bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fingerprint Profile Analysis of Eupolyphaga steleophaga Polypeptide Based on UHPLC-MS and Its Application
Authors: Lai Xin , Song Hongwei , Yan Guangli , Ren Junling , Wang Xijun
Published: January 2025

Background and Objectives: As a medicinal and food homologous substance, Eupolyphaga steleophaga is renowned for its potential health benefits, including anti-tumor effects, immune system support, and anti-inflammatory properties. Eupolyphaga steleophaga polypeptides have demonstrated significant biological activity, including the regulation of coagulation and lipid metabolism. However, the peptide composition of Eupolyphaga steleophaga requires further clarification to facilitate quality control improvements and a deeper investigation into its pharmacological effects. Therefore, this study aimed to simulate the digestive absorption process of Eupolyphaga steleophaga following oral administration and identify its enzymatic components to enhance quality control. Methods: The digestive absorption process was simulated using artificial gastric fluid and pepsin. A fingerprinting method based on ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS)(Acquire UPLC-Synapt G2-Si HDMS, Waters Corporation, Milford, MA, USA) was developed to identify 63 enzymatic components. The enzymolysis polypeptide fingerprint detection method was used to analyze 10 batches of Eupolyphaga steleophaga sourced from Harbin No. 4 Traditional Chinese Medicine Factory. Chromatographic collection was performed using an ACQUITY UPLC BHE C18 column. Gradient elution was carried out using a mixture of 0.1% formic acid with acetonitrile and 0.1% formic acid with water, with an average flow rate of 0.3 mL/min, a column temperature of 40 °C, and an injection volume of 2 μL. The mass spectrometry (MS) conditions were set as follows: the ion source was operated in positive electrospray ionization (ESI+) mode, with a capillary voltage of 2.8 kV and a sampling cone voltage of 40 V. The ion-source temperature was maintained at 110 °C, while the desolvation temperature was set to 400 °C. The cone gas flow rate was 50 L/h, and the desolvation gas flow rate was 800 L/h. The range for the collection of mass-to-charge ratios (m/z) was between 50 and 1200. Results: The UHPLC-MS method demonstrated high accuracy, repeatability, and stability, successfully identifying 63 enzymatic components of Eupolyphaga steleophaga. Furthermore, polypeptide markers for 63 selected components were identified in all 10 batches of Eupolyphaga steleophaga medicinal materials. This approach was validated by including numerical values such as retention times and peak areas, confirming its reliability for quality control enhancement. Conclusions: This novel UHPLC-MS approach serves as a powerful tool for advancing quality control strategies in veterinary medicine, particularly for animal-derived medicines. It lays a solid foundation for subsequent pharmacological studies of Eupolyphaga steleophaga polypeptides, offering a more reliable means to explore their biological activities and therapeutic potential.
Stereoselective Synthesis and Antimicrobial Studies of Allo-Gibberic Acid-Based 2,4-Diaminopyrimidine Chimeras
Authors: Depp Dima , Sebők Noémi Regina , Szekeres András , Szakonyi Zsolt
Published: January 2025

