other clinical information, such as on family history and retinal imaging, physicians can effectively narrow down the list of candidate genes to be sequenced, thereby reducing the cost of genetic testing. This review article focuses on certain types of IRDs with unique ERG features. We will discuss the pathophysiology and clinical presentation of, and ERG findings on, these disorders, emphasizing the unique role ERG plays in their diagnosis and genetic testing.
Bone Metastases Lesion Segmentation on Breast Cancer Bone Scan Images with Negative Sample Training
Authors: Chen Yi-You , Yu Po-Nien , Lai Yung-Chi , Hsieh Te-Chun , Cheng Da-Chuan
Published: September 2023

The use of deep learning methods for the automatic detection and quantification of bone metastases in bone scan images holds significant clinical value. A fast and accurate automated system for segmenting bone metastatic lesions can assist clinical physicians in diagnosis. In this study, a small internal dataset comprising 100 breast cancer patients (90 cases of bone metastasis and 10 cases of non-metastasis) and 100 prostate cancer patients (50 cases of bone metastasis and 50 cases of non-metastasis) was used for model training. Initially, all image labels were binary. We used the Otsu thresholding method or negative mining to generate a non-metastasis mask, thereby transforming the image labels into three classes. We adopted the Double U-Net as the baseline model and made modifications to its output activation function. We changed the activation function to SoftMax to accommodate multi-class segmentation. Several methods were used to enhance model performance, including background pre-processing to remove background information, adding negative samples to improve model precision, and using transfer learning to leverage shared features between two datasets, which enhances the model’s performance. The performance was investigated via 10-fold cross-validation and computed on a pixel-level scale. The best model we achieved had a precision of 69.96%, a sensitivity of 63.55%, and an F1-score of 66.60%. Compared to the baseline model, this represents an 8.40% improvement in precision, a 0.56% improvement in sensitivity, and a 4.33% improvement in the F1-score. The developed system has the potential to provide pre-diagnostic reports for physicians in final decisions and the calculation of the bone scan index (BSI) with the combination with bone skeleton segmentation.
Robustness Analysis of an Urban Public Traffic Network Based on a Multi-Subnet Composite Complex Network Model
Authors: Sun Gengxin
Published: September 2023

An urban public traffic network is a typical high-order complex network. There are multiple types of transportation in an urban public traffic network, and each type has different impacts on urban transportation. Robustness analyses of urban public traffic networks contribute to the safe maintenance and operation of urban traffic systems. In this paper, a new cascading failure model for urban public traffic networks is constructed based on a multi-subnet composite complex network model. In order to better simulate the actual traffic flow in the composite network, the concept of traffic function is proposed in the model. Considering the different effects of various relationships on nodes in the composite network, the traditional cascading failure model has been improved and a deliberate attack strategy and a random attack strategy have been adopted to study the robustness of the composite network. In the experiment, the urban bus–subway composite network in Qingdao, China, was used as an example for simulation. The experimental results showed that under two attack strategies, the network robustness did not increase with the increase in capacity, and the proportion of multiple relationships had a significant impact on the network robustness.
Motivational Profiles of High Achievers in Mathematics: Relations with Metacognitive Processes and Achievement Emotions
Authors: Moustakas Dimitrios , Gonida Eleftheria Ν.
Published: September 2023

The current study aimed to explore alternative motivational profiles of high achievers in Mathematics, within the framework of the Situated Expectancy-Value Theory. Furthermore, it aimed to examine the profiles’ potential differences in relation to self-reported metacognitive processes, such as metacognitive awareness and experiences, and achievement emotions related to Mathematics. A comprehensive evaluation in Mathematics was conducted on a total of 492 ninth-graders, including students from regular junior high schools, experimental junior high schools, and an academically advanced summer program. The assessment involved a battery of school-type mathematical tasks, resulting in the identification of 141 high achievers. Cluster analysis, based on students’ expectancies for success, subjective value, and perceived cost in relation to Mathematics, revealed five motivational profiles labeled as follows: Cluster 1: Higher Motivation; Cluster 2: Higher Expectancies, Value, and Cost; Cluster 3: Lower Expectancies; Cluster 4: Lower Value; Cluster 5: Lower Motivation. Differences were found among the five profiles in terms of students’ reported metacognitive awareness and their emotions of enjoyment, pride, anxiety, shame, and boredom toward Mathematics. Students with the Higher Motivation profile appeared to be the most adaptive across all of the examined variables, while students with the Lower Motivation profile reported less favorable levels of motivational and affective variables than most others. However, high achievers did not differ significantly regarding their metacognitive accuracy. Examination of the gender distribution within the clusters did not reveal any differences in gender representation.
Digital versus Paper Reading: A Systematic Literature Review on Contemporary Gaps According to Gender, Socioeconomic Status, and Rurality
Authors: Peras Igor , Klemenčič Mirazchiyski Eva , Japelj Pavešić Barbara , Mekiš Recek Žiga
Published: September 2023

