bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antibiotic-Induced Gut Microbial Dysbiosis Reduces the Growth of Weaning Rats via FXR-Mediated Hepatic IGF-2 Inhibition
Authors: Wang Yan , Ma Shuai , Zhao Mindie , Wu Lei , Zhao Ruqian
Published: May 2024

The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in postnatal growth, particularly in modulating the development of animals during their growth phase. In this study, we investigated the effects of antibiotic-induced dysbiosis of the gut microbiota on the growth of weaning rats by administering a non-absorbable antibiotic cocktail (ABX) in water for 4 weeks. ABX treatment significantly reduced body weight and feed intake in rats. Concurrently, ABX treatment decreased microbial abundance and diversity in rat ceca, predominantly suppressing microbes associated with bile salt hydrolase (BSH) activity. Furthermore, decreased appetite may be attributed to elevated levels of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) in the serum, along with reduced neuropeptide Y (NPY) and increased cocaine and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) in the hypothalamus at the mRNA level. Importantly, concentrations of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF-2) were decreased in the serum and liver of antibiotic-treated rats. These alterations were associated with significant down-regulation of IGF-2 mRNA in the liver and significantly decreased farnesoid X receptor (FXR) protein expression and binding to the IGF-2 promoter. These results indicate that antibiotic-induced gut microbial dysbiosis not only impacts bile acid metabolism but also diminishes rat growth through the FXR-mediated IGF-2 pathway.
Functional Analysis of Type III Effectors in Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris Reveals Distinct Roles in Modulating Arabidopsis Innate Immunity
Authors: Huang Jing , Zhou Hao , Zhou Min , Li Nana , Jiang Bole , He Yongqiang
Published: May 2024

Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris (Xcc) is a significant phytopathogen causing black rot disease in crucifers. Its virulence relies heavily on the type III secretion system (T3SS), facilitating effector translocation into plant cells. The type III effectors (T3Es) disrupt cellular processes, promoting pathogen proliferation. However, only a few T3Es from Xcc have been thoroughly characterized. In this study, we further investigated two effectors using the T3Es-deficient mutant and the Arabidopsis protoplast system. XopE2Xcc triggers Arabidopsis immune responses via an unidentified activator of the salicylic acid (SA) signaling pathway, whereas XopLXcc suppresses the expression of genes associated with patterns-triggered immunity (PTI) and the SA signaling pathway. These two effectors exert opposing effects on Arabidopsis immune responses. Additionally, we examined the relationship between the specific domains and functions of these two effector proteins. Our findings demonstrate that the N-myristoylation motif and N-terminal domain are essential for the subcellular localization and virulence of XopE2Xcc and XopLXcc, respectively. These novel insights enhance our understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms of T3Es and contribute to developing effective strategies for controlling bacterial disease.
Prion Seeding Activity in Plant Tissues Detected by RT-QuIC
Authors: Burgener Kate , Lichtenberg Stuart Siegfried , Walsh Daniel P. , Inzalaco Heather N. , Lomax Aaron , Pedersen Joel A.
Published: May 2024

Prion diseases such as scrapie, bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), and chronic wasting disease (CWD) affect domesticated and wild herbivorous mammals. Animals afflicted with CWD, the transmissible spongiform encephalopathy of cervids (deer, elk, and moose), shed prions into the environment, where they may persist and remain infectious for years. These environmental prions may remain in soil, be transported in surface waters, or assimilated into plants. Environmental sampling is an emerging area of TSE research and can provide more information about prion fate and transport once shed by infected animals. In this study, we have developed the first published method for the extraction and detection of prions in plant tissue using the real-time quaking-induced conversion (RT-QuIC) assay. Incubation with a zwitterionic surfactant followed by precipitation with sodium phosphotungstate concentrates the prions within samples and allows for sensitive detection of prion seeding activity. Using this protocol, we demonstrate that prions can be detected within plant tissues and on plant surfaces using the RT-QuIC assay.
Purinergic Receptor Antagonists Inhibit Hemolysis Induced by Clostridium perfringens Alpha Toxin
Authors: Guo Zishuo , Yue Nan , Chen Ming , Li Jiaxin , Lv Ruomei , Wang Jing , Liu Tingting , Huang Jing , Gao Shan , Li Yanwei , Yuan Bing , Wang Jinglin , Kang Lin , Ji Bin , Xin Wenwen
Published: May 2024