Background: Gibberellins (GAs) are a family of tetracyclic ent-kaurenoid diterpenes found widely in several commonly used plants. Besides agricultural applications, gibberellins play an important role in the synthesis of bioactive compounds, especially those with antiproliferative and antibacterial activity. Methods: A series of gibberellic acid-based 2,4-diaminopyrimidines was designed and synthesized from commercially available gibberellic acid. The antimicrobial activity of the prepared compounds was also explored in B. subtilis, S. aureus, E. coli, and P. aeruginosa bacteria, as well as in C. krusei and C. albicans fungi. Results: The treatment of gibberellic acid with hydrochloric acid under reflux conditions resulted in aromatization followed by rearrangement to form allo-gibberic acid. The key intermediate azido alcohol was prepared according to the literature methods. The second key intermediate azidotriol was synthesized by the stereoselective dihydroxylation of the allylic function by the osmium (VIII)-tetroxide/NMO system. Starting from azide intermediates, click reactions were also carried out with 4-monoamino- and 2,4-diaminopyrimidines functionalized with the N-propargyl group. The new chimeric compounds, coupled with gibberellins thus obtained, were characterized by 1D- and 2D-NMR techniques and HRMS measurements. While the 4-monoamino-substituted derivatives exhibited only weak antibacterial activity, they demonstrated significant antifungal effectiveness against C. krusei. In general, 5-chloro-substituted pyrimidine derivatives displayed more consistent biological activities compared to their 5-fluoro counterparts, with the exception of one derivative, which showed acceptable activity against both C. krusei and C. albicans. The two derivatives featuring 5-chloro and 2-((4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)amino substituents proved to be highly effective against P. aeruginosa, making them promising candidates for further research. Aiming to elucidate the molecular interactions between the active compounds and their potential targets, molecular docking studies were conducted using AutoDock Vina 1.1.2. involving the most active compounds against P. aeruginosa.Conclusions: The biological effects of 2-monoamino or 2,4-diamino substitution as well as the effect of chloro or fluoro substitution at position 5 of the pyrimidine ring combined with the allo-gibberic acid moiety were determined. Compounds with selective antibacterial activity against P. aeruginosa as well as selective antifungal activity against C. krusei and C. albicans fungi were identified.
Production of Prophylactic Nanoformulation for Dental Caries and Investigation of Its Effectiveness by In Vitro and In Silico Methods
Authors: Budama-Kilinc Yasemin , Kurtur Ozan Baris , Gok Bahar , Kecel-Gunduz Serda , Alpay-Karaoglu Sengul , Yılmaz Atalı Pınar , Kartal Murat
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to develop cinnamon bark essential oil (CEO), orange peel essential oil(OEO) and the combination of these two essential oils (OEO-CEO) loaded PLGA nanoparticles to prevent dental caries and to investigate their effectiveness in silico and in vitro methods. Methods: EO loaded PLGA nanoparticles were produced by single emulsion method. Detailed characterization studies were performed using different methods, and the controlled release profile was obtained. The antibacterial activity of the developed formulations was investigated on S. mutans and L. casei strains by in vitro and in silico methods. Additionally, the interaction mechanisms of EOs with DNA were evaluated. Results: Our findings showed that the average droplet size of EO-loaded PLGA nanoparticles varied between 243.1 ± 0.60 nm and 219 ± 4.49 nm, while PdI values varied between 0.069 ± 0.039 and 0.032 ± 0.01. In addition, the developed nanoparticles had high encapsulation efficiency (85.14% to 66.28%) and released the active ingredient in a continuous and controlled manner. Ames test showed that the genotoxicity of EOs was eliminated due to the encapsulation of EOs in PLGA nanoparticles and antibacterial tests showed that OEO-CEO-loaded PLGA nanoparticles were effective on L. casei and S. mutans. The antibacterial activity of EOs was also supported by in silico studies. Finally, it was revealed that EOs showed potential as antibacterial agents by interacting with DNA. Conclusions: The results showed that OEO-CEO-loaded PLGA nanoparticles have the potential to be a suitable nanoformulation for developing mouthwash or toothpaste for the prevention and treatment of dental caries.
Highly Efficient Polarization-Insensitive Grating Couplers on Thin-Film Lithium Niobate with an Integrated Gold Layer
Authors: Sultan Alaa , Khalil Mostafa , Mehravar Leila , Xu Chang-qing
Published: January 2025

The thin-film lithium niobate platform, which is emerging as a promising photonic integration platform, currently lacks a polarization-insensitive grating coupler (GC), a crucial component for polarization-independent fiber interfaces. This limitation restricts its use in many applications, such as polarization-insensitive modulation systems and polarization management. In this study, we propose a polarization-insensitive nonuniform GC, achieved by intersecting optimal TE- and TM-mode grating periods. Based on our simulation results, the proposed design delivers a coupling efficiency (CE) of 80% for TE and 78.5% for TM polarization, with a polarization-dependent loss of less than 0.14 dB at a wavelength of 1550 nm. The inserted gold layer, i.e., that inside the substrate layer, boosts the CEs of the optimal TE- and TM-mode GC by about 50%, resulting in a highly efficient, polarization-insensitive solution. This advancement enables on-chip polarization diversity applications on the thin-film lithium niobate platform. We also investigate the fabrication and alignment tolerances of the proposed design to ensure robust performance under practical conditions.
Determining Sources of Air Pollution Exposure Inequity in New York City Through Land-Use Regression Modeling of PM2.5 Constituents
Authors: Pitiranggon Masha , Johnson Sarah , Spira-Cohen Ariel , Eisl Holger , Ito Kazuhiko
Published: January 2025

Differences in exposures and resources to manage personal health contribute to persistent inequities in air pollution burden despite vast air quality improvements over the past 2–3 decades in the United States. These factors are, partly, linked to historic racist practices, such as redlining, a discriminatory housing policy that was practiced legally between 1935 and 1968. Using 100 m × 100 m resolution land-use regression predicted surfaces of PM2.5 constituents (black carbon, nickel, vanadium, and copper) as pollution source indicators, we fit Bayesian generalized linear mixed-effects models to examine differences in source exposures over two study periods, 2008–2015 and 2016–2019, comparing (1) redlined to not redlined and (2) high-asthma to low-asthma neighborhoods. We examine redlining as an indicator of historical, and structural racism and asthma rates as an indicator of present-day community burden. Redlined areas saw near elimination of disparities in exposure to residual oil boilers and marine residual oil but persistent disparities in traffic. High-asthma neighborhoods continue to have disproportionately high exposures to both residual oil boilers and traffic, with no discernable disparities related to marine residual oil emissions. Overall exposure disparities are small, with PM2.5 disparities by both asthma morbidity and redlining amounting to less than 1 µg/m3 and NO2 disparities by asthma and redlining amounting to less than 2 ppb in the post-2016 period. For context, 2019 NYC average PM2.5 and NO2 were 8.5 µg/m3 and 20 ppb, respectively. Our findings suggest that local pollution policy should focus on reducing traffic and building boiler emissions in high-asthma neighborhoods to reduce exacerbations.
Highly Stretchable Conductive Hydrogel-Based Flexible Triboelectric Nanogenerators for Ultrasensitive Tactile Sensing
Authors: Huang Shan , Wang Weibin , Yang Chao , Liu Jianguo , Li Kangshuai , Zhou Lina , Zhang Hao , Zhang Dongzhi
Published: January 2025

