bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synchrotron Micro-X-ray Diffraction in Transmission Geometry: A New Approach to Study Polychrome Stratigraphies in Cultural Heritage
Authors: Morabito Giulia , Marinoni Nicoletta , Bais Giorgio , Cantaluppi Marco , Botteon Alessandra , Colombo Chiara , Gatta G. Diego , Polentarutti Maurizio , Realini Marco , Possenti Elena
Published: August 2024

In cultural heritage, paint stratigraphies are complex systems typically consisting of various paint layers with fine crystalline phases mixed with coarse pigment and filler grains. This complexity poses significant challenges for X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. In this work, we employed synchrotron radiation micro-X-ray diffraction in transmission geometry (SR-µTXRD) with linear mapping to develop a novel approach for studying the crystalline phases (pigments and fillers) in mock-up paint stratigraphies. A targeted approach was followed for qualitative, quantitative, and microstructural analysis, combining signals from micrometric crystallites and coarse single crystals as well as from randomly oriented and iso-oriented crystalline phases. This allows for identifying, localizing, and quantifying these phases even in low fractions and distinguishes the same phases across different layers with varying grain sizes or spatial orientations. Critical analysis of 2D XRD patterns, coupled with full-profile fitting performed by the Rietveld method, provides insights into material preparation (e.g., grinding), painting technique (e.g., color palette, use of fillers, brushing), and crystallo-chemical modifications over time. This analytical approach, integrating spatially resolved investigation with high-quality phase characterization, enhances the potential of specific XRD methodologies for a 2D investigation of multi-phase materials in cultural heritage, even without dedicated micro-mapping techniques.
Ionic Liquid-Based Extraction Strategy for the Efficient and Selective Recovery of Scandium
Authors: Zhang Sheli , Yan Yuerong , Zhou Qiang , Fan Yunchang
Published: August 2024

The recovery of scandium (Sc) from highly acidic industrial effluents is currently hindered by the use of large quantities of flammable and toxic organic solvents. This study developed an extraction system using ionic liquids (ILs) and phenylphosphinic acid (PPAH) as diluents and an extractant, respectively, to selectively recover Sc from the aqueous phase. The effect of IL chemical structure, aqueous pH and temperature on the extraction of Sc was systematically investigated and the findings revealed that ILs with longer alkyl side chains had reduced Sc extraction ability due to the presence of continuous nonpolar domains formed by the self-aggregation of the IL alkyl side chain. The IL/PPAH system maintained high extraction ability toward Sc across a wide temperature range (288 K to 318 K) and the extraction efficiency of Sc could be improved significantly by increasing the aqueous pH. The extraction process involved proton exchange, resulting in the formation of a metal−ligand complex (Sc(PPA)3).
Kekulé Counts, Clar Numbers, and ZZ Polynomials for All Isomers of (5,6)-Fullerenes C52–C70
Authors: Witek Henryk A. , Podeszwa Rafał
Published: August 2024

We report an extensive tabulation of several important topological invariants for all the isomers of carbon (5,6)-fullerenes Cn with n = 52–70. The topological invariants (including Kekulé count, Clar count, and Clar number) are computed and reported in the form of the corresponding Zhang–Zhang (ZZ) polynomials. The ZZ polynomials appear to be distinct for each isomer cage, providing a unique label that allows for differentiation between various isomers. Several chemical applications of the computed invariants are reported. The results suggest rather weak correlation between the Kekulé count, Clar count, Clar number invariants, and isomer stability, calling into doubt the predictive power of these topological invariants in discriminating the most stable isomer of a given fullerene. The only exception is the Clar count/Kekulé count ratio, which seems to be the most important diagnostic discovered from our analysis. Stronger correlations are detected between Pauling bond orders computed from Kekulé structures (or Clar covers) and the corresponding equilibrium bond lengths determined from the optimized DFTB geometries of all 30,579 isomers of C20–C70.
Physicochemical Characterization and Antimicrobial Properties of Lanthanide Nitrates in Dilute Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Kuz’micheva Galina , Trigub Alexander , Rogachev Alexander , Dorokhov Andrey , Domoroshchina Elena
Published: August 2024

This work presents the results of studying dilute aqueous solutions of commercial Ln(NO3)3 · xH2O salts with Ln = Ce-Lu using X-ray diffraction (XRD), IR spectroscopy, X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS: EXAFS/XANES), and pH measurements. As a reference point, XRD and XAS measurements for characterized Ln(NO3)3 · xH2O microcrystalline powder samples were performed. The local structure of Ln-nitrate complexes in 20 mM Ln(NO3)3 · xH2O aqueous solution was studied under total external reflection conditions and EXAFS geometry was applied to obtain high-quality EXAFS data for solutions with low concentrations of Ln3+ ions. Results obtained by EXAFS spectroscopy showed significant contraction of the first coordination sphere during the dissolution process for metal ions located in the middle of the lanthanide series. It was established that in Ln(NO3)3 · xH2O solutions with Ln = Ce, Sm, Gd, Yb (c = 134, 100, 50 and 20 mM) there are coordinated and, to a greater extent, non-coordinated nitrate groups with bidentate and predominantly monodentate bonds with Ln ions, the number of which increases upon transition from cerium to ytterbium. For the first time, the antibacterial and antifungal activity of Ln(NO3)3 · xH2O Ln = Ce, Sm, Gd, Tb, Yb solutions with different concentrations and pH was presented. Cross-relationships between the concentration of solutions and antimicrobial activity with the type of Ln = Ce, Sm, Gd, Tb, Yb were established, as well as the absence of biocidal properties of solutions with a concentration of 20 mM, except for Ln = Yb. The important role of experimental conditions in obtaining and interpreting the results was noted.
Effects of Isoxazolyl Steroids on Key Genes of Sonic Hedgehog Cascade Expression in Tumor Cells
Authors: Aleksandrova Anna , Mekhtiev Arif , Timoshenko Olga , Kugaevskaya Elena , Gureeva Tatiana , Gisina Alisa , Zavialova Maria , Scherbakov Kirill , Rudovich Anton , Zhabinskii Vladimir , Khripach Vladimir
Published: August 2024

