bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of Green Finance in Fostering the Sustainability of the Economy and Renewable Energy Supply: Recent Issues and Challenges
Authors: Mavlutova Inese , Spilbergs Aivars , Verdenhofs Atis , Kuzmina Jekaterina , Arefjevs Ilja , Natrins Andris
Published: November 2023

Nowadays, European countries, while implementing the goals of sustainable development, are trying to be energy secure by reducing energy consumption and switching to renewable energy sources; the issue of green bonds is essential in the financing of these projects. This study aims to investigate the current situation and trends in green finance, identifies its problems and challenges, as well as determines the importance of green bonds in sustainability in general and renewable energy supply in particular. The authors conducted a bibliometric analysis of green finance and renewable energy, followed by an extensive literature review identifying the benefits and challenges of green bond investments, continued with an empirical study that included hypothesis testing and the creation and analysis of the EU countries clusters, which have not been sufficiently studied to date. A study examining trends in green finance, identifying its benefits and challenges, found that green bond investments have a positive impact on carbon reduction and renewable energy supply in the EU OECD countries, and cluster analysis of the European OECD countries indicated a positive relationship between economic performance and overall ESG risk.
Optimum Design of a Reusable Spacecraft Launch System Using Electromagnetic Energy: An Artificial Intelligence GSO Algorithm
Authors: Gao Huayu , Wei Zheng , Zhang Xiang , Wang Pei , Lei Yuwei , Fu Hui , Zhou Daming
Published: November 2023

Due to its advantages of high acceleration, reusability, environmental protection, safety, energy conservation, and efficiency, electromagnetic energy has been considered as an inevitable choice for future space launch technology. This paper proposes a novel three-level orbital launch approach based on a combination of a traditional two-level orbital launch method and an electromagnetic boost (EMB), in which the traditional two-level orbital launch consists of a turbine-based combined cycle (TBCC) and a reusable rocket (RR). Firstly, a mathematical model of a multi-stage coil electromagnetic boost system is established to develop the proposed three-level EMB-TBCC-RR orbital launch approach, achieving a horizontal take-off–horizontal landing (HTHL) reusable launch. In order to optimize the fuel quality of the energy system, an artificial intelligence algorithm parameters-sensitivity-based adaptive quantum-inspired glowworm swarm optimization (AQGSO)is proposed to improve the performance of the electromagnetic boosting system. Simulation results show that the proposed AQGSO improves the global optimization precision and convergence speed. By using the proposed EMB-TBCC-RR orbital launch system and the optimization approach, the required fuel weight was reduced by about 13 tons for the same launch mission, and the energy efficiency and reusability of the spacecraft was greatly improved. The spacecraft can be launched with more cargo capacity and increased payload. The proposed novel three-level orbital launch approach can help engineers to design and optimize the orbital launch system in the field of electromagnetic energy conversion and management.
Bending Behavior Analysis of Box Beams with the Reinforcement of Composite Materials for Wind Turbine Blades
Authors: Maldonado-Santiago Ofelia , Robles-Ocampo Jose Billerman , Gálvez Eduardo , Sevilla-Camacho Perla Yazmin , de la Cruz Sergio , Rodríguez-Reséndiz Juvenal , Hernández Edwin
Published: November 2023

Wind turbine blades in excessive wind conditions present extreme deflection problems. For this reason, an analysis of the structural response of composite reinforced box beams is developed. For this purpose, reinforced box beams were fabricated to improve the bending strength in the flapwise direction of the wind turbine blades. The box beams were analyzed with three-dimensional models using the Finite Element Method (FEM) and validated with bending tests at four-points and two-points. The box beam meets the characteristics of lightness and mechanical strength. Experimental four-point bending results showed that reinforced cross-sections decrease displacements by 30.09% and increase their stiffness to 43.41% for a box beam without structural reinforcement. In addition, the two-point bending results showed a difference of 18.98% between the displacements of the beams with structural reinforcements. In the FEM analysis, a maximum error of 11.24% was obtained when correlating the maximum displacement value with the experimental results of the beams.
Effects of Myo-Inositol on the Growth Performance, Digestive Enzyme Activity, and Antioxidation of Juvenile Hucho taimen
Authors: Zhang Meiyan , Yang Xing , Wang Changan , Shang Baodi , Zhao Feng , Xu Hong , Xu Qiyou
Published: November 2023

Hucho taimen is a cold-water fish with high economic value. Myo-inositol (MI) can accelerate lipid metabolism and promote growth in fish species. The present study aimed to assess the effect of MI on the growth performance, digestive enzyme activity, and antioxidation of juvenile H. taimen. Accordingly, an 8-week feeding trial was conducted. The results demonstrated that increasing MI concentration promoted growth performance in H. taimen. Among the MI concentrations tested, a dose of 328 mg MI/kg corresponded with the lowest feed conversion ratio (FCR) and the highest growth rate. Compared with fish fed a diet of 128 mg MI/kg, the lipase activity in the pyloric caeca significantly increased in fish fed 528 mg MI/kg, while superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was significantly higher in fish fed 728 mg MI/kg. Consistently, the 128 mg MI/kg diet presented the highest malonaldehyde (MDA) levels. In conclusion, our study revealed that enhanced growth performance, digestive enzyme activity, and antioxidant capacity increased as MI concentration increased. The optimum level of dietary MI in H. taimen was 270–321 mg/kg, based on the FCR and specific growth rate (SGR) on the broken-line regression.
Microsatellite-Marker-Based Evaluation of Stock Enhancement for Kuruma Prawn Penaeus japonicus in Beibu Gulf, South China Sea
Authors: Zhang Mengyi , Zhao Yu , Shan Binbin , Liu Yan , Yang Changping , Wang Liangming , Liu Manting , Xie Qijian , Li Yuan , Zou Jianwei , Sun Dianrong
Published: November 2023

