bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quasi-Hermitian Formulation of Quantum Mechanics Using Two Conjugate Schrödinger Equations
Authors: Znojil Miloslav
Published: June 2023

To the existing list of alternative formulations of quantum mechanics, a new version of the non-Hermitian interaction picture is added. What is new is that, in contrast to the more conventional non-Hermitian model-building recipes, the primary information about the observable phenomena is provided not only by the Hamiltonian but also by an additional operator with a real spectrum (say, R(t)) representing another observable. In the language of physics, the information carried by R(t)≠R†(t) opens the possibility of reaching the exceptional-point degeneracy of the real eigenvalues, i.e., a specific quantum phase transition. In parallel, the unitarity of the system remains guaranteed, as usual, via a time-dependent inner-product metric Θ(t). From the point of view of mathematics, the control of evolution is provided by a pair of conjugate Schrödiner equations. This opens the possibility od an innovative dyadic representation of pure states, by which the direct use of Θ(t) is made redundant. The implementation of the formalism is illustrated via a schematic cosmological toy model in which the canonical quantization leads to the necessity of working with two conjugate Wheeler-DeWitt equations. From the point of view of physics, the “kinematical input” operator R(t) may represent either the radius of a homogeneous and isotropic expanding empty Universe or, if you wish, its Hubble radius, or the scale factor a(t) emerging in the popular Lemaitre-Friedmann-Robertson-Walker classical solutions, with the exceptional-point singularity of the spectrum of R(t) mimicking the birth of the Universe (“Big Bang”) at t=0.
Current Status of Omics in Biological Quality Elements for Freshwater Biomonitoring
Authors: Machuca-Sepúlveda Jorge , Miranda Javiera , Lefin Nicolás , Pedroso Alejandro , Beltrán Jorge F. , Farias Jorge G.
Published: June 2023

Freshwater ecosystems have been experiencing various forms of threats, mainly since the last century. The severity of this adverse scenario presents unprecedented challenges to human health, water supply, agriculture, forestry, ecological systems, and biodiversity, among other areas. Despite the progress made in various biomonitoring techniques tailored to specific countries and biotic communities, significant constraints exist, particularly in assessing and quantifying biodiversity and its interplay with detrimental factors. Incorporating modern techniques into biomonitoring methodologies presents a challenging topic with multiple perspectives and assertions. This review aims to present a comprehensive overview of the contemporary advancements in freshwater biomonitoring, specifically by utilizing omics methodologies such as genomics, metagenomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and multi-omics. The present study aims to elucidate the rationale behind the imperative need for modernization in this field. This will be achieved by presenting case studies, examining the diverse range of organisms that have been studied, and evaluating the potential benefits and drawbacks associated with the utilization of these methodologies. The utilization of advanced high-throughput bioinformatics techniques represents a sophisticated approach that necessitates a significant departure from the conventional practices of contemporary freshwater biomonitoring. The significant contributions of omics techniques in the context of biological quality elements (BQEs) and their interpretations in ecological problems are crucial for biomonitoring programs. Such contributions are primarily attributed to the previously overlooked identification of interactions between different levels of biological organization and their responses, isolated and combined, to specific critical conditions.
Nuclear Phosphoinositides as Key Determinants of Nuclear Functions
Authors: Vidalle Magdalena C. , Sheth Bhavwanti , Fazio Antonietta , Marvi Maria Vittoria , Leto Stefano , Koufi Foteini-Dionysia , Neri Irene , Casalin Irene , Ramazzotti Giulia , Follo Matilde Y. , Ratti Stefano , Manzoli Lucia , Gehlot Sonakshi , Divecha Nullin , Fiume Roberta
Published: June 2023

Polyphosphoinositides (PPIns) are signalling messengers representing less than five per cent of the total phospholipid concentration within the cell. Despite their low concentration, these lipids are critical regulators of various cellular processes, including cell cycle, differentiation, gene transcription, apoptosis and motility. PPIns are generated by the phosphorylation of the inositol head group of phosphatidylinositol (PtdIns). Different pools of PPIns are found at distinct subcellular compartments, which are regulated by an array of kinases, phosphatases and phospholipases. Six of the seven PPIns species have been found in the nucleus, including the nuclear envelope, the nucleoplasm and the nucleolus. The identification and characterisation of PPIns interactor and effector proteins in the nucleus have led to increasing interest in the role of PPIns in nuclear signalling. However, the regulation and functions of PPIns in the nucleus are complex and are still being elucidated. This review summarises our current understanding of the localisation, biogenesis and physiological functions of the different PPIns species in the nucleus.
Hydrogels Based on Polyacrylamide and Calcium Alginate: Thermodynamic Compatibility of Interpenetrating Networks, Mechanical, and Electrical Properties
Authors: Safronov Alexander P. , Kurilova Nadezhda M. , Adamova Lidiya V. , Shklyar Tatyana F. , Blyakhman Felix A. , Zubarev Andrey Yu.
Published: June 2023