This paper presents a comprehensive review of the literature on electronic reading (e-reading) versus paper reading. The main objective was to assess the current state of research comparing digital and paper reading outcomes among students aged 6–18 years old, as well as assessing the impact of various factors (gender, socioeconomic status, and school location) in explaining the differences between the two modes. Inclusion criteria included the following: participants (6–18 years), research focus (comparing digital reading and paper reading), study type (quantitative or mixed methods), publication (peer reviewed between 2015 and 2022), and language (English). A systematic search in four databases (WOS, Scopus, ERIC, and JSTOR) in August 2022 was conducted by three reviewers. The search revealed 23 studies matching the inclusion criteria. The findings from the reviewed studies are diverse, with some reporting no significant differences in reading comprehension between the two modes, while others suggest screen inferiority, thereby favoring paper reading. Individual-level predictors, such as prior comprehension skills and reading habits, play a crucial role in determining reading performance across modes. Family-level factors, such as the number of books at home, and school-level factors, like the usage of ICT resources, influence both paper and digital reading comprehension. Moreover, gender differences in attitudes and performance towards different reading modes are apparent. SES is positively associated with reading achievement in both modes, with a larger effect shown for paper reading. Overall, the comparison between electronic and paper reading modes reveals a complex interplay of individual and contextual factors influencing reading comprehension and attitudes.
Overview of the Russian Coal Market in the Context of Geopolitical and Economic Turbulence: The European Embargo and New Markets
Authors: Panaedova Galina , Borodin Alex , Zehir Cemal , Laptev Sergey , Kulikov Andrey
Published: September 2023

The energy crisis caused by global structural changes in the political and economic sphere is the reason for the change in Russia’s energy strategy based on the concept of sustainable development. The presented study is intended to test the hypothesis about the stimulating effect of economic sanctions on the traditional energy sector and is intended to examine the assumption about the implementation in Russia of the concept of the diversification of energy resources in terms of the use of coal fuel using a systematic approach. The object of empirical research is the Russian Federation in comparison with the leading countries in reserves, exports, and imports of coal raw materials in the period 2010–2021. The tools of scientific research used are based on methods of comparative, economic and statistical analysis, and technologies of consensus expert assessments. The integrated methodological approach applied in the study allows us to present the relationship between energy policy and the government’s strategy in achieving the goals of sustainable energy production and the transition to transformational models of using traditional energy sources. This article identifies new opportunities for academic research and discussion of the potential of demand management, the dynamics of consumption and production of traditional energy resources based on the use of avant-garde technologies, and the design of scenarios for the implementation of the energy transition, taking into account various options for economic development and geopolitical changes.
Heritage Building Information Modelling Implementation First Steps Applied in a Castle Building: Historic Evolution Identity, Data Collection and Stratigraphic Modelling
Authors: Sampaio Alcínia Zita , Tomé João , Gomes Augusto M.
Published: September 2023

This research presents an application of the Building Information Modelling (BIM) methodology to the preservation of buildings of historic value. The study of the built heritage encompasses several aspects: namely, the collection of information, the rigorous representation of the building, the identification of the applied traditional construction processes, and the classification of historic eras of construction, conservation or refurbishing. In a BIM context, the topic of old buildings is referred to as Heritage Building Information Modelling (HBIM). In order to illustrate the type of work that needs to be prepared, a building heritage case is presented. The study is focused on the identification of the historic evolution of a castle and the adjacent structural environment. The first step concerns the data collecting: several institutional repositories of old documents were consulted; technical visits to the site were performed; a large photographic survey was undertaken; and photogrammetry technology was applied. Based on the available information, the corresponding stratigraphic HBIM model of the historic complex was generated, which was associated with an accessible and well-organised database. This text aims to contribute positively to the dissemination of the HBIM in the preservation of historic buildings, and it is focused on a mandatory first step: generating a complete stratigraphic HBIM model. The model is intended to be a useful support to professionals to elaborate the preservation project, as it archives relevant data. The description of all processes from the data collection to the stratigraphic model brings an important understanding of the relevance of a primary stage performed with depth and care. This research contemplates, essentially, the topic of collecting data as essential to the performance of heritage studies.
Mitigating Hydrogen Risks in Light-Water Nuclear Reactors: A CFD Simulation of the Distribution and Concentration
Authors: Amponsah Joseph , Archibong-Eso Archibong
Published: September 2023

