bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Revisiting the Dependence of Electrical Resistivity on Cu-Rich Precipitates in an Aged Fe-Cu Model Alloy: A Microstructure-Based Prediction Model
Authors: Xia Shengjun , Gao Menglin , Hu Xing , Huang Chunfa , Liang Shuaiheng , Zhang Wenlu , Li Qiulin
Published: February 2025

Nanoscale Cu-rich precipitates (CRPs) play a crucial role in the irradiation embrittlement of reactor pressure vessels (RPVs), and binary Fe-Cu alloys serve as practical models to study the evolution of these precipitates. This study investigates the electrical resistivity of an Fe-1.17 wt.% Cu model alloy aged at 450 °C to enhance the understanding of electrical measurements for the non-destructive assessment of RPV irradiation embrittlement. Multi-level characterization methods were used to obtain quantitative data on multi-scale microstructures, including precipitates, dislocations, and grains. The formation and growth of CRPs were found to align closely with the Johnson–Mehl–Avrami model, and the variation in electrical resistivity showed a strong correlation with the evolution of the microstructure. Combined with detailed quantitative microstructure evolution analysis, an electrical resistivity prediction model that considers microstructural mechanisms has been developed. This model can accurately show the effect of CRPs on resistivity and can potentially be extended to RPV steels with other solute-rich precipitates, with a maximum absolute percentage error not exceeding 5%. These results provide a robust basis for the non-destructive and in-service evaluation of RPV irradiation embrittlement using electrical resistivity.
Deformation and Fracture Behaviour of Heterostructure Mn8/SS400 Bimetal Composite
Authors: Yuan Shengnan , Zhou Cunlong , Xie Haibo , Ren Mengyuan , Lin Fei , Liang Xiaojun , Zhao Xing , Li Hongbin , Jiao Sihai , Jiang Zhengyi
Published: February 2025

This study examines the deformation behaviour and fracture mechanisms of bimetal composites (BCs) composed of high-carbon medium-manganese steel (Mn8) and low-carbon steel (SS400), fabricated through hot roll bonding. The research highlights the effect of varying thickness ratios on the mechanical properties of Mn8/SS400 BCs. The microstructure and interfacial characteristics were analysed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), revealing a well-bonded and defect-free interface with distinct elemental distributions. Tensile and bending tests were conducted to evaluate the composites’ mechanical performance, highlighting the synergistic effects of Mn8’s high strain hardening capacity and SS400’s ductility. Mathematical models, including the rule of mixtures (ROM) and the long-wavelength approach (LWA), were employed to predict the tensile strength and plastic instability strain (PIS), with experimental results showing deviations due to interfacial strengthening mechanisms and dislocation pile-ups. The findings provide insights into the interplay between layer thickness ratios, interfacial properties, and strain hardening, offering valuable guidance for optimising the design and industrial-scale production of Mn8/SS400 BCs.
Flexural Performance Analysis of Composite Beam with Reinforced HPFRCC Precast Shell
Authors: Lu Tingting , Wen Yuxiang , Guan Kai , Wang Bin
Published: February 2025

To enhance the mechanical properties of precast composite beams, High-Performance Fiber Reinforced Cementitious Composite (HPFRCC) material was used instead of ordinary concrete in the precast shell with reinforced bars to form the R/HPFRCC precast shell composite beam. By controlling different reinforcement ratios, post-longitudinal reinforcement treatment methods, mold shell materials, and loading methods, nine test beams were designed, and four-point bending loading tests were carried out to study the flexural bearing capacity, failure mode, failure process, deformation capacity, and influencing factors of composite beams. The R/HPFRCC prefabricated shell composite beams presented good mechanical performance and integrity. Compared with the RC shell composite beams, the R/HPFRCC prefabricated shell composite beam increased the yield and peak loads by 6.6% and 10.3%, respectively. Using HPFRCC material instead of ordinary concrete in the prefabricated shell could reduce the damage degree of the composite beam under bending. Under the same load, the reinforcement strain in the R/HPFRCC precast shell was smaller than that of the RC precast shell and the cast-in-situ RC beam; thus, the yield of longitudinal reinforcement was effectively delayed. Considering the HPFRCC material mechanical properties, a calculated model for the ultimate load-carrying capacity of R/HPFRCC precast shell composite beams was established. The calculated values were in good agreement with the experimental values.
High-Performance Acoustic Transducers with Exfoliated NbSe2 Nanosheets and Hybrid Force Mechanisms
Authors: Lee Dong-Kwan , Kim Won-Jin , Nam Kun-Woo , Park Sung-Hoon
Published: February 2025

The transition metal dichalcogenide (TMDC) NbSe2 is a highly conductive and superconducting material with great potential for next-generation electronic and optoelectronic devices. However, its bulk form suffers from reduced charge density and conductivity due to interlayer van der Waals interactions. To address this, we exfoliated NbSe₂ into nanosheets using lithium-ion intercalation and utilized them as diaphragms in acoustic transducers. Conventional electromagnetic and electrostatic mechanisms have limitations in sound pressure level (SPL) performance at high and low frequencies, respectively. To overcome this, we developed a hybrid force mechanism combining the strengths of both approaches. The NbSe₂ nanosheets were successfully prepared and analyzed, and the NbSe2-based hybrid acoustic transducer (N-HAT) demonstrated significantly improved SPL performance across a wide frequency range. This study offers a novel approach for designing high-performance acoustic devices by harnessing the unique properties of NbSe2.
Adsorption of Methyl Red on Poly(diallyldimethylammonium) Chloride-Modified Clay
Authors: Li Simeng , Mohseni Madjid
Published: February 2025