The synthesis and physicochemical properties of hydrogels with interpenetrated physical and chemical networks were considered in relation to their prospective application as biomimetic materials in biomedicine and bioengineering. The study was focused on combined hydrogels based on natural polysaccharide—calcium alginate (CaAlg) and a synthetic polymer–polyacrylamide (PAAm). The series of hydrogels with varying proportions among alginate and polyacrylamide have been synthesized, and their water uptake has been characterized depending on their composition. The equilibrium swelling and re-swelling in water after drying were considered. The compatibility of alginate and polyacrylamide in the combined blend was studied by the thermodynamic approach. It showed a controversial combination of negative enthalpy of mixing among PAAm and CaAlg with positive Gibbs energy of mixing. Mechanical and electrical properties of the combined gels with double networking were studied as relevant for their prospective use as scaffolds for tissue regeneration and working bodies in actuators. The storage modulus and the loss modulus were determined in the oscillatory compression mode as a function of proportions among natural and synthetic polymers. Both moduli substantially increased with the content of CaAlg and PAAm. The electrical (Donnan) potential of hydrogels was measured using the capillary electrode technique. The Donnan potential was negative at all compositions of hydrogels, and its absolute values increased with the content of CaAlg and PAAm.
Properties and Mechanical Strength Analysis of Concrete Using Fly Ash, Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag and Various Superplasticizers
Authors: Juang Chuen-Ul , Kuo Wen-Ten
Published: June 2023

Supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) have been widely used to replace cement in recent years in order to reduce the burden of cement on the environment. In this study, fly ash (FA) and ground-granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) were used as long-term 40%, 50% and 60% replacement cement in order to explore the mechanical strength of different superplasticizers (SPs) under high substitution amounts. The results of the study showed that, in terms of the nature of work, when 60% of cement was replaced with SCM, the initial setting time was increased by 40–70 min. The values of the ratio of the initial to final setting time (I/F ratio) are equivalent when the I/F values of PCE and SNF are at W/B = 0.27 and 0.35, and at the lowest W/B (0.21) in this study, the I/F calculation result was the difference between PCE and MLS. The I/F value is equal, which means that when the W/B is low, PCE and MLS have the same impact on workability, and as W/B increases, the impact of PCE and SNF is similar. In terms of compressive strength, W/B = 0.21. The 1-day curing age of PCE was compared with the 91-day curing age, and it was found that at high volumes of replacement, increasing GGBFS by 10% can increase the strength by 37%. Using the ultrasonic wave velocity as the input value and the compressive strength result as the output value, the MATLAB back propagation neural network prediction model was carried out. The best correlation coefficient R value of MLS was 0.97, and the mean squared error was 2.21, which has good prediction ability.
Long-Term Behavior Related to Water Ingress in Mortars Which Combine Expanded and Natural Cork Lightweight Aggregates and Eco-Friendly Cements
Authors: Ortega José Marcos , Branco Fernando G. , Pereira Luís
Published: June 2023

The water ingress plays an important role in building materials’ degradation. The use of lightweight aggregates is interesting in terms of sustainability, because they reduce the density of cement-based materials, among other advantages. The development and use of new lightweight aggregates, such as cork granulates, is a current research topic. In the present work, water ingress performance of sustainable mortars which combined expanded and natural cork aggregates and cements with slag, fly ash and limestone has been studied. Mortars produced with sand and expanded clay were also prepared. Bulk density, water absorption, drying capacity and gel and capillary pores were studied. Tests were carried out at 28 days and 1 year. A good behavior has been generally observed when an addition was incorporated to the binder, especially slag or fly ash. Regarding the new non-standardized lightweight cork aggregates, mortars with natural cork showed lower water absorption and lower volume of permeable pore space in the long term than mortars with expanded cork. At one year, natural cork mortars had an adequate water absorption performance compared to those with expanded clay, which may be due to the high volume of small capillary pores (100 nm–1 µm) in natural cork mortars.
Design and Seismic Performance of Tied Braced Frames
Authors: Jin Tianjiao , Yu Haifeng , Li Jiaqi , Hao Guiqiang , Li Zhiqiang
Published: June 2023

In this work, a tied braced frame (TBF) was developed to achieve uniform inelastic deformation in an eccentrically braced frame (EBF) by connecting links across the entire frame height with tie members. Herein, a TBF design method is proposed, considering a new lateral force distribution pattern. To better evaluate the seismic performance, and verify the design advantages of the TBF, nonlinear time-history analysis and fragility analysis were conducted using 6-, 10-, and 20-story TBF models designed using this method, as well as EBF models for comparison. It was found that the maximum inter-story displacement angles of the TBF model were reduced by 10%, 3.3% and 6.3% at the 84th percentile at 6, 10 and 20 stories, respectively, and the DCF values were also reduced by about 5.5%, indicating that the design of the TBF structure is more reasonable. The results revealed that the TBF models featured more uniform distributions of the normalized link shear forces and inter-story drift ratios, resulting in a better damage distribution and more ductile behavior. Furthermore, under earthquakes, the tie axial forces were similar to those calculated using the design equation, thereby indicating the reliability of the design method. Under the same seismic conditions, the PGA values of the TBF structure are about 10~15% lower at 50% exceedance probability compared to the EBF structure; the CMR values of the 6-story, 10-story, and 20-story models are 1.12, 1.09, and 1.06 times higher than those of the EBF structure, respectively. Notably, based on a comparison of the exceedance probability from the fragility analysis results for the TBF and EBF models, the TBF model exhibited better anti-collapse performance.
Investigation of the Critical Factors Influencing Multi-Stakeholders’ Participation in Design Optimization of EPC Projects
Authors: Chen Yuan , Ren Zichen , Hu Bingyue , Zheng Hemin
Published: June 2023

