bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the Potential of Using Random Forest Models to Estimate the Seismic Bearing Capacity of Strip Footings Positioned on the Crest of Geosynthetic-Reinforced Soil Structures
Authors: Ausilio Ernesto , Durante Maria Giovanna , Zimmaro Paolo
Published: October 2023

Geosynthetic-reinforced soil structures are often used to support shallow foundations of various infrastructure systems including bridges, railways, and highways. When such infrastructures are located in seismic areas, their performance is linked to the seismic bearing capacity of the foundation. Various approaches can be used to calculate this quantity such as analytical solutions and advanced numerical models. Building upon a robust upper bound limit analysis, we created a database comprising 732 samples. The database was then used to train and test a model based on a random forest machine learning algorithm. The trained random forest model was used to develop a publicly available web application that can be readily used by researchers and practitioners. The model considers the following input factors: (1) the ratio of the distance of the foundation from the edge and the width of the foundation (D/B), (2) the slope angle (β), (3) the horizontal seismic intensity coefficient (kh), and (4) the dimensionless geosynthetic factor, which accounts for the tensile strength of the geosynthetic. Leveraging the model developed in this study, we show that the most important features to predict the seismic bearing capacity of strip footings positioned on the crest of geosynthetic-reinforced soil structures are D/B and kh.
Pectin-Degrading Enzymes during Soursop (Annona muricata L.) Fruit Ripening: A Bioinformatics Approach
Authors: Díaz-Rincón Lilia Aurora , Balois-Morales Rosendo , Bautista-Rosales Pedro Ulises , Ochoa-Jiménez Verónica Alhelí , Bello-Lara Juan Esteban , Berumen-Varela Guillermo
Published: October 2023

The rapid ripening of soursop (Annona muricata L.) fruits is owing to its high respiration rate. Several enzymes affect the fruit cell wall in this process, resulting in the depolymerization of pectin primarily in the homogalacturonan. The main group of enzymes affecting the pectin content of soursop fruits include polygalacturonase (PG), pectate lyase (PL), pectin methylesterase (PME), and PME inhibitors (PMEis). In this study, pectin-degrading enzymes were analyzed using bioinformatic tools to uncover the gaps in our knowledge of this fruit. In this context, 67 genes encoding PG, 33 PL, 58 PME, and 39 PMEi isoenzymes were found. These genes were categorized into several families based on the results of phylogenetic analysis. Regarding the analysis of gene expression, a total of 25 were identified as differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in PG, while 3, 21, and 15 were found for PL, PME, and PMEis, respectively. Likewise, functional enrichment analysis demonstrated that the DEGs are involved in the modification of the cell wall, specifically in the degradation of pectin. On the other hand, gene co-expression networks revealed that the genes PG32 and PG35 affect the expression of PGs, as well as PL19 of the PL family, PME20, PME32, and PME35 of the PME family, and PMEi04 of the PMEi family. This suggests that they have a significant impact on the softening of soursop fruits.
Thermodynamics of Reversible Hydrogen Storage: Are Methoxy-Substituted Biphenyls Better through Oxygen Functionality?
Authors: Verevkin Sergey P. , Samarov Artemiy A. , Vostrikov Sergey V.
Published: October 2023

The reversible hydrogenation/dehydrogenation of aromatic molecules, known as liquid organic hydrogen carriers, is considered as an attractive option for the safe storage and release of elemental hydrogen. The recently reported efficient synthetic routes to obtain methoxy-biphenyls in high yield make them promising candidates for hydrogen storage. In this work, a series of methoxy-substituted biphenyls and their structural parent compounds were studied. The absolute vapour pressures were measured using the transpiration method and the enthalpies of vaporisation/sublimation were determined. We applied a step-by-step procedure including structure–property correlations and quantum chemical calculations to evaluate the quality of thermochemical data on the enthalpies of phase transitions and enthalpies of formation of the studied methoxy compounds. The data sets on thermodynamic properties were evaluated and recommended for calculations in chemical engineering. A thermodynamic analysis of chemical reactions based on methoxy-biphenyls in the context of hydrogen storage was carried out and the energetics of these reactions were compared with the energetics of reactions of common LOHCs. The influence of the position of the methoxy groups in the rings on the enthalpies of the reactions relevant for hydrogen storage was discussed.
Structural Characterization of the Metalized Radical Cations of Adenosine ([Ade+Li-H]•+ and [Ade+Na-H]•+) by Infrared Multiphoton Dissociation Spectroscopy and Theoretical Studies
Authors: Kou Min , Jiao Luyang , Xu Shiyin , Du Mengying , Hou Yameng , Kong Xianglei
Published: October 2023

