bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Array of Active Shielding Coils for Magnetic Field Mitigation in Automotive Wireless Power Transfer Systems
Authors: Cruciani Silvano , Campi Tommaso , Maradei Francesca , Feliziani Mauro
Published: August 2024

This paper deals with the mitigation of magnetic field levels produced by a wireless power transfer (WPT) system to recharge the battery of an electric vehicle (EV). In this work, an array of active coils surrounding the WPT coils is proposed as a mitigation technique. The theory and new methodological aspects are the focus of the paper. Magnetic field levels in the environment are calculated numerically without and with the presence of an array of active coils in a stationary WPT system for automotive applications. By the proposed mitigation method, the field levels beside the vehicle are significantly reduced and comply with the reference levels (RLs) of the ICNIRP 2010 guidelines for human exposure to electromagnetic fields and the magnetic flux density limits proposed by ISO 14117 for electromagnetic interference (EMI) in cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs).
Stimulation Behavior of Fracture Networks in the Second Hydrate Trial Production Area of China Considering the Presence of Multiple Layers
Authors: Chen Chen , Li Xitong , Zhong Xiuping
Published: August 2024

The fracture network’s stimulation of China’s second hydrate trial production area was investigated. First, the stimulation potential of the fracture network and the influence of well arrangement on hydrate development were explored. Second, the fracture distributions’ influence on development behavior was investigated. Results showed that the fracture network could cause the trial production reservoir to reach the commercial production rate. The average CH4 production rate of unit horizontal well length using the depressurization method and depressurization combined with thermal stimulation (combined method) were 61.3 and 151.5 m3/d with the fracture network and 23.7 and 14.3 m3/d without the fracture network. In addition, without the fracture network, the development behavior of wells arranged in the mixed layer was better than that of wells arranged in the hydrate layer. However, with the fracture network, the result was reversed. With the depressurization method, the best production behavior was obtained by fracturing in the hydrate layer; however, for the combined method, the best production behavior was obtained by fracturing in the hydrate and mixed layer, while fracturing in the free gas layer was useless. This study provides a valuable reference for the hydrate development of China’s trial production reservoir.
Evaluating the Effects of Proppant Flowback on Fracture Conductivity in Tight Reservoirs: A Combined Analytical Modeling and Simulation Study
Authors: Cheng Yishan , Li Zhiping , Fu Yingkun , Xu Longfei
Published: August 2024

This work establishes an analytical model for determining the critical velocity for proppant flowback, and evaluates how proppant flowback affects fracture conductivity for tight reservoirs. The multiphase effects are considered for determining the critical velocity for proppant flowback before and after fracture closure, respectively. The model’s performance is demonstrated by comparing the results against previous models. A finite-element model is built to simulate the proppant flowback process for a hydraulic-fractured well completed in the Ordos Basin. The change in fracture conductivity caused by proppant flowback for several scenarios with varying saturation and net pressure in fractures is further quantitatively assessed. Our results highlight the importance of multiphase effects in determining the critical velocity for proppant flowback at relatively low water saturation in fractures. The critical velocity generally increases with increasing water saturation in fractures and net pressure in fractures. At a flowback velocity higher than the critical value, the loss in fracture conductivity becomes relatively more pronounced at a lower water saturation in fractures and a lower net pressure in fractures. The findings of this work are expected to provide insights into the mechanisms of proppant flowback and flowback drawdown management for field operations in tight reservoirs.
Investigation on Overvoltage Distribution in Stator Windings of Permanent Magnet Synchronous Wind Turbines
Authors: Li Shulin , Tian Fuqiang , He Haitao , Liu Hongqi , Zhang Shifu , Li Yudi
Published: August 2024

The PWM voltage pulses output by the inverter reaches the stator winding of the wind turbine generator through the cable. Due to the impedance mismatch between the motor and the cable, the voltage at the motor end rises under the action of the circuit wave process; on the other hand, electromagnetic oscillation occurs within the motor winding. Higher overvoltage is generated under the combined effect of both, which greatly accelerates the aging and breakdown of the insulation layer of the permanent magnet synchronous wind turbine. In this paper, a three-dimensional electromagnetic model of the permanent magnet synchronous wind turbine generator is established. The distribution circuit parameters of the stator winding of the permanent magnet machine are calculated using the finite element method, and its circuit model is based. The voltage distribution of the stator winding under different PWM excitations is investigated by simulation software, and the effects of the time of the rising edge and the pulse width of the PWM pulse on the stator winding voltage to ground and the turn-to-turn voltage distribution are studied. The results show that the effect of the rising edge time is larger when the rising edge time is shorter, the maximum voltage to ground occurs in the first coil, and the amplitude can be up to 1.5 times of the output voltage. When the rising edge time is longer, the maximum voltage to ground occurs in the end coil, and the amplitude is slightly higher than the output voltage. The trend of turn-to-turn voltage variation is similar for different rising edges; only the maximum turn-to-turn voltage amplitude is different. Pulse width has a small effect on overvoltage and only occurs when the pulse width is less than 10 μs. The research results of this paper are of great significance in revealing the aging and breakdown mechanism of the generator stator insulation, as well as the insulation coordination and design.
Effect of Microwave Antenna Material and Diameter on the Ignition and Combustion Characteristics of ADN-Based Liquid Propellant Droplets
Authors: Li Dong , Hou Yangyang , Yu Yusong
Published: August 2024