Design optimization can influence the achievement of management goals and the sustainable development of EPC (engineering–procurement–construction) projects. Current research regarding engineering design optimization mainly focuses on the technology aspect, while lacking extensive attention regarding the factors influencing stakeholders’ participation in design optimization of EPC projects. Based on the existing literature and expert opinions, this study identifies 33 critical influencing factors and adopts the DEMATEL (decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory) and ISM (interpretive structural model) method to analyze the hierarchical structure and interrelationships among these factors. The results show that the factors, including subcontractors’ participation during the design, design management level, performance evaluation mechanism, technological development, owners’ attitude towards disputes, and sensitivity to project cost growth, play critical roles in multi-stakeholders’ participation in design optimization of EPC projects. All these factors can be divided into causal factors (13) and result factors (20) and a hierarchical structure model is developed for the whole system, composed of three types of influencing factors, that is, the surface direct factor, intermediate indirect factor, and deep-rooted factor. The findings of this study can help managers to have a better understanding of design optimization of EPC projects from the stakeholder perspective and help managers to take effective measures to improve the status quo as well as facilitate the sustainable development of this kind of project.
Experimental and Numerical Study on Tensile Behavior of Double-Twisted Hexagonal Gabion Wire Mesh
Authors: Lin Yu-Liang , Fang Peng-Fei , Wang Xin , Wu Jie , Yang Guo-Lin
Published: June 2023

Double-twisted hexagonal gabion wire mesh is a type of reinforced soil material that is used in gabion retaining walls to stabilize the soil slope in geotechnical engineering. In this study, a series of tensile tests were conducted to investigate the tensile behavior of hexagonal gabion wire mesh. Meanwhile, numerical models of gabion wire mesh were built to investigate the whole tensile loading-strain process. The influence of wire diameter, mesh width, and mesh length on the tensile strength of hexagonal gabion wire mesh were evaluated based on laboratory tests and numerical simulation. The quantitative relationship of tensile strength versus wire diameter, mesh width, and mesh length was typically fitted by a quadratic function, linear function, and monotonically decreasing exponential function. The numerical result presents a good consistency with those obtained from the experiment. The result of the loading-strain curve obtained by both experiment and simulation exhibits an “S” shape with a distinct serrated characteristic. The loading-strain curve can be divided into the following four stages: mesh distortion stage, wire stretching stage, overall yield stage, and wire fracture stage, which well reflects the tensile behavior of double-twisted hexagonal wire mesh. The tensile behavior of gabion wire mesh is influenced by the structure pattern of wire mesh and the mechanical characteristic of steel wire.
Experimental Study on the Agglomeration of Oily Fine Particles by Sound Wave
Authors: Wang Xin , Li Dekang , Zhang Qi , Li Tian , Cao Zhiyin , Wang Fei
Published: June 2023

Oily fine particles are an important air pollutant in industrial environments. Workers exposed to oil mist for a long time face great health risks. Particle growth pretreatment is a technical principle to increase particle size and improve purification efficiency. Acoustic waves are commonly used to acheive particle growth, and a large number of acoustic wave agglomeration experiments have been carried out on non-oil fog. However, studies on oily particles are few. On the basis of previous studies on acoustic agglomeration of non-oily particles, this experiment designed a set of experimental equipment to compare the agglomeration effect of oily and non-oily particles. It was found that the agglomeration effect ratio of oily and non-oily particles to φ1oiliness/φ1non-oily particles was greater than 1. Therefore, the agglomeration effect of oily particles under stationary acoustic waves was more obvious. Results clearly show that oily particles have a higher agglomeration ability. In this study, a traditional ventilation and purification technology was expanded to include sound agglomeration technology into the pretreatment stage of purification and dust removal, thereby demonstrating feasibility of improved purification efficiency of an oily fine particle purification system, and laying a foundation for engineering applications.
CDK4/6 Inhibitors in the First-Line Treatment of Postmenopausal Women with HR+/HER2− Advanced or Metastatic Breast Cancer: An Updated Network Meta-Analysis and Cost-Effectiveness Analysis
Authors: Zeng Ni , Han Jiaqi , Liu Zijian , He Jinlan , Tian Kun , Chen Nianyong
Published: June 2023

