bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Altered Extracellular Vesicle miRNA Profile in Prodromal Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Visconte Caterina , Fenoglio Chiara , Serpente Maria , Muti Paola , Sacconi Andrea , Rigoni Marta , Arighi Andrea , Borracci Vittoria , Arcaro Marina , Arosio Beatrice , Ferri Evelyn , Golia Maria Teresa , Scarpini Elio , Galimberti Daniela
Published: September 2023

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nanosized vesicles released by almost all body tissues, representing important mediators of cellular communication, and are thus promising candidate biomarkers for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The aim of the present study was to isolate total EVs from plasma and characterize their microRNA (miRNA) contents in AD patients. We isolated total EVs from the plasma of all recruited subjects using ExoQuickULTRA exosome precipitation solution (SBI). Subsequently, circulating total EVs were characterized using Nanosight nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Western blotting. A panel of 754 miRNAs was determined with RT-qPCR using TaqMan OpenArray technology in a QuantStudio 12K System (Thermo Fisher Scientific). The results demonstrated that plasma EVs showed widespread deregulation of specific miRNAs (miR-106a-5p, miR-16-5p, miR-17-5p, miR-195-5p, miR-19b-3p, miR-20a-5p, miR-223-3p, miR-25-3p, miR-296-5p, miR-30b-5p, miR-532-3p, miR-92a-3p, and miR-451a), some of which were already known to be associated with neurological pathologies. A further validation analysis also confirmed a significant upregulation of miR-16-5p, miR-25-3p, miR-92a-3p, and miR-451a in prodromal AD patients, suggesting these dysregulated miRNAs are involved in the early progression of AD.
An Instance- and Label-Based Feature Selection Method in Classification Tasks
Authors: Fan Qingcheng , Liu Sicong , Zhao Chunjiang , Li Shuqin
Published: September 2023

Feature selection is crucial in classification tasks as it helps to extract relevant information while reducing redundancy. This paper presents a novel method that considers both instance and label correlation. By employing the least squares method, we calculate the linear relationship between each feature and the target variable, resulting in correlation coefficients. Features with high correlation coefficients are selected. Compared to traditional methods, our approach offers two advantages. Firstly, it effectively selects features highly correlated with the target variable from a large feature set, reducing data dimensionality and improving analysis and modeling efficiency. Secondly, our method considers label correlation between features, enhancing the accuracy of selected features and subsequent model performance. Experimental results on three datasets demonstrate the effectiveness of our method in selecting features with high correlation coefficients, leading to superior model performance. Notably, our approach achieves a minimum accuracy improvement of 3.2% for the advanced classifier, lightGBM, surpassing other feature selection methods. In summary, our proposed method, based on instance and label correlation, presents a suitable solution for classification problems.
Judgments of Learning Following Retrieval Practice Produce Minimal Reactivity Effect on Learning of Education-Related Materials
Authors: Zhao Wenbo , Xu Muzi , Xu Chenyuqi , Li Baike , Hu Xiao , Yang Chunliang , Luo Liang
Published: September 2023

Testing (i.e., retrieval practice) is one of the most powerful strategies to boost learning. A recent study observed an incidental finding that making judgments of learning (JOLs) following retrieval practice further enhanced learning of education-related texts to a medium extent (Cohen’s d = 0.44) by comparison with retrieval practice itself, suggesting that making JOLs may serve as an easy-to-implement educational intervention to improve the benefits of testing. Three experiments (one pre-registered) were conducted to test the replicability of Ariel et al.’s incidental finding and to further determine whether making JOLs following retrieval practice reactively enhances the benefits of testing for text learning. The three experiments consistently provided Bayesian evidence supporting no reactivity effect of JOLs following retrieval practice, regardless of whether the replication experiments were conducted in a laboratory (Experiment 1) or online (Experiments 2 and 3), whether the stimuli were presented in the same language (Experiments 2 and 3) or not (Experiment 1), and whether participants were recruited from the sample pool (Experiment 2) or not (Experiments 1 and 3) as in the original study. These null findings imply that making JOLs cannot be utilized as a practical strategy to enhance the benefits of testing for learning of educationally related materials. Possible explanations for the null reactivity effect of JOLs following retrieval practice are discussed.
MODAN: Multifocal Object Detection Associative Network for Maritime Horizon Surveillance
Authors: Yoon Sungan , Jalal Ahmad , Cho Jeongho
Published: September 2023

In maritime surveillance systems, object detection plays a crucial role in ensuring the security of nearby waters by tracking the movement of various objects, such as ships and aircrafts, that are found at sea, detecting illegal activities and preemptively countering or predicting potential risks. Using vision sensors such as cameras to monitor the sea can help to identify the shape, size, and color of objects, enabling the precise analysis of maritime situations. Additionally, vision sensors can monitor or track small ships that may escape radar detection. However, objects located at considerable distances from vision sensors have low resolution and are small in size, rendering their detection difficult. This paper proposes a multifocal object detection associative network (MODAN) to overcome these vulnerabilities and provide stable maritime surveillance. First, it searches for the horizon using color quantization based on K-means; then, it selects and partitions the region of interest (ROI) around the horizon using the ROI selector. The original image and ROI image, converted to high resolution through the Super-Resolution Convolutional Neural Network (SRCNN), are then passed to the near-field and far-field detectors, respectively, for object detection. The weighted box fusion removes duplicate detected objects and estimates the optimal object. The proposed network is more stable and efficient in detecting distant objects than existing single-object detection models. Through performance evaluations, the proposed network exhibited an average precision surpassing that of the existing single-object detection models by more than 7%, and the false detection rate was reduced by 59% compared to similar multifocal-based state-of-the-art detection methods.
Measurement of Turbidity and Total Suspended Matter in the Albufera of Valencia Lagoon (Spain) Using Sentinel-2 Images
Authors: Molner Juan V. , Soria Juan M. , Pérez-González Rebeca , Sòria-Perpinyà Xavier
Published: September 2023