Clostridium perfringens alpha toxin (CPA), which causes yellow lamb disease in sheep and gas gangrene and food poisoning in humans, is produced by all types of C. perfringens and is the major virulence determinant of C. perfringens type A. CPA induces hemolysis in many species, including humans, murines, sheep and rabbits, through its enzymatic activity, which dissolves the cell membrane. Recent studies have shown that some pore-forming toxins cause hemolysis, which is achieved by the activation of purinergic receptors (P2). However, the relationship between P2 receptors and non-pore-forming toxin hemolysis has not been investigated. In the present study, we examined the function of P2 receptors in CPA toxin hemolysis and found that CPA-induced hemolysis was dependent on P2 receptor activation, and this was also true for Staphylococcus aureus β-Hemolysin, another non-pore-forming toxin. Furthermore, we use selective P2 receptor antagonists to demonstrate that P2X1 and P2X7 play important roles in the hemolysis of human and murine erythrocytes. In addition, we found that redox metabolism was mainly involved in CPA-induced hemolysis using metabolomic analysis. We further demonstrate that CPA activates P2 receptors and then activates NADPH oxidase through the PI3K/Akt and MEK1/ERK1 pathways, followed by the production of active oxygen to induce hemolysis. These findings contribute to our understanding of the pathological effects of CPA, clarify the relationship between P2 activation and non-pore-forming toxin-induced hemolysis, and provide new insights into CPA-induced hemolysis.
Global Distribution of Canine Visceral Leishmaniasis and the Role of the Dog in the Epidemiology of the Disease
Authors: Vilas-Boas Diego Fernandes , Nakasone Eiji Kevin Nakasone , Gonçalves Ana Alice Maia , Lair Daniel Ferreira , Oliveira Diana Souza de , Pereira Diogo Fonseca Soares , Silva Geralda Gabriele , Conrado Ingrid dos Santos Soares , Resende Lucilene Aparecida , Zaldívar Maykelin Fuentes , Mariano Reysla Maria da Silveira , Dutra Walderez Ornelas , Chávez-Fumagalli Miguel Angel , Galdino Alexsandro Sobreira , Silveira-Lemos Denise , Giunchetti Rodolfo Cordeiro
Published: May 2024

Visceral leishmaniasis is a disease caused by protozoa of the species Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum (syn = Leishmania chagasi) and Leishmania (Leishmania) donovani, which are transmitted by hematophagous insects of the genera Lutzomyia and Phlebotomus. The domestic dog (Canis familiaris) is considered the main urban reservoir of the parasite due to the high parasite load on its skin, serving as a source of infection for sandfly vectors and, consequently, perpetuating the disease in the urban environment. Some factors are considered important in the perpetuation and spread of canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) in urban areas, such as stray dogs, with their errant behavior, and houses that have backyards with trees, shade, and organic materials, creating an attractive environment for sandfly vectors. CVL is found in approximately 50 countries, with the number of infected dogs reaching millions. However, due to the difficulty of controlling and diagnosing the disease, the number of infected animals could be even greater. In the four continents endemic for CVL, there are reports of disease expansion in endemic countries such as Brazil, Italy, Morocco, and Tunisia, as well as in areas where CVL is not endemic, for example, Uruguay. Socio-environmental factors, such as migration, drought, deforestation, and global warming, have been pointed out as reasons for the expansion into areas where it had been absent. Thus, the objective of this review is to address (i) the distribution of CVL in endemic areas, (ii) the role of the dog in the visceral leishmaniasis epidemiology and the factors that influence dog infection and the spread of the disease, and (iii) the challenges faced in the control of CVL.
Isocitrate Dehydrogenase Inhibitors in Glioma: From Bench to Bedside
Authors: Ser Merve Hazal , Webb Mason , Thomsen Anna , Sener Ugur
Published: May 2024

Isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) mutant gliomas are a primary malignancy of the central nervous system (CNS) malignancies, most commonly affecting adults under the age of 55. Standard of care therapy for IDH-mutant gliomas involves maximal safe resection, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. However, despite good initial responses to multimodality treatment, recurrence is virtually universal. IDH-mutant gliomas represent a life-limiting prognosis. For this reason, there is a great need for novel treatments that can prolong survival. Uniquely for IDH-mutant gliomas, the IDH mutation is the direct driver of oncogenesis through its oncometabolite 2-hydroxygluterate. Inhibition of this mutated IDH with a corresponding reduction in 2-hydroxygluterate offers an attractive treatment target. Researchers have tested several IDH inhibitors in glioma through preclinical and early clinical trials. A phase III clinical trial of an IDH1 and IDH2 inhibitor vorasidenib yielded promising results among patients with low-grade IDH-mutant gliomas who had undergone initial surgery and no radiation or chemotherapy. However, many questions remain regarding optimal use of IDH inhibitors in clinical practice. In this review, we discuss the importance of IDH mutations in oncogenesis of adult-type diffuse gliomas and current evidence supporting the use of IDH inhibitors as therapeutic agents for glioma treatment. We also examine unresolved questions and propose potential directions for future research.
In Silico and In Vitro Studies on an Asymmetrical Porphyrin Derivative with Therapeutic Potential in Skin Disorders
Authors: Burloiu Andreea Mihaela , Mihai Dragos Paul , Manda Gina , Lupuliasa Dumitru , Neagoe Ionela Victoria , Socoteanu Radu Petre , Surcel Mihaela , Anghelache Laurentiu-Iliuta , Olariu Laura , Gîrd Cerasela Elena , Boscencu Rica
Published: May 2024