(1) Background: This study aimed to conduct a NMA and CEA combined study to compare the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of different CDK4/6 inhibitors (Abem, Palbo, and Ribo) plus NSAI with placebo plus NSAI in the first-line treatment of postmenopausal women with HR+/HER2− ABC from the perspective of payers in China. (2) Methods: Studies which evaluated CDK4/6 inhibitors plus NSAI for HR+/HER2− ABC were searched. A Bayesian NMA was carried out and the main outcomes were the hazard ratios (HRs) of overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). The costs and efficacy of first-line therapies for HR+/HER2− ABC were evaluated using the Markov model. The main outcomes in the CEA were incremental cost–utility ratios (ICURs), incremental monetary benefit (INMB), and incremental net-health benefit (INHB). The robustness of the model was assessed by one-way, three-way, and probabilistic sensitivity analyses. Then, we further simulated the impact of different prices of CDK4/6 inhibitors on the results. (3) Results: Seven studies involving 5347 patients were included in the NMA. The three first-line CDK4/6 inhibitors plus NSAI groups provided significant PFS and OS superiority to NSAI alone. Abem + NSAI represented a significant statistical advantage onPFS (HR 0.74, 95% CI 0.61–0.90, p = 0.009) and indicated a trend of being the best OS benefit compared to the placebo + NSAI group (HR 0.89, 95% CI 0.72–1.08). The Abem + NSAI, Palbo + NSAI, and Ribo + NSAI groups resulted in additional costs of $12,602, $20,391, and $81,258, with additional effects of 0.38, 0.31, and 0.30 QALYs, respectively, leading to an ICUR of $33,163/QALY, $65,777/QALY, and $270,860/QALY. Additional pairwise comparisons showed that Abem + NSAI was the only cost-effective option in three CDK4/6 inhibitors plus NSAI groups at a willingness-to-pay (WTP) of $38,029/QALY. The sensitivity analyses showed that the proportion of receiving subsequent CDK4/6 inhibitors and the cost of Abem significantly influenced the results of Abem + NSAI compared with placebo + NSAI. (4) Conclusion: From the perspective of Chinese payers, Abem + NSAI was a cost-effective treatment option compared with placebo + NSAI at the WTP of $38,029/QALY, since only the ICUR of $33,163/QALY of Abem + NSAI was lower than the WTP of $38,029/QALY in China (2022). The Palbo + NSAI and Ribo + NSAI groups were not cost-effective unless drug prices were adjusted to 50% or 10% of current prices ($320.67 per cycle or $264.60 per cycle). (5) Others: We have prospectively registered the study with the PROSPERO, and the PROSPERO registration number is CRD42023399342.
The Challenges and Opportunities of the Implementation of Comprehensive Genomic Profiling in Everyday Clinical Practice with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: National Results from Croatia
Authors: Čerina Dora , Krpina Kristina , Jakopović Marko , Dedić Plavetić Natalija , Seiwerth Fran , Tomić Snježana , Radić Jasna , Belac Lovasić Ingrid , Canjko Ivana , Boban Marijo , Samaržija Miroslav , Vrdoljak Eduard
Published: June 2023

Non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has become the best example of precision oncology’s impact on outcomes in everyday clinical practice, significantly changing the expectations of all stakeholders, including medical professionals, society, and most importantly, patients. Consequently, the implementation of the precision oncology concept in medical systems, in order to achieve optimal and proven curative effects in NSCLC, is imperative. In this study, we investigated the development, challenges, and results associated with the implementation of precision oncology in NSCLC on a national level in Croatia. We conducted a multicenter, retrospective, cross-sectional analysis on the total population of Croatian patients with metastatic lung cancer, on whose tumors specimen comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) testing was performed during 2020 and 2021. A total of 48 patients were included in the study. CGP revealed clinically relevant genomic alterations (CRGA) in 37 patients (79%), with a median of 2 (IQR 1–3) CRGA per patient. From the panel of recommended tests, KRAS, MET, and EGFR were the most common alterations, detected in 16 (34%), 5 (11%), and 3 (6%) patients, respectively. CGP revealed additional targetable mutations in 29 (60%) patients who would not have been tested (and consequently, whose mutations would not have been detected) according to the existing everyday standard of practice in Croatia. The tumor mutational burden was reported as high (≥10 Muts/Mb) in 19 patients (40%). CGP analysis reported some kind of targeted therapy for 34 patients (72%). CGP revealed other potentially targetable mutations, and it also determined TMB to be high in a significant number of patients. In conclusion, when possible, CGP should be used as an upfront backbone diagnostic and treatment-oriented work-up in patients with NSCLC.
Evaluation of Cardiac Substructures Exposure of DIBH-3DCRT, FB-HT, and FB-3DCRT in Hypofractionated Radiotherapy for Left-Sided Breast Cancer after Breast-Conserving Surgery: An In Silico Planning Study
Authors: Eber Jordan , Schmitt Martin , Dehaynin Nicolas , Le Fèvre Clara , Antoni Delphine , Noël Georges
Published: June 2023

Left-sided breast cancer radiotherapy can lead to late cardiovascular complications, including ischemic events. To mitigate these risks, cardiac-sparing techniques such as deep-inspiration breath-hold (DIBH) and intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) have been developed. However, recent studies have shown that mean heart dose is not a sufficient dosimetric parameter for assessing cardiac exposure. In this study, we aimed to compare the radiation exposure to cardiac substructures for ten patients who underwent hypofractionated radiotherapy using DIBH three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3DCRT), free-breathing (FB)-3DCRT, and FB helical tomotherapy (HT). Dosimetric parameters of cardiac substructures were analyzed, and the results were statistically compared using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. This study found a significant reduction in the dose to the heart, left anterior descending coronary artery, and ventricles with DIBH-3DCRT and FB-HT compared to FB-3DCRT. While DIBH-3DCRT was very effective in sparing the heart, in some cases, it provided little or no cardiac sparing. FB-HT can be an interesting treatment modality to reduce the dose to major coronary vessels and ventricles and may be of interest for patients with cardiovascular risks who do not benefit from or cannot perform DIBH. These findings highlight the importance of cardiac-sparing techniques for precise delivery of radiation therapy.
Catalytic Steam-Reforming of Glycerol over LDHs-Derived Ni-Al Nanosheet Array Catalysts for Stable Hydrogen Production
Authors: Yang Shuangxia , Li Yu , Chen Lei , Xu Guiying , Hou Jianjun , Sun Laizhi , Li Tianjin , Xie Xinping , Yi Xiaolu , Zhao Baofeng , Si Hongyu , Hua Dongliang
Published: June 2023