In the context of freshwater ecosystems, turbidity and suspended solids play crucial roles, with their levels significantly influenced by anthropogenic activities. This study focuses on assessing and monitoring these parameters in Albufera de Valencia using Sentinel-2 imagery. The primary aim is to establish reliable estimation algorithms that can contribute to effective ecosystem management. This study calibrated and validated algorithms for estimating turbidity and suspended solids. The R783 × R705/R490 model proved to have the best performance for estimating turbidity and total solids in Albufera. However, R783/R490 obtained a higher coefficient of determination for the organic part, while the R705 band was selected for the inorganic part. However, to achieve better estimates of turbidity and inorganic matter, more research is needed in the future. The implications of excessive suspended solids are underscored, including the depletion of dissolved oxygen and reduced primary productivity due to limited light penetration and habitat availability. Collaboration between disciplines such as limnology, optics, and water chemistry is crucial to advance water quality estimation models in lakes and lagoons such as Albufera. By integrating expertise and approaches from these diverse fields, new knowledge can be gained, and the basis for more effective management and conservation strategies can be laid.
Exploring Drivers Shaping the Choice of Alternative-Fueled New Vessels
Authors: Chen Shun , Wang Xingjian , Zheng Shiyuan , Chen Yuantao
Published: September 2023

The urgent imperative for maritime decarbonization has driven shipowners to embrace alternative marine fuels. Using a robust orderbook dataset spanning from January 2020 to July 2023 (encompassing 4712 vessels, 281 shipyards, and 967 shipping companies), four distinct multinomial logit models were developed. These models, comprising a full-sample model and specialized ones for container vessels, dry bulk carriers, and tankers, aim to identify the key determinants influencing shipowners’ choices of alternative fuels when ordering new vessels. It is interesting to find that alternative fuels (e.g., liquefied natural gas) are the most attractive choice for gas ships and ro-ro carriers; others prefer to use conventional fuels. Furthermore, this study reveals that shipowners’ choices of new fuels significantly correlate with their nationality. While it is well-established that economic factors influence shipowners’ choices for new ship fuel solutions, the impacts of bunker costs, freight rates, and CO2 emission allowance prices remain relatively limited. It is evident that the policies of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to reduce carbon emissions have increased the demand for building new energy ships. This research contributes to bridging research gaps by shedding light on the intricate interplay of factors that influence shipowners’ preferences for alternative marine fuels amidst global regulatory shifts. It also offers valuable insights for policymakers aiming to incentivize shipowners to transition towards sustainable energy sources.
Mechanisms of Forestry Carbon Sink Policies on Land Use Efficiency: A Perspective from the Drivers of Policy Implementation
Authors: Gao Yunduan
Published: September 2023

Rapid urbanization has brought economic dividends to China, but it has been accompanied by inefficient land use. Meanwhile, the mechanism of forestry carbon sinks (FCSs) on land use efficiency (LUE) has not been sufficiently discussed in the context of the pursuit of “carbon neutrality” around the world. Based on the idea of the benefit–cost theory, this study investigated the impact of FCSs on LUE in 30 provincial-level regions (2006–2019) in China using the difference-in-difference model. The results showed that, first, via the mechanisms of public opinion (PO) and rewards and penalties (RP), FCSs could significantly improve the LUE in the regions, and that the former had a greater effect than the latter; second, the tests of the assumption of parallel trends showed that FCSs had a slower effect on the LUE under the PO mechanism than under the RP mechanism; third, the analysis of the LUE showed that the improvement in LUE mainly occurred in the eastern, central, and southwestern regions of China. The conclusions were as follows: (1) FCS is able to promote LUE via both the PO and RP mechanisms; (2) there is a lag in the promotion of LUE by FCS, and the lag is larger with the PO mechanism; and (3) there is spatial clustering in the promotion of LUE by FCS. In line with these conclusions, we propose policy recommendations to better exploit the policy effects of FCSs in three aspects, namely promoting the development of forestry carbon sink projects, improving the relevant mechanisms of FCSs, and improving the mechanisms of PO and RP.
Tribological Performance of Anti-Wear Coatings on Tools for Forming Aluminium Alloy Sheets Used for Producing Pull-Off Caps
Authors: Czapla Kamil , Żaba Krzysztof , Kot Marcin , Nejman Ilona , Madej Marcin , Trzepieciński Tomasz
Published: September 2023