During severe accidents in light-water nuclear reactors, the release of hydrogen poses significant risks to the integrity of the containment and the surrounding infrastructure. To address this, passive autocatalytic re-combiners (PARs) have been adopted in several countries. However, it remains challenging to eliminate the production of flammable combinations and the potential for local flame explosions, even with PARs installed. Understanding the distribution and concentration of generated hydrogen, particularly in 100% fuel-clad coolant reactions, is therefore crucial. In this study, numerical investigations using ANSYS CFX, a commercially available code, are conducted to analyze the hydrogen generation and distribution in a 1000 MWe nuclear power plant. The results show the effectiveness of PARs through a comparative evaluation of reactors with PARs and without PARs installed. The simulated scenario involved the release of hydrogen from the reactor pressure vessel, resulting in a reduction in the maximum hydrogen concentration released from 17.85% in the containment model without PARs to 9.72% in the containment model with PARs installed after 22,000 s. These findings highlight the importance of understanding and controlling the hydrogen distribution in light-water nuclear reactors during severe accidents. This study is useful in informing the mitigation risks strategy for hydrogen release in light-water nuclear reactors.
Enhanced Astrocyte Activity and Excitatory Synaptic Function in the Hippocampus of Pentylenetetrazole Kindling Model of Epilepsy
Authors: Díaz Franco , Aguilar Freddy , Wellmann Mario , Martorell Andrés , González-Arancibia Camila , Chacana-Véliz Lorena , Negrón-Oyarzo Ignacio , Chávez Andrés E. , Fuenzalida Marco , Nualart Francisco , Sotomayor-Zárate Ramón , Bonansco Christian
Published: September 2023

Epilepsy is a chronic condition characterized by recurrent spontaneous seizures. The interaction between astrocytes and neurons has been suggested to play a role in the abnormal neuronal activity observed in epilepsy. However, the exact way astrocytes influence neuronal activity in the epileptogenic brain remains unclear. Here, using the PTZ-induced kindling mouse model, we evaluated the interaction between astrocyte and synaptic function by measuring astrocytic Ca2+ activity, neuronal excitability, and the excitatory/inhibitory balance in the hippocampus. Compared to control mice, hippocampal slices from PTZ-kindled mice displayed an increase in glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) levels and an abnormal pattern of intracellular Ca2+-oscillations, characterized by an increased frequency of prolonged spontaneous transients. PTZ-kindled hippocampal slices also showed an increase in the E/I ratio towards excitation, likely resulting from an augmented release probability of excitatory inputs without affecting inhibitory synapses. Notably, the alterations in the release probability seen in PTZ-kindled slices can be recovered by reducing astrocyte hyperactivity with the reversible toxin fluorocitrate. This suggests that astroglial hyper-reactivity enhances excitatory synaptic transmission, thereby impacting the E/I balance in the hippocampus. Altogether, our findings support the notion that abnormal astrocyte–neuron interactions are pivotal mechanisms in epileptogenesis.
Vanadium Pentoxide Exposure Causes Strain-Dependent Changes in Mitochondrial DNA Heteroplasmy, Copy Number, and Lesions, but Not Nuclear DNA Lesions
Authors: Dobson Nick L. , Kleeberger Steven R. , Burkholder Adam B. , Walters Dianne M. , Gladwell Wesley , Gerrish Kevin , Vellers Heather L.
Published: September 2023

Interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) are lethal lung diseases characterized by pulmonary inflammation and progressive lung interstitial scarring. We previously developed a mouse model of ILD using vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) and identified several gene candidates on chromosome 4 associated with pulmonary fibrosis. While these data indicated a significant genetic contribution to ILD susceptibility, they did not include any potential associations and interactions with the mitochondrial genome that might influence disease risk. To conduct this pilot work, we selected the two divergent strains we previously categorized as V2O5-resistant C57BL6J (B6) and -responsive DBA/2J (D2) and compared their mitochondrial genome characteristics, including DNA variants, heteroplasmy, lesions, and copy numbers at 14- and 112-days post-exposure. While we did not find changes in the mitochondrial genome at 14 days post-exposure, at 112 days, we found that the responsive D2 strain exhibited significantly fewer mtDNA copies and more lesions than control animals. Alongside these findings, mtDNA heteroplasmy frequency decreased. These data suggest that mice previously shown to exhibit increased susceptibility to pulmonary fibrosis and inflammation sustain damage to the mitochondrial genome that is evident at 112 days post-V2O5 exposure.
SAM/SAH Mediates Parental Folate Deficiency-Induced Neural Cell Apoptosis in Neonatal Rat Offspring: The Expression of Bcl-2, Bax, and Caspase-3
Authors: Ren Qinghan , Zhang Guoquan , Yan Ruiting , Zhou Dezheng , Huang Li , Zhang Qianwen , Li Wen , Huang Guowei , Li Zhenshu , Yan Jing
Published: September 2023

Research demonstrated that folate deficiency in either the mother or father could impact the biological functions of the offspring’s of neural cells. Folate deficiency can also impair the methionine cycle, thus contributing to the conversion of S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) to S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH), which could potentially cause damage to the central nervous system. The study focused on the effect of parental folate deficiency on neural cell apoptosis in offspring neonatal rats and whether it is mediated by the levels of SAM and SAH in brains. The experimental design was conducted by feeding female and male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats with either folate-deficient or folate-normal diets, sacrificing the offspring within 24 h and isolating their brain tissue. Rats were divided into four groups: the maternal-folate-deficient and paternal-folate-deficient (D-D) group; the maternal-folate-deficient and paternal-folate-normal (D-N) group; the maternal-folate-normal and paternal-folate-deficient (N-D) group; and the maternal-folate-normal and paternal-folate-normal (N-N) group. There was down-regulation of B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) expression, up-regulation of Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) and Caspase-3 expression of neural cells, and pathological changes in the brain ultrastructure, as well as decreased SAM levels, increased SAH levels, and a decreased SAM/SAH ratio in the rat fetal brain via parental folate deficiency. In conclusion, parental folate deficiency could induce the apoptosis of neural cells in neonatal offspring rats, while biparental folate deficiency had the greatest effect on offspring, and the unilateral effect was greater in mothers than in fathers. This process may be mediated by the levels of SAM and SAH in the rat fetal brain.
Lactate-Based Difference as a Determinant of Outcomes following Surgery for Type A Acute Aortic Dissection: A Multi-Centre Study
Authors: Nappi Francesco , Alzamil Almothana , Salsano Antonio , Avtaar Singh Sanjeet Singh , Gambardella Ivancarmine , Santini Francesco , Fiore Antonio , Perocchio Giacomo , Demondion Pierre , Mesnildrey Patrick , Schoell Thibaut , Bonnet Nicolas , Leprince Pascal
Published: September 2023

Type A acute aortic dissection (TAAAD) is a serious condition within the acute aortic syndromes that demands immediate treatment. Despite advancements in diagnostic and referral pathways, the survival rate post-surgery currently sits at almost 20%. Our objective was to pinpoint clinical indicators for mortality and morbidity, particularly raised arterial lactate as a key factor for negative outcomes. Methods: All patients referred to the three cardiovascular centres between January 2005 and December 2022 were included in the study. The inclusion criteria required the presence of a lesion involving the ascending aorta, symptoms within 7 days of surgery, and referral for primary surgical repair of TAAAD based on recommendations, with consideration for other concomitant major cardiac surgical procedures needed during TAAAD and retrograde extension of TAAAD. We conducted an analysis of both continuous and categorical variables and utilised predictive mean matching to fill in missing numeric features. For missing binary variables, we used logistic regression to impute values. We specifically targeted early postoperative mortality and employed LASSO regression to minimise potential collinearity of over-fitting variables and variables measured from the same patient. Results: A total of 633 patients were recruited for the study, out of which 449 patients had complete preoperative arterial lactate data. The average age of the patients was 64 years, and 304 patients were male (67.6%). The crude early postoperative mortality rate was 24.5% (110 out of 449 patients). The mortality rate did not show any significant difference when comparing conservative and extensive surgeries. However, malperfusion had a significant impact on mortality [48/131 (36.6%) vs. 62/318 (19.5%), p < 0.001]. Preoperative arterial lactates were significantly elevated in patients with malperfusion. The optimal prognostic threshold of arterial lactate for predicting early postoperative mortality in our cohort was ≥2.6 mmol/L. Conclusion: The arterial lactate concentration in patients referred for TAAAD is an independent factor for both operative mortality and postoperative complications. In addition to mortality, patients with an upper arterial lactate cut-off of ≥2.6 mmol/L face significant risks of VA ECMO and the need for dialysis within the first 48 h after surgery. To improve recognition and facilitate rapid transfer and surgical treatment protocol, more diligent efforts are required in the management of malperfusion in TAAAD.
The Potential Role of Histone Modifications in Glioblastoma Therapy: Review Article
Authors: Azab Mohammed A.
Published: September 2023

