bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chicken Juice Enhances C. jejuni NCTC 11168 Biofilm Formation with Distinct Morphological Features and Altered Protein Expression
Authors: Sung Kidon , Park Miseon , Chon Jungwhan , Kweon Ohgew , Paredes Angel , Khan Saeed A.
Published: June 2024

Campylobacter jejuni is the foodborne pathogen causing most gastrointestinal infections. Understanding its ability to form biofilms is crucial for devising effective control strategies in food processing environments. In this study, we investigated the growth dynamics and biofilm formation of C. jejuni NCTC 11168 in various culture media, including chicken juice (CJ), brain heart infusion (BHI), and Mueller Hinton (MH) broth. Our results demonstrated that C. jejuni exhibited a higher growth rate and enhanced biofilm formation in CJ and in 1:1 mixtures of CJ with BHI or MH broth compared to these measures in BHI or MH broth alone. Electron microscopy unveiled distinct morphological attributes of late-stage biofilm cells in CJ, including the presence of elongated spiral-shaped cells, thinner stretched structures compared to regular cells, and extended thread-like structures within the biofilms. Proteomic analysis identified significant alterations in protein expression profiles in C. jejuni biofilms, with a predominance of downregulated proteins associated with vital functions like metabolism, energy production, and amino acid and protein biosynthesis. Additionally, a significant proportion of proteins linked to biofilm formation, virulence, and iron uptake were suppressed. This shift toward a predominantly coccoid morphology echoed the reduced energy demands of these biofilm communities. Our study unlocks valuable insights into C. jejuni’s biofilm in CJ, demonstrating its adaptation and survival.
Effects of Pulsed Electric Field and High-Pressure Processing Treatments on the Juice Yield and Quality of Sea Buckthorn
Authors: Zhang Zhiwei , Chen Yixuan , Cheng Yuying , Gao Zhenhong , Qu Kunsheng , Chen Zhixi , Yue Lihua , Guan Wenqiang
Published: June 2024

Sea buckthorn juice has high nutritional value and a rich flavor that consumers enjoy. Traditional sea buckthorn thermal processing (TP) technology has problems such as low juice yield, poor quality, and poor flavor. Sea buckthorn berries are processed using a technique combining pulsed electric field (PEF) and high-pressure processing (HPP) to increase juice yield and study its impact on the quality and volatile aroma of sea buckthorn juice. Results have show that, compared with TP, under the condition of PEF-HPP, the juice yield of sea buckthorn significantly increased by 11.37% (p > 0.05); TP and PEF-HPP treatments could effectively kill microorganisms in sea buckthorn juice, but the quality of sea buckthorn juice decreased significantly after TP treatment (p > 0.05), whereas PEF-HPP coupling technology could maximally retain the nutrients of sea buckthorn juice while inhibiting enzymatic browning to improve color, viscosity, and particle size. The flavor of sea buckthorn juice is analyzed using electronic nose (E-nose) and gas chromatography–ion mobility spectrometer (GC–IMS) techniques, and it has been shown that PEF-HPP retains more characteristic volatile organic compounds (VOCs) of sea buckthorn while avoiding the acrid and pungent flavors produced by TP, such as benzaldehyde, (E)-2-heptenal, and pentanoic acid, among others, which improves the sensory quality of sea buckthorn juice. PEF-HPP technology is environmentally friendly and efficient, with significant economic benefits. Research data provide information and a theoretical basis for the sea buckthorn juice processing industry.
Synergistic Bactericidal Effects of Quaternary Ammonium Compounds with Essential Oil Constituents
Authors: Pedreira Adrián , Fernandes Susana , Simões Manuel , García Míriam R. , Vázquez José Antonio
Published: June 2024

Antimicrobial tolerance is a significant concern in the food industry, as it poses risks to food safety and public health. To overcome this challenge, synergistic combinations of antimicrobials have emerged as a potential solution. In this study, the combinations of two essential oil constituents (EOCs), namely carvacrol (CAR) and eugenol (EUG), with the quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) benzalkonium chloride (BAC) and didecyldimethylammonium chloride (DDAC) were evaluated for their antimicrobial effects against Escherichia coli and Bacillus cereus, two common foodborne bacteria. The checkerboard assay was employed to determine the fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) and the fractional bactericidal concentration index (FBCI), indicating the presence of bactericidal, but not bacteriostatic, synergy in all QAC–EOC combinations. Bactericidal synergism was clearly supported by Bliss independence analysis. The bactericidal activity of the promising synergistic combinations was further validated by time–kill curves, achieving a >4-log10 reduction of initial bacterial load, which is significant compared to typical industry standards. The combinations containing DDAC showed the highest efficiency, resulting in the eradication of bacterial population in less than 2–4 h. These findings emphasize the importance of considering both bacteriostatic and bactericidal effects when evaluating antimicrobial combinations and the potential of EOC–QAC combinations for sanitization and disinfection in the food industry.
The Method of Direct and Reverse Phase Portraits as a Tool for Systematizing the Results of Studies of Phase Transitions in Solutions of Thermosensitive Polymers
Authors: Bakirov Akhat , Kopishev Eldar , Kadyrzhan Kaisarali , Donbaeva Elvira , Zhaxybayeva Aigerim , Duisembiyev Marat , Suyundikova Faiziya , Suleimenov Ibragim
Published: June 2024