Ensuring adequate reliability of the production process of packaging closures has made it necessary to study the effect of annealing and varnishing variants on the strength and structural properties of the stock material. As a test material, EN AW-5052-H28 aluminium alloy sheets with a thickness of 0.21 mm were used. The surface treatment of the test material involved varnishing the sheet metal surface using various varnishes and soaking the sheet metal. The coefficient of friction and the abrasion resistance of the coatings were determined using the T-21 ball-and-disc tribotester. The tested sheets were subjected to tribological analysis by the T-05 roller-block tribotester using countersamples made of Caldie and Sverker 21 tool steels. The results of the tests showed differences in mechanical and structural properties depending on the method of sample preparation. Based on the test results, significant differences in the adhesion of anti-wear coatings were found. The results revealed that the most favourable friction conditions are provided by the CrN coating. The (AlTi)N interlayer in the (AlTi)N/(AlCr)N coating adheres to the substrate over the entire tested area and no detachment from its surface was observed, which proves good bonding at the substrate/coating interface. The tested AlTiN/TiAlSiXN coating is characterised by a more homogeneous, compact microstructure compared to the (AlTi)N/(AlCr)N coating.
Sustainable Mining: Reuse of Clay from Abandoned Areas in the South of Brazil for Ceramic Production Based on a Simplex Design
Authors: Saviatto Emily , Zaccaron Alexandre , Nandi Vitor de Souza , Acordi Juliana , Arcaro Sabrina , Raupp-Pereira Fabiano , Galatto Sergio Luciano , Ribeiro Manuel Joaquim
Published: September 2023

The environmental impact of clay mining can be minimized using extractive mineral circularity practices. Combining the available knowledge of the characteristics of different clays with statistical tools was a decisive step for the improved use of mining resources. Through blends, all the mined materials can be incorporated to produce quality ceramic products. This study identified two types of clay from abandoned mining areas in the southern state of Santa Catarina, Brazil. These raw materials were valued together with plastic clay, which is widely used in the region, to develop 10 different formulations using a mixture design method. The clays were characterized using average granulometric distribution, mineralogical composition, and chemical, thermal and plasticity analyses. The specimens were shaped by extrusion, dried in an oven, fired in a muffle furnace and characterized based on their shrinkage, water absorption and compressive strength values. Two clays with varying characteristics—one with low workability and the other with a high silica content—exhibited difficulties (generating defects) in the extrusion shaping process, which compromised the final quality of the ceramic paste. Results showed that incorporating up to 45% by mass of the low-workability clay resulted in an increase in water absorption. The more siliceous clay improved dimensional control; however, its use at high contents (~80%) decreased the mechanical resistance. Nevertheless, when used in controlled amounts, these clays can be beneficial to the production of blocks and bricks because they have the potential to improve some properties of the finished ceramic products.
Neodymium-Doped Gadolinium Compounds as Infrared Emitters for Multimodal Imaging
Authors: Delaey Maxime , Van Bogaert Seppe , Cosaert Ewoud , Mommen Wout , Poelman Dirk
Published: September 2023

This study aims to investigate the optical properties of multiple neodymium-doped gadolinium compounds as a means to examine their eligibility as optical probes for fluorescence imaging. GdVO4, GdPO4, GdAlO3, Gd2SiO5 and Gd3Ga5O12 (GGG) samples were synthesized through solid-state reactions with varying neodymium doping levels to compare their optical properties in great detail. The optimal doping concentration was generally found to be approximately 2%. Furthermore, the luminescence lifetime, which is a valuable parameter for time-gated imaging, was determined to range from 276 down to 14 µs for the highest doping concentrations, resulting from energy transfer and migration assisted decay.
A Novel Polyester Varnish Nanocomposites for Electrical Machines with Improved Thermal and Dielectric Properties Using Functionalized TiO2 Nanoparticles
Authors: Ahmed Hanaa M. , Abdel-Gawad Nagat M. K. , Afifi Waleed A. , Mansour Diaa-Eldin A. , Lehtonen Matti , Darwish Mohamed M. F.
Published: September 2023

Recently, there has been a growing interest in polymer insulating materials that incorporate nanoscale inorganic additives, as they have shown significantly improved dielectric, thermal, and mechanical properties, making them highly suitable for application in high-voltage insulating materials for electrical machines. This study aims to improve the dielectric and thermal properties of a commercial polyester varnish by incorporating different concentrations of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2) with proper surface functionalization. Permafil 9637 dipping varnish is the varnish used for this investigation, and vinyl silane is the coupling agent used in the surface functionalization of TiO2 nanoparticles. First, nanoparticles are characterized through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy to validate the success of their surface functionalization. Then, varnish nanocomposites are characterized through field emission scanning electron microscopy to validate the dispersion and morphology of nanoparticles within the varnish matrix. Following characterization, varnish nanocomposites are evaluated for thermal and dielectric properties. Regarding thermal properties, the thermal conductivity of the prepared nanocomposites is assessed. Regarding dielectric properties, both permittivity and dielectric losses are evaluated over a wide frequency range, starting from 20 Hz up to 2 MHz. Moreover, the AC breakdown voltage is measured for varnish nanocomposites, and the obtained data are incorporated into a finite element method to obtain the dielectric breakdown strength. Finally, the physical mechanisms behind the obtained results are discussed, considering the role of nanoparticle loading and surface functionalization.
On-Board Random Vibration-Based Robust Detection of Railway Hollow Worn Wheels under Varying Traveling Speeds
Authors: Kaliorakis Nikolaos , Sakellariou John S. , Fassois Spilios D.
Published: September 2023