Microwave-assisted ignition is an emerging high-performance ignition method with promising future applications in aerospace. In this work, based on a rectangular waveguide resonant cavity test bed, the effects of two parameters (material and diameter) of the microwave antenna on the ignition and combustion characteristics of ADN-based liquid propellant droplets were investigated using experimental methods. A high-speed camera was used to record the droplet combustion process in the combustion chamber, the effect of the microwave antenna on the propellant combustion response was analyzed based on the emission spectroscopy method, and finally, the loss of the microwave antenna was evaluated using a scanning electron microscope. The experimental results show that the droplet has the lowest critical ignition power (179 W) when the material of the microwave antenna is tungsten, but the ignition delay time is higher than that of copper. A finer diameter of microwave antenna is more favorable for plasma generation. At a microwave power of 260 W, the ignition delay time of the droplet with a microwave antenna diameter of 0.3 mm is 100 ms lower than that of 0.8 mm, which is about 37.5%. In addition, this study points out the mechanism of microwave discharge in the droplet combustion process. The metallic microwave antenna not only collects the electrons escaping from the gas discharge, but also generates a large amount of metallic vapor, which provides charged particles to the plasma. This study provides the possibility for the application of microwave-assisted liquid fuel ignition.
GLU-YOLOv8: An Improved Pest and Disease Target Detection Algorithm Based on YOLOv8
Authors: Yue Guangbo , Liu Yaqiu , Niu Tong , Liu Lina , An Limin , Wang Zhengyuan , Duan Mingyu
Published: August 2024

In the contemporary context, pest detection is progressively moving toward automation and intelligence. However, current pest detection algorithms still face challenges, such as lower accuracy and slower operation speed in detecting small objects. To address this issue, this study presents a crop pest target detection algorithm, GLU-YOLOv8, designed for complex scenes based on an enhanced version of You Only Look Once version 8 (YOLOv8). The algorithm introduces the SCYLLA-IOU (SIOU) loss function, which enhances the model generalization to various pest sizes and shapes by ensuring smoothness and reducing oscillations during training. Additionally, the algorithm incorporates the Convolutional Block Attention Module (CBAM) and Locality Sensitive Kernel (LSK) attention mechanisms to boost the pest target features. A novel Gated Linear Unit CONV (GLU-CONV) is also introduced to enhance the model’s perceptual and generalization capabilities while maintaining performance. Furthermore, GLU-YOLOv8 includes a small-object detection layer with a feature map size of 160 × 160 to extract more features of small-target pests, thereby improving detection accuracy and enabling more precise localization and identification of small-target pests. The study conducted a comparative analysis between the GLU-YOLOv8 model and other models, such as YOLOv8, Faster RCNN, and RetinaNet, to evaluate detection accuracy and precision. In the Scolytidae forestry pest dataset, GLU-YOLOv8 demonstrated an improvement of 8.2% in mAP@0.50 for small-target detection compared to the YOLOv8 model, with a resulting mAP@0.50 score of 97.4%. Specifically, on the IP102 dataset, GLU-YOLOv8 outperforms the YOLOv8 model with a 7.1% increase in mAP@0.50 and a 5% increase in mAP@0.50:0.95, reaching 58.7% for mAP@0.50. These findings highlight the significant enhancement in the accuracy and recognition rate of small-target detection achieved by GLU-YOLOv8, along with its efficient operational performance. This research provides valuable insights for optimizing small-target detection models for various pests and diseases.
Heterogeneous Weight Development of Lumpfish (Cyclopterus lumpus) Used as Cleaner Fish in Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) Farming
Authors: Engebretsen Solveig , Aldrin Magne , Staven Fredrik R. , Bendiksen Eskil , Stige Leif Christian , Jansen Peder A.
Published: August 2024

Lumpfish (Cyclopterus lumpus) are used as cleaner fish in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) aquaculture as one of multiple control measures against salmon lice (Lepeophtheirus salmonis). Numerous studies have documented weight as an important factor for characterising the cleaning efficacy of individual lumpfish. Hence, the efficacy of lumpfish in fish farms depends on the size at stocking and the weight development over time. Here, we aimed to quantify how weight developed over time for lumpfish deployed in salmon farming sea cages in Norway through modelling the daily growth rate. We found that the coefficient of variation for lumpfish weight increased over time, implying that the standard deviation increased more than the expected weight. The data thus showed heterogeneous growth for lumpfish in salmon farming cages, where some individuals exhibited no apparent growth, and others significant proliferation. We found that the daily growth rate was best described as bell-shaped functions of weight and temperature, consistent with a sigmoid-shaped growth curve and an optimal temperature around 10 °C. These results allow for more realistic modelling of the efficacy of lumpfish in controlling salmon lice in fish farms, as one can combine estimates of weight-dependent cleaning efficacy with weight development over time.
Simulation of Corner Solidification in a Cavity Using the Lattice Boltzmann Method
Authors: Samanta Runa , Chattopadhyay Himadri
Published: August 2024

