bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular Insights into the Specific Targeting of c-MYC G-Quadruplex by Thiazole Peptides
Authors: Cao Sen , Su Qian , Chen Yong-Hao , Wang Meng-Lu , Xu Yi , Wang Li-Hui , Lu Yan-Hua , Li Jian-Feng , Liu Jun , Hong Xiao-Jing , Wang Hong-Yan , Liu Jun-Ping , Wang Zhi-Guo
Published: January 2024

Stabilization of a G-quadruplex (G4) in the promotor of the c-MYC proto-oncogene leads to inhibition of gene expression, and it thus represents a potentially attractive new strategy for cancer treatment. However, most G4 stabilizers show little selectivity among the many G4s present in the cellular complement of DNA and RNA. Intriguingly, a crescent-shaped cell-penetrating thiazole peptide, TH3, preferentially stabilizes the c-MYC G4 over other promotor G4s, but the mechanisms leading to this selective binding remain obscure. To investigate these mechanisms at the atomic level, we performed an in silico comparative investigation of the binding of TH3 and its analogue TH1 to the G4s from the promotors of c-MYC, c-KIT1, c-KIT2, and BCL2. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations, combined with in-depth analyses of non-covalent interactions and bulk and per-nucleotide binding free energies, revealed that both TH3 and TH1 can induce the formation of a sandwich-like framework through stacking with both the top and bottom G-tetrads of the c-MYC G4 and the adjacent terminal capping nucleotides. This framework produces enhanced binding affinities for c-MYC G4 relative to other promotor G4s, with TH3 exhibiting an outstanding binding priority. Van der Waals interactions were identified to be the key factor in complex formation in all cases. Collectively, our findings fully agree with available experimental data. Therefore, the identified mechanisms leading to specific binding of TH3 towards c-MYC G4 provide valuable information to guide the development of new selective G4 stabilizers.
Chromatin Organization after High-LET Irradiation Revealed by Super-Resolution STED Microscopy
Authors: Schwarz Benjamin , Matejka Nicole , Rudigkeit Sarah , Sammer Matthias , Reindl Judith
Published: January 2024

Ion-radiation-induced DNA double-strand breaks can lead to severe cellular damage ranging from mutations up to direct cell death. The interplay between the chromatin surrounding the damage and the proteins responsible for damage recognition and repair determines the efficiency and outcome of DNA repair. The chromatin is organized in three major functional compartments throughout the interphase: the chromatin territories, the interchromatin compartment, and the perichromatin lying in between. In this study, we perform correlation analysis using super-resolution STED images of chromatin; splicing factor SC35, as an interchromatin marker; and the DNA repair factors 53BP1, Rad51, and γH2AX in carbon-ion-irradiated human HeLa cells. Chromatin and interchromatin overlap only in protruding chromatin branches, which is the same for the correlation between chromatin and 53BP1. In contrast, between interchromatin and 53BP1, a gap of (270 ± 40) nm is visible. Rad51 shows overlap with decondensed euchromatic regions located at the borders of condensed heterochromatin with further correlation with γH2AX. We conclude that the DNA damage is repaired in decondensed DNA loops in the perichromatin, located in the periphery of the DNA-dense chromatin compartments containing the heterochromatin. Proteins like γH2AX and 53BP1 serve as supporters of the chromatin structure.
Analysis of Genes Associated with Feeding Preference and Detoxification in Various Developmental Stages of Aglais urticae
Authors: Xi Ouyan , Guo Wentao , Hu Hongying
Published: January 2024

Herbivorous insects and host plants have developed a close and complex relationship over a long period of co-evolution. Some plants provide nutrients for insects, but plants’ secondary metabolites also influence their growth and development. Urtica cannabina roots and leaves are poisonous, yet Aglais urticae larvae feed on them, so we aimed to clarify the mechanism enabling this interaction. At present, studies on the detoxification mechanism of the A. urticae are rare. In our study, first, we used the A. urticae larval odor selection behavior bioassay and choice feeding preference assay to analyze the feeding preferences of A. urticae on its host plant, U. cannabina. Next, we used transcriptome sequencing to obtain the unigenes annotated and classified by various databases, such as KEGG and GO. In this study, we found that U. cannabina could attract A. urticae larvae to feed via scent, and the feeding preference assay confirmed that larvae preferred U. cannabina leaves over three other plants: Cirsium japonicum, Cannabis sativa, and Arctium lappa. The activity of detoxifying enzymes GST and CarE changed in larvae that had consumed U. cannabina. Furthermore, through transcriptomic sequencing analysis, 77,624 unigenes were assembled from raw reads. The numbers of differentially expressed genes were calculated using pairwise comparisons of all life stages; the expression of detoxification enzyme genes was substantially higher in larvae than in the pupal and adult stages. Finally, we identified and summarized 34 genes associated with detoxification enzymes, such as UDP-glucose 4-epimerase gene, 5 Glutathione S-transferase genes, 4 Carboxylesterase genes, 4 Cytochrome P450 genes, 10 ATP-binding cassette genes, 4 Superoxide dismutase, and Peroxidase. Moreover, we identified 28 genes associated with the development of A. urticae. The qRT-PCR results were nearly consistent with the transcriptomic data, showing an increased expression level of four genes in larvae. Taken together, this study examines the correlation between A. urticae and host plants U. cannabina, uncovering a pronounced preference for A. urticae larvae toward host plants. Consistent with RNA-seq, we investigated the mechanism of A. urticae’s interaction with host plants and identified detoxification-related genes. The present study provides theoretical support for studying insect adaptation mechanisms and biological control.
Numerical Investigation into the Dynamic Responses of Floating Photovoltaic Platform and Mooring Line Structures under Freak Waves
Authors: Xu Pu , Zhang Zirui , Li Siliang , Song Qiming , Liu Wei
Published: January 2024

