bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Short-Term Load Forecasting for Residential Buildings Based on Multivariate Variational Mode Decomposition and Temporal Fusion Transformer
Authors: Ye Haoda , Zhu Qiuyu , Zhang Xuefan
Published: June 2024

Short-term load forecasting plays a crucial role in managing the energy consumption of buildings in cities. Accurate forecasting enables residents to reduce energy waste and facilitates timely decision-making for power companies’ energy management. In this paper, we propose a novel hybrid forecasting model designed to predict load series in multiple households. Our proposed method integrates multivariate variational mode decomposition (MVMD), the whale optimization algorithm (WOA), and a temporal fusion transformer (TFT) to perform one-step forecasts. MVMD is utilized to decompose the load series into intrinsic mode functions (IMFs), extracting characteristics at distinct scales. We use sample entropy to determine the appropriate number of decomposition levels and the penalty factor of MVMD. The WOA is utilized to optimize the hyperparameters of MVMD-TFT to enhance its overall performance. We generate two distinct cases originating from BCHydro. Experimental results show that our method has achieved excellent performance in both cases.
A Cooperation Model for EPC Energy Conservation Projects Considering Carbon Emission Rights: A Case from China
Authors: Luo Haiyan , Pan Junlin , Han Yan , Li Zheng , Cai Zhuo
Published: June 2024

This paper introduces an innovative cooperative model for energy efficiency retrofitting that incorporates carbon emission rights, addressing critical financial constraints in Energy Performance Contracting (EPC). By employing the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (F-AHP) to evaluate risk assessment indicators and stakeholder contributions and utilizing the enhanced Shapley method for equitable benefit distribution, the model demonstrates significant improvements in financing and efficiency for energy conservation projects. The findings are as follows: (1) the energy efficiency retrofit model, which integrates carbon emission rights, effectively alleviates the financial constraints and fosters energy conservation and emission reduction in guaranteed-savings EPC projects; (2) the enhanced Shapley method is deemed appropriate for the equitable distribution of energy-saving benefits among stakeholders; (3) when compared with the traditional model and the benefit allocation-absent carbon rights, the energy-saving benefits of the energy efficiency retrofit model incorporating carbon emission rights are higher in individual and overall terms. The findings of this study offer a viable solution to financing challenges faced by stakeholders in such projects and delineate a pragmatic approach for enterprises to enhance energy efficiency and reduce emissions.
Design and Calculation of Multi-Physical Field of Ultra-High-Speed Permanent Magnet Motor
Authors: Cheng Ming , Li Zhiye , Xu Shibo , Pei Ruilin
Published: June 2024

Ultra-high-speed permanent magnet motors (UHSPPMs) are gradually increasing in the number of scenarios to realize energy saving and emission reduction due to their advantages such as high power density and fast response speed, and their accurate design and analysis are becoming more and more important. UHSPMMs need to consider the effects of multiple physical fields such as electromagnetism, force, and heat on their performance and structure due to their high rotational speed and small size. In this paper, firstly, the loss of each component of the motor is accurately calculated, and the distribution of the flow field and temperature field inside the motor is obtained by computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to determine the limiting working conditions of each component of the motor. Secondly, the mechanical stresses of the rotor are calculated at different limiting working conditions, especially the checking of the stresses of the permanent magnets and the sleeves when they are working at different temperature gradients, in order to improve the reliability of the ultra-high-speed rotor. Furthermore, the dynamics analysis is performed for the whole rotor system to ensure stable operation for a long time at the rated working conditions. Finally, the dynamics of the whole rotor system is analyzed to ensure that the ultra-high-speed permanent magnet rotor can operate stably for a long period of time at the rated operating conditions. Based on the theoretical calculations and analyses, a 25 kW, 95 krpm prototype was designed and fabricated, and relevant experimental studies were carried out. The correctness of the calculation of rotor mechanical properties under extreme working conditions (extreme speed and extreme temperature) is verified through tests, which achieved the target of design accuracy within 5%, and can provide great help to further improve the high-precision design of UHSPMMs.
Water and Emerging Energy Markets Nexus: Fresh Evidence from Advanced Causality and Correlation Approaches
Authors: Trabelsi Nader , Tiwari Aviral Kumar , Dogan Buhari
Published: June 2024

This work provides an in-depth investigation of the dynamic interaction patterns between water stocks and renewable energy markets through the application of continuous wavelet analysis, dynamic correlation analysis, and time-varying Granger causality analysis. In addition, this study utilizes daily pricing indices, namely the S&P Global Water Index, Solactive Global Wind Energy Index, and Solactive Global Solar Energy Index, spanning from 18 May 2011 to 23 June 2022. The results show significant correlation patterns between the indices, ranging from moderate to high. Notably, robust correlations have been detected starting from 2015. The research also discovered a varied and inconsistent relationship between frequency and causation throughout different time periods. Moreover, the results reveal an asymmetry in the causal effects and a symmetry correlation at tail quantile ranges. Policymakers and market participants must consider these insights to make wise financial and strategic decisions.
Landscape Patterns of Green Spaces Drive the Availability and Spatial Fairness of Street Greenery in Changchun City, Northeastern China
Authors: Xiao Lu , Wang Wenjie , Ren Zhibin , Wei Chenhui , He Xingyuan
Published: June 2024