It is shown that a more than significant amount of experimental data obtained in the field of studying systems based on thermosensitive hydrophilic polymers and reflected in the literature over the past decades makes the issue of their systematization and classification relevant. This, in turn, makes relevant the question of choosing the appropriate classification criteria. It is shown that the basic classification feature can be the number of phase transition stages, which can vary from one to four or more depending on the nature of the temperature-sensitive system. In this work, the method of inverse phase portraits is proposed for the first time. It was intended, among other things, to identify the number of phase transition stages. Moreover, the accuracy of this method significantly exceeds the accuracy of the previously used method of direct phase portraits since, for the first time, the operation of numerical differentiation is replaced by the operation of numerical integration. A specific example of the application of the proposed method for the analysis of a previously studied temperature-sensitive system is presented. It is shown that this method also allows for a quantitative comparison between the results obtained by the differential calorimetry method and the turbidimetry method. Issues related to increasing the resolution of the method of direct phase portraits are discussed.
Correction: Salvini et al. Ground Displacements Estimation through GNSS and Geometric Leveling: A Geological Interpretation of the 2016–2017 Seismic Sequence in Central Italy. Geosciences 2022, 12, 167
Authors: Salvini Riccardo , Vanneschi Claudio , Lanciano Chiara , Maseroli Renzo
Published: June 2024

Change of Affiliation [...]
Effect of Vehicle Cyclic Loading on the Failure of Canal Embankment on Soft Clay Deposit
Authors: Chao Kuo Chieh , Kongsung Tanawoot , Saowiang Krit
Published: June 2024

Road embankments along irrigation canals, constructed on soft Bangkok clay, have always been unstable. Numerous studies have shown that rapid drawdown of water level may be one of the main causes, while vehicle cyclic loading may also contribute to embankment failure. This study aims to investigate the impact of vehicle loading on the failure of embankments built on Bangkok soft clay. The behavior of soft Bangkok clay under vehicle load has been investigated by employing conventional and dynamic triaxial techniques, and finite element method (FEM). This study also examined the effects of soft clay thickness and cyclic loading with different magnitudes and frequencies. The laboratory testing results indicate that the threshold stress of the soft clay is estimated to be approximately three-fourths of the undrained shear strength of the soil. The reduction in effective stress in the soft clay is caused by varied frequencies and thicknesses of the clay. Based on the analysis results, it has been proven that the cyclic loads exerted by vehicles solely are insufficient to cause the embankment to collapse. Nevertheless, the repetitive loading of vehicles may result in a one-quarter decrease in the embankment’s factor of safety.
Rethinking Mental Automatism: De Clérambault’s Theory in the Age of Novel Psychoactive Drugs: Psychotropic Effects and Synthetic Psychosis
Authors: Ricci Valerio , Maina Giuseppe , Martinotti Giovanni
Published: June 2024

The widespread use of novel psychoactive substances (NPSs)—defined as new narcotic or psychotropic agents not classified under the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs of 1961 or the Convention on Psychotropic Substances of 1971—poses a significant challenge to contemporary mental health paradigms due to their impact on psychiatric disorders. This study revisits and expands upon the theory of mental automatism as proposed by Gaëtan Gatian de Clérambault, aiming to elucidate the psychopathological mechanisms underlying substance-induced psychoses (SIP) and their distinction from non-induced psychoses (schizophrenia and related disorders). Through a phenomenological and clinical investigation, we explore the relevance of mental automatism in the development of toxic psychoses, drawing upon the historical and contemporary literature. This research highlights the psychopathological distinctions between induced and non-induced psychoses and the transition mechanisms from acute to chronic psychosis states. De Clérambault’s theory, supplemented by Janet, Jackson, and Bonhoeffer’s contributions, provides a foundational framework for understanding the genesis of SIP. Our findings suggest that NPS consumption, particularly among adolescents and psychiatric patients, significantly correlates with increased risks of SIP, marked by a transition to chronicity influenced by biological lesions triggered by substance use. Furthermore, we propose a comprehensive framework for SIP, integrating mental automatism, psychopathological distinctions, and transition mechanisms. This framework aims to refine diagnostic criteria and therapeutic approaches, addressing gaps in clinical practice and research. The study underscores the need for a nuanced understanding of SIP, advocating for a paradigm shift in psychiatric assessment and treatment approaches to better address the complexities of substance-induced mental health disorders.
Transcriptome Profiling Reveals Potential Genes Involved in Salicylic Acid-Induced Arbutin Synthesis in Pear
Authors: Li Junhao , Ma Yuchen , Cui Tingting , Liu Shaohua , Li Liulin
Published: June 2024