Wearable electronic devices have shown great application prospects in the fields of tactile sensing, electronic skin, and soft robots. However, the existing wearable electronic devices face limitations such as power supply challenges, lack of portability, and discomfort, which restrict their applications. The invention of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) with dual functions of energy harvesting and sensing provides an innovative solution to address these issues. This study prepared a highly stretchable conductive hydrogel using doped conducting polymer poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) as a strain sensor, demonstrating high sensitivity (GF = 4.31), an ultra-wide sensing range (0–1690%), ultra-fast response speed (0.15 s), excellent durability, and repeatability. A high-performance triboelectric nanogenerator was constructed using the hydrogel as an electrode, achieving an output performance of up to 192 V. Furthermore, the TENG fixed in the hands, wrists, legs, and feet of the human body can be used as a wearable electronic device to monitor human motion, which is conducive to promoting the development of triboelectric nanogenerators based on conductive hydrogels in strain sensors and self-powered wearable devices.
Physicochemical Properties of Nanoencapsulated Essential Oils: Optimizing D-Limonene Preservation
Authors: Mori-Mestanza Diner , Valqui-Rojas Iraida , Caetano Aline C. , Culqui-Arce Carlos , Cruz-Lacerna Rosita , Cayo-Colca Ilse S. , Castro-Alayo Efraín M. , Balcázar-Zumaeta César R.
Published: January 2025

Essential oils exhibit antioxidant properties but are prone to oxidative degradation under environmental conditions, making their preservation crucial. Therefore, the purpose of this work was to evaluate the physicochemical properties of nanoencapsulated essential oils (EOs) extracted from the peel of sweet lemon, mandarin, lime, and orange using four formulations of wall materials consisting of gum arabic (GA), maltodextrin (MD), and casein (CAS). The results showed that EOs from sweet lemon, mandarin, lime, and orange showed higher solubility (79.5% to 93.5%) when encapsulated with GA/MD. Likewise, EOs from sweet lemon showed the highest phenolic content when using GA/CAS (228.27 mg GAE/g sample), and the encapsulated EOs of sweet lemon and mandarin with GA/MD/CAS (1709 and 1599 μmol TE/g) had higher antioxidant capacity. On the other hand, higher encapsulation efficiency was obtained in EOs of lime encapsulated with GA/MD (68.5%), and the nanoencapsulates of EOs from sweet lemon with GA/MD had higher D-limonene content (613 ng/mL). Using gum arabic and maltodextrin increased the encapsulation efficiency and D-limonene content in EO of sweet lemon. On the other hand, the formulations with casein were the most efficient wall materials for retaining D-limonene from the EOs of mandarin, lime, and orange.
Lead (Pb) Contamination in Soil and Plants at Military Shooting Ranges and Its Mitigation Strategies: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Alasmary Zafer
Published: January 2025

Heavy metals, especially lead (Pb), is the major cause of pollution in the military shooting range soils. Bullets, which are primarily made of Pb, are a substantial source of this pollution. On speciation, this Pb is distributed into its different metal forms. Different physicochemical properties of the soil like pH, moisture content, cation exchange capacity (CEC), and organic matter play a very crucial role in the distribution, transformation, and bioavailability of the Pb. The concentration of Pb found in different shooting ranges is examined. Moreover, bullet weathering and the availability of contaminants in the soil are influenced by the physicochemical properties of the soil. For the management of firing range pollution, a variety of strategies have been investigated, including soil washing, phytoremediation, and chemical stabilization. This review focus on the pollution status of different shooting ranges, the impact of the physicochemical properties of soil on the distribution, speciation, and transformation of Pb, and different mitigation strategies to control Pb pollution in military shooting ranges.
Extraction and Recovery of Valuable Metals from Waste and Mineral Materials: Editorial Review
Authors: Tesfaye Fiseha , Shen Leiting , Moroz Mykola , Demesa Abayneh Getachew
Published: January 2025

Metals are the anchor of modern civilization and are constituents from infrastructure to electronics [...]
Changes and New Religious Orientations Among Practicing Catholics?
Authors: Moscato Maria Teresa , Caputo Michele , Pinelli Giorgia
Published: January 2025

This essay takes its cue from a re-examination of a previous research report. In particular, this paper aims to present some additional reflections, which have also been shaped by discussions with recent research on lived religiosity. The 2017 study involved 2675 individuals of Catholic faith who completed a detailed questionnaire, representing an opportunistic sample, and another 372 people who formed the comparison group. The objective was to investigate the languages, forms, and structures of religious experience and religiosity. In this new interpretation, we instead focus on those elements of the 2017 study that suggest new shared attitudes or possible historical transformations of religiosity among the subjects initially consulted.
A Different Risk–Return Relationship
Authors: Oksoy Aydin Selim , Farrell Matthew R. , Li Shaomin
Published: January 2025