Understanding the determinants of the availability and spatial fairness of street greenery is crucial for improving urban green spaces and addressing green justice concerns. While previous studies have mainly examined factors influencing street greenery from an aerial perspective, there has been limited investigation into determinants at eye level, which more closely aligns with people’s actual encounters with green spaces. To address this, the Green View Index (GVI) and Gini coefficient were used to assess the availability and spatial fairness of street greenery from a pedestrian’s perspective, using Baidu Street View (BSV) images across 49 subdistricts in Changchun City, China. A dataset of 33,786 BSV images from 1877 sites was compiled. Additionally, 21 explanatory factors were collected and divided into three groups: socioeconomic, biogeographic, and landscape patterns. The Boosted Regression Tree (BRT) method was employed to assess the relative influence and marginal effects of these factors on street greenery’s availability and spatial fairness. The results showed that street greenery’s availability and spatial fairness are predominantly influenced by landscape patterns. Specifically, the percentage of landscape and edge density emerged as the most significant factors, exhibiting a threshold effect on the availability and fairness of street greenery. Increasing the proportion and complexity of urban green spaces can efficiently enhance the availability and spatial fairness of street greenery. These findings lay a new foundation for urban green infrastructure management.
Proteomics Analysis of Proteotoxic Stress Response in In-Vitro Human Neuronal Models
Authors: Alaiya Ayodele , Alharbi Bothina Mohammed , Shinwari Zakia , Rashid Mamoon , Albinhassan Tahani H. , Bouchama Abderrezak , Alwesmi Mai B. , Mohammad Sameer , Malik Shuja Shafi
Published: June 2024

Heat stroke, a hazardous hyperthermia-related illness, is characterized by CNS injury, particularly long-lasting brain damage. A root cause for hyperthermic neurological damage is heat-induced proteotoxic stress through protein aggregation, a known causative agent of neurological disorders. Stress magnitude and enduring persistence are highly correlated with hyperthermia-associated neurological damage. We used an untargeted proteomic approach using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to identify and characterize time-series proteome-wide changes in dose-responsive proteotoxic stress models in medulloblastoma [Daoy], neuroblastoma [SH-SY5Y], and differentiated SH-SY5Y neuron-like cells [SH(D)]. An integrated analysis of condition–time datasets identified global proteome-wide differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) as part of the heat-induced proteotoxic stress response. The condition-specific analysis detected higher DEPs and upregulated proteins in extreme heat stress with a relatively conservative and tight regulation in differentiated SH-SY5Y neuron-like cells. Functional network analysis using ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA) identified common intercellular pathways associated with the biological processes of protein, RNA, and amino acid metabolism and cellular response to stress and membrane trafficking. The condition-wise temporal pathway analysis in the differentiated neuron-like cells detects a significant pathway, functional, and disease association of DEPs with processes like protein folding and protein synthesis, Nervous System Development and Function, and Neurological Disease. An elaborate dose-dependent stress-specific and neuroprotective cellular signaling cascade is also significantly activated. Thus, our study provides a comprehensive map of the heat-induced proteotoxic stress response associating proteome-wide changes with altered biological processes. This helps to expand our understanding of the molecular basis of the heat-induced proteotoxic stress response with potential translational connotations.
Knockdown of microRNA390 Enhances Maize Brace Root Growth
Authors: Meng Juan , Li Weiya , Qi Feiyan , Yang Tianxiao , Li Na , Wan Jiong , Li Xiaoqi , Jiang Yajuan , Wang Chenhui , Huang Meilian , Zhang Yuanyuan , Chen Yongqiang , Teotia Sachin , Tang Guiliang , Zhang Zhanhui , Tang Jihua
Published: June 2024

Brace root architecture is a critical determinant of maize’s stalk anchorage and nutrition uptake, influencing root lodging resistance, stress tolerance, and plant growth. To identify the key microRNAs (miRNAs) in control of maize brace root growth, we performed small RNA sequencing using brace root samples at emergence and growth stages. We focused on the genetic modulation of brace root development in maize through manipulation of miR390 and its downstream regulated auxin response factors (ARFs). In the present study, miR167, miR166, miR172, and miR390 were identified to be involved in maize brace root growth in inbred line B73. Utilizing short tandem target mimic (STTM) technology, we further developed maize lines with reduced miR390 expression and analyzed their root architecture compared to wild-type controls. Our findings show that STTM390 maize lines exhibit enhanced brace root length and increased whorl numbers. Gene expression analyses revealed that the suppression of miR390 leads to upregulation of its downstream regulated ARF genes, specifically ZmARF11 and ZmARF26, which may significantly alter root architecture. Additionally, loss-of-function mutants for ZmARF11 and ZmARF26 were characterized to further confirm the role of these genes in brace root growth. These results demonstrate that miR390, ZmARF11, and ZmARF26 play crucial roles in regulating maize brace root growth; the involved complicated molecular mechanisms need to be further explored. This study provides a genetic basis for breeding maize varieties with improved lodging resistance and adaptability to diverse agricultural environments.
The Extract of Gloiopeltis tenax Enhances Myogenesis and Alleviates Dexamethasone-Induced Muscle Atrophy
Authors: Kim Si-Hyung , Leem Young-Eun , Park Hye Eun , Jeong Hae-In , Lee Jihye , Kang Jong-Sun
Published: June 2024