Salicylic acid (SA) is known to be an efficient elicitor of secondary metabolism in plants. Arbutin, a characteristic phenolic glycoside found in ‘Yuluxiang’ pear (Pyrus bretschneideri Rehder × Pyrus sinkiangensis Yu), is widely used in lightening agents, in addition to cough, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial remedies, among other applications. However, research into the synthesis of arbutin in pear is limited. This study aimed to clarify the effect of exogenous SA on the arbutin content of pear using HPLC and investigate the mechanism for arbutin accumulation using RNA-Seq analysis. HPLC revealed that SA increased the arbutin contents of leaf, fruit, and callus in pear and demonstrated that the effect of SA is concentration and time dependent. RNA-Seq analysis of pear callus treated with or without SA revealed 380 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), 335 of which were up-regulated. According to a KEGG database analysis, the highest number of genes were annotated for phenylpropane biosynthesis. Overall, 21 DEGs were found to be involved in the synthesis of hydroquinone and UDP-glucose, which are substrates of arbutin synthesis. It is noteworthy that the expression levels of three up-regulated genes (Pbr006844.1, Pbr021064.1 and Pbr021069.1) related to hydroquinone glycosyltransferase were induced by SA and hydroquinone. Furthermore, transient overexpression of PbUGT72B1 (Pbr021069.1) increased the arbutin content in pear callus. These data explain the regulation of gene transcription associated with the promotive effect of SA on arbutin biosynthesis in pear, thus providing a theoretical foundation for enhancing the arbutin content of fruit through genetic engineering.
Freezing Points of Fruit from Different Kiwifruit Genotypes at Harvest and during Cold Storage
Authors: Huang Wenjun , Shen Suyun , Wang Zhouqian , Yang Jie , Lv Haiyan , Tian Hua , Burdon Jeremy , Zhong Caihong
Published: June 2024

Fruit storage is optimized at the lowest safe temperature to maximize storage life whilst avoiding chilling or freezing injury. The few published studies of freezing in kiwifruit (Actinidia spp.) have been conducted with A. chinensis var. deliciosa ‘Hayward’ fruit, with freezing temperatures reported in the range of −1.5 °C to −2.5 °C. In China, a large number of kiwifruit cultivars have been commercialized recently, with at least ten being commonly planted. In this research, freshly harvested fruits from 45 kiwifruit germplasm accessions were measured for freezing point, soluble solids content (SSC) and water content (WC). The difference in freezing point of different tissue zones within a fruit and after different periods of cold storage were determined for the fruit of three representative main cultivars: the green-fleshed ‘Hayward’, the red-fleshed A. chinensis var. chinensis ‘Donghong’, and the yellow-fleshed interspecific hybrid A. eriantha × A. chinensis ‘Jinyan’. The the freezing point of kiwifruit was found to be highly correlated with the SSC. This relationship was found irrespective of whether the measurement was made at harvest, at different places in the fruit, or after ripening during storage. These findings agree with previous reports for kiwifruit and other fruits, although it appears that the relationship may differ among kiwifruit cultivars, something not previously reported and which requires further confirmation.
Peripheral Blood CD8+ T-Lymphocyte Immune Response in Benign and Subpopulations of Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Lenárt Marek , Bober Peter , Marcin Miroslav , Tkáčiková Soňa , Kacírová Mária , Alexovič Michal , Tóth Dávid , Madárová Natália , Radoňak Jozef , Urdzík Peter , Fedačko Ján , Sabo Ján
Published: June 2024

Peripheral blood CD8+ T lymphocytes play a crucial role in cell-mediated immunity and tumor-related immune responses in breast cancer. In this study, label-free quantification analysis and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) of CD8+ T lymphocytes in the peripheral blood of benign patients and patients with different breast cancer (BC) subtypes, i.e., luminal A, luminal B, and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), were performed using nano-UHPLC and Orbitrap mass spectrometry. Differential protein expression in CD8+ T lymphocytes revealed significant downregulation (log2 FC ≥ 0.38 or ≤−0.38, adj. p < 0.05), particularly in proteins involved in cytotoxicity, cytolysis, and proteolysis, such as granzymes (GZMs) and perforin 1 (PRF1). This downregulation was observed in the benign group (GZMH, GZMM, and PRF1) and luminal B (GZMA, GZMH) subtypes, whereas granzyme K (GZMK) was upregulated in TNBC in comparison to healthy controls. The RNA degradation pathway was significantly downregulated (p < 0.05, normalized enrichment score (NES) from −1.47 to −1.80) across all BC subtypes, suggesting a potential mechanism for regulating gene expression during T cell activation. Also, the Sm-like proteins (LSM2, LSM3, and LSM5) were significantly downregulated in the RNA degradation pathway. Proteomic analysis of CD8+ T lymphocytes in peripheral blood across different breast cancer subtypes provides a comprehensive view of the molecular mechanisms of the systemic immune response that can significantly contribute to advancements in the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of this disease.
Immune Response Dynamics and Biomarkers in COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Ranjbar Maral , Cusack Ruth P. , Whetstone Christiane E. , Brister Danica L. , Wattie Jennifer , Wiltshire Lesley , Alsaji Nadia , Le Roux Jennifer , Cheng Eric , Srinathan Thivya , Ho Terence , Sehmi Roma , O’Byrne Paul M. , Snow-Smith Maryonne , Makiya Michelle , Klion Amy D. , Duong MyLinh , Gauvreau Gail M.
Published: June 2024

Background: The immune response dynamics in COVID-19 patients remain a subject of intense investigation due to their implications for disease severity and treatment outcomes. We examined changes in leukocyte levels, eosinophil activity, and cytokine profiles in patients hospitalized with COVID-19. Methods: Serum samples were collected within the first 10 days of hospitalization/confirmed infection and analyzed for eosinophil granule proteins (EGP) and cytokines. Information from medical records including comorbidities, clinical symptoms, medications, and complete blood counts were collected at the time of admission, during hospitalization and at follow up approximately 3 months later. Results: Serum levels of eotaxin, type 1 and type 2 cytokines, and alarmin cytokines were elevated in COVID-19 patients, highlighting the heightened immune response (p < 0.05). However, COVID-19 patients exhibited lower levels of eosinophils and eosinophil degranulation products compared to hospitalized controls (p < 0.05). Leukocyte counts increased consistently from admission to follow-up, indicative of recovery. Conclusion: Attenuated eosinophil activity alongside elevated chemokine and cytokine levels during active infection, highlights the complex interplay of immune mediators in the pathogenesis COVID-19 and underscores the need for further investigation into immune biomarkers and treatment strategies.
Cardiac-Specific Suppression of Valosin-Containing Protein Induces Progressive Heart Failure and Premature Mortality Correlating with Temporal Dysregulations in mTOR Complex 2 and Protein Phosphatase 1
Authors: Sun Xiaonan , Tang Xicong , Qiu Hongyu
Published: June 2024