Nucleoside radicals are key intermediates in the process of DNA damage, and alkali metal ions are a common group of ions in living organisms. However, so far, there has been a significant lack of research on the structural effects of alkali metal ions on nucleoside free radicals. In this study, we report a new method for generating metalized nucleoside radical cations in the gas phase. The radical cations [Ade+M-H]•+ (M = Li, Na) are generated by the 280 nm ultraviolet photodissociation (UVPD) of the precursor ions of lithiated and sodiated ions of 2-iodoadenine in a Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FT ICR) cell. Further infrared multiphoton dissociation (IRMPD) spectra of both radical cations were recorded in the region of 2750–3750 cm−1. By combining these results with theoretical calculations, the most stable isomers of both radicals can be identified, which share the common characteristics of triple coordination patterns of the metal ions. For both radical species, the lowest-energy isomers undergo hydrogen transfer. Although the sugar ring in the most stable isomer of [Ade+Li-H]•+ is in a (South, syn) conformation similar to that of [Ado+Na]+, [Ade+Na-H]•+ is distinguished by the unexpected opening of the sugar ring. Their theoretical spectra are in good agreement with experimental spectra. However, due to the flexibility of the structures and the complexity of their potential energy surfaces, the hydrogen transfer pathways still need to be further studied. Considering that the free radicals formed directly after C-I cleavage have some similar spectral characteristics, the existence of these corresponding isomers cannot be ruled out. The findings imply that the structures of nucleoside radicals may be significantly influenced by the attached alkali metal ions. More detailed experiments and theoretical calculations are still crucial.
Development of Novel Tamsulosin Pellet-Loaded Oral Disintegrating Tablet Bioequivalent to Commercial Capsule in Beagle Dogs Using Microcrystalline Cellulose and Mannitol
Authors: Cho Hyuk Jun , Kim Jung Suk , Jin Sung Giu , Choi Han-Gon
Published: October 2023

In this study, we developed a tamsulosin pellet-loaded orally disintegrating tablet (ODT) that is bioequivalent to commercially available products and has improved patient compliance using microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) and mannitol. Utilizing the fluid bed technique, the drug, sustained release (SR) layer, and enteric layer were sequentially prepared by coating MCC pellets with the drug, HPMC, Kollicoat, and a mixture of Eudragit L and Eudragit NE, respectively, resulting in the production of tamsulosin pellets. The tamsulosin pellet, composed of the MCC pellet, drug layer, SR layer, and enteric layer at a weight ratio of 20:0.8:4.95:6.41, was selected because its dissolution was equivalent to that of the commercial capsule. Tamsulosin pellet-loaded ODTs were prepared using tamsulosin pellets and various co-processed excipients. The tamsulosin pellet-loaded ODT composed of tamsulosin pellets, mannitol–MCC mixture, silicon dioxide, and magnesium stearate at a weight ratio of 32.16:161.84:4.0:2.0 gave the best protective effect on the coating process and a dissolution profile similar to that of the commercial capsule. Finally, no significant differences in beagle dogs were observed in pharmacokinetic parameters, suggesting that they were bioequivalent. In conclusion, tamsulosin pellet-loaded ODTs could be a potential alternative to commercial capsules, improving patient compliance.
Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiomyopathy: A Preliminary Study on the Cardioprotective Benefits of 7-Hydroxyflavanone
Authors: Sangweni Nonhlakanipho F. , Gabuza Kwazi , van Aarde Ruzayda , Mabasa Lawrence , van Vuuren Derick , Huisamen Barbara , Barry Reenen , Johnson Rabia
Published: October 2023