In the present work, LDHs–derived Ni–Al nanosheet arrays (NiAl/NA) were successfully synthesized via a one–step hydrothermal method, and applied in the steam-reforming of glycerol reaction for enhanced and stable hydrogen production. The physicochemical properties of catalysts were characterized using various techniques, including XRD, SEM–EDS, XPS, N2–physisorption, Raman, and TG–DTG. The results indicate that smooth and cross–linked Ni–Al mixed metal oxide nanosheets were orderly and perpendicularly grown on the Ni foam substrate. The SEM line scan characterization reveals the metal concentration gradient from the bottom to the top of nanosheet, which leads to distinctly optimized Ni valence states and an optimized binding strength to oxygen species. Owing to the improved reducibility and more exposed active sites afforded by its array structures, the NiAl/NA catalyst shows enhanced glycerol conversion (83.1%) and a higher H2 yield (85.4%), as well as longer stability (1000 min), compared to the traditional Ni–Al nanosheet powder. According to the characterization results of spent catalysts and to density functional theory (DFT) calculations, coke deposition is effectively suppressed via array construction, with only 1.25 wt.% of amorphous carbons formed on NiAl/NA catalyst via CO disproportionation.
Methylthiosulfonate-Based Cysteine Modifiers as Alternative Inhibitors of Mercurial-Sensitive Aquaporins
Authors: Jeuken Katrin , Jaeger Emmi , Matthews Emily , Beitz Eric
Published: June 2023

(1) Background: Several members of the ubiquitous aquaporin family, AQP, of water and neutral solute channels carry a cysteine residue in the selectivity filter region. Traditionally, toxic mercury-containing compounds are used to bind to the cysteine as covalent AQP inhibitors for physiological studies or analysis of structure–function relationships. (2) Methods: We tested thiol-reactive methylthiosulfonate reagents, MTS, as alternative Cys modifiers for AQP inhibition. Three MTS reagents transferring S-alkyl moieties of increasing size, i.e., S-methyl, S-n-propyl, and S-benzyl, were used with yeast-expressed water-selective AQP1 and the aquaglyceroporin AQP9. Respective Cys-to-Ala variants and mouse erythrocytes that naturally express AQP1 and AQP9 served as controls. (3) Results: Both wildtype AQP isoforms were inhibited by the Cys modifiers in a size-dependent manner, whereas the Cys-to-Ala-variants exhibited resistance. Sub-millimolar concentrations and incubation times in the minute range were sufficient. The modifications were reversible by treatment with the thiol reagents acetylcysteine, ACC, and dithiothreitol, DTT. (4) Conclusions: MTS reagents represent a valid alternative of low toxicity for the inhibition of mercurial-sensitive AQPs.
Photocatalytic Duplex-Based DNAzymes Switched by an Abasic Site
Authors: Gao Longlong , Tian Rui , Shao Yong
Published: June 2023

DNAzymes have attracted increasing interest in developments of gene tools, therapies, and biosensors. Among them, G-quadruplexes are widely used as the key structure elements of DNAzymes to activate the catalytic competency of specific cofactors, such as hemin, but there is a great demand to diversify DNAzymes using other more straightforward DNA structures such as fully matched duplex (FM-DNA). However, the perfect base pairs in duplex limit the DNAzyme activity. In this work, a photocatalytic DNAzyme was developed by introducing an abasic site (AP site) into duplex (AP-DNA) to switch its photocatalytic activity. Palmatine (PAL), a photosensitizer from natural isoquinoline alkaloids, served as a cofactor of the DNAzyme by binding at the AP site. The AP site provides a less polarized environment to favor the PAL fluorescence. As a result, dissolved oxygen was converted into singlet oxygen (1O2) via energy transfer from the excited PAL. The oxidation of substrates by the in situ photogenerated 1O2 served as a readout for the DNAzyme. In addition, the duplex-based DNAzyme was engineered from FM-DNA by the cascade uracil-DNA glycosylase to generate AP-DNA. Our work provides a new way to construct duplex-based DNAzymes.
Multitask Deep Learning-Based Pipeline for Gas Leakage Detection via E-Nose and Thermal Imaging Multimodal Fusion
Authors: Attallah Omneya
Published: June 2023

Innovative engineering solutions that are efficient, quick, and simple to use are crucial given the rapid industrialization and technology breakthroughs in Industry 5.0. One of the areas receiving attention is the rise in gas leakage accidents at coal mines, chemical companies, and home appliances. To prevent harm to both the environment and human lives, rapid and automated detection and identification of the gas type is necessary. Most of the previous studies used a single mode of data to perform the detection process. However, instead of using a single source/mode, multimodal sensor fusion offers more accurate results. Furthermore, the majority used individual feature extraction approaches that extract either spatial or temporal information. This paper proposes a deep learning-based (DL) pipeline to combine multimodal data acquired via infrared (IR) thermal imaging and an array of seven metal oxide semiconductor (MOX) sensors forming an electronic nose (E-nose). The proposed pipeline is based on three convolutional neural networks (CNNs) models for feature extraction and bidirectional long-short memory (Bi-LSTM) for gas detection. Two multimodal data fusion approaches are used, including intermediate and multitask fusion. Discrete wavelet transform (DWT) is utilized in the intermediate fusion to combine the spatial features extracted from each CNN, providing spectral–temporal representation. In contrast, in multitask fusion, the discrete cosine transform (DCT) is used to merge all of the features obtained from the three CNNs trained with the multimodal data. The results show that the proposed fusion approach has boosted the gas detection performance reaching an accuracy of 98.47% and 99.25% for intermediate and multitask fusion, respectively. These results indicate that multitask fusion is superior to intermediate fusion. Therefore, the proposed system is capable of detecting gas leakage accurately and could be used in industrial applications.
Edaravone Exerts Protective Effects on Mice Intestinal Injury without Interfering with the Anti-Tumor Effects of Radiation
Authors: Kawamoto Terufumi , Sasai Keisuke
Published: June 2023