We challenge the widely accepted premise that the valuation of an early-stage firm is simply the capital invested (USD) divided by the equity received (%). Instead, we argue that this calculation determines the break-even point for the investor; for example, investing USD 1.0 in exchange for a 10% equity sets a firm-level free cash flow target of USD 10.0, resulting in a 0% return for the investor. The design of our study is that of a descriptive analysis of the phenomenon, based on three assumptions: that angel investing is a two-issue negotiation, that negotiation positions are communicated sequentially from capital to equity, and that the capital is fixed to a strategic trajectory. We note that when pausing the negotiation once a strategic trajectory (and thus capital) has been defined, utilizing the break-even point as the main reference point provides a structure that can serve as a guiding barometer for negotiators, as they evaluate their options across the full range of equity greater than 0% and less than 100%. We draw attention to the diminishing benefit of the marginal equity percentage point [diminishing at a rate of (−1/x2)] for the investor to break even on their investment. This relationship tracks to the equation [value = 1/equity], which presents the full option set for any offer, once the capital is determined. Our study provides the practitioner with the subtle benefit of situational awareness and the scholar with a logical foundation for future research.
Distinguishing Lithofacies of Flysch Formations Using Deep Learning Models: Integrating Remote Sensing Data with Morphological Indexes
Authors: Tsangaratos Paraskevas , Vakalas Ioannis , Zanarini Irene
Published: January 2025

The main objective of the present study was to develop an integrated approach combining remote sensing techniques and U-Net-based deep learning models for lithology mapping. The methodology incorporates Landsat 8 imagery, ALOS PALSAR data, and field surveys, complemented by derived products such as False Color Composites (FCCs), Minimum Noise Fraction (MNF), and Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The Dissection Index, a morphological index, was calculated to characterize the geomorphological variability of the region. Three variations of the deep learning U-Net architecture, Dense U-Net, Residual U-Net, and Attention U-Net, were implemented to evaluate the performance in lithological classification. Validation was conducted using metrics such as the accuracy, precision, recall, F1-score, and mean intersection over union (mIoU). The results highlight the effectiveness of the Attention U-Net model, which provided the highest mapping accuracy and superior feature extraction for delineating flysch formations and associated lithological units. This study demonstrates the potential of integrating remote sensing data with advanced machine learning models to enhance geological mapping in challenging terrains.
Upscaling Tower-Based Net Ecosystem Productivity to 250 m Resolution with Flux Site Distribution Considerations
Authors: Han Qizhi , Liu Liangyun , Liu Xinjie
Published: January 2025

Net ecosystem productivity (NEP) is an extremely important flux for terrestrial ecosystems, indicating the value of net ecosystem exchange (NEE) between terrestrial ecosystems and the atmosphere, excluding carbon fluxes from disturbances. Leveraging flux network NEE annual measurements, this study focuses on upscaling the tower-based NEP to a global 250 m resolution dataset with flux site distribution considerations. Firstly, the data augmentation method was presented to address issues related to the uneven spatial distribution of flux sites. Secondly, a random forest model was developed for NEP estimation using the optimized tower-based NEP and remotely sensed and meteorological gridded sample sets, giving an R2 value of 0.73 and an RMSE value of 149.83 gC m−2 yr−1. Finally, a global NEP product at a 250 m resolution was generated (2001–2022, average 13.79 PgC yr−1) and evaluated. In summary, we present a solution to the overestimation of global NEP by data-driven methods, producing a long-time-series, high-resolution NEP dataset that is more comparable to atmospheric inversion results. This dataset enhances comparability with atmospheric inversion results, thereby boosting our confidence in conducting a consistency analysis of terrestrial carbon sinks across different methods within the framework.
Improved Stereophotogrammetric and Multi-View Shape-from-Shading DTMs of Occator Crater and Its Interior Cryovolcanism-Related Bright Spots
Authors: Neesemann Alicia , van Gasselt Stephan , Jaumann Ralf , Castillo-Rogez Julie C. , Raymond Carol A. , Walter Sebastian H. G. , Postberg Frank
Published: January 2025

Over the course of NASA’s Dawn Discovery mission, the onboard framing camera mapped Ceres across a wide wavelength spectrum at varying polar science orbits and altitudes. With increasing resolution, the uniqueness of the 92 km wide, young Occator crater became evident. Its central cryovolcanic dome, Cerealia Tholus, and especially the associated bright carbonate and ammonium chloride deposits—named Cerealia Facula and the thinner, more dispersed Vinalia Faculae—are the surface expressions of a deep brine reservoir beneath Occator. Understandably, this made this crater the target for future sample return mission studies. The planning and preparation for this kind of mission require the characterization of potential landing sites based on the most accurate topography and orthorectified image data. In this work, we demonstrate the capabilities of the freely available and open-source USGS Integrated Software for Imagers and Spectrometers (ISIS 3) and Ames Stereo Pipeline (ASP 2.7) in creating high-quality image data products as well as stereophotogrammetric (SPG) and multi-view shape-from-shading (SfS) digital terrain models (DTMs) of the aforementioned spectroscopically challenging features. The main data products of our work are four new DTMs, including one SPG and one SfS DTM based on High-Altitude Mapping Orbit (HAMO) (CSH/CXJ) and one SPG and one SfS DTM based on Low-Altitude Mapping Orbit (LAMO) (CSL/CXL), along with selected Extended Mission Orbit 7 (XMO7) framing camera (FC) data. The SPG and SfS DTMs were calculated to a GSD of 1 and 0.5 px, corresponding to 136 m (HAMO SPG), 68 m (HAMO SfS), 34 m (LAMO SPG), and 17 m (LAMO SfS). Finally, we show that the SPG and SfS approaches we used yield consistent results even in the presence of high albedo differences and highlight how our new DTMs differ from those previously created and published by the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL).
B-Cell-Depleting Immune Therapies as Potential New Treatment Options for Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: Zugmaier Gerhard , Klinger Matthias , Subklewe Marion , Zaman Faraz , Locatelli Franco
Published: January 2025