This study investigates corner solidification in a closed cavity in which the left and bottom walls are kept at a temperature lower than its initial temperature. The liquid material in the cavity initially lies at its phase transition temperature and, due to cold boundary conditions at the left–bottom walls, solidification starts. The simulation of corner solidification was performed using a kinetic-based lattice Boltzmann method (LBM), and the tracking of the solid–liquid interface was captured through the evaluation of time. The present investigation addresses the effect of natural convection over conduction across a wide range of higher Rayleigh numbers, from 106 to 108. The total-enthalpy-based lattice Boltzmann method (ELBM) was used to observe the thermal profiles in the entire cavity with a two-phase interface. The isotherms reveal the relative dominance of natural convection over conduction, and the pattern of interface reveals the effective growth of the solidified layer in the cavity. To quantify the uniformity of cooling, a coefficient of variation (COV) for the thermal field was calculated in the effective solidified zone at a wide range of Ra. The results show that the value of COV increases with Ra and reduces with time. The thermal instability in the flow field is also quantified through FFT analyses.
POD Analysis of the Wake of Two Tandem Square Cylinders
Authors: Hao Jingcheng , Ramalingam Siva , Alam Md. Mahbub , Tang Shunlin , Zhou Yu
Published: August 2024

This study aims to investigate the wake of two tandem square cylinders based on the Proper Orthogonal Decomposition (POD) analyses of the PIV and hotwire data. The cylinder centre-to-centre spacing ratio L/w examined is from 1.2 to 4.2, covering the four flow regimes, i.e., extended body, reattachment, transition and co-shedding. The Reynolds number examined was 1.3 × 104. A novel Proper Orthogonal Decomposition (POD) technique (hereafter referred to as PODHW) is developed to analyse data from single point hotwire measurements, offering a new perspective compared to the conventional POD analysis (PODPIV) based on Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) data. A key finding is the identification of two distinct states, reattachment and co-shedding, within the transition flow regime at L/w = 2.8, which PODPIV fails to capture due to the limited duration of the PIV data obtained. This study confirms, for the first time, the existence of these states as proposed by Zhou et al. (2024), highlighting the advantage of using PODHW for capturing intermittent flow phenomena. Furthermore, the analysis reveals how the predominant coherent structures contribute to the total fluctuating velocity energy in each individual regime. Other aspects of the flow are also discussed, including the Strouhal numbers, the contribution to the total fluctuating energy of the flow from the first four POD modes, and a comparison between different regimes.
Applications of Caputo-Type Fractional Derivatives for Subclasses of Bi-Univalent Functions with Bounded Boundary Rotation
Authors: Alsager Kholood M. , Murugusundaramoorthy Gangadharan , Catas Adriana , El-Deeb Sheza M.
Published: August 2024

In this article, for the first time by using Caputo-type fractional derivatives, we introduce three new subclasses of bi-univalent functions associated with bounded boundary rotation in an open unit disk to obtain non-sharp estimates of the first two Taylor–Maclaurin coefficients, |a2| and |a3|. Furthermore, the famous Fekete–Szegö inequality is obtained for the newly defined subclasses of bi-univalent functions. Several consequences of our results are pointed out which are new and not yet discussed in association with bounded boundary rotation. Some improved results when compared with those already available in the literature are also stated as corollaries.
The Ulam Stability of High-Order Variable-Order φ-Hilfer Fractional Implicit Integro-Differential Equations
Authors: Wang Peiguang , Han Bing , Bao Junyan
Published: August 2024

This study investigates the initial value problem of high-order variable-order φ-Hilfer fractional implicit integro-differential equations. Due to the lack of the semigroup property in variable-order fractional integrals, solving these equations presents significant challenges. We introduce a novel approach that approximates variable-order fractional derivatives using a piecewise constant approximation method. This method facilitates an equivalent integral representation of the equations and establishes the Ulam stability criterion. In addition, we explore higher-order forms of fractional-order equations, thereby enriching the qualitative and stability results of their solutions.
Comparison of Colorimetric Methods for Measuring the Solubility of Legume Proteins
Authors: Dent Terrence , LeMinh Allison , Maleky Farnaz
Published: August 2024

Increasing the use of plant proteins in foods requires improving their physical and chemical properties, such as emulsification, gelation capacity, and thermal stability. These properties determine the acceptability and functionality of food products. Higher protein solubility significantly impacts these properties by affecting denaturation and the stability of emulsifiers or gels. Therefore, developing plant-based protein ingredients requires accurately and conveniently measuring their solubility. Colorimetric solubility methods overcome many issues of more robust combustion and titration methods, but complicated chemical mechanisms limit their applicability for certain proteins. This study aims to compare the effectiveness of four common colorimetric solubility measurement methods for pulse and non-pulse legume proteins and hydrolysates. Pea, chickpea, lentil, and soy protein isolates were made from defatted flour and their solubility at a range of pHs was measured using the Bradford, Lowry, bicinchoninic acid (BCA), and biuret methods. Solubility was also measured for chickpea and soy protein hydrolysates made using Alcalase and Flavourzyme. A comparison of the methods for solubility quantification revealed that the Bradford and Lowry methods most closely match the expected results for the unhydrolyzed protein, with the BCA and biuret methods underestimating solubility by 30%. The Lowry method was the preferred method for hydrolysate solubility measurement, with the Bradford method measuring 0% solubility at the isoelectric point due to an inability to interact with peptides that are soluble at this pH. This study identifies reliable methods for measuring plant protein solubility that establish uniform outcomes and enable a better comparison across studies, giving a consensus for key functional properties in food applications.
Precarious Care across Migrant Generations in Tanzania
Authors: Turner Simon , Ruzibiza Yvette
Published: August 2024