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effect of stock enhancement on Penaeus japonicus (Bate, 1888) in Beibu Gulf, South China Sea, and to investigate whether stock enhancement has genetically affected the natural population of P. japonicus in the Beibu Gulf waters. Five microsatellite loci were used to identify released individuals among recaptured specimens. In total, 13 of the 487 recaptured individuals were found with their corresponding parents for this release of shrimp seedlings, accounting for 2.67% of the total recaptured P. japonicus. Furthermore, it was determined that the genetic differences among the broodstock, released, and recaptured populations of P. japonicus were small and did not cause significant changes in the genetic structure of P. japonicus in the area. In conclusion, the stock enhancement of P. japonicus in Beibu Gulf had a certain effect on resource restoration, and there is no difference in the genetic characteristics obtained by the microsatellite markers compared to the original population in this area.
Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Cross-Tissue Metabolic Pathway Changes in Female Rana dybowskii during Emergence from Hibernation
Authors: Chen Feng , Luan Peixian , Li Manman , Zhang Tianxiang , Shu Yongjun , Hu Guo
Published: November 2023

The brown frog (Rana dybowskii) exhibits a wide distribution and is extensively cultured in northeast China. This species undergoes a prolonged period of hibernation lasting from several months to half a year. The frog’s fallopian tubes are considered a valuable tonic medicine known as “Oviducts Ranae” in traditional Chinese medicine. To enhance comprehension of the molecular mechanism underlying the process of emergence from hibernation, a transcriptome-based comparative analysis was performed on differentially expressed genes (DEGs) across various organs of female frogs during hibernation and upon emergence. The organs examined encompassed the brain, liver, spleen, fallopian tube, and ovary. Subsequently, GO and KEGG enrichment analyses were performed to gain further insights into these DEGs. A total of 51,634 transcripts were identified in all five tissues. The spleen exhibited the highest number of DEGs, with 3651 members, while the liver, brain, and fallopian tube had 3182, 3115, and 3186 DEGs, respectively. The ovary had the lowest number of DEGs, with only 1661. Interestingly, only 45 genes were found to be differentially expressed in all five tissues, and GO enrichment analysis revealed distinct functional differences among the DEGs in the various tissues. Only two meaningful DEG-enriched KEGG pathways, “00310 Lysine degradation” and “05202 Transcriptional misregulation in cancer”, were present in all five tissues, and the pathway “B 09182 Protein families: genetic information processing” was significantly enriched in four tissues except the ovary, and it had the most enriched DEGs. Our findings offer insights to grasp the factors that need to be controlled in the design of overwintering sites and offer a novel perspective for the conservation and management of the overwintering population of female R. dybowskii.
Carbon Footprint of the Pork Product Chain and Recent Advancements in Mitigation Strategies
Authors: Yang Pan , Yu Miao , Ma Xianyong , Deng Dun
Published: November 2023

The carbon footprint of pork production is a pressing concern due to the industry’s significant greenhouse gas emissions. It is crucial to achieve low-carbon development and carbon neutrality in pork production. Thus, this paper reviewed the recent studies about various sources of carbon emissions throughout the current pork production chain; feed production, processing, and manure management are the major sources of carbon emissions. The carbon footprint of the pork production chain varies from 0.6 to 6.75 kg CO2e·kg−1 pig live weight, and the carbon footprint of 1 kg of pork cuts is equivalent to 2.25 to 4.52 kg CO2e. A large reduction in carbon emissions could be achieved simultaneously if combining strategies of reducing transportation distances, optimizing farmland management, minimizing chemical fertilizer usage, promoting organic farming, increasing renewable energy adoption, and improving production efficiency. In summary, these mitigation strategies could effectively decrease carbon emissions by 6.5% to 50% in each sector. Therefore, a proper combination of mitigation strategies is essential to alleviate greenhouse gas emissions without sacrificing pork supply.
Dietary Phenolic Compounds Exert Some of Their Health-Promoting Bioactivities by Targeting Liver X Receptor (LXR) and Retinoid X Receptor (RXR)
Authors: Domínguez-Avila J. Abraham
Published: November 2023