Activation of the Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway is often associated with the progression of various types of cancer. The purpose of study was to search for inhibitors of the Hh signaling pathway among eight compounds belonging to the group of isoxazolyl steroids. The evaluation of the effectiveness of the compounds was based on the analysis of their cytotoxicity, effect on the cell cycle, on the expression of key Hh-signaling-pathway genes (Ptch1, Smo, and Gli1) and putative target genes MMP-2 and MMP-9. Four compounds with the most pronounced cytotoxic effect were identified: compounds 1, 2 (HeLa cells) and 3, 4 (A549 cells). Compounds 1 and 2 significantly reduced the expression of the Ptch1, Smo, Gli1 genes, but had the opposite effect on MMP-2 gene expression: Compound 1 increased it, and compound 2 decreased it. Compounds 3 and 4 did not have a noticeable inhibitory effect on the expression of the Shh pathway receptors, but significantly inhibited MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression. Thus, it was shown that inhibition of the Shh signaling pathway by isoxazolyl steroids can have the opposite effect on MMPs gene expression, which is what should be taken into account in further studies of these compounds as therapeutic agents.
An Overview on the Synthesis of Lamellarins and Related Compounds with Biological Interest
Authors: Mitsiou Vasiliki-Panagiota M. , Antonaki Anastasia-Maria N. , Douka Matina D. , Litinas Konstantinos E.
Published: August 2024

Lamellarins are natural products with a [3,4]-fused pyrrolocoumarin skeleton possessing interesting biological properties. More than 70 members have been isolated from diverse marine organisms, such as sponges, ascidians, mollusks, and tunicates. There is a continuous interest in the synthesis of these compounds. In this review, the synthetic strategies for the synthesis of the title compounds are presented along with their biological properties. Three routes are followed for the synthesis of lamellarins. Initially, pyrrole derivatives are the starting or intermediate compounds, and then they are fused to isoquinoline or a coumarin moiety. Second, isoquinoline is the starting compound fused to an indole moiety. In the last route, coumarins are the starting compounds, which are fused to a pyrrole moiety and an isoquinoline scaffold. The synthesis of isolamellarins, azacoumestans, isoazacoumestans, and analogues is also described. The above synthesis is achieved via metal-catalyzed cross-coupling, [3 + 2] cycloaddition, substitution, and lactonization reactions. The title compounds exhibit cytotoxic, multidrug resistance (MDR), topoisomerase I-targeted antitumor, anti-HIV, antiproliferative, anti-neurodegenerative disease, and anti-inflammatory activities.
Structural Insights into Endostatin–Heparan Sulfate Interactions Using Modeling Approaches
Authors: Uciechowska-Kaczmarzyk Urszula , Frank Martin , Samsonov Sergey A. , Maszota-Zieleniak Martyna
Published: August 2024

Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) play a key role in a variety of biological processes in the extracellular matrix (ECM) via interactions with their protein targets. Due to their high flexibility, periodicity and electrostatics-driven interactions, GAG-containing complexes are very challenging to characterize both experimentally and in silico. In this study, we, for the first time, systematically analyzed the interactions of endostatin, a proteolytic fragment of collagen XVIII known to be anti-angiogenic and anti-tumoral, with heparin (HP) and representative heparan sulfate (HS) oligosaccharides of various lengths, sequences and sulfation patterns. We first used conventional molecular docking and a docking approach based on a repulsive scaling–replica exchange molecular dynamics technique, as well as unbiased molecular dynamic simulations, to obtain dynamically stable GAG binding poses. Then, the corresponding free energies of binding were calculated and the amino acid residues that contribute the most to GAG binding were identified. We also investigated the potential influence of Zn2+ on endostatin–HP complexes using computational approaches. These data provide new atomistic details of the molecular mechanism of HP’s binding to endostatin, which will contribute to a better understanding of its interplay with proteoglycans at the cell surface and in the extracellular matrix.
Deepening the Understanding of Carbon Active Sites for ORR Using Electrochemical and Spectrochemical Techniques
Authors: Flores-Lasluisa Jhony Xavier , Cazorla-Amorós Diego , Morallón Emilia
Published: August 2024