Background: Systemic sclerosis (SSc), also known as scleroderma, is a complex, chronic autoimmune disease characterized by fibrosis of the skin and internal organs, vasculopathy, and immune system dysregulation. The treatment of SSc has historically focused on symptom management and slowing down disease progression through conventional immune-suppressive agents. New therapeutic approaches have been emerging due to advances in understanding of the disease mechanisms, particularly in the areas of fibrosis, vascular involvement, and immune dysregulation. Methods: In this review of the literature, we discuss the current stage of development of B-cell-depleting immune therapies in SSc. Results: B-cell depletion therapy has become an area of growing interest in the treatment of SSc due to the role played by B cells in the pathogenesis of the disease. There is increasing evidence that B cells contribute to disease progression through multiple mechanisms. B cells in SSc are implicated in autoantibody production, cytokine production, and fibroblast activation. B cells are responsible for producing autoantibodies, such as anti-topoisomerase I (Scl-70) and anti-centromere antibodies, which are hallmarks of SSc. B cells release pro-inflammatory cytokines (such as interleukin-6 [IL-6] and transforming growth factor β [TGF-β]), which promote fibrosis and inflammation, they also contribute to the activation of fibroblasts, the cells responsible for excessive collagen production and fibrosis, a key feature of SSc. Conclusions: In light of these findings, therapies that target B cells are being investigated for their potential to modify the disease course in SSc, particularly by reducing autoantibody production, inflammation, and fibrosis.
Smart Renting: Harnessing Urban Data with Statistical and Machine Learning Methods for Predicting Property Rental Prices from a Tenant’s Perspective
Authors: Louzada Francisco , de Lacerda Kleython José Coriolano Cavalcanti , Ferreira Paulo Henrique , Gomes Naomy Duarte
Published: January 2025

The real estate market plays a pivotal role in most nations’ economy, showcasing continuous growth. Particularly noteworthy is the rapid expansion of the digital real estate sector, marked by innovations like 3D visualization and streamlined online contractual processes, a momentum further accelerated by the aftermath of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Amidst this transformative landscape, artificial intelligence emerges as a vital force, addressing consumer needs by harnessing data analytics for predicting and monitoring rental prices. While studies have demonstrated the efficacy of machine learning (ML) algorithms such as decision trees and neural networks in predicting house prices, there is a lack of research specifically focused on rental property prices, a significant sector in Brazil due to the prohibitive costs associated with property acquisition. This study fills this crucial gap by delving into the intricacies of rental pricing, using data from the city of São Carlos-SP, Brazil. The research aims to analyze, model, and predict rental prices, employing an approach that incorporates diverse ML models. Through this analysis, our work showcases the potential of ML algorithms in accurately predicting rental house prices. Moreover, it envisions the practical application of this research with the development of a user-friendly website. This platform could revolutionize the renting experience, empowering both tenants and real estate agencies with the ability to estimate rental values based on specific property attributes and have access to its statistics.
A Novel Capacitor Deionization Performance Study Based on Carbon Nanorods/MnO2 Composite Material
Authors: Wei Zhongkuan , Shi Yingxiang , Gao Hang , Wu Fan , Xu Huilin , Ping An , Li Yanfeng
Published: January 2025

The Earth abounds in water resources; however, only 0.4% of the freshwater resources are suitable for drinking. The scarcity of freshwater resources has a severe impact on the sustainable development of human society. Desalination is regarded as one of the most effective solutions. In this study, a research approach integrating materials and devices was utilized to synthesize manganese oxide-coated carbon nanospheres (CS@MnO2). Experimental results demonstrated that the system, by combining the distinctive performance merits of the CS@MnO2 material and the balanced desalination features, exhibited outstanding desalination performance. In the EDS elemental mapping analysis, the relatively feeble signal of carbon was ascribed to the encapsulation of MnO2 on the outer surface of CS. Through computational TGA analysis, the mass fraction of carbon in CS@MnO2-2 was determined to be approximately 51.2%. The excellent hydrophilicity of the material facilitated the permeation of the salt solution throughout the electrode, thereby enhancing the capacitance. CS@MnO2-2 manifested a high salt adsorption capacity of 27.42 mg g⁻¹ and the fastest electrosorption rate of 7.81 mg g⁻¹ min⁻¹. During 50 adsorption desorption cycles, the adsorption capacity showed good results. The adsorption kinetics and adsorption isotherm fitting indicated that the desalination process involved electrostatic and multilayer adsorption. This study holds great significance for reducing the cost of desalinated water and guaranteeing a sustainable supply of freshwater resources.
Urban Street Greening and Resident Comfort: An Integrated Approach Based on High-Precision Shadow Distribution and Facade Visual Assessment
Authors: Ni Yuting , Lin Liqun , Xia Huiqiong , Wang Xiajun
Published: January 2025