A novel, eco-friendly and cost-effective adsorbent, poly(diallyldimethylammonium) chloride (PDADMAC)-modified clay was developed to enhance its efficacy in removing Methyl Red (MR) from water. Different concentrations of PDADMAC solutions were evaluated during the synthesis and the effects of different operating conditions were investigated. The kinetic data closely followed the pseudo-first-order model, while equilibrium data were well described by Freundlich isotherm. MR removal efficiency decreased as solution pH or NaCl concentration increased, suggesting that electrostatic interaction plays a key role in the adsorption process. Regeneration studies using NaCl solutions revealed that a 1% NaCl solution effectively restored the adsorbent’s capacity. The findings indicate that PDADMAC clay is a promising and sustainable adsorbent for MR removal. Additionally, a three-layer backpropagation artificial neural network (ANN) was developed to predict the MR removal efficiency based on the initial MR concentration, pH, NaCl concentration, and adsorption time. Among these variables, pH was identified as the most influential factor. This approach provides valuable insight into the outcome prediction of a given adsorption process.
In-Plane Strengthening of Unreinforced Masonry Walls with Discrete Glass Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Grid Strips Bonded with Sprayed Polyurea
Authors: Yu Piyong , Silva Pedro , Nanni Antonio
Published: February 2025

In this study, unreinforced masonry (URM) walls constructed from concrete blocks and clay bricks were strengthened using horizontally and vertically oriented glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) grid strips bonded with sprayed polyurea. The walls were subjected to diagonal compression loading until failure. The results demonstrated a significant improvement in both the shear capacity and pseudo-ductility of the strengthened URM walls compared to their unstrengthened counterparts. The primary conclusions drawn from this research are as follows: (1) the maximum strain in the vertical GFRP strips increased with the higher axial stiffness of the strips; (2) the discrete vertical strips contributed substantially to enhancing the shear capacity and pseudo-ductility of the URM walls; (3) increasing the axial stiffness of the vertical strips can alter the failure mode of the walls, shifting it from joint failure to tension or compression failure of the blocks or bricks; (4) a reduction factor is necessary to account for the potential asymmetrical performance of double-sided strengthening schemes applied to URM walls. The experimental program was reported in a previous publication and additional information is presented in this paper.
Advances in Computer Numerical Control Geometric Error Compensation: Integrating AI and On-Machine Technologies for Ultra-Precision Manufacturing
Authors: Seid Ahmed Yassmin , Amorim Fred Lacerda
Published: February 2025

Geometric inaccuracies in machine configuration and part specifications are a major source of errors in CNC machining. These discrepancies have long affected the quality of manufactured components and continue to be a key research area in academia and industry. Over the years, significant efforts have been made to minimize these errors and enhance machining precision. Researchers have explored various methodologies to identify, measure, and compensate for spatial inaccuracies, improving accuracy in modern machining systems. This paper comprehensively reviews recent advancements in geometric error measurement and compensation techniques, particularly in five-axis machine tools. It examines the latest methods for detecting errors and explores volumetric error modeling approaches designed to enhance machining precision. This review highlights the growing role of emerging technologies, including on-machine measurement systems, machine learning algorithms, and digital twin frameworks, in improving real-time error detection and compensation strategies. Furthermore, advanced tools such as laser interferometry and hybrid software–hardware approaches are discussed for their potential to drive innovation in ultra-precision machining. This paper also addresses key challenges in achieving high volumetric accuracy and outlines future opportunities for improving CNC machining performance. Future research can enhance precision and reliability in modern manufacturing by integrating intelligent systems and advanced measurement techniques.
A Model for Learning-Curve Estimation in Efficient Neural Architecture Search and Its Application in Predictive Health Maintenance
Authors: Solís-Martín David , Galán-Páez Juan , Borrego-Díaz Joaquín
Published: February 2025

A persistent challenge in machine learning is the computational inefficiency of neural architecture search (NAS), particularly in resource-constrained domains like predictive maintenance. This work introduces a novel learning-curve estimation framework that reduces NAS computational costs by over 50% while maintaining model performance, addressing a critical bottleneck in automated machine learning design. By developing a data-driven estimator trained on 62 different predictive maintenance datasets, we demonstrate a generalized approach to early-stopping trials during neural network optimization. Our methodology not only reduces computational resources but also provides a transferable technique for efficient neural network architecture exploration across complex industrial monitoring tasks. The proposed approach achieves a remarkable balance between computational efficiency and model performance, with only a 2% performance degradation, showcasing a significant advancement in automated neural architecture optimization strategies.
Results of Certain Subclasses of Univalent Function Related to Bessel Functions
Authors: Prakash Venkatesan , Breaz Daniel , Sivasubramanian Srikandan , El-Deeb Sheza M.
Published: February 2025

