bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Ionic Liquid Electrolyte Additive for High-Performance Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Guan Zeliang , Bai Ling , Du Binyang
Published: December 2023

With the development of mobile electronic devices, there are more and more requirements for high-energy storage equipment. Traditional lithium-ion batteries, like lithium–iron phosphate batteries, are limited by their theoretical specific capacities and might not meet the requirements for high energy density in the future. Lithium–sulfur batteries (LSBs) might be ideal next-generation energy storage devices because they have nearly 10 times the theoretical specific capacities of lithium-ion batteries. However, the severe capacity decay of LSBs limits their application, especially at high currents. In this study, an ionic liquid (IL) electrolyte additive, TDA+TFSI, was reported. When 5% of the TDA+TFSI additive was added to a traditional ether-based organic electrolyte, the cycling performance of the LSBs was significantly improved compared with that of the LSBs with the pure traditional organic electrolyte. At a rate of 0.5 C, the discharge specific capacity in the first cycle of the LSBs with the 5% TDA+TFSI electrolyte additive was 1167 mAh g−1; the residual specific capacities after 100 cycles and 300 cycles were 579 mAh g−1 and 523 mAh g−1, respectively; and the average capacity decay rate per cycle was only 0.18% in 300 cycles. Moreover, the electrolyte with the TDA+TFSI additive had more obvious advantages than the pure organic ether-based electrolyte at high charge and discharge currents of 1.0 C. The residual discharge specific capacities were 428 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles and 399 mAh g−1 after 250 cycles, which were 13% higher than those of the LSBs without the TDA+TFSI additive. At the same time, the Coulombic efficiencies of the LSBs using the TDA+TFSI electrolyte additive were more stable than those of the LSBs using the traditional organic ether-based electrolyte. The results showed that the LSBs with the TDA+TFSI electrolyte additive formed a denser and more uniform solid electrolyte interface (SEI) film during cycling, which improved the stability of the electrochemical reaction.
Laguerre–Freud Equations for the Gauss Hypergeometric Discrete Orthogonal Polynomials
Authors: Fernández-Irisarri Itsaso , Mañas Manuel
Published: December 2023

The Cholesky factorization of the moment matrix is considered for the Gauss hypergeometric discrete orthogonal polynomials. This family of discrete orthogonal polynomials has a weight with first moment given by ρ0=2F1a,bc+1;η. For the Gauss hypergeometric discrete orthogonal polynomials, also known as generalized Hahn of type I, Laguerre–Freud equations are found, and the differences with the equations found by Dominici and by Filipuk and Van Assche are provided.
Our C-Arm-Free Minimally Invasive Technique for Spinal Surgery: The Thoracolumbar and Lumbar Spine—Based on Our Experiences
Authors: Zygogiannis Konstantinos , Tanaka Masato , Sake Naveen , Arataki Shinya , Fujiwara Yoshihiro , Taoka Takuya , Uotani Koji , Askar Abd El Kader Al , Chatzikomninos Ioannis
Published: December 2023

Background and Objectives: The implementation of intraoperative imaging in the procedures performed under the guidance of the same finds its history dating back to the early 1990s. This practice was abandoned due to many deficits and practicality. Later, fluoroscopy-dependent techniques were developed and have been used even in the present time, albeit with several disadvantages. With the recent advancement of several complex surgical techniques, which demand higher accuracy and are in conjunction with the existence of radiation exposure hazard, C-arm-free techniques were introduced. In this review study, we aim to demonstrate the various types of these techniques performed in our hospital. Materials and Methods: We have retrospectively analyzed and collected imaging data of C-arm-free, minimally invasive techniques performed in our hospital. The basic steps of the procedures are described, following with a discussion, along with the literature of findings, enlisting the merits and demerits. Results: MIS techniques of the thoracolumbar and lumbar spine that do not require the use of the C-arm can offer excellent results with high precision. However, several disadvantages may prevail in certain circumstances such as the navigation accuracy problem where in the possibility of perioperative complications comes a high morbidity rate. Conclusions: The accustomedness of performing these techniques requires a steep learning curve. The increase in accuracy and the decrease in radiation exposure in complex spinal surgery can overcome the burden hazards and can prove to be cost-effective.
Transcriptome Identification and Analysis of Fatty Acid Desaturase Gene Expression at Different Temperatures in Tausonia pullulans 6A7
Authors: Gong Dianliang , Cong Hua , Liu Shiyu , Zhang Liang , Wei Tianhui , Shi Xinyue , Wang Zhiwei , Wu Xianyao , Song Jinzhu
Published: December 2023