With the acceleration of global climate change and urbanization, the urban heat island effect has significantly impacted the quality of life of urban residents. Although numerous studies have focused on macro-scale factors such as air temperature, surface albedo, and green space coverage, relatively little attention has been paid to micro-scale factors, such as shading provided by building facades and tree canopy coverage. However, these micro-scale factors play a significant role in enhancing pedestrian thermal comfort. This study focuses on a city community in China, aiming to assess the thermal comfort of urban streets during the summer. Utilizing high-resolution 3D geographic data and street view images extracted from drone data, this study comprehensively considers the mechanisms affecting the urban street thermal environment and the human comfort requirements for shading and greening. By proposing quantitative indicators from multiple scales and dimensions, this study thoroughly quantifies the impact of the surrounding environment, greening, shading effects, buildings, and road design on the thermal comfort of summer streets. The results show that increasing tree canopy coverage by 10 m can significantly reduce the surrounding temperature, and a building layout extending 200 m can regulate temperature. The distribution of shadows at different times significantly affects thermal comfort, while the sky view factor negatively correlates with thermal comfort. Environments with a high green view index enhance visual comfort. This study reveals the specific contributions of different environmental characteristics to street thermal comfort and identifies factors that significantly impact thermal comfort. This provides a scientific basis for urban green space planning and thermal comfort improvement, holding substantial practical significance.
Enhancing Smart Microgrid Resilience Under Natural Disaster Conditions: Virtual Power Plant Allocation Using the Jellyfish Search Algorithm
Authors: Kanchana Kadirvel , Murali Krishna Tangirala , Yuvaraj Thangaraj , Sudhakar Babu Thanikanti
Published: January 2025

Electric power networks face critical challenges from extreme weather events and natural disasters, disrupting socioeconomic activities and jeopardizing energy security. This study presents an innovative approach incorporating virtual power plants (VPPs) within networked microgrids (MGs) to address these challenges. VPPs integrate diverse distributed energy resources such as solar- and wind-based generation, diesel generators, shunt capacitors, battery energy storage systems, and electric vehicles (EVs). These resources enhance MG autonomy during grid disruptions, ensuring uninterrupted power supply to critical services. EVs function as mobile energy storage units during emergencies, while shunt capacitors stabilize the system. Excess energy from distributed generation is stored in battery systems for future use. The seamless integration of VPPs and networked technologies enables MGs to operate independently under extreme weather conditions. Prosumers, acting as both energy producers and consumers, actively strengthen system resilience and efficiency. Energy management and VPP allocation are optimized using the jellyfish search optimization algorithm, enhancing resource scheduling during outages. This study evaluates the proposed approach’s resilience, reliability, stability, and emission reduction capabilities using real-world scenarios, including the IEEE 34-bus and Indian 52-bus radial distribution systems. Various weather conditions are analyzed, and a multi-objective function is employed to optimize system performance during disasters. The results demonstrate that networked microgrids with VPPs significantly enhance distribution grid resilience, offering a promising solution to mitigate the impacts of extreme weather events on energy infrastructure.
Leveraging Quantum Machine Learning to Address Class Imbalance: A Novel Approach for Enhanced Predictive Accuracy
Authors: Kwon Seongjun , Huh Jihye , Kwon Sang Ji , Choi Sang-ho , Kwon Ohbyung
Published: January 2025

The class imbalance problem presents a critical challenge in real-world applications, particularly in high-stakes domains such as healthcare, finance, disaster management, and fault diagnosis, where accurate anomaly detection is paramount. Class imbalance often disrupts the inherent symmetry of data distributions, resulting in suboptimal performance of traditional machine learning models. Conventional approaches such as undersampling and oversampling are commonly employed to address this issue; however, these methods can introduce additional asymmetries, including information loss and overfitting, which ultimately compromise model efficacy. This study introduces an innovative approach leveraging quantum machine learning (QML), specifically the Variational Quantum Classifier (VQC), to restore and capitalize on the symmetrical properties of data distributions without relying on resampling techniques. By employing quantum circuits optimized to mitigate the asymmetries inherent in imbalanced datasets, the proposed method demonstrates consistently superior performance across diverse datasets, with notable improvements in Recall for minority classes. These findings underscore the potential of quantum machine learning as a robust alternative to classical methods, offering a symmetry-aware solution to class imbalance and advancing QML-driven technologies in fields where equitable representation and symmetry are of critical importance.
Experimental Study on the Symmetry of the Soil-Arching Effect of a Pile Foundation in a Reinforced High-Fill Area
Authors: Zuo Liangdong , Wang Quanbao , Liu Jia
Published: January 2025