The problem of the prompt detection of early-stage hollow worn wheels in railway vehicles via on-board random vibration measurements under normal operation and varying speeds is investigated. This is achieved based on two unsupervised statistical time series (STS) methods which are founded on a multiple-model (MM) framework for the representation of healthy vehicle dynamics. The unsupervised MM power spectral density (U-MM-PSD) method employs Welch-based PSD estimates for wheel wear detection and the unsupervised MM autoregressive (U-MM-AR) method for the parameter vectors of multiple AR models. Both methods are assessed via two case studies using thousands of test cases. The first case study includes Monte Carlo simulations using a SIMPACK-based detailed railway vehicle model, while the second is based on field tests with an Athens Metro train. Wheel wear detection is pursued using lateral or vertical vibration signals from the bogie or the carbody of a trailed vehicle traveling with three different speeds (60, 70, 80 km/h) using wheels under healthy conditions or with early stage hollow wear. Both methods exhibit remarkable performance with the U-MM-AR method to achieve the best overall results, reaching correct detection rates of even 100% with false alarm rates below 5% based on a single accelerometer either on the carbody or bogie.
Robust Tracking as Constrained Optimization by Uncertain Dynamic Plant: Mirror Descent Method and ASG—Version of Integral Sliding Mode Control
Authors: Nazin Alexander , Alazki Hussain , Poznyak Alexander
Published: September 2023

A class of controlled objects is considered, the dynamics of which are determined by a vector system of ordinary differential equations with a partially known right-hand side. It is presumed that the state variables and their velocities can be measured. Designing a robust tracking controller under some constraints to admissible state variables is the research goal. This construction, which extends the results for the average subgradient technique (ASG), and is an update of the subgradient descent technique (SDM) and integral sliding mode (ISM) approach, is realized by using the Legendre–Fenchel transform. A two-link robot manipulator with three revolute joints, powered by individual PMDC motors, is presented as an illustrative example of the suggested approach implementation.
MTLBORKS-CNN: An Innovative Approach for Automated Convolutional Neural Network Design for Image Classification
Authors: Ang Koon Meng , Lim Wei Hong , Tiang Sew Sun , Sharma Abhishek , Towfek S. K. , Abdelhamid Abdelaziz A. , Alharbi Amal H. , Khafaga Doaa Sami
Published: September 2023

Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have excelled in artificial intelligence, particularly in image-related tasks such as classification and object recognition. However, manually designing CNN architectures demands significant domain expertise and involves time-consuming trial-and-error processes, along with substantial computational resources. To overcome this challenge, an automated network design method known as Modified Teaching-Learning-Based Optimization with Refined Knowledge Sharing (MTLBORKS-CNN) is introduced. It autonomously searches for optimal CNN architectures, achieving high classification performance on specific datasets without human intervention. MTLBORKS-CNN incorporates four key features. It employs an effective encoding scheme for various network hyperparameters, facilitating the search for innovative and valid network architectures. During the modified teacher phase, it leverages a social learning concept to calculate unique exemplars that effectively guide learners while preserving diversity. In the modified learner phase, self-learning and adaptive peer learning are incorporated to enhance knowledge acquisition of learners during CNN architecture optimization. Finally, MTLBORKS-CNN employs a dual-criterion selection scheme, considering both fitness and diversity, to determine the survival of learners in subsequent generations. MTLBORKS-CNN is rigorously evaluated across nine image datasets and compared with state-of-the-art methods. The results consistently demonstrate MTLBORKS-CNN’s superiority in terms of classification accuracy and network complexity, suggesting its potential for infrastructural development of smart devices.
Modeling and Verification of Uncertain Cyber-Physical System Based on Decision Processes
Authors: Chen Na , Geng Shengling , Li Yongming
Published: September 2023

Currently, there is uncertainty in the modeling techniques of cyber-physical systems (CPS) when faced with the multiple possibilities and distributions of complex system behavior. This uncertainty leads to the system’s inability to handle uncertain data correctly, resulting in lower reliability of the system model. Additionally, existing technologies struggle to verify the activity and safety of CPS after modeling, lacking a dynamic verification and analysis approach for uncertain CPS properties.This paper introduces a generalized possibility decision process as a system model. Firstly, the syntax and semantics of generalized possibility temporal logic with decision processes are defined. Uncertain CPS is extended by modeling it based on time-based differential equations and uncertainty hybrid time automaton. After that, model checking is performed on the properties of activity and safety using fuzzy linear time properties. Finally, a cold–hot hybrid constant-temperature system model is used for simulation experiments. By combining theory and experiments, this paper provides a new approach to the verification of uncertain CPS, effectively addressing the state explosion problem. It plays a crucial role in the design of uncertain CPS and offers a key solution for model checking in the presence of uncertainty.
Privacy-Enhanced Federated Learning for Non-IID Data
Authors: Tan Qingjie , Wu Shuhui , Tao Yuanhong
Published: September 2023