Defect-containing carbon nanotube materials were prepared by subjecting two commercial multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) of different purities to purification (HCl) and oxidative conditions (HNO3) and further heat treatment to remove surface oxygen groups. The as-prepared carbon materials were physicochemically characterized to observe changes in their properties after the different treatments. TEM microscopy shows morphological modifications in the MWCNTs after the treatments such as broken walls and carbon defects including topological defects. This leads to both higher surface areas and active sites. The carbon defects were analysed by Raman spectroscopy, but the active surface area (ASA) and the electrochemical active surface area (EASA) values showed that not all the defects are equally active for oxygen reduction reactions (ORRs). This suggests the importance of calculating either ASA or EASA in carbon materials with different structures to determine the activity of these defects. The as-prepared defect-containing multiwalled carbon nanotubes exhibit good catalytic performance due to the formation of carbon defects active for ORR such as edge sites and topological defects. Moreover, they exhibit good stability and methanol tolerances. The as-prepared MWCNTs sample with the highest purity is a promising defective carbon material for ORR because its activity is only related to high concentrations of active carbon defects including edge sites and topological defects.
Research and Analysis on Enhancement of Surface Flashover Performance of Epoxy Resin Based on Dielectric Barrier Discharge Plasma Fluorination Modification
Authors: Chang Xizhe , Sui Yueyi , Li Changyu , Yan Zhanyuan
Published: August 2024

To conquer the challenges of charge accumulation and surface flashover in epoxy resin under direct current (DC) electric fields, numerous efforts have been made to research dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma treatments using CF4/Ar as the medium gas, which has proven effective in improving surface flashover voltage. However, despite being an efficient plasma etching medium, SF6/Ar has remained largely unexplored. In this work, we constructed a DBD plasma device with an SF6/Ar gas medium and explored the influence of processing times and gas flow rates on the morphology and surface flashover voltage of epoxy resin. The surface morphology observed by SEM indicates that the degree of plasma etching intensifies with processing time and gas flow rate, and the quantitative characterization of AFM indicates a maximum roughness of 144 nm after 3 min of treatment. Flashover test results show that at 2 min of processing time, the surface flashover voltage reached a maximum of 19.02 kV/mm, which is 25.49% higher than that of the untreated sample and previously reported works. In addition to the effect of surface roughness, charge trap distribution shows that fluorinated groups help to deepen the trap energy levels and density. The optimal modification was achieved at a gas flow rate of 3.5 slm coupled with 2 min of processing time. Furthermore, density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that fluorination introduces additional electron traps (0.29 eV) and hole traps (0.38 eV), enhancing the capture of charge carriers and suppressing surface flashover.
Anti-Inflammatory and Antimicrobial Activity of Silver Nanoparticles Green-Synthesized Using Extracts of Different Plants
Authors: Mohamed Amr , Dayo Marwa , Alahmadi Sana , Ali Samah
Published: August 2024

In this study, an easy, efficient, economical, and eco-friendly green bio-synthesis method was utilized to synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using the extracts of four plants: Ginkgo biloba, Cichorium Intybus, Adiantum Capillus-Veneris, and Rosmarinus Officinalis. The synthesis of AgNPs was confirmed by using a uv-vis spectrometer, which showed distinct surface plasmon resonance (SPR) bands. The surface of AgNPs was characterized using scanning electron microscopy and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The anti-inflammatory activity of Tenoxicam/Meloxicam-loaded AgNPs has been studied using the inhibition of albumin denaturation method. Tenoxicam-loaded AgNPs showed higher % Inhibition, but Meloxicam-loaded AgNPs showed lower % Inhibition. Furthermore, the AgNPs showed excellent antimicrobial activity on both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria.
Mechanical Properties of Clay-Reinforced Polyamide 6 Nanocomposite Liner Materials of Type IV Hydrogen Storage Vessels
Authors: Kis Dávid István , Bata Attila , Takács János , Kókai Eszter
Published: August 2024

This study focuses on polyamide 6/organo-modified montmorillonite (PA6/OMMT) nanocomposites as potential liner materials, given the growing interest in enhancing the performance of type IV composite overwrapped hydrogen storage pressure vessels. The mechanical properties of PA6/OMMT composites with varying filler concentrations were investigated across a temperature range relevant to hydrogen storage conditions (−40 °C to +85 °C). Liner collapse, a critical issue caused by rapid gas discharge, was analyzed using an Ishikawa diagram to identify external and internal factors. Mechanical testing revealed that higher OMMT content generally increased stiffness, especially at elevated temperatures. The Young’s modulus and first yield strength exhibited non-linear temperature dependencies, with 1 wt. per cent OMMT content enhancing yield strength at all tested temperatures. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) indicated that OMMT improves the storage modulus, suggesting effective filler dispersion, but it also reduces the toughness and heat resistance, as evidenced by lower glass transition temperatures. This study underscores the importance of optimizing OMMT content to balance mechanical performance and thermal stability for the practical application of PA6/OMMT nanocomposites in hydrogen storage pressure vessels.
Recent Advances in Research from Nanoparticle to Nano-Assembly: A Review
Authors: Bandaru Shamili , Arora Deepshika , Ganesh Kalathur Mohan , Umrao Saurabh , Thomas Sabu , Bhaskar Seemesh , Chakrabortty Sabyasachi
Published: August 2024