Valosin-containing protein (VCP), an ATPase-associated protein, is emerging as a crucial regulator in cardiac pathologies. However, the pivotal role of VCP in the heart under physiological conditions remains undetermined. In this study, we tested a hypothesis that sufficient VCP expression is required for cardiac development and physiological cardiac function. Thus, we generated a cardiac-specific VCP knockout (KO) mouse model and assessed the consequences of VCP suppression on the heart through physiological and molecular studies at baseline. Our results reveal that homozygous KO mice are embryonically lethal, whereas heterozygous KO mice with a reduction in VCP by ~40% in the heart are viable at birth but progressively develop heart failure and succumb to mortality at the age of 10 to 12 months. The suppression of VCP induced a selective activation of the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) but not mTORC2 at the early age of 12 weeks. The prolonged suppression of VCP increased the expression (by ~2 folds) and nuclear translocation (by >4 folds) of protein phosphatase 1 (PP1), a key mediator of protein dephosphorylation, accompanied by a remarked reduction (~80%) in AKTSer473 phosphorylation in VCP KO mouse hearts at a later age but not the early stage. These temporal molecular alterations were highly associated with the progressive decline in cardiac function. Overall, our findings shed light on the essential role of VCP in the heart under physiological conditions, providing new insights into molecular mechanisms in the development of heart failure.
Disc Height and Angle Changes on Radiographs and Magnetic Resonance Imaging after Anterior or Posterior Percutaneous Endoscopic Cervical Discectomy
Authors: Chang Chun-Pi , Tsou Hsi-Kai , Chen Wen-Hsien , Kao Ting-Hsien , Huang Chih-Wei , Tzeng Chung-Yuh , Chen Tse-Yu , Lin Ruei-Hong
Published: June 2024

Objectives: Cervical disc herniation (CDH) leads to pain, numbness, and potential disability. Percutaneous endoscopic cervical discectomy (PECD) offers an anterior or posterior approach. This study aims to compare postoperative disc height and angle changes one year after PECD, considering both approaches. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the data from patients with CDH who underwent PECD from October 2017 to July 2022. Cervical disc height was measured using the preoperative and one-year postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations. Lordotic angle (LA), global alignment angle (GAA), segmental alignment angle (SAA), and slippage distance (SD) at the surgical level were measured on radiographs in the neutral, flexion, and extension positions. Results: Thirty-eight patients who underwent posterior PECD (PPECD) and five patients who underwent anterior PECD (APECD) were included in the evaluation. The mean age of the patients was 47.4 years (range: 29–69 years). There was a significant difference in the preoperative and one-year postoperative GAA and SAA in extension in the PPECD group (p = 0.003 and 0.031, respectively). The mean decreased disc height one-year postoperative was 1.30 mm in the APECD group and 0.3 mm in the PPECD group by MRI. A significant disc height decrease was observed in the APECD group (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Treating CDH with PPECD or APECD is feasible, as it can relieve symptoms and reduce disability. Stability remained unaffected during the first year after surgery, even though there was an increase in angulation during extension. Despite a significant decrease in disc space following APECD, patients reported significant symptom improvement and no new symptoms.
Rho-Associated Protein Kinase Activity Is Required for Tissue Homeostasis in the Xenopus laevis Ciliated Epithelium
Authors: Khan Fayhaa , Pitstick Lenore , Lara Jessica , Ventrella Rosa
Published: June 2024

Lung epithelial development relies on the proper balance of cell proliferation and differentiation to maintain homeostasis. When this balance is disturbed, it can lead to diseases like cancer, where cells undergo hyperproliferation and then can undergo migration and metastasis. Lung cancer is one of the deadliest cancers, and even though there are a variety of therapeutic approaches, there are cases where treatment remains elusive. The rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK) has been thought to be an ideal molecular target due to its role in activating oncogenic signaling pathways. However, in a variety of cases, inhibition of ROCK has been shown to have the opposite outcome. Here, we show that ROCK inhibition with y-27632 causes abnormal epithelial tissue development in Xenopus laevis embryonic skin, which is an ideal model for studying lung cancer development. We found that treatment with y-27632 caused an increase in proliferation and the formation of ciliated epithelial outgrowths along the tail edge. Our results suggest that, in certain cases, ROCK inhibition can disturb tissue homeostasis. We anticipate that these findings could provide insight into possible mechanisms to overcome instances when ROCK inhibition results in heightened proliferation. Also, these findings are significant because y-27632 is a common pharmacological inhibitor used to study ROCK signaling, so it is important to know that in certain in vivo developmental models and conditions, this treatment can enhance proliferation rather than lead to cell cycle suppression.
Residual-Based Multi-Stage Deep Learning Framework for Computer-Aided Alzheimer’s Disease Detection
Authors: Hassan Najmul , Musa Miah Abu Saleh , Shin Jungpil
Published: June 2024

