bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of Ionic Liquids as Mobile Phase Additives for Simultaneous Analysis of Nicotine and Its Metabolite Cotinine in Human Plasma by HPLC–DAD
Authors: Axente Roxana E. , Stan Miriana , Chitescu Carmen L. , Nitescu Viorela G. , Vlasceanu Ana-Maria , Baconi Daniela L.
Published: February 2023

Nicotine and cotinine are very polar basic molecules, which makes it difficult to analyze them by reversed-phase liquid chromatography (RPLC), especially in biological samples. Additives with an ionic character have been traditionally used in RPLC as silanol suppressors. The aim of our study was to investigate the potential of selected ionic liquids in improving chromatographic performance in comparison with common additives. The experimental design was conducted using the following ionic liquids as the mobile phase modifiers: 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate, BMIM[BF4] and 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate BMIM[PF6], with a C18 chromatographic column. The separation of these alkaloids on silica-based RPLC stationary phases was successfully conducted by the addition of BMIM[BF4] in an acetonitrile:phosphate-buffer-based mobile phase in a pH range of 2.3–5.2. The presented chromatographic method can be used as alternative for monitoring studies or pharmacokinetic application necessary for the evaluation of tobacco smoke exposure.
Structure and Vibrational Spectroscopy of C82 Fullerenol Valent Isomers: An Experimental and Theoretical Joint Study
Authors: Tomilin Felix N. , Artyushenko Polina V. , Shchugoreva Irina A. , Rogova Anastasia V. , Vnukova Natalia G. , Churilov Grigory N. , Shestakov Nikolay P. , Tchaikovskaya Olga N. , Ovchinnikov Sergei G. , Avramov Pavel V.
Published: February 2023

Gd@C82OxHy endohedral complexes for advanced biomedical applications (computer tomography, cancer treatment, etc.) were synthesized using high-frequency arc plasma discharge through a mixture of graphite and Gd2O3 oxide. The Gd@C82 endohedral complex was isolated by high-efficiency liquid chromatography and consequently oxidized with the formation of a family of Gd endohedral fullerenols with gross formula Gd@C82O8(OH)20. Fourier-transformed infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was used to study the structure and spectroscopic properties of the complexes in combination with the DFTB3 electronic structure calculations and infrared spectra simulations. It was shown that the main IR spectral features are formed by a fullerenole C82 cage that allows one to consider the force constants at the DFTB3 level of theory without consideration of gadolinium endohedral ions inside the carbon cage. Based on the comparison of experimental FTIR and theoretical DFTB3 IR spectra, it was found that oxidation of the C82 cage causes the formation of Gd@C82O28H20, with a breakdown of the integrity of the parent C82 cage with the formation of pores between neighboring carbonyl and carboxyl groups. The Gd@C82O6(OOH)2(OH)18 endohedral complex with epoxy, carbonyl and carboxyl groups was considered the most reliable fullerenole structural model.
Leaves of Moringa oleifera Are Potential Source of Bioactive Compound β-Carotene: Evidence from In Silico and Quantitative Gene Expression Analysis
Authors: Muteeb Ghazala , Aatif Mohammad , Farhan Mohd , Alsultan Abdulrahman , Alshoaibi Adil , Alam Mir Waqas
Published: February 2023

Moringa oleifera is rich in bioactive compounds such as beta-carotene, which have high nutritional values and antimicrobial applications. Several studies have confirmed that bioactive-compound-based herbal medicines extracted from the leaves, seeds, fruits and shoots of M. oleifera are vital to cure many diseases and infections, and for the healing of wounds. The β-carotene is a naturally occurring bioactive compound encoded by zeta-carotene desaturase (ZDS) and phytoene synthase (PSY) genes. In the current study, computational analyses were performed to identify and characterize ZDS and PSY genes retrieved from Arabidopsis thaliana (as reference) and these were compared with the corresponding genes in M. oleifera, Brassica napus, Brassica rapa, Brassica oleracea and Bixa orellana. The BLAST results revealed that all the plant species considered in this study encode β-carotene genes with 80–100% similarity. The Pfam analysis on β-carotene genes of all the investigated plants confirmed that they belong to the same protein family and domain. Similarly, phylogenetic analysis revealed that β-carotene genes of M. oleifera belong to the same ancestral class. Using the ZDS and PSY genes of Arabidopsis thaliana as a reference, we conducted qRT-PCR analysis on RNA extracted from the leaves of M. oleifera, Brassica napus, Brassica rapa and Bixa orellana. It was noted that the most significant gene expression occurred in the leaves of the studied medicinal plants. We concluded that not only are the leaves of M. oleifera an effective source of bioactive compounds including beta carotene, but also the leaves of Brassica napus, Brassica rapa and Bixa orellana can be employed as antibiotics and antioxidants against bacterial or microbial infections.
Enhancing Anticorrosion Resistance of Aluminum Alloys Using Femtosecond Laser-Based Surface Structuring and Coating
Authors: Nawaz Tahir , Ali Asghar , Ahmad Shahbaz , Piatkowski Piotr , Alnaser Ali S.
Published: February 2023