The therapeutic properties of flavonoids are reported to offer cardioprotective benefits against doxorubicin (Dox)-induced cardiotoxicity (DIC). In the current study, we aimed to investigate the prophylactic properties of 7-hydroxyflavanone (7H), a flavonoid with antioxidative properties, against DIC. An in vitro model of DIC was established by exposing H9c2 cardiomyoblasts to Dox for 6 days. Similarly, cells were also co-treated with 7H to assess its ability to mitigate DIC. The data obtained indicate that 7H, as a co-treatment, alleviates Dox-induced oxidative stress by enhancing total glutathione content (p ≤ 0.001) and superoxide dismutase activity (p ≤ 0.001) whilst decreasing ROS (p ≤ 0.001), malondialdehyde production (p ≤ 0.001) and the secretion of interleukin-6 (p ≤ 0.001). The data also showed an improvement in mitochondrial function as shown via enhanced bioenergetics, mitochondrial membrane potential, and PGC1-alpha (p ≤ 0.05) and pAMPK (p ≤ 0.001) expression. The cardioprotective potential of 7H was further highlighted by its ability attenuate Dox-induced caspase 3/7 activity (p ≤ 0.001), apoptosis (p ≤ 0.001) and necrosis (p ≤ 0.05). In conclusion, our findings demonstrated the cardioprotective benefits of 7H and thus suggests that it could be a suitable candidate cardioprotective agent against DIC.
Diverse Regulatory Manners and Potential Roles of lncRNAs in the Developmental Process of Asian Honey Bee (Apis cerana) Larval Guts
Authors: Fan Xiaoxue , Gao Xuze , Zang He , Guo Sijia , Jing Xin , Zhang Yiqiong , Liu Xiaoyu , Zou Peiyuan , Chen Mengjun , Huang Zhijian , Chen Dafu , Guo Rui
Published: October 2023

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are crucial modulators in a variety of biological processes, such as gene expression, development, and immune defense. However, little is known about the function of lncRNAs in the development of Asian honey bee (Apis cerana) larval guts. Here, on the basis of our previously obtained deep-sequencing data from the 4-, 5-, and 6-day-old larval guts of A. cerana workers (Ac4, Ac5, and Ac6 groups), an in-depth transcriptome-wide investigation was conducted to decipher the expression pattern, regulatory manners, and potential roles of lncRNAs during the developmental process of A. cerana worker larval guts, followed by the verification of the relative expression of differentially expressed lncRNAs (DElncRNAs) and the targeting relationships within a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) axis. In the Ac4 vs. Ac5 and Ac5 vs. Ac6 comparison groups, 527 and 498 DElncRNAs were identified, respectively, which is suggestive of the dynamic expression of lncRNAs during the developmental process of larval guts. A cis-acting analysis showed that 330 and 393 neighboring genes of the aforementioned DElncRNAs were respectively involved in 29 and 32 functional terms, such as cellular processes and metabolic processes; these neighboring genes were also respectively engaged in 246 and 246 pathways such as the Hedgehog signaling pathway and the Wnt signaling pathway. Additionally, it was found that 79 and 76 DElncRNAs as potential antisense lncRNAs may, respectively, interact with 72 and 60 sense-strand mRNAs. An investigation of competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks suggested that 75 (155) DElncRNAs in the Ac4 vs. Ac5 (Ac5 vs. Ac6) comparison group could target 7 (5) DEmiRNAs and further bind to 334 (248) DEmRNAs, which can be annotated to 33 (29) functional terms and 186 (210) pathways, including 12 (16) cellular- and humoral-immune pathways (lysosome pathway, necroptosis, MAPK signaling pathway, etc.) and 11 (10) development-associated signaling pathways (Wnt, Hippo, AMPK, etc.). The RT-qPCR detection of five randomly selected DElncRNAs confirmed the reliability of the used sequencing data. Moreover, the results of a dual-luciferase reporter assay were indicative of the binding relationship between MSTRG.11294.1 and miR-6001-y and between miR-6001-y and ncbi_107992440. These results demonstrate that DElncRNAs are likely to modulate the developmental process of larval guts via the regulation of the source genes’ transcription, interaction with mRNAs, and ceRNA networks. Our findings not only yield new insights into the developmental mechanism underlying A. cerana larval guts, but also provide a candidate ceRNA axis for further functional dissection.
Antiepileptogenic Effects of Anakinra, Lamotrigine and Their Combination in a Lithium–Pilocarpine Model of Temporal Lobe Epilepsy in Rats
Authors: Zubareva Olga E. , Sinyak Denis S. , Kalita Alisa D. , Griflyuk Alexandra V. , Diespirov Georgy P. , Postnikova Tatiana Y. , Zaitsev Aleksey V.
Published: October 2023