Consuming foods of vegetable origin has been shown to exert multiple health-related effects, many of them attributed to their phenolic compounds. These molecules are known for being bioactive across multiple cells and organs, with documented changes in gene expression being commonly reported. Nuclear receptors are signal transducers capable of regulating gene expression in response to endogenous and/or exogenous ligands. Liver X receptor (LXR) and retinoid X receptor (RXR) are two important nuclear receptors that can be acted on by phenolic compounds, thereby modifying gene expression and potentially exerting numerous subsequent bioactivities. The present work summarizes recent evidence of the effects of the phenolic compounds that are exerted by targeting LXR and/or RXR. The data show that, when LXR is being targeted, changes in lipid metabolism are commonly observed, due to its ability to regulate genes relevant to this process. The effects vary widely when RXR is the target since it is involved in processes like cell proliferation, vitamin D metabolism, and multiple others by forming heterodimers with other transcription factors that regulate said processes. The evidence therefore shows that phenolic compounds can exert multiple bioactivities, with a mechanism of action based, at least in part, on their ability to modulate the cell at the molecular level by acting on nuclear receptors. The data point to a promising and novel area of study that links diet and health, although various unknowns justify further experimentation to reveal the precise way in which a given phenolic can interact with a nuclear receptor.
The Hepatic Antisteatosis Effect of Xanthohumol in High-Fat Diet-Fed Rats Entails Activation of AMPK as a Possible Protective Mechanism
Authors: Atteia Hebatallah Husseini , AlFaris Nora A. , Alshammari Ghedeir M. , Alamri Eman , Ahmed Salwa Fares , Albalwi Renad , Abdel-Sattar Sahar Abdel-Latif
Published: November 2023

Obesity is the leading cause of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease by provoking hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, insulin resistance, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Low activity of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is linked to obesity, liver injury, and NAFLD. This study involves examining if the anti-steatosis effect of Xanthohumol (XH) in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed rats involves the regulation of AMPK. Adult male rats were divided into five groups (n = 8 each) as control (3.85 kcal/g); XH (control diet + 20 mg/kg), HFD (4.73 kcl/g), HFD + XH (20 mg/kg), and HFD + XH (30 mg/kg) + compound c (cc) (0.2 mg/kg). All treatments were conducted for 12 weeks. Treatment with XH attenuated the gain in body weight, fat pads, fasting glucose, and insulin in HFD rats. It also lowered serum leptin and free fatty acids (FFAs) and improved glucose and insulin tolerances in these rats. It also attenuated the increase in serum livers of liver marker enzymes and reduced serum and hepatic levels of triglycerides (TGs), cholesterol (CHOL), FFAs, as well as serum levels of low-density lipoproteins cholesterol (LDL-c) oxidized LDL-c. XH also reduced hepatic levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), nuclear accumulation of NF-κB, and the levels of tumor necrosis-factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) while stimulating the nuclear levels of Nrf2 and total levels of glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) in these HFD-fed rats. At the molecular levels, XH increased hepatic mRNA expression and phosphorylation of AMPK (Thr72) and reduced the expression of lipogenic genes SREBP1c and ACC-1. In concomitance, XH reduced hepatic liver droplet accumulation, reduced the number of apoptotic nuclei, and improved the structures of nuclei, mitochondria, and rough endoplasmic reticulum. Co-treatment with CC, an AMPK inhibitor, completely abolished all these effects of XH. In conclusion, XH attenuates obesity and HFD-mediated hepatic steatosis by activating hepatic AMPK.
Fabrication of Whey Protein Isolate-Pectin Nanoparticles by Thermal Treatment: Effect of Dynamic High-Pressure Treatment
Authors: Im Sohyeon , Jones Owen Griffith , Choi Seung Jun
Published: November 2023

This study investigated the impact of dynamic high-pressure (DHP) treatment on the ability of whey protein isolate (WPI) to form associative complexes with pectin and to form aggregate particles after their subsequent heat treatment. Light scattering showed that DHP treatments disrupted preexisting WPI aggregates and assembled pectin chains. Complexes formed from WPI/pectin mixtures at pH 4.5 were an order of magnitude smaller when formed after DHP treatment, regardless of the degree of esterification. WPI/pectin complexes formed after DHP treatment were more stable against subsequent pH neutralization than complexes formed without DHP treatment, and WPI/high-methoxyl pectin (HMP) complexes had greater stability than WPI/low-methoxyl pectin (LMP) complexes. WPI/pectin particles prepared by thermal treatment of complexes at pH 4.5 were also smaller when prepared after DHP treatment. WPI/HMP particles were stable to subsequent pH neutralization, while WPI/LMP particles became larger after neutralization.
Drying Technique Providing Maximum Benefits on Hydrogelling Ability of Avocado Seed Protein: Spray Drying
Authors: Abdullah Bakhtiyar Azad , Basyigit Bulent , Karaaslan Mehmet
Published: November 2023

