bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Roles, Functions, and Pathological Implications of Exosomes in the Central Nervous System
Authors: Spinelli Sonia , Tripodi Domenico , Corti Nicole , Zocchi Elena , Bruschi Maurizio , Leoni Valerio , Dominici Roberto
Published: February 2025

Exosomes are a subset of extracellular vesicles (EVs) secreted by nearly all cell types and have emerged as a novel mechanism for intercellular communication within the central nervous system (CNS). These vesicles facilitate the transport of proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, and metabolites between neurons and glial cells, playing a pivotal role in CNS development and the maintenance of homeostasis. Current evidence indicates that exosomes from CNS cells may function as either inhibitors or enhancers in the onset and progression of neurological disorders. Furthermore, exosomes have been found to transport disease-related molecules across the blood–brain barrier, enabling their detection in peripheral blood. This distinctive property positions exosomes as promising diagnostic biomarkers for neurological conditions. Additionally, a growing body of research suggests that exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells exhibit reparative effects in the context of neurological disorders. This review provides a concise overview of the functions of exosomes in both physiological and pathological states, with particular emphasis on their emerging roles as potential diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic agents in the treatment of neurological diseases.
Constructing Photoactive Au NP/MXene–BiOCl Moiré Superlattice Nanosheets for Photoelectrochemical Detection of Protein Kinase Activity
Authors: Li Yansen , Chen Jingyao , Yang Chaojie , Fan Wenhao , Chen Qirong , Yang Nan , Deng Pingye , Zhai Wenlei , Yan Zhiyong , Wang Feng
Published: February 2025

A novel photoelectrochemical (PEC) biosensor was proposed by preparing Au NP/MXene–BiOCl Moiré superlattice nanosheets as the probes. Upon irradiation with visible light, the probe exhibited excellent electrical conductivity as well as high photoelectric conversion efficiency. Benefitting from the excellent PEC property of the hybrid probe, sensitive and accurate detection of protein kinase activity was demonstrated with a limit of detection of 0.0029 U mL−1. This study verifies the great PEC potential of MXene hybrid nanomaterials.
Comparative Analysis of Rubberized Asphalt and Traditional Asphalt: Performance, Economic, and Environmental Impacts in Life Cycle
Authors: Labbafi Fateme , Alavi Mohammad Zia , Saadat Farnaz
Published: February 2025

Rubberized asphalt mixtures, including dry-process, wet-process with asphalt rubber binder, and wet-process with terminal blend binder, are superior options for pavement construction compared to conventional hot mix asphalt (HMA). This study compared these mixtures in terms of performance, cost, and environmental impact, considering their expected lifespan. Their performances were assessed through a literature review, the costs for material production and construction were estimated, and the environmental impacts were evaluated using a life cycle assessment (LCA) with the SimaPro software. The results showed that rubberized mixtures, overall, outperformed conventional asphalt by about 25%, making them a viable choice for sustainable pavements. Despite the higher material and construction costs, an economic analysis revealed that rubberized mixtures are more cost-effective in the long term due to their extended service lives. The wet-process rubberized mixture made with asphalt rubber binder proved to be the most cost-effective over the pavement’s lifespan, followed by the terminal blend and dry-process mixtures. The LCA indicated higher environmental impacts during production for rubberized asphalt due to increased fuel consumption and material usage. However, when normalizing emissions over the pavement’s lifespan, the wet-process rubberized mixtures made with asphalt rubber binder exhibit the lowest equivalent CO2 emissions per year, making them the most sustainable option. The comparative approach used in this study highlights the pros and cons of rubberized asphalt mixtures, offering valuable insights for informed decision-making in pavement construction.
Zn-Ferrite and Hematite Dispersed by SBA-15 Silica Grains: Visible Light-Driven Photocatalytic Activity for Advanced Oxidation Process on Amoxicillin
Authors: Jezzini Aya , Davidson Anne , Wallez Gilles , Grenèche Jean-Marc , Hamieh Tayssir , Toufaily Joumana
Published: February 2025

Nanoparticles of ZnFe2O4 and hematite with varied sizes and distributions were synthesized using the two-solvent method (cyclohexane, water) on SBA-15 silica batches. Calcination is performed in air at 700 °C (2 °C/min) with rapid quenching produced catalysts with distinct nanoparticle configurations, namely, internal zinc ferrite and external hematite. The choice of precursor was critical, and nitrate salts yielded only zinc ferrite nanoparticles, while chloride salts produced a mixture of hematite and zinc ferrite. The photocatalytic activity of these materials was evaluated under visible light irradiation from an LED lamp, using O2 from air as an oxidizing agent without the addition of H2O2. Samples enriched with external hematite nanoparticles from chloride precursors achieved the highest activity, decomposing 30% of AMX in 225 min. In contrast, nitrate-derived samples with predominantly internal zinc ferrite nanoparticles exhibited lower catalytic activity. Characterization via TEM, XRD, N2 sorption, and Mössbauer spectroscopy confirmed the structural and magnetic properties of the nanoparticles. Mössbauer spectra, particularly at 12K and under a magnetic field, demonstrated the presence of hematite nanoparticles, distinguishing them from isolated Fe (III) cations. Zinc ferrite nanoparticles exhibited specific magnetic ordering, with Fe ions occupying tetrahedral and octahedral sites. The results demonstrate the critical role of nanoparticle, composition, and positioning in optimizing photocatalytic efficiency for water decomposition.
RUL Prediction for Lithium Battery Systems in Fuel Cell Ships Based on Adaptive Modal Enhancement Networks
Authors: Liu Yifan , Jin Huabiao , Yang Xiangguo , Tang Telu , Luo Jiaxin , Han Lei , Lang Junting , Zhao Weixin
Published: February 2025