In this article, we established the necessary and sufficient conditions as well as the inclusion relations for a few subclasses of univalent functions associated with Bessel functions. Furthermore, we investigated an integral operator linked to Bessel functions and elaborated on several mapping properties. The study includes various theorems, corollaries and the consequences derived from the main results.
Va-Deformed Free Convolution
Authors: Alsharari Fahad , Fakhfakh Raouf
Published: February 2025

In this article, we study Va-transformation of a measure and of a convolution (denoted by a) defined for a∈R. We provide significant insights into the stability of the free Meixner family of probability measures under Va-transformation. We show that the Va-transformation of measures (of convolutions) of any member of the free Meixner family remains in the free Meixner family. We also present some properties of the Marchenko–Pastur law in connection with a-convolution. In addition, some new limit theorems are proved for the a-convolution incorporating both free and Boolean additive convolutions. Furthermore, some properties related to Va-deformed free cumulants are presented.
Preface to the Special Issue “Algebraic Structures and Graph Theory, 2nd Edition”
Authors: Cristea Irina , Linzi Alessandro
Published: February 2025

This is a continuation of the work initiated in [...]
Frequency-Domain Finite Element Modeling of Seismic Wave Propagation Under Different Boundary Conditions
Authors: Zhang Ying , Liu Haiyang , Dai Shikun , Zhang Herui
Published: February 2025

Seismic wave propagation in complex terrains, especially in the presence of air layers, plays a crucial role in accurate subsurface imaging. However, the influence of different boundary conditions on seismic wave propagation characteristics has not been fully explored. This study employs the finite element method (FEM) to simulate and analyze seismic wavefields under different boundary conditions, including perfectly matched layer (PML), Neumann free boundary conditions, and air layer conditions. First, the finite element solution for the 2D frequency-domain acoustic wave equation is introduced, and the correctness of the algorithm is validated using a homogeneous model. Then, both horizontal and undulating terrain interfaces are designed to investigate the kinematic and dynamic characteristics of the wavefields under different boundary conditions. The results show that PML boundaries effectively absorb seismic waves, prevent reflections, and ensure stable wave propagation, making them an ideal choice for simulating open boundaries. In contrast, Neumann boundaries generate significant reflected waves, particularly in undulating terrains, complicating the wavefield characteristics. Introducing an air layer alters the dynamics of the wavefield, leading to energy leakage and multi-path effects, which are more consistent with real-world seismic-geophysical models. Finally, the computational results using the Overthrust model under different boundary conditions further demonstrate that different boundary conditions significantly affect wavefield morphology. It is essential to select appropriate boundary conditions based on the specific simulation requirements, and boundary conditions with an air layer are most consistent with real seismic geological models. This study provides new insights into the role of boundary conditions in seismic numerical simulations and offers theoretical guidance for improving the accuracy of wavefield simulations in realistic geological scenarios.
Multi-Source Unsupervised Domain Adaptation with Prototype Aggregation
Authors: Huang Min , Xie Zifeng , Sun Bo , Wang Ning
Published: February 2025

Multi-source domain adaptation (MSDA) plays an important role in industrial model generalization. Recent efforts regarding MSDA focus on enhancing multi-domain distributional alignment while omitting three issues, e.g., the class-level discrepancy quantification, the unavailability of noisy pseudo labels, and source transferability discrimination, potentially resulting in suboptimal adaption performance. Therefore, we address these issues by proposing a prototype aggregation method that models the discrepancy between source and target domains at the class and domain levels. Our method achieves domain adaptation based on a group of prototypes (i.e., representative feature embeddings). A similarity score-based strategy is designed to quantify the transferability of each domain. At the class level, our method quantifies class-specific cross-domain discrepancy according to reliable target pseudo labels. At the domain level, our method establishes distributional alignment between noisy pseudo-labeled target samples and the source domain prototypes. Therefore, adaptation at the class and domain levels establishes a complementary mechanism to obtain accurate predictions. The results on three standard benchmarks demonstrate that our method outperforms most state-of-the-art methods. In addition, we provide further elaboration of the proposed method in light of the interpretable results obtained from the analysis experiments.
Mellin Transform of Weierstrass Zeta Function and Integral Representations of Some Lambert Series
Authors: Kim Namhoon
Published: February 2025

We consider a series which combines two Dirichlet series constructed from the coefficients of a Laurent series and derive a general integral representation of the series as a Mellin transform. As an application, we obtain a family of Mellin integral identities involving the Weierstrass elliptic functions and some Lambert series. These identities are used to derive some of the properties of the Lambert series.
BTFBS: Binding Prediction of Bacterial Transcription Factors and Binding Sites Based on Deep Learning
Authors: Jin Bingbing , Liang Song , Liu Xiaoqian , Zhang Rui , Zhu Yun , Chen Yuanyuan , Liu Guangjin , Yang Tao
Published: February 2025