The current study focused on creating natural hydrogels consisting of mixtures of avocado seed proteins dried with different techniques and locust bean gum. Proteins were extracted from avocado seed by alkali and isoelectric precipitation methods. Avocado seed proteins were dried by five different drying methods, namely ambient drying, oven drying, vacuum drying, freeze drying, and spray drying. FT-IR spectra were used to analyze the chemical structure of proteins dried using various techniques. Additionally, hydrogel models were constructed in the presence of avocado seed proteins and locust bean gum to clarify the effect of drying techniques on their hydrogelling ability. The impact of drying techniques on the functional behavior of hydrogels was notable. The maximum water holding capacity values were detected in the hydrogel system containing spray-dried proteins (93.79%), followed by freeze-dried (86.83%), vacuum-dried (76.17%), oven-dried (72.29%), and ambient-dried (64.8%) counterparts. The swelling ratio was 34.10, 33.51, 23.05, 18.93, and 14.39% for gels in the presence of freeze-dried, spray-dried, vacuum-dried, oven-dried, and ambient-dried proteins, respectively. Additionally, the desirable values for the amount of protein leaking from the systems prepared using spray-dried (7.99%) and freeze-dried (12.14%) proteins were obtained compared to others (ambient-dried: 24.03%; oven-dried: 17.69%; vacuum-dried: 19.10%). Superior results in terms of textural properties were achieved in hydrogel models containing spray-dried and freeze-dried proteins. In general, hydrogel models exhibited elastic behavior rather than viscous properties; however, the magnitudes of elasticity varied. Furthermore, the success of gels containing hydrogel models containing spray-dried protein and locust bean gum in the bioactive compound delivery system was obvious compared with protein ones alone.
Investigating the Impact of Mechanical Properties and Cell-Collagen Interaction on NIH3T3 Function: A Comparative Study on Different Substrates and Culture Environments
Authors: Cho A Yeon , Lee Hyun Jong
Published: November 2023

This study investigates the intricate dynamics of matrix stiffness, substrate composition, and cell–cell interactions and elucidates their cumulative effects on fibroblast behavior in different culture contexts. Three primary substrate types were examined: non-coated, collagen-coated, and collagen hydrogel, within both two-dimensional (2D) monolayer and three-dimensional (3D) spheroid cultures. The research provides several key insights. First, 3D spheroid culture, which promotes robust cell–cell interactions, emerges as a critical factor in maintaining fibroblast functionality. Second, substrate stiffness significantly influences results, with the soft collagen hydrogel showing superior support for fibroblast function. Notably, fibroblasts cultured on collagen hydrogel in 2D exhibit comparable functionality to those in 3D, highlighting the importance of substrate mechanical properties. Third, surface composition, as exemplified by collagen coating, showed a limited effect compared to the other factors studied. These findings provide a basis for innovative applications in regenerative medicine, tissue engineering, and drug testing models, and offer valuable insights into harnessing the potential of fibroblasts and advancing biomedical sciences.
Natural H2 Emissions in Colombian Ophiolites: First Findings
Authors: Carrillo Ramirez Alejandra , Gonzalez Penagos Felipe , Rodriguez German , Moretti Isabelle
Published: November 2023

The exploration of natural H2 or white hydrogen has started in various geological settings. Ophiolitic nappes are already recognized as one of the promising contexts. In South America, the only data available so far concerns the Archean iron-rich rocks of the Mina Gerais in Brazil or the subduction context of Bolivia. In Colombia, despite government efforts to promote white hydrogen, data remain limited. This article introduces the initial dataset obtained through soil gas sampling within the Cauca-Patia Valley and Western Cordillera, where the underlying geology comprises accreted oceanic lithosphere. In this valley, promising areas with H2 potential were identified using remote sensing tools, in particular vegetation anomalies. The Atmospherically Resistant Vegetation Index (ARVI) appears to be well adapted for this context and the field data collection confirmed the presence of H2 in the soil in all pre-selected structures. The valley undergoes extensive cultivation, mainly for sugar cane production. While H2 emissions lead to alterations in vegetation, unlike reports from other countries, they do not result in its complete disappearance. Soil gas measurements along the thrusts bordering the Cauca Valley also show high H2 content in the fault zones. In the valley, the presence of sedimentary cover above the ophiolites which are presumably the H2 generating rocks, which addresses the possible presence of reservoirs and seals to define potential plays. Drawing parallels with the Malian case, it could be that the intrusive element could serve as seals.
A Simple Nomogram for Predicting Stroke-Associated Pneumonia in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Lee Youn-Jung , Jang Hee Jung
Published: November 2023

The purpose of this study was to develop a prediction model for stroke-associated pneumonia (SAP) based on risk factors for SAP and to suggest nursing interventions to prevent SAP. In addition, a nomogram was developed to enhance its utility in nursing practice. The retrospective cohort study included 551 patients hospitalized for acute ischemic stroke at a university hospital in South Korea. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire and a review of the electronic medical record (EMR). In the development of a predictive model for SAP, multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that independent risk factors for SAP were age ≥ 65 years, National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score ≥ 7, nasogastric tube feeding, and C-reactive protein (CRP) ≥ 5.0 mg/dL. The logit model was used to construct the SAP prediction nomogram, and the area under the curve (AUC) of the nomogram was 0.94. Furthermore, the slope of the calibration plot was close to the 45-degree line, indicating that the developed nomogram may be useful for predicting SAP. It is necessary to monitor the age, NIHSS score, nasogastric tube feeding status, and CRP level of stroke patients and identify high-risk groups using the developed nomogram to provide active nursing interventions to prevent SAP.
Cucumber Bioassay and HPLC Analysis to Detect Diuron Residues in Remineralized Soils Following Canavalia ensiformis Cultivation as a Phytoremediator
Authors: Araujo Grazielle Rodrigues , da Silva Laryssa Barbosa Xavier , Vaz Valter , Borges Maiara Pinheiro da Silva , Spolidorio Eduardo Scarpari , Mendes Kassio Ferreira
Published: November 2023