Federated learning (FL) allows the collaborative training of a collective model by a vast number of decentralized clients while ensuring that these clients’ data remain private and are not shared. In practical situations, the training data utilized in FL often exhibit non-IID characteristics, hence diminishing the efficacy of FL. Our study presents a novel privacy-preserving FL algorithm, HW-DPFL, which leverages data label distribution similarity as a basis for its design. Our proposed approach achieves this objective without incurring any additional overhead communication. In this study, we provide evidence to support the assertion that our approach improves the privacy guarantee and convergence of FL both theoretically and empirically.
Properties of a Special Holomorphic Function Linked with a Generalized Multiplier Transformation
Authors: Swamy Sondekola Rudra , Alb Lupaş Alina , Magesh Nanjundan , Sailaja Yerragunta
Published: September 2023

In the present paper, we introduce a special holomorphic function in U={z∈C:|z|<1} which is associated with new generalized multiplier transformations. We investigate several properties of the defined function using the concept of subordination, then highlight a number of cases with interesting results.
Filamentation of a Hollow Gaussian Beam in a Nonlinear Optical Medium
Authors: Asma Mir , Ali A. K. Shafeeque , Alzahrani Abdullah Khamis , Ullah Malik Zaka , Shateyi Stanford
Published: September 2023

This paper reports the filamentation of hollow Gaussian beams of the first, second, third, and fourth orders during propagation in a cubic and quintic nonlinear medium. Due to spatial modulation instability, the hollow Gaussian beams split to form either co-centric circular filaments or ultrashort pulses. It is found that the properties of the nonlinear medium used for propagation have a strong influence on certain characteristics of the formed filaments, such as peak intensity and pulse width. This correlation between the system parameters of the medium and filament characteristics represents a method for calculating the system parameters of the medium. This investigation can be helpful in the development of a hollow Gaussian beam-based artificial intelligence system that can be used to measure the system parameters of the studied nonlinear medium.
Antidiabetic Effect of Collagen Peptides from Harpadon nehereus Bones in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes Mice by Regulating Oxidative Stress and Glucose Metabolism
Authors: Lin Qianxia , Guo Yueping , Li Jie , He Shuqi , Chen Yan , Jin Huoxi
Published: September 2023

Oxidative stress and abnormal glucose metabolism are the important physiological mechanisms in the occurrence and development of diabetes. Antioxidant peptides have been reported to attenuate diabetes complications by regulating levels of oxidative stress, but few studies have focused on peptides from marine bone collagen. In this study, we prepared the peptides with a molecular weight of less than 1 kD (HNCP) by enzymolysis and ultrafiltration derived from Harpadon nehereus bone collagen. Furthermore, the effects of HNCP on blood glucose, blood lipid, liver structure and function, oxidative stress, and glucose metabolism were studied using HE staining, kit detection, and Western blotting experiment in streptozocin-induced type 1 diabetes mice. After the 240 mg/kg HNCP treatment, the levels of blood glucose, triglyceride (TG), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in streptozotocin-induced diabetes mice decreased by 32.8%, 42.2%, and 43.2%, respectively, while the levels of serum insulin and hepatic glycogen increased by 142.0% and 96.4%, respectively. The antioxidant enzymes levels and liver function in the diabetic mice were markedly improved after HNCP intervention. In addition, the levels of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), glucokinase (GK), and phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase-3 (p-GSK3β) in the liver were markedly up-regulated after HNCP treatment, but the glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase) and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase1 (PEPCK1) were down-regulated. In conclusion, HNCP could attenuate oxidative stress, reduce blood glucose, and improve glycolipid metabolism in streptozocin-induced type 1 diabetes mice.
Optimization of Heterotrophic Culture Conditions for the Microalgae Euglena gracilis to Produce Proteins
Authors: Xie Weiying , Li Xiaojie , Xu Huo , Chen Feng , Cheng Ka-Wing , Liu Hongbin , Liu Bin
Published: September 2023

Euglena gracilis is one of the few permitted edible microalgae. Considering consumer acceptance, E. gracilis grown heterotrophically with yellow appearances have wider food industrial applications such as producing meat analogs than green cells. However, there is much room to improve the protein content of heterotrophic culture cells. In this study, the effects of nitrogen sources, temperature, initial pH, and C/N ratios on the protein production of E. gracilis were evaluated under heterotrophic cultivation. These results indicated that ammonium sulfate was the optimal nitrogen source for protein production. The protein content of E. gracilis cultured by ammonium sulfate increased by 113% and 44.7% compared with that cultured by yeast extract and monosodium glutamate, respectively. The manipulation of the low C/N ratio further improved E. gracilis protein content to 66.10% (w/w), which was 1.6-fold of that in the C/N = 25 group. Additionally, amino acid analysis revealed that the nitrogen-to-protein conversion factor (NTP) could be affected by nitrogen sources. A superior essential amino acid index (EAAI) of 1.62 and a balanced amino acid profile further confirmed the high nutritional value of E. gracilis protein fed by ammonium sulfate. This study highlighted the vast potency of heterotrophic cultured E. gracilis as an alternative dietary protein source.
Assessing the Toxicity of Lagocephalus sceleratus Pufferfish from the Southeastern Aegean Sea and the Relationship of Tetrodotoxin with Gonadal Hormones
Authors: Anastasiou Thekla I. , Kagiampaki Eirini , Kondylatos Gerasimos , Tselepides Anastasios , Peristeraki Panagiota , Mandalakis Manolis
Published: September 2023