Temporal lobe epilepsy is a common, chronic disorder with spontaneous seizures that is often refractory to drug therapy. A potential cause of temporal lobe epilepsy is primary brain injury, making prevention of epileptogenesis after the initial event an optimal method of treatment. Despite this, no preventive therapy for epilepsy is currently available. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of anakinra, lamotrigine, and their combination on epileptogenesis using the rat lithium-pilocarpine model of temporal lobe epilepsy. The study showed that there was no significant difference in the number and duration of seizures between treated and untreated animals. However, the severity of seizures was significantly reduced after treatment. Anakinra and lamotrigine, alone or in combination, significantly reduced neuronal loss in the CA1 hippocampus compared to the control group. However, the drugs administered alone were found to be more effective in preventing neuron loss in the hippocampal CA3 field compared to combination treatment. The treatment alleviated the impairments in activity level, exploratory behavior, and anxiety but had a relatively weak effect on TLE-induced impairments in social behavior and memory. The efficacy of the combination treatment did not differ from that of anakinra and lamotrigine monotherapy. These findings suggest that anakinra and lamotrigine, either alone or in combination, may be clinically useful in preventing the development of histopathological and behavioral abnormalities associated with epilepsy.
Evolution of MALDI-TOF MS Profiles from Lice and Fleas Preserved in Alcohol over Time
Authors: Benyahia Hanene , Parola Philippe , Almeras Lionel
Published: October 2023

MALDI-TOF is now considered a relevant tool for the identification of arthropods, including lice and fleas. However, the duration and conditions of storage, such as in ethanol, which is frequently used to preserve these ectoparasites, could impede their classification. The purpose of the present study was to assess the stability of MS profiles from Pediculus humanus corporis lice and Ctenocephalides felis fleas preserved in alcohol from one to four years and kinetically submitted to MALDI-TOF MS. A total of 469 cephalothoraxes from lice (n = 170) and fleas (n = 299) were tested. The reproducibility of the MS profiles was estimated based on the log score values (LSVs) obtained for query profiles compared to the reference profiles included in the MS database. Only MS spectra from P. humanus corporis and C. felis stored in alcohol for less than one year were included in the reference MS database. Approximately 75% of MS spectra from lice (75.2%, 94/125) and fleas (74.4%, 122/164) specimens stored in alcohol for 12 to 48 months, queried against the reference MS database, obtained relevant identification. An accurate analysis revealed a significant decrease in the proportion of identification for both species stored for more than 22 months in alcohol. It was hypothesized that incomplete drying was responsible for MS spectra variations. Then, 45 lice and 60 fleas were subjected to longer drying periods from 12 to 24 h. The increase in the drying period improved the proportion of relevant identification for lice (95%) and fleas (80%). This study highlighted that a correct rate of identification by MS could be obtained for lice and fleas preserved in alcohol for up to four years on the condition that the drying period was sufficiently long for accurate identification.
Measuring Power of Earth Disturbances Using Radio Wave Phase Imager
Authors: Sharif Radwan N. K. , Herring Rodney A.
Published: October 2023