Based on ethnographic fieldwork, this article is concerned with how undocumented refugees and migrants use invisibility strategies to navigate a hostile host environment in Western Tanzania. This article explores how the shifts in Tanzania’s refugee policy have affected different generations of refugees differently, and how older cohorts assist newer cohorts. This article argues that the challenges of migration are productive of ‘affective circuits’ and of generating new forms of kinship. It argues that it can be productive to bring together the different understandings of generations, as it was found that generations as cohorts can transform into generations as kin in situations of rupture and adversity.
Seasonal, Decadal, and El Niño-Southern Oscillation-Related Trends and Anomalies in Rainfall and Dry Spells during the Agricultural Season in Central Malawi
Authors: Mloza Banda Medrina Linda , Cornelis Wim , Mloza Banda Henry R.
Published: August 2024

As governments continue to address climate change when formulating policy, there remains a need to determine if such a change exists in the historical record to inform clear indices for monitoring the present climate for site-specific interventions. This study characterised trends and anomalies in rainfall and dry spells, providing local information often projected from satellites or regional data in data-scarce regions. From 1961 to 2007, daily rainfall records in Central Malawi were used to calculate indices for low-(Balaka), medium-(Bunda, Chitedze, KIA), and high-altitude (Dedza) sites, which were then subjected to Mann–Kendall’s, Cramer’s, and Spearman-Rho’s trend tests. Significant decreasing trends in terms of wet days and growing season length were evident across locations. Seasonal and extreme rainfall, dry spells, and inter-seasonal and near-decadal anomalies were not consistently or inevitably significant. Unexpectedly, rainfall anomalies were largest in Bunda and KIA, which have mild climatic regimes, while the lowest were in Balaka, a rainfall-averse zone. The relationship between El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and extreme rainfall and dry spell events did not reach statistical significance. In conclusion, extreme precipitation and dry spell events show varied intensities and proportions rather than increased frequency. The disparate results largely justify the need for in-depth local-scale assessments for agroclimatic applications.
The Effect of Room Arrangement on the Mood and Milk Volume of Mothers Who Had Cesarean Delivery and Were Not with Their Infants
Authors: Ataç Nilüfer , Çağan Emine Serap , Genç Rabia
Published: August 2024

This study aimed to compare the effect of room arrangement on the mood and milk volume of mothers who gave birth by cesarean section and whose babies were not with them. The study included 89 mothers with and without infants living in the same room (Group 1) and 94 mothers without and without infants living in the same room (Group 2) (n = 183). The expression of milk was performed twice (0–6 h after birth and 36–48 h before discharge) using an electric breast pump. Expression lasted 15 min for each breast separately. The mean first milk volume of the mothers (Group 1: 5.56 ± 5.03 cc, Group 2: 3.76 ± 3.73 cc) and the mean last milk volume (Group 1: 18.78 ± 15.43 cc, Group 2: 10.64 ± 14.12 cc) were determined, and a significant difference was found between the groups. The mean milk volume of Group 1 was found to be significantly higher than Group 2 (Group 1: 13.21 cc ± 14.62 cc, Group 2: 6.88 cc ± 13.56 cc) (p < 0.05). A statistically significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of positive and negative mood (p = 0.003). In conclusion, it was determined that the milking behavior of mothers was negatively affected due to the lack of stimulation in the room where there was no baby, and this situation negatively affected the start time of the first milking and the average milk volume.
Prediction of COVID-19 Hospitalization and Mortality Using Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Halwani Marwah Ahmed , Halwani Manal Ahmed
Published: August 2024

Background: COVID-19 has had a substantial influence on healthcare systems, requiring early prognosis for innovative therapies and optimal results, especially in individuals with comorbidities. AI systems have been used by healthcare practitioners for investigating, anticipating, and predicting diseases, through means including medication development, clinical trial analysis, and pandemic forecasting. This study proposes the use of AI to predict disease severity in terms of hospital mortality among COVID-19 patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at King Abdulaziz University, Saudi Arabia. Data were cleaned by encoding categorical variables and replacing missing quantitative values with their mean. The outcome variable, hospital mortality, was labeled as death = 0 or survival = 1, with all baseline investigations, clinical symptoms, and laboratory findings used as predictors. Decision trees, SVM, and random forest algorithms were employed. The training process included splitting the data set into training and testing sets, performing 5-fold cross-validation to tune hyperparameters, and evaluating performance on the test set using accuracy. Results: The study assessed the predictive accuracy of outcomes and mortality for COVID-19 patients based on factors such as CRP, LDH, Ferritin, ALP, Bilirubin, D-Dimers, and hospital stay (p-value ≤ 0.05). The analysis revealed that hospital stay, D-Dimers, ALP, Bilirubin, LDH, CRP, and Ferritin significantly influenced hospital mortality (p ≤ 0.0001). The results demonstrated high predictive accuracy, with decision trees achieving 76%, random forest 80%, and support vector machines (SVMs) 82%. Conclusions: Artificial intelligence is a tool crucial for identifying early coronavirus infections and monitoring patient conditions. It improves treatment consistency and decision-making via the development of algorithms.
A Study on the Spatiotemporal Distribution and Usage Pattern of Dockless Shared Bicycles—The Case of Nanjing
Authors: Shi Yi , Zhang Zhonghu , Zhou Chunyu , Bai Ruxia , Li Chen
Published: August 2024