For developing novel photosensitizers with therapeutic potential in non-malignant and malignant cutaneous disorders, the unsymmetrical porphyrin, 5-(2-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-10, 15, 20-tris-(4-carboxymethylphenyl) porphyrin, was evaluated in silico and in vitro. The cellular uptake of the investigated porphyrin and its ability to perform photodynamic therapy were investigated in terms of the viability, proliferation, and necrosis of human HaCaT keratinocytes and human Hs27 skin fibroblasts, in correlation with the predictions regarding diffusion through cell membranes, ADMET profile (absorption, distribution, metabolism, elimination, toxicity), and potential pharmacological mechanism. Molecular docking and 250 ns molecular dynamics simulations revealed that P5.2 has the potential to form a relatively stable complex with the carbonic anhydrase IX catalytic site, the lowest predicted free energy of binding (MM/PBSA) being −39.097 kcal/mol. The results of the in vitro study showed that P5.2 is incorporated within 24 h in the investigated cells, especially in HaCaT keratinocytes, indicating its photosensitizing ability. Nevertheless, P5.2 does not exert significant cytotoxicity in “dark” conditions. In turn, PDT induced a decrease in the number of metabolically active HaCaT keratinocytes within 24 h, accompanied by a 4-fold increase in lactate dehydrogenase release, indicating its ability to perform PDT in human skin cells. The experimental results suggest that the asymmetrical porphyrin is a promising candidate theranostics agent for skin disorders.
Formulation and Stability of a 1% Clarithromycin-Based Topical Skin Cream: A New Option to Treat Buruli Ulcers?
Authors: Sebti Maria , Schweitzer-Chaput Arnaud , Cisternino Salvatore , Hinterlang Mélanie , Ancedy Dimitri , Lam Sandrine , Auvity Sylvain , Cotteret Camille , Lortholary Olivier , Schlatter Joël
Published: May 2024

There are more than 170 known species of non-tuberculous mycobacteria, and some are responsible for serious diseases in people infected with them. One of these is Buruli ulcers, a neglected tropical disease endemic in more than 33 countries and caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans, which infects skin tissue. Treatment consists of a long-term regimen combining the use of oral rifampin with another anti-tuberculosis drug (e.g., clarithromycin). Patients in these countries face difficulties in accessing and adhering to this therapy. This study investigates the feasibility of formulating stable, optimized clarithromycin as a topical cutaneous cream. The cream was formulated, and its stability was evaluated under different storage temperature conditions and using a stability indicator method. The results showed that the clarithromycin cream was stable for at least 60 days, even at extreme temperatures (40 °C). In conclusion, the data presented here demonstrate the stability of a new form of topical cutaneous clarithromycin, which may offer a new approach to the treatment of Buruli ulcers and clarithromycin-sensitive infections.
Structural Optimization of Carboxy-Terminal Phenylalanine-Modified Dendrimers for T-Cell Association and Model Drug Loading
Authors: Shiba Hiroya , Hirose Tomoka , Sakai Akinobu , Nakase Ikuhiko , Matsumoto Akikazu , Kojima Chie
Published: May 2024

Dendrimers are potent nanocarriers in drug delivery systems because their structure can be precisely controlled. We previously reported that polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimers that were modified with 1,2-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid (CHex) and phenylalanine (Phe), PAMAM-CHex-Phe, exhibited an effective association with various immune cells, including T-cells. In this study, we synthesized various carboxy-terminal Phe-modified dendrimers with different linkers using phthalic acid and linear dicarboxylic acids to determine the association of these dendrimers with Jurkat cells, a T-cell model. PAMAM-n-hexyl-Phe demonstrated the highest association with Jurkat T-cells. In addition, dendri-graft polylysine (DGL) with CHex and Phe, DGL-CHex-Phe, was synthesized, and its association with Jurkat cells was investigated. The association of DGL-CHex-Phe with T-cells was higher than that of PAMAM-CHex-Phe. However, it was insoluble in water and thus it is unsuitable as a drug carrier. Model drugs, such as protoporphyrin IX and paclitaxel, were loaded onto these dendrimers, and the most model drug molecules could be loaded into PAMAM-CHex-Phe. PTX-loaded PAMAM-CHex-Phe exhibited cytotoxicity against Jurkat cells at a similar level to free PTX. These results suggest that PAMAM-CHex-Phe exhibited both efficient T-cell association and drug loading properties.
Synthesis and Biological Studies of New Temporin A Analogs Containing Unnatural Amino Acids in Position 7
Authors: Dimitrova Dilyana , Nemska Veronica , Foteva Tsvetelina , Iliev Ivan , Georgieva Nelly , Danalev Dancho
Published: May 2024

(1) Background: Antimicrobial resistance is growing at an extreme pace and has proven to be an urgent topic, for research into alternative treatments. Such a prospective possibility is hidden in antimicrobial peptides because of their low to no toxicity, effectiveness at low concentrations, and most importantly their ability to be used for multiple treatments. This work was focused on the study of the effect of the modification in position 7 of Temporin A on its biological activity; (2) Methods: The targeted peptides were synthesized using Fmoc/Ot-Bu SPPS. The antibacterial activity of the analogs was determined using the broth microdilution method and disk-diffusion method. In vitro tests were performed to determine the cytotoxicity, phototoxicity, and antiproliferative activity of the peptide analogs on a panel of tumor and normal cell lines; (3) Results: All analogs except DTCit showed good antibacterial activity, with DTDab having the best activity according to the disk-diffusion method. However, DTCit had an acceptable cytotoxicity, combined with good selectivity against the test MCF-7 cell line; (4) Conclusions: The obtained results revealed the importance of the basicity and length of the side chain at position 7 in the Temporin A sequence for both tested activities.
Current Progress in Magnetic Resonance-Guided Focused Ultrasound to Facilitate Drug Delivery across the Blood-Brain Barrier
Authors: Meng Ying , Kalia Lorraine V. , Kalia Suneil K. , Hamani Clement , Huang Yuexi , Hynynen Kullervo , Lipsman Nir , Davidson Benjamin
Published: May 2024