Tausonia pullulans 6A7 is a low-temperature yeast strain that can produce lipases. Yeast, which is made up of chassis cells, is an important part of synthetic biology, and the use of the lipase-producing properties of T. pullulans 6A7 for the production of fatty acids provides a new pathway for targeted synthesis in yeast cell factories. In this study, we performed RNA-seq on lipase-producing T. pullulans 6A7 at different temperatures (15 °C, 20 °C, 20 °C without corn oil, and 25 °C). Therefore, a total of 8455 differentially expressed genes were screened, and 16 of them were FAD candidate genes. A Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis of group A (15 °C) vs. group D (25 °C) showed that the pathways of fatty acid biosynthesis (map00061) and the biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids (map01040) were significantly enriched. In the proposed temporal analysis of differentially expressed genes among the four temperature modulations, we found differentially expressed genes in nine clusters that had the same expression trends; these genes may be jointly involved in multiple biological processes in T. pullulans 6A7. In addition, we found 16 FAD candidate genes involved in fatty acid biosynthesis, and the expression of these genes had similar expression in the transcriptome trends with the different temperature treatments. These findings will help in future in-depth studies of the function and molecular mechanisms of these important FAD genes involved in fatty acid metabolism in yeast, and they could also be conducive to the establishment of a cellular factory for targeted fatty acid production by using yeast.
Routine Surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 Serostatus in Pediatrics Allows Monitoring of Humoral Response
Authors: Wachter Felix , Knieling Ferdinand , Raming Roman , Simon David , Woelfle Joachim , Hoerning André , Neubert Antje , Rauh Manfred , Regensburger Adrian P.
Published: December 2023

The occurrence of SARS-CoV-2 infections during the pandemic was mainly based on PCR testing of symptomatic patients. However, with new variants, vaccinations, and the changing of the clinical disease severity, knowledge about general immunity is elusive. For public health systems, timely knowledge of these conditions is essential, but it is particularly scarce for the pediatric population. Therefore, in this study, we wanted to investigate the spike and nucleocapsid seroprevalence in pediatric patients using routine residual blood tests collected during the pandemic. This prospective observational study was conducted over seven one-month periods. Herein, the latest four time periods (November 2021, January 2022, March 2022, and May 2022) are depicted. Each patient of a tertiary-care center in Germany was anonymized after collection of clinical diagnosis (ICD-10) and then routinely tested for the respective spike and nucleocapsid SARS-CoV-2 antibody titer. A total of 3235 blood samples from four time periods were included. Spike seroprevalence rose from 37.6% to 51.9% to 70.5% to 85.1% and nucleocapsid seroprevalence from 11.6% to 17.0% to 36.7% to 58.1% in May 2022. In detail, significant changes in seroprevalence between age groups but not between sex or diagnosis groups were found. Quantitative measures revealed rising spike and constant nucleocapsid antibody levels over the pandemic with a half-life of 102 days for spike and 45 days for nucleocapsid antibodies. Routine laboratory assessment of SARS-CoV-2 in residual blood specimens of pediatric hospitals enables monitoring of the seroprevalence and may allow inferences about general immunity in this cohort.
Interaction and Inhibition Mechanism of Sulfuric Acid with Fluorapatite (001) Surface and Dolomite (104) Surface: Flotation Experiments and Molecular Dynamics Simulations
Authors: Chen Aoao , Wang Xuming , Zhang Qin
Published: December 2023

The natural wettability of apatite and dolomite and the effect of sulfuric acid (H2SO4) and sodium oleate (NaOl) on the floatability and wettability of both minerals were studied using single-mineral flotation and contact angle measurement. The flotation experiments demonstrated that adding NaOl, apatite, and dolomite had good floatability. After adding H2SO4, the floatability of apatite decreased significantly. H2SO4 effectively inhibits apatite flotation. Contact angle measurements show that the use of H2SO4 induces a significant difference in surface wettability between apatite and dolomite. The moderate addition of H2SO4 can increase the contact angle of dolomite. In order to study the selective inhibition mechanism of H2SO4 in phosphorite flotation, molecular dynamics simulations (MDSs) were conducted to investigate the interaction between H2SO4 and fluorapatite and dolomite at the atomic–molecular level. The results of MDSs reveal that H2SO4 interacts with Ca sites on both fluorapatite and defective dolomite surfaces, hindering the interaction of NaOl with Ca sites on both mineral surfaces. SO42− ions cannot prevent the interaction of oleate ions with Mg sites on dolomite surface. It is worth mentioning that SO42− ions occupy the defective vacancies formed due to the dissolution of CO32− on the surface of dolomite and interact with Ca sites. The remaining H2SO4 is subsequently adsorbed onto the surface of dolomite. Experimental and simulation results show that, due to the interaction of H2SO4 and NaOl, the surface of apatite can still undergo hydration forming a water molecule layer and maintaining a macroscopic hydrophilic property. In contrast, the oleate ions form an adsorption layer on dolomite transitioning it from a hydrophilic to a hydrophobic state. During the phosphate flotation process, the addition of an appropriate amount of sulfuric acid can further diminish the hydration of the dolomite surface, so that the surface of dolomite is more hydrophobic.
The Synergistic Effect of Biosynthesized Silver Nanoparticles and Phytocompound as a Novel Approach to the Elimination of Pathogens
Authors: Wrońska Natalia , Płaczkowska Sara , Niedziałkowska Katarzyna , Lisowska Katarzyna
Published: December 2023