With the widespread application of fuel cell technology in the fields of transportation and energy, Battery Management Systems (BMSs) have become one of the key technologies for ensuring system stability and extending battery lifespan. As an auxiliary power source in fuel cell systems, the prediction of the Remaining Useful Life (RUL) of lithium-ion batteries is crucial for enhancing the reliability and efficiency of fuel cell ships. However, due to the complex degradation mechanisms of lithium batteries and the actual noisy operating conditions, particularly capacity regeneration noise, accurate RUL prediction remains a challenge. To address this issue, this paper proposes a lithium battery RUL prediction method based on an Adaptive Modal Enhancement Network (RIME-VMD-SEInformer). By incorporating an improved Variational Mode Decomposition (VMD) technique, the RIME algorithm is used to optimize decomposition parameters for the adaptive extraction of key modes from the signal. The Squeeze-and-Excitation Networks (SEAttention) module is employed to enhance the accuracy of feature extraction, and the sparse attention mechanism of Informer is utilized to efficiently model long-term dependencies in time series. This results in a comprehensive prediction framework that spans signal decomposition, feature enhancement, and time-series modeling. The method is validated on several public datasets, and the results demonstrate that each component of the RIME-VMD-SEInformer framework is both necessary and justifiable, leading to improved performance. The model outperforms the state-of-the-art models, with a MAPE of only 0.00837 on the B0005 dataset, representing a 59.96% reduction compared to other algorithms, showcasing outstanding prediction performance.
Dynamic Modeling of Soil Water Dynamics and Nitrogen Species Transport with Multi-Crop Rotations Under Variable-Saturated Conditions
Authors: Filipović Vilim , Petošić Dragutin , Mustać Ivan , Bogunović Igor , He Hailong , Filipović Lana
Published: February 2025

Excessive application of nitrogen (N) fertilizers in agriculture poses significant environmental risks, notably nitrate leaching into groundwater. This study evaluates soil water dynamics and the transport of urea, ammonium, and nitrate under variable-saturated conditions in a long-term experimental field in Croatia, Europe. Utilizing HYDRUS-1D and HYDRUS-2D models, we simulated water flow and nitrogen transformation and transport across six lysimeter-monitored locations over four years (2019–2023), incorporating diverse crop rotations and N addition. Key modeled processes included nitrification, urea hydrolysis, and nitrate leaching, integrating field-measured parameters and climatic conditions. The models achieved high reliability, with R2 values for water flow ranging from 0.58 to 0.97 and for nitrate transport from 0.13 to 0.97; however, some cases reported lower reliability. Results revealed that nitrate leaching was influenced by precipitation patterns, soil moisture, crop growth stages, and fertilization timing. Peak nitrate losses were observed during early crop growth and post-harvest periods when elevated soil moisture and reduced plant uptake coincided. The findings highlight the importance of optimizing nitrogen application strategies to balance crop productivity and environmental protection. This research demonstrates the effectiveness of numerical modeling as a tool for sustainable nitrogen management and groundwater quality preservation in agricultural systems. It also indicates the need for further development by capturing some of the processes such as identification in the N cycle.
Ecological Compensation and Comprehensive Zoning of Cultivated Land Based on Ecosystem Service Value and Extended Three-Dimensional Ecological Footprint Model: A Case Study of Shandong Province
Authors: Xiang Jia , Niu Junjun
Published: February 2025

At present, with the rapid development of urbanization and industrialization, the contradiction between development and cultivated land protection is exacerbated. Scientifically quantifying ecosystem service value and constructing an ecological compensation mechanism of cultivated land are significant paths for cultivated land protection. This study originates from an extended three-dimensional ecological footprint model, introduces a carbon footprint accounting path, and thoroughly evaluates the sustainable use of farmland ecology. It aimed to accurately calculate the ecosystem service value of farmland, formulate ecological compensation standards, establish an ecological compensation model to measure the total amount of ecological compensation for cultivated land, and delineate the “five-zone map” of ecological compensation for farmland. (1) There is a partial spatial heterotopia phenomenon between ecological consumption and ecological services. (2) In 2022, the ecosystem service value of cultivated land in Shandong Province is high, reaching CNY 78.479 billion. Overall, exported the ecological service value of cultivated land to the outside world. Qingdao, Yantai, and Weihai are farmland ecological compensation zones, with a compensation amount of CNY 71 million. (3) The priority compensation zones are Qingdao and Yantai on the Shandong Peninsula. The priority compensated zones are mainly located in the northern region of Shandong. Exploring ecological compensation for cultivated land ecology at the spatial and temporal scale has important value for ecological protection and security of cultivated land.
Optimizing Water Footprint, Productivity, and Sustainability in Southern Italian Olive Groves: The Role of Organic Fertilizers and Irrigation Management
Authors: Garofalo Pasquale , Gaeta Liliana , Vitti Carolina , Giglio Luisa , Leogrande Rita
Published: February 2025