Determining the spatiotemporal deployment strategy for dockless shared bicycles in urban blocks has always been a focal point for city managers and planners. Extensive research has delved into the usage patterns in terms of time and space, deduced travel purposes, and scrutinized the relationship between trips and the built environment. The elements of the built environment are significantly correlated with the starting and ending points of dockless shared bicycle trips, leading to a scarcity of shared bicycles in areas that are more frequently used as starting points and an abundance of idle bicycles in areas that serve as endpoints. This paper posits that the idle state of shared bicycles is as important as their usage. Utilizing a case study of Xinjiekou Central District in Nanjing, China, we propose a framework for analyzing the temporal and spatial usage and idleness of shared bicycles. We also discuss the impact of various factors, such as proximity to transit stations, land use, and road accessibility, on the different usage and idle states of dockless shared bicycles. The findings reveal that the public transportation system has a similar influence on both the utilization and idleness of dockless shared bicycles, indicating that areas with a dense concentration of transportation services experience greater demand for shared bicycles as both origins and destinations. The influence of other factors on the usage and idleness of dockless shared bicycles varies significantly, resulting in either a shortage or surplus of these bicycles. Consequently, based on the findings regarding the use and idleness of dockless shared bicycles, we formulate a redistribution and zone-based management strategy for shared bicycles. This paper offers new insights into the spatiotemporal distribution and utilization of shared bicycles under the influence of different built environments, contributing to the further optimization of dockless shared bicycle resource allocation.
A Dempster–Shafer Enhanced Framework for Urban Road Planning Using a Model-Based Digital Twin and MCDM Techniques
Authors: Maserrat Zahra , Alesheikh Ali Asghar , Jafari Ali , Charandabi Neda Kaffash , Shahidinejad Javad
Published: August 2024

Rapid urbanization in developing countries presents a critical challenge in the need for extensive and appropriate road expansion, which in turn contributes to traffic congestion and air pollution. Urban areas are economic engines, but their efficiency and livability rely on well-designed road networks. This study proposes a novel approach to urban road planning that leverages the power of several innovative techniques. The cornerstone of this approach is a digital twin model of the urban environment. This digital twin model facilitates the evaluation and comparison of road development proposals. To support informed decision-making, a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) framework is used, enabling planners to consider various factors such as traffic flow, environmental impact, and economic considerations. Spatial data and 3D visualizations are also provided to enrich the analysis. Finally, the Dempster–Shafer theory (DST) provides a robust mathematical framework to address uncertainties inherent in the weighting process. The proposed approach was applied to planning for both new road constructions and existing road expansions. By combining these elements, the model offers a sustainable and knowledge-based approach to optimize urban road planning. Results from integrating weights obtained through two weighting methods, the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and the Bayesian best–worst Method (B-BWM), showed a very high weight for the “worn-out urban texture” criterion and a meager weight for “noise pollution”. Finally, the cost path algorithm was used to evaluate the results from all three methods (AHP, B-BWM, and DST). The high degree of similarity in the results from these methods suggests a stable outcome for the proposed approach. Analysis of the study area revealed the following significant challenge for road planning: 35% of the area was deemed unsuitable, with only a tiny portion (4%) being suitable for road development based on the selected criteria. This highlights the need to explore alternative approaches or significantly adjust the current planning process.
Spatial and Temporal Dynamics in Vegetation Greenness and Its Response to Climate Change in the Tarim River Basin, China
Authors: Jin Kai , Jin Yansong , Li Cuijin , Li Lin
Published: August 2024