The careful arrangement of nanomaterials (NMs) holds promise for revolutionizing various fields, from electronics and biosensing to medicine and optics. This review delves into the intricacies of nano-assembly (NA) techniques, focusing on oriented-assembly methodologies and stimuli-dependent approaches. The introduction provides a comprehensive overview of the significance and potential applications of NA, setting the stage for review. The oriented-assembly section elucidates methodologies for the precise alignment and organization of NMs, crucial for achieving desired functionalities. The subsequent section delves into stimuli-dependent techniques, categorizing them into chemical and physical stimuli-based approaches. Chemical stimuli-based self-assembly methods, including solvent, acid–base, biomolecule, metal ion, and gas-induced assembly, are discussed in detail by presenting examples. Additionally, physical stimuli such as light, magnetic fields, electric fields, and temperature are examined for their role in driving self-assembly processes. Looking ahead, the review outlines futuristic scopes and perspectives in NA, highlighting emerging trends and potential breakthroughs. Finally, concluding remarks summarize key findings and underscore the significance of NA in shaping future technologies. This comprehensive review serves as a valuable resource for researchers and practitioners, offering insights into the diverse methodologies and potential applications of NA in interdisciplinary research fields.
Boosting of Redox-Active Polyimide Porous Organic Polymers with Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes towards Pseudocapacitive Energy Storage
Authors: Zhou Tian , Yuan Yu , Xiao Luyi , Ding Wei , Wang Yong , Lv Li-Ping
Published: August 2024

Redox-active porous organic polymers (POPs) demonstrate significant potential in supercapacitors. However, their intrinsic low electrical conductivity and stacking tendencies often lead to low utilization rates of redox-active sites within their structural units. Herein, polyimide POPs (donated as PMTA) are synthesized in situ on multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) from tetramino-benzoquinone (TABQ) and 1,4,5,8-naphthalene tetracarboxylic dianhydride (PMDA) monomers. The strong π–π stacking interactions drive the PMTA POPs and the MWCNTs together to form a PMTA/MWCNT composite. With the assistance of MWCNTs, the stacking issue and low conductivity of PMTA POPs are well addressed, leading to the obvious activation and enhanced utilization of the redox-active groups in the PMTA POPs. PMTA/MWCNT then achieves a high capacitance of 375.2 F g−1 at 1 A g−1 as compared to the pristine PMTA POPs (5.7 F g−1) and excellent cycling stability of 89.7% after 8000 cycles at 5 A g−1. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and in situ Fourier-Transform Infrared (FT-IR) results reveal that the electrode reactions involve the reversible structural evolution of carbonyl groups, which are activated to provide rich pseudocapacitance. Asymmetric supercapacitors (ASCs) assembled with PMTA/MWCNTs and activated carbon (AC) offer a high energy density of 15.4 Wh kg−1 at 980.4 W kg−1 and maintain a capacitance retention of 125% after 10,000 cycles at 5 A g−1, indicating their good potential for practical applications.
Interactions between Gut Microbiota and Natural Bioactive Polysaccharides in Metabolic Diseases: Review
Authors: Pi Yu , Fang Miaoyu , Li Yanpin , Cai Long , Han Ruyi , Sun Wenjuan , Jiang Xianren , Chen Liang , Du Jun , Zhu Zhigang , Li Xilong
Published: August 2024

The gut microbiota constitutes a complex ecosystem, comprising trillions of microbes that have co-evolved with their host over hundreds of millions of years. Over the past decade, a growing body of knowledge has underscored the intricate connections among diet, gut microbiota, and human health. Bioactive polysaccharides (BPs) from natural sources like medicinal plants, seaweeds, and fungi have diverse biological functions including antioxidant, immunoregulatory, and metabolic activities. Their effects are closely tied to the gut microbiota, which metabolizes BPs into health-influencing compounds. Understanding how BPs and gut microbiota interact is critical for harnessing their potential health benefits. This review provides an overview of the human gut microbiota, focusing on its role in metabolic diseases like obesity, type II diabetes mellitus, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and cardiovascular diseases. It explores the basic characteristics of several BPs and their impact on gut microbiota. Given their significance for human health, we summarize the biological functions of these BPs, particularly in terms of immunoregulatory activities, blood sugar, and hypolipidemic effect, thus providing a valuable reference for understanding the potential benefits of natural BPs in treating metabolic diseases. These properties make BPs promising agents for preventing and treating metabolic diseases. The comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms by which BPs exert their effects through gut microbiota opens new avenues for developing targeted therapies to improve metabolic health.
The Effect of Cannabidiol on Performance and Post-Load Recovery among Healthy and Physically Active Individuals: A Systematic Review
Authors: Bezuglov Eduard , Achkasov Evgeniy , Rudiakova Elizaveta , Shurygin Vladimir , Malyakin Georgiy , Svistunov Danila , Butovskiy Mikhail , Fedorova Aleksandra , Kapralova Elizaveta
Published: August 2024