Given the dramatic increase in the L. sceleratus population in the southeastern Aegean Sea, there is growing interest in assessing the toxicity of this pufferfish and the factors controlling its tetrodotoxin (TTX) content. In the present study, liver, gonads, muscle and skin of 37 L. sceleratus specimens collected during May and June 2021 from the island of Rhodes, Greece, were subjected to multi-analyte profiling using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) in order to quantitate TTX and evaluate whether this biotoxin interrelates with hormones. TTX and its analogues 4-epiTTX, 11-deoxyTTX, 11-norTTX-6-ol, 4,9-anhydroTTX and 5,11/6,11-dideoxyTTX were detected in all tissue types. Liver and gonads were the most toxic tissues, with the highest TTX concentrations being observed in the ovaries of female specimens. Only 22% of the analyzed muscle samples were non-toxic according to the Japanese toxicity threshold (2.2 μg TTX eq g−1), confirming the high poisoning risk from the inadvertent consumption of this species. Four steroid hormones (i.e., cortisol, testosterone, androstenedione and β-estradiol) and the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) were detected in the gonads. Androstenedione dominated in female specimens, while GnRH was more abundant in males. A positive correlation of TTX and its analogues with β-estradiol was observed. However, a model incorporating sex rather than β-estradiol as the independent variable proven to be more efficient in predicting TTX concentration, implying that other sex-related characteristics are more important than specific hormone-regulated processes.
Orange Carotenoid Protein in Mesoporous Silica: A New System towards the Development of Colorimetric and Fluorescent Sensors for pH and Temperature
Authors: Leccese Silvia , Calcinoni Andrea , Wilson Adjélé , Kirilovsky Diana , Carbonera Donatella , Onfroy Thomas , Jolivalt Claude , Mezzetti Alberto
Published: September 2023

Orange carotenoid protein (OCP) is a photochromic carotenoprotein involved in the photoprotection of cyanobacteria. It is activated by blue-green light to a red form OCPR capable of dissipating the excess of energy of the cyanobacterial photosynthetic light-harvesting systems. Activation to OCPR can also be achieved in the dark. In the present work, activation by pH changes of two different OCPs—containing echinenone or canthaxanthin as carotenoids—is investigated in different conditions. A particular emphasis is put on OCP encapsulated in SBA-15 mesoporous silica nanoparticles. It is known that in these hybrid systems, under appropriate conditions, OCP remains photoactive. Here, we show that when immobilised in SBA-15, the OCP visible spectrum is sensitive to pH changes, but such a colorimetric response is very different from the one observed for OCP in solution. In both cases (SBA-15 matrices and solutions), pH-induced colour changes are related either by orange-to-red OCP activation, or by carotenoid loss from the denatured protein. Of particular interest is the response of OCP in SBA-15 matrices, where a sudden change in the Vis absorption spectrum and in colour is observed for pH changing from 2 to 3 (in the case of canthaxanthin-binding OCP in SBA-15: λMAX shifts from 454 to 508 nm) and for pH changing from 3 to 4 (in the case of echinenone-binding OCP in SBA-15: λMAX shifts from 445 to 505 nm). The effect of temperature on OCP absorption spectrum and colour (in SBA-15 matrices) has also been investigated and found to be highly dependent on the properties of the used mesoporous silica matrix. Finally, we also show that simultaneous encapsulation in selected surface-functionalised SBA-15 nanoparticles of appropriate fluorophores makes it possible to develop OCP-based pH-sensitive fluorescent systems. This work therefore represents a proof of principle that OCP immobilised in mesoporous silica is a promising system in the development of colorimetric and fluorometric pH and temperature sensors.
Novel Second-Order Fully Differential All-Pass Filter Using CNTFETs
Authors: Masud Muhammad I. , Khan Iqbal A. , Moiz Syed Abdul , Younis Waheed A.
Published: September 2023

In this paper, a new carbon nanotube field effect transistor (CNTFET)-based second-order fully differential all-pass filter circuit is presented. The realized filter uses CNTFET-based transconductors and grounded capacitors. An active-only second-order fully differential all-pass filter circuit topology is also presented by replacing the grounded capacitance with a CNTFET-based varactor to achieve filter tunability. By controlling the varactor capacitance, active-only second-order fully differential all-pass filter tunability in the range of 15 GHz to 27.5 GHz is achieved. The proposed active-only circuit works on -oltage, low-power dissipation and high tunable pole frequency. The realized circuit operations are verified through the HPSPICE simulation tool. Deng’s CNTFET model is utilized to verify the filter performances at the 16 nm technology node. It is seen that the proposed filter simulation justifies the theoretical predictions and works efficiently in the deep-submicron technology.
Illuminating the Genomic Landscape of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum PU3—A Novel Probiotic Strain Isolated from Human Breast Milk, Explored through Nanopore Sequencing
Authors: Mollova Daniela , Gozmanova Mariyana , Apostolova Elena , Yahubyan Galina , Iliev Ilia , Baev Vesselin
Published: September 2023