This modeling study evaluates the combined effects of organic fertilization and irrigation regimes on olive productivity and environmental sustainability in southern Italy. Field experiments were conducted in an organic olive grove (cv. Leccino) under Mediterranean conditions, testing four organic fertilization treatments—biochar (BCH), compost (CMP), dried blood (DB), and a commercial organic fertilizer (CTR)—and two irrigation strategies. The CropWat model was employed to simulate additional irrigation scenarios, ranging from full irrigation (Full; 100% ETc) to rainfed conditions. Results showed that biochar-treated olive groves achieved the highest yields (up to 3756 kg ha−1 under full irrigation), outperforming other treatments, with yields of 3191 kg ha−1 (CMP), 2590 kg ha−1 (DB), and 2110 kg ha−1 (CTR). Deficit irrigation strategies, such as ceasing irrigation during the pit-hardening stage (Red_Farm; 1160 m3 ha−1), reduced water use by 67% compared to Full (3600 m3 ha−1) while maintaining satisfactory yields (3070 kg ha−1 vs. 2035 kg ha−1 on average across all fertilization treatments). Water footprint (WFP) analysis revealed that BCH consistently achieved the lowest WFP values (e.g., 1220 m3 t−1 under Full and 687 m3 t−1 under rainfed conditions), outperforming CTR (1605 m3 t−1), CMP (1645 m3 t−1), and DB (1846 m3 t−1) under full irrigation and 810 m3 t−1, 1219 m3 t−1, and 1147 m3 t−1 with no irrigation water supply. Incremental water productivity (IRincr) and marginal water footprint efficiency (WFPincr) further demonstrated that BCH optimized both productivity and environmental sustainability, with IRincr values of 0.55 kg m−3 and WFPincr values of 1.58 m3 kg−1 (averaged for all water regimes), better than CTR (0.40 kg m−3 and 2.14 m3 kg−1), CMP (0.46 kg m−3 and 1.93 m3 kg−1), and DB (0.38 kg m−3 and 2.32 m3 kg−1). An aggregated scoring system, based on standardized and normalized data, ranked BCH under the Red_Farm irrigation strategy as the most effective management approach, achieving the highest overall score compared to the other fertilizer treatments in combination with the different irrigation strategies, thereby balancing high yields with significant water savings.
RETRACTED: Abbas et al. A Soft Computing View for the Scientific Categorization of Vegetable Supply Chain Issues. Logistics 2022, 6, 39
Authors: Abbas Rizwan , Amran Gehad Abdullah , Hussain Irshad , Ma Shengjun
Published: February 2025

The journal retracts the article titled “A Soft Computing View for the Scientific Categorization of Vegetable Supply Chain Issues” [...]
Microstructure Evolution of Rapid Solidified Invar Alloy
Authors: He Hanxin , Yao Zhirui , Xu Junfeng , Shi Xianzhe , Li Xuyang
Published: February 2025

Invar alloy has a wide range of applications in aerospace and precision instruments. However, the microstructure evolution during rapid solidification is not yet fully understood. In this study, the rapid solidification microstructure of Invar alloy with undercooling ranging from 5 K to 231 K was investigated using optical microscopy, EBSD, and TEM techniques. The results show that, as the undercooling increased from 5 K to 181 K, the microstructure transitioned from large dendrites to columnar grains and finally to small equiaxed grains. When the undercooling ranged from 181 K to 193 K, the grain size suddenly increased before continuing to decrease with further undercooling. EBSD analysis revealed that, for ΔT > 181 K, two distinct types of grains appeared in the microstructure: one larger and the other much smaller. Under low undercooling conditions, the grains grew anisotropically with a preferred orientation, while under high undercooling, there was no apparent preferred growth orientation. Many twin boundaries were observed in the high-undercooling samples, which were further confirmed by TEM analysis. Additionally, both twin boundaries and high-angle grain boundaries increased gradually with undercooling.
Generalization of Liu–Zhou Method for Multiple Roots of Applied Science Problems
Authors: Kumar Sunil , Khatri Monika , Vyas Muktak , Kumar Ashwini , Dhankhar Priti , Jäntschi Lorentz
Published: February 2025

Some optimal and non-optimal iterative approaches for computing multiple zeros of nonlinear functions have recently been published in the literature when the multiplicity θ of the root is known. Here, we present a new family of iterative algorithms for multiple zeros that are distinct from the existing approaches. Some special cases of the new family are presented and it is found that existing Liu-Zhou methods are the special cases of the new family. To check the consistency and stability of the new methods, we consider the continuous stirred tank reactor problem, isentropic supersonic flow problem, eigenvalue problem, complex root problem, and standard test problem in the numerical section and we find that the new methods are more competitive with other existing fourth-order methods. In the numerical section, the error of the new methods confirms their robust character.
Parameter Estimation of a Partially Observed Hypoelliptic Stochastic Linear System
Authors: Ávido Nilton O. B. , Milheiro-Oliveira Paula
Published: February 2025