We report a robust two-step method for developing adherent and anticorrosive molybdenum (Mo)-based coatings over an aluminum (Al) 6061 alloy substrate using a femtosecond (fs) laser. The fs laser nanostructuring of Al 6061 alloy in air gives rise to regular arrays of microgrooves exhibiting superhydrophilic surface properties. The microstructured surface is further coated with an Mo layer using the fs-pulsed laser deposition (fs-PLD) technique. The combination of the two femtosecond laser surface treatments (microstructuring followed by coating) enabled the development of a highly corrosion-resistant surface, with a corrosion current of magnitude less than that of the pristine, the only structured, and the annealed alloy samples. The underlying mechanism is attributed to the laser-assisted formation of highly rough hierarchical oxide structures on the Al 6061 surface along with post heat treatment, which passivates the surface and provide the necessary platform for firm adhesion for Mo coating. Our results reveal that the corrosive nature of the Al-based alloys can be controlled and improved using a combined approach of femtosecond laser-based surface structuring and coating.
Reversible Hydrogen Storage Media by g-CN Monolayer Decorated with NLi4: A First-Principles Study
Authors: Chen Xihao , Hou Wenjie , Zhai Fuqiang , Cheng Jiang , Yuan Shuang , Li Yihan , Wang Ning , Zhang Liang , Ren Jie
Published: February 2023

A two-dimensional graphene-like carbon nitride (g-CN) monolayer decorated with the superatomic cluster NLi4 was studied for reversible hydrogen storage by first-principles calculations. Molecular dynamics simulations show that the g-CN monolayer has good thermal stability at room temperature. The NLi4 is firmly anchored on the g-CN monolayer with a binding energy of −6.35 eV. Electronic charges are transferred from the Li atoms of NLi4 to the g-CN monolayer, mainly due to the hybridization of Li(2s), C(2p), and N(2p) orbitals. Consequently, a spatial local electrostatic field is formed around NLi4, leading to polarization of the adsorbed hydrogen molecules and further enhancing the electrostatic interactions between the Li atoms and hydrogen. Each NLi4 can adsorb nine hydrogen molecules with average adsorption energies between −0.152 eV/H2 and −0.237 eV/H2. This range is within the reversible hydrogen storage energy window. Moreover, the highest achieved gravimetric capacity is up to 9.2 wt%, which is superior to the 5.5 wt% target set by the U.S. Department of Energy. This study shows that g-CN monolayers decorated with NLi4 are a good candidate for reversible hydrogen storage.
Stakeholder Beliefs about Alternative Proteins: A Systematic Review
Authors: Amato Mario , Riverso Roberta , Palmieri Rossella , Verneau Fabio , La Barbera Francesco
Published: February 2023

In recent years, a great deal of research has been conducted on consumers’ attitudes and beliefs in favor and against alternative proteins (AP). By contrast, a much more limited research effort has been devoted to understanding stakeholders’ point of view. The current work provides a first systematic review of the existing literature on stakeholders’ beliefs towards alternative protein sources. Moreover, a secondary content analysis was carried out on the selected studies, providing an overview of the major themes emerging from the existing literature in relation to utilitarian, normative, and control beliefs that stakeholders hold towards AP. Results showed that stakeholders’ beliefs are very different from those that emerged from previous research on consumers’ views. Overall, stakeholders appear much more aware, compared to consumers, of the implications of using alternative proteins in relation to the main pillars of sustainability (economic, environmental, social). Stakeholders’ beliefs were grouped into 13 categories, such as “economics”, “consumers”, and “rules”. With respect to future scenarios, they attribute an important role to political institutions, with respect to both economic and communication aspects, which they consider crucial to overcome persistent consumer skepticism.
The Probiotic Combination of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei JY062 and Lactobacillus gasseri JM1 Alleviates Gastrointestinal Motility Disorder via Improving Gut Microbiota
Authors: Cheng Shasha , Li Hongxuan , Ding Yixin , Huo Jiacheng , Zheng Yaping , Jiang Yujun , Zhang Yu , Man Chaoxin
Published: February 2023

Probiotics have received wide attention as a potential way to alleviate gastrointestinal (GI) motility disorders. Herein, we investigated the effects of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei JY062, Lactobacillus gasseri JM1, and the probiotic combination at 5 × 109 CFU/mL on mice induced by loperamide and explored the possible underlying mechanisms in GI motility disorder. After two weeks of probiotic intervention, the results indicated that the probiotic combination alleviated GI motility disorder better. It increased the secretion of excitatory GI regulators motilin, gastrin, and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and decreased the secretion of the inhibitory GI regulators peptide YY and nitric oxide (NO), except vasoactive intestinal peptide. 5-HT and NO were related to the mRNA expression of 5-HT4 receptor and nitric oxide synthase, respectively. The intervention of probiotic combination also increased the number of interstitial cells of Cajal and the expression of SCF/c-kit protein. In addition, it also increased the abundance of beneficial bacteria (Lactobacillus, Rikenellaceae, and Clostridiaceae_Clostridium) and improved the contents of short-chain fatty acids in cecum contents of mice. In conclusion, the probiotic combination of L. paracasei JY062 and L. gasseri JM1 has the potential to alleviate GI motility disorders by balancing intestinal homeostasis.
Potential of Microalgae as Functional Foods Applied to Mitochondria Protection and Healthy Aging Promotion
Authors: Zanella Lorenzo , Vianello Fabio
Published: February 2023