Floating photovoltaics (PVs) are progressively constructed in the ocean sea; therefore, the effect that freak waves have on their structural design needs to be considered. This paper developed a dedicated numerical model coupling the floating PV platform and mooring line structures to investigate their dynamic responses under freak waves. A feasible superposition approach is presented to generate freak wave sequences via the combination of transient waves and random waves. A large floating PV platform moored by twenty lines for a water depth of 45 m was designed in detail according to the actually measured ocean environmental and geological conditions. The global time domain analyses of the floating PV mooring structures were implemented to obtain dynamic responses, including PV platform motions and the mooring line configuration and tension under freak waves. A comparison of the response results with those caused by random waves was conducted to illustrate the intuitive evidence of the freak wave effects, which offer a significant reference for the preliminary design of the floating PV platform and mooring line structures.
The Deletion of LeuRS Revealed Its Important Roles in Osmotic Stress Tolerance, Amino Acid and Sugar Metabolism, and the Reproduction Process of Aspergillus montevidensis
Authors: Ding Xiaowei , Liu Wanting , Liu Kaihui , Gao Xiang , Liu Yue
Published: January 2024

Aspergillus montevidensis is an important domesticated fungus that has been applied to produce many traditional fermented foods under high osmotic conditions. However, the detailed mechanisms of tolerance to osmotic stress remain largely unknown. Here, we construct a target-deleted strain (ΔLeuRS) of A. montevidensis and found that the ΔLeuRS mutants grew slowly and suppressed the development of the cleistothecium compared to the wide-type strains (WT) under salt-stressed and non-stressed conditions. Furthermore, differentially expressed genes (p < 0.001) governed by LeuRS were involved in salt tolerance, ABC transporter, amino acid metabolism, sugar metabolism, and the reproduction process. The ΔLeuRS strains compared to WT strains under short- and long-term salinity stress especially altered accumulation levels of metabolites, such as amino acids and derivatives, carbohydrates, organic acids, and fatty acids. This study provides new insights into the underlying mechanisms of salinity tolerance and lays a foundation for flavor improvement of foods fermented with A. montevidensis.
Recent Advances in Chemistry and Bioactivities of Secondary Metabolites from the Genus Acremonium
Authors: Qin Yuning , Lu Humu , Qi Xin , Lin Miaoping , Gao Chenghai , Liu Yonghong , Luo Xiaowei
Published: January 2024

Acremonium fungi is one of the greatest and most complex genera in Hyphomycetes, comprising 130 species of marine and terrestrial sources. The past decades have witnessed substantial chemical and biological investigations on the diverse secondary metabolites from the Acremonium species. To date, over 600 compounds with abundant chemical types as well as a wide range of bioactivities have been obtained from this genus, attracting considerable attention from chemists and pharmacologists. This review mainly summarizes the sources, chemical structures, and biological activities of 115 recently reported new compounds from the genus Acremonium from December 2016 to September 2023. They are structurally classified into terpenoids (42%), peptides (29%), polyketides (20%), and others (9%), among which marine sources are predominant (68%). Notably, these compounds were primarily screened with cytotoxic, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory activities. This paper provides insights into the exploration and utilization of bioactive compounds in this genus, both within the scientific field and pharmaceutical industry.
Why Equity Follows the Law
Authors: MacLeod Adam J.
Published: January 2024

Renewed attention to equity in higher education is welcome because true equity helps us to reason together well. When administered correctly, the jurisprudence of equity models civil discourse and, therefore, can teach us how to carry out civic engagement reasonably. Equitable interpretation of the law teaches us how to understand each other charitably. And equity’s deference to law teaches us how to reason well together about our practical problems. Law is the practical reasoning that we do together. Equity serves the ends of justice by serving law, rather than undermining it. These functions of equity in adjudication point toward a model of equity in practical reasoning and civic discourse more broadly. Research method: jurisprudence.
Management of Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss in Multiple Sclerosis: A Comprehensive Case Report of a Patient with Bilateral Loss and Literature Review
Authors: Kim Ikhee , Kim Hantai
Published: January 2024