In this article, we address the problem of the parameter estimation of a partially observed linear hypoelliptic stochastic system in continuous time, a relevant problem in various fields, including mechanical and structural engineering. We propose an online approach which is an approximation to the expectation–maximization (EM) algorithm. This approach combines the Kalman–Bucy filter, to deal with partial observations, with the maximum likelihood estimator for a degenerate n-dimensional system under complete observation. The performance of the proposed approach is illustrated by means of a simulation study undertaken on a harmonic oscillator that describes the dynamic behavior of an elementary engineering structure subject to random vibrations. The unknown parameters represent the oscillator’s stiffness and damping coefficients. The simulation results indicate that, as the variance of the observation error vanishes, the proposed approach remains reasonably close to the output of the EM algorithm, with the advantage of a significant reduction in computing time.
Response and Damage Characteristics of Roadway Wall Under Impact Load Action of Methane Explosion
Authors: Ye Qing , Liu Jialin , Jia Zhenzhen
Published: February 2025

In order to solve the wall damage problem of roadways with deep and high stress in methane explosion accidents, mathematical-physical analysis models for the dynamic response damage of roadway walls were established by LS-Dyna software in this paper, and the models were validated to be effective. The roadway wall displacement, stress, and deformation characteristics under the methane explosion impact load were numerical simulated and the response and damage evolution process of the roadway wall was studied. The results indicate that the model established in this study can reflect the dynamic response damage characteristics of the roadway wall. The damage of the roadway wall caused by the methane explosion impact load was mainly concentrated in the methane accumulation section, but the maximum principal stress of the roadway wall near the methane accumulation section was still high, and the damage possibility was also high. The dynamic response damage of the roadway wall decreased with the increase in the distance from the initiation explosion point. The stress response of the curved part of the roadway roof was the most severe, and the stress response of the side part was second to that of the roof. The stress changes at the corners were significant, but the deformation was small. The bottom plate was minimally affected by the methane explosion impact loads. The arch top and two sides of the roadway were first subjected to significant impact, resulting in a high-pressure zone. The peak pressure of the side part was relatively high, and the difference in peak pressure between the corner and the bottom plate was not significant.
Gut Microbial Signatures Associated with Cryptosporidiosis: A Case Series
Authors: Piazzesi Antonia , Pane Stefania , Romani Lorenza , Toto Francesca , Scanu Matteo , Marsiglia Riccardo , Del Chierico Federica , Cotugno Nicola , Palma Paolo , Putignani Lorenza
Published: February 2025

Cryptosporidium spp. are zoonotic protozoan parasites with a global prevalence, with both gastrointestinal and pulmonary involvement. Though symptoms can often be relatively mild, they can become severe and even fatal in children under five, the elderly, and in immunocompromised individuals, making cryptosporidiosis a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in fragile populations. Furthermore, there is an urgent clinical need for alternative therapies against cryptosporidiosis, as currently available FDA-approved treatments are ineffective in the immunocompromised. Recent evidence in animal models suggests that the gut microbiota (GM) can influence both host and parasite biology to influence the course of Cryptosporidium infection. Here, we present GM profiles in five cases of cryptosporidiosis, associated with varying underlying pathologies. We found that moderate–severe cryptosporidiosis was characterized by a reduction in alpha-diversity and an enrichment of Enterococcus spp., while decreases in Bifidobacterium, Gemmiger, and Blautia were detectable in the milder manifestations of the disease. Our results suggest that severe cryptosporidiosis is associated with a stronger change on the GM than is age or underlying pathology. Together with previously published studies in animal models, we believe that these results suggest that the GM could be a potential therapeutic target for human patients as well, particularly in the immunocompromised for whom anti-Cryptosporidium treatment remains largely ineffective.
A Cytochrome P450 AaCP1 Is Required for Conidiation and Pathogenicity in the Tangerine Pathotype of Alternaria alternata
Authors: Fu Huilan , Li Wenge , Tang Jintian
Published: February 2025

Citrus Alternaria brown spot caused by the necrotrophic fungal pathogen of the tangerine pathotype of Alternaria alternata causes yield losses in global tangerine production. In this study, we focus on a cytochrome P450 monooxygenase encoding gene, Aacp1, for its role in the sporulation, toxin production, and virulence of the tangerine pathotype of Alternaria alternata. Aacp1-deficient mutants (∆Aacp1) produced significantly fewer conidia than the wild-type strain. Chemical assays demonstrated that Aacp1 plays a negative role in resistance to oxidant stress and biosynthesis of ACT toxin. Virulence assays revealed that ΔAacp1 fails to induce necrotic lesions on detached Hongjv leaves. Transcriptomic analyses of WT and ΔAacp1 revealed that many metabolic process genes were regulated. Furthermore, our results revealed a previously unrecognized Aacp1 affected the expression of the gene encoding a naphthalene dioxygenase (AaNdo1) for sporulation and full virulence. Overall, this study revealed the diverse functions of cytochrome P450 monooxygenase in the phytopathogenic fungus.
Numerical Investigation of Transmission and Sealing Characteristics of Salt Rock, Limestone, and Sandstone for Hydrogen Underground Energy Storage in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Cai Peichen , Yin Shunde
Published: February 2025