Glioblastoma (GBM) is considered the most aggressive primary brain tumor. Recurrence after treatment is a significant problem with a failed response to optimal therapies. The recurrence of GBM is linked to different cellular and molecular pathways. Not only genetics are involved in gliomagenesis, but also epigenetics. Histone modulation through acetylation, phosphorylation, ubiquitination, and methylation can regulate gene expression and may play a role in the pathogenesis of GBM. Preclinical and clinical studies currently target epigenetic enzymes in gliomas, including a new generation of histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors. Herein, I tried to highlight current research in glioma epigenetics, focusing on the culprit of histone modifications and the use of HDAC target therapies as a possible treatment line for glioblastoma.
Food Export Stability, Political Ties, and Land Resources
Authors: Zhou Hua , Fan Jiachen , Yang Xue , Duan Kaifeng
Published: September 2023

As a vital guarantee of food security for many countries, international food trade has been threatened by volatile international political ties in recent years. However, the existing literature lacks empirical evidence on the relationship between political ties and food export stability. Therefore, this article examines the impact of political ties on food export stability using United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) voting data and export data on food products from 2010 to 2018. The chosen timeframe ensures the exclusion of potential influences from both the financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic, enhancing the robustness of the findings. The test results show that the deterioration of political ties can reduce food export stability: the higher the voting dissimilarity of the trading partners in the UNGA, the less stable food exports. Mechanism analysis suggests that political ties can impede food export stability by increasing tariff and non-tariff barriers. The analysis of heterogeneity indicates that the advancement of urbanization in importing countries intensifies the adverse effects of political ties on food export stability. However, this negative impact is less pronounced when importing countries have more allocation and higher productivity regarding land resources such as cultivated land and forests. This article adds to the literature on the relationship between political ties, trade, land resource optimization, and food security. The findings of this study highlight the importance of land resources with respect to reducing the risk of food trade instability in the context of volatile international politics.
Microencapsulation via Spray-Drying of Geraniol-Loaded Emulsions Stabilized by Marine Exopolysaccharide for Enhanced Antimicrobial Activity
Authors: Joulak Ichrak , Azabou Samia , Dumas Emilie , Freitas Filomena , Attia Hamadi , Gharsallaoui Adem
Published: September 2023

The current study investigates the formation of microencapsulated geraniol powder, with the exopolysaccharide EPS-K1B3 produced by Halomonas caseinilytica K1, as wall material, using spray-drying. Evaluation of the antimicrobial activity of the functional emulsions, prepared at either pH 5 or pH 7, was carried out against Gram-positive (Listeria innocua (ATCC 33090)) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli (DSM682)) bacterial strains. Results showed prolonged antimicrobial efficacy until 30 days of incubation for geraniol microcapsules compared to wet geraniol emulsions, which could confirm the ability of the spray-drying process to protect encapsulated geraniol for a longer period. The highest antimicrobial efficacy of geraniol microcapsules was observed against L. innocua at pH 5. Therefore, the influence of pH on the functional property of geraniol microcapsules could be highlighted beside the targeted bacterial strain.
Comparison of Serial and Parallel Connections of Membrane Lungs against Refractory Hypoxemia in a Mock Circuit
Authors: Omlor Albert J. , Caspari Stefan , Omlor Leonie S. , Jungmann Anna M. , Krawczyk Marcin , Schmoll Nicole , Mang Sebastian , Seiler Frederik , Muellenbach Ralf M. , Bals Robert , Lepper Philipp M.
Published: September 2023