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) poses a significant health risk globally, particularly among the elderly population. Recent studies underscore its prevalence, with over 50% of elderly Japanese facing a lifetime risk of dementia, primarily attributed to AD. As the most prevalent form of dementia, AD gradually erodes brain cells, leading to severe neurological decline. In this scenario, it is important to develop an automatic AD-detection system, and many researchers have been working to develop an AD-detection system by taking advantage of the advancement of deep learning (DL) techniques, which have shown promising results in various domains, including medical image analysis. However, existing approaches for AD detection often suffer from limited performance due to the complexities associated with training hierarchical convolutional neural networks (CNNs). In this paper, we introduce a novel multi-stage deep neural network architecture based on residual functions to address the limitations of existing AD-detection approaches. Inspired by the success of residual networks (ResNets) in image-classification tasks, our proposed system comprises five stages, each explicitly formulated to enhance feature effectiveness while maintaining model depth. Following feature extraction, a deep learning-based feature-selection module is applied to mitigate overfitting, incorporating batch normalization, dropout and fully connected layers. Subsequently, machine learning (ML)-based classification algorithms, including Support Vector Machines (SVM), Random Forest (RF) and SoftMax, are employed for classification tasks. Comprehensive evaluations conducted on three benchmark datasets, namely ADNI1: Complete 1Yr 1.5T, MIRAID and OASIS Kaggle, demonstrate the efficacy of our proposed model. Impressively, our model achieves accuracy rates of 99.47%, 99.10% and 99.70% for ADNI1: Complete 1Yr 1.5T, MIRAID and OASIS datasets, respectively, outperforming existing systems in binary class problems. Our proposed model represents a significant advancement in the AD-analysis domain.
An Exogenous Risk in Fiscal-Financial Sustainability: Dynamic Stochastic General Equilibrium Analysis of Climate Physical Risk and Adaptation Cost
Authors: Gao Shuqin
Published: June 2024

This research aims to explore the fiscal and public finance viability on climate physical risk externalities cost for building social-economic-environmental sustainability. It analyzes climate physical risk impact on the real business cycle to change the macroeconomic output functions, its regressive cyclic impact alters tax revenue income and public expenditure function; This research also analyzes that the climate physical risk escalates social-economic inequality and change fiscal-financial policy functions, illustrates how the climate damage cost and adaptation cost distorts fiscal-finance cyclical and structural equilibrium function. This research uses binary and multinomial logistic regression analysis, dynamic stochastic general equilibrium method (DSGE) and Bayesian estimation model. Based on the climate disaster compensation scenarios, damage cost and adaptation cost, analyzing the increased public expenditure and reduced revenue income, demonstrates how climate physical risk externalities generate binary regression to financial fiscal equilibrium, trigger structural and cyclical public budgetary deficit and fiscal cliff. This research explores counterfactual balancing measures to compensate the fiscal deficit from climate physical risk: effectively allocating resources and conducting the financial fiscal intervention, building greening fiscal financial system for creating climate fiscal space.
Differential Object Marking in Structurally Complex Contexts in Spanish: Evidence from Bilingual and Monolingual Processing
Authors: Bel Aurora , Benito Rut
Published: June 2024

This study examines whether Differential Object Marking (DOM) realization and word order in relative clauses (RCs) in Spanish affect processing and interpretation among monolinguals and highly proficient Catalan–Spanish bilinguals. RCs are parallel in Catalan and Spanish, but DOM is much more restricted in Catalan than in Spanish, and, interestingly, the distinction between subject and object RCs relies mainly on the presence/absence of DOM. To examine DOM optionality, we concentrate on the top portion of the animacy scale and test the human/non-human contrast. Exploring these two populations allows us to test whether they resort to different strategies for the following three reasons: (1) bilingualism places an increased burden on memory processes); (2) the partial overlap between both DOM systems might lead to the influence from Catalan into Spanish); and (3) optionality has been proposed to characterize bilingual grammars). Findings from a word-by-word non-cumulative self-paced reading task showed that DOM modulates RC processing. With [+human] obligatorily marked objects, both monolinguals and bilinguals read subject RCs faster than object RCs, suggesting a strategy favoring subject RCs. However, monolinguals solved the interpretation early while processing but bilinguals, despite the more restricted DOM character of Catalan, are sensitive to DOM albeit displaying delayed spill-over effects. With [−human] optionally marked objects, bilinguals performed faster than monolinguals. We suggest that the uneven experience with DOM in Catalan, particularly with the non-standard variety that frequently displays DOM and that our bilinguals also speak in everyday conversations, facilitates bilinguals’ adaptation to the optional marking of non-human objects in Spanish, much in the same manner that they accommodate the presence or absence of DOM with both human and non-human objects in other native language.
Lambert W Functions in the Analysis of Nonlinear Dynamics and Bifurcations of a 2D γ-Ricker Population Model
Authors: Rocha J. Leonel , Taha Abdel-Kaddous , Abreu Stella
Published: June 2024