The decline in the function and mass of skeletal muscle during aging or other pathological conditions increases the incidence of aging-related secondary diseases, ultimately contributing to a decreased lifespan and quality of life. Much effort has been made to surmise the molecular mechanisms underlying muscle atrophy and develop tools for improving muscle function. Enhancing mitochondrial function is considered critical for increasing muscle function and health. This study is aimed at evaluating the effect of an aqueous extract of Gloiopeltis tenax (GTAE) on myogenesis and muscle atrophy caused by dexamethasone (DEX). The GTAE promoted myogenic differentiation, accompanied by an increase in peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator α (PGC-1α) expression and mitochondrial content in myoblast cell culture. In addition, the GTAE alleviated the DEX-mediated myotube atrophy that is attributable to the Akt-mediated inhibition of the Atrogin/MuRF1 pathway. Furthermore, an in vivo study using a DEX-induced muscle atrophy mouse model demonstrated the efficacy of GTAE in protecting muscles from atrophy and enhancing mitochondrial biogenesis and function, even under conditions of atrophy. Taken together, this study suggests that the GTAE shows propitious potential as a nutraceutical for enhancing muscle function and preventing muscle wasting.
Correction: Gabryś et al. Follicular Fluid-Derived Extracellular Vesicles Influence on In Vitro Maturation of Equine Oocyte: Impact on Cumulus Cell Viability, Expansion and Transcriptome. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25, 3262
Authors: Gabryś Julia , Gurgul Artur , Szmatoła Tomasz , Kij-Mitka Barbara , Andronowska Aneta , Karnas Elżbieta , Kucharski Mirosław , Wojciechowska-Puchałka Joanna , Kochan Joanna , Bugno-Poniewierska Monika
Published: June 2024

In the original publication [...]
Effect of mTORC Agonism via MHY1485 with and without Rapamycin on C2C12 Myotube Metabolism
Authors: Cook Norah E. , McGovern Macey R. , Zaman Toheed , Lundin Pamela M. , Vaughan Roger A.
Published: June 2024

The mechanistic target of rapamycin complex (mTORC) regulates protein synthesis and can be activated by branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs). mTORC has also been implicated in the regulation of mitochondrial metabolism and BCAA catabolism. Some speculate that mTORC overactivation by BCAAs may contribute to insulin resistance. The present experiments assessed the effect of mTORC activation on myotube metabolism and insulin sensitivity using the mTORC agonist MHY1485, which does not share structural similarities with BCAAs. Methods: C2C12 myotubes were treated with MHY1485 or DMSO control both with and without rapamycin. Gene expression was assessed using qRT-PCR and insulin sensitivity and protein expression by western blot. Glycolytic and mitochondrial metabolism were measured by extracellular acidification rate and oxygen consumption. Mitochondrial and lipid content were analyzed by fluorescent staining. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to assess extracellular BCAAs. Results: Rapamycin reduced p-mTORC expression, mitochondrial content, and mitochondrial function. Surprisingly, MHY1485 did not alter p-mTORC expression or cell metabolism. Neither treatment altered indicators of BCAA metabolism or extracellular BCAA content. Conclusion: Collectively, inhibition of mTORC via rapamycin reduces myotube metabolism and mitochondrial content but not BCAA metabolism. The lack of p-mTORC activation by MHY1485 is a limitation of these experiments and warrants additional investigation.
Submandibular Gland Pathogenesis Following SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Implications for Xerostomia
Authors: Sasso-Cerri Estela , Martinelli Vitor Dallacqua , de Oliveira Salmo Azambuja , da Silva André Acácio Souza , de Moraes Juliana Cerini Grassi , Cerri Paulo Sérgio
Published: June 2024

Although SARS-CoV-2 induces mucin hypersecretion in the respiratory tract, hyposalivation/xerostomia has been reported by COVID-19 patients. We evaluate the submandibular gland (SMGs) pathogenesis in SARS-CoV-2-infected K18-hACE2 mice, focusing on the impact of infection on the mucin production and structural integrity of acini, ductal system, myoepithelial cells (MECs) and telocytes. The spike protein, the nucleocapsid protein, hACE2, actin, EGF, TNF-α and IL-1β were detected by immunofluorescence, and the Egfr and Muc5b expression was evaluated. In the infected animals, significant acinar hypertrophy was observed in contrast to ductal atrophy. Nucleocapsid proteins and/or viral particles were detected in the SMG cells, mainly in the nuclear membrane-derived vesicles, confirming the nuclear role in the viral formation. The acinar cells showed intense TNF-α and IL-1β immunoexpression, and the EGF-EGFR signaling increased, together with Muc5b upregulation. This finding explains mucin hypersecretion and acinar hypertrophy, which compress the ducts. Dying MECs and actin reduction were also observed, indicating failure of contraction and acinar support, favoring acinar hypertrophy. Viral assembly was found in the dying telocytes, pointing to these intercommunicating cells as viral transmitters in SMGs. Therefore, EGF-EGFR-induced mucin hypersecretion was triggered by SARS-CoV-2 in acinar cells, likely mediated by cytokines. The damage to telocytes and MECs may have favored the acinar hypertrophy, leading to ductal obstruction, explaining xerostomia in COVID-19 patients. Thus, acinar cells, telocytes and MECs may be viral targets, which favor replication and cell-to-cell viral transmission in the SMG, corroborating the high viral load in saliva of infected individuals.
miR-146a Decreases Inflammation and ROS Production in Aged Dermal Fibroblasts
Authors: Zhang Liping , Wang Iris C. , Meng Songmei , Xu Junwang
Published: June 2024