The binding of transcription factors (TFs) to TF binding sites plays a vital role in the process of regulating gene expression and evolution. With the development of machine learning and deep learning, some successes have been achieved in predicting transcription factors and binding sites. In this paper, we develop a model, BTFBS, which predicts whether the bacterial transcription factors and binding sites combine or not. The model takes both the amino acid sequences of bacterial transcription factors and the nucleotide sequences of binding sites as inputs, and extracts features through convolutional neural network and MultiheadAttention. For the model inputs, we use two negative sample sampling methods: RS and EE. On the test dataset of RS, the accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, F1-score, and MCC of BTFBS are 0.91446, 0.89746, 0.93134, 0.91264, and 0.82946, respectively. Furthermore, on the test dataset of EE, the accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, F1-score and MCC of BTFBS are 0.87868, 0.89354, 0.86394, 0.87996, and 0.75796, respectively. Meanwhile, our findings indicate that the optimal approach for obtaining negative samples in the context of bacterial research is to utilize the whole genome sequences of the corresponding bacteria, as opposed to the shuffling method. The above results on the test dataset have shown that the proposed BTFBS model has a good performance and it can provide an experimental guide.
Signal Detection for Enhanced Spatial Modulation-Based Communication: A Block Deep Neural Network Approach
Authors: Jin Shaopeng , Peng Yuyang , AL-Hazemi Fawaz , Mirza Mohammad Meraj
Published: February 2025

As a novel variant of spatial modulation (SM), enhanced SM (ESM) provides higher spectral efficiency and improved bit error rate (BER) performance compared to SM. In ESM, traditional signal detection methods such as maximum likelihood (ML) have the drawback of high complexity. Therefore, in this paper, we try to solve this problem using a deep neural network (DNN). Specifically, we propose a block DNN (B-DNN) structure, in which smaller B-DNNs are utilized to identify the active antennas along with the constellation symbols they transmit. Simulation outcomes indicate that the BER performance related to the introduced B-DNN method outperforms both the minimum mean-square error (MMSE) and the zero-forcing (ZF) methods, approaching that of the ML method. Furthermore, the proposed method requires less computation time compared to the ML method.
Heat-Flux Relaxation and the Possibility of Spatial Interactions in Higher-Grade Materials
Authors: Cimmelli Vito Antonio
Published: February 2025

We investigate the thermodynamic compatibility of weakly nonlocal materials with constitutive equations depending on the third spatial gradient of the deformation and the heat flux ruled by an independent balance law. In such materials, the molecules experience long-range interactions. Examples of biological systems undergoing nonlocal interactions are given. Under the hypothesis of weak nonlocality (constitutive equations depending on the gradients of the unknown fields), we exploit the second law of thermodynamics by considering the spatial differential consequences (gradients) of the balance laws as additional equations to be substituted into the entropy inequality, up to the order of the gradients entering the state space. As a consequence of such a procedure, we obtain generalized constitutive laws for the stress tensor and the specific entropy, as well as new forms of the balance equations. Such equations are, in general, parabolic, although hyperbolic situations are also possible. For small deformations of homogeneous and isotropic bodies, under the validity of a generalized Maxwell–Cattaneo equation for the heat flux, which depends on the deformation too, we study the propagation of small-amplitude thermomechanical waves, proving that mechanical, thermal and thermomechanical waves are possible.
Central Sensitization and Its Role in Persistent Pain Among Spondyloarthritis Patients on Biological Treatments
Authors: Öz Nuran , Özer Aygün , Duruöz Mehmet Tuncay
Published: February 2025

Objectives: Spondyloarthritis (SpA) is a chronic inflammatory arthritis that mainly affects the sacroiliac joints and spine. Despite effective biological treatments, persistent pain is common in SpA patients, potentially due to central sensitization (CS), a condition of heightened central nervous system responsiveness. The purpose of this study was to investigate the link between disease activity and CS in SpA patients on biological therapy. Patients and Methods: One hundred and twenty SpA patients with at least six months of treatment with biological agents were included in this cross-sectional study. Patients’ demographic, clinical, and functional information were collected. The assessment of CS was conducted using the Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI), whereas disease activity and quality of life were evaluated using the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS)-C-reactive protein (CRP), and Ankylosing Spondylitis Quality of Life (ASQoL). Statistical analyses included correlation assessments and logistic regression to identify predictors of CS. Results: CS (CSI ≥ 40) was present in 40.8% of patients. Disease activity was significantly higher and quality of life was lower in patients with CS. BASDAI and ASQoL scores were strongly correlated with CS (r = 0.774 and r = 0.839, respectively). Logistic regression identified ASQoL and BASDAI scores as independent predictors of CS. ROC curve analysis demonstrated that ASQoL had the highest discriminative ability for predicting CS (AUC = 0.97). Conclusions: CS is significantly associated with higher disease activity and poorer quality of life in SpA patients receiving biological therapy. Incorporating CS assessment into routine clinical practice may enhance our understanding and management of persistent symptoms in SpA, improving patient outcomes.
Study on the Electro-Fenton Chemomechanical Removal Behavior in Single-Crystal GaN Pin–Disk Friction Wear Experiments
Authors: Ou Yangting , Shen Zhuoshan , Xie Juze , Pan Jisheng
Published: February 2025