Numerous studies have investigated ionospheric waves, also known as ionospheric disturbances. These disturbances exhibit complex wave patterns similar to those produced by solar, geomagnetic, and meteorological disturbances and human activities within the Earth’s atmosphere. The radio wave phase imager described herein measures the power of the ionospheric waves using their phase shift seen in phase images produced by the Long Wavelength Array (LWA) at the New Mexico Observatory, a high-resolution radio camera. Software-defined radio (SDR) was used for processing the data to produce an amplitude image and phase image. The phase image revealed the ionospheric waves, whereas the amplitude image could not see them. From the phase image produced from the carrier wave received at the LWA, the properties of the ionospheric waves have been previously characterized in terms of their energy and wave vector. In this study, their power was measured directly from the phase shift of the strongest set of ionospheric waves. The power of these waves, which originated at Albuquerque, the local major power consumer, was 15.3 W, producing a power density of 0.018 W/m2. The calculated power density that should be generated from the local power generating stations around Albuquerque was also 0.018 W/m2, in agreement with the experimentally measured value. This correspondence shows that the power generated by power stations and being consumed is not lost but captured by the ionosphere.
Spatio-Temporal Positron Emission Tomography Reconstruction with Attenuation and Motion Correction
Authors: Cece Enza , Meyrat Pierre , Torino Enza , Verdier Olivier , Colarieti-Tosti Massimiliano
Published: October 2023

The detection of cancer lesions of a comparable size to that of the typical system resolution of modern scanners is a long-standing problem in Positron Emission Tomography. In this paper, the effect of composing an image-registering convolutional neural network with the modeling of the static data acquisition (i.e., the forward model) is investigated. Two algorithms for Positron Emission Tomography reconstruction with motion and attenuation correction are proposed and their performance is evaluated in the detectability of small pulmonary lesions. The evaluation is performed on synthetic data with respect to chosen figures of merit, visual inspection, and an ideal observer. The commonly used figures of merit—Peak Signal-to-Noise Ratio, Recovery Coefficient, and Signal Difference-to-Noise Ration—give inconclusive responses, whereas visual inspection and the Channelised Hotelling Observer suggest that the proposed algorithms outperform current clinical practice.
Super-Resolved Dynamic 3D Reconstruction of the Vocal Tract during Natural Speech
Authors: Isaieva Karyna , Odille Freddy , Laprie Yves , Drouot Guillaume , Felblinger Jacques , Vuissoz Pierre-André
Published: October 2023

MRI is the gold standard modality for speech imaging. However, it remains relatively slow, which complicates imaging of fast movements. Thus, an MRI of the vocal tract is often performed in 2D. While 3D MRI provides more information, the quality of such images is often insufficient. The goal of this study was to test the applicability of super-resolution algorithms for dynamic vocal tract MRI. In total, 25 sagittal slices of 8 mm with an in-plane resolution of 1.6 × 1.6 mm2 were acquired consecutively using a highly-undersampled radial 2D FLASH sequence. The volunteers were reading a text in French with two different protocols. The slices were aligned using the simultaneously recorded sound. The super-resolution strategy was used to reconstruct 1.6 × 1.6 × 1.6 mm3 isotropic volumes. The resulting images were less sharp than the native 2D images but demonstrated a higher signal-to-noise ratio. It was also shown that the super-resolution allows for eliminating inconsistencies leading to regular transitions between the slices. Additionally, it was demonstrated that using visual stimuli and shorter text fragments improves the inter-slice consistency and the super-resolved image sharpness. Therefore, with a correct speech task choice, the proposed method allows for the reconstruction of high-quality dynamic 3D volumes of the vocal tract during natural speech.
Histone Abundance Quantification via Flow Cytometry of Htb2-GFP Allows Easy Monitoring of Cell Cycle Perturbations in Living Yeast Cells, Comparable to Standard DNA Staining
Authors: Kulakova Maria V. , Ghazy Eslam S. M. O. , Ryabov Fedor , Stanishevskiy Yaroslav M. , Agaphonov Michael O. , Alexandrov Alexander I.
Published: October 2023