The rapid aging of the Western countries’ populations makes increasingly necessary the promotion of healthy lifestyles in order to prevent/delay the onset of age-related diseases. The use of functional foods can significantly help to achieve this aim, thanks to the contribution of biologically active compounds suitable to protect cellular and metabolic homeostasis from damage caused by stress factors. Indeed, the excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), favored by incorrect eating and behavioral habits, are considered causal elements of oxidative stress, which in turn favors tissue and organism aging. Microalgae represent a convenient and suitable functional food because of their extraordinary ability to concentrate various active compounds, comprising omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, sterols, phenolic compounds, carotenoids and others. Within cells, mitochondria are the cellular organelles most affected by the accumulation of molecular damage produced by oxidative stress. Since, in addition to producing the chemical energy for cellular metabolism, mitochondria control numerous cell cycle regulation processes, including intrinsic apoptosis, responses to inflammatory signals and other biochemical pathways, their dysfunction is considered decisive for many pathologies. Among these, some degenerative diseases of the nervous system, cardiovascular system, kidney function and even cancer are found. From this viewpoint, bioactive compounds of microalgae, in addition to possessing high antioxidant properties, can enhance mitochondrial functionality by modulating the expression of numerous protective factors and enzymes, which in turn regulate some essential biochemical pathways for the preservation of the functional integrity of the cell. Here, we summarize the current knowledge on the role played by microalgal compounds in the regulation of the mitochondrial life cycle, expression of protective and reparative enzymes, regulation of intrinsic apoptosis and modulation of some key biochemical pathways. Special attention was paid to the composition of some cultivable microalgae strains selected for their high content of active compounds suitable to protect and improve mitochondrial functions.
A Novel PDK1/MEK Dual Inhibitor Induces Cytoprotective Autophagy via the PDK1/Akt Signaling Pathway in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Liu Rangru , Chen Zhuo , Hu Gaoyun , Yu Zutao , Li Qianbin , Liu Danqi , Li Ling , Liu Zhaoqian
Published: February 2023

In a preliminary study, we synthesized a series of new PDK1/MEK dual inhibitors. Antitumor activity screening showed that Compound YZT exerts a strong inhibitory action in A549 cells. However, the specific mechanism of YZT against non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is largely unknown. This work confirmed the anti-proliferation and pro-apoptosis effects of YZT in NSCLC cells. Furthermore, YZT promotes autophagy and provokes complete autophagic flux in NSCLC cells. Notably, compared with YZT alone, the combination of YZT with the autophagy inhibitor chloroquine (CQ) or 3-methyladenine (3-MA) markedly strengthened the anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic actions, suggesting that YZT-induced autophagy is cytoprotective. We further found that YZT-induced autophagy may exert a cytoprotective function by preserving the integrity of mitochondria and decreasing mitochondrial apoptosis. Moreover, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis suggested that PDK1 is an upstream protein of the Akt/mTOR axis and western blotting verified that YZT induces autophagy by the PDK1/Akt/mTOR signaling axis. Finally, YZT plus CQ significantly enhanced the anticancer activities compared to YZT alone in an animal study and immunohistochemistry showed that the level of LC3 was increased by YZT, which is in line with the in vitro results. In short, our study provides reliable experimental basis for developing Compound YZT as a new chemotherapeutic drug candidate and suggests that combined administration of YZT with CQ is a potential therapy against NSCLC.
Complexation between the Antioxidant Pterostilbene and Derivatized Cyclodextrins in the Solid State and in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Catenacci Laura , Vicatos Alexios I. , Sorrenti Milena , Edmonds-Smith Cesarina , Bonferoni Maria Cristina , Caira Mino R.
Published: February 2023

Inadequate aqueous solubilities of bioactive compounds hinder their ability to be developed for medicinal applications. The potent antioxidant pterostilbene (PTB) is a case in point. The aim of this study was to use a series of modified water-soluble cyclodextrins (CDs), namely, hydroxypropyl β-CD (HPβCD), dimethylated β-CD (DIMEB), randomly methylated β-CD (RAMEB), and sulfobutyl ether β-CD sodium salt (SBECD) to prepare inclusion complexes of PTB via various solid, semi-solid, and solution-based treatments. Putative CD–PTB products generated by solid-state co-grinding, kneading, irradiation with microwaves, and the evaporative treatment of CD–PTB solutions were considered to have potential for future applications. Primary analytical methods for examining CD–PTB products included differential scanning calorimetry and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy to detect the occurrence of binary complex formation. Phase solubility analysis was used to probe CD–PTB complexation in an aqueous solution. Complexation was evident in both the solid-state and in solution. Complex association constants (K1:1) in an aqueous solution spanned the approximate range of 15,000 to 55,000 M−1; the values increased with the CDs in the order HPβCD < DIMEB < RAMEB < SBECD. Significant PTB solubility enhancement factors were recorded at 100 mM CD concentrations, the most accurately determined values being in the range 700-fold to 1250-fold.
Development of Autopolymerizing Resin Material with Antimicrobial Properties Using Montmorillonite and Nanoporous Silica
Authors: Otsubo Shuhei , Nakanishi Ko , Fukukawa Kakufu , Endo Ryoshun , Yoshida Seiichiro , Matsumoto Aiko , Yoshihara Kumiko , Akasaka Tsukasa , Hasebe Akira , Yoshida Yasuhiro , Sato Yoshiaki
Published: February 2023