Electro-Fenton chemical mechanical polishing primarily regulates the generation of hydroxyl radicals (·OH) via the Fenton reaction through an applied electric field, which subsequently influences the formation and removal of the oxide layer on the workpiece surface, thereby impacting the overall polishing quality and rate. This study employs Pin–Disk friction and wear experiments to investigate the material removal behavior of single-crystal GaN during electro-Fenton chemical mechanical polishing. Utilizing a range of analytical techniques, including coefficient of friction (COF) curves, surface morphology assessments, cross-sectional analysis, and power spectral density (PSD) measurements on the workpiece surface, we examine the influence of abrasives, polishing pads, polishing pressure, and other parameters on the electro-Fenton chemical–mechanical material removal process. Furthermore, this research provides preliminary insights into the synergistic removal mechanisms associated with the electro-Fenton chemical–mechanical action in single-crystal GaN. The experimental results indicate that optimal mechanical removal occurs when using a W0.5 diamond at a concentration of 1.5 wt% combined with a urethane pad (SH-Q13K-600) under a pressure of 0.2242 MPa.
Histopathological and Proteomics Analysis of Shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei Infected with Ecytonucleospora hepatopenaei
Authors: Ni Ping , Ma Yingyao , Shi Bingxin , Wang Mengqiang
Published: February 2025

Ecytonucleospora hepatopenaei (EHP) is a microsporidian pathogen that primarily infects the hepatopancreas of Litopenaeus vannamei. Previous studies on EHP detection primarily focused on histology, in situ hybridization (ISH), and PCR, mainly concentrating on hepatopancreatic infections, with limited research on extra-hepatopancreatic tissues. This study investigates the pathogenic mechanisms of EHP infection in L. vannamei through molecular quantification, histopathology, and proteomics analysis. RT-qPCR was employed to examine the infection differences across various tissues at the molecular level, revealing that the hepatopancreas, stomach, midgut, muscle, gills, and antennal glands are susceptible tissues. Pathological analysis, combining H&E staining, Masson’s trichrome staining, and immunohistochemistry, identified the EHP-targeted sites at the tissue level. Masson’s staining effectively highlighted fibrosis, unveiling the histopathological characteristics of chronic EHP infection, while immunohistochemistry enhanced the specificity of EHP localization. The pathological features of EHP infection were primarily characterized by inflammation, cell degeneration and necrosis, and the accumulation of microsporidia in the cytoplasm. Proteomics analysis was used to interpret the histopathological findings, revealing significant enrichment of pathways related to inflammation, immune regulation, metabolism, and apoptosis regulation. These findings provide new insights into the infection mechanisms and tissue tropism of EHP.
Mussel-Inspired Hydrogels Incorporating Graphite Derivatives for Soft Tissue Regeneration
Authors: Fernandes Filipa , Peixoto Daniela , Correia Cátia , Silva Magda , Paiva Maria C. , Alves Natália M.
Published: February 2025

Hyaluronic acid (HA)-based hydrogels offer a promising approach for soft tissue application due to their biocompatibility, tunable mechanical properties, ability to mimic the extracellular matrix, and capacity to support cell adhesion and proliferation. In this work, bioadhesive composite hydrogels were developed by integrating graphite derivatives (EG) into a dopamine-modified HA matrix (HA-Cat), which enhances tissue adhesion through catechol groups that mimic mussel-inspired adhesion mechanisms. The EG was functionalized via 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction (f-EG), that allowed the anchoring of silver nanoparticles (f-EG-Ag) and grafting of hydrocaffeic acid (f-EG-Cat) on the functionalized EG surfaces. The hydrogels were produced by oxidative crosslinking of HA-Cat under mild basic pH conditions using sodium periodate. Indirect in vitro assays using L929 fibroblast cells showed high biocompatibility and enhanced cell proliferation at optimized composite hydrogel concentrations. These findings suggest that composite hydrogels could find an application as bioactive, adhesive scaffolds for the regeneration of soft tissues, where they can facilitate localized agent delivery and integration with the host tissue.
Self-Assembled Sandwich-like Mixed Matrix Membrane of Defective Zr-MOF for Efficient Gas Separation
Authors: Li Yuning , Wang Xinya , Huang Weiqiu , Li Xufei , Xia Ping , Xu Xiaochi , Feng Fangrui
Published: February 2025

Membrane technology has been widely used in industrial CO2 capturing, gas purification and gas separation, arousing attention due to its advantages of high efficiency, energy saving and environmental protection. In the context of reducing global carbon emissions and combating climate change, it is particularly important to capture and separate greenhouse gasses such as CO2. Zr-MOF can be used as a multi-dimensional modification on the polymer membrane to prepare self-assembled MOF-based mixed matrix membranes (MMMs), aiming at the problem of weak adhesion or bonding force between the separation layer and the porous carrier. When defective UiO-66 is applied to PVDF membrane as a functional layer, the CO2 separation performance of the PVDF membrane is significantly improved. TUT-UiO-3-TTN@PVDF has a CO2 permeation flux of 14,294 GPU and a selectivity of 27 for CO2/N2 and 18 for CO2/CH4, respectively. The CO2 permeability and selectivity of the membrane exhibited change after 40 h of continuous operation, significantly improving the gas separation performance and showing exceptional stability for large-scale applications.
U87 Glioblastoma Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicle Mediated Dysregulation of Angiogenic Mediators in Endothelial Cells: An In Silico and In Vitro Analysis
Authors: Mukherjee Swagatama , Pillai Prakash P.
Published: February 2025