Aging is associated with a decline in the functionality of various cell types, including dermal fibroblasts, which play a crucial role in maintaining skin homeostasis and wound healing. Chronic inflammation and increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production are hallmark features of aging, contributing to impaired wound healing. MicroRNA-146a (miR-146a) has been implicated as a critical regulator of inflammation and oxidative stress in different cell types, yet its role in aged dermal fibroblasts and its potential relevance to wound healing remains poorly understood. We hypothesize that miR-146a is differentially expressed in aged dermal fibroblasts and that overexpression of miR-146a will decrease aging-induced inflammatory responses and ROS production. Primary dermal fibroblasts were isolated from the skin of 17-week-old (young) and 88-week-old (aged) mice. Overexpression of miR-146a was achieved through miR-146a mimic transfection. ROS were detected using a reliable fluorogenic marker, 2,7-dichlorofluorescin diacetate. Real-time PCR was used to quantify relative gene expression. Our investigation revealed a significant reduction in miR-146a expression in aged dermal fibroblasts compared to their younger counterparts. Moreover, aged dermal fibroblasts exhibited heightened levels of inflammatory responses and increased ROS production. Importantly, the overexpression of miR-146a through miR-146a mimic transfection led to a substantial reduction in inflammatory responses through modulation of the NF-kB pathway in aged dermal fibroblasts. Additionally, the overexpression of miR-146a led to a substantial decrease in ROS production, achieved through the downregulation of NOX4 expression in aged dermal fibroblasts. These findings underscore the pivotal role of miR-146a in mitigating both inflammatory responses and ROS production in aged dermal fibroblasts, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target for addressing age-related skin wound healing.
The Influence of Body Fat Dynamics on Pulmonary Immune Responses in Murine Tuberculosis: Unraveling Sex-Specific Insights
Authors: Dhanyalayam Dhanya , Thangavel Hariprasad , Sidrat Tabinda , Oswal Neelam , Lizardo Kezia , Mauro Michael , Zhao Xin , Xue Hai-Hui , Desai Jigar V. , Nagajyothi Jyothi F.
Published: June 2024

The World Health Organization (WHO) highlights a greater susceptibility of males to tuberculosis (TB), a vulnerability attributed to sex-specific variations in body fat and dietary factors. Our study delves into the unexplored terrain of how alterations in body fat influence Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) burden, lung pathology, immune responses, and gene expression, with a focus on sex-specific dynamics. Utilizing a low-dose Mtb-HN878 clinical strain infection model, we employ transgenic FAT-ATTAC mice with modulable body fat to explore the impact of fat loss (via fat ablation) and fat gain (via a medium-fat diet, MFD). Firstly, our investigation unveils that Mtb infection triggers severe pulmonary pathology in males, marked by shifts in metabolic signaling involving heightened lipid hydrolysis and proinflammatory signaling driven by IL-6 and localized pro-inflammatory CD8+ cells. This stands in stark contrast to females on a control regular diet (RD). Secondly, our findings indicate that both fat loss and fat gain in males lead to significantly elevated (1.6-fold (p ≤ 0.01) and 1.7-fold (p ≤ 0.001), respectively) Mtb burden in the lungs compared to females during Mtb infection (where fat loss and gain did not alter Mtb load in the lungs). This upsurge is associated with impaired lung lipid metabolism and intensified mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation-regulated activity in lung CD8+ cells during Mtb infection. Additionally, our research brings to light that females exhibit a more robust systemic IFNγ (p ≤ 0.001) response than males during Mtb infection. This heightened response may either prevent active disease or contribute to latency in females during Mtb infection. In summary, our comprehensive analysis of the interplay between body fat changes and sex bias in Mtb infection reveals that alterations in body fat critically impact pulmonary pathology in males. Specifically, these changes significantly reduce the levels of pulmonary CD8+ T-cells and increase the Mtb burden in the lungs compared to females. The reduction in CD8+ cells in males is linked to an increase in mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and a decrease in TNFα, which are essential for CD8+ cell activation.
Intermolecular Electrostatic Interactions in Cytochrome c Protein Monolayer on Montmorillonite Alumosilicate Surface: A Positive Cooperative Effect
Authors: Hristova Svetlana H. , Zhivkov Alexandar M.
Published: June 2024

Montmorillonite (MM) crystal nanoplates acquire anticancer properties when coated with the mitochondrial protein cytochrome c (cytC) due to the cancer cells’ capability to phagocytize cytC-MM colloid particles. The introduced exogenous cytC initiates apoptosis: an irreversible cascade of biochemical reactions leading to cell death. In the present research, we investigate the organization of the cytC layer on the MM surface by employing physicochemical and computer methods—microelectrophoresis, static, and electric light scattering—to study cytC adsorption on the MM surface, and protein electrostatics and docking to calculate the local electric potential and Gibbs free energy of interacting protein globules. The found protein concentration dependence of the adsorbed cytC quantity is nonlinear, manifesting a positive cooperative effect that emerges when the adsorbed cytC globules occupy more than one-third of the MM surface. Computer analysis reveals that the cooperative effect is caused by the formation of protein associates in which the cytC globules are oriented with oppositely charged surfaces. The formation of dimers and trimers is accompanied by a strong reduction in the electrostatic component of the Gibbs free energy of protein association, while the van der Waals component plays a secondary role.
EMR-YOLO: A Study of Efficient Maritime Rescue Identification Algorithms
Authors: Zhang Jun , Hua Yiming , Chen Luya , Li Li , Shen Xudong , Shi Wei , Wu Shuai , Fu Yunfan , Lv Chunfeng , Zhu Jianping
Published: June 2024