Due to the wide applications of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), research on their ecological synthesis has been extensive in recent years. In our study, biogenic silver nanoparticles were synthesized extracellularly using the white rot fungus Trametes versicolor via two cultivation methods: static and shaking. The cell filtrate of the fungus was used as a reducing agent in the process of nanoparticle synthesis. Characterization of the obtained nanoparticles was carried out using UV–VIS spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The biosynthesized nanoparticles have antimicrobial potential against pathogenic bacteria, particularly in Gram-negative strains. The bactericidal effect was obtained for E. coli at a concentration of 7 µg/mL. The use of higher concentrations of compounds was necessary for Gram-positive bacteria. Taking into account the problem of the risk of cytotoxicity of AgNPs, combined therapy using a phytochemical was used for the first time, which was aimed at reducing the doses of nanoparticles. The most representative synergistic effect was observed in the treatment of 5 µg/mL silver nanoparticles in combination with 15 µg/mL ursolic acid against E. coli and P. aeruginosa with a bactericidal effect. Moreover, the coadministration of nanoparticles considerably reduced the growth of both Staphylococcus strains, with a bactericidal effect against S. aureus. The viability test confirmed the strong synergistic effect of both tested compounds. Silver nanoparticles synthesized using the T. versicolor showed excellent antibacterial potential, which opens perspectives for future investigations concerning the use of the nanoparticles as antimicrobials in the areas of health.
Application of Accelerated Predictive Stability Studies in Extemporaneously Compounded Formulations of Chlorhexidine to Assess the Shelf Life
Authors: González-González Olga , Ballesteros M. Paloma , Torrado Juan J. , Serrano Dolores R.
Published: December 2023

Industrially fabricated medicines have a well-defined shelf life supported by rigorous studies before their approval for commercialization. However, the shelf life of extemporaneous compounding topical formulations prepared at hospitals tends to be shorter, especially when no data are available to prove a longer stability period. Also, the storage conditions are unknown in many circumstances. Accelerated Predictive Stability (APS) studies have been shown to be a useful tool to predict in a faster and more accurate manner the chemical stability of extemporaneously compounded formulations requiring a minimum amount of formulation, thereby reducing the chemical drug waste per study. Shelf life will be allocated based on scientific data without compromising drug efficacy or safety. In this work, the APS approach was applied to the commercially available Cristalmina® (CR) and an extemporaneously compounded formulation of chlorhexidine (DCHX). A different degradation kinetic was found between DCHX and CR (Avrami vs. zero-order kinetics, respectively). This can explain the different shelf life described by the International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements Registration Pharmaceuticals Human Use (ICH) conditions between both formulations. A predicted stability for the DCHX solution was obtained from the extrapolation of the degradation rate in long-term conditions from the Arrhenius equation. The estimated degradation from the Arrhenius equation for DCHX at 5 °C, 25 °C, and 30 °C at 365 days was 3.1%, 17.4%, and 25.9%, respectively. The predicted shelf life, in which the DCHX content was above 90%, was 26.67 months under refrigerated conditions and 5.75 and 2.24 months at 25 and 30 °C, respectively. Currently, the Spanish National Formulary recommends a shelf life of no longer than 3 months at room temperature for DCHX solution. Based on the predicted APS and confirmed by experimental long-term studies, we have demonstrated that the shelf life of DCHX extemporaneously compounded formulations could be prolonged by up to 6 months.
Effects of Natural Products on Enzymes Involved in Ferroptosis: Regulation and Implications
Authors: Zuo Hua-Li , Huang Hsi-Yuan , Lin Yang-Chi-Dung , Liu Kun-Meng , Lin Ting-Syuan , Wang Yi-Bing , Huang Hsien-Da
Published: December 2023

Ferroptosis is a form of regulated cell death that is characterized by the accumulation of iron-dependent lipid peroxides. The regulation of ferroptosis involves both non-enzymatic reactions and enzymatic mechanisms. Natural products have demonstrated potential effects on various enzymes, including GPX4, HO-1, NQO1, NOX4, GCLC, and GCLM, which are mainly involved in glutathione metabolic pathway or oxidative stress regulation, and ACSL3 and ACSL4, which mainly participate in lipid metabolism, thereby influencing the regulation of ferroptosis. In this review, we have provided a comprehensive overview of the existing literature pertaining to the effects of natural products on enzymes involved in ferroptosis and discussed their potential implications for the prevention and treatment of ferroptosis-related diseases. We also highlight the potential challenge that the majority of research has concentrated on investigating the impact of natural products on the expression of enzymes involving ferroptosis while limited attention is given to the regulation of enzyme activity. This observation underscores the considerable potential and scope for exploring the influence of natural products on enzyme activity.
Nondestructive Metabolomic Fingerprinting: FTIR, NIR and Raman Spectroscopy in Food Screening
Authors: Cebi Nur , Bekiroglu Hatice , Erarslan Azime
Published: December 2023