This review discusses the current progress in the clinical use of magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) and other ultrasound platforms to transiently permeabilize the blood-brain barrier (BBB) for drug delivery in neurological disorders and neuro-oncology. Safety trials in humans have followed on from extensive pre-clinical studies, demonstrating a reassuring safety profile and paving the way for numerous translational clinical trials in Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and primary and metastatic brain tumors. Future directions include improving ultrasound delivery devices, exploring alternative delivery approaches such as nanodroplets, and expanding the application to other neurological conditions.
RETRACTED: Tzeyung et al. Fabrication, Optimization, and Evaluation of Rotigotine-Loaded Chitosan Nanoparticles for Nose-To-Brain Delivery. Pharmaceutics 2019, 11, 26
Authors: Tzeyung Angeline Shak. , Md Shadab , Bhattamisra Subrat Kumar , Madheswaran Thiagarajan , Alhakamy Nabil A. , Aldawsari Hibah M. , Radhakrishnan Ammu K.
Published: May 2024

The journal retracts the article, “Fabrication, Optimization, and Evaluation of Rotigotine-Loaded Chitosan Nanoparticles for Nose-To-Brain Delivery” [...]
Thermodynamics of Irreversible Processes: Fundamental Constraints, Representations, and Formulation of Boundary Conditions
Authors: Procopio Giuseppe , Pezzotti Chiara , Cocco Davide , Giona Massimiliano
Published: May 2024

Starting from the analysis of the lack of positivity of the Cattaneo heat equation, this work addresses the thermodynamic relevance of the positivity constraint in irreversible thermodynamics, that is at least as significant as the entropic constraints. The fulfillment of this condition in hyperbolic models leads to the parametrization of the concentration fields with respect to internal variables associated with the microscopic dynamics. Using Brownian motion theory as a landmark example for deriving macroscopic transport equations from the equations of motion at the particle/molecular level, we discuss two typical problems involving hydrodynamic interactions at the microscale: surface chemical reactions at a solid interface of a diffusing reactant, and mass-balance equations in a complex viscoelastic fluid, in which the physics of the interaction leads either to overcoming the parabolic diffusion model or to considering the parametrization of the concentration with respect to the degrees of freedom associated with the relaxation dynamics of the solvent fluid.
ATP Hydrolases Superfamily Protein 1 (ASP1) Maintains Root Stem Cell Niche Identity through Regulating Reactive Oxygen Species Signaling in Arabidopsis
Authors: Yu Qianqian , Li Hongyu , Zhang Bing , Song Yun , Sun Yueying , Ding Zhaojun
Published: May 2024

The maintenance of the root stem cell niche identity in Arabidopsis relies on the delicate balance of reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in root tips; however, the intricate molecular mechanisms governing ROS homeostasis within the root stem cell niche remain unclear. In this study, we unveil the role of ATP hydrolase superfamily protein 1 (ASP1) in orchestrating root stem cell niche maintenance through its interaction with the redox regulator cystathionine β-synthase domain-containing protein 3 (CBSX3). ASP1 is exclusively expressed in the quiescent center (QC) cells and governs the integrity of the root stem cell niche. Loss of ASP1 function leads to enhanced QC cell division and distal stem cell differentiation, attributable to reduced ROS levels and diminished expression of SCARECROW and SHORT ROOT in root tips. Our findings illuminate the pivotal role of ASP1 in regulating ROS signaling to maintain root stem cell niche homeostasis, achieved through direct interaction with CBSX3.
Effect of Regulation of Whole-Plant Corn Silage Inoculated with Lactobacillus buchneri or Bacillus licheniformis Regarding the Dynamics of Bacterial and Fungal Communities on Aerobic Stability
Authors: Yin Hang , Zhao Meirong , Yang Rui , Sun Juanjuan , Yu Zhu , Bai Chunsheng , Xue Yanlin
Published: May 2024

Enhancing the aerobic stability of whole-plant corn silage is essential for producing high-quality silage. Our research assessed the effect of inoculation with Lactobacillus buchneri or Bacillus licheniformis and its modulation of the bacterial and fungal microbial community structure in an aerobic stage of whole-plant corn silage. Following treatment with a distilled sterile water control, Lactobacillus buchneri, and Bacillus licheniformis (2 × 105 cfu/g), whole-plant corn was ensiled for 60 days. Samples were taken on days 0, 3, and 7 of aerobic exposure, and the results showed that inoculation with Lactobacillus buchneri or Bacillus licheniformis improved the aerobic stability of silage when compared to the effect of the control (p < 0.05). Inoculation with Bacillus licheniformis attenuated the increase in pH value and the decrease in lactic acid in the aerobic stage (p < 0.05), reducing the filamentous fungal counts. On the other hand, inoculation with Lactobacillus buchneri or Bacillus licheniformis increased the diversity of the fungal communities (p < 0.05), complicating the correlation between bacteria or fungi, reducing the relative abundance of Acetobacter and Paenibacillus in bacterial communities, and inhibiting the tendency of Monascus to replace Issatchenkia in fungal communities, thus delaying the aerobic spoilage process. Due to the prevention of the development of aerobic spoilage microorganisms, the silage injected with Lactobacillus buchneri or Bacillus licheniformis exhibited improved aerobic stability.
Nutritional Variation on Sequentially Harvested Shoots and Fruits of Lagenaria siceraria Landraces
Authors: Buthelezi Lungelo Given , Mavengahama Sydney , Sibiya Julia , Mchunu Charmaine Nontokozo , Ntuli Nontuthuko Rosemary
Published: May 2024