Accurate target identification of UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle)-captured images is a prerequisite for maritime rescue and maritime surveillance. However, UAV-captured images pose several challenges, such as complex maritime backgrounds, tiny targets, and crowded scenes. To reduce the impact of these challenges on target recognition, we propose an efficient maritime rescue network (EMR-YOLO) for recognizing images captured by UAVs. In the proposed network, the DRC2f (Dilated Reparam-based Channel-to-Pixel) module is first designed by the Dilated Reparam Block to effectively increase the receptive field, reduce the number of parameters, and improve feature extraction capability. Then, the ADOWN downsampling module is used to mitigate fine-grained information loss, thereby improving the efficiency and performance of the model. Finally, CASPPF (Coordinate Attention-based Spatial Pyramid Pooling Fast) is designed by fusing CA (Coordinate Attention) and SPPF (Spatial Pyramid Pooling Fast), which effectively enhances the feature representation and spatial information integration ability, making the model more accurate and robust when dealing with complex scenes. Experimental results on the AFO dataset show that, compared with the YOLOv8s network, the EMR-YOLO network improves the mAP (mean average precision) and mAP50 by 4.7% and 9.2%, respectively, while reducing the number of parameters and computation by 22.5% and 18.7%, respectively. Overall, the use of UAVs to capture images and deep learning for maritime target recognition for maritime rescue and surveillance improves rescue efficiency and safety.
Preparation of Al@FTCS/P(VDF-HFP) Composite Energetic Materials and Their Reaction Properties
Authors: Ke Xiang , Deng Lifang , Wang Yanping , Tang Kai , Xiao Lei , Hao Gazi , Li Peili , Zhou Xiang
Published: June 2024

Strengthening the interfacial contact between the reactive components effectively boosts the energy release of energetic materials. In this study, we aimed to create a close-knit interfacial contact condition between aluminum nanoparticles (Al NPs) and Polyvinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene (P(VDF-HFP)) through hydrolytic adsorption and assembling 1H, 1H, 2H, 2H-Perfluorododecyltrichlorosilane (FTCS) on the surface of Al NPs. Leveraging hydrogen bonding between –CF and –CH and the interaction between C–F⋯F–C groups, the adsorbed FTCS directly leads to the growth of the P(VDF-HFP) coating layer around the treated Al NPs, yielding Al@FTCS/P(VDF-HFP) energetic composites. In comparison with the ultrasonically processed Al/P(VDF-HFP) mixture, thermal analysis reveals that Al@FTCS/P(VDF-HFP) exhibits a 57 °C lower reaction onset temperature and a 1646 J/g increase in heat release. Associated combustion tests demonstrate a 52% shorter ignition delay, 62% shorter combustion time, and a 288% faster pressurization rate. These improvements in energetic characteristics stem from the reactivity activation of FTCS towards Al NPs by the etching effect to the surface Al2O3. Moreover, enhanced interfacial contact facilitated by the FTCS-directed growth of P(VDF-HFP) around Al NPs further accelerates the whole reaction process.
Multiphase Reconstruction of Heterogeneous Materials Using Machine Learning and Quality of Connection Function
Authors: Hamidpour Pouria , Araee Alireza , Baniassadi Majid , Garmestani Hamid
Published: June 2024

Establishing accurate structure–property linkages and precise phase volume accuracy in 3D microstructure reconstruction of materials remains challenging, particularly with limited samples. This paper presents an optimized method for reconstructing 3D microstructures of various materials, including isotropic and anisotropic types with two and three phases, using convolutional occupancy networks and point clouds from inner layers of the microstructure. The method emphasizes precise phase representation and compatibility with point cloud data. A stage within the Quality of Connection Function (QCF) repetition loop optimizes the weights of the convolutional occupancy networks model to minimize error between the microstructure’s statistical properties and the reconstructive model. This model successfully reconstructs 3D representations from initial 2D serial images. Comparisons with screened Poisson surface reconstruction and local implicit grid methods demonstrate the model’s efficacy. The developed model proves suitable for high-quality 3D microstructure reconstruction, aiding in structure–property linkages and finite element analysis.
Pb(II) Adsorption Properties of a Three-Dimensional Porous Bacterial Cellulose/Graphene Oxide Composite Hydrogel Subjected to Ultrasonic Treatment
Authors: Zhang Xinxing , Xu Jing , Zhang Zhijie , Li Pengping , He Chang , Zhong Mingfeng
Published: June 2024