Background: Angiogenesis is a key factor necessary for tissue growth but becomes often dysregulated in cancer, driving tumour progression. Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) induces abnormal vascular remodelling via Hypoxia-activated VEGF, FGF and PDGF. Despite increased vascularization, hypoxia persists, worsening malignancy. Additionally, emerging evidence highlights extracellular vesicles (EVs) as key mediators of angiogenesis as conduits transferring bioactive cargo modulating cellular signaling. By promoting neovascularization, EVs can facilitate tumour growth, hinder drug delivery, and contribute to therapeutic resistance, making them potential therapeutic targets. Objective: This study explores the role of GBM-derived EVs in promoting aberrant angiogenesis by modulating VEGF and MMP signalling and correlating them with EV biogenesis to better understand tumour vascularisation and therapeutic paucities. Methods: This study investigates the role of GBM-derived EVs in angiogenesis dysregulation, via in silico and in vitro approaches, making use of available databases to study the enrichment profiles of key angiogenic drivers enriched in GBM and EVs followed by validation studies using 2D cell culture of HUVEC and U87MG cells on treatment with EV inhibitor. Results: We observed that GBM-derived EVs can be key collaborators of promoting angiogenesis by upregulating key pro-angiogenic genes (VEGFA, NRP1, MMP9) and EV biogenesis markers (CD9, CD81, TSG101), facilitating endothelial cell migration and vascular remodelling. Functional assays further confirmed that EVs act as vectors for pro-angiogenic signals, while their inhibition with GW4869 significantly reduced angiogenic activity, highlighting their role in tumour vascularization. Conclusions: Targeting EV-mediated angiogenesis presents a promising therapeutic strategy for GBM, warranting further validation in preclinical and clinical models.
Association of Mediterranean Diet with Cardiovascular Risk Factors and with Metabolic Syndrome in Subjects with Long COVID: BioICOPER Study
Authors: Suárez-Moreno Nuria , Gómez-Sánchez Leticia , Navarro-Caceres Alicia , Arroyo-Romero Silvia , Domínguez-Martín Andrea , Lugones-Sánchez Cristina , Tamayo-Morales Olaya , González-Sánchez Susana , Castro-Rivero Ana , Rodríguez-Sánchez Emiliano , García-Ortiz Luis , Navarro-Matias Elena , Gómez-Marcos Manuel
Published: February 2025

Background. Long COVID has been associated with increased cardiovascular risk and chronic low-grade inflammation, raising concerns about its long-term metabolic consequences. Given that the Mediterranean diet (MD) has shown beneficial effects on cardiovascular risk factors and inflammation in various populations, it is important to explore its potential impact on individuals with Long COVID. Therefore, the aim is to determine the association of the MD with cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in Caucasian subjects diagnosed with Long COVID. Methods. Cross-sectional study, 305 subjects diagnosed with Long COVID were included following the WHO criteria. Adherence to MD was evaluated with the MEDAS (Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener) with 14 items used in Prevention with Mediterranean Diet study (PREDIMED study). The criteria considered to diagnose MetS were blood pressure, glycemia, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, and waist circumference. Other CVRFs considered were tobacco consumption, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, body mass index, and baseline uric acid levels. The association between MD with CVRF and the number and components of MetS was analyzed using multiple regression models and multinomial regression. Results. The mean age was 52.75 ± 11.94 years (men 55.74 ± 12.22 and women 51.33 ± 11.57; p = 0.002), (68% women). The mean of the MEDAS questionnaire was 7.76 ± 2.37. The presented MetS were 23.6% (39.8% men and 15.9% women p < 0.001). In the multiple regression analysis, after adjusting for age and average time from acute COVID-19 infection to the date of inclusion in this study, the mean MD score showed a negative association with uric acid (β = −0.295; 95% CI: −0.496 to −0.093), BMI (β = −0.049; 95% CI: −0.096 to −0.002), the number of MetS components (β = −0.210; 95% CI: −0.410 to −0.010), and waist circumference (WC) (β = −0.021; 95% CI: −0.037 to −0.003) and a positive association with HDL cholesterol (β = −0.018; 95% CI: 0.001 to −0.037). Conclusions. The findings of this study suggest that higher Mediterranean diet scores are associated with lower levels of uric acid, fewer MetS components, smaller waist circumference, and higher HDL cholesterol levels in individuals with Long COVID.
Antitumor Activity of USP7 Inhibitor GNE-6776 in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Involves Regulation of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition, Cell Cycle, Wnt/β-Catenin, and PI3K/AKT/mTOR Pathways
Authors: Wu Lipeng , Lin Long , Yu Meng , Li Huajian , Dang Yuanye , Liang Huosheng , Chen Guangyang , Muhetaer Halimulati , Zheng Guodong , Li Jingjing , Jia Xuejing , Wu Bo , Li Chuwen
Published: February 2025