Lagenaria siceraria (Molina) Standley, a member of the Cucurbitaceae family, is valued for its medicinal and nutritive properties. The nutrient status of sequentially harvested shoots and fruits at various growth stages in L. siceraria has not been documented to date. This study aimed to compare the nutritional status of L. siceraria landrace shoots and fruits harvested at different maturity stages. Micronutrients, macronutrients, and proximate composition of shoots and fruits were determined using inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Data were subjected to multivariate statistical analysis. The nutrient attributes differed significantly (p < 0.05) within and among landraces at different growth stages. Correlation of nutritional traits was primarily based on shared absorption sites and comparable chemical composition. The first five principal components in shoots and fruits had 90.218 and 89.918% total variability, respectively. The micronutrients Ca, Mg, K, P, and N in shoots and the macronutrients Fe, Zn, Cu, and Al in fruits were the main contributors to variability. The biplot and dendrogram clustered landraces with comparable nutrient values. Shoot traits classified landraces into three major clusters, where clusters I and II grouped landraces with superior and inferior Mg, P, K, N, Fe, K/Ca+Mg, ADL, and protein levels at 42–63 DAS. Cluster III consisted of landraces with more Ca, Na, Mn, Zn, and Cu. However, the fruit nutrient status classified landraces into two major clusters. Cluster I comprised landrace KSC (as a singlet) with the highest Ca, P, N, Mn, Fe, Zn, and Cu contents at various stages of growth (7–21 DAA). Cluster II had landraces with higher K, C/N ratio, Na, moisture content, ash, protein, and fat. The nutritional status of shoots and fruits determined at different stages of growth is essential for selecting the best harvest time and landrace(s) for required daily nutrient intake.
The Effects of Aging on Microstructures and Rheological Properties of Modified Asphalt with GO/SBS Composite
Authors: Xie Haiwei , Jia Yixuan , Liu Weidong , Huang Zhipeng , Wang Hanyu , Li Zuzhong , Zhu Chunsheng
Published: May 2024

This work aimed to investigate the effects of aging on the microstructures and rheological properties of modified asphalt with a GO/SBS composite, since the styrene–butadiene–styrene block copolymer is potentially compatible with graphene oxide (GO). The GO/SBS composites, which were used as a kind of modifier, were prepared via the solution-blending method. GO/SBS composites with varying GO contents were employed to prepare the GO/SBS-compound-modified asphalt (GO/SBS-MA). Then, the GO/SBS-MA underwent PAV (pressure aging vessel) or UV (ultraviolet) aging tests to simulate different aging circumstances. The microstructures of the asphalt binders were studied using FTIR (Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy) and AFM (atomic force microscope) tests. Moreover, DSR (dynamic shear rheometer) and BBR (bending beam rheometer) experiments were carried out to investigate the rheological properties of the GO/SBS-MA. The results showed that the addition of GO improved the high-temperature stability of the asphalt binder while slightly impairing its performance at low temperatures. GO restrained the formation of carbonyl and sulfoxide groups as well as the breakdown of C=C bonds in the polybutadiene (PB) segment, promoting the anti-aging performance of GO/SBS-MA. Furthermore, the interactions between the GO/SBS and the asphalt binder resulted in the formation of needle-like aggregates, enhancing the stability of the asphalt binder. The asphalt binders with a higher content of graphene oxide (GO) exhibited not only a better high-temperature performance, but also a better aging resistance. It was concluded that the macroscopic properties and microstructures were significantly affected by GO, and a moderate increase in the amount of GO could contribute to a better aging resistance for GO/SBS-MA.
Multi-Material 3D Printing of Biobased Epoxy Resins
Authors: Bergoglio Matteo , Rossegger Elisabeth , Schlögl Sandra , Griesser Thomas , Waly Christoph , Arbeiter Florian , Sangermano Marco
Published: May 2024

Additive manufacturing (AM) has revolutionised the manufacturing industry, offering versatile capabilities for creating complex geometries directly from a digital design. Among the various 3D printing methods for polymers, vat photopolymerisation combines photochemistry and 3D printing. Despite the fact that single-epoxy 3D printing has been explored, the fabrication of multi-material bioderived epoxy thermosets remains unexplored. This study introduces the feasibility and potential of multi-material 3D printing by means of a dual-vat Digital Light Processing (DLP) technology, focusing on bioderived epoxy resins such as ELO (epoxidized linseed oil) and DGEVA (vanillin alcohol diglycidyl ether). By integrating different materials with different mechanical properties into one sample, this approach enhances sustainability and offers versatility for different applications. Through experimental characterisation, including mechanical and thermal analysis, the study demonstrates the ability to produce structures composed of different materials with tailored mechanical properties and shapes that change on demand. The findings underscore the promising technology of dual-vat DLP technology applied to sustainable bioderived epoxy monomers, allowing sustainable material production and complex structure fabrication.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Evaluation of Silver Nanoparticle-Loaded Carboxymethyl Chitosan with Sulfobetaine Methacrylate Hydrogel Nanocomposites for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Mohandoss Sonaimuthu , Velu Kuppu Sakthi , Manoharadas Salim , Ahmad Naushad , Palanisamy Subramanian , You SangGuan , Akhtar Muhammad Saeed , Lee Yong Rok
Published: May 2024