Although autopolymerizing resin offers numerous applications in orthodontic treatment, plaque tends to accumulate between the appliance and the mucosa, which increases the number of microorganisms present. In this study, we added cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) loaded montmorillonite (Mont) and nanoporous silica (NPS) to autopolymerizing resin (resin-Mont, resin-NPS) and evaluated their drug release capacity, antimicrobial capacity, drug reuptake capacity, mechanical strength, and color tone for the devolvement of autopolymerizing resin with antimicrobial properties. As observed, resin-Mont and resin-NPS were capable of the sustained release of CPC for 14 d, and a higher amount of CPC was released compared to that of resin-CPC. Additionally, resin-Mont and resin-NPS could reuptake CPC. Moreover, the antimicrobial studies demonstrated that resin-Mont and resin-NPS could release effective amounts of CPC against Streptococcus mutans for 14 d and 7 d after reuptake, respectively. Compared to resin-CPC, resin-Mont exhibited a higher sustained release of CPC in all periods, both in the initial sustained release and after reuptake. However, the mechanical strength decreased with the addition of Mont and NPS, with a 36% reduction observed in flexural strength for resin-Mont and 25% for resin-NPS. The application of these results to the resin portion of the orthodontic appliances can prevent bacterial growth on the surface, as well as on the interior, of the appliances and mitigate the inflammation of the mucosa.
Nanomedicine for Combination Urologic Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Tian Yun , Liu Zhenzhu , Wang Jianbo , Li Linan , Wang Fuli , Zhu Zheng , Wang Xuejian
Published: February 2023

Urologic cancers, particularly kidney, bladder, and prostate cancer, have a growing incidence and account for about a million annual deaths worldwide. Treatments, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, hormone therapy, and immunotherapy are the main therapeutic options in urologic cancers. Immunotherapy is now a clinical reality with marked success in solid tumors. Immunological checkpoint blockade, non-specific activation of the immune system, adoptive cell therapy, and tumor vaccine are the main modalities of immunotherapy. Immunotherapy has long been used to treat urologic cancers; however, dose-limiting toxicities and low response rates remain major challenges in the clinic. Herein, nanomaterial-based platforms are utilized as the “savior”. The combination of nanotechnology with immunotherapy can achieve precision medicine, enhance efficacy, and reduce toxicities. In this review, we highlight the principles of cancer immunotherapy in urology. Meanwhile, we summarize the nano-immune technology and platforms currently used for urologic cancer treatment. The ultimate goal is to help in the rational design of strategies for nanomedicine-based immunotherapy in urologic cancer.
Chitosan-Covered Calcium Phosphate Particles Co-Loaded with Superoxide Dismutase 1 and ACE Inhibitor: Development, Characterization and Effect on Intraocular Pressure
Authors: Popova Ekaterina , Matveeva Olesya , Beznos Olga , Tikhomirova Victoria , Kudryashova Elena , Grigoriev Yuri , Chesnokova Natalia , Kost Olga
Published: February 2023

Improvement of the efficiency of drug penetration into the eye tissues is still an actual problem in ophthalmology. One of the most promising solutions is drug encapsulation in carriers capable of overcoming the cornea/sclera tissue barrier. Formulations on the base of antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), and an inhibitor of angiotensin-converting enzyme, enalaprilat, were prepared by simultaneous inclusion of both drugs into calcium phosphate (CaP) particles in situ with subsequent covering of the particles with 5 kDa chitosan. The formulations obtained were characterized by dynamic light scattering and scanning electron microscopy. Hybrid CaP-chitosan particles co-loaded with SOD1 and enalaprilat had a mean hydrodynamic diameter of 120–160 nm and ζ-potential +20 ± 1 mV. The percentage of the inclusion of SOD1 and enalaprilat in hybrid particles was 30% and 56%, respectively. The ability of SOD1 and enalaprilat to reduce intraocular pressure (IOP) was examined in vivo in normotensive Chinchilla rabbits. It was shown that topical instillations of SOD1/enalaprilat co-loaded hybrid particles were much more effective in decreasing IOP compared to free enzyme or free enalaprilat and even to the same particles that contained a single drug. Thus, the proposed formulations demonstrate potential as prospective therapeutic agents for the treatment of glaucoma.
Effects of Hydrogen Sulfide on Sugar, Organic Acid, Carotenoid, and Polyphenol Level in Tomato Fruit
Authors: Zhang Yanqin , Yun Fahong , Man Xiaoling , Huang Dengjing , Liao Weibiao
Published: February 2023

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is known to have a positive effect on the postharvest storage of vegetables and fruits, but limited results are available on its influence in fruit flavor quality. Here, we presented the effect of H2S on the flavor quality of tomato fruit during postharvest. H2S decreased the content of fructose, glucose, carotene and lycopene but increased that of soluble protein, organic acid, malic acid and citric acid. These differences were directly associated with the expression of their metabolism-related genes. Moreover, H2S treatment raised the contents of total phenolics, total flavonoids and most phenolic compounds, and up-regulated the expression level of their metabolism-related genes (PAL5, 4CL, CHS1, CHS2, F3H and FLS). However, the effects of the H2S scavenger hypotaurine on the above flavor quality parameters were opposite to that of H2S, thus confirming the role of H2S in tomato flavor quality. Thus, these results provide insight into the significant roles of H2S in tomato fruit quality regulation and implicate the potential application of H2S in reducing the flavor loss of tomato fruit during postharvest.
Effect of Natural Liquid Hydroabsorbents on Ammonia Emission from Liquid Nitrogen Fertilizers and Plant Growth of Maize (Zea Mays L.) under Drought Conditions
Authors: Kriška Tomáš , Škarpa Petr , Antošovský Jiří
Published: February 2023