Athlete performance and post-load recovery can be considered one of the most important and actively discussed topics in professional sport. One substance aimed at improving performance is cannabidiol (CBD), which has been actively gaining popularity with several studies published in recent years. The PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases were searched from inception to April 2024 according to PRISMA recommendations to identify studies on the effects of CBD on exercise capacity and post-load recovery. An initial search identified 901 publications, of which seven fully met the inclusion criteria. Current evidence supports a limited beneficial effect of CBD on a number of physiological parameters, such as VO2, mean power, and relative mean power. At the same time, there were limited data on the beneficial effects of CBD on strength parameters (including vertical jump, counter movement jump, one repetition max bench press, and barbell back squat) and post-load recovery. Notably, most of the studies included in the analysis were conducted between 2021 and 2024, indicating a growing interest among researchers in the use of CBD in healthy, physically active individuals. Further studies are needed to assess the safety of different CBD administration protocols in professional athletes.
RETRACTED: Liu et al. Antiproliferative Activity of Triterpene Glycoside Nutrient from Monk Fruit in Colorectal Cancer and Throat Cancer. Nutrients 2016, 8, 360
Authors: Liu Can , Dai Longhai , Liu Yueping , Rong Long , Dou Dequan , Sun Yuanxia , Ma Lanqing
Published: August 2024

The journal retracts the article, “Antiproliferative Activity of Triterpene Glycoside Nutrient from Monk Fruit in Colorectal Cancer and Throat Cancer” [...]
The Anticancer Potential of Edible Mushrooms: A Review of Selected Species from Roztocze, Poland
Authors: Roszczenko Piotr , Szewczyk-Roszczenko Olga Klaudia , Gornowicz Agnieszka , Iwańska Iga Anna , Bielawski Krzysztof , Wujec Monika , Bielawska Anna
Published: August 2024

Edible mushrooms are not only a valued culinary ingredient but also have several potential medicinal and industrial applications. They are a rich source of protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds such as polysaccharides and terpenoids, and thus have the capacity to support human health. Some species have been shown to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and immunomodulatory properties. We have therefore attempted to summarize the potential properties of the edible mushrooms popular in Poland, in the Roztocze area.
The Influence of Nutritional Status on Brain Development: Benefits of Exclusive Breastfeeding
Authors: Chade Ellen Schavarski , Júnior Odonis Rocha , Souza Nathalia Marçallo Peixoto , da Silva Aline Jacoski de Oliveira Krüger , Ferreira Luana Mota , Reolon Jéssica Brandão , Bonini Juliana Sartori , Rego Fabiane Gomes de Moraes , Sari Marcel Henrique Marcondes
Published: August 2024

Background: This study aimed to conduct a narrative review approaching the effects of exclusive breastfeeding on neuropsychomotor development. The goal was to provide evidence-based knowledge to inform healthcare practices and policies and promote optimized infant feeding strategies. Methods: Our study reviewed the relevant literature from May and June 2024, covering the publication period between 2013 and 2024. The PubMed database was utilized and searched for articles using keywords such as “Brain”, “Growth”, “Development”, and “Breastfeeding”, employing Boolean operators such as “AND”, “OR”, and “NOT.” Results: Our search initially screened 15,412 studies, resulting in 600 articles. Eleven studies met our inclusion criteria and provided relevant information on the topic. Several studies have shown that exclusive breastfeeding and its duration are beneficial for neural development. Research suggests that breastfeeding improves brain architecture, white matter development, and cognitive performance. Additionally, studies indicate that the mother’s intake of omega-3 fatty acids can enhance infant brain development, and specific micronutrients in breast milk, such as myo-inositol, may contribute to neural connectivity. Some findings also suggest that the child’s sex may play a role in how breast milk benefits the brain. Furthermore, there is evidence of the strong influence of epigenetic compounds on the neurodevelopmental benefits of exclusive breastfeeding. Conclusions: This narrative review revealed findings that indicate breast milk has a positive impact on brain development. This emphasizes that breast milk has a positive impact on brain development. It underscores the importance of conducting additional research to understand how breastfeeding specifically influences neurodevelopment.
An Innovative Bio-Vehicle for Resveratrol and Tocopherol Based on Quinoa 11S Globulin—Nanocomplex Design and Characterization
Authors: Rubinstein Alejandra J. , Garcia Liñares Guadalupe , Boeris Valeria , Pérez Oscar E.
Published: August 2024

Nanocomplexes, which possess immense potential to function as nanovehicles, can link diverse ligand compounds. The objective of the present study was to design and characterize resveratrol (RSV)- and tocopherol (TOC)-loaded 11S quinoa seed protein nanocomplexes. Firstly, molecular docking was performed to describe the probable binding sites between protein and ligands, and binding energies of −5.6 and −6.2 kcal/mol were found for RSV and TOC, respectively. Isothermal titration calorimetry allowed us to obtain the thermodynamic parameters that described the molecular interactions between RSV or TOC with the protein, finding the complexation process to be exothermic and spontaneous. 11S globulin intrinsic fluorescence spectra showed quenching effects exerted by RSV and TOC, demonstrating protein–bioactive compound interactions. The application of Stern–Volmer, Scatchard, and Förster resonance energy transfer models confirmed static quenching and allowed us to obtain parameters that described the 11S-RSV and 11S-TOC complexation processes. RSV has a higher tendency to bind 11S globulin according to ITC and fluorescence analysis. Secondly, the protein aggregation induced by bioactive compound interactions was confirmed by dynamic light scattering and atomic force microscopy, with diameters <150 nm detected by both techniques. Finally, it was found that the antioxidant capacity of a single 11S globulin did not decrease; meanwhile, it was additive for 11S-RSV. These nanocomplexes could constitute a real platform for the design of nutraceutical products.
A Review of the Efficacy of Nanomaterial-Based Natural Photosensitizers to Overcome Multidrug Resistance in Cancer
Authors: Rajaram Jagadeesh , Mende Lokesh Kumar , Kuthati Yaswanth
Published: August 2024