Objective: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a major cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. This study investigated the effects and mechanisms of the USP7 inhibitor GNE-6776 on human NSCLC A549 and H1299 cells, providing insights for anti-NSCLC drug development. Methods: USP7 expression was analyzed in lung cancer tissue using data from public databases. RNA sequencing and functional enrichment analyses were conducted to explore differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and potentially related pathways. A549 and H1299 cells were treated with GNE-6776 at different concentrations, and its effects on cell proliferation, migration, invasion, apoptosis, mitochondrial membrane potential, and cell cycle were evaluated. Changes in protein expression following GNE-6776 treatment were assessed by Western blot. A xenograft tumor model in nude mice was used to evaluate the in vivo effects of GNE-6776. Results: GNE-6776 inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of A549 and H1299 cells, induced apoptosis, and caused cells to arrest in the G1 phase in a concentration-dependent manner. GNE-6776 decreased the mitochondrial membrane potential, suppressed epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers, and downregulated the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways. GNE-6776 significantly inhibited tumor growth without affecting body weight, reduced expression of CDK6, C-myc, and N-cadherin, and increased GSK3β expression in tumor tissue. Conclusions: In summary, GNE-6776 demonstrated potent anti-tumor activity in NSCLC both in vitro and in vivo. GNE-6776 suppresses NSCLC cell proliferation, invasion, and migration while promoting apoptosis by inhibiting the EMT and modulating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and Wnt/β-catenin pathways. These findings support its potential as a therapeutic agent for treating NSCLC.
Proteome and Metabolome Analyses of Albino Bracts in Davidia involucrata
Authors: Liu Qinsong , Wang Jinqiu , Li Yuying , Xu Lei , Xu Wenjuan , Vetukuri Ramesh R. , Xu Xiao
Published: February 2025

Although the mechanisms underlying albino phenotypes have been examined in model plants and major crops, our knowledge of bract albinism is still in its infancy. Davidia involucrata, a relic plant called dove tree, is best known for the intriguing trait with a pair of white bracts covering the capitula. Here, comparative physiological, cytological, proteomic, and metabolomic analyses were performed to dissect the albinism mechanism of D. involucrata bracts. The bracts exhibited low chlorophyll and carotenoid contents, reduced photosynthetic efficiency, and impaired chloroplast structure. The severe deficiency of photosynthetic pigments and the substantial decrease in cuticle thickness made the bracts light-sensitive. In total, 1134 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were obtained between bracts and leaves. Pathway enrichment analysis of DEPs revealed that photosynthetic pigment biosynthesis and photosynthesis were suppressed, whereas protein processing in endoplasmic reticulum, flavonoid biosynthesis, and the ubiquitin–proteasome system (UPS) were activated in bracts. Strikingly, DEPs implicated in chloroplast development, including PPR and AARS proteins, were mainly down-regulated in bracts. We further investigated albinism-induced metabolic changes and detected 412 differentially abundant metabolites (DAMs). Among them, enhanced flavonoids accumulation can plausibly explain the role of bracts in pollinator attraction. Amino acids and their derivatives in bracts showed remarkably increased abundance, which might be causally linked to enhanced UPS function. Our work could lay foundations for understanding albinism mechanisms and adaptive significance of plant bracts and facilitate future utilization of D. involucrata resources.
Plant Viruses, Viroids and Phytoplasmas: Insight into Evolutionary, Pathogenicity, and Epidemiology Studies
Authors: Ferretti Luca , Taglienti Anna
Published: February 2025

Plant viruses, viroids, and phytoplasmas are systemic, unculturable pathogens that are increasingly endangering sustainable food security and environmental safety worldwide [...]
Improvement in Nitrogen-Use Efficiency Increases Salt Stress Tolerance in Rice Seedlings and Grain Yield in Salinized Soil
Authors: Ji Ping , Xu Chen , Ling Fenglou , Li Xingjie , Qi Zexin , Chen Yunfeng , Liu Xiaolong , Zhang Zhian , Wang Jinze , Luo Zhiyang , Cheng Ziwen , Chen Jianrui
Published: February 2025

Salt stress has become a major limiting factor of rice (Oryza sativa L.) yield worldwide. Appropriate nitrogen application contributes to improvement in the salt tolerance of rice. Here, we show that improvement in nitrogen-use efficiency increases salt stress tolerance in rice. Rice varieties with different nitrogen-use efficiencies were subjected to salt stress; they were stimulated with 50, 100, and 150 mmol/L of NaCl solution at the seedling stage and subjected to salinities of 0.2, 0.4%, and 0.6% at the reproductive growth stage. Compared with nitrogen-inefficient rice varieties, the nitrogen-efficient rice varieties showed significant increases in the expression levels of nitrogen-use-efficiency-related genes (TOND1 and OsNPF6.1), nitrogen content (5.1–12.1%), and nitrogen-use enzyme activities (11.7–36.4%) when under salt stress conditions. The nitrogen-efficient rice varieties showed a better adaptation to salt stress, as shown by the decrease in leaf-withering rate (4.7–10.3%), the higher chlorophyll (3.8–9.7%) and water contents (1.1–9.2%), and the better root status (7.3–9.1%) found in the rice seedlings under salt stress conditions. Analysis of physiological indexes revealed that the nitrogen-efficient rice varieties accumulated higher osmotic adjustment substances (9.7–79.9%), lower ROS (23.1–190.8%) and Na+ (15.9–97.5%) contents, higher expression levels of salt stress-related genes in rice seedlings under salt stress conditions. Furthermore, the nitrogen-efficient rice varieties showed higher yield under salt stress, as shown by a lower salt-induced decrease in 1000-grain weight (2.1–6.2%), harvest index (1.4–4.9%), and grain yield (2.8–4.1%) at the reproductive growth stage in salinized soil. Conversely, the nitrogen-efficient rice varieties showed better growth and physiological metabolism statuses under severe salt stress conditions. Our results suggest that nitrogen-efficient rice varieties could improve nitrogen-use and transport efficiency; accordingly, their use can improve the gene expression network, alleviating salt damage and improving grain yield under severe salt stress conditions.
Optimizing β-Phase Content in PVDF Membranes via Modification of Dope Solution with Citric Acid/Nano-TiO2 Using Nonsolvent-Induced Phase Separation Method
Authors: Roni Md. Nahid Parvez , Neshath Tanvir Ahmed , Hakim Md. Azizul , Hasan Md. Mahadi , Rahman M. Habibur , Hossan Md. Shamim , Zahid A. A. S. Mostofa , Alam Md. Nur E , Khatun Most. Halima
Published: February 2025