Assaying changes in the amount of DNA in single cells is a well-established method for studying the effects of various perturbations on the cell cycle. A drawback of this method is the need for a fixation procedure that does not allow for in vivo study nor simultaneous monitoring of additional parameters such as fluorescence of tagged proteins or genetically encoded indicators. In this work, we report on a method of Histone Abundance Quantification (HAQ) of live yeast harboring a GFP-tagged histone, Htb2. We show that it provides data highly congruent with DNA levels, both in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Ogataea polymorpha yeasts. The protocol for the DNA content assay was also optimized to be suitable for both Ogataea and Saccharomyces yeasts. Using the HAQ approach, we demonstrate the expected effects on the cell cycle progression for several compounds and conditions and show usability in conjunction with additional fluorophores. Thus, our data provide a simple approach that can be utilized in a wide range of studies where the effects of various stimuli on the cell cycle need to be monitored directly in living cells.
Cryphonectria parasitica Detections in England, Jersey, and Guernsey during 2020–2023 Reveal Newly Affected Areas and Infections by the CHV1 Mycovirus
Authors: Romon-Ochoa Pedro , Samal Pankajini , Gorton Caroline , Lewis Alex , Chitty Ruth , Eacock Amy , Krzywinska Elzbieta , Crampton Michael , Pérez-Sierra Ana , Biddle Mick , Jones Ben , Ward Lisa
Published: October 2023

In England, Cryphonectria parasitica was detected for the first time in 2011 in a nursery and in 2016 in the wider environment. Surveys between 2017 and 2020 identified the disease at different sites in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Cornwall, Derbyshire, Devon, Dorset, London, West Sussex, and the island of Jersey, while the present study comprises the results of the 2020–2023 survey with findings in Derbyshire, Devon, Kent, Nottinghamshire, Herefordshire, Leicestershire, London, West Sussex, and the islands of Jersey and Guernsey. A total of 226 suspected samples were collected from 72 surveyed sites, as far north as Edinburgh and as far west as Plymouth (both of which were negative), and 112 samples tested positive by real-time PCR and isolation from 35 sites. The 112 isolates were tested for the vegetative compatibility group (VCG), mating type, and Cryphonectria hypovirus 1 (CHV1). Twelve VCGs were identified, with two of them (EU-5 and EU-22) being the first records in the UK. Both mating types were present (37% MAT-1 and 63% MAT-2), but only one mating type was present per site and VCG, and perithecia were never observed. Cryphonectria hypovirus 1 (CHV1), consistently subtype-I haplotype E-5, was detected in three isolates at a low concentration (5.9, 21.1, and 33.0 ng/µL) from locations in London, Nottinghamshire, and Devon.
Comparison of the Asymmetric Relationship between Bitcoin and Gold, Crude Oil, and the U.S. Dollar before and after the COVID-19 Outbreak
Authors: Liu Yadong , Naktnasukanjn Nathee , Tamprasirt Anukul , Rattanadamrongaksorn Tanarat
Published: October 2023