A three-dimensional porous bacterial cellulose/graphene oxide (BC/GO) composite hydrogel (BC/GO) was synthesized with multi-layer graphene oxide (GO) as the modifier and bacterial cellulose as the skeleton via an ultrasonic shaking process to absorb lead ions effectively. The characteristics of BC/GO were investigated through TEM, SEM, FT-IR, NMR and Zeta potential experiments. Compared to bacterial cellulose, the ultrasonic method and the carboxyl groups stemming from GO helped to enhance the availability of O(3)H of BC, in addition to the looser three-dimensional structure and enriched oxygen-containing groups, leading to a significantly higher adsorption capacity for Pb(II). In this paper, the adsorption behavior of BC/GO is influenced by the GO concentration, adsorption time, and initial concentration. The highest adsorption capacity for Pb(II) on BC/GO found in this study was 224.5 mg/g. The findings implied that the pseudo-second-order model explained the BC/GO adsorption dynamics and that the data of its adsorption isotherm fit the Freundlich model. Because of the looser three-dimensional structure, the complexation of carboxyl groups, and the enhanced availability of O(3)H, bacterial cellulose exhibited a much better adsorption capacity.
Analytical Calculation of Relationship Temperature and Fatigue and Creep Strength Based on Thermal Activation
Authors: Houjou Keiji , Shimamoto Kazumasa , Akiyama Haruhisa , Sekiguchi Yu , Sato Chiaki
Published: June 2024

The purpose of this study was to formulate a mathematical expression for the temperature dependence of adhesive strength using various parameters. Adhesive structures are typically exposed to a broad temperature range, spanning from low to high temperatures; therefore, understanding how their strength depends on temperature is crucial. The strength was measured through tensile, fatigue, and creep tests at temperatures ranging from −60 °C to 135 °C. The properties of these test types were thoroughly investigated by analyzing the strength of the test results from a thermal activity perspective. The results demonstrate that there is a clear relationship between temperature and strength. The intensity decreased with temperature according to the exponential function and could be accurately represented using the parameters of thermal activity. The temperature at which the strength begins to decrease in the fatigue test was higher than in the static tests. Consequently, we were able to accurately express the relationship between the temperature and intensity using certain parameters. Few studies successfully developed a precise nonlinear relationship between temperature and intensity using approximate expressions.
Waste Plastic-Supported Pd Single-Atom Catalyst for Hydrogenation
Authors: Wang Ziyue , Zhang Ying , Zhang Hao , Sun Qingdi , He Xiaohui , Ji Hongbing
Published: June 2024

As worldwide plastic pollution continues to rise, innovative ideas for effective reuse and recycling of waste plastic are needed. Single-atom catalysts (SACs), which are known for their high activity and selectivity, present unique advantages in facilitating plastic degradation and conversion. Waste plastic can be used as a support or raw material to create SACs, which reduces waste generation while simultaneously utilizing waste as a resource. This work successfully utilized waste plastic polyurethane (PU) as a support, through a unique Rapid Thermal Processing Reactor (RTPR) to synthesize an efficient Pd1/PU SACs. At 25 °C and 0.5 MPa H2, Pd1/PU displayed outstanding activity and selectivity in the hydrogenation of styrene, as well as remarkable stability. Pd1/PU performed well in hydrogenating a variety of common substrates. These findings highlight the great potential of SACs in plastic waste reuse and recycling, offering intriguing solutions to the global plastic pollution problem.
Experimental Study of Auxetic Structures Made of Re-Entrant (“Bow-Tie”) Cells
Authors: Plewa Julian , Płońska Małgorzata , Feliksik Kamil , Junak Grzegorz
Published: June 2024

This article presents a study of metamaterial structures that exhibit auxetic properties. This unusual phenomenon of simultaneous orthogonal expansion of the metamaterial in tension, and vice versa in compression, with vertical and horizontal contraction, is explored for structures made of re-entrant unit cells. The geometry of such structures is analysed in detail, and the relationships are determined by the value of the Poisson’s ratio. It is shown that the Poisson’s ratio depends not only on the geometry of the unit cell but also on the degree of strain. Depending on the dimensions of the structure’s horizontal and inclined struts, the limit values are determined for the angle between them. By creating physical structures made of re-entrant cells, it is demonstrated that the mechanism of change in the structure’s dimensions is not due to the hinging but to the bending of the struts. The experimental section contains the results of compression tests of a symmetrical structure and tensile tests of a flat mesh structure. In the case of the mesh structure, a modification of the re-entrant cells was used to create arched strut joints. This modification makes it possible to obtain greater elongation of the mesh structure and larger NPR values.
Sub-Sharvin Conductance and Incoherent Shot-Noise in Graphene Disks at Magnetic Field
Authors: Rycerz Adam , Rycerz Katarzyna , Witkowski Piotr
Published: June 2024

Highly doped graphene samples show reduced conductance and enhanced shot-noise power compared with standard ballistic systems in two-dimensional electron gas. These features can be understood within a model that assumes incoherent scattering of Dirac electrons between two interfaces separating the sample and the leads. Here we find, by adopting the above model for the edge-free (Corbino) geometry and by computer simulation of quantum transport, that another graphene-specific feature should be observable when the current flow through a doped disk is blocked by a strong magnetic field. When the conductance drops to zero, the Fano factor approaches the value of F≈0.56, with a very weak dependence on the ratio of the disk radii. The role of finite source-drain voltages and the system behavior when the electrostatic potential barrier is tuned from a rectangular to a parabolic shape are also discussed.
The Synthesis of Copper Nanoparticles for Printed Electronic Materials Using Liquid Phase Reduction Method
Authors: Li Kai , Jiang Xue
Published: June 2024