In recent years, there has been renewed interest in the maintenance of food quality and food safety on the basis of metabolomic fingerprinting using vibrational spectroscopy combined with multivariate chemometrics. Nontargeted spectroscopy techniques such as FTIR, NIR and Raman can provide fingerprint information for metabolomic constituents in agricultural products, natural products and foods in a high-throughput, cost-effective and rapid way. In the current review, we tried to explain the capabilities of FTIR, NIR and Raman spectroscopy techniques combined with multivariate analysis for metabolic fingerprinting and profiling. Previous contributions highlighted the considerable potential of these analytical techniques for the detection and quantification of key constituents, such as aromatic amino acids, peptides, aromatic acids, carotenoids, alcohols, terpenoids and flavonoids in the food matrices. Additionally, promising results were obtained for the identification and characterization of different microorganism species such as fungus, bacterial strains and yeasts using these techniques combined with supervised and unsupervised pattern recognition techniques. In conclusion, this review summarized the cutting-edge applications of FTIR, NIR and Raman spectroscopy techniques equipped with multivariate statistics for food analysis and foodomics in the context of metabolomic fingerprinting and profiling.
Coherent Spin Dynamics of Electrons in CdSe Colloidal Nanoplatelets
Authors: Meliakov Sergey R. , Belykh Vasilii V. , Kalitukha Ina V. , Golovatenko Aleksandr A. , Di Giacomo Alessio , Moreels Iwan , Rodina Anna V. , Yakovlev Dmitri R.
Published: December 2023

Coherent spin dynamics of electrons in CdSe colloidal nanoplatelets are investigated by time-resolved pump–probe Faraday rotation at room and cryogenic temperatures. We measure electron spin precession in a magnetic field and determine g-factors of 1.83 and 1.72 at low temperatures for nanoplatelets with a thickness of 3 and 4 monolayers, respectively. The dephasing time of spin precession T2* amounts to a few nanoseconds and has a weak dependence on temperature, while the longitudinal spin relaxation time T1 exceeds 10 ns even at room temperature. Observations of single and double electron spin–flips confirm that the nanoplatelets are negatively charged. The spin–flip Raman scattering technique reveals g-factor anisotropy by up to 10% in nanoplatelets with thicknesses of 3, 4, and 5 monolayers. In the ensemble with a random orientation of nanoplatelets, our theoretical analysis shows that the measured Larmor precession frequency corresponds to the in-plane electron g-factor. We conclude that the experimentally observed electron spin dephasing and its acceleration in the magnetic field are not provided by the electron g-factor anisotropy and can be related to the localization of the resident electrons and fluctuations of the localization potential.
Pyro-Phototronic Effect Enhanced MXene/ZnO Heterojunction Nanogenerator for Light Energy Harvesting
Authors: Xue Mingyan , Li Fangpei , Peng Wenbo , Zhu Quanzhe , He Yongning
Published: December 2023

The coupling of pyroelectricity, semiconductor, and optical excitation yields the pyro-phototronic effect, which has been extensively utilized in photodetectors. It can also enhance the performance of light energy harvesting nanogenerators. In this work, a pyro-phototronic effect-enhanced MXene/ZnO heterojunction nanogenerator has been successfully demonstrated, which can harvest broadband light energy (from deep UV to near-infrared) and still operate at 200 °C. The morphology of the ZnO layer and the MXene layer’s thickness have been further optimized for better light energy harvesting performance. For the optimized heterojunction nanogenerator, the responsivity can be improved from ~0.2 mA/W to ~3.5 mA/W by pyro-phototronic effect, under 0.0974 mW/cm2 365 nm UV illumination. Moreover, the coupling of pyro-phototronic and piezo-phototronic effects in MXene/ZnO heterojunction nanogenerators has been investigated. The results indicate that only a small tensile strain could improve the nanogenerator’s performance. The working mechanisms have been carefully analyzed, and the modulation of piezoelectric charges on the Schottky barrier height is found to be the key factor. These results demonstrate the enormous potential of the pyro-phototronic effect in light energy harvesting nanogenerators and illustrate the coupling of pyro-phototronic and piezo-phototronic effects for further performance improvement.
The Association between Tooth Loss and Insulin Resistance Mediated by Diet Quality and Systemic Immunoinflammatory Index
Authors: Hao Yaqi , Li Shaoru , Dong Shaojie , Niu Lin
Published: December 2023

(1) Background: Both tooth loss and diabetes have high global prevalence, and both have a significant influence on patients’ general health and quality of life. Previous research has indicated a possible connection between tooth loss and diabetes, but it has been unclear whether tooth loss has an effect on the development of diabetes and how it affects it. We aim to investigate the relationship between insulin resistance (IR) and tooth loss and examine how the systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) level and diet quality mediate it. (2) Methods: The cross-sectional study data were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). After describing and comparing baseline data, we used regression models to evaluate the relationship between IR and tooth loss, diet quality and tooth loss and IR, SII and tooth loss and IR. Furthermore, we applied bootstrapping to test the mediation effect of diet quality and SII between tooth loss and IR. Diet quality is reflected by the HEI (Healthy Eating Index)-2015 score. (3) Results: The total number of subjects included was 8197, with 3861 individuals belonging to the IR group (HOMA-IR ≥ 2.5) and 4336 in the non-IR group (HOMA-IR < 2.5). In the model with all covariates adjusted, tooth loss in the fourth quartile was found to be positively correlated with an increase in HOMA-IR (OR = 1.301; 95% confidence interval (CI) = [1.102, 1.537]; p < 0.001) compared to the first quartile; tooth loss in the fourth quartile correlated with the HEI-2015 score compared to the first quantile (β = −0.121, 95% CI = [−4.839, −2.974], p < 0.001); and the highest number of tooth loss was found to have a significant effect on SII (β = 0.032; 95%CI = [1.777, 47.448]; p < 0.05). Compared to average diet quality, best diet quality acts as a safeguard against elevated HOMA-IR (OR = 0.776; 95% CI = [0.641, 0.939]; p < 0.01); inadequate diet quality is a risk factor (OR = 1.267; 95%CI = [1.138, 1.411]; p < 0.001) conversely. Meanwhile, it can be seen that compared with the first quantile of SII, the highest score is significantly correlated with the higher incidence of IR (OR = 1.363; 95%CI = [1.179, 1.575]; p < 0.001). Diet quality and SII played a partial mediating role in the relationship between HOMA-IR and tooth loss, and the mediating effect ratio for the total effect value was 4.731% and 4.576%, respectively. The mediating effect of SII and diet quality in the association of the relationship between HOMA-IR and tooth loss both was 0.003 (95%CI = [0.001, 0.004]). (4) Conclusions: Our study revealed the relationship between IR and tooth loss, and further explored the mediating role of SII and diet quality between the number of missing teeth and IR, emphasizing that improving diet quality and reducing SII can effectively prevent and treat IR and related diseases. It provides new theoretical support for the study of IR mechanisms and new ideas and approaches to deal with related diseases.
A Computational Method for the Binding Mode Prediction of COX-1 and COX-2 Inhibitors: Analyzing the Union of Coxibs, Oxicams, Propionic and Acetic Acids
Authors: Bello-Vargas Estefany , Leyva-Peralta Mario Alberto , Gómez-Sandoval Zeferino , Ordóñez Mario , Razo-Hernández Rodrigo Said
Published: December 2023