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is an important rescue therapy method for the treatment of severe hypoxic lung injury. In some cases, oxygen saturation and oxygen partial pressure in the arterial blood are low despite ECMO therapy. There are case reports in which patients with such instances of refractory hypoxemia received a second membrane lung, either in series or in parallel, to overcome the hypoxemia. It remains unclear whether the parallel or serial connection is more effective. Therefore, we used an improved version of our full-flow ECMO mock circuit to test this. The measurements were performed under conditions in which the membrane lungs were unable to completely oxygenate the blood. As a result, only the photometric pre- and post-oxygenator saturations, blood flow and hemoglobin concentration were required for the calculation of oxygen transfer rates. The results showed that for a pre-oxygenator saturation of 45% and a total blood flow of 10 L/min, the serial connection of two identical 5 L rated oxygenators is 17% more effective in terms of oxygen transfer than the parallel connection. Although the idea of using a second membrane lung if refractory hypoxia occurs is intriguing from a physiological point of view, due to the invasiveness of the solution, further investigations are needed before this should be used in a wider clinical setting.
Understanding the Effect of Substrate Preheating Temperature and Track Spacing on Laser Assisted Cold Spraying of Ti6Al4V
Authors: Boruah Dibakor , McNutt Philip , Sharma Deepak , Begg Henry , Zhang Xiang
Published: September 2023

In this study, laser-assisted cold spray (LACS) of titanium alloy Ti6Al4V onto Ti6Al4V substrates has been investigated in two phases: (i) single-track deposits on substrates preheated to 400 °C, 600 °C, and 800 °C, respectively, and (ii) single-layer (multi-track) deposits on substrates preheated to 600 °C with three different track spacings (1 mm, 2 mm, and 3 mm). Cross-sectional microstructures of the single-track deposits showed intimate contact at the interfaces, especially extensive interfacial mixing for specimens with substrate preheating at 600 °C and 800 °C. Cross-sectional area porosity content in single layer LACS coatings was found to be around 0.4%, which is significantly lower than the standard or conventional cold spray (CS) process having ~2.3% porosity. The microstructure reveals that the LACS process has improved the adhesion and cohesion of the deposits, in addition to the other advantages of the CS process. The average microhardness values of LACS deposits were found to be in the range of 388–403 HV (the highest hardness with the lowest track spacing), which is approximately 6–10% lower than that of the CS deposits without laser substrate preheating. Tensile residual stresses were found in all three LACS coatings, which was due to elevated process gas temperature along with high heat input during laser preheating of the substrate. It was observed that the higher the track spacing, the higher the stress magnitude, i.e., 31 MPa, 135 MPa, and 191 MPa in the longitudinal direction when deposited with 1 mm, 2 mm, and 3 mm track spacings, respectively. Heat treatments induced varied microstructures in LACS coatings, encompassing fully equiaxed or lamellar α-phase within the β-phase, or a bimodal microstructure, with characteristics linked to track spacing variations. Key contributions of this study include enhanced coating-substrate adhesion through extensive interfacial mixing, a substantial reduction in cross-sectional area porosity compared to CS, insights into the effects of residual stresses, and, ultimately, advancing the comprehension of LACS and its potential advantages over conventional CS process.
Food Monitoring: Limitations of Accelerated Storage to Predict Molecular Changes in Hazelnuts (Corylus avellana L.) under Realistic Conditions Using UPLC-ESI-IM-QTOF-MS
Authors: Loesel Henri , Shakiba Navid , Wenck Soeren , Le Tan Phat , Karstens Tim-Oliver , Creydt Marina , Seifert Stephan , Hackl Thomas , Fischer Markus
Published: September 2023

Accelerated storage is routinely used with pharmaceuticals to predict stability and degradation patterns over time. The aim of this is to assess the shelf life and quality under harsher conditions, providing crucial insights into their long-term stability and potential storage issues. This study explores the potential of transferring this approach to food matrices for shelf-life estimation. Therefore, hazelnuts were stored under accelerated short-term and realistic long-term conditions. Subsequently, they were analyzed with high resolution mass spectrometry, focusing on the lipid profile. LC-MS analysis has shown that many unique processes take place under accelerated conditions that do not occur or occur much more slowly under realistic conditions. This mainly involved the degradation of membrane lipids such as phospholipids, ceramides, and digalactosyldiacylglycerides, while oxidation processes occurred at different rates in both conditions. It can be concluded that a food matrix is far too complex and heterogeneous compared to pharmaceuticals, so that many more processes take place during accelerated storage, which is why the results cannot be used to predict molecular changes in hazelnuts stored under realistic conditions.
Thermal Energy Storage Using a Hybrid Composite Based on Technical-Grade Paraffin-AP25 Wax as a Phase Change Material
Authors: Nabwey Hossam A. , Tony Maha A.
Published: September 2023