The use of mineral nitrogen (N) fertilizers is associated with significant nitrogen loss through the volatilization. Ammonia (NH3) emissions are common from fertilizers with amide (NH2) and ammonium (NH4) nitrogen forms applied to the soil surface without incorporation. The objective of the laboratory and greenhouse pot experiments was to verify the hypothesis that liquid mineral fertilizers and fertilizer solutions containing N-NH2 and N-NH4 applied to the soil surface in combination with natural hydroabsorbents (NHAs) will reduce the volatilization of nitrogen. The effect of NHAs addition to urea ammonium nitrate (UAN) fertilizer and urea, ammonium nitrate (AN) and ammonium sulphate (AS) solutions was evaluated in a laboratory experiment. The effect of the two types of NHAs (acidic and neutral) was compared with the control (UAN) and its mixture with the commercially used urease inhibitor N-(n-butyl) thiophosphoric triamide (NBPT). The proportion of volatilized NH3 of the total N from the examined fertilizers applied to the soil surface was determined by the titration method. Subsequently, the effect of fertilization with UAN and its mixture with NHAs and NBPT on the growth of maize under the drought conditions was verified in a greenhouse pot experiment. While the addition of NBPT resulted in a reduction of NH3 emission for the fertilizers containing NH2 (UAN, urea solution), a decrease in volatilization after the addition of both acidic and neutral NHA was observed especially for UAN. A reduction in ammonia emission was also observed for AS after the addition of acidic NHA. The addition of both NHAs and NBPT to UAN increased the utilization of nitrogen from the applied fertilizer, which was reflected by an increase in chlorophyll content and increased CO2 assimilation by maize plants grown under the drought stress. UAN fertilizer combined with acidic NHA and NBPT significantly increased aboveground biomass production and root system capacity of maize. Significant increases in UAN nitrogen recovery were observed for all examined additives (UI and both types of NHAs). In addition to the known effects of hydroabsorbents, especially their influence on soil physical and biological properties and soil water retention, the effect of NHAs application in combination with UAN and AS solutions on the reduction of gaseous N loss, maize plant growth and fertilizer nitrogen recovery was found.
Tergitol Based Decellularization Protocol Improves the Prerequisites for Pulmonary Xenografts: Characterization and Biocompatibility Assessment
Authors: Tondato Susanna , Moro Arianna , Butt Salman , Todesco Martina , Sandrin Deborah , Borile Giulia , Marchesan Massimo , Fabozzo Assunta , Bagno Andrea , Romanato Filippo , Imran Saima Jalil , Gerosa Gino
Published: February 2023

Right ventricle outflow tract obstruction (RVOTO) is a congenital pathological condition that contributes to about 15% of congenital heart diseases. In most cases, the replacement of the right ventricle outflow in pediatric age requires subsequent pulmonary valve replacement in adulthood. The aim of this study was to investigate the extracellular matrix scaffold obtained by decellularization of the porcine pulmonary valve using a new detergent (Tergitol) instead of Triton X-100. The decellularized scaffold was evaluated for the integrity of its extracellular matrix (ECM) structure by testing for its biochemical and mechanical properties, and the cytotoxicity/cytocompatibility of decellularized tissue was assessed using bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells. We concluded that Tergitol could remove the nuclear material efficiently while preserving the structural proteins of the matrix, but without an efficient removal of the alpha-gal antigenic epitope. Therefore, Tergitol can be used as an alternative detergent to replace the Triton X-100.
A Circular Approach for the Valorization of Tomato By-Product in Biodegradable Injected Materials for Horticulture Sector
Authors: Bourmaud Alain , Konschak Kolja , Buffet Coralie , Calatraba Méline , Rudolph Anton Loïc , Kervoëlen Antoine , Gautherot Basile , Bonnin Estelle , Beaugrand Johnny
Published: February 2023

This study focuses on the use of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) by-product biomass from industrial plants as reinforcement for designing a range of new degradable and biobased thermoplastic materials. As a novel technique, this fully circular approach enables a promising up-cycling of tomato wastes. After an in-depth morphological study of the degree of reinforcement through SEM and dynamic analysis, mechanical characterization was carried out. Our mechanical results demonstrate that this circular approach is of interest for composite applications. Despite their moderate aspect ratio values (between 1.5 and 2), the tomato by-product-reinforced materials can mechanically compete with existing formulations; PBS-Tomato fiber, for example, exhibits mechanical performance very close to that of PP-flax, especially regarding strength (+11%) and elongation at break (+6%). According to the matrix and particle morphology, a large range of products—biobased and/or degradable, depending on the targeted application—can be designed from tomato cultivation by-products.
Comparison between Magnetic Fields and Electric Fields of Microwave Radiation for Heating the Solder Used to Connect a Transistor to a Printed Circuit Board
Authors: Nakamura Takashi , Nishioka Masateru , Tomitsuka Kenichi , Yoshida Hisahiko , Sakuma Haruya , Uemura Sei
Published: February 2023