Among the biological targets extensively investigated to improve inflammation and chronic inflammatory conditions, cyclooxygenase enzymes (COXs) occupy a prominent position. The inhibition of these enzymes, essential for mitigating inflammatory processes, is chiefly achieved through Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). In this work, we introduce a novel method—based on computational molecular docking—that could aid in the structure-based design of new compounds or the description of the anti-inflammatory activity of already-tested compounds. For this, we used eight crystal complexes (four COX-1 and COX-2 each), and each pair had a specific NSAID: Celecoxib, Meloxicam, Ibuprofen, and Indomethacin. This selection was based on the ligand selectivity towards COX-1 or COX-2 and their binding mode. An interaction profile of each NSAID was compiled to detect the residues that are key for their binding mode, highlighting the interaction made by the Me group. Furthermore, we rigorously validated our models based on structural accuracy (RMSD < 1) and (R2 > 70) using eight NSAIDs and thirteen compounds with IC50 values for each enzyme. Therefore, this model can be used for the binding mode prediction of small and structurally rigid compounds that work as COX inhibitors or the prediction of new compounds that are designed by means of a structure-based approach.
Podophyllotoxin: Recent Advances in the Development of Hybridization Strategies to Enhance Its Antitumoral Profile
Authors: Miranda-Vera Carolina , Hernández Ángela Patricia , García-García Pilar , Díez David , García Pablo Anselmo , Castro María Ángeles
Published: December 2023

Podophyllotoxin is a naturally occurring cyclolignan isolated from rhizomes of Podophyllum sp. In the clinic, it is used mainly as an antiviral; however, its antitumor activity is even more interesting. While podophyllotoxin possesses severe side effects that limit its development as an anticancer agent, nevertheless, it has become a good lead compound for the synthesis of derivatives with fewer side effects and better selectivity. Several examples, such as etoposide, highlight the potential of this natural product for chemomodulation in the search for new antitumor agents. This review focuses on the recent chemical modifications (2017–mid-2023) of the podophyllotoxin skeleton performed mainly at the C-ring (but also at the lactone D-ring and at the trimethoxyphenyl E-ring) together with their biological properties. Special emphasis is placed on hybrids or conjugates with other natural products (either primary or secondary metabolites) and other molecules (heterocycles, benzoheterocycles, synthetic drugs, and other moieties) that contribute to improved podophyllotoxin bioactivity. In fact, hybridization has been a good strategy to design podophyllotoxin derivatives with enhanced bioactivity. The way in which the two components are joined (directly or through spacers) was also considered for the organization of this review. This comprehensive perspective is presented with the aim of guiding the medicinal chemistry community in the design of new podophyllotoxin-based drugs with improved anticancer properties.
Vulnerability, Embodiment and Emerging Technologies: A Still Open Issue
Authors: Fasoli Annachiara
Published: December 2023

When reflecting on the human condition, vulnerability is a characteristic which is clearly evident, because anyone is exposed to the possibility of being wounded (and is, therefore, vulnerable, from the Latin word "vulnus", wound). In fact, human vulnerability, intended as a universal condition affecting finite and mortal human beings, is closely linked to embodiment, intended as the constitutive bond every human has with a physical body, subject to changes and to the passing of time. In today’s cultural context, permeated by emerging technologies, theories in favor of the so-called human enhancement through the use of the Genetics–Nanotechnology–Robotics (GNR) Revolution or NBIC Convergence technologies, in particular transhumanism, are emerging in the bioethical debate and seem to question the fundamentally vulnerable nature of human beings, by proposing not only abstract theories, but also concrete techno-scientific projects for its overcoming. Such a project, however, could turn out to be fallacious and inconsistent and could lead to ethically unacceptable consequences. Instead, a coherent (and ethical) way of responding to constitutive human vulnerability seems to be its understanding and acceptance.
Synthesis and Application of Hybrid Aluminum Dialkylphosphinates as Highly Efficient Flame Retardants for Polyamides
Authors: Yao Qiang , Cao Weihong , Zhao Yueying , Tang Tianbo
Published: December 2023