Thermal energy storage (TES) has a strong ability to store energy and has attracted interest for thermal applications such as hot water storage. TES is the key to overcoming the mismatch between energy supply and demand by using phase change materials (PCMs). However, a common organic PCM characteristic is low thermal conductivity. This causes a slow thermal response for paraffin-AP25, which is not suitable for many applications. Hence, a search is underway for modifications to enhance its thermal properties. Thus, the current investigation introduces a novel PCM system based on the use of waste material as an economic and efficient system. In the current investigation, nanoparticles were added to a PCM; specifically, a technical-grade paraffin-AP25 wax (AP25 wax)/hybrid composite was synthesized via ultrasonic dispersion. The focus of this investigation is to assess the behavior of a PCM for energy storage via charging (melting process) and discharging (solidification process). Nanoparticles of magnetite were prepared via a simple, cost-efficient route, co-precipitation, augmented with aluminum and silicon derived from waste streams from a hydrothermal facility and mixed with paraffin-AP25 wax to form a hybrid composite PCM. Transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (augmented with dispersive X-ray analysis, EDX) micrographs, in addition to X-ray diffraction (XRD), show the prepared composite. Different mass fractions of the composite, ranging from 1 to 10 weight %, were embedded in a paraffin-AP25 phase change material. The latent heat storage capacity of the PCM was enhanced by 8% when paraffin-AP25 was applied. Finally, the overall system efficiency was evaluated, and the yield increased by 64% for the 8% hybrid composite.
Combination of Engineered Expression of Polysialic Acid on Transplanted Schwann Cells and in Injured Rat Spinal Cord Promotes Significant Axonal Growth and Functional Recovery
Authors: Gao Fangyou , Zhang Yi , Wu Dongsheng , Luo Juan , Gushchina Svetlana , Bo Xuenong
Published: September 2023

Providing cellular support and modifying the glial scar around the lesion are two key strategies for promoting axonal regeneration after spinal cord injury. We showed previously that over-expressing polysialic acid (PSA) on Schwann cells (SCs) by lentiviral vector (LV)-mediated expression of polysialyltransferase (PST) facilitated their integration and migration in the injured spinal cord. We also showed that PSA over-expression in the injured spinal cord modified the glial scar and promoted the growth of ascending sensory axons. In this study, we combined the PST/SC transplantation with LV/PST injection in spinal cords after dorsal column transection and found the combined treatments led to faster and more profound locomotor functional recovery compared with animals receiving combined GFP/SC transplantation with LV/GFP injection. Histological examination showed significantly more injured corticospinal axons growing close to the lesion/transplant borders and into the caudal spinal cord in the PST group than in the GFP group. We also found over -expressing PSA around the lesion site did not cause allodynia and hyperalgesia in our injury model. These results demonstrate the promising therapeutic benefit of over-expressing PSA in transplanted SCs and spinal cord in promoting axonal growth and restoring motor function.
The Organization of Contemporary Biobanks for Translational Cancer Research
Authors: Gkioka Vasiliki , Balaoura Olga , Goulielmaki Maria , Baxevanis Constantin N.
Published: September 2023

Cancer biobanks have a crucial role in moving forward the field of translational cancer research and, therefore, have been promoted as indispensable tools for advancing basic biomedical research to preclinical and clinical research, ultimately leading to the design of clinical trials. Consequently, they play an essential role in the establishment of personalized oncology by combining biological data with registries of detailed medical records. The availability of complete electronic medical reports from individualized patients has led to personalized approaches for diagnosis, prognosis, and prediction. To this end, identifying risk factors at early time points is important for designing more effective treatments unique for each patient. Under this aspect, biobanking is essential for accomplishing improvements in the field of precision oncology via the discovery of biomarkers related to cellular and molecular pathways regulating oncogenic signaling. In general terms, biological samples are thought to reflect the patient’s disease biology, but under certain conditions, these may also represent responses to various biological stresses. Divergent collection, handling, and storage methods may significantly change biosamples’ inherent biological properties. The alteration or loss of biological traits post-collection would lead to the discovery of nonreliable biomarkers and, consequently, to irreproducible results, thus constituting a formidable obstacle regarding the successful translation of preclinical research to clinical approaches. Therefore, a necessary prerequisite for successful biobanking is that the stored biological samples retain their biological characteristics unchanged. The application of quality standards for biospecimen collection and storage could be useful for generating encouraging preclinical data leading to the successful translation to clinical treatment approaches. Herein, we aim to comprehensively review the issues linked to biobank implementation for promoting cancer research.
Singing to “Lord Jesus Christ”: A Prose Hymn and Its Philippian Recipients
Authors: Shiell William
Published: September 2023