We demonstrated soldering of an electrical component (the metal-oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET)) on a printed circuit bord (PCB) via solder paste heated by microwave irradiation. The behavior of the object soldered with solder heated in a microwave magnetic field and electric field were evaluated by using various microwave resonators. In the magnetic field, the solder paste was selectively heated by microwave irradiation. We confirmed that the MOSFET was connected onto the PCB without any damage and that the MOSFET operated normally. However, in an electric field, the solder paste cannot be heated by microwave irradiation because the edges of the PCB were selectively heated. Consequently, the MOSFET could not be connected onto the PCB. The strengths of the electromagnetic fields produced by different microwave resonators were numerically simulated to determine the optimal positions for microwave soldering. Based on the simulation results, microwave heating with separate magnetic and electric fields was carried out and we investigated the heating characteristics of the samples. The appearance and cross sections of the samples were observed by using scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. To estimate any damage by microwave irradiation of the MOSFET, we evaluated the output and transfer characteristics of the MOSFET. We conclude that microwave heating in a magnetic field was superior to heating with an electric field.
Risk Sharing, SMEs’ Financial Strategy, and Lending Guarantee Technology
Authors: Saci Karima , Mansour Walid
Published: February 2023

Several governments use the Credit Guarantee Schemes to ease SMEs’ access to funding and support their growth and survival. This paper suggests a lending guarantee technology based on risk sharing through a de facto shareholding agreement to cover potential losses and reduce the premature default risk. The simulation of a typical entrepreneurial experiment shows that the key SMEs dynamics (value creation, profitability, risk, leverage, and equity multiplier, among others) and other related financial additionality and sustainability indicators are substantially improved. The ideal financial strategy for the SMEs’ entrepreneurs is to keep lower levels of the equity multiplier to transmit positive signals to the market, which improves the business prospects and related creditworthiness. The results indicate that risk sharing alleviates the financiers’ reluctance to increase the SMEs funding and improve their risk management systems.
Globally vs. Locally Trained Machine Learning Models for Landslide Detection: A Case Study of a Glacial Landscape
Authors: Ganerød Alexandra Jarna , Lindsay Erin , Fredin Ola , Myrvoll Tor-Andre , Nordal Steinar , Rød Jan Ketil
Published: February 2023

Landslide risk mitigation is limited by data scarcity; however, this could be improved using continuous landslide detection systems. To investigate which image types and machine learning models are most useful for landslide detection in a Norwegian setting, we compared the performance of five different machine learning models, for the Jølster case study (30 July 2019), in Western Norway. These included three globally pre-trained models; (i) the continuous change detection and classification (CCDC) algorithm, (ii) a combined k-means clustering and random forest classification model, and (iii) a convolutional neural network (CNN), and two locally trained models, including; (iv) classification and regression Trees and (v) a U-net CNN model. Images used included Sentinel-1, Sentinel-2, as well as digital elevation model (DEM) and slope. The globally trained models performed poorly in shadowed areas and were all outperformed by the locally trained models. A maximum Matthew’s correlation coefficient (MCC) score of 89% was achieved with a CNN U-net deep learning model, using combined Sentinel-1 and -2 images as input. This is one of the first attempts to apply deep learning to detect landslides with both Sentinel-1 and -2 images. Using Sentinel-1 images only, the locally-trained deep-learning model significantly outperformed the conventional machine learning model. These findings contribute to developing a national continuous monitoring system for landslides.
A Novel Deep Learning Model for Mining Nonlinear Dynamics in Lake Surface Water Temperature Prediction
Authors: Hao Zihan , Li Weide , Wu Jinran , Zhang Shaotong , Hu Shujuan
Published: February 2023

As one of the critical indicators of the lake ecosystem, the lake surface water temperature is an important indicator for measuring lake ecological environment. However, there is a complex nonlinear relationship between lake surface water temperature and climate variables, making it difficult to accurately predict. Fortunately, satellite remote sensing provides a wealth of data to support further improvements in prediction accuracy. In this paper, we construct a new deep learning model for mining the nonlinear dynamics from climate variables to obtain more accurate prediction of lake surface water temperature. The proposed model consists of the variable correlation information module and the temporal correlation information module. The variable correlation information module based on the Self-Attention mechanism extracts key variable features that affect lake surface water temperature. Then, the features are input into the temporal correlation information module based on the Gated Recurrent Unit (GRU) model to learn the temporal variation patterns. The proposed model, called Attention-GRU, is then applied to lake surface water temperature prediction in Qinghai Lake, the largest inland lake located in the Tibetan Plateau region in China. Compared with the seven baseline models, the Attention-GRU model achieved the most accurate prediction results; notably, it significantly outperformed the Air2water model which is the classic model for lake surface water temperature prediction based on the volume-integrated heat balance equation. Finally, we analyzed the factors influencing the surface water temperature of Qinghai Lake. There are different degrees of direct and indirect effects of climatic variables, among which air temperature is the dominant factor.
Stability Analysis of Unmixing-Based Spatiotemporal Fusion Model: A Case of Land Surface Temperature Product Downscaling
Authors: Li Min , Guo Shanxin , Chen Jinsong , Chang Yuguang , Sun Luyi , Zhao Longlong , Li Xiaoli , Yao Hongming
Published: February 2023