Hybrid aluminum dialkylphosphinates were synthesized from mixed diethyl-, ethylisobutyl-, and diisobutylphosphinates and Al3+ in water. The XRD, DSC, and TGA results of these Al phosphinates established that phosphinate ligands are randomly distributed in the species. The thermal and thermoxidative stabilities of the hybrid phosphinates were easily adjustable by varying the ratio of phosphinate ligands, a desirable feature for efficient flame retardants. The hybrid aluminum dialkylphosphinates with a relatively low ratio of diethylphosphinate demonstrated higher efficiency than Al diethylphosphinate and Al diisobutylphosphinate in flame-retarding polyamide 66. Detailed investigations on the thermal and thermoxidative stabilities of Al dialkylphosphinates and the morphologies of char obtained in UL-94 tests revealed that timely vaporization of degradation products of hybrid dialkylphosphinates at a temperature which closely matches the degradation temperature of polyamides and their ability to promote char formation of polyamides are two key factors which contribute to the excellent performance of hybrid aluminum dialkylphosphinates.
Hybrid Polymer–Surfactant Wormlike Micelles for Concurrent Use for Oil Recovery and Drag Reduction
Authors: Kwiatkowski Alexander L. , Molchanov Vyacheslav S. , Chesnokov Yuri M. , Ivankov Oleksandr I. , Philippova Olga E.
Published: December 2023

We report on the effect of a hydrocarbon (n-dodecane) on the rheological properties and shapes of the hybrid wormlike micelles (WLMs) of a surfactant potassium oleate with an embedded polymer poly(4-vinylpyridine). With and without hydrocarbon solutions, the hybrid micelles exhibit the same values of viscosity at shear rates typical for hydraulic fracturing (HF) tests, as solutions of polymer-free WLMs. Therefore, similar to WLMs of surfactants, they could be applied as thickeners in HF fluids without breakers. At the same time, in the presence of n-dodecane, the hybrid micelles have much higher drag-reducing efficiency compared to microemulsions formed in polymer-free systems since they form “beads-on-string” structures according to results obtained using cryo-transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM), dynamic-light scattering (DLS), and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). Consequently, they could also act as drag-reducing agents in the pipeline transport of recovered oil. Such a unique multi-functional additive to a fracturing fluid, which permits its concurrent use in oil production and oil transportation, has not been proposed before.
Optimization Method for Water-Flooded Beach-Bar Sand Bodies: A Case Study of the Fourth Member Red Beds of the Paleogene Shahejie Formation in the Dongying Depression
Authors: Kang Tianxiang , Yin Wen , Wang Jiao , Zhang Yue , Wang Xiaojian , Huang Zeyi
Published: December 2023

As water flooding continues to advance in mature oil fields, conventional well logging curve responses exhibit anomalies, particularly in deep-seated beach-bar thin-layer sand bodies. These sand bodies exhibit strong vertical and planar heterogeneity, which hinders a clear understanding of their distribution and connectivity. This paper conducts a sensitivity analysis of the lower part of the 4th member of the Shahejie Formation in fault block C26, based on core data analysis and the integration of drilling, logging, recording, and production dynamic data. Natural potential and resistivity curves are selected as the sensitive curves for identifying sand bodies. Preliminary processing of well logging curves is carried out using the “standard layer constraint and multi-standardization method comparison” principle. Employing sedimentological research methods and the principles of wavelet transformation, the well logging curves within the study area undergo extraction of both high and low frequencies. This procedure accentuates details related to thin sand bodies and responses indicative of sedimentary cyclicity. Through a thoughtful amalgamation of multiple curves, the investigation achieves a systematic fusion of natural potential curves via multi-curve frequency division fusion, employing reconstruction optimization. This method adeptly mitigates interference stemming from water-flooded layers, effectively addressing challenges such as excessive calibration and ambiguous identification of sand bodies. As a result, a comprehensive analytical approach is established for assessing the distribution and connectivity of deep-seated, beach-bar thin sand bodies influenced by water-flooded layers, providing clarity on the connectivity relationships among the sand bodies. Additionally, in combination with the results of mercury injection experiments in the water-flooded layer segments, favorable reservoir criteria for the study area are determined, providing a scientific basis for adjusting future development plans.
Pore Structure and Fractal Characteristics of Coal Measure Shale in the Wuxiang Block in the Qinshui Basin
Authors: Liu Shunxi , Xue Hongjiao , Zhao Mengyu
Published: December 2023