In multiple sclerosis (MS), the occurrence of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is considered rare, with reported cases predominantly being unilateral. Bilateral cases are even rarer. Here, we report a case of bilateral SSNHL in a 20-year-old male diagnosed with MS. The patient, undergoing corticosteroid therapy for the management of MS, additionally received an intratympanic dexamethasone injection; however, it could not achieve significant improvement. Subsequently, the systemic dosage was increased for one week, resulting in substantial hearing improvement in both ears after three months. A review of MS-related SSNHL cases from 1987 to 2022 revealed 39 ears in the literature, with only five ears showing no hearing recovery. A remarkable 87.2% exhibited restored hearing, presenting a more favorable prognosis compared with idiopathic SSNHL. Although there were slight variations in administration methods and duration, all documented treatment approaches involve systemic corticosteroids. In some instances, SSNHL manifested as the initial symptom of MS. When SSNHL occurs in MS, auditory brainstem response (ABR) tests may reveal prolonged abnormalities, making ABR testing effective in cases where MS is suspected following SSNHL. In conclusion, the treatment of MS-related SSNHL appears appropriate with systemic corticosteroids, showing a significantly superior prognosis compared with idiopathic SSNHL.
Fertilizer Logistics in Brazil: Application of a Mixed-Integer Programming Mathematical Model for Optimal Mixer Locations
Authors: Pauli de Bastiani Fernando , Péra Thiago Guilherme , Caixeta-Filho José Vicente
Published: January 2024

Background: Brazil is one of the largest consumers of fertilizers and is highly dependent on the international market to meet its demand for agricultural production inputs. The complexity of the fertilizer supply chain motivated us to carry out this study on redesigning the fertilizer logistics chain and evaluate strategies for reducing logistics costs by redesigning the fertilizer mixing network in Brazil, a country that is heavily dependent on imported fertilizers for agriculture. Methods: We introduce a multi-product mixed-integer linear programming optimization model encompassing the logistics network, from import ports to mixing factories and agricultural fertilizer supply centers. This model includes logistics infrastructure and taxes, accounting for greenhouse gas emissions (specifically carbon dioxide) in fertilizer logistics. Results: The results indicate that expanding the port capacity for fertilizer importation can significantly reduce logistics costs and greenhouse gas emissions by up to 22.5%, decreasing by 23.9% compared to the baseline. We also observed that removing taxes on fertilizer importation can reduce logistics costs by approximately 11%, but it increases greenhouse gas emissions by 2.25% due to increased reliance on road transport. We identified 15 highly resilient regions for establishing mixing factories, evaluated various scenarios and determined the importance of these locations in optimizing the fertilizer supply network in the country. Moreover, the results suggest a significant potential to enhance the role of Brazil’s Northern Arc region in fertilizer import flows. Conclusions: Public policies and private initiatives could be directed toward encouraging the establishment of mixing factories in the identified regions and increasing transport capacity in the Northern Arc region. Improving the logistical conditions of the fertilizer network would contribute to food security by reducing the costs of essential inputs in food production and promoting sustainability by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Deterministic Simulation of Surface Textures for the Piston Ring/Cylinder Liner System in a Free Piston Linear Engine
Authors: Luz Felipe Kevin Correia , Profito Francisco J. , dos Santos Marcelo Braga , Silva Samuel A. N. , Costa Henara Lillian
Published: January 2024

The use of synthesis gas (SYNGAS) from waste gasification has been pointed out as a key strategy to help the energy transition. However, SYNGAS’ low calorific power is considered a difficult obstacle to its technological use in internal combustion engines. To overcome this, a novel free-piston linear motor has been proposed to pave the way for the use of SYNGAS in the mobility sector. Surface texturing has vast potential to reduce friction losses in this system. This study utilizes a deterministic numerical model to investigate the mixed lubrication performance of a textured piston ring/cylinder liner conjunction in a free piston engine. The model considers the simultaneous solution of the lubrication and asperity contact problems at the roughness scale, including texturing features on the cylinder surface. The numerical model employs the Reynolds equation with mass-conserving cavitation to calculate the inter-asperity fluid pressure. The rough contact model utilizes the Hertz theory for elastic contact to calculate the contact pressure at each asperity between the piston liner surface and the admitted smooth and rigid ring surface. Surface texturing demonstrated remarkable effectiveness, particularly in the hydrodynamic lubrication regime, with a maximum friction reduction of 38.5% observed for an area coverage of 50%. This was accompanied by a notable shift in the transition from the boundary to the mixed lubrication regime. The textured surfaces exhibited consistent efficiency in reducing fluid pressure and shear stress as the coverage of the textured areas increased. The incorporation of dimples on these surfaces played a crucial role by augmenting the lubricant storage capacity while concurrently reducing the real shear and contact areas. This study offers valuable insights into the nuanced friction-reducing mechanisms of surface textures, illuminating their influence on the coefficient of friction and the formation of lubricant films across various lubrication regimes.
Macro–Meso Damage Analysis of Tunnel Lining Concrete under Thermal–Mechanical Coupling Based on CT Images
Authors: Zheng Xudong , Wang Wei , Zhang Yanfei , Qi Jinhui , Yao Xuedan
Published: January 2024

The mechanical properties and failure modes of concrete are controlled by its mesoscopic material composition and structure; therefore, it is necessary to study the deterioration characteristics of tunnel lining concrete under fire from a mesoscopic perspective. However, previous studies mostly analyzed the damage and failure process from a macro-homogeneous perspective, which has certain limitations. In this paper, a thermal–mechanical coupling test device was modified to simulate the state of concrete under tunnel fire conditions. Combined with CT technology, the macroscopic properties and mesoscopic characteristics of concrete were observed. Features were obtained, such as the change in compressive strength under fire, as well as mesoscopic deterioration characteristics. The damage variable D was defined to quantify mesoscopic damage, and the link between mesoscopic deterioration characteristics and macroscopic performance was established, which can be used to predict compressive strength loss through mesoscopic characteristics.
Nanoscale and Tensile-Like Properties by an Instrumented Indentation Test on PBF-LB SS 316L Steel
Authors: Maizza Giovanni , Hafeez Faisal , Varone Alessandra , Montanari Roberto
Published: January 2024