The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of rock powder in the phytoremediation of Inceptisol (sandy loam) and Oxisol (clay) contaminated with diuron. Canavalia ensiformis plants were grown in pots containing 7.5 kg of both soils, with doses of 0, 4, and 8 t ha−1 of rock powder. Diuron was applied in doses ranging from 875 to 3500 g of a.i. ha−1. The injury level was assessed at 42 days after emergence (DAE), and the morphological characteristics were assessed at 120 DAE. After phytoremediation, the soil was analyzed using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and by bioassay with cucumber (Cucumis sativus) to detect diuron. In Oxisol, no injury was observed, and the rock powder (4 t ha−1) benefited the growth of C. ensiformis regardless of the dose of diuron. In Inceptisol, the greatest reduction in growth occurred with 3500 g a.i. ha−1 of diuron and 8 t ha−1 of rock powder. Diuron was detected after 120 days in Inceptisol with 2625 g a.i. ha−1 without rock powder and 3500 g a.i. ha−1 with and without rock powder. The cucumber bioindicator in Inceptisol showed an increase in the level of injury as the dose of diuron increased. The rock powder favored the growth of C. ensiformis and was able to phytoremediate high concentrations of diuron, which supports the safe use of this herbicide for weed control, minimizing environmental impacts.
Incorporating Weather Attribution to Future Water Budget Projections
Authors: Martin Nick
Published: November 2023

Weather attribution is a scientific study that estimates the relative likelihood of an observed weather event occurring under different climate regimes. Water budget models are widely used tools that can estimate future water resource management and conservation conditions using daily weather forcing. A stochastic weather generator (WG) is a statistical model of daily weather sequences designed to simulate or represent a climate description. A WG provides a means to generate stochastic, future weather forcing to drive a water budget model to produce future water resource projections. Observed drought magnitude and human-induced climate change likelihood from a weather attribution study provide targets for WG calibration. The attribution-constrained WG approximately reproduces the five-fold increase in probability attributed to observed drought magnitude under climate change. A future (2031–2060) climate description produced by the calibrated WG is significantly hotter, with lower expected soil moisture than the future description obtained from global climate model (GCM) simulation results. The attribution-constrained WG describes future conditions where historical extreme and severe droughts are significantly more likely to occur.
Brevundimonas vesicularis (S1T13) Mitigates Drought-Stress-Associated Damage in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Tran Can Thi My , Al Azzawi Tiba Nazar Ibrahim , Khan Murtaza , Ali Sajid , Moon Yong-Sun , Yun Byung-Wook
Published: November 2023

Drought stress is a significant threat to agricultural productivity and poses challenges to plant survival and growth. Research into microbial plant biostimulants faces difficulties in understanding complicated ecological dynamics, molecular mechanisms, and specificity; to address these knowledge gaps, collaborative efforts and innovative strategies are needed. In the present study, we investigated the potential role of Brevundimonas vesicularis (S1T13) as a microbial plant biostimulant to enhance drought tolerance in Arabidopsis thaliana. We assessed the impact of S1T13 on Col-0 wild-type (WT) and atnced3 mutant plants under drought conditions. Our results revealed that the inoculation of S1T13 significantly contributed to plant vigor, with notable improvements observed in both genotypes. To elucidate the underlying mechanisms, we studied the role of ROS and their regulation by antioxidant genes and enzymes in plants inoculated with S1T13. Interestingly, the inoculation of S1T13 enhanced the activities of GSH, SOD, POD, and PPO by 33, 35, 41, and 44% in WT and 24, 22, 26, and 33% in atnced3, respectively. In addition, S1T13 upregulated the expression of antioxidant genes. This enhanced antioxidant machinery played a crucial role in neutralizing ROS and protecting plant cells from oxidative damage during drought stress. Furthermore, we investigated the impact of S1T13 on ABA and drought-stress-responsive genes. Similarly, S1T13 modulated the production of ABA and expression of AO3, ABA3, DREB1A, and DREB2A by 31, 42, 37, 41, and 42% in WT and 20, 29, 27, 38, and 29% in atnced3. The improvement in plant vigor, coupled with the induction of the antioxidant system and modulation of ABA, indicates the pivotal role of S1T13 in enhancing the drought stress tolerance of the plants. Conclusively, the current study provides valuable insights for the application of multitrait S1T13 as a novel strain to improve drought stress tolerance in plants and could be added to the consortium of biofertilizers.
Personalized Cancer Vaccines Go Viral: Viral Vectors in the Era of Personalized Immunotherapy of Cancer
Authors: Seclì Laura , Leoni Guido , Ruzza Valentino , Siani Loredana , Cotugno Gabriella , Scarselli Elisa , D’Alise Anna Morena
Published: November 2023