The appropriate dosage of edaravone—a radioprotective agent—and its effect on tumors are unknown. This study evaluated the effects of edaravone on intestinal injuries and tumors in mice induced by whole body X-ray irradiation. Small intestinal mucositis was induced in C3H/HeNSlc mice using a single X-ray dose (15 Gy). Edaravone (15, 30, and 100 mg/kg) was administered 30 min before irradiation to evaluate its protective effect. After 3.5 days, the jejunum was removed and the histological changes were evaluated. Next, C3H/HeNSlc mice with squamous cell carcinoma VII tumors were provided the same single X-ray dose and 100 mg/kg edaravone; further, the tumors were immediately induced after irradiation. The tumor cell viability was detected using an in vivo–in vitro colony formation assay. We found that the intestinal colony-forming ability after irradiation was significantly higher in the 100 mg/kg edaravone group than that in the control group. Moreover, the apoptotic cells in the villi immunohistochemically stained with cleaved caspase-3 were significantly lower in the 100 mg/kg edaravone group than in the control group. We found no radioprotective effects of intraperitoneally inoculated edaravone in both hind legs on squamous cell carcinoma VII tumors. These findings suggest that 100 mg/kg edaravone exerts protective effects on small intestinal injuries without interfering with the antitumor effects of radiation.
Genome-Wide Identification, Evolution and Expression Profile Analysis of NAC Transcription Factor in Simmondsia chinensis
Authors: Xia Fan , Liang Xiaoyu , Tan Lina , Sun Wen , Dai Xiaogang , Yan Hanwei
Published: June 2023

NAC transcription factors (TFs) are one of the largest plant-specific gene families and play important roles in plant growth, development, and the biotic and abiotic stress response. Although the sequencing of Jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis) has been completed, the genome-wide identification and analysis of its NAC TFs has not been reported. In this study, a total of 57 genes were identified in Jojoba, which were divided into eight groups based on phylogenetic analysis. The genes clustered in the same groups have a similar gene structure and motif distribution. Based on the analysis of cis-elements in NAC TFs, nine cis-acting elements were identified in the promoter region that involved in light response, hormonal response, and stress response. Synteny analysis showed a greater collinearity between Jojoba and V. vinifera than Arabidopsis thaliana. The 24 genes in the Jojoba NAC TFs are derived from fragment replication, which may be the main source of NAC amplification. Gene expression analysis identified seven genes that were highly expressed in seeds. The differential expression analysis of NAC TFs in cotyledon and embryonic axis tissues showed that the expression of 10 genes was up-regulated and 1 gene was down-regulated. This study provides more information on the classification, gene structure, conserved motif, and evolution of NAC TFs in Jojoba, facilitating further exploration of their specific functional analysis in Jojoba seed development.
A Novel Anomaly Detection Method for Strip Steel Based on Multi-Scale Knowledge Distillation and Feature Information Banks Network
Authors: Wen Xin , Zhao Wenli , Yu Zhenhao , Zhao Jianxun , Song Kechen
Published: June 2023

To address the problem of image imbalance in the surface inspection of strip steel, this study proposes a novel anomaly detection method based on multi-scale knowledge distillation (Ms-KD) and a block domain core information module (BDCI) to quickly screen abnormal images. This method utilizes the multi-scale knowledge distillation technique to enable the student network to learn the ability to extract normal image information under the source network pre-trained on ImageNet. At the same time, the optimal storage of block-level features is used to extract low-level and high-level information from intermediate layers and establish a feature bank, which is searched for core subset libraries using a greedy nearest neighbor selection mechanism. By using the Ms-KD module, the student model can understand the abnormal data more comprehensively so as to better capture the information in the data to solve the imbalance of abnormal data. To verify the validity of the proposed method, a completely new dataset called strip steel anomaly detection for few-shot learning (SSAD-FSL) was constructed, which involved image-level and pixel-level annotations of surface defects on cold-rolled and hot-rolled strip steel. By comparing with other state-of-the-art methods, the proposed method performs well on image-level area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC), reaching a high level of 0.9868, and for pixel-level per region overlap (PRO) indicators, the method also achieves the best score of 0.9896. Through a large number of experiments, the effectiveness of our proposed method in strip steel defect anomaly detection is fully proven.
Fast Operation of Determining the Sign of a Number in RNS Using the Akushsky Core Function
Authors: Shiriaev Egor , Kucherov Nikolay , Babenko Mikhail , Nazarov Anton
Published: June 2023