The mechanical properties of a defect-free laser melting (PBF-LB) deposit of an AISI 316L steel alloy were assessed by means of an instrumented indentation test (IIT), at both the macro- and nano-scales. The inherent non-equilibrium microstructure of the alloy was chemically homogenous and consisted of equiaxed grains and large-elongated grains (under the optical microscope) with irregular outlines composed of a much finer internal cell structure (under the scanning electron microscope). Berkovich and Vickers indenters were used to assess the indentation properties across individual grains (nano) and over multiple grains (macro), respectively. The nano-indentation over the X-Y plane revealed nearly constant indentation modulus across an individual grain but variable on average within different grains whose value depended on the relative orientation of the individual grain. The macro-indentation test was conducted to analyze the tensile-like properties of the polycrystalline SS 316L alloy over the X-Y and Y-Z planes. The macro-indentation test provided a reliable estimate of the ultimate tensile strength (UTS-like) of the alloy. Other indentation properties gave inconsistent results, and a post factum analysis was, therefore, conducted, by means of a new approach, to account for the presence of residual stresses. The already existing indentation data were supplemented with new repeated indentation tests to conduct a detailed analysis of the relaxation ability of compressive and tensile residual stresses. The developed methodology allows the effect of residual stresses and the reliability of measured macro-indentation properties to be examined as a function of a small group of indentation parameters.
Study on the Crystallization Behavior of Neodymium Rare-Earth Butadiene Rubber Blends and Its Effect on Dynamic Mechanical Properties
Authors: Zhang Xiaohu , Zhu Wenbin , Li Xiaofan , Xie Xinzheng , Ji Huan , Wei Yanxing , Bi Jifu
Published: January 2024

Utilizing neodymium-based butadiene rubber as a baseline, this study examines the effect of eco-friendly aromatic TDAE oil, fillers, and crosslinking reactions on neodymium-based rare-earth butadiene rubber (Nd-BR) crystallization behavior. The findings suggest that TDAE oil hinders crystallization, resulting in decreased crystallization temperatures and heightened activation energies (Ea). The crystallization activation energies for 20 parts per hundreds of rubber (PHR) and 37.5 PHR oil stand at −116.8 kJ/mol and −48.1 kJ/mol, respectively, surpassing the −264.3 kJ/mol of the unadulterated rubber. Fillers act as nucleating agents, hastening crystallization, which in turn elevates crystallization temperatures and diminishes Ea. In samples containing 20 PHR and 37.5 PHR oil, the incorporation of carbon black and silica brought the Ea down to −224.9 kJ/mol and −239.1 kJ/mol, respectively. Crosslinking considerably restricts molecular motion and crystallization potential. In the examined conditions, butadiene rubber containing 37.5 PHR oil displayed no crystallization following crosslinking, albeit crystallization was discernible with filler inclusion. Simultaneously, the crystallinity level sharply declined, manifesting cold crystallization behavior. The crosslinking process elevates Ea, while the equilibrium melting point (Tm0) noticeably diminishes. For instance, the Tm0 of pure Nd-BR is approximately −0.135 °C. When blended with carbon black and silica, the Tm0 values are −3.13 °C and −5.23 °C, respectively. After vulcanization, these values decrease to −21.6 °C and −10.16 °C. Evaluating the isothermal crystallization kinetics of diverse materials via the Avrami equation revealed that both the oil and crosslinking process can bring about a decrease in n values, with the Avrami index n for various samples oscillating between 1.5 and 2.5. Assessing the dynamic mechanical attributes of different specimens reveals that Nd-BR crystallization notably curtails its glass transition, marked by a modulus shift in the transition domain and a decrement in loss factor. The modulus in the rubbery state also witnesses a substantial augmentation.
The Study on Fatigue Crack Growth Rate of 4130X Material under Different Hydrogen Corrosion Conditions
Authors: Jiang Shaolei , Wang Jing , Zhao Bo , Zhang Enfeng
Published: January 2024

In this paper, the fatigue crack growth rates of typical pressure vessel material 4130X under different corrosion conditions are investigated, and the effects of corrosion modes and loading frequency on the fatigue crack growth rate of 4130X are discussed. The results show that under the same loading conditions, the pre-corroded crack propagation rate is increased by 1.26 times compared with the uncorroded specimens. The plastic deformation mechanism of the crack tip in air is dominated by phase transformation but the hydrogen introduced by pre-corrosion causes a small number of dislocations at the crack tip. The crack growth rate obtained by corrosion fatigue is four times that of the uncorroded specimen, and the fracture surface shows a strong corrosion effect. The molecular dynamics simulation shows that the hydrogen atoms accumulated at the crack tip make the plastic deformation mechanism dominated by dislocation in the crack propagation process, and the coupling interaction between low frequency and the corrosion environment aggravates the hydrogen embrittlement of the crack tip. In the air condition, the loading frequency has no obvious effect on the crack growth rate: when the frequency decreases from 100 Hz to 0.01 Hz and other conditions remain unchanged, the fatigue crack growth rate increases by 1.5 times. The parameter n in the Paris expression is mainly influenced by frequency. The molecular dynamics simulation shows that low frequency promotes crack tip propagation.
The Impact of NaOH on the Micro-Mechanical Properties of the Interface Transition Zone in Low-Carbon Concrete
Authors: Li Yue , Wang Hailong , Wei Lisi , Guo Haolong , Ma Kuo
Published: January 2024