With the accelerating global transition to clean energy, underground hydrogen storage (UHS) has gained significant attention as a flexible and renewable energy storage technology. Ontario, Canada, as a pioneer in energy transition, offers substantial underground storage potential, with its geological conditions of salt, limestone, and sandstone providing diverse options for hydrogen storage. However, the hydrogen transport characteristics of different rock media significantly affect the feasibility and safety of energy storage projects, warranting in-depth research. This study simulates the hydrogen flow and transport characteristics in typical energy storage digital rock core models (salt rock, limestone, and sandstone) from Ontario using the improved quartet structure generation set (I-QSGS) and the lattice Boltzmann method (LBM). The study systematically investigates the distribution of flow velocity fields, directional characteristics, and permeability differences, covering the impact of hydraulic changes on storage capacity and the mesoscopic flow behavior of hydrogen in porous media. The results show that salt rock, due to its dense structure, has the lowest permeability and airtightness, with extremely low hydrogen transport velocity that is minimally affected by pressure differences. The microfracture structure of limestone provides uneven transport pathways, exhibiting moderate permeability and fracture-dominated transport characteristics. Sandstone, with its higher porosity and good connectivity, has a significantly higher transport rate compared to the other two media, showing local high-velocity preferential flow paths. Directional analysis reveals that salt rock and sandstone exhibit significant anisotropy, while limestone’s transport characteristics are more uniform. Based on these findings, salt rock, with its superior sealing ability, demonstrates the best hydrogen storage performance, while limestone and sandstone also exhibit potential for storage under specific conditions, though further optimization and validation are required. This study provides a theoretical basis for site selection and operational parameter optimization for underground hydrogen storage in Ontario and offers valuable insights for energy storage projects in similar geological settings globally.
Synthesis and Evaluation of the AhR Activity of Indolo[3,2-b]carbazole Derivatives
Authors: Mexia Nikitia , Tsakou Stamatia , Magiatis Prokopios
Published: February 2025

The Aryl-hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR) is implicated in the regulation of several genes, including those encoding CYP1A1. Although it is an orphan receptor, the amount of data about its relationship with skin homeostasis and nosology is constantly increasing. Interestingly, 6-formylindolo[3,2-b]carbazole (6-FICZ), one of the most active AhR inducers and amongst the proposed receptor’s endogenous ligands, has been detected in Malassezia furfur isolates from lesional skin, as well as in skin scales from patients with seborrhoeic dermatitis. Aiming to study the structure–activity relationships of the indolo[3,2-b]carbazole (ICZ) scaffold and to clarify if the formyl group of 6-FICZ has any specific role in AhR induction, a series of analogues of ICZ (substituted at position 6 with methyl, formyl and hydroxymethyl groups) were synthesized and evaluated for their activity on AhR in cell lines of four different species. A new simple method for the synthesis of 6-FICZ was developed. 6-Methylindolo[3,2-b]carbazole (6-MICZ) showed higher activity than 6-FICZ in human, rat and guinea pig cell lines, and all synthesized derivatives showed comparable activity in the mouse cell line. Therefore, the formyl group does not seem to play a significantly specific role in the affinity for AhR, and 6-FICZ seems less likely to be an endogenous ligand.
Harnessing Grape Pomace, a Multifunctional By-Product from the Wine Industry for High-Value Salad Dressings
Authors: Mangiapelo Luciano , Pinna Nicola , Blasi Francesca , Ianni Federica , Verducci Giuseppa , Cossignani Lina
Published: February 2025

Grape pomace (GP) has gained attention for its potential to be valorized into functional foods due to its rich composition of bioactive compounds. In this work, GP has been exploited to develop plant-based mayonnaise alternatives and salad dressings. The influence of the water-to-oil ratio, percentage content of GP, lecithin, and vinegar on the viscosity and physical stability of the obtained emulsions have been investigated by the Design of Experiments. Two formulations, one high-oil (70%) and the second high-water (60%), were further studied for their potential applications. The selected samples were subjected to an accelerated stability test (60 °C for 21 days) to verify the influence of GP on oxidation protection. The high-water sample, combined with 8% GP, showed lower primary (peroxide value < 20 mEq O2/kg fat) and secondary oxidation (anisidine value < 55) parameters than the high-oil sample, highlighting the GP antioxidant activity. The phenolic profile of all samples by HPLC was also determined. Lastly, a sensory analysis was conducted, showing the highest overall acceptability for the oil-rich sample. The obtained results contribute to highlighting the potentiality of GP in the formulation of healthy foods, adopting the zero-waste approach for the full exploitation of this underutilized resource.
Induction Time of Wetting Films Between Air Bubbles and Hydrophobic Particles in the Presence of Dodecyl Amine Hydrochloride: First Principles Model Analysis and Experimental Validation
Authors: Albijanic Boris , Nguyen Anh V. , Ozdemir Orhan , García-Figueroa Arturo A.
Published: February 2025