This paper aims to reveal the asymmetric co-integration relationship and asymmetric causality between Bitcoin and global financial assets, namely gold, crude oil and the US dollar, and make a comparison for their asymmetric relationship before and after the COVID-19 outbreak. Empirical results show that there is no linear co-integration relationship between Bitcoin and global financial assets, but there are nonlinear co-integration relationships. There is an asymmetric co-integration relationship between the rise in Bitcoin prices and the decline in the US Dollar Index (USDX), and there is a nonlinear co-integration relationship between the decline of Bitcoin and the rise and decline in the prices of the three financial assets. To be specific, there is a Granger causality between Bitcoin and crude oil, but not between Bitcoin and gold/US dollar. Before the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, there was an Asymmetric Granger causality between the decline in gold prices and the rise in Bitcoin prices. After the outbreak of the pandemic, there is an asymmetric Granger causality between the decline in crude oil prices and the decline in Bitcoin prices. The COVID-19 epidemic has led to changes in the causality between Bitcoin and global financial assets. However, there is not a linear Granger causality between the US dollar and Bitcoin. Last, the practical implications of the findings are discussed here.
Characteristics and Sources of Heavy Metal Pollution in Cropland near a Typical Lead–Zinc Processing Plant in Xieping Village, Hui County, China
Authors: Ma Yuxin , Yao Xiaojun , Wang Jiahui , Duan Hongyu , Hu Jiayu , Wu Tongyu
Published: October 2023

Metal beneficiation activities may cause soil pollution in the surrounding cropland, making it crucial to conduct heavy metal pollution assessment and source analysis of the cultivated land in mining areas for the protection of the ecological environment and human health. In this study, a total of 205 surface soil samples (0–20 cm) were collected on site from the Tianheba cropland near the lead–zinc concentrator in Xieping Village, Huixian County, Gansu Province, China; their pH values and their SOM, Zn, As, Cd, Cr, Hg, and Pb contents were determined. Based on the data, we used the Kriging spatial interpolation, the Nemero index, the index of geoaccumulation, and the PMF model to analyze the characteristics of the spatial distribution of soil heavy metals in the region, the degree of contamination, the sources, and the contribution rate. The results indicated that the heavy metals with contamination levels in the Tianheba cropland were Cd, Zn, Pb, Hg, As, and Cr in descending order, with the average concentrations of Cd (0.39 mg/kg), Zn (122 mg/kg), Pb (30.4 mg/kg), and Hg (0.07 mg/kg) being significantly higher than the background values of the Gansu soils. The soil in the region as a whole was heavily polluted; it was heavily polluted with Cd, moderately polluted with Zn, and mildly polluted with Pb. Hg had a larger value in the index of geoaccumulation. By analyzing the spatial distribution and sources of the soil metals, it was found that the cropland contaminated with heavy metals in Tianheba was distributed around the mineral processing plant and the infiltration area of the canal. The PMF model revealed three pollution sources: the industrial source related to mining activities, the fertilizer application source, and the natural source. This study provides a scientific basis for the precise management of heavy metal pollution in the area.
Assessment of the Conservation Value of Abandoned Land on Gogland Island, Baltic Sea
Authors: Popov Igor , Iurmanov Anton , Abakumov Evgeny
Published: October 2023

Gogland Island, located in the Gulf of Finland in the Baltic Sea, was densely populated in the past but has been nearly abandoned since the Second World War. The self-restoration of wildlife takes place there. Recent research on the island aimed to evaluate the conservation value of this process. It was expected that the island would demonstrate a standard for the perfect state of protected areas of the boreal zone of Europe. The island has been overgrown with forests; open areas occupy insignificant parts and tend to shrink. Picturesque landscapes have been formed, but the conservation value of these areas are questionable as the biodiversity is rather low there. They contain “empty forest” that is partly impassable. The island demonstrates that to achieve the maximum effect for biodiversity conservation, the abandonment of land without any management would be insufficient. The fate of the island partly supports the concept of Pleistocene rewilding: a mosaic of forests and meadows, maintained by ungulates, should be considered a normal state of environments.
The Deep Past of the White Shark, Carcharodon carcharias, in the Mediterranean Sea: A Synthesis of Its Palaeobiology and Palaeoecology
Authors: Collareta Alberto , Casati Simone , Di Cencio Andrea , Bianucci Giovanni
Published: October 2023