The aim of personalized cancer vaccines is to elicit potent and tumor-specific immune responses against neoantigens specific to each patient and to establish durable immunity, while minimizing the adverse events. Over recent years, there has been a renewed interest in personalized cancer vaccines, primarily due to the advancement of innovative technologies for the identification of neoantigens and novel vaccine delivery platforms. Here, we review the emerging field of personalized cancer vaccination, with a focus on the use of viral vectors as a vaccine platform. The recent advancements in viral vector technology have led to the development of efficient production processes, positioning personalized viral vaccines as one of the preferred technologies. Many clinical trials have shown the feasibility, safety, immunogenicity and, more recently, preliminary evidence of the anti-tumor activity of personalized vaccination, fostering active research in the field, including further clinical trials for different tumor types and in different clinical settings.
A Journey to Reach the Ovary Using Next-Generation Technologies
Authors: Nguyen Thuy Truong An , Demeestere Isabelle
Published: November 2023

Although effective in terms of the chances of future live birth, the current methods for fertility preservation, such as oocyte, embryo, or ovarian tissue cryopreservation, cannot be offered to all cancer patients in all clinical contexts. Expanding options for fertility preservation is crucial to addressing the need to encompass all situations. One emerging strategy is pharmacoprotection, a non-invasive approach that has the potential to fill existing gaps in fertility preservation. In addition to the identification of the most effective therapeutic agents, the potential for off-target effects remains one of the main limitations of this strategy for clinical application, particularly when healthy ovarian tissue is targeted. This review focuses on the advances in pharmacoprotective approaches and the challenge of targeting the ovaries to deliver these agents. The unique properties of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) make them an attractive candidate for this purpose. We discuss how AuNPs meet many of the requirements for an ideal drug delivery system, as well as the existing limitations that have hindered the progression of AuNP research into more clinical trials. Additionally, the review highlights microRNA (miRNA) therapy as a next-generation approach to address the issues of fertility preservation and discusses the obstacles that currently impede its clinical availability.
The Effect of Adipocyte-Secreted Factors in Activating Focal Adhesion Kinase-Mediated Cell Signaling Pathway towards Metastasis in Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Mubtasim Noshin , Gollahon Lauren
Published: November 2023

Obesity-associated perturbations in the normal secretion of adipocytokines from white adipocytes can drive the metastatic progression of cancer. However, the association between obesity-induced changes in secretory factors of white adipocytes and subsequent transactivation of the downstream effector proteins impacting metastasis in breast cancer cells remains unclear. Focal adhesion kinase, a cytoplasmic signal transducer, regulates the biological phenomenon of metastasis by activating downstream targets such as beta-catenin and MMP9. Thus, the possible role of phosphorylated FAK in potentiating cancer cell migration was investigated. To elucidate this potential relationship, MCF7 (ER+), MDA-MB-231 (Triple Negative) breast cancer cells, and MCF-10A non-tumorigenic breast cells were exposed to in vitro murine adipocyte-conditioned medium derived from 3T3-L1 MBX cells differentiated to obesity with fatty acid supplementation. Our results show that the conditioned medium derived from these obese adipocytes enhanced motility and invasiveness of breast cancer cells. Importantly, no such changes were observed in the non-tumorigenic breast cells. Our results also show that increased FAK autophosphorylation was followed by increased expression of beta-catenin and MMP9 in the breast cancer cells when exposed to obese adipocyte-conditioned medium, but not in the MCF10A cells. These results indicate that adipocyte-derived secretory factors induced FAK activation through phosphorylation. This in turn increased breast cancer cell migration and invasion by activating its downstream effector proteins beta-catenin and MMP9.
Highly Similar Tetramerization Domains from the p53 Protein of Different Mammalian Species Possess Varying Biophysical, Functional and Structural Properties
Authors: Sakaguchi Shuya , Nakagawa Natsumi , Wahba Haytham M. , Wada Junya , Kamada Rui , Omichinski James G. , Sakaguchi Kazuyasu
Published: November 2023

The p53 protein is a transcriptional regulatory factor and many of its functions require that it forms a tetrameric structure. Although the tetramerization domain of mammalian p53 proteins (p53TD) share significant sequence similarities, it was recently shown that the tree shrew p53TD is considerably more thermostable than the human p53TD. To determine whether other mammalian species display differences in this domain, we used biophysical, functional, and structural studies to compare the properties of the p53TDs from six mammalian model organisms (human, tree shrew, guinea pig, Chinese hamster, sheep, and opossum). The results indicate that the p53TD from the opossum and tree shrew are significantly more stable than the human p53TD, and there is a correlation between the thermostability of the p53TDs and their ability to activate transcription. Structural analysis of the tree shrew and opossum p53TDs indicated that amino acid substitutions within two distinct regions of their p53TDs can dramatically alter hydrophobic packing of the tetramer, and in particular substitutions at positions corresponding to F341 and Q354 of the human p53TD. Together, the results suggest that subtle changes in the sequence of the p53TD can dramatically alter the stability, and potentially lead to important changes in the functional activity, of the p53 protein.
Constant Magnetic Field as a Tool for Modification of the Properties of Polymer Composites with Silicone Rubber Matrix
Authors: Miękoś Ewa , Zieliński Marek , Cichomski Michał , Klepka Tomasz , Czarnecka-Komorowska Dorota , Sroczyński Dariusz , Fenyk Anna
Published: November 2023