An attachment of a particle on a bubble is a very complex process due to the surface chemistry of bubbles and particles, and hence it is difficult to describe the bubble–particle attachment mechanism from first principles. This paper focuses on better understanding of the bubble–particle attachment mechanism by predicting induction time from first principles for the glass beads–dodecyl amine hydrochloride (DAH) system. The induction time for the bubble–particle attachment was determined using an optically based attachment timer. The zeta potentials of bubbles and glass particles were measured by the microelectrophoresis method. The contact angle between a bubble and a particle was obtained using atomic force microscopy. In these calculations, the overall disjoining pressure and the overall energy of bubble–particle interactions comprised a sum of the DLVO and non-DLVO contributions. The overall energy of interactions was used to determine the critical film thickness, while the overall disjoining pressure was employed to estimate the wetting film drainage time using the theoretical models. By comparing experimental data and theoretical models for drainage of wetting films, it was found that the attachment of glass particles to air bubbles in the presence of DAH is accelerated due to the mobility of the air–water interface (of the wetting films), which has incorrectly been assumed as rigid (fully immobile) in the classical Stefan–Reynolds theory.
Protolytic Reactions at Electrified TiO2 P25 Interface: Quantitative and Thermodynamic Characterization
Authors: Tombácz Etelka , Nesztor Dániel , Szekeres Márta , Lewandowski Hans , Klumpp Erwin , Gerencsér-Berta Renáta
Published: February 2025

Protolytic reactions on the surface of a titania photocatalyst (TiO2 P25 containing chlorine impurities) were studied using potentiometric and calorimetric acid-base titration. The impurity was removed by either washing or heat treatment. The efficiency of purification was tested by chlorine (TOX) analysis and acid-base titration. Common intersection points of −0.023 and −0.021 mmol/g were obtained for the original and 400 °C heat-treated samples, which are in good agreement with the measured TOX value of 28 mmol/kg. The point of zero charge of the purified sample was determined to be 6.50. Titration data were fitted to simulate protolytic reactions during isothermal calorimetric titrations of purified titania. The evolved heat was measured, and data points were corrected with the heat of mixing and neutralization. The quantity of charged surface species formed in each step of titration was calculated using the parameters from the constant capacitance model fit. The partial molar enthalpy values of the exothermic and endothermic processes of surface protonation (ΔHpr, −17.47 to −16.10 kJ/mol) and deprotonation (ΔHdepr, 32.53 to 27.08 kJ/mol) depend slightly on the ionic strength of suspensions. The average standard enthalpy of one proton transfer reaction is −23.54 ± 1.75 kJ/mol, which is consistent with the literature.
Ultra-Sensitive Nanoplatform for Detection of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Using Silica-Coated Gold Nanoparticles with Enzyme-Formed Quantum Dots
Authors: Yu Seona , Choi Jaewon , Ahn Yu-Rim , Kim Minse , Kim Nanhyeon , Lee Hwunjae , Kim Hyun-Ouk
Published: February 2025

A fluorescence-based detection platform was developed for brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a key biomarker of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). This platform utilizes localized surface plasmon resonance effects resulting from the interactions between silica-coated gold nanoparticles (Au@SiO2) and enzymatically synthesized quantum dots (QDs). The gold nanoparticles were silica coated via the hydrolysis of tetraethyl orthosilicate, which allowed for precise control over the distance between the nanoparticles and QDs and refined the dynamics of fluorescence quenching and enhancement. Antibody conjugation was performed via sequential amination and carboxylation, followed by EDC/NHS coupling. BDNF was detected across a range of concentrations, from 1 ng/mL to 1 ng/mL, using an alkaline phosphatase (ALP)-conjugated polyclonal antibody targeting a secondary epitope of BDNF. The enzymatic hydrolysis of p-nitrophenyl phosphate by immobilized ALP led to the formation of cadmium sulfide QDs, with the fluorescence intensity correlating directly with the BDNF concentration. This platform offers a refined and precise method for detecting BDNF and is a reliable tool for the early diagnosis of AD.
Thermoplastic Phenomena and Morphological Changes upon Fast Pyrolysis of Biomass and Model Compounds
Authors: Cerciello Francesca , Allouis Christophe , Russo Carmela , Freisewinkel Erik , Tarlinski David , Apicella Barbara , Schiemann Martin , Scherer Viktor , Senneca Osvalda
Published: February 2025

The work reports preliminary results on the morphological changes that biomass particles experience at high heating rates in a heated strip reactor (HSR) at T = 1000–1600 °C under an inert atmosphere. Samples included a natural lignocellulosic biomass (pinewood) as well as biomass components: cellulose, hemicellulose (xylan) and lignin. On top of that, reference compounds have been investigated, namely naphthalene pitch, a paraffinic wax and glucose. During the heat-up phase, the investigated biomass mainly retains the original morphology and size, while the single components exhibit different behaviors. Hemicellulose undergoes a fluid stage and eventually forms millimetric spherical char particles. Cellulose does not become fully fluid but softens and forms millimetric char aggregates of different shapes. Lignin particles hardly soften and stick together in a curved slab. Comparison with model compounds allows us to infer that the degree of melting and the viscosity of the melt are responsible for the final particle shape. In fact, naphthalene pitch and glucose appear to be more viscous during pyrolysis and lead to the formation of three-dimensional columns a few millimeters high. Wax undergoes extensive melting, but the relatively low viscosity and the absence of crosslinking reactions eventually lead only to the formation of droplets.
Fragmentation and Isomerization Pathways of Natural and Synthetic Cannabinoids Studied via Higher Collisional Energy Dissociation Profiles
Authors: Selwe Kgato P. , Shaikh Ambar S. A. , Uleanya Kelechi O. , Dessent Caroline E. H.
Published: February 2025