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum stands out as a remarkably diverse species of lactic acid bacteria, occupying a myriad of ecological niches. Particularly noteworthy is its presence in human breast milk, which can serve as a reservoir of probiotic bacteria, contributing significantly to the establishment and constitution of infant gut microbiota. In light of this, our study attempted to conduct an initial investigation encompassing both genomic and phenotypic aspects of the L. plantarum PU3 strain, that holds potential as a probiotic agent. By employing the cutting-edge third-generation Nanopore sequencing technology, L. plantarum PU3 revealed a circular chromosome of 3,180,940 bp and nine plasmids of various lengths. The L. plantarum PU3 genome has a total of 2962 protein-coding and non-coding genes. Our in-depth investigations revealed more than 150 probiotic gene markers that unfold the genetic determinants for acid tolerance, bile resistance, adhesion, and oxidative and osmotic stress. The in vivo analysis showed the strain’s proficiency in utilizing various carbohydrates as growth substrates, complementing the in silico analysis of the genes involved in metabolic pathways. Notably, the strain demonstrated a pronounced affinity for D-sorbitol, D-mannitol, and D-Gluconic acid, among other carbohydrate sources. The in vitro experimental verification of acid, osmotic and bile tolerance validated the robustness of the strain in challenging environments. Encouragingly, no virulence factors were detected in the genome of PU3, suggesting its safety profile. In search of beneficial properties, we found potential bacteriocin biosynthesis clusters, suggesting its capability for antimicrobial activity. The characteristics exhibited by L. plantarum PU3 pave the way for promising strain potential, warranting further investigations to unlock its full capacity and contributions to probiotic and therapeutic avenues.
Melittin-Related Peptides Interfere with Sandfly Fever Naples Virus Infection by Interacting with Heparan Sulphate
Authors: Chianese Annalisa , Zannella Carla , Palma Francesca , Di Clemente Laura , Monti Alessandra , Doti Nunzianna , De Filippis Anna , Galdiero Massimiliano
Published: September 2023

Emerging viruses pose an important global public health challenge, and early action is needed to control their spread. The Bunyaviridae family contains a great number of arboviruses which are potentially pathogenic for humans. For example, phleboviruses affect a large range of hosts, including humans and animals. Some infections usually have an asymptomatic course, but others lead to severe complications, such as Toscana virus, which is able to cause meningitis and encephalitis. Unfortunately, to date, no vaccines or antiviral treatments have been found. In the present study, we evaluated the effect of melittin-related peptides, namely the frog-derived RV-23 and AR-23, on sandfly fever Naples virus infection in vitro. Both peptides exhibited a strong antiviral activity by targeting the viral particles and blocking the virus–cell interaction. Their action was directed to an early phase of SFNV infection, in particular at viral adsorption on host cells, by interfering with the binding of common glycosaminoglycan receptors. Given the better antimicrobial behavior of AR-23 and RV-23 compared to melittin in terms of selectivity, our studies expand our understanding of the potential of these peptides as antimicrobials and stimulate further investigations in the direction of novel antiviral strategies against phlebovirus infection.
Gut Phageome—An Insight into the Role and Impact of Gut Microbiome and Their Correlation with Mammal Health and Diseases
Authors: Zhang Yujie , Sharma Somanshu , Tom Logan , Liao Yen-Te , Wu Vivian C. H.
Published: September 2023

The gut microbiota, including bacteria, archaea, fungi, and viruses, compose a diverse mammalian gut environment and are highly associated with host health. Bacteriophages, the viruses that infect bacteria, are the primary members of the gastrointestinal virome, known as the phageome. However, our knowledge regarding the gut phageome remains poorly understood. In this review, the critical role of the gut phageome and its correlation with mammalian health were summarized. First, an overall profile of phages across the gastrointestinal tract and their dynamic roles in shaping the surrounding microorganisms was elucidated. Further, the impacts of the gut phageome on gastrointestinal fitness and the bacterial community were highlighted, together with the influence of diets on the gut phageome composition. Additionally, new reports on the role of the gut phageome in the association of mammalian health and diseases were reviewed. Finally, a comprehensive update regarding the advanced phage benchwork and contributions of phage-based therapy to prevent/treat mammalian diseases was provided. This study provides insights into the role and impact of the gut phagenome in gut environments closely related to mammal health and diseases. The findings provoke the potential applications of phage-based diagnosis and therapy in clinical and agricultural fields. Future research is needed to uncover the underlying mechanism of phage–bacterial interactions in gut environments and explore the maintenance of mammalian health via phage-regulated gut microbiota.
Molecular Simulation of Adsorption and Diffusion of Methane and Ethane in Kaolinite Clay under Supercritical Conditions: Effects of Water and Temperature
Authors: Li De-Yang , Liu Dong-Mei , Hu Hong-Kui , Bo Hui-Feng , Zhang Zhan-Xin
Published: September 2023