Vegetation in ecologically sensitive regions has experienced significant alterations due to global climate change. The underlying mechanisms remain somewhat obscure owing to the spatial heterogeneity of influencing factors, particularly in the Tarim River Basin (TRB) in China. Therefore, this study targets the TRB, analyzing the spatial and temporal dynamics of vegetation greenness and its climatic determinants across multiple spatial scales. Utilizing Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) data, vegetation greenness trends over the past 23 years were assessed, with future projections based on the Hurst exponent. Partial correlation and multiple linear regression analyses were employed to correlate NDVI with temperature (TMP), precipitation (PRE), and potential evapotranspiration (PET), elucidating NDVI’s response to climatic variations. Results revealed that from 2000 to 2022, 90.1% of the TRB exhibited an increase in NDVI, with a significant overall trend of 0.032/decade (p < 0.01). The difference in NDVI change across sub-basins and vegetation types highlighted the spatial disparity in greening. Notable greening predominantly occurred near rivers at lower elevations and in extensive cropland areas, with projections indicating continued greening in some regions. Conversely, future trends mainly suggested a shift towards browning, particularly in higher-elevation areas with minimal human influence. From 2000 to 2022, the TRB experienced a gradual increase in TMP, PRE, and PET. The latter two factors were significantly correlated with NDVI, indicating their substantial role in greening. However, vegetation sensitivity to climate change varied across sub-basins, vegetation types, and elevations, likely due to differences in plant characteristics, hydrothermal conditions, and human disturbances. Despite climate change influencing vegetation dynamics in 51.5% of the TRB, its impact accounted for only 25% of the total NDVI trend. These findings enhance the understanding of vegetation ecosystems in arid regions and provide a scientific basis for developing ecological protection strategies in the TRB.
Serum TLR2 and TLR9 in Prostate Cancer Patients in Relation to EBV Status
Authors: Sikora Dominika , Kiś Jacek , Stępień Ewa , Drop Bartłomiej , Polz-Dacewicz Małgorzata
Published: August 2024

The relationship between Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and prostate cancer (PCa) is complex due to the presence of the Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection, which has been identified as a predisposing factor for some cancers, including PCa. The present study aims to investigate these complex links by examining the levels of selected TLRs and the potential impact of EBV infection on PCa. Therefore, we examined the serum of patients with PCa. The study compared EBV(+) patients to risk groups, the Gleason score (GS), and the T-trait. Additionally, the correlation between TLR and antibody levels was examined. The results indicated that higher levels of TLR-2 and TLR-9 were observed in more advanced PCa. The findings of this study may contribute to a deeper understanding of the role of viral infections in PCa and provide information on future strategies for the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of these malignancies.
Tricarboxylic Acid Cycle Relationships with Non-Metabolic Processes: A Short Story with DNA Repair and Its Consequences on Cancer Therapy Resistance
Authors: Álvarez-González Enol , Sierra Luisa María
Published: August 2024

Metabolic changes involving the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle have been linked to different non-metabolic cell processes. Among them, apart from cancer and immunity, emerges the DNA damage response (DDR) and specifically DNA damage repair. The oncometabolites succinate, fumarate and 2-hydroxyglutarate (2HG) increase reactive oxygen species levels and create pseudohypoxia conditions that induce DNA damage and/or inhibit DNA repair. Additionally, by influencing DDR modulation, they establish direct relationships with DNA repair on at least four different pathways. The AlkB pathway deals with the removal of N-alkylation DNA and RNA damage that is inhibited by fumarate and 2HG. The MGMT pathway acts in the removal of O-alkylation DNA damage, and it is inhibited by the silencing of the MGMT gene promoter by 2HG and succinate. The other two pathways deal with the repair of double-strand breaks (DSBs) but with opposite effects: the FH pathway, which uses fumarate to help with the repair of this damage, and the chromatin remodeling pathway, in which oncometabolites inhibit its repair by impairing the homologous recombination repair (HRR) system. Since oncometabolites inhibit DNA repair, their removal from tumor cells will not always generate a positive response in cancer therapy. In fact, their presence contributes to longer survival and/or sensitization against tumor therapy in some cancer patients.
Intracellular Survival and Pathogenicity Modulation of Salmonella Lon, CpxR, and RfaL Mutants Used as Live Bacterial Vectors under Abiotic Stress, Unveiling the Link between Stress Response and Virulence in Epithelial Cells
Authors: Kirthika Perumalraja , Senevirathne Amal , Park Sungwoo , Aganja Ram Prasad , Kim In-Shik , Tae Hyun-Jin , Lee John Hwa
Published: August 2024

In the current study, two Salmonella Typhimurium strains, JOL 912 and JOL 1800, were engineered from the wild-type JOL 401 strain through in-frame deletions of the lon and cpxR genes, with JOL 1800 also lacking rfaL. These deletions significantly attenuated the strains, impairing their intracellular survival and creating unique immunological profiles. This study investigates the response of these strains to various abiotic stress conditions commonly experienced in vivo, including temperature, acidity, osmotic, and oxidative stress. Notably, cold stress induced a non-significant trend towards increased invasion by Salmonella compared to other stressors. Despite the observed attenuation, no significant alterations in entry mechanisms (trigger vs. zipper) were noted between these strains, although variations were evident depending on the host cell type. Both strains effectively localized within the cytoplasm, demonstrating their ability to invade and interact with the intracellular environment. Immunologically, JOL 912 elicited a robust response, marked by substantial activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB), and chemokines, interleukin 8 (CXCL 8) and interleukin 10 (CXCL 10), comparable to the wild-type JOL 401 (over a fourfold increase compared to JOL 1800). In contrast, JOL 1800 exhibited a minimal immune response. Additionally, these attenuations influenced the expression of cyclins D1 and B1 and caspases 3 and 7, indicating cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase and promotion of the G0/G1 to S phase transition, alongside apoptosis in infected cells. These findings provide valuable insights into the mechanisms governing the association, internalization, and survival of Salmonella mutants, enhancing our understanding of their regulatory effects on host cell physiology.
Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors Are the Major Class of HIV Antiretroviral Therapeutics That Induce Neuropathic Pain in Mice
Authors: Bush Keegan , Wairkar Yogesh , Tang Shao-Jun
Published: August 2024