Cannabinoid molecules are the family of molecules that bind to the cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) of the human body and cause changes in numerous biological functions including motor coordination, emotion, and pain reception. Cannabinoids occur either naturally in the Cannabis Sativa plant or can be produced synthetically in the laboratory. The need for accurate analytical methods for analyzing cannabinoid molecules is of considerable current importance due to demands for detecting illegal cannabinoids and for monitoring the manufacture of popular, non-illegal cannabinoid products. Mass spectrometry has been shown to be an optimum technique for identifying cannabinoids. In this work, we perform Higher Collisional Dissociation (HCD) mass spectrometric measurements on an Orbitrap Fusion Tribrid Mass Spectrometer to measure the collision-energy-dependent molecular fragmentation pathways of a group of key cannabinoids and their metabolites (cannabidiol, Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol, 11-Hydroxy-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, 11-nor-9-Carboxy-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabidiolic acid, tetrahydrocannabinolic acid), along with two synthetic cannabinoids (JWH-018 and MDMB-FUBINACA). This is the first time that cannabinoid molecules have been studied using energy-resolved HCD methods. We identified a number of common, primary fragmentation pathways, including loss of water, loss of other small neutral molecule units (e.g., butene), and rupture of the central C-C bond that links the aromatic and alkyl ring groups. Quantum chemical calculations are presented to provide insights into preferred protonation sites and to characterize isomerization of protonated open-ring cannabinoids (e.g., [CBDA + H]+) into closed-ring analogues (e.g., [THCA + H]+). A key result to emerge from our study is that energy-resolved HCD measurements are particularly valuable in identifying isomerization, since the isobaric pairs of molecular ions studied here (e.g., [CBDA + H]+ and [THCA + H]+) are associated with identical HCD profiles indicating that isomerization of one structure into the other has occurred during the electrospray–mass spectrometry process. This is an important result as it will have general applicability to other tautomeric ions and thus demonstrates the application of energy-resolved HCD as a tool for identifying tautomerization proclivity.
Theoretical Investigation of Elastic, Electronic, and Thermodynamic Properties of Half-Heusler Semiconductors ZrNiPb and ZrPdPb Under Pressure
Authors: Chen Xiaorui , Zhang Xin , Shao Zhibin , Gao Jianzhi , Pan Minghu
Published: February 2025

The half-Heusler semiconductors ZrNiPb and ZrPdPb have attracted considerable attention due to their excellent thermoelectric performance, owing largely to their appropriate energy bandgap. However, the bandgap is sensitive to pressure, which may influence their thermoelectric behavior. In this study, the effects of pressure on the elastic, electronic, and thermodynamic properties of the half-Heusler semiconductors ZrNiPb and ZrPdPb are investigated based on first-principles calculations combined with the quasi-harmonic Debye model. After verifying their structural, dynamic, and mechanical stability, we found a small indirect bandgap of 0.36 eV for ZrNiPb and 0.49 eV for ZrPdPb, and they increase with increasing pressure. According to the obtained elastic modulus, ZrNiPb and ZrPdPb become more and more ductile as the pressure increases. In addition, the thermodynamic properties of ZrNiPb and ZrPdPb are investigated using the quasi-harmonic Debye model, as implemented in the Gibbs program, which will provide a reference for the experiment.
Protective Effect of Carbon Dots Derived from Salvia miltiorrhiza Pretreatment in Acute Myocardial Infarction in Rats
Authors: Dong Liyang , Li Menghan , Cao Tianyou , Zhao Yafang , Wang Shuxian , Zou Peng , Zhang Yue , Qu Huihua , Zhao Yan , Kong Hui
Published: February 2025

Acute myocardial infarction is an ischemic injury of the myocardium caused by an imbalance in the blood supply to myocardial tissues, which poses a serious threat to human life and health. Oxidative stress has been recognized as a significant contributor to acute myocardial infarction. Salvia miltiorrhiza Carbonisata (SMC) is among the most frequently employed herbal remedies for the treatment of acute myocardial infarction; however, the exact identity of its principal active constituents is not well defined. Research indicates that carbon dots (CDs) exhibit significant biological properties. Consequently, we initially synthesized carbon dots (CDs) from Salvia miltiorrhiza Carbonisata, with the objective of exploring how SMC-CDs mitigate isoproterenol (ISO)-induced myocardial infarction (MI) in rats. The results showed that the pretreatment with SMC-CDs markedly enhanced compromised cardiac function, mitigated myocardial fibrosis and the infiltration of inflammatory cells, decreased the size of the infarct, and suppressed cardiomyocyte apoptosis. Furthermore, the antioxidant properties of myocardial tissue were enhanced, and oxidative stress caused by free radicals was effectively mitigated by SMC-CDs, which succeeded in reducing levels of myocardial enzymes and elevating the activity of relevant ATPases. This implies that SMC-CDs could be a potential candidate for novel nanomedicine strategies designed to address cardiovascular ailments.
Repercussions of the Maternal Obesogenic Diet on the Oxidative Balance and Pancreatic Metabolism in Male Juvenile Offspring
Authors: de Almeida Oliveira Wellington , Santiago de Moura Silva Gizele , Nascimento da Silva Ramon , Oliveira Santos José Winglinson , da Silva Pacheco Leticia , de Araújo Correia Deisiane , Teixeira Beltrão de Lemos Maria Daniele , Amanajás de Aguiar Júnior Francisco Carlos , dos Prazeres Oliveira Thaynan Raquel , Jacques Lagranha Claudia , Pinheiro Fernandes Mariana
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: The consumption of diets with high fat, salt, and sugar content has been associated with increasing the risk of developing a range of pathologies, including cardiovascular disease, obesity, and diabetes. Furthermore, there is growing evidence to suggest a relationship between variation in the nutritional environment and pancreatic dysregulation, which may be a consequence of oxidative stress. This study aimed to examine the effects of a high-fat, high-carbohydrate (obesogenic) maternal diet during pregnancy and lactation on the metabolic health and pancreatic structure of rat offspring. Methods: Pregnant rats were divided into two groups: one fed a standard diet and the other an obesogenic diet. After weaning, male pups from both groups were fed the same diet until they were 30 days old, which is when they were euthanized. Results: Metabolic and murinometric changes: Increased body weight and pancreas size, elevated blood glucose and cholesterol levels, and reduced glucose tolerance (which is indicative of the beginning of insulin resistance). Oxidative stress: Higher levels of oxidative damage markers and decreased antioxidants in the pancreas, suggesting a state of oxidative stress in this organ. Changes in pancreatic structure: Increased size and number of pancreatic islets and decreased size and number of pancreatic acini. Conclusions: A maternal obesogenic diet induces metabolic alterations, increases oxidative stress, and causes changes in the structure of the pancreas in rat offspring, suggesting a higher risk of developing metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes in adulthood.
Nutritional Management for Chronic Liver Disease—Current Trends and Future Prospects
Authors: Himoto Takashi
Published: February 2025