In addition to the vertical external load and soil settlement load, the pile foundation in reinforced high-fill areas is also affected by the horizontal load caused by the rear stacking load, and pile stress is affected by the soil-arching effect in reinforced areas that have typical passive pile characteristics. In order to study the symmetry of the soil-arching effect of pile foundations in a reinforced-fill area, indoor model tests were designed and the relevant data for the pile foundation and reinforced soil under surcharge were obtained. Through the analysis, the following conclusions were drawn: the peak bending moment of the pile body is basically consistent with the position of the potential sliding surface of reinforced soil; the maximum shear force of the pile body appears about 150 mm below the embedding point; with an increase in depth, the soil-arching effect becomes obvious. There are two different forms of friction, soil-arching and direct soil-arching between piles and behind piles, and the soil between single-row piles has a symmetrical distribution. In addition to the vertical external load and soil settlement load, the pile foundation in reinforced high-fill areas will also be affected by the horizontal load caused by the rear stacking load, and pile stress will be affected by the soil-arching effect in reinforced areas, which has typical passive pile characteristics. In order to study the symmetry of the soil-arching effect of pile foundations in a reinforced-fill area, indoor model tests were designed, and the relevant data for pile foundation and reinforced soil under surcharge were obtained. Through analysis, the following conclusions were drawn: (1) the peak bending moment of the pile body is basically consistent with the position of the potential sliding surface of reinforced soil; the maximum shear force of the pile body appears about 150 mm below the embedding point; with an increase in depth, the soil-arching effect becomes obvious. There are two different forms of friction, soil-arching and direct soil-arching between piles and behind piles, and the soil between single-row piles has a symmetrical distribution.
Temporal Changes in Lead and Cadmium Levels in Amanita muscaria Samples Collected in Poland
Authors: Ordak Michal , Galazka Aleksandra , Konieczynski Pawel , Wesolowski Marek , Plenis Alina , Muszynska Elzbieta , Kurowski Przemyslaw , Bujalska-Zadrozny Magdalena
Published: January 2025

In recent years, an increasing popularity of consuming Amanita muscaria has been observed in Poland, aimed at reducing various medical symptoms. However, there is a lack of data regarding the impact of variations in the content of toxic elements, such as cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb), in Amanita muscaria collected during late summer and mid-fall. The aim of this study was to determine the concentrations of Pb and Cd in Amanita muscaria samples collected at different times of the year, compare the concentrations of these elements in samples with and without cap skin, and compare the obtained values to permissible limits in dietary supplements. A total of 44 Amanita muscaria samples were collected during three different harvesting periods (August, September, and October 2023) from Puszcza Biała, located approximately 80 km from Warsaw. The mushrooms were subjected to mineralization using concentrated nitric acid and hydrogen peroxide, followed by the determination of Pb and Cd concentrations using an atomic absorption spectrometer. Significant statistical differences were found in the Pb concentrations of samples collected in three different seasons (η2 = 0.67, p < 0.001), with the concentration increasing progressively, reaching its highest value in October. Similarly, the Cd concentration also increased in the later collections, although the effect of time was weaker (η2 = 0.13, p = 0.03). No significant differences were observed in Pb and Cd concentrations between samples with and without cap skin. The average Cd concentrations in mushrooms were significantly higher than the permissible levels in dietary supplements; they were four times higher in August (p < 0.001), six times higher in September (p < 0.001), and nine times higher in October (p < 0.001). The Pb concentration in the October samples was close to the permissible limit but did not exceed it in a statistically significant manner (p = 0.85). Due to the high Cd concentrations and potentially hazardous levels of Pb, the consumption of Amanita muscaria carries a significant risk of toxicity, which may lead to serious health hazards, particularly in the context of prolonged exposure.
Next-Generation Sequencing Methods to Determine the Accuracy of Retroviral Reverse Transcriptases: Advantages and Limitations
Authors: Martínez del Río Javier , Menéndez-Arias Luis
Published: January 2025

Retroviruses, like other RNA viruses, mutate at very high rates and exist as genetically heterogeneous populations. The error-prone activity of viral reverse transcriptase (RT) is largely responsible for the observed variability, most notably in HIV-1. In addition, RTs are widely used in biotechnology to detect RNAs and to clone expressed genes, among many other applications. The fidelity of retroviral RTs has been traditionally analyzed using enzymatic (gel-based) or reporter-based assays. However, these methods are laborious and have important limitations. The development of next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies opened the possibility of obtaining reverse transcription error rates from a large number of sequences, although appropriate protocols had to be developed. In this review, we summarize the developments in this field that allowed the determination of RNA-dependent DNA synthesis error rates for different RTs (viral and non-viral), including methods such as PRIMER IDs, REP-SEQ, ARC-SEQ, CIR-SEQ, SMRT-SEQ and ROLL-SEQ. Their advantages and limitations are discussed. Complementary DNA (cDNA) synthesis error rates obtained in different studies, using RTs and RNAs of diverse origins, are presented and compared. Future improvements in methodological pipelines will be needed for the precise identification of mutations in the RNA template, including modified bases.
Detection of Foodborne Viruses in Dates Using ISO 15216 Methodology
Authors: Raymond Philippe , Blain Roxanne , Nasheri Neda
Published: January 2025