To tackle carbon emissions from cement production and address the decline in concrete’s mechanical properties due to the substitution of cement with solid waste (glass powder) and natural mineral admixture (zeolite powder) materials, we employed glass powder and zeolite powder to create composite cementitious materials. These materials underwent alkali activation treatment with a 4% NaOH dosage, replacing 50% of cement to produce low-carbon concrete. Nanoindentation tests and mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) were employed to uncover the micro-mechanical properties and influencing mechanisms of alkali-activated low-carbon concrete. The results indicate a notable enhancement in the indentation modulus (19.9%) and hardness (25.9%) of alkali-activated low-carbon concrete compared to non-activated concrete. Simultaneously, the interfacial transition zone thickness decreased by 10 µm. The addition of NaOH led to a reduced volume fraction of pores (diameter >100 nm) and an increased fraction of pores (diameter < 100 nm), thereby reducing porosity by 2.6%, optimizing the pore structure of low-carbon concrete. The indentation modulus, hardness and volume fraction of the hydrated phase derived from Gaussian fitting analysis of the nanoindentation statistics showed that NaOH significantly improved the modulus and hardness of the hydration products of low-carbon concrete. This activation resulted in decreased LDC-S-H gel (low-density hydrated calcium silicate Ca5Si6O16(OH)·4H2O) and pore content, while the HD C-S-H gel (high-density hydrated calcium silicate Ca5Si6O16(OH)·4H2O) and CH (calcium hydroxide crystals Ca(OH)2) content increased by 13.91% and 23.46%, respectively. Consequently, NaOH influenced the micro-mechanical properties of low-carbon concrete by generating more high-density hydration products, reducing pore content, enhancing the pore indentation modulus and hardness, and shortening the interfacial transition zone. This study offers novel insights into reducing carbon emissions and promoting the use of solid waste (glass powder) and natural mineral admixture (zeolite powder) materials in concrete, contributing to the advancement of sustainable construction practices.
Mechanical Properties of Epoxy Compounds Based on Unmodified Epoxy Resin Modified with Boric Acid as an Antiseptic
Authors: Rudawska Anna
Published: January 2024

The objective of this study was to compare the selected mechanical properties of epoxy compounds based on an unmodified epoxy resin with those containing an antiseptic as a modifying agent. Experiments were carried out on twelve epoxy compounds made of an epoxy resin based on bisphenol A (BPA) with a basic epoxide amount of 0.48–0.51 mol/100 g. Three curing agents were used: one polyamide (a polyaminoamide curing agent) and two amines (one was an adduct of aliphatic amine and aromatic glycidyl ether, and the other was an adduct of cycloaliphatic amine). The epoxy compounds were modified by adding an antiseptic in the form of powdered boric acid (H3BO3) in three amounts: 0.5 g, 1.0 g, and 1.5 g. The cured modified and unmodified epoxy compounds were subjected to compressive strength testing and microscopic examination. The experimental results showed that the epoxy compounds containing adduct of aliphatic amine (triethylenetetramine) and aromatic glycidyl ether as the amine curing agent, i.e., E5/ET/100:18, had the highest compressive strength out of all the tested epoxy compounds, with the highest value of 119 MPa obtained for the epoxy compound modified by the addition of 1.0 g boric acid. The epoxy compounds modified with boric acid acquired antiseptic properties and, for most cases, exhibited a higher compressive strength than the unmodified epoxy compounds (not lower than that specified by the manufacturer for unmodified epoxy compounds).
Multi-Point Control for Face-Milled Spiral Bevel Gears with a Predesigned Fourth-Order Motion Curve
Authors: Liu Yuhui , Chen Liping , Li Gang
Published: January 2024

This paper presents an ultimate motion methodology of a face-milling spiral bevel gear pair to synthesize the mating tooth surfaces with a predesigned fourth-order motion curve. The methodology is to control some contact points along the contact path in the process of tooth contact analysis via application of an extended local synthesis which permits some transmission errors rather than zero at the concerned contact point. The modified offset motion correction is selected to demonstrate the proposed methodology. Applied torque corresponding to an elastic approach of 0.00635 mm at the mean contact point is calculated and the loaded tooth contact analysis is performed. Numerical results show that the extended local synthesis can effectively control the transmission errors on the predesigned fourth-order motion curve at arbitrarily predesigned contact points along the contact path of the spiral bevel gear pair. The tooth contact pattern for the actual tooth pair is scattered into three segments since the rotational motion of the driven gear at any instant angular position is dependent on the tooth pair with the least transmission error among the three adjacent tooth pairs. The actual tooth contact patterns of the spiral bevel gear pair become continuous when meshing tooth surfaces are elastically deformed.
Generalized Halanay Inequalities and Asymptotic Behavior of Nonautonomous Neural Networks with Infinite Delays
Authors: Ruan Dehao , Lu Yao
Published: January 2024