The unmixing-based spatiotemporal fusion model is one of the effective ways to solve limitations in temporal and spatial resolution tradeoffs in a single satellite sensor. By using fusion data from different satellite platforms, high resolution in both temporal and spatial domains can be produced. However, due to the ill-posed characteristic of the unmixing function, the model performance may vary due to the different model setups. The key factors affecting the model stability most and how to set up the unmixing strategy for data downscaling remain unknown. In this study, we use the multisource land surface temperature as the case and focus on the three major factors to analyze the stability of the unmixing-based fusion model: (1) the definition of the homogeneous change regions (HCRs), (2) the unmixing levels, and (3) the number of HCRs. The spatiotemporal data fusion model U-STFM was used as the baseline model. The results show: (1) The clustering-based algorithm is more suitable for detecting HCRs for unmixing. Compared with the multi-resolution segmentation algorithm and k-means algorithm, the ISODATA clustering algorithm can more accurately describe LST’s temporal and spatial changes on HCRs. (2) For the U-STFM model, applying the unmixing processing at the change ratio level can significantly reduce the additive and multiplicative noise of the prediction. (3) There is a tradeoff effect between the number of HCRs and the solvability of the linear unmixing function. The larger the number of HCRs (less than the available MODIS pixels), the more stable the model is. (4) For the fusion of the daily 30 m scale LST product, compared with STARFM and ESTARFM, the modified U-STFM (iso_USTFM) achieved higher prediction accuracy and a lower error (R 2: 0.87 and RMSE:1.09 k). With the findings of this study, daily fine-scale LST products can be predicted based on the unmixing-based spatial–temporal model with lower uncertainty and stable prediction.
Cloud Removal from Satellite Images Using a Deep Learning Model with the Cloud-Matting Method
Authors: Ma Deying , Wu Renzhe , Xiao Dongsheng , Sui Baikai
Published: February 2023

Clouds seriously limit the application of optical remote sensing images. In this paper, we remove clouds from satellite images using a novel method that considers ground surface reflections and cloud top reflections as a linear mixture of image elements from the perspective of image superposition. We use a two-step convolutional neural network to extract the transparency information of clouds and then recover the ground surface information of thin cloud regions. Given the poor balance of the generated samples, this paper also improves the binary Tversky loss function and applies it on multi-classification tasks. The model was validated on the simulated dataset and ALCD dataset, respectively. The results show that this model outperformed other control group experiments in cloud detection and removal. The model better locates the clouds in images with cloud matting, which is built based on cloud detection. In addition, the model successfully recovers the surface information of the thin cloud region when thick and thin clouds coexist, and it does not damage the original image’s information.
Analysis of the Winter AOD Trends over Iran from 2000 to 2020 and Associated Meteorological Effects
Authors: Yousefi Robabeh , Wang Fang , Ge Quansheng , Shaheen Abdallah , Kaskaoutis Dimitris G.
Published: February 2023

High aerosol levels pose severe air pollution and climate change challenges in Iran. Although regional aerosol optical depth (AOD) trends have been analyzed during the dusty season over Iran, the specific factors that are driving the spatio-temporal variations in winter AOD and the influence of meteorological dynamics on winter AOD trends remain unclear. This study analyzes the long-term AOD trends over Iran in winter during the period 2000–2020 using the updated Modern-Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications version 2 (MERRA-2) and the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) datasets. Our results showed that the winter AOD exhibited a significant upward trend during the period 2000–2010 followed by a significant decrease during the period 2010–2018. We found that the winter AOD trends are important over this arid region due to multiple meteorological mechanisms which also affect the following spring/summer dusty period. Ground-based observations from Aerosol Robotic Network data (AERONET) in the Middle East region display trends comparable to those of both MERRA-2 and MODIS and indicated that aeolian dust and the meteorological dynamics associated with it play a central role in winter AOD changes. Furthermore, this study indicated that a significant downward trend in winter sea level pressure (SLP) during the early period (2000–2010) induced hot and dry winds which originated in the desert regions in Iraq and Arabia and blew toward Iran, reducing relative humidity (RH) and raising the temperature and thus promoting soil drying and dust AOD accumulation. In contrast, a significant increase in winter SLP during the late period (2010–2018) induced cold and wet winds from northwestern regions which increased RH and lowered the temperature, thus reducing dust AOD. This suggests that the changes in AOD over Iran are highly influenced by seasonal meteorological variabilities. These results also highlight the importance of examining wintertime climatic variations and their effects on the dust aerosol changes over the Middle East.
Towards Edge-Precise Cloud and Shadow Detection on the GaoFen-1 Dataset: A Visual, Comprehensive Investigation
Authors: Jiao Libin , Zheng Mocun , Tang Ping , Zhang Zheng
Published: February 2023