Foodborne viruses such as human norovirus (HuNoV) and hepatitis A virus (HAV) are the major causes of foodborne illnesses worldwide. These viruses have a low infectious dose and are persistent in the environment and food for weeks. Ready-to-eat (RTE) low moisture foods (LMFs) undergo minimal pathogen reduction processes. In recent years, multiple foodborne HAV outbreaks involving hundreds of individuals were associated with the consumption of dates, indicating that they could be important vehicles for foodborne infection. There is no standard method for the extraction and detection of foodborne viruses from dates, but herein we have compared the efficiency of three different protocols based on the ISO 15216 method in the extraction of murine norovirus (MNV) from whole Medjool dates and successfully employed the best performing method in the extraction of HAV, HuNoV GI, and GII and determined the limit of detection (LOD95) of 61, 148, and 184 genomic equivalent (gEq) per 25 g, respectively. Finally, we tested the adopted method on various varieties of dates including pitted ones and reported the detection of HuNoV GI and GII from four naturally contaminated date varieties. This ISO 15216 protocol could be employed for surveillance purposes and outbreak management related to dates.
The Spleen Virome of Australia’s Endemic Platypus Is Dominated by Highly Diverse Papillomaviruses
Authors: Sarker Subir , Talukder Saranika , Athukorala Ajani , Whiteley Pam L.
Published: January 2025

The platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus), a unique monotreme, represents a pivotal point in mammalian evolution with its distinctive traits, such as electroreception and venom production. Despite its evolutionary significance, the viral diversity within platypuses remains poorly understood. This study employed next-generation sequencing to investigate the virome of the dead platypuses, uncovering a range of novel and divergent viruses. Among the identified viruses were four complete genomes of papillomaviruses (OaPV1–4) exhibiting substantial divergence from known strains, suggesting a novel genus within the subfamily Secondpapillomavirinae. Additionally, five novel parvoviruses were detected, including two with complete genomes, highlighting the complex viral ecosystem of the platypus. Phylogenetic analysis placed these viruses in unique evolutionary branches, further demonstrating the platypus’s evolutionary significance. A circular DNA virus, a tombus-like virus, and a nodamuvirus were also identified, expanding the understanding of viral diversity in monotremes. These findings offer crucial insights into viral evolution in one of the most unique mammalian lineages, emphasising the need for further exploration to assess ecological and pathological impacts on platypus populations.
Evaluation of COVID-19 Booster Vaccine Effectiveness
Authors: Qu Bingqian , Zhang Dingmei
Published: January 2025

The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in at least 776 million confirmed cases and 7 million deaths worldwide by the end of 2024 [...]
Bussuquara Virus: A Neglected Orthoflavivirus with Broad Distribution Across Central and South America and the Caribbean
Authors: Steck Madeline R. , Buenemann Michaela , Vasilakis Nikos
Published: January 2025

Bussuquara virus (BSQV) was first discovered in the Brazilian Amazon in 1956. It is an arthropod-borne virus (arbovirus) in the genus Orthoflavivirus, family Flaviviridae. Since its discovery, BSQV has been sporadically detected across the South (Brazil, Columbia, and Argentina) and Central (Panama and Mexico) America and the Caribbean (Grenada), but there is minimal BSQV surveillance due to limited public health awareness and a lack of specific or sensitive diagnostics. BSQV exposure has been reported in a wide range of host and vector species, including humans. Little information is available in the literature and herein we summarize the published historical findings on BSQV and suggest a pathway for future studies to better understand its potential emergence into human populations.
Molecular Dynamics Simulation of Clay Mineral–Water Interfaces: Temperature-Dependent Structural, Dynamical, and Mechanical Properties
Authors: Yang Tong , Chu Chunmei , Zhang Yonggang , Zhang Zhen , Wan Junli
Published: January 2025

Water interacting with clay minerals—such as kaolinite, montmorillonite, and pyrophyllite—fundamentally governs their geotechnical and environmental functions, thereby influencing parameters such as retention, transport, and stability. Understanding the effects of temperature on water behavior within clay mineral interlayers is critical for predicting the performance of clay–water systems under dynamic environmental conditions. This study performed molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the structural, dynamical, and mechanical properties of interlayer water in three representative clay minerals over a temperature range of 298.15–363.15 K. Our analyses focused on mean squared displacement (MSD), density profiles, hydrogen bond dynamics, and stress distributions, thereby revealing the interaction between water structuring and thermal fluctuations. Results indicated distinct temperature-dependent changes in water diffusion and hydrogen bond stability, with montmorillonite consistently exhibiting enhanced water retention and steadier hydrogen bonding networks across the studied temperature spectrum. Density profiles highlighted pronounced confinement effects at lower temperatures that gradually diminish with increasing thermal energy. Concurrently, the stress distributions revealed the mechanical responses of clay–water interfaces, highlighting the interplay between thermal motion of water molecules and their interactions with the clay surfaces. These findings offer valuable insights into how temperature regulates water behavior in clay mineral interlayers and provide a foundation for advancing predictive modeling and the design of engineered systems in water-rich, thermally variable environments.