In this study, nanocomposites of AgNPs encapsulated in carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) with sulfobetaine methacrylate (SB) hydrogel (AgNPs/CMCS-SB) were synthesized. The UV-Vis spectra indicated the presence of AgNPs, with a broad peak at around 424 nm, while the AgNPs-loaded CMCS-SB nanocomposite exhibited absorption peaks at 445 nm. The size and dispersion of AgNPs varied with the concentration of the AgNO3 solution, affecting swelling rates: 148.37 ± 15.63%, 172.26 ± 18.14%, and 159.17 ± 16.59% for 1.0 mM, 3.0 mM, and 5.0 mM AgNPs/CMCS-SB, respectively. Additionally, water absorption capacity increased with AgNPs content, peaking at 11.04 ± 0.54% for the 3.0 mM AgNPs/CMCS-SB nanocomposite. Silver release from the nanocomposite was influenced by AgNO3 concentration, showing rapid initial release followed by a slower rate over time for the 3.0 mM AgNPs/CMCS-SB. XRD patterns affirmed the presence of AgNPs, showcasing characteristic peaks indicative of a face-centered cubic (fcc) structure. The FTIR spectra highlighted interactions between AgNPs and CMCS-SB, with noticeable shifts in characteristic bands. In addition, SEM and TEM images validated spherical AgNPs within the CMCS-SB hydrogel network, averaging approximately 70 and 30 nm in diameter, respectively. The nanocomposite exhibited significant antibacterial activity against S. aureus and E. coli, with inhibition rates of 98.9 ± 0.21% and 99.2 ± 0.14%, respectively, for the 3.0 mM AgNPs/CMCS-SB nanocomposite. Moreover, cytotoxicity assays showcased the efficacy of AgNPs/CMCS-SB against human colorectal cancer cells (HCT-116 cells), with the strongest cytotoxicity (61.7 ± 4.3%) at 100 μg/mL. These results suggest the synthesized AgNPs/CMCS-SB nanocomposites possess promising attributes for various biomedical applications, including antimicrobial and anticancer activities, positioning them as compelling candidates for further advancement in biomedicine.
Associations between Stress Mindset and Changes in Positive Affect during a Speech Task: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Horiuchi Satoshi , Takisawa Fumiya , Tsuda Akira , Aoki Shuntaro , Okamura Hisayoshi , Iwano Suguru , Takii Mio , Yoneda Kenichiro
Published: May 2024

A stress mindset is an individual’s belief that stress has either enhancing (stress-is-enhancing mindset: SEM) or debilitating (stress-is-debilitating mindset: SDM) consequences. This study examined the associations between SEM and changes in positive affect during a speech task using a sample of 32 Japanese college students as participants. It was hypothesized that participants with SEM would show a greater increase in positive affect over time than those with SDM. The participants rested for three minutes, prepared for three minutes, delivered a speech about themselves in front of an evaluator and video camera (task period), and again rested for three minutes. Positive affect was measured immediately after the two resting periods and during the speech. The participants were divided into groups of 17 and 15 in the SEM and SDM groups, respectively, based on their stress mindset scores. Both groups were fairly matched concerning age and male/female ratio. Change patterns of positive affect did not differ between the two groups, which did not support the hypothesis. However, positive affect was significantly higher in the SEM group compared with the SDM group. The present results differed from previous findings reported in North America. Inconsistent results are discussed related to differences in the speech task and cross-cultural variations of happiness and coping with stressors between North America and Japan.
Apocalypse as a Sacrifice: An Interpretation of Raimon Panikkar’s Arguments on Yajña
Authors: Dixit Shruti
Published: May 2024

Sacrifice (yajña) is considered to be one of the most mentioned words in the Hindu texts, and Panikkar understands it in relation to the preservation, continuation, and regeneration of the universe in existence. While Panikkar’s interpretation of sacrifice focuses mainly on creation, this article extends his arguments to interpret the Hindu apocalypse as a yajña from four major angles, including the end of a kalpa and the concept of declining dharma in the successive yugas, the journey from the cosmological to the transcendental brahman, entire creation being the food of sacrifice, and the apocalypse as a reflection of the yajña. This study incorporates both śruti and smriti texts.
An Interpolation and Prediction Algorithm for XCO2 Based on Multi-Source Time Series Data
Authors: Hu Kai , Zhang Qi , Feng Xinyan , Liu Ziran , Shao Pengfei , Xia Min , Ye Xiaoling
Published: May 2024

Carbon satellites are an important observation tool for analyzing ground carbon emission. From the perspective of the Earth’s scale, the spatiotemporal sparse characteristics of raw data observed from carbon satellite requires the accurate interpolation of data, and based on only this work, people predict future carbon emission trends and formulate appropriate management and conservation strategies. The existing research work has not fully considered the close correlation between data and seasons, as well as the characteristics accumulated over a long time scale. In this paper, firstly, by employing extreme random forests and auxiliary data, we reconstruct a daily average CO2 dataset at a resolution of 0.25°, and achieve a validated determination coefficient of 0.92. Secondly, introducing technologies such as Time Convolutional Networks (TCN), Channel Attention Mechanism (CAM), and Long Short-Term Memory networks (LSTM), we conduct atmospheric CO2 concentration interpolation and predictions. When conducting predictive analysis for the Yangtze River Delta region, we train the model by using quarterly data from 2016 to 2020; the correlation coefficient in summer is 0.94, and in winter it is 0.91. These experimental data indicate that compared to other algorithms, this algorithm has a significantly better performance.
The Impacts of Drought Changes on Alpine Vegetation during the Growing Season over the Tibetan Plateau in 1982–2018
Authors: Li Xia , Pan Yongjie
Published: May 2024