It has been well established that numerous nutritional factors, including macronutrients and micronutrients, are involved in the pathophysiology of chronic liver diseases [...]
Otorhinolaryngology 2025: What’s Hot and What’s Not?
Authors: Szczepek Agnieszka J.
Published: February 2025

Prologue [...]
Non-Extensive Aspects of Gluon Distribution and the Implications for QCD Phenomenology
Authors: Moriggi Lucas S. , Machado Magno V. T.
Published: February 2025

This study presents new insights into gluon transverse momentum distributions through non-extensive statistical mechanics, addressing their implications for QCD phenomenology. The saturation physics and scaling laws present in high-energy collision data are investigated as a consequence of gluon distribution modification in a high-density regime. This analysis explores how these modifications influence observables across different collision systems, such as proton–proton, proton–nucleus, and relativistic heavy-ion collisions. Both particle high- and low-transverse-momentum regions are successfully described in hadron production.
Enhancing Cassava Starch Bioplastics with Vismia guianensis Alcoholic Extract: Characterization with Potential Applications
Authors: Santos Josiel F. , Silva Crystian Willian C. , Silva Barbara P. G. , Britto-Costa Pedro H. , Costa Cleidilane S. , Otubo Larissa , Carbonari Artur W. , Cabrera-Pasca Gabriel A.
Published: February 2025

This work investigates the incorporation of Vismia guianensis alcoholic extract (EAVG) into cassava starch, with the aim of improving its bioplastic properties. Cassava starch was dissolved into distilled water and doped with 0.2%, 0.5%, and 1.0% EAVG under a temperature controlled at the gelatinization point (∼70 °C) and then cast to form bioplastics. The resulting samples were characterized via attenuated total reflectance/Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR/FTIR), thermogravimetric and differential thermal analysis (TGA-DTA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM/EDS), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and mechanical essays, providing insights into chemical composition, thermal stability, crystallinity, surface morphology, and mechanical properties. The results demonstrated that EAVG played an effective role, enhancing the flexibility and stability of the bioplastic with potential use in biomedical applications. Moreover, the results also showed significant improvements in mechanical and thermal properties, suggesting that EAVG is a valuable addition to bioplastics. Therefore, EAVG presents a pathway for advancing bioplastics with enhanced mechanical, thermal, and functional characteristics, with the potential for further advancements in these fields.
Technical and Economic Analysis of a Novel Integrated Energy System with Waste Tire Pyrolysis and Biogas
Authors: Xin Cheng , Liu Jun , Chen Tianqiong , Chen Heng , Huo Huijuan , Wang Shuo , Wang Yudong
Published: February 2025

To reduce dependence on fossil fuels, cope with the growing energy demand, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, this paper innovatively designs a novel integrated energy system integrating anaerobic digestion of animal manure, fuel cell technology, gas turbine, and tire pyrolysis. The system maximizes the energy potential of biogas while synergistically treating waste tires, improving waste management’s flexibility, efficiency, and economic viability through multiple outputs such as electricity and by-products, subsystem synergies, equipment sharing, and economies of scale. Thermodynamic performance and economic feasibility are analyzed using Aspen Plus V14 simulation modeling, ensuring the system’s technical and economic viability. In this study, the simulation model of the system is established, and the techno-economic benefits of the system are analyzed. The simulation results show that the net electric power output of the system is 444.79 kW. Combined with the contribution of pyrolysis products, the system’s total efficiency reaches 70.88%. In only 4.79 years, the initial investment can be recovered, and in its 25-year service life, the system has realized a profit of 2,939,130 USD. The system realizes the energy and quality matching between different thermal processes through indirect collaborative treatment of different solid wastes, improves the conversion efficiency of biogas energy, co-treats waste tires, and reduces environmental pollution.