Remote sensing images are usually contaminated by opaque cloud and shadow regions when acquired, and therefore cloud and shadow detection arises as one of the essential prerequisites for restoration and prediction of the objects of interest underneath, which are required by further processing and analysis. Cutting-edge, learning-based segmentation techniques, given a well-labeled, sufficient sample set, are significantly developed for such a detection issue and can already achieve region-accurate or even pixel-precise performance. However, it may possibly be problematic to attempt to apply the sophisticated segmentation techniques to label-free datasets in a straightforward way, more specifically, to the remote sensing data generated by the Chinese domestic satellite GaoFen-1. We wish to partially address such a segmentation problem from a practical perspective rather than in a conceptual way. This can be performed by considering a hypothesis that a segmentor, which is sufficiently trained on the well-labeled samples of common bands drawn from a source dataset, can be directly applicable to the custom, band-consistent test cases from a target set. Such a band-consistent hypothesis allows us to present a straightforward solution to the GaoFen-1 segmentation problem by treating the well-labeled Landsat 8 Operational Land Imager dataset as the source and by selecting the fourth, the third, and the second bands, also known as the false-color bands, to construct the band-consistent samples and cases. Furthermore, we attempt to achieve edge-refined segmentation performance on the GaoFen-1 dataset by adopting our prior Refined UNet and v4. We finally verify the effectiveness of the band-consistent hypothesis and the edge-refined approaches by performing a relatively comprehensive investigation, including visual comparisons, ablation experiments regarding bilateral manipulations, explorations of critical hyperparameters within our implementation of the conditional random field, and time consumption in practice. The experiments and corresponding results show that the hypothesis of selecting the false-color bands is effective for cloud and shadow segmentation on the GaoFen-1 data, and that edge-refined segmentation performance of our Refined UNet and v4 can be also achieved.
Distributed Partial Discharge Locating and Detecting Scheme Based on Optical Fiber Rayleigh Backscattering Light Interference
Authors: Zhou Zhengxian , Liu Hao , Zhang Dawei , Han Yashuai , Yang Xinyan , Zheng Xianfeng , Qu Jun
Published: February 2023

Optical fiber sensors are used for partial discharge detection in many applications due their advantage of strong anti-electromagnetic interference capability. Multi-point distributed partial discharge detection and location are important for electrical equipment. In this paper, a distributed partial discharge location and detection scheme based on optical fiber Rayleigh backscattering light interference is experimentally demonstrated. At the same time, the location and extraction algorithm is used to demodulate the partial discharge signal; furthermore, the high-pass filter is used to reduce the system low-frequency noise and environment noise. It is clear that the proposed system can detect a partial discharge signal generated by metal needle sensitivity, and the detectable frequency range is 0–2.5 kHz. We carried out 10 locating tests for two sensing units, the experimental results show that the maximum location error is 1.0 m, and the maximum standard deviation is 0.3795. At same time, the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of sensing unit 1 and sensing unit 2 are greatly improved after demodulation, which are 39.7 and 38.8, respectively. This provides a new method for a multipoint-distributed optical fiber sensor used for detecting and locating a long-distance electrical equipment partial discharge signal.
Evaluation of Germination under Different Storage Conditions of Four Endemic Plant Species from Ethiopia: Implications for Ex Situ Conservation in Seed Banks
Authors: Dagnachew Sinework , Teketay Demel , Demissew Sebsebe , Awas Tesfaye
Published: February 2023

The conservation of endemic plant species is a major concern, as the species are with restricted distribution range. Since in situ conservation alone will not guarantee their maintenance, ex situ conservation measures must be undertaken to support the conservation of these species. Investigation of the impact of the storage environment of seeds gives baseline information. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the effect of different storage conditions (room temperature, 4 °C and −10 °C) and different storage periods over one year. Four Ethiopian endemic plant species, namely Euryops pinifolius, Kniphofia foliosa, Lobelia rhynchopetalum, and Solanecio gigas, were considered. Multivariate analyses revealed a significant (p < 0.05) effect of storage condition and period on seed germination. The storage of seeds at room temperature before drying may not be recommended for short-term storage of the studied species, except K. foliosa. After drying of seeds, E. pinifolius, K. foliosa, and L. rhynchopetalum seeds showed high germination percentage (above 80%) after storage even at sub-zero temperatures for one year. The germination percentage of S. gigas stored at room temperature before drying for thirteen months was 60% and that stored at 4 °C was 6%, which indicates that the seeds may be categorized under intermediate storage behavior. The three species can be grouped in the orthodox seed storage category. Research on desiccation screening should be undertaken to predict an optimal combination of storage moisture content and suitable storage temperature to determine storage category with certainty.
Perceptions of the Benefits and Barriers to Anti-Human Trafficking Interagency Collaboration: An Exploratory Factor Analysis Study
Authors: Jones Tonisha
Published: February 2023

To effectively address human trafficking, it is increasingly recognized that anti-human trafficking efforts need to include a collaborative approach between agencies most likely to come into contact with human trafficking victims and offenders. While literature is available that discusses the benefits and barriers to such collaboration, there is limited empirical research on the topic. Surveying professionals engaged in anti-human trafficking interagency collaboration in a Midwest state in the United States, this exploratory factor analysis study explores their perceptions of the benefits and barriers to such collaboration. Based on the results, professionals’ perceived benefits and barriers to anti-human trafficking interagency collaboration, with capacity perceived as the underlying benefit and collaborative uncertainty, agency incongruence, an unfavorable collaborative environment, and inadequate problem framing perceived as the underlying barriers. These findings can inform anti-human trafficking interagency collaborative practice, leading to more successful collaborative outcomes. Future research should include a confirmatory factor analysis to validate the factor structure found in this study.