The Tibetan Plateau (TP) is a climate-sensitive and ecologically fragile area. Studying drought and its effects on vegetation over the TP is of great significance for ecological conservation. However, there were large uncertainties in previous studies on the drought characteristics and their impacts on alpine vegetation in this region. This study explored the drought changes and their impacts on alpine vegetation during the growing season over the TP in 1982–2018. The results showed that the TP has experienced a wetting trend in most regions of the TP. Correspondingly, the vegetation has become greener in most areas. The wetting and drying trend in the growing season changed around 1995. Before 1995, the TP experienced an overall drying trend with a spatial pattern of a drying trend in the northern regions and a wetting trend in the southern regions, while it showed an overall wetting trend after 1995, with a reversed spatial pattern to that before 1995. After 1995, wetting and drying trends affected the vegetation in 61% of the TP. However, before 1995, the NDVI presented an increasing trend in most areas of the TP under a drying trend. Therefore, a drying trend was not the primary factor affecting vegetation growth in this period. Instead, changes in the cryosphere induced by warming could be the main factor. In addition, the distribution of vegetation across the TP was primarily influenced by drought intensity, which had the greatest impact on sparse vegetation, followed by meadow and grassland. This study enhances our understanding of the impact of drought changes on alpine vegetation on the TP.
Residual Ash Mapping and Coffee Plant Development Based on Multispectral RPA Images
Authors: Santana Lucas Santos , Ferraz Gabriel Araújo e Silva , Santana Mozarte Santos , Bento Nicole Lopes , Silva Josiane Maria da , Faria Rafael de Oliveira
Published: May 2024

Residues mapping can provide essential information about soil chemical elements’ behaviors and contribute to possible interferences in coffee tree development. Thus, the research objective was to monitor plant residue burning effects by analyzing the chemical elements in ash, using soil analysis, and applying vegetative indices obtained by RPA images. The samples were submitted for conventional soil analysis and atomic emission spectrometry (pure ash). The RPA multispectral images were used to form thirty-one vegetative indices. Thus, at the soil and ash collection points, the index performance was evaluated for six months and divided into three collection times. Then, the data were statistically analyzed to evaluate which index best separated the plants in regions with ash and ash-free soil. The pure ash deposits revealed expressive presences of K, Ca, Mg, and Al in addition to pH elevation. In areas with ash, the high temperature at the burning time may have caused elemental chemical transformations in the Al composition, making this element unavailable in soil analysis. The vegetative indices showed a significant difference only in coffee four months after planting. Among the thirty-one evaluated indices, only twenty were satisfactory for ash analysis. The burning of plant residues promoted the neutralization of Al. In addition, ash deposits in the soil added some essential elements for plant development. Negatively, they raised the PH and made micronutrients unavailable. The best vegetative indices for ash monitoring were the Normalized Near Infrared Index (NNIRI) and Normalized Green Index (NGI). Prior ash mapping can contribute to localized application in macro, such as K and limestone, reusing the number of elements already deposited by burning vegetables.
SDRnet: A Deep Fusion Network for ISAR Ship Target Recognition Based on Feature Separation and Weighted Decision
Authors: Deng Jie , Su Fulin
Published: May 2024

Existing methods for inverse synthetic aperture radar (ISAR) target recognition typically rely on a single high-resolution radar signal type, such as ISAR images or high-resolution range profiles (HRRPs). However, ISAR images and HRRP data offer representations of targets across different aspects, each containing valuable information crucial for radar target recognition. Moreover, the process of generating ISAR images inherently facilitates the acquisition of HRRP data, ensuring timely data collection. Therefore, to fully leverage the different information from both HRRP data and ISAR images and enhance ISAR ship target recognition performance, we propose a novel deep fusion network named the Separation-Decision Recognition network (SDRnet). First, our approach employs a convolutional neural network (CNN) to extract initial feature vectors from ISAR images and HRRP data. Subsequently, a feature separation module is employed to derive a more robust target representation. Finally, we introduce a weighted decision module to enhance overall predictive performance. We validate our method using simulated and measured data containing ten categories of ship targets. The experimental results confirm the effectiveness of our approach in improving ISAR ship target recognition.
Real-Time Three-Dimensional Tracking of Distant Moving Objects Using Non-Imaging Single-Pixel LiDAR
Authors: Guo Zijun , He Zixin , Jiang Runbo , Li Zhicai , Chen Huiling , Wang Yingjian , Shi Dongfeng
Published: May 2024

The real-time tracking of moving objects has extensive applications in various domains. Existing tracking methods typically utilize video image processing, but their performance is limited due to the high information throughput and computational requirements associated with processing continuous images. Additionally, imaging in certain spectral bands can be costly. This paper proposes a non-imaging real-time three-dimensional tracking technique for distant moving targets using single-pixel LiDAR. This novel approach involves compressing scene information from three-dimensional to one-dimensional space using spatial encoding modulation and then obtaining this information through single-pixel detection. A LiDAR system is constructed based on this method, where the peak position of the detected full-path one-dimensional echo signal is used to obtain the target distance, while the peak intensity is used to obtain the azimuth and pitch information of the moving target. The entire process requires minimal data collection and a low computational load, making it feasible for the real-time three-dimensional tracking of single or multiple moving targets. Outdoor experiments confirmed the efficacy of the proposed technology, achieving a distance accuracy of 0.45 m and an azimuth and pitch angle accuracy of approximately 0.03° in localizing and tracking a flying target at a distance of 3 km.
Valuation in Rural Social Innovation Processes—Analysing Micro-Impact of a Collaborative Community in Southern Italy
Authors: Ammaturo Federica , Schmidt Suntje
Published: May 2024