The aim of this research was to obtain new polymer composites with a silicone rubber matrix, having favorable mechanical and functional properties. They contained admixtures in the amount of 10% by weight of expanded graphite (EG) or birch bark (BB). Additionally, some composites contained magnetic particles in the form of carbonyl iron in the amount of 20% by weight. The tensile strength, water absorption, frost resistance, surface contact angle, and free surface energy were examined. Microscopic images were taken using the SEM method and the content of some elements in selected microareas was determined using the EDXS method. In the study, a constant magnetic field with magnetic induction B was used, by means of which the properties and structure of polymer composites were modified. Scientific research in the field of polymers is the driving force behind the progress of civilization. Smart materials are able to respond to external stimuli, such as magnetic fields, with significant changes in their properties. The magnetic field affects not only chemical reactions, but also the crystallographic structure and physicochemical properties of the final products. Owing to their unique properties, such materials can be used in the space industry, automotive industry, or electrical engineering.
Symptomatic Carotid Free-Floating Thrombus: About Management of 50 Cases in a Referral Neurovascular Center
Authors: El Harake Sarah , Doche Emilie , Bertolino Julien , Laksiri Nadia , Bartoli Michel , Leclercq Barbara , Suissa Laurent , Sarlon-Bartoli Gabrielle
Published: November 2023

Background: Carotid free-floating thrombus (CFFT) is an uncommon disorder. The aim of this study was to describe a French cohort of CFFT patients. Methods: We conducted a retrospective monocentric study from a Stroke Center among patients admitted for stroke with CFFT. Results: Between January 2017 to December 2019, 2038 ischemic strokes were recorded. A total of 50 patients with CFFT were consecutively included (32 men/18 women). The mean age was 58.2 years (±11.7). Their etiologies were atheroma (46%), carotid dissection and web (20%), hypercoagulability disorders (16%) and arrhythmia (10%). Exclusive medical management was performed in 38 patients (76%): 29 (59.2%) were anticoagulated and 9 (18.4%) received antiplatelets alone in the first week. Surgical intervention was performed in the first 30 days for 11 patients (22%). The main surgical indication was a residual carotid stenosis over 70%. Only three patients had a recurrent stroke in the medical group with anticoagulants. No patients in the antiplatelet group or the surgical group had a recurrent stroke. Conclusions: Our study summarized a large cohort of 50 patients with CFFT. This diagnosis implies the need to search for a local arterial disease and to screen for hypercoagulability states. An initial medical strategy followed by a delayed carotid surgery if the follow-up imaging shows a residual stenosis appears to be safe.
Effect of Carbon and Cooling Rate on the Structure of Hypereutectic High Chromium Cast Iron in the Cast State and after Heat Treatment
Authors: Panichkin Aleksander , Kenzhegulov Aidar , Mamaeva Axaule , Uskenbayeva Alma , Kshibekova Balzhan , Imbarova Akerke , Alibekov Zhasulan
Published: November 2023

The article presents experimental data on the changes in the structural parameters and properties of castings from high-chromium cast iron G-X300CrMo27-1 depending on the carbon content, which ranged from 2.8 to 4.5 wt. %. Castings were obtained under cooling conditions with two cooling rates—0.083–0.117 °C/s and 4.67–5 °C/s. Changes in the structure and properties of these castings after destabilizing annealing and subcritical heat treatment were assessed. Changes in carbon concentration and cooling rate in the crystallization interval have a significant effect on the sizes of primary carbides (Cr, Fe)7C3, and on the fraction of eutectic carbides. The microprobe analysis results indicating the effects of cooling rate on the composition of phases in cast iron castings with carbon contents of 4.2 wt. % are presented. The offset value of the crystallization onset temperature and eutectic point with an increase in the cast iron melt cooling rate from 0.083 to 0.83 °C/s is shown. The changes found in the properties of castings with increases in carbon concentration and cooling rate cannot be unambiguously explained by the transformation of the structure of primary and eutectic carbides and changes in the elemental composition of phases. The composition and condition of the matrix has a significant effect on the hardness, bending strength and abrasion resistance of castings. It is suggested that internal stresses arising in primary and eutectic carbides affect the properties of castings in the cast and heat-treated state.
Remote Sensing Monitoring of Green Tide Disaster Using MODIS and GF-1 Data: A Case Study in the Yellow Sea
Authors: Men Yanzhuo , Liu Yingying , Ma Yufei , Wong Ka Po , Tsou Jin Yeu , Zhang Yuanzhi
Published: November 2023