The aim of this paper is to study the use of Lambert W functions in the analysis of nonlinear dynamics and bifurcations of a new two-dimensional γ-Ricker population model. Through the use of such transcendental functions, it is possible to study the fixed points and the respective eigenvalues of this exponential diffeomorphism as analytical expressions. Consequently, the maximum number of fixed points is proved, depending on whether the Allee effect parameter γ is even or odd. In addition, the analysis of the bifurcation structure of this γ-Ricker diffeomorphism, also taking into account the parity of the Allee effect parameter, demonstrates the results established using the Lambert W functions. Numerical studies are included to illustrate the theoretical results.
Boosting Institutional Identity on X Using NLP and Sentiment Analysis: King Faisal University as a Case Study
Authors: Albarrak Khalied M. , Sorour Shaymaa E.
Published: June 2024

Universities increasingly leverage social media platforms, especially Twitter, for news dissemination, audience engagement, and feedback collection. King Faisal University (KFU) is dedicated to enhancing its institutional identity (ID), grounded in environmental sustainability and food security, encompassing nine critical areas. This study aims to assess the impact of KFU’s Twitter interactions on public awareness of its institutional identity using systematic analysis and machine learning (ML) methods. The objectives are to: (1) Determine the influence of KFU’s Twitter presence on ID awareness; (2) create a dedicated dataset for real-time public interaction analysis with KFU’s Twitter content; (3) investigate Twitter’s role in promoting KFU’s institutional identity across 9-ID domains and its changing impact over time; (4) utilize k-means clustering and sentiment analysis (TFIDF and Word2vec) to classify data and assess similarities among the identity domains; and (5) apply the categorization method to process and categorize tweets, facilitating the assessment of word meanings and similarities of the 9-ID domains. The study also employs four ML models, including Logistic Regression (LR) and Support Vector Machine (SVM), with the Random Forest (RF) model combined with Word2vec achieving the highest accuracy of 100%. The findings underscore the value of KFU’s Twitter data analysis in deepening the understanding of its ID and guiding the development of effective communication strategies.
Bacterial Diversity and Vertical Distribution Patterns in Sandy Sediments: A Study on the Bacterial Community Structure Based on Environmental Factors in Tributaries of the Yangtze River
Authors: Zhang Tian , Wang Weibo , Leng Yifei , Huang Yu , Xiong Wen , Chang Fengyi
Published: June 2024

Bacterial diversity and its distribution characteristics in sediments are critical to understanding and revealing biogeochemical cycles in sediments. However, little is known about the relationship between biogeochemistry processes and vertical spatial distribution of bacterial communities in sandy sediments. In this study, we used fluorescence quantitative PCR, high-throughput sequencing technology and statistical analysis to explore the vertical distribution pattern of bacterial community diversity and its influencing factors in sandy sediments of the Yangtze River Basin. The aim is to enrich the understanding of the ecological characteristics and functions of bacteria in river ecosystems. The results showed that both sediment bacterial abundance and diversity showed a gradual decrease from surface to bottom in the vertical distribution. The main environmental factors that influenced the bacterial distribution pattern were pore water dissolved oxygen (DO), total nitrogen (TN) concentration and sediment nitrogen (N) content. The dominant bacterial species, Massilia and Flavobacterium, are suitable for growth and reproduction in high oxygen and nutrient-richer environments, while Limnobacter prefers low oxygen or anaerobic conditions. The vertical distribution pattern of bacteria and its influencing factors in river sandy sediment found in this study differ from the results in mud sediment, which may be related to the larger granular gap between sandy sediment and the lower content of organic matter. The findings of this study further our understanding of the distribution patterns and ecological preferences of microbial communities in river sediments, providing insights into how these communities may adapt to varying environmental conditions.
Assessment of the Activity of Nitroisoxazole Derivatives against Trypanosoma cruzi
Authors: Moncada-Basualto Mauricio , Saavedra-Olavarría Jorge , Rivero-Jerez Paula , Rojas Cristian , Maya Juan , Liempi Ana , Zúñiga-Bustos Matías , Olea-Azar Claudio , Lapier Michel , Pérez Edwin , Pozo-Martínez Josué
Published: June 2024

The development of new compounds to treat Chagas disease is imperative due to the adverse effects of current drugs and their low efficacy in the chronic phase. This study aims to investigate nitroisoxazole derivatives that produce oxidative stress while modifying the compounds’ lipophilicity, affecting their ability to fight trypanosomes. The results indicate that these compounds are more effective against the epimastigote form of T. cruzi, with a 52 ± 4% trypanocidal effect for compound 9. However, they are less effective against the trypomastigote form, with a 15 ± 3% trypanocidal effect. Additionally, compound 11 interacts with a higher number of amino acid residues within the active site of the enzyme cruzipain. Furthermore, it was also found that the presence of a nitro group allows for the generation of free radicals; likewise, the large size of the compound enables increased interaction with aminoacidic residues in the active site of cruzipain, contributing to trypanocidal activity. This activity depends on the size and lipophilicity of the compounds. The study recommends exploring new compounds based on the nitroisoxazole skeleton, with larger substituents and lipophilicity to enhance their trypanocidal activity.
Design, Synthesis and Bioactivities of Novel Pyridyl Containing Pyrazole Oxime Ether Derivatives
Authors: He Jie , Zhou Beibei , Wang Xinjuan , Chen Qi , Jiang Xiaoqian , Kong Ting , Yao Long , Zhao Yingying , Chen Rong , Xu Ying , Dai Hong
Published: June 2024