This text discusses the synthesis of copper nanoparticles via a liquid phase reduction method, using ascorbic acid as a reducing agent and CuSO4·5H2O as the copper source. The synthesized copper nanoparticles are small in size, uniformly distributed, are mostly between 100–200 nm with clear boundaries between particles, and exhibit excellent dispersibility, making them suitable for metal conductive inks. 1. The copper nanoparticles are analyzed for good antioxidation properties, because their surface is coated with PVP and ascorbic acid. This organic layer somewhat isolates the particle surface from contact with air, preventing oxidation, and accounts for about 9% of the total weight. 2. When the prepared copper nanoparticles are spread on a polyimide substrate and sintered at 250 °C for 120 min, the resistivity can be as low as 23.5 μΩ·cm, and at 350 °C for 30 min, the resistivity is only three times that of bulk copper. 3. The prepared conductive ink, printed on a polyimide substrate using a direct writing tool, shows good flexibility before and after sintering. After sintering at 300 °C for 30 min and connecting the pattern to a circuit with a diode lamp, the diode lamp is successfully lit. 4. This method produces copper nanoparticles with small size, good dispersion, and antioxidation capabilities, and the conductive ink prepared from them demonstrates good conductivity after sintering.
Supercritical Water: A Simulation Study to Unravel the Heterogeneity of Its Molecular Structures
Authors: Assomo Joseph Guy Gérard Ndongo , Ebrahimi Sadollah , Jay-Gerin Jean-Paul , Soldera Armand
Published: June 2024

(1) Background: In the quest to accurately model the radiolysis of water in its supercritical state, a detailed understanding of water’s molecular structure, particularly how water molecules are arranged in this unique state, is essential. (2) Methods: We conducted molecular dynamics simulations using the SPC/E water model to investigate the molecular structures of supercritical water (SCW) over a wide temperature range, extending up to 800 °C. (3) Results: Our results show that at a constant pressure of 25 MPa, the average intermolecular distance around a reference water molecule remains remarkably stable at ~2.9 Å. This uniformity persists across a substantial temperature range, demonstrating the unique heterogeneous nature of SCW under these extreme conditions. Notably, the simulations also reveal intricate patterns within SCW, indicating the simultaneous presence of regions with high and low density. As temperatures increase, we observe a rise in the formation of molecular clusters, which are accompanied by a reduction in their average size. (4) Conclusions: These findings highlight the necessity of incorporating the molecular complexity of SCW into traditional track-structure chemistry models to improve predictions of SCW behavior under ionizing radiation. The study establishes a foundational reference for further exploration of the properties of supercritical water, particularly for its application in advanced nuclear technologies, including the next generation of water-cooled reactors and their small modular reactor variants that utilize SCW as a coolant.
C60 Fullerene Reduces the Level of Liver Damage in Chronic Alcohol Intoxication of Rats
Authors: Motuziuk Olexandr , Nozdrenko Dmytro , Prylutska Svitlana , Vareniuk Igor , Cherepanov Vsevolod , Bogutska Kateryna , Rudenko Sergii , Prylutskyy Yuriy , Piosik Jacek , Ritter Uwe
Published: June 2024

The liver is the main organ responsible for the metabolism of ethanol, which suffers significantly as a result of tissue damage due to oxidative stress. It is known that C60 fullerenes are able to efficiently capture and inactivate reactive oxygen species in in vivo and in vitro systems. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to determine whether water-soluble C60 fullerene reduces the level of pathological process development in the liver of rats induced by chronic alcohol intoxication for 3, 6, and 9 months, depending on the daily dose (oral administration; 0.5, 1, and 2 mg/kg) of C60 fullerene throughout the experiment. In this context, the morphology of the C60 fullerene nanoparticles in aqueous solution was studied using atomic force microscopy. Such biochemical parameters of experimental animal blood as ALT (alanine aminotransferase), AST (aspartate aminotransferase), GGT (gamma-glutamyl transferase) and ALP (alkaline phosphatase) enzyme activities, CDT (carbohydrate-deficient transferrin) level, values of pro-antioxidant balance indicators (concentrations of H2O2 (hydrogen peroxide) and GSH (reduced glutathione), activities of CAT (catalase), SOD (superoxide dismutase) and GPx (selenium-dependent glutathione peroxidase)), and pathohistological and morphometric features of liver damage were analyzed. The most significant positive change in the studied biochemical parameters (up to 29 ± 2% relative to the control), as markers of liver damage, was recorded at the combined administration of alcohol (40% ethanol in drinking water) and water-soluble C60 fullerenes in the optimal dose of 1 mg/kg, which was confirmed by small histopathological changes in the liver of rats. The obtained results prove the prospective use of C60 fullerenes as powerful antioxidants for the mitigation of pathological conditions of the liver arising under prolonged alcohol intoxication.
Renewing Interest in Zeolites as Adsorbents for Capture of Cationic Dyes from Aqueous and Ethanolic Solutions: A Simulation-Based Insight into the Efficiency of Dye Adsorption in View of Wastewater Treatment and Valorization of Post-Sorption Materials
Authors: Boudjema Lotfi , Assaf Marwa , Salles Fabrice , Gassin Pierre-Marie , Martin-Gassin Gaelle , Zajac Jerzy
Published: June 2024