To study the fractal characteristics of the pore structure and the main controlling factors of coal measure shale in the Wuxiang block in Qinshui Basin, gas adsorption (CO2 and N2), mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP), total organic carbon (TOC) content, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) experiments were carried out. The fractal dimensions of the micropores, mesopores, and macropores were computed by combining the V-S, FHH, and MENGER models. The results show that the fractal dimension increases with the increase in pore size; so, the macropore structure is the most complex. The effects of the TOC content, mineral fractions, and pore structure on the fractal dimensions were analyzed. The results showed that the TOC content certainly correlated with the mesopore fractal dimension, and the R2 is 0.9926. The pore volume and specific surface area show an obvious positive correlation with the macroporous fractal dimension, and their R2 values are 0.6953 and 0.6482, indicating that the macroporous pore structure of coal shale in the study area is more complex. There is a significant positive correlation between kaolinite and the macropore fractal dimension, and the R2 is 0.7295. Therefore, the organic carbon and kaolinite contents and the pore structure parameters are the most important factors affecting the fractal dimension characteristics.
Research on the Prediction of Wax Deposition Thickness on Pipe Walls Based on the Optimal Weighted Combination Model
Authors: Jin Wenbo , Quan Qing , Dai Kemin , Ren Zongxiao , Guan Jing
Published: December 2023

Wax deposition seriously affects the safe and economic operation of pipelines. Mastering the variation laws of wax deposition thickness is the premise of formulating reasonable pigging schemes. Although the GM (1,1) model (a kind of gray model) is an effective method for predicting wax deposition thickness on pipe walls, its prediction accuracy is easily affected by the smoothness of the original sequence. The improved GM (1,1) was established by introducing the idea of translation transformation, and an optimal weighted combination model based on the traditional gray model and a logarithmic function model was proposed. The differences in the predicted results of the established models were compared and analyzed through indoor wax deposition experimental data. The research results indicate that the optimal weighted combination model has the highest fitting accuracy, followed by the logarithmic function model and the improved GM (1,1), while the fitting accuracy of the traditional gray model is poor. When the number of modeling samples is five, the average relative error and root mean square error of the prediction results of the optimal weighted combination model are 1.313% and 0.021, respectively, which shows the highest prediction accuracy. When the number of modeling samples is six, the average relative error and root mean square error of the optimal weighted combination model are 2.143% and 0.031, respectively, and its prediction accuracy is still the highest. Overall, the optimal weighted combination model has the advantages of high accuracy and easy implementation, and has strong promotion and application value.
Latin American and Caribbean Ecotheology: A Kaleidoscope
Authors: Murad Afonso Tadeu , Tavares Sinivaldo Silva
Published: December 2023

The objective of this article is to present Latin American and Caribbean Ecotheology under the evocative image of a kaleidoscope, in which fragments are combined into a kind of mosaic, suggesting different visualizations. Firstly, a discussion is presented on the relationship between Ecotheology and Liberation Theology, as well as the assumptions of an Ecotheological praxis embodied in the spatio-temporal reality of the continent. The article will emphasize that a kaleidoscopic understanding of ecology—understood as science, paradigm and ethos—reimagines the function and tasks of Latin American and Caribbean Ecotheology. This, in dialogue with environmental sciences and operating a virtuous circularity between academic production and pastoral action, is constituted as theory, practice and spirituality. We emphasize the common elements of Ecotheology and will not dwell on different trends and emphases. We will identify some limits and challenges in this process, without intending to provide an exhaustive analysis. Our aim is to establish reciprocal learning dialogues with Ecotheologies from other latitudes and cultures, and thus effectively contribute to the culture of caring for life on the planet.
Leviticus 25—Towards a Common Home and an Integral Ecology
Authors: García Fernández Marta
Published: December 2023

This article aims to show the great potential of the biblical text of the Jubilee (Lev 25:8–22) from a socio-environmental interpretation. To do so, it uses two hermeneutical keys taken from the encyclical Laudato Si’: the common home and integral ecology. As a preamble, this essay dedicates the first section to reinforcing the importance and the wisdom of the metaphor of the home—an image of creation that goes back to antiquity. In the next two sections, it reads the text from the perspective of these two great concepts. With regard to the common home, it starts from the premise that for creation to be a common home, it is necessary for each human being to enjoy a space. From there, it studies how the text of Lev 25 manages the necessary relationship between private property and the universal destination of goods. The second section addresses the need to legislate not only for behavior but for effective and comprehensive conversion. And it shows the mechanisms that the text of Lev 25 uses to achieve this.
Abnormalities in Regional Cerebral Blood Flow Due to Headache in a COVID-19 Infected Patient Observed on 99mTC-ECD Brain SPECT/CT
Authors: Chu Ya-Chun , Chang Shin-Tsu , Chan Hung-Yen , Shen Daniel Hueng-Yuan , Chan Hung-Pin
Published: December 2023

A 31-year-old man was diagnosed with a COVID-19 infection, presenting with a diffuse headache and an uneven sensation of fullness, despite having no prior systemic diseases. 99mTc-ECD Brain SPECT/CT revealed a marked decrease in blood perfusion in the cerebral cortices, predominantly in the frontal region and involving the olfactory sulcus. In contrast, there was increased perfusion in the occipital lobe and asymmetrical perfusion in the cerebellum. This case highlights changes in regional blood flow perfusion that might affect the functional connectivity of the pain matrix, leading to the onset of headaches and associated underlying mechanisms.
Evaluating Feature Selection Methods and Machine Learning Algorithms for Mapping Mangrove Forests Using Optical and Synthetic Aperture Radar Data
Authors: Shen Zhen , Miao Jing , Wang Junjie , Zhao Demei , Tang Aowei , Zhen Jianing
Published: December 2023