This article presents a study related to increasing the performance of distributed computing systems. The essence of fog computing lies in the use of so-called edge devices. These devices are low-power, so they are extremely sensitive to the computational complexity of the methods used. This article is aimed at improving the efficiency of calculations while maintaining an appropriate level of reliability by applying the methods of the Residue Number System (RNS). We are investigating methods for determining the sign of a number in the RNS based on the core function in order to develop a new, fast method. As a result, a fast method for determining the sign of a number based on the Akushsky core function, using approximate calculations, is obtained. Thus, in the course of this article, a study of methods for ensuring reliability in distributed computing is conducted. A fast method for determining the sign of a number in the RNS based on the core function using approximate calculations is also proposed. This result is interesting from the point of view of nebulous calculations, since it allows maintaining high reliability of a distributed system of edge devices with a slight increase in the computational complexity of non-modular operations.
A Combination of Virtual and Experimental Screening Tools for the Prediction of Nitrofurantoin Multicomponent Crystals with Pyridine Derivatives
Authors: Manin Alex N. , Voronin Alexander P. , Boycov Denis E. , Drozd Ksenia V. , Churakov Andrei V. , Perlovich German L.
Published: June 2023

Thirty-four binary systems of nitrofurantoin with pyridine derivatives were analyzed by combining virtual (molecular complementarity prediction and hydrogen bond propensity calculations) and experimental (liquid-assisted grinding) screening methods. A new modification of the hydrogen bond propensity calculation method (the integrated hydrogen bond propensity calculation method) with significantly improved virtual screening efficiency was proposed. Novel cocrystals of nitrofurantoin with 3-aminopyridine and 2-(1H-Imidazol-2-yl)pyridine were discovered. The crystal structures of the new cocrystals were determined from single-crystal X-ray diffraction data, and the hydrogen bond patterns were studied in conjunction with the Molecular Electrostatic Potential maps of the components. The nitrofurantoin cocrystal with 3-aminopyridine was found to exist in two polymorphic modifications. The origins of the different stability of the polymorphic forms were rationalized both in terms of total lattice enthalpy and free energy derived from periodic DFT-D3 calculations and in terms of the non-covalent interaction energy distribution in crystal.
Correction: Al-Zahrani et al. Photocatalytic Degradation of Textile Orange 16 Reactive Dye by ZnO Nanoparticles Synthesized via Green Route Using Punica Granatum Leaf Extract. Crystals 2023, 13, 172
Authors: Al-Zahrani Salma A. , Patil Mallikarjunagouda B. , Mathad Shridhar N. , Patil Arun Y. , Otaibi Ahmed A. , Masood Najat , Mansour Dorsaf , Khan Anish , Manikandan A. , Syafri Edi
Published: June 2023

In the original publication [...]
Novel Functional Materials of Hydrogen Storage B20N24: A First-Principles Calculation
Authors: Zhao Jing , Huo Zhongtang , Xu Shuailei , Xiong Mei , Liu Dezheng , Wang Yikun , Jia Xin
Published: June 2023

In this paper, a N-rich B–N polymorph named as B20N24 is proposed through first-principles calculations. The stability of the B20N24 polymorph at ambient conditions is confirmed using the phonon dispersion spectra and the Born stability criteria. Electronic properties calculations show that B20N24 exhibits a semiconducting feature, with a 0.87 eV direct band gap derived from HSE06 functions, which is much lower than many other B–N polymorphs. Specifically, owing to its cage-like framework, B20N24 may be used in hydrogen storage at a capacity of ~6.8 wt.%. The B20N24 polymorph enriches the B–N system theoretically, and this polymorph is promising for use in electronic devices and hydrogen storage.
Pan-Atlantic Comparison of Deep-Sea Macro- and Megabenthos
Authors: Kürzel Karlotta , Brix Saskia , Brandt Angelika , Brenke Nils , Enderlein Peter , Griffiths Huw J. , Kaiser Stefanie , Svavarsson Jörundur , Lörz Anne-Nina , Frutos Inmaculada , Taylor James , Linse Katrin
Published: June 2023

Deep-sea benthic fauna is vital for a well-functioning marine ecosystem but is increasingly under threat from a changing environment. To monitor and conserve this fauna, an understanding of their large-scale spatial and bathymetric distribution and their environmental drivers is necessary. In this study, we conduct a multivariate analysis on abundance benthic fauna data collected at the phylum and multitaxon levels using an epibenthic sledge (EBS) across the Atlantic, and identify the environmental factors that affect such data. Our findings show a decrease in abundance with depth in most of the Atlantic but find relatively heterogeneous abundances with depth within the Southern Ocean. Principal component analyses indicate differences in environmental conditions south of the Antarctic Polar Front (~52° S), outlining contrasts in the quantities of macronutrients and physical factors. Despite this, community composition seemed markedly similar throughout the Atlantic with the Antarctic Circumpolar Current seemingly not affecting benthic community composition for higher taxonomic levels. Those differences that did occur were largely caused by benthic chlorophyll, benthic iron, and surface silicate through a Bio-ENV. Overall, we argue that further large-scale spatial and bathymetric distribution studies are important amid environmental changes that are driving shifts in benthic community abundance and composition.
Histological Investigation of the Female Gonads of Chiropsalmus quadrumanus (Cubozoa: Cnidaria) Suggests Iteroparous Reproduction
Authors: García-Rodríguez Jimena , Ames Cheryl Lewis , Jaimes-Becerra Adrian , Tiseo Gisele Rodrigues , Morandini André Carrara , Cunha Amanda Ferreira , Marques Antonio Carlos
Published: June 2023