The impact of solvents on the efficiency of cationic dye adsorption from a solution onto protonated Faujasite-type zeolite (FAU-Y) was investigated in the prospect of supporting potential applications in wastewater treatment or in the preparation of building blocks for optical devices. The adsorption isotherms were experimentally determined for methylene blue (MB) and auramine O (AO) from single-component solutions in water and in ethanol. The limiting dye uptake (saturation capacity) was evaluated for each adsorption system, and it decreased in the order of MB–water > AO–water > AO–ethanol > MB–ethanol. The mutual distances and orientations of the adsorbed dye species, and their interactions with the oxygen sites of the FAU-Y framework, with the solvent molecules, and among themselves were inferred from Monte Carlo simulations and subsequently utilized to rationalize the observed differences in the saturation capacity. The dye–solvent competition and the propensity of the dyes to form compact pi-stacked dimers were shown to play an important role in establishing a non-uniform distribution of the adsorbed species throughout the porous space. The two effects appeared particularly strong in the case of the MB–water system. The necessity of including solvent effects in modeling studies is emphasized.
Study on Rapid Non-Destructive Detection Method of Corn Freshness Based on Hyperspectral Imaging Technology
Authors: Zhang Yurong , Liu Shuxian , Zhou Xianqing , Cheng Junhu
Published: June 2024

(1) Background: To achieve the rapid, non-destructive detection of corn freshness and staleness for better use in the storage, processing and utilization of corn. (2) Methods: In this study, three varieties of corn were subjected to accelerated aging treatment to study the trend in fatty acid values of corn. The study focused on the use of hyperspectral imaging technology to collect information from corn samples with different aging levels. Spectral data were preprocessed by a convolutional smoothing derivative method (SG, SG1, SG2), derivative method (D1, D2), multiple scattering correction (MSC), and standard normal transform (SNV); the characteristic wavelengths were extracted by the competitive adaptive reweighting method (CARS) and successive projection algorithm (SPA); a neural network (BP) and random forest (RF) were utilized to establish a prediction model for the quantification of fatty acid values of corn. And, the distribution of fatty acid values was visualized based on fatty acid values under the corresponding optimal prediction model. (3) Results: With the prolongation of the aging time, all three varieties of corn showed an overall increasing trend. The fatty acid value of corn can be used as the most important index for characterizing the degree of aging of corn. SG2-SPA-RF was the quantitative prediction model for optimal fatty acid values of corn. The model extracted 31 wavelengths, only 12.11% of the total number of wavelengths, where the coefficient of determination RP2 of the test set was 0.9655 and the root mean square error (RMSE) was 3.6255. (4) Conclusions: This study can provide a reliable and effective new method for the rapid non-destructive testing of corn freshness.
Personalized Nutrition with Banked Human Milk for Early Gut Microbiota Development: In Pursuit of the Perfect Match
Authors: Hick Emilia , Suárez Marta , Rey Alejandra , Mantecón Laura , Fernández Nuria , Solís Gonzalo , Gueimonde Miguel , Arboleya Silvia
Published: June 2024

The correct initial colonization and establishment of the gut microbiota during the early stages of life is a key step, with long-lasting consequences throughout the entire lifespan of the individual. This process is affected by several perinatal factors; among them, feeding mode is known to have a critical role. Breastfeeding is the optimal nutrition for neonates; however, it is not always possible, especially in cases of prematurity or early pathology. In such cases, most commonly babies are fed with infant formulas in spite of the official nutritional and health international organizations’ recommendation on the use of donated human milk through milk banks for these cases. However, donated human milk still does not totally match maternal milk in terms of infant growth and gut microbiota development. The present review summarizes the practices of milk banks and hospitals regarding donated human milk, its safety and quality, and the health outcomes in infants fed with donated human milk. Additionally, we explore different alternatives to customize pasteurized donated human milk with the aim of finding the perfect match between each baby and banked milk for promoting the establishment of a beneficial gut microbiota from the early stages of life.
Mendelian Randomization Analysis of Systemic Iron Status and Risk of Different Types of Kidney Disease
Authors: Zhou Jiahui , Shi Wanting , Wu Dongya , Wang Shujie , Wang Xinhui , Min Junxia , Wang Fudi
Published: June 2024

With rapid increases in incidence, diverse subtypes, and complicated etiologies, kidney disease remains a global public health problem. Iron, as an essential trace element, has pleiotropic effects on renal function and the progression of kidney diseases. A two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was implemented to determine the potential causal effects between systemic iron status on different kidney diseases. Systemic iron status was represented by four iron-related biomarkers: serum iron, ferritin, transferrin saturation (TfSat), and total iron binding capacity (TIBC). For systemic iron status, 163,511, 246,139, 131,471, and 135,430 individuals were included in the genome-wide association study (GWAS) of serum iron, ferritin, TfSat, and TIBC, respectively. For kidney diseases, 653,143 individuals (15,658 cases and 637,485 controls), 657,076 individuals (8160 cases and 648,916 controls), and 659,320 individuals (10,404 cases and 648,916 controls) were included for immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN), acute kidney disease (AKD), and chronic kidney disease (CKD), respectively. Our MR results showed that increased serum iron [odds ratio (OR): 1.10; 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.04, 1.16; p < 0.0042], ferritin (OR: 1.30; 95% CI: 1.14, 1.48; p < 0.0042), and TfSat (OR: 1.07; 95% CI: 1.04, 1.11; p < 0.0042)] and decreased TIBC (OR: 0.92; 95% CI: 0.88, 0.97; p < 0.0042) were associated with elevated IgAN risk. However, no significant associations were found between systemic iron status and AKD or CKD. In our MR study, the genetic evidence supports elevated systemic iron status as a causal effect on IgAN, which suggests a potential protective effect of iron chelation on IgAN patients.