The morphology of Poly (vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) membranes prepared via the nonsolvent-induced phase separation (NIPS) method was modulated by altering the dope solution with citric acid (CA) and titanium dioxide nanoparticles (nano-TiO2) to optimize the β-phase content. Three series of dope solutions were prepared in dimethyl acetamide (DMAc): (i) TONx series contained 0.0–10% citric acid, (ii) Mx series contained 0.0–0.4% nano-TiO2, and (iii) TAx series contained 5% CA and 0.0–0.40% nano-TiO2. A field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) study revealed that CA enhances pore opening, and nano-TiO2 transforms the sponge-like uneven porous structures into a compact, relatively regular honeycomb structure in the PVDF membranes. The combined effect of CA and nano-TiO2 in the dope solution made the channels and chambers of the membrane well organized, and the walls of the channels transformed from solid fibrils to cross-woven nanofiber-like entities. Porosity initially peaked at 84% in the TAx series, gradually decreasing to 72% with increasing nano-TiO2 concentrations. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) revealed the presence of a combined relative amount of the β- and γ-polymorphs of 84% in a neat PVDF membrane, 88% in an Mx, and 96% in a TAx series membrane, with the β-PVDF constituting nearly the entire portion of the combined polymorphs. The presence of 96% electroactive polymorph content in the PVDF membrane is noteworthy, highlighting its potential biomedical and industrial applications.
Extended Finite Element Method for Analyzing Hydraulic Fracturing of Rock Cracks Under Compression
Authors: Zheng Anxing
Published: February 2025

This paper presents a numerical model based on the extended finite element method (XFEM) to tackle the problems of hydraulic fracturing and frictional contact in rock cracks. By considering the water pressure distribution on the crack surfaces and the virtual work principle of frictional contact on the crack surfaces, the governing equations for analyzing hydraulic fracturing and frictional contact problems using the XFEM are derived, and the implementation method of the XFEM with frictional contact and water pressure distribution on the crack surfaces is presented. Taking a single-edge-cracked flat plate as an example, the interaction integral method is employed to compute the stress intensity factor in the case of water pressure distribution on the crack surface. Subsequently, a comparative analysis is carried out between the obtained results and the exact solutions. It is demonstrated that this method can yield highly accurate calculation results. Taking a flat plate with a through crack as an example, the nonlinear complementary method is adopted to solve the frictional contact problem. This contact algorithm can effectively prevent the crack surfaces from interpenetrating, and its results are consistent with those calculated by the finite-element penalty function method. Based on the XFEM, the hydraulic fracturing analysis of a flat plate with a central crack under uniaxial compression is carried out. The critical water pressure decreases as the crack length increases, and the critical water pressure increases as the external axial pressure increases. Taking a gravity dam with an initial crack as an example, the calculation results show that hydraulic fracturing will increase the mode I stress-intensity factor at the crack’s tip and reduce the stability of the crack located in the dam foundation of the gravity dam.
Preparation and Application of Multifunctional Chitosan–Polyvinyl Alcohol–Nanosilver–Chrysanthemum Extract Composite Gel
Authors: Shen Kejian , He Yucai
Published: February 2025

In this study, we designed the preparation method and application study of chitosan–polyvinyl alcohol–chrysanthemum extract–nanosilver composite gel (CTS/PVA/Ag/CHR), constructed a composite gel system with chitosan/polyvinyl alcohol as the carrier, and utilized chrysanthemum extract within the gel to convert silver nitrate into nanosilver via green reduction. In the bacterial inhibition experiments, the CTS/PVA/Ag/CHR gel showed excellent antibacterial properties, and the diameter of the inhibition circle for Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa by the agar diffusion method was 32.5 mm, 30.5 mm, and 34.0 mm, respectively. In the aqueous bacterial inhibition experiments, the gel’s inhibition rate against the three kinds of bacteria was 100% after 5 h. The abundant hydroxyl groups contained in the polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) formed hydrogen bonds with the amino groups present in chitosan (CTS), which maintained the stability of the gel structure and enhanced the moisturizing and water storage properties of the gel. The adsorption curves of the CTS/PVA/Ag/CHR gel were fitted using a proposed pseudo-second-order kinetic model. Methylene blue, methyl orange, Congo red, and malachite green were discovered to have strong adsorption capacities, with the most significant adsorption effect for methyl orange at 205.65 mg/g. Moreover, the CTS/PVA/Ag/CHR gel showed good freshness preservation in milk simulation experiments. Due to its superior adsorption capability and antibacterial qualities, the CTS/PVA/Ag/CHR gels have great potential for applications in wastewater purification and food preservation.