Religious audiences frequently hear prose hymns as a part of their ceremonies. The “Lord Jesus Christ” hymn in Philippians 2.6–11 is one such example. The Philippian hymn fits an audience’s performance expectations compared to other Greek and Jewish prose hymns and performances. A slave lector likely recited or sang the hymn when delivering the epistle and directly addressed at least four named recipients. This article examines the narrative links between the hymn and the address in 4:1–3. Utilizing performance-critical methods, we explore how this hymn likely functioned for the ancient audience. The reading of the “Lord Jesus Christ” hymn localized the worship of Jesus in Philippi, encouraged financial giving to Paul and Timothy, taught moral lessons, and prepared the audience to address their conflict “in the Lord”.
Non-Classic Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia in Childhood: A Review
Authors: Bertolucci Giulia , Tyutyusheva Nina , Sepich Margherita , Baldinotti Fulvia , Caligo Maria Adelaide , Sessa Maria Rita , Peroni Diego Giampiero , Bertelloni Silvano
Published: September 2023

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is a heterogeneous group of autosomal recessive disorders due to defects in adrenal steroid biosynthesis. In about 90% of patients, CAH is caused by pathogenetic variants in CYP21A2 gene, impairing the function of 21-hydroxylase (21-OH) enzyme. CAH can present as classical form (simple virilizing or salt wasting) or as non-classical form (NC-CAH). NC-CAH is due to pathogenetic variants in the CYP21A2 gene that result in 20–70% residual activity of 21-hydroxylase. Early diagnosis may be missed, mainly in childhood, jeopardizing long-term outcome. This paper will review some information on clinical findings, symptoms, diagnostic approaches, and treatments of NC-CAH in childhood, allowing better management and long-term outcome.
Strengthening Urban Resilience: Understanding the Interdependencies of Outer Space and Strategic Planning for Sustainable Smart Environments
Authors: Botezatu Ulpia-Elena , Bucovetchi Olga , Gheorghe Adrian V. , Stanciu Radu D.
Published: September 2023

The conventional approach to urban planning has predominantly focused on horizontal dimensions, disregarding the potential risks originating from outer space. This paper aims to initiate a discourse on the vertical dimension of cities, which is influenced by outer space, as an essential element of strategic urban planning. Through an examination of a highly disruptive incident in outer space involving a collision between the Iridium 33 and Cosmos 2251 satellites, this article elucidates the intricate interdependencies between urban areas and outer space infrastructure and services. Leveraging the principles of critical infrastructure protection, which bridge the urban and outer space domains, and employing simulation methods and software, this study articulates the intricate governance complexities of urban security and presents viable solutions for its enhancement. Consequently, the study contributes to the ongoing deliberations regarding the spatial integration of security practices by providing scholarly discourse on urban governance with potential strategies for cultivating sustainable smart cities. In essence, the intrinsic resilience of urban areas heavily relies on the interconnections between cities and outer space, necessitating urban strategists to acknowledge and comprehend these intricate interdependencies. To ensure sustainable urban development, it is imperative to fortify smart cities’ resilience against space debris through the implementation of more stringent regulations.
Keystone Flap in Amniotic Band Syndrome—Innovative Approach of an Established Operative Technique for an Unusual Entity
Authors: Promny Dominik , Horch Raymund E. , Promny Theresa
Published: September 2023

Amniotic Band Syndrome (ABS) is a complex condition characterized by constricting rings and tissue synechiae, resulting in tissue necrosis and congenital anomalies. In newborns and infants with ABS, tissue necrosis can be profound, requiring a tissue defect reconstruction, realized by a Keystone Perforator Island Flap (KF). Primarily used for reconstruction after skin cancer excisions, KF’s applications expanded to defects of various etiologies and disorders throughout the body. Subsequently, additional KF types adapted to the particular tissue defects were developed. The KF’s preparation is relatively simple to perform leading to shorter operative times, and the postoperative monitoring is less laborious. Individualized surgical approaches and timing are essential for addressing the varied manifestations of ABS, with immediate treatment recommended for vascular compression, all-layered tissue necrosis, and nerve compression cases. To our knowledge, there is no published case in which a KF was used for the reconstruction of tissue defects and release of constriction rings in the context of an amniotic band syndrome. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to introduce the established surgical technique of KFs as an innovative surgical approach with satisfying reconstructive results for tissue defects and constriction ring release in ABS.