This paper focuses on the asymptotic behavior of nonautonomous neural networks with delays. We establish criteria for analyzing the asymptotic behavior of nonautonomous recurrent neural networks with delays by means of constructing some new generalized Halanay inequalities. We do not require to constructi any complicated Lyapunov function and our results improve some existing works. Lastly, we provide some illustrative examples to demonstrate the effectiveness of the obtained results.
Scale Mixture of Exponential Distribution with an Application
Authors: Barahona Jorge A. , Gómez Yolanda M. , Gómez-Déniz Emilio , Venegas Osvaldo , Gómez Héctor W.
Published: January 2024

This article presents an extended distribution that builds upon the exponential distribution. This extension is based on a scale mixture between the exponential and beta distributions. By utilizing this approach, we obtain a distribution that offers increased flexibility in terms of the kurtosis coefficient. We explore the general density, properties, moments, asymmetry, and kurtosis coefficients of this distribution. Statistical inference is performed using both the moments and maximum likelihood methods. To show the performance of this new model, it is applied to a real dataset with atypical observations. The results indicate that the new model outperforms two other extensions of the exponential distribution.
On Enriched Suzuki Mappings in Hadamard Spaces
Authors: Turcanu Teodor , Postolache Mihai
Published: January 2024

We define and study enriched Suzuki mappings in Hadamard spaces. The results obtained here are extending fundamental findings previously established in related research. The extension is realized with respect to at least two different aspects: the setting and the class of involved operators. More accurately, Hilbert spaces are particular Hadamard spaces, while enriched Suzuki nonexpansive mappings are natural generalizations of enriched nonexpansive mappings. Next, enriched Suzuki nonexpansive mappings naturally contain Suzuki nonexpansive mappings in Hadamard spaces. Besides technical lemmas, the results of this paper deal with (1) the existence of fixed points for enriched Suzuki nonexpansive mappings and (2) Δ and strong (metric) convergence of Picard iterates of the α-averaged mapping, which are exactly Krasnoselskij iterates for the original mapping.
Semisynthesis and Cytotoxic Evaluation of an Ether Analogue Library Based on a Polyhalogenated Diphenyl Ether Scaffold Isolated from a Lamellodysidea Sponge
Authors: Ramage Kelsey S. , Lock Aaron , White Jonathan M. , Ekins Merrick G. , Kiefel Milton J. , Avery Vicky M. , Davis Rohan A.
Published: January 2024

The known oxygenated polyhalogenated diphenyl ether, 2-(2′,4′-dibromophenoxy)-3,5-dibromophenol (1), with previously reported activity in multiple cytotoxicity assays was isolated from the sponge Lamellodysidea sp. and proved to be an amenable scaffold for semisynthetic library generation. The phenol group of 1 was targeted to generate 12 ether analogues in low-to-excellent yields, and the new library was fully characterized by NMR, UV, and MS analyses. The chemical structures for 2, 8, and 9 were additionally determined via single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. All natural and semisynthetic compounds were evaluated for their ability to inhibit the growth of DU145, LNCaP, MCF-7, and MDA-MB-231 cancer cell lines. Compound 3 was shown to have near-equivalent activity compared to scaffold 1 in two in vitro assays, and the activity of the compounds with an additional benzyl ring appeared to be reliant on the presence and position of additional halogens.
From Staining Techniques to Artificial Intelligence: A Review of Colorectal Polyps Characterization
Authors: Khalaf Kareem , Fujiyoshi Mary Raina Angeli , Spadaccini Marco , Rizkala Tommy , Ramai Daryl , Colombo Matteo , Fugazza Alessandro , Facciorusso Antonio , Carrara Silvia , Hassan Cesare , Repici Alessandro
Published: January 2024

This review article provides a comprehensive overview of the evolving techniques in image-enhanced endoscopy (IEE) for the characterization of colorectal polyps, and the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in revolutionizing the diagnostic accuracy of endoscopy. We discuss the historical use of dye-spray and virtual chromoendoscopy for the characterization of colorectal polyps, which are now being replaced with more advanced technologies. Specifically, we focus on the application of AI to create a “virtual biopsy” for the detection and characterization of colorectal polyps, with potential for replacing histopathological diagnosis. The incorporation of AI has the potential to provide an evolutionary learning system that aids in the diagnosis and management of patients with the best possible outcomes. A detailed analysis of the literature supporting AI-assisted diagnostic techniques for the detection and characterization of colorectal polyps, with a particular emphasis on AI’s characterization mechanism, is provided. The benefits of AI over traditional IEE techniques, including the reduction in human error in diagnosis, and its potential to provide an accurate diagnosis with similar accuracy to the gold standard are presented. However, the need for large-scale testing of AI in clinical practice and the importance of integrating patient data into the diagnostic process are acknowledged. In conclusion, the constant evolution of IEE technology and the potential for AI to revolutionize the field of endoscopy in the future are presented.
Simulation of Fluid Flow in the Top–Bottom Combined Blowing Converter
Authors: Liu Zhao , Cheng Shusen , Peng Jipeng
Published: January 2024