The box jellyfish Chiropsalmus quadrumanus (Chirodropida: Cubozoa: Cnidaria) is common in warm waters. Although it is assumed that external fertilization is a characteristic of Chirodropida, the life history of C. quadrumanus is not yet known since its reproductive behavior has never been described, nor has the polyp has been found in nature. As a result, in the absence of documentation of reproductive behavior, we sought to test the hypothesis of external fertilization through a histological analysis of the female gonads. Herein, we analyze ten females collected in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) and describe the gonadal organization and pattern of oocyte development. The discovery of four distinct stages of oocyte differentiation augments the scant existing reports of the structural and functional maturation of sex cells in Cubozoa species. Furthermore, the gonads of mature females comprise both mature (average diameter of 122 µm) and immature oocytes, suggesting that C. quadrumanus is iteroparous and exhibits multiple reproductive cycles during its life. Medusa bell size was not found to correlate with maturity state as even small females possessed a high percentage of oocytes in late vitellogenesis, suggesting that sexual maturation occurs rapidly in C. quadrumanus females.
Unveiling Limestone Orchid Hotspots in the Karst Hills of Northern Peninsular Malaysia
Authors: Abu Bakar Shahrul Nizam , Rashid Farhan , Jamaluddin Muhammad Hilmi , Azmi Muhamad Faizal Md , Othman Ahmad Sofiman , Zakaria Rahmad , Abd Rahman Azimah , Raffi Akmal , Nordin Farah Alia
Published: June 2023

To date, documentation of the diversity of orchids from the limestone hills in the northern part of Peninsular Malaysia, particularly in the states of Kedah and Perak, is still lacking, with limited literature available. There is indeed an urgent need to fill this knowledge gap, so that proper documentation of the diversity of orchids from this unique karst habitat can be prepared. In this study, a series of 12 months of diversity assessments on five limestone hills in Kedah and Perak has resulted in the discovery of 56 orchid species from 37 genera. From this account, 12 species are new records within Kedah and 2 species are new records within Malaysia, namely Bulbophyllum meson J.J.Verm., Schuit. & de Vogel and Luisia brachystachys (Lindl.) Blume. Three species are endemic to Peninsular Malaysia which are Anoectochilus sanguineus P.T.Ong & P.O’Byrne, Cheirostylis goldschmidtiana Schltr. and Phalaenopsis appendiculata Carr. Findings of two keystone species, the long-lost Cheirostylis goldschmidtiana and the endangered snow-white slipper orchid, Paphiopedilum niveum (Rchb.f.) Stein, have catalyzed the need for a more comprehensive study to unveil the species richness and endemism within a limestone habitat. Heat maps using geographical data produced from ArcGIS software have enabled precise determination of the areas with the highest concentration of orchid diversity. Results from this study have shown that Gunung Fakir Terbang houses the greatest number of orchid species, followed by Gunung Batu Putih and Gunung Baling. Meanwhile, lower species occurrences were recorded from Gunung Pulai and Gunung Pong. However, lack of attention and delayed conservation action on this unique karst habitat would only lead to more habitat loss, leading to the decline of limestone orchid populations. Orchids as well as other plants are threatened by anthropogenic activity such as quarrying and forest clearing for agriculture. Thus, the results of this study will serve as baseline data for future work in documenting and conserving limestone orchids and their karst habitat in northern Peninsular Malaysia.
Impact of Dual-Energy Computed Tomography (DECT) Postprocessing Protocols on Detection of Monosodium Urate (MSU) Deposits in Foot Tendons of Cadavers
Authors: Klauser Andrea Sabine , Strobl Sylvia , Schwabl Christoph , Kremser Christian , Klotz Werner , Vasilevska Nikodinovska Violeta , Stofferin Hannes , Scharll Yannick , Halpern Ethan
Published: June 2023

Objective: To evaluate two different dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) post-processing protocols for the detection of MSU deposits in foot tendons of cadavers with verification by polarizing light microscopy as the gold standard. Material and Methods: A total of 40 embalmed cadavers (15 male; 25 female; median age, 82 years; mean, 80 years; range, 52–99; SD ± 10.9) underwent DECT to assess MSU deposits in foot tendons. Two postprocessing DECT protocols with different Hounsfield unit (HU) thresholds, 150/500 (=established) versus 120/500 (=modified). HU were applied to dual source acquisition with 80 kV for tube A and 140 kV for tube B. Six fresh cadavers (4 male; 2 female; median age, 78; mean, 78.5; range 61–95) were examined by DECT. Tendon dissection of 2/6 fresh cadavers with positive DECT 120 and negative DECT 150 studies were used to verify MSU deposits by polarizing light microscopy. Results: The tibialis anterior tendon was found positive in 57.5%/100% (DECT 150/120), the peroneus tendon in 35%/100%, the achilles tendon in 25%/90%, the flexor halluces longus tendon in 10%/100%, and the tibialis posterior tendon in 12.5%/97.5%. DECT 120 resulted in increased tendon MSU deposit detection, when DECT 150 was negative, with an overall agreement between DECT 150 and DECT 120 of 80% (p = 0.013). Polarizing light microscope confirmed MSU deposits detected only by DECT 120 in the tibialis anterior, the achilles, the flexor halluces longus, and the peroneal tendons. Conclusion: The DECT 120 protocol showed a higher sensitivity when compared to DECT 150.