Grand Canonical Monte Carlo (GCMC) simulation and Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations were used to study the effects of temperature (310 K to 400 K), pressure (≤30 MPa) and water content (0 molecule/nm3 to 9 molecule/nm3) on the adsorption and diffusion behavior of CH4 and C2H6 in 3 nm kaolinite slit under supercritical conditions. The obtained adsorption capacity, isosteric adsorption heat, concentration distribution and diffusion coefficient were analyzed and compared. The simulation results show that the adsorption capacity of C2H6 is higher under low pressure conditions, and the adsorption capacity of CH4 is higher under high pressure conditions due to the small molecular radius and increased adsorption space. The addition of water molecules and the increase in temperature will reduce the adsorption capacity and isosteric adsorption heat of the two gases. We analyzed the changes in Langmuir volume and Langmuir pressure of the two gases under different temperature and water content conditions. The addition of water molecules and the increase in temperature will reduce the saturation adsorption capacity (which has a greater effect on C2H6) and the adsorption rate of the two gases in the kaolinite slit. The water molecules occupy the adsorption site of the gas molecules (limiting the diffusion of the gas molecules), which reduces the interaction between gas molecules and the wall surface, thus altering the distribution of the two gases in the slit. The increase in temperature will accelerate the oscillation of the gas molecules, increasing diffusion, and also leads to a reduction in the peak value of the adsorption peaks of the two gases.
Proterozoic Deep Carbon—Characterisation, Origin and the Role of Fluids during High-Grade Metamorphism of Graphite (Lofoten–Vesterålen Complex, Norway)
Authors: Engvik Ane K. , Gautneb Håvard , Mørkved Pål Tore , Solberg Janja Knežević , Erambert Muriel
Published: September 2023

Graphite formation in the deep crust during granulite facies metamorphism is documented in the Proterozoic gneisses of the Lofoten–Vesterålen Complex, northern Norway. Graphite schist is hosted in banded gneisses dominated by orthopyroxene-bearing quartzofeldspathic gneiss, including marble, calcsilicate rocks and amphibolite. The schist has major graphite (<modality 39%), quartz, plagioclase, pyroxenes, biotite (Mg# = 0.67–0.91; Ti < 0.66 a.p.f.u.) and K-feldspar/perthite. Pyroxene is orthopyroxene (En69–74) and/or clinopyroxene (En33–53Fs1–14Wo44–53); graphite occurs in assemblage with metamorphic orthopyroxene. Phase diagram modelling (plagioclase + orthopyroxene (Mg#-ratio = 0.74) + biotite + quartz + rutile + ilmenite + graphite-assemblage) constrains pressure-temperature conditions of 810–835 °C and 0.73–0.77 GPa; Zr-in-rutile thermometry 726–854 °C. COH fluids stabilise graphite and orthopyroxene; the high Mg#-ratio of biotite and pyroxenes, and apatite Cl < 2 a.p.f.u., indicate the importance of fluids during metamorphism. Stable isotopic δ13Cgraphite in the graphite schist is −38 to −17‰; δ13Ccalcite of marbles +3‰ to +10‰. Samples with both graphite and calcite present give lighter values for δ13Ccalcite = −8.7‰ to −9.5‰ and heavier values for δ13Cgraphite = −11.5‰ to −8.9‰. δ18Ocalcite for marble shows lighter values, ranging from −15.4‰ to −7.5‰. We interpret the graphite origin as organic carbon accumulated in sediments, while isotopic exchange between graphite and calcite reflects metamorphic and hydrothermal re-equilibration.
Near-Infrared Perfect Absorption and Refractive Index Sensing Enabled by Split Ring Nanostructures
Authors: Ali Wajid , Liu Weitao , Liu Ye , Li Ziwei
Published: September 2023

Plasmonic nanostructures as narrowband perfect absorbers have garnered significant attention due to their potential applications in biosensing and environment detection. This study emphasizes the investigation of arrayed split ring nanostructures within the configuration of metal-insulator-metal (MIM) multilayers, resulting in a maximum light absorption of 99.94% in the near-infrared (NIR) spectral range. The exceptional absorption efficiency of the device is attributed to the strong resonance of electric and magnetic fields arising from the Fabry–Pérot cavity resonance. The resonant peak can be flexibly tuned by engineering the dielectric layer thickness, the period, and the geometric parameter of split rings. Remarkably, the device exhibits promising capabilities in sensing, demonstrating a sensitivity of 326 nm/RIU in visible wavelengths and 504 nm/RIU in NIR wavelengths when exposed to bio-analytes with varying refractive indices. This designed nanostructure can serve as a promising candidate for biosensors or environmental detection.
Stress during the COVID-19 Pandemic and Emotional Eating Scale Adapted for Children and Adolescents (EES-C) Results in Girls: Polish Adolescents’ COVID-19 Experience (PLACE-19) Study
Authors: Skolmowska Dominika , Głąbska Dominika , Guzek Dominika
Published: September 2023

Stress related to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic may have caused substantial changes in eating behaviors, and may have been associated with emotional eating, especially in female individuals. The aim of the present study was to analyze the association between stress perceived during the COVID-19 pandemic and emotional eating in girls, within the third phase of the Polish Adolescents’ COVID-19 Experience (PLACE-19) Study. A nationwide sample of 818 Polish female adolescents, aged 15–20, was gathered. The adolescents were recruited to the study based on a random quota sampling procedure. Using a computer-assisted web interview (CAWI) survey, participants filled out the Emotional Eating Scale Adapted for Children and Adolescents (EES-C) to assess the urge to cope with negative emotions by eating, and the Adolescent Stress Questionnaire (ASQ) to assess perceived stress. Additionally, the data concerning body mass, height, as well as body mass change during the COVID-19 pandemic were verified. The groups most susceptible to emotional eating were excessive body mass female adolescents, those who gained weight during the COVID-19 pandemic and those experiencing high stress levels while facing negative emotions. In order to plan effective therapeutic interventions dealing with the issue of emotional eating, both psychological therapy and dietary strategy tailored to the individual should be considered for the indicated susceptible groups.