Mangrove forests, mostly found in the intertidal zone, are among the highest-productivity ecosystems and have great ecological and economic value. The accurate mapping of mangrove forests is essential for the scientific management and restoration of mangrove ecosystems. However, it is still challenging to perform the rapid and accurate information mapping of mangrove forests due to the complexity of mangrove forests themselves and their environments. Utilizing multi-source remote sensing data is an effective approach to address this challenge. Feature extraction and selection, as well as the selection of classification models, are crucial for accurate mangrove mapping using multi-source remote sensing data. This study constructs multi-source feature sets based on optical (Sentinel-2) and SAR (synthetic aperture radar) (C-band: Sentinel-1; L-band: ALOS-2) remote sensing data, aiming to compare the impact of three feature selection methods (RFS, random forest; ERT, extremely randomized tree; MIC, maximal information coefficient) and four machine learning algorithms (DT, decision tree; RF, random forest; XGBoost, extreme gradient boosting; LightGBM, light gradient-boosting machine) on classification accuracy, identify sensitive feature variables that contribute to mangrove mapping, and formulate a classification framework for accurately recognizing mangrove forests. The experimental results demonstrated that using the feature combination selected via the ERT method could obtain higher accuracy with fewer features compared to other methods. Among the feature combinations, the visible bands, shortwave infrared bands, and the vegetation indices constructed from these bands contributed the greatest to the classification accuracy. The classification performance of optical data was significantly better than SAR data in terms of data sources. The combination of optical and SAR data could improve the accuracy of mangrove mapping to a certain extent (0.33% to 4.67%), which is essential for the research of mangrove mapping in a larger area. The XGBoost classification model performed optimally in mangrove mapping, with the highest overall accuracy of 95.00% among all the classification models. The results of the study show that combining optical and SAR remote sensing data with the ERT feature selection method and XGBoost classification model has great potential for accurate mangrove mapping at a regional scale, which is important for mangrove restoration and protection and provides a reliable database for mangrove scientific management.
Grassland Chlorophyll Content Estimation from Drone Hyperspectral Images Combined with Fractional-Order Derivative
Authors: Zhang Aiwu , Yin Shengnan , Wang Juan , He Nianpeng , Chai Shatuo , Pang Haiyang
Published: December 2023

Chlorophyll plays a critical role in assessing the photosynthetic capacity and health of grasslands. However, existing studies on the hyperspectral inversion of chlorophyll have mainly focused on field crops, leading to limited accuracy when applied to natural grasslands due to their complex canopy structures and species diversity. This study aims to address this challenge by extrapolating the measured leaf chlorophyll to the canopy level using the green vegetation coverage approach. Additionally, fractional-order derivative (FOD) methods are employed to enhance the sensitivity of hyperspectral data to chlorophyll. Several FOD spectral indices are developed to minimize interference from factors such as bare soil and hay, resulting in improved chlorophyll estimation accuracy. The study utilizes partial least squares regression (PLSR) and support vector machine regression (SVR) to construct inversion models based on full-band FOD, two-band FOD spectral indices, and their combination. Through comparative analysis, the optimal model for estimating grassland chlorophyll content is determined, yielding an R2 value of 0.808, RMSE value of 1.720, and RPD value of 2.347.
Effect of Short-Term Glycerin Supplementation on Follicle Dynamics and Pregnancy Rate in Goats
Authors: da Silva Caroline Pessoa , Fernandes César Carneiro Linhares , Alves Juliana Paula Martins , de Oliveira Felipe Brener Bezerra , Silva Aline Maia , de Souza Francisco Carlos , Cavalcante Camila Muniz , Conde Alfredo José Ferreira , do Rego Anibal Coutinho , Rondina Davide
Published: December 2023

We investigated the effects of short-term glycerin supplementation on follicular dynamics and pregnancy rates. Twenty-five goats with synchronized estrus and follicular waves with three injections of a prostaglandin analog every 7 days were used. Two days after the second injection, 13 goats were randomly chosen to receive an oral drench of 200 mL of glycerin (glycerin group [GG], n = 13) for 6 days, whereas the remaining 12 animals received an oral drench of saline (control group [CG], n = 12). At 24 and 48 h after the third injection, the goats mated. The animals were kept in a collective stall and received the same diet. The GG had higher blood glucose levels during the supplementation period than the CG (76.4 ± 1.9 vs. 50.3 ± 0.7 mg/dL; p < 0.01). The glycemic peak was recorded 4 h after the glycerin administration (102.3 ± 5.1 mg/dL) and remained higher than that in the CG 8 and 12 h later. The GG goats had a higher rectal temperature, heart rate, and respiratory rate than the CG goats and showed an increase in these parameters 4, 8, and 12 h after glycerin drenching. The GG animals also exhibited increased stress, urination, and drinking behaviors and reduced rumination. The ultrasonographic analysis showed a higher number of follicles with a diameter >4 mm (p < 0.05) and a greater follicular diameter (p < 0.01) in the waves before and after ovulation induction. The pregnancy and twinning rates and litter size at parturition were not different between the groups. Short-term supplementation with glycerin positively affects ovarian stimulation but has no effect on the reproductive response after mating.