Natural photosensitizers (PS) are compounds derived from nature, with photodynamic properties. Natural PSs have a similar action to that of commercial PSs, where cancer cell death occurs by necrosis, apoptosis, and autophagy through ROS generation. Natural PSs have garnered great interest over the last few decades because of their high biocompatibility and good photoactivity. Specific wavelengths could cause phytochemicals to produce harmful ROS for photodynamic therapy (PDT). However, natural PSs have some shortcomings, such as reduced solubility and lower uptake, making them less appropriate for PDT. Nanotechnology offers an opportunity to develop suitable carriers for various natural PSs for PDT applications. Various nanoparticles have been developed to improve the outcome with enhanced solubility, optical adsorption, and tumor targeting. Multidrug resistance (MDR) is a phenomenon in which tumor cells develop resistance to a wide range of structurally and functionally unrelated drugs. Over the last decade, several researchers have extensively studied the effect of natural PS-based photodynamic treatment (PDT) on MDR cells. Though the outcomes of clinical trials for natural PSs were inconclusive, significant advancement is still required before PSs can be used as a PDT agent for treating MDR tumors. This review addresses the increasing literature on MDR tumor progression and the efficacy of PDT, emphasizing the importance of developing new nano-based natural PSs in the fight against MDR that have the required features for an MDR tumor photosensitizing regimen.
Development of an Intranasal In Situ System for Ribavirin Delivery: In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation
Authors: Mikhel Iosif B. , Bakhrushina Elena O. , Petrusevich Danila A. , Nedorubov Andrey A. , Appolonova Svetlana A. , Moskaleva Natalia E. , Demina Natalia B. , Kosenkova Svetlana I. , Parshenkov Mikhail A. , Krasnyuk Ivan I. , Krasnyuk Ivan I.
Published: August 2024

Recently, ribavirin has demonstrated effectiveness in treating glioblastoma through intranasal administration utilizing the nose-to-brain delivery route. Enhancing ribavirin’s bioavailability can be achieved by utilizing intranasal stimuli-responsive systems that create a gel on the nasal mucosa. The research examined thermosensitive, pH-sensitive, and ion-selective polymers in various combinations and concentrations, chosen in line with the current Quality by Design (QbD) approach in pharmaceutical development. Following a thorough assessment of key parameters, the optimal composition of gellan gum at 0.5%, Poloxamer 124 at 2%, and purified water with ribavirin concentration at 100 mg/mL was formulated and subjected to in vivo testing. Through experiments on male rats, the nose-to-brain penetration mechanism of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) was elucidated, showcasing drug accumulation in the olfactory bulbs and brain.
Transcrystalline Mechanism of Banded Spherulites Development in Melt-Crystallized Semicrystalline Polymers
Authors: Stern Theodor
Published: August 2024

The decades-long paradigm of continuous and perpetual lamellar twisting constituting banded spherulites has been found to be inconsistent with several recent studies showing discontinuity regions between consecutive bands, for which, however, no explanation has been found. The present research demonstrates, in three different semicrystalline polymers (HDPE, PEG10000 and Pluronic F-127), that sequential transcrystallinity is the predominant mechanism of banded spherulite formation, heterogeneously nucleated on intermittent self-shear-oriented amorphous layers excluded during the crystals’ growth. It is hereby demonstrated that a transcrystalline layer can be nucleated on amorphous self-shear-oriented polymer chains in the melt, by a local melt flow in the bulk or in contact with any interface—even in contact with the interface with air, e.g., in contact with an entrapped air bubble or at the edges of the sample—or nucleated following the multiple directions and orientations induced by a turbulent flow. The bilateral excessive local exclusion of amorphous non-crystallizable material, following a short period of initial non-banded growth, is found to be the source of dislocations leading to spirally banded spherulites, through the transcrystalline layers’ nucleation thereon. The present research reveals and demonstrates the sequential transcrystalline morphology of banded spherulites and the mechanism of its formation, which may lead to new insights in the understanding and design of polymer processing for specific applications.
Evaluation of Increasing Levels of Acacia mearnsii Tannins on Growth Performance and Intestinal Morphometrics of Broiler Chickens Undergoing a Salmonella Heidelberg Challenge
Authors: Maysonnave Greicy Sofia , Brutti Danielle Dias , Silva Vitória Mendonça da , Stefanello Catarina
Published: August 2024