The development of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) has transformed human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection from a lethal diagnosis into a chronic disease, and people living with HIV on cART can experience an almost normal life expectancy. However, these individuals often develop various complications that lead to a decreased quality of life, some of the most significant of which are neuropathic pain and the development of painful peripheral sensory neuropathy (PSN). Critically, although cART is thought to induce pain pathogenesis, the relative contribution of different classes of antiretrovirals has not been systematically investigated. In this study, we measured the development of pathological pain and peripheral neuropathy in mice orally treated with distinct antiretrovirals at their translational dosages. Our results show that only nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), not other types of antiretrovirals such as proteinase inhibitors, non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, integrase strand transfer inhibitors, and CCR5 antagonists, induce pathological pain and PSN. Thus, these findings suggest that NRTIs are the major class of antiretrovirals in cART that promote the development of neuropathic pain. As NRTIs form the essential backbone of multiple different current cART regimens, it is of paramount clinical importance to better understand the underlying mechanism to facilitate the design of less toxic forms of these drugs and/or potential mitigation strategies.
Characterization and Functional Analysis of the 17-Beta Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase 2 (hsd17b2) Gene during Sex Reversal in the Ricefield Eel (Monopterus albus)
Authors: Chen Ruyi , Zhu Haoyu , Zhang Xiaoling , Li Lingli , Xu Jinglin , Tan Zhimin , Su Jialin , Feng Ke , Chen Kaili , Xu Hongyan
Published: August 2024

In mammals, 17-beta hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 2 (Hsd17b2) enzyme specifically catalyzes the oxidation of the C17 hydroxyl group and efficiently regulates the activities of estrogens and androgens to prevent diseases induced by hormone disorders. However, the functions of the hsd17b2 gene involved in animal sex differentiation are still largely unclear. The ricefield eel (Monopterus albus), a protogynous hermaphroditic fish with a small genome size (2n = 24), is usually used as an ideal model to study the mechanism of sex differentiation in vertebrates. Therefore, in this study, hsd17b2 gene cDNA was cloned and its mRNA expression profiles were determined in the ricefield eel. The cloned cDNA fragment of hsd17b2 was 1230 bp, including an open reading frame of 1107 bp, encoding 368 amino acid residues with conserved catalytic subunits. Moreover, real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) analysis showed that hsd17b2 mRNA expressed strongly in the ovaries at early developmental stages, weakly in liver and intestine, and barely in testis and other tissues. In particular, hsd17b2 mRNA expression was found to peak in ovaries of young fish and ovotestis at the early stage, and eventually declined in gonads from the late ovotestis to testis. Likewise, chemical in situ hybridization results indicated that the hsd17b2 mRNA signals were primarily detected in the cytoplasm of oogonia and oocytes at stage I–II, subsequently concentrated in the granulosa cells around the oocytes at stage Ⅲ–Ⅳ, but undetectable in mature oocytes and male germ cells. Intriguingly, in ricefield eel ovaries, hsd17b2 mRNA expression could be significantly reduced by 17β-estradiol (E2) or tamoxifen (17β-estradiol inhibitor, E2I) induction at a low concentration (10 ng/mL) and increased by E2I induction at a high concentration (100 ng/mL). On the other hand, both the melatonin (MT) and flutamide (androgen inhibitor, AI) induction could significantly decrease hsd17b2 mRNA expression in the ovary of ricefield eel. This study provides a clue for demonstrating the mechanism of sexual differentiation in fish. The findings of our study imply that the hsd17b2 gene could be a key regulator in sexual differentiation and modulate sex reversal in the ricefield eel and other hermaphroditic fishes.
Synthesis, the Reversible Isostructural Phase Transition, and the Dielectric Properties of a Functional Material Based on an Aminobenzimidazole–Iron Thiocyanate Complex
Authors: Liu Yang , Abuduheni Adila , Yang Fang , Hu Hongzhi , Liu Zunqi
Published: August 2024

By introducing disordered molecules into a crystal structure, the motion of the disordered molecules easily induces the formation of multidimensional frameworks in functional crystal materials, allowing for structural phase transitions and the realization of various dielectric properties within a certain temperature range. Here, we prepared a novel ionic complex [C7H8N3]3[Fe(NCS)6]·H2O (1) between 2-aminobenzimidazole and ferric isothiocyanate from ferric chloride hexahydrate, ammonium thiocyanate, and 2-aminobenzimidazole using the evaporation of the solvent method. The main components, the single-crystal structure, and the thermal and dielectric properties of the complex were characterized using infrared spectroscopy, elemental analysis, single-crystal X-ray diffraction, powder XRD, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, variable-temperature and variable-frequency dielectric constant tests, etc. The analysis results indicated that compound 1 belongs to the P21/n space group. Within the crystal structure, the [Fe(NCS)6]3− anion formed a two-dimensional hydrogen-bonded network with the organic cation through S···S interactions and hydrogen bonding. The disorder–order motion of the anions and cations within the crystal and the deformation of the crystal frameworks lead to a significant reversible isostructural phase transition and multiaxial dielectric anomalies of compound 1 at approximately 240 K.
Oxysterol Induces Expression of 60 kDa Chaperone Protein on Cell Surface of Microglia
Authors: Kim Koanhoi , Cho Hyok-rae , Kim Bo-young , Kim Jaesung , Park Dongha , Kwon Ryuk Jun , Son Yonghae
Published: August 2024