The flow in the top–bottom combined blowing converter has an important impact on processes such as slagging, dephosphorization, decarburization, the heating of molten steel, and the homogenization of steel composition and temperature. A 1/6 reduced scale model based on a 210 t converter was used for the mathematical simulation. The validity of the model was verified by comparing the variation in cavity sizes caused by changes in the lance height and flow rate of the physical model with the numerical results. It was found that, in the bottom blowing converter, the area with higher velocity was distributed in the inverted conical plume. In top blowing, the area with higher velocity was distributed on the surface of a molten bath. The area of higher molten bath velocity in the combined blowing converter further increased. Compared with the top blowing converter, the increased percentage of the area-averaged velocity in the combined blowing converter first increased and then decreased as the distance from the bottom increased. When the top blowing flow rate changed, the combined blowing made the velocity change at the top of a molten bath smaller. The decrease in lance height significantly reduced the ratio of “inactive zone”, while the effect of the change in the flow rate was slight.
Applications of Bacillus subtilis Protein Display for Medicine, Catalysis, Environmental Remediation, and Protein Engineering
Authors: Mahmoodi Asieh , Farinas Edgardo T.
Published: January 2024

Bacillus subtilis spores offer several advantages that make them attractive for protein display. For example, protein folding issues associated with unfolded polypeptide chains crossing membranes are circumvented. In addition, they can withstand physical and chemical extremes such as heat, desiccation, radiation, ultraviolet light, and oxidizing agents. As a result, the sequence of the displayed protein can be easily obtained even under harsh screening conditions. Next, immobilized proteins have many economic and technological advantages. They can be easily separated from the reaction and the protein stability is increased in harsh environments. In traditional immobilization methods, proteins are expressed and purified and then they are attached to a matrix. In contrast, immobilization occurs naturally during the sporulation process. They can be easily separated from the reaction and the protein stability is increased in harsh environments. Spores are also amenable to high-throughput screening for protein engineering and optimization. Furthermore, they can be used in a wide array of biotechnological and industrial applications such as vaccines, bioabsorbants to remove toxic chemicals, whole-cell catalysts, bioremediation, and biosensors. Lastly, spores are easily produced in large quantities, have a good safety record, and can be used as additives in foods and drugs.
Association of Dietary Resistant Starch Intake with Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome in Korean Adults
Authors: Kang Min-Sook , Jang Kyeong-A , Kim Haeng-Ran , Song SuJin
Published: January 2024

Research findings on the relationship between dietary resistant starch (RS) intake and metabolic diseases using population-based data are very scarce. This study examined the association of dietary RS intake with obesity and metabolic syndrome in Korean adults. A total of 12,491 adults (5292 men and 7199 women) were selected from the 2016–2018 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data. The individual RS intake (g) was calculated by linking the 1-day 24 h recall data with the RS content database for common Korean foods. Obesity was defined as a BMI ≥ 25.0 kg/m2. Metabolic syndrome was defined as having three or more of the following: abdominal obesity, elevated triglycerides, low HDL cholesterol, elevated fasting blood glucose, and elevated blood pressure. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for obesity and metabolic syndrome across quartiles (Qs) of RS intake were calculated using multiple logistic regression analysis. In men, the highest quartile of RS intake showed a significantly lower OR for metabolic syndrome compared to the lowest quartile after adjusting for covariates (OR = 0.71, 95% CI = 0.56–0.92, p-trend = 0.0057). Dietary RS intake in men was also inversely associated with obesity (Q4 vs. Q1: OR = 0.80, 95% CI = 0.67–0.97, p-trend = 0.0329) and elevated triglycerides (Q4 vs. Q1: OR = 0.80, 95% CI = 0.66–0.98, p-trend = 0.0314). In women, RS intake was not associated with metabolic syndrome. Our findings may serve as useful data for developing guidelines for RS intake and conducting further cohort and clinical studies to investigate the health effects of RS.
Non-Invasive Hemoglobin Assessment with NIR Imaging of Blood Vessels in Transmittance Geometry: Monte Carlo and Experimental Evaluation
Authors: Bardadin Ilia , Petrov Vladimir , Denisenko Georgy , Armaganov Artashes , Rubekina Anna , Kopytina Daria , Panov Vladimir , Shatalov Petr , Khoronenko Victoria , Shegai Petr , Kaprin Andrey , Shkoda Andrey , Yakimov Boris
Published: January 2024

Non-invasive methods for determining blood hemoglobin (Hb) concentration are urgently needed to avoid the painful and time-consuming process of invasive venous blood sampling. Many such methods rely on assessing the average attenuation of light over a tissue area where hemoglobin is the dominant chromophore, without separating those areas corresponding to vessels and bloodless tissue. In this study, we investigate whether it is possible to determine hemoglobin levels in the blood by assessing the changes in light intensity when passing through large vessels in comparison to adjacent tissues, using this as a Hb level predictor. Using Monte Carlo light transport modeling, we evaluate the accuracy of determining hemoglobin levels via light intensity contrast and vessel widths estimated in the transmittance illumination geometry and estimate the influence of physiologically significant parameters such as vessel depth, dermis vascularization, and melanin content in the epidermis on the blood Hb prediction error. The results show that physiological variations in tissue parameters limit the mean absolute error of this method to ~15 g/L for blood Hb levels varying in the 60–160 g/L range, which finding is also supported by experimental data obtained for volunteers with different total blood Hb levels that have been determined invasively. We believe the application of new approaches to the non-invasive assessment of Hb levels will lead to the creation of reliable and accurate devices that are applicable in point-of-care and clinical practice.
Introduction to the Special Issue on Coherent and Polarization Optics
Authors: Zhang Yongtao , Yu Jiayi
Published: January 2024