Satellites with low-to-medium spatial resolution face challenges in monitoring the early and receding stages of green tides, while those with high spatial resolution tend to reduce the monitoring frequency of such phenomena. This study aimed to observe the emergence, evolution, and migratory patterns of green tides. We integrated GF-1 and MODIS imagery to collaboratively monitor the green tide disaster in the Yellow Sea during 2021. Initially, a linear regression model was employed to adjust the green tide coverage area as captured using MODIS imagery. We jointly observed the distribution range, drift path, and coverage area of the green tide and analyzed the drift path in coordination with offshore wind field and flow field data. Furthermore, we investigated the influence of SST, SSS, and rainfall on the 2021 green tide outbreak. The correlations calculated between SST, SSS, and precipitation with the changes in the area of the green tide were 0.43, 0.76, and 0.48, respectively. Our findings indicate that the large-scale green tide outbreak in 2021 may be associated with several factors. An increase in SST and SSS during the initial phase of the green tide established the essential conditions, while substantial rainfall during its developmental stage provided favorable conditions. Notably, the SSS exhibited a close association with the outbreak of the green tide.
ShipGen: A Diffusion Model for Parametric Ship Hull Generation with Multiple Objectives and Constraints
Authors: Bagazinski Noah J. , Ahmed Faez
Published: November 2023

Ship design is a years-long process that requires balancing complex design trade-offs to create a ship that is efficient and effective. Finding new ways to improve the ship design process could lead to significant cost savings in the time and effort required to design a ship, as well as cost savings in the procurement and operation of a ship. One promising technology is generative artificial intelligence, which has been shown to reduce design cycle times and create novel, high-performing designs. In a literature review, generative artificial intelligence was shown to generate ship hulls; however, ship design is particularly difficult, as the hull of a ship requires the consideration of many objectives. This paper presents a study on the generation of parametric ship hull designs using a parametric diffusion model that considers multiple objectives and constraints for hulls. This denoising diffusion probabilistic model (DDPM) generates the tabular parametric design vectors of a ship hull, which are then constructed into a point cloud and mesh for performance evaluation. In addition to a tabular DDPM, this paper details adding guidance to improve the quality of the generated parametric ship hull designs. By leveraging a classifier to guide sample generation, the DDPM produced feasible parametric ship hulls that maintained the coverage of the initial training dataset of ship hulls with a 99.5% rate, a 149× improvement over random sampling of the design vector parameters across the design space. Parametric ship hulls produced using performance guidance saw an average 91.4% reduction in wave drag coefficients and an average 47.9× relative increase in the total displaced volume of the hulls compared to the mean performance of the hulls in the training dataset. The use of a DDPM to generate parametric ship hulls can reduce design times by generating high-performing hull designs for future analysis. These generated hulls have low drag and high volume, which can reduce the cost of operating a ship and increase its potential to generate revenue.
Analytical Solution of Time-Optimal Trajectory for Heaving Dynamics of Hybrid Underwater Gliders
Authors: Vu Mai The , Kim Seong Han , Nguyen Van P. , Xuan-Mung Nguyen , Huang Jiafeng , Jung Dong-Wook , Choi Hyeung-Sik
Published: November 2023

Underwater vehicles have capacity limits for control inputs, within which their time-optimal trajectories (TOTs) can be formulated. In this study, the fastest trajectory for the depth control of a hybrid underwater glider (HUG) was found using buoyancy engines and propellers individually, and the decoupled heave dynamics of the HUG were defined using quadratic hydrodynamic damping. Because buoyancy engines always run at slow speeds, the buoyancy force was formulated based on the constant force rate of the engine. It was assumed that the nominal value of the heave dynamics parameters could be estimated; therefore, the analytical solution of heave dynamics could be formulated using the thrusting saturation and constant buoyancy force rate. Then, the shortest trajectory for depth control of the HUG could be established while considering the actuator saturation. To verify the effectiveness of the TOT in HUG heave dynamics, extensive tracking control simulations following the TOT were conducted. It was found that the proposed TOT helps the HUG reach the desired depth in the shortest arrival time, and its robust depth control showed good tracking performance in the presence of external bounded disturbances.
Process Mining Organization (PMO) Modeling and Healthcare Processes
Authors: Rosa Angelo , Massaro Alessandro
Published: November 2023

Process mining organizatioQn (PMO) is an innovative approach based on artificial intelligence (AI) decision making suitable for designing healthcare processes for human resource (HR) organizations. The proposed work suggests some examples of PMO-based Business Process Modeling and Notation (BPMN) workflows by highlighting the advances in HR management and in risk decrease according to healthcare scenarios. Specifically proposed are different examples of “TO BE” process pipelines related to an upgrade of the organizational healthcare framework, including digital technologies and telemedicine. Important elements are provided to formulate HR management guidelines supporting PMO design. The proposed BPMN workflows are the result of different consulting actions in healthcare institutions based on the preliminary mapping of “AS IS” processes highlighting bottlenecks and needs in HR organization. A pilot experimental dataset is used to show how it is possible to apply AI algorithms providing organization corrective actions. The paper is mainly focused on discussing some validated BPMN models managing HR in the healthcare sector. The methodology is based on the application of the BPMN approach to deploy human resource organizational processes. The results show AI data-driven workflows adopted in healthcare and examples of AI fuzzy c-means outputs addressing organizational actions.