In this research, with an aim to develop novel pyrazole oxime ether derivatives possessing potential biological activity, thirty-two pyrazole oxime ethers, including a substituted pyridine ring, have been synthesized and structurally identified through 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and HRMS. Bioassay data indicated that most of these compounds owned strong insecticidal properties against Mythimna separata, Tetranychus cinnabarinus, Plutella xylostella, and Aphis medicaginis at a dosage of 500 μg/mL, and some title compounds were active towards Nilaparvata lugens at 500 μg/mL. Furthermore, some of the designed compounds had potent insecticidal effects against M. separata, T. cinnabarinus, or A. medicaginis at 100 μg/mL, with the mortalities of compounds 8a, 8c, 8d, 8e, 8f, 8g, 8o, 8s, 8v, 8x, and 8z against A. medicaginis, in particular, all reaching 100%. Even when the dosage was lowered to 20 μg/mL, compound 8s also expressed 50% insecticidal activity against M. separata, and compounds 8a, 8e, 8f, 8o, 8v, and 8x displayed more than 60% inhibition rates against A. medicaginis. The current results provided a significant basis for the rational design of biologically active pyrazole oxime ethers in future.
Scrutinising the Conformational Ensemble of the Intrinsically Mixed-Folded Protein Galectin-3
Authors: Anila Midhun Mohan , Rogowski Paweł , Różycki Bartosz
Published: June 2024

Galectin-3 is a protein involved in many intra- and extra-cellular processes. It has been identified as a diagnostic or prognostic biomarker for certain types of heart disease, kidney disease and cancer. Galectin-3 comprises a carbohydrate recognition domain (CRD) and an N-terminal domain (NTD), which is unstructured and contains eight collagen-like Pro-Gly-rich tandem repeats. While the structure of the CRD has been solved using protein crystallography, current knowledge about conformations of full-length galectin-3 is limited. To fill in this knowledge gap, we performed molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of full-length galectin-3. We systematically re-scaled the solute–solvent interactions in the Martini 3 force field to obtain the best possible agreement between available data from SAXS experiments and the ensemble of conformations generated in the MD simulations. The simulation conformations were found to be very diverse, as reflected, e.g., by (i) large fluctuations in the radius of gyration, ranging from about 2 to 5 nm, and (ii) multiple transient contacts made by amino acid residues in the NTD. Consistent with evidence from NMR experiments, contacts between the CRD and NTD were observed to not involve the carbohydrate-binding site on the CRD surface. Contacts within the NTD were found to be made most frequently by aromatic residues. Formation of fuzzy complexes with unspecific stoichiometry was observed to be mediated mostly by the NTD. Taken together, we offer a detailed picture of the conformational ensemble of full-length galectin-3, which will be important for explaining the biological functions of this protein at the molecular level.
Application of the Electrospinning Technique in Electrochemical Biosensors: An Overview
Authors: Liu Jie , Dong Zhong , Huan Ke , He Zhangchu , Zhang Qixian , Deng Dongmei , Luo Liqiang
Published: June 2024

Electrospinning is a cost-effective and flexible technology for producing nanofibers with large specific surface areas, functionalized surfaces, and stable structures. In recent years, electrospun nanofibers have attracted more and more attention in electrochemical biosensors due to their excellent morphological and structural properties. This review outlines the principle of electrospinning technology. The strategies of producing nanofibers with different diameters, morphologies, and structures are discussed to understand the regulation rules of nanofiber morphology and structure. The application of electrospun nanofibers in electrochemical biosensors is reviewed in detail. In addition, we look towards the future prospects of electrospinning technology and the challenge of scale production.
Free Radical Scavenging Effect and Immunomodulatory Activity of Total Saponins Extract of Ginseng Fibrous Roots
Authors: Zhang Peng , Zhang Dongyan , Ma Chuanjie , Wang Ruxia , Wang Weili
Published: June 2024

Ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Mey) is known for its rich saponin compounds and tonic effects. To better utilize the medicinal value of ginseng, this study investigated the extraction process, components, free radical scavenging ability, and immunomodulatory activity of total saponins of ginseng fibrous roots. The response surface methodology was employed to optimize the extraction process of total saponins, and Q-Orbitrap high-resolution liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was used to identify the chemical constituents in the total saponins extract of ginseng fibrous roots (GRS). The results showed that the optimal extraction process was achieved with an ethanol concentration of 68%, a material–solvent ratio of 1:25 mL/g, and an extraction time of 20 min, yielding a total saponin content of 6.34% under these conditions. The extract contained four terpenoid compounds and four polyphenolic compounds. GRS exhibited considerable scavenging activity against DPPH and ABTS radicals, with IC50 values of 0.893 and 0.210 mg/mL, respectively. Moreover, GRS restored immune suppression in mice by increasing white blood cell, red blood cell, and neutrophil counts, and improving the lymphocyte. It also promoted immune system recovery, as evidenced by elevated serum levels of IL-2, IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-1β in mice. GRS is a natural compound with promising potential for developing antioxidants and immunomodulatory foods.
Double-Cabin Galvanic Cell-Synthesizing Nanoporous, Flower-like, Pb-Containing Pd–Au Nanoparticles for Nonenzymatic Formaldehyde Sensor
Authors: Huang Zhao , Tang Zhongsen , Chao Long
Published: June 2024