Phytogenic additives such as tannins are characterized as polyphenolic compounds known for their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunostimulatory properties that have been used to enhance the performance, intestinal health, and meat quality of broiler chickens. The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effects of increasing dietary supplementation of tannins from Acacia mearnsii on the intestinal morphometrics, litter moisture, and growth performance of broiler chickens. A total of 1400 Cobb 500 one-day-old male chicks were randomly distributed into five dietary treatments with eight replicates (35 birds/pen) until 42 days of age. The treatments consisted of Salmonella Heidelberg-challenged groups supplemented with 0, 300, 500, 700, or 900 mg/kg tannin from Acacia mearnsii. A four-phase feeding program was used with pre-starter, starter, grower, and finisher feeds. At 3 days of age, birds were orally gavaged with an S. Heidelberg culture. Feed intake, body weight gain (BWG), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were evaluated until day 42. The morphometry of duodenum, jejunum, and ileum was measured at 7 and 42 days of age. From 1 to 28, 1 to 35, and 1 to 42 days of age, tannin supplementation for broilers under S. Heidelberg challenge led to quadratic increases (p < 0.05) in BWG, with optimal responses at 265, 412, and 456 mg/kg, respectively. No effects of tannin were observed on FCR in all periods. Villus height was similar in all segments on day 7 (p > 0.05); however, on day 42, tannin supplementation that improved villus height of the ileum was 600 mg/kg (p = 0.0100). In conclusion, tannins from Acacia mearnsii were able to improve body weight gain and intestinal morphometry of broiler chickens under an imposed challenge of S. Heidelberg.
Crafting True Religio in Early Christianity
Authors: Moyaert Marianne
Published: August 2024

Most studies of the religio-racial constellation begin with the medieval taxonomy of Christians, ‘Jews’, ‘pagans’ and ‘heretics’. Some scholars examine how this medieval taxonomy functioned as a system of dehumanization in the Middle Ages; others are more interested in how it has been adopted and adapted in modern racist taxonomies; and still others examine how religious images continue to influence the way non-white, non-European, non-Christian, and non-secular bodies are seen and treated today. What is lacking in the literature to date is an in-depth examination of how this fourfold taxonomy came to be. To understand how modern racialized taxonomies incorporated the earlier “religious” categories—a question that is beyond the scope of this article—we also need to better understand the genealogy of these religious categories, their scope, and their implication in processes of unequal power distribution. To that end, we must address the following questions: Where did the distinction between true and false religion come from; how did the figure of the pagan emerge; what about the Jews as anti-Christian? Rather than focusing on contemporary expressions of religio-racialization, or directing our attention to modern or even late medieval expressions of the religio-racial constellation, this article turns to the period of early Christianity when Christian apologists created the key religionized taxonomies that would shape the way Christians imagined, related to, and, in a later stage of history, governed Christianity’s others: the Jews, the heretics, and the pagans.
CO2 Emissions Associated with Groundwater Storage Depletion in South Korea: Estimation and Vulnerability Assessment Using Satellite Data and Data-Driven Models
Authors: Seo Jae Young , Lee Sang-Il
Published: August 2024

Groundwater is crucial in mediating the interactions between the carbon and water cycles. Recently, groundwater storage depletion has been identified as a significant source of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Here, we developed two data-driven models—XGBoost and convolutional neural network–long short-term memory (CNN-LSTM)—based on multi-satellite and reanalysis data to monitor CO2 emissions resulting from groundwater storage depletion in South Korea. The data-driven models developed in this study provided reasonably accurate predictions compared with in situ groundwater storage anomaly (GWSA) observations, identifying relatively high groundwater storage depletion levels in several regions over the past decade. For each administrative region exhibiting a decreasing groundwater storage trend, the corresponding CO2 emissions were quantified based on the predicted GWSA and respective bicarbonate concentrations. For 2008–2019, XGBoost and CNN-LSTM estimated CO2 emissions to be 0.216 and 0.202 MMTCO2/year, respectively. Furthermore, groundwater storage depletion vulnerability was assessed using the entropy weight method and technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) to identify hotspots with a heightened potential risk of CO2 emissions. Western South Korean regions were particularly classified as high or very high regions and susceptible to groundwater storage depletion-associated CO2 emissions. This study provides a foundation for developing countermeasures to mitigate accelerating groundwater storage depletion and the consequent rise in CO2 emissions.
The Observation of Traveling Ionospheric Disturbances Using the Sanya Incoherent Scatter Radar
Authors: Xu Su , Ding Feng , Yue Xinan , Cai Yihui , Wang Junyi , Zhou Xu , Zhang Ning , Song Qian , Mao Tian , Xiong Bo , Luo Junhao , Wang Yonghui , Wang Zhongqiu
Published: August 2024

In this study, we used the Sanya Incoherent Scatter Radar (SYISR) to observe the altitude profiles of traveling ionospheric disturbances (TIDs) during a moderate magnetic storm from 13 to 15 March 2022. Three TIDs were recorded, including two large-scale TIDs (LSTIDs) and one medium-scale TID (MSTID). These LSTIDs occurred during the storm recovery phase, characterized by periods of ~110–155 min, downward phase velocities of 22–60 m/s, and a relative amplitude of 17–25%. A nearly vertical front was noted at ~350–550 km, differing from AGW theory predictions. This structure is more attributed to the combined effects of sunrise-induced electron density changes and pre-sunrise uplift. Moreover, GNSS observations linked this LSTID to high-latitude origins, indicating a connection to polar magnetic storm excitation. However, the second LSTID was observed at lower altitudes (150–360 km) with a higher elevation angle (~17°). This LSTID, observed by the SYISR, was absent in the GNSS data from mainland China and Japan, suggesting a potential local source. The MSTID exhibited a larger relative amplitude of 29–36% at lower altitudes (130–210 km) with severe upward attenuation. The MSTID may be related to atmospheric gravity waves from the lower atmosphere. AGWs are considered to be the perturbation source for this MSTID event.
Field-Aligned Currents during the Strong December 2023 Storm: Local Time and Hemispheric Differences
Authors: Wang Hui , Wang Chengzhi , Leng Zhiyue
Published: August 2024