Both coherence and polarization are important inherent properties of light [...]
Influence of Dilution on the Mechanical Properties and Microstructure of Polyurethane-Cement Based Composite Surface Coating
Authors: Xie Chao , Shi Yufeng , Wu Ping , Sun Binqiang , Yue Yaqiang
Published: January 2024

Polyurethane-cement composite are widely used in modern civil engineering, and the method of adding diluent is often used to adjust the construction process to adapt to the engineering environment. Studies have shown that the addition of diluent impacts the performance of polyurethane-cement based composite surface coatings, but there have been few reports on the influence of diluent content on the mechanical properties and microstructure of the coatings. To address this, polyurethane coatings with different diluent contents were prepared, and positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy was used to test the microstructure of the coatings. The tensile strength and elongation at rupture were tested using a universal material testing machine, and the fracture interface morphology of each coating was observed by scanning electron microscopy. Finally, the correlation between the microstructure parameters and the mechanical properties of the coating was analyzed using grey relation theory. The results demonstrated that with the increase in diluent content, (i) the average radius of the free volume hole (R) and the free volume fraction (FV) of the coating both showed a trend of first decreasing and then increasing. The value of R was between 3.04 and 3.24 Å, and the value of FV was between 2.08 and 2.84%. (ii) The tensile strength of the coating increased first and then decreased, while the elongation at rupture decreased first and then increased. Among them, the value of tensile strength was between 3.23 and 4.02 MPa, and the value of elongation at fracture was between 49.34 and 63.04%. In addition, the free volume in polymers plays a crucial role in facilitating the migration of molecular chain segments and is closely related to the macroscopic mechanical properties of polymers. A correlation analysis showed that the R value of the coating had the greatest influence on its tensile strength, while FV showed a higher correlation with the elongation at rupture.
Mucoadhesive Hybrid System of Silk Fibroin Nanoparticles and Thermosensitive In Situ Hydrogel for Amphotericin B Delivery: A Potential Option for Fungal Keratitis Treatment
Authors: Chomchalao Pratthana , Saelim Nuttawut , Lamlertthon Supaporn , Sisopa Premnapa , Tiyaboonchai Waree
Published: January 2024

The purpose of this work was to investigate the feasibility of a novel ophthalmic formulation of amphotericin B-encapsulated silk fibroin nanoparticles incorporated in situ hydrogel (AmB-FNPs ISG) for fungal keratitis (FK) treatment. AmB-FNPs ISG composites were successfully developed and have shown optimized physicochemical properties for ocular drug delivery. Antifungal effects against Candida albicans and in vitro ocular irritation using corneal epithelial cells were performed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the composite formulations. The combined system of AmB-FNPs-ISG exhibited effective antifungal activity and showed significantly less toxicity to HCE cells than commercial AmB. In vitro and ex vivo mucoadhesive tests demonstrated that the combination of silk fibroin nanoparticles with in situ hydrogels could enhance the adhesion ability of the particles on the ocular surface for more than 6 h, which would increase the ocular retention time of AmB and reduce the frequency of administration during the treatment. In addition, AmB-FNP-PEG ISG showed good physical and chemical stability under storage condition for 90 days. These findings indicate that AmB-FNP-PEG ISG has a great potential and be used in mucoadhesive AmB eye drops for FK treatment.
Epoxy-Acrylic Polymer In-Situ Filling Cell Lumen and Bonding Cell Wall for Wood Reinforcement and Stabilization
Authors: Liu Yiliang , Fan Jilong , Yao Fengbiao , Gao Xudong , Zhao Yueying , Liu Baoxuan , Dong Xiaoying , Li Yongfeng
Published: January 2024

Under a global carbon-neutralizing environment, renewable wood is a viable alternative to non-renewable resources due to its abundance and high specific strength. However, fast-growing wood is hard to be applied extensively due to low mechanical strength and poor dimensional stability and durability. In this study, epoxy-acrylic resin-modified wood was prepared by forming a functional monomer system with three monomers [glycidyl methacrylate (GMA), maleic anhydride (MAN), and polyethylene glycol-200-dimethylacrylic acid (PEGDMA)] and filling into the wood cell cavity. The results showed that in the case of an optimal monomer system of nGMA:nPEGDMA = 20:1 and an optimal MAN dosage of 6%, the conversion rate of monomers reached 98.01%, the cell cavity was evenly filled by the polymer, with the cell wall chemically bonded. Thus, a bonding strength of as high as 1.13 MPa, a bending strength of 112.6 MPa and an impact toughness of 74.85 KJ/m2 were applied to the modified wood, which presented excellent dimensional stability (720 h water absorption: 26%, and volume expansion ratio: 5.04%) and rot resistance (loss rates from white rot and brown rot: 3.05% and 0.67%). Additionally, polymer-modified wood also exhibited excellent wear resistance and heat stability. This study reports a novel approach for building new environmentally friendly wood with high strength and toughness and good structural stability and durability.