Microglia, essential immune cells in the brain, play crucial roles in neuroinflammation by performing various functions such as neurogenesis, synaptic pruning, and pathogen defense. These cells are activated by inflammatory factors like β-amyloid (Aβ) and oxysterols, leading to morphological and functional changes, including the secretion of inflammatory cytokines and the upregulation of MHC class II molecules. This study focused on identifying specific markers for microglial activation, with a particular emphasis on the roles of oxysterols in this process. We used the HMC3 human microglial cell line to investigate the induction of heat shock protein 60 (HSP60), a chaperonin protein by oxysterols, specifically in the presence of 25-hydroxycholesterol (25OHChol) and 27-hydroxycholesterol (27OHChol). Our findings obtained by the proteomics approach revealed that these oxysterols significantly increased HSP60 expression on microglial cells. This induction was further confirmed using Western blot analysis and immunofluorescence microscopy. Additionally, Aβ1–42 also promoted HSP60 expression, indicating its role as a microglial activator. HSP60 involved in protein folding and immune modulation was identified as a potential marker for microglial activation. This study underscores the importance of HSP60 in the inflammatory response of microglia, suggesting its utility as a target for new therapeutic approaches in neuroinflammatory diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD).
Diet-Induced Obesity in Mice Affects the Maternal Gut Microbiota and Immune Response in Mid-Pregnancy
Authors: Wekema Lieske , Schoenmakers Sam , Schenkelaars Nicole , Laskewitz Anne , Huurman Romy H. , Liu Lei , Walters Lisa , Harmsen Hermie J. M. , Steegers-Theunissen Régine P. M. , Faas Marijke M.
Published: August 2024

Maternal obesity during pregnancy is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. This might be due to undesired obesity-induced changes in the maternal gut microbiota and related changes in the maternal immune adaptations during pregnancy. The current study examines how obesity affects gut microbiota and immunity in pregnant obese and lean mice during mid-pregnancy (gestational day 12 (GD12)). C57BL/6 mice were fed a high-fat diet or low-fat diet from 8 weeks before mating and during pregnancy. At GD12, we analyzed the gut microbiota composition in the feces and immune responses in the intestine (Peyer’s patches, mesenteric lymph nodes) and the peripheral circulation (spleen and peripheral blood). Maternal obesity reduced beneficial bacteria (e.g., Bifidobacterium and Akkermansia) and changed intestinal and peripheral immune responses (e.g., dendritic cells, Th1/Th2/Th17/Treg axis, monocytes). Numerous correlations were found between obesity-associated bacterial genera and intestinal/peripheral immune anomalies. This study shows that maternal obesity impacts the abundance of specific bacterial gut genera as compared to lean mice and deranges maternal intestinal immune responses that subsequently change peripheral maternal immune responses in mid-pregnancy. Our findings underscore the opportunities for early intervention strategies targeting maternal obesity, ideally starting in the periconceptional period, to mitigate these obesity-related pregnancy effects.
Palmitoylethanolamide as a Supplement: The Importance of Dose-Dependent Effects for Improving Nervous Tissue Health in an In Vitro Model
Authors: Galla Rebecca , Mulè Simone , Ferrari Sara , Grigolon Chiara , Molinari Claudio , Uberti Francesca
Published: August 2024

Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is a highly lipophilic molecule with low solubility, making absorption difficult. Recent techniques like micronisation, ultra-micronisation and combining PEA with solvents have improved their bioavailability and stability. Our study analysed particle size differences and absorption kinetics using specific solvents (PEAΩ and PEA DynoΩ) over time (0.5 h–6 h) in a dose-dependent manner (200 mg–1800 mg). The results showed that PEAΩ and PEA DynoΩ achieved 82–63% absorption at 3 h, compared to 30–60% for micronised, ultra-micronised PEA and a commercial product, highlighting the optimal dose range of 300 mg–600 mg. In addition, a 3D model of the peripheral nerve was utilised to explain the efficacy after gut passage and support the most effective dose (300 mg or 600 mg) achieved at the gut level. PEAΩ and PEA DynoΩ, which are associated with better intestinal bioavailability compared to PEA-micronised, PEA ultra-micronised and a commercial product, have allowed not only a reduction in the inflammatory context but also an improvement of peripheral nerve well-being by increasing specific markers like MPZ (26–36% vs. 8–15%), p75 (25–32% vs. 13–16%) and NRG1 (22–29.5% vs. 11–14%). These results highlight the potential of advanced PEA formulations to overcome solubility challenges and maintain in vitro efficacy, modulating peripheral nerve well-being.