This study investigates field-aligned currents (FACs) during strong magnetic storms in December 2023, analyzing variations in different local times and in the Northern (NH) and Southern Hemispheres (SH). Peak FAC densities were approximately 7.8 times higher than nominal values, with the most equatorward FACs reaching −52° magnetic latitude (MLat). In the summer hemisphere, the daytime FACs were stronger than the nighttime FACs, with the daytime westward Polar Electrojet (PEJ) surpassing nighttime levels. In the winter hemisphere, the nighttime FACs and westward PEJ were stronger than daytime. Generally, the FACs and westward PEJ were stronger in the SH than in the NH across most local time sectors, attributed to greater solar illumination. The NH pre-midnight currents were stronger than for the SH, indicating enhanced substorm currents during winter nights. The nighttime FACs occurred at lower MLat than daytime, with pre-noon FACs at a higher MLat than post-noon. The NH FACs were positioned more equatorward than their SH counterparts. In the NH, the mean FACs correlated most strongly with the merging electric field (Em) at pre-noon, post-noon, and post-midnight and with the SMU (SuperMAG Electrojet Upper Index) at pre-midnight. In the SH, the mean FACs correlated best with the SMU at pre-midnight/pre-noon, with the SML (SuperMAG Electrojet Lower Index) at post-midnight, and Em at post-noon. The mean MLat of the peak FACs show the strongest correlation with Em across most local times and hemispheres.
An Interpretable Target-Aware Vision Transformer for Polarimetric HRRP Target Recognition with a Novel Attention Loss
Authors: Gao Fan , Lang Ping , Yeh Chunmao , Li Zhangfeng , Ren Dawei , Yang Jian
Published: August 2024

Polarimetric high-resolution range profile (HRRP), with its rich polarimetric and spatial information, has become increasingly important in radar automatic target recognition (RATR). This study proposes an interpretable target-aware vision Transformer (ITAViT) for polarimetric HRRP target recognition with a novel attention loss. In ITAViT, we initially fuse the polarimetric features and the amplitude of polarimetric HRRP with a polarimetric preprocessing layer (PPL) to obtain the feature map as the input of the subsequent network. The vision Transformer (ViT) is then used as the backbone to automatically extract both local and global features. Most importantly, we introduce a novel attention loss to optimize the alignment between the attention map and the HRRP span. Thus, it can improve the difference between the target and the background, and enable the model to more effectively focus on real target areas. Experiments on a simulated X-band dataset demonstrate that our proposed ITAViT outperforms comparative models under various experimental conditions. Ablation studies highlight the effectiveness of polarimetric preprocessing and attention loss. Furthermore, the visualization of the self-attention mechanism suggests that attention loss enhances the interpretability of the network.
Comparative Analysis of Machine Learning Models for Tropical Cyclone Intensity Estimation
Authors: Liou Yuei-An , Le Truong-Vinh
Published: August 2024

Estimating tropical cyclone (TC) intensity is crucial for disaster reduction and risk management. This study aims to estimate TC intensity using machine learning (ML) models. We utilized eight ML models to predict TC intensity, incorporating factors such as TC location, central pressure, distance to land, landfall in the next six hours, storm speed, storm direction, date, and number from the International Best Track Archive for Climate Stewardship Version 4 (IBTrACS V4). The dataset was divided into four sub-datasets based on the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phases (Neutral, El Niño, and La Niña). Our results highlight that central pressure has the greatest effect on TC intensity estimation, with a maximum root mean square error (RMSE) of 1.289 knots (equivalent to 0.663 m/s). Cubist and Random Forest (RF) models consistently outperformed others, with Cubist showing superior performance in both training and testing datasets. The highest bias was observed in SVM models. Temporal analysis revealed the highest mean error in January and November, and the lowest in February. Errors during the Warm phase of ENSO were notably higher, especially in the South China Sea. Central pressure was identified as the most influential factor for TC intensity estimation, with further exploration of environmental features recommended for model robustness.
Robust Direction-of-Arrival Estimation in the Presence of Outliers and Noise Nonuniformity
Authors: Gao Bin , Shen Xing , Li Zhengqiang , Liao Bin
Published: August 2024

In direction-of-arrival (DOA) estimation with sensor arrays, the background noise is usually modeled to be uncorrelated uniform white noise, such that the related algorithms can be greatly simplified by making use of the property of the noise covariance matrix being a diagonal matrix with identical diagonal entries. However, this model can be easily violated by the nonuniformity of sensor noise and the presence of outliers that may arise from unexpected impulsive noise. To tackle this problem, we first introduce an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) model for DOA estimation in nonuniform noise. Then, to deal with the outliers, a generalized extreme Studentized deviate (ESD) test is applied for outlier detection and trimming. Based on the trimmed data matrix, a modified EFA model, which belongs to weighted least-squares (WLS) fitting problems, is presented. Furthermore, a monotonic convergent iterative reweighted least-squares (IRLS) algorithm, called the iterative majorization approach, is introduced to solve the WLS problem. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithm offers improved robustness against nonuniform noise and observation outliers over traditional algorithms.