Social innovation has been associated with contributing to ‘valuable’ rural development; however, usually, the impact of social innovation has been identified in the aftermath of its development or implementation. This might be too narrow an approach, as an ongoing social innovation process in itself may already lead to effects that contribute to regional and social changes in a local community and beyond. This paper argues that collaborative valuation processes are embedded in social innovation processes, generating effects that contribute to rural development. Focusing on a case study that exemplifies social innovation processes in agriculture and food production carried out by a rural collaborative community in southern Italy, we demonstrate how three valuation phases, such as contestations and negotiations of norms, symbolic capital accumulation and recognition of actions, as well as re-definitions of values, impact community development through joint sense-making, empowerment and societal change. Our empirical results suggest the close intertwining of both social innovation and valuation processes. The empirical results demonstrate how collective valuation processes have micro-effects on the agro-economic system, on local socio-cultural processes, and on place-making activities. Methodologically, this paper builds on ethnographic methods, including participatory observations, semi-structured interviews, oral histories, and socio-spatial analysis investigating moments of valuation embedded in daily collaborative practices.
The Effect of Innovation and Information Technology on Financial Resilience
Authors: Homayoun Saeid , Pazhohi Mohammadreza , Manzarzadeh Tamam Hashem
Published: May 2024

This paper aims to examine the views of managers, accountants, and auditors on the impact of innovation and information technology on financial resilience, and answers the question of whether in today’s businesses, which are rapidly changing and evolving and where events are unpredicted, organizations can increase their economic resilience through innovation and information technology. The research population was managers, accountants, and auditors of small and medium-sized companies in Razavi Khorasan in 2024, and the study was conducted with a questionnaire in both paper and electronic forms through in-person visits to the companies under research, where 357 auditors and 371 accountants and managers completed the questionnaire. The findings show that the innovation of products and services and the expansion of information technology increase the financial resilience of organizations. It is suggested that organizations increase the innovation of products and services and use information technology to eliminate and take effective action in dealing with possible risks. The findings suggest exciting facts about the effect of advanced digital space on financial resilience in organizations active in Iran’s economy, as well as possible damages in this field that cause delays in digitalization and, as a result, the economic resilience of organizations.
Investigation of a Biomass-Driven Cogeneration System Integrated with an Externally Fired Gas Turbine, Organic Rankine Cycle, and Absorption Refrigeration Cycle: Thermodynamic and Exergoeconomic Analyses and Optimization
Authors: Ren Jie , Qian Zuoqin , Wang Xinyu , Huang Weilong , Wang Baolin
Published: May 2024

The utilization of biomass for multi-generation systems is garnering significant interest due to its potential in conserving primary energy and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. However, enhancing its energy efficiency remains a critical challenge. This study introduces an innovative cogeneration system that combines biomass gasification with an externally fired gas turbine, organic Rankine cycle, and absorption refrigeration cycle. It undergoes thorough thermodynamic and exergoeconomic evaluations, with a dual-objective optimization conducted to identify the optimal operational conditions that achieve the highest exergy efficiency while minimizing product cost. The findings reveal that, in the base case, the thermal efficiency, exergy efficiency, and sum unit cost of the product (SUCP) of the system are 66.36%, 32.04%, and 8.71 USD/GJ, respectively. A parametric study illustrates that elevating the air compressor pressure ratio or the temperature difference at the cold end enhances thermal efficiency but reduces exergy efficiency. Additionally, the lowest unit cost of the product is attainable by optimizing the gas turbine inlet temperature. The performance of the system shows negligible sensitivity to the turbine inlet pressure of a bottoming organic Rankine cycle. Finally, optimization demonstrates a 9.7% increase in exergy efficiency and a 1.8% rise in the SUCP compared to the baseline scenario. The study suggests integrating with other energy sources for diversified product outputs and conducting environmental analyses in future research.
Top Management Team Stability and Corporate Innovation Sustainability
Authors: Tan Zukun
Published: May 2024

In recent years, there has been growing recognition that the stability of the top management team (TMT) significantly impacts the operation and management of companies. However, few studies have focused on the impact of TMT stability on innovation sustainability. Therefore, based on the upper echelon theory and the faultline theory, this paper takes China’s A-share listed companies from 2010 to 2022 as a sample to explore the impact of TMT stability on corporate innovation sustainability, as well as the moderating effect of executive faultlines on this impact. The results indicate that TMT stability is positively correlated with corporate innovation sustainability, whereas the executive faultlines significantly weaken this correlation. The mechanism test reveals that a stable senior management team can reduce an enterprise’s operational risk through the management functions of executives, alleviate the financing constraints serving as a stability signal sent by the company to investors and creditors, and thus promote the sustainability of innovation. Heterogeneity analysis demonstrates that the influence of TMT stability on corporate innovation sustainability is more pronounced in companies with a high percentage of executive shareholdings, non-state ownership, and CEOs possessing technical expertise. This paper combines the overall stability of the executive team with the differentiation of its internal subgroups, broadens the research perspective of the upper echelon theory, and serves as a valuable reference for the development of corporate executive teams.