In this work, a novel formaldehyde sensor was constructed based on nanoporous, flower-like, Pb-containing Pd–Au nanoparticles deposited on the cathode in a double-cabin galvanic cell (DCGC) with a Cu plate as the anode, a multiwalled carbon nanotube-modified glassy carbon electrode as the cathode, a 0.1 M HClO4 aqueous solution as the anolyte, and a 3.0 mM PdCl2 + 1.0 mM HAuCl4 + 5.0 mM Pb(ClO4)2 + 0.1 M HClO4 aqueous solution as the catholyte, respectively. Electrochemical studies reveal that the stripping of bulk Cu can induce underpotential deposition (UPD) of Pb during the galvanic replacement reaction (GRR) process, which affects the composition and morphology of Pb-containing Pd–Au nanoparticles. The electrocatalytic activity of Pb-containing nanoparticles toward formaldehyde oxidation was examined in an alkaline solution, and the experimental results showed that formaldehyde mainly caused direct oxidation on the surface of Pb-containing Pd–Au nanoparticles while inhibiting the formation of CO poison to a large degree. The proposed formaldehyde sensor exhibits a linear amperometric response to formaldehyde concentrations from 0.01 mM to 5.0 mM, with a sensitivity of 666 μA mM−1 cm−2, a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.89 μM at triple signal-to-noise, rapid response, high anti-interference ability, and good repeatability.
Preparation of 4-Amino-3-hydrazino-1,2,4-triazol-5-thiol-Modified Graphene Oxide and Its Greatly Enhanced Selective Adsorption of Gallium in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Zhu Xi , Guo Yong , Zheng Baozhan
Published: June 2024

Efficient recovery of gallium (Ga) from vanadium slag processing residue (VSPR) solution is of great significance for environmental protection and resource utilization, but improving its selective adsorption against the coexisting Sc3+ and In3+ is still challenging. Herein, a novel adsorbent consisting of 4-amino-3-hydrazino-1,2,4-triazol-5-thiol (AHTZT)-modified graphene oxide (GO-AHTZT) was successfully synthesized that exhibits a higher adsorption selectivity for Ga3+ in VSPR solution with coexisting Sc3+ and In3+. Under optimal conditions, the adsorption capacity of GO-AHTZT for Ga3+ can reach 23.92 mg g−1, which is 4.9 and 12.6 times higher than that for Sc3+ (4.87 mg g−1) and In3+ (1.90 mg g−1) adsorption, indicating the excellent anti-interference ability of GO-AHTZT against Sc3+ and In3+. The process and mechanism of Ga3+ adsorption onto GO-AHTZT was also studied and discussed in detail. By measuring the adsorption process and by characterizing the adsorbent before and after adsorption, we demonstrate that the selective interaction between the Ga3+- and N-containing groups in AHTZT is the main reason for the improved adsorption selectivity. This work opens up an avenue for the design and synthesis of highly selective adsorbents for Ga3+ in complex VSPR solutions.
Advancing BiVO4 Photoanode Activity for Ethylene Glycol Oxidation via Strategic pH Control
Authors: Cui Jun-Yuan , Li Tian-Tian , Chen Long , Wang Jian-Jun
Published: June 2024

The photoelectrochemical (PEC) conversion of organic small molecules offers a dual benefit of synthesizing value-added chemicals and concurrently producing hydrogen (H2). Ethylene glycol, with its dual hydroxyl groups, stands out as a versatile organic substrate capable of yielding various C1 and C2 chemicals. In this study, we demonstrate that pH modulation markedly enhances the photocurrent of BiVO4 photoanodes, thus facilitating the efficient oxidation of ethylene glycol while simultaneously generating H2. Our findings reveal that in a pH = 1 ethylene glycol solution, the photocurrent density at 1.23 V vs. RHE can attain an impressive 7.1 mA cm−2, significantly surpassing the outputs in neutral and highly alkaline environments. The increase in photocurrent is attributed to the augmented adsorption of ethylene glycol on BiVO4 under acidic conditions, which in turn elevates the activity of the oxidation reaction, culminating in the maximal production of formic acid. This investigation sheds light on the pivotal role of electrolyte pH in the PEC oxidation process and underscores the potential of the PEC strategy for biomass valorization into value-added products alongside H2 fuel generation.
Carbon Dioxide Solubility in Three Bis Tri (Fluromethylsulfonyl) Imide-Based Ionic Liquids
Authors: Quaye Eric , Henni Amr , Shirif Ezeddin
Published: June 2024

This study delves into the necessity of mitigating carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, focusing on effective capture methods to combat global warming by investigating the solubility of CO2 in three ionic liquids (ILs), 1-Decyl-3-MethylimidazoliumBis (Trifluromethylsulfonyl Imide) [IL1], 1-Hexadecyl-3-Methyl imidazoliumBis (Trifluromethylsulfonyl Imide) [IL2] and Triethytetradecyl Ammonium Bis (Trifluromethylsulfonyl Imide) [IL3]. Solubility experiments were conducted at (30, 50 and 70) °C with pressures up to 1.5 MPa. The research shows [IL2] as the superior candidate for CO2 capture, with its longer alkyl chain, and is confirmed by its lower Henry’s Law constant. Utilizing the Peng Robinson equation of state, the study correlates well with the solubility measurements using three mixing rules. The study reveals promising results for IL1, IL2 and IL3 surpassing all other published ionic liquids including Selexol/Genesorb 1753, except for 1-Methyl-3-octylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide. Insights into the enthalpy and entropy of absorption underscore the significant impact of IL structure on CO2 solubility, emphasizing the potential of tailored ILs for advanced carbon capture strategies. In summary, this research highlights [IL2] as the optimal choice for CO2 capture, offering valuable contributions to the ongoing efforts in combating climate change.