The white shark, Carcharodon carcharias, is the main top predator of the present-day Mediterranean Sea. The deep past of C. carcharias in the Mediterranean is witnessed by a rather conspicuous, mostly Pliocene fossil record. Here, we provide a synthesis of the palaeobiology and palaeoecology of the Mediterranean white sharks. Phenetically modern white shark teeth first appeared around the Miocene–Pliocene transition in the Pacific, and soon after in the Mediterranean. Molecular phylogenetic analyses support an origin of the Mediterranean white shark population from the dispersal of Australian/Pacific palaeopopulations, which may have occurred through the Central American Seaway. Tooth dimensions suggest that the Mediterranean white sharks could have grown up to about 7 m total length during the Pliocene. A richer-than-today marine mammal fauna was likely pivotal in supporting the Mediterranean white sharks through the Pliocene and most of the Quaternary. White sharks have seemingly become more common as other macropredators declined and disappeared, notwithstanding the concurrent demise of many potential prey items in the context of the latest Pliocene and Quaternary climatic and environmental perturbations of the Mediterranean region. The overall generalist trophic habits of C. carcharias were likely crucial for securing ecological success in the highly variable Mediterranean scenario by allowing the transition to a mostly piscivorous diet as the regional marine mammal fauna shrank.
Therapeutic Potential of Myrtenal and Its Derivatives—A Review
Authors: Dragomanova Stela , Andonova Velichka , Volcho Konstantin , Salakhutdinov Nariman , Kalfin Reni , Tancheva Lyubka
Published: October 2023

The investigation of monoterpenes as natural products has gained significant attention in the search for new pharmacological agents due to their ability to exhibit a wide range in biological activities, including antifungal, antibacterial, antioxidant, anticancer, antispasmodic, hypotensive, and vasodilating properties. In vitro and in vivo studies reveal their antidepressant, anxiolytic, and memory-enhancing effects in experimental dementia and Parkinson’s disease. Chemical modification of natural substances by conjugation with various synthetic components is a modern method of obtaining new biologically active compounds. The discovery of new potential drugs among monoterpene derivatives is a progressive avenue within experimental pharmacology, offering a promising approach for the therapy of diverse pathological conditions. Biologically active substances such as monoterpenes, for example, borneol, camphor, geraniol, pinene, and thymol, are used to synthesize compounds with analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anticonvulsive, antidepressant, anti-Alzheimer’s, antiparkinsonian, antiviral and antibacterial (antituberculosis) properties. Myrtenal is a perspective monoterpenoid with therapeutic potential in various fields of medicine. Its chemical modifications often lead to new or more pronounced biological effects. As an example, the conjugation of myrtenal with the established pharmacophore adamantane enables the augmentation of several of its pivotal properties. Myrtenal–adamantane derivatives exhibited a variety of beneficial characteristics, such as antimicrobial, antifungal, antiviral, anticancer, anxiolytic, and neuroprotective properties, which are worth examining in more detail and at length.
Editorial: Special Issue “Molecules from Side Reactions II”
Authors: D’Errico Stefano , Guaragna Annalisa
Published: October 2023

This Special Issue, “Molecules from Side Reactions II”, belongs to the section Organic Synthesis of the journal Molbank and was launched in 2021, after the first edition, “Molecules from Side Reactions” [...]
The Kinetics of Carrier Trap Parameters in Na8Al6Si6O24(Cl,S)2 Hackmanite
Authors: Kim Sung-Hwan , Kim Seon-Chil
Published: October 2023

Tenebrescence has been reported to have a high potential for personal ultraviolet (UV) detection. Color changes can detect UV doses and can also be used as visual sensors for X-rays. Hackmanite is known to exhibit tenebrescence. This study investigated the kinetics of electron-trapping levels contributing to the luminescence of Na8Al6Si6O24(Cl,S)2 hackmanite using thermoluminescence. The glow curves were measured at a heating rate of 5 K/s on hackmanite irradiated with X-rays. The physical parameters of the electron-trapping levels were evaluated by analyzing them using the deconvolution, peak shape, and initial rise methods. The Na8Al6Si6O24(Cl,S)2 hackmanite had at least five trapping levels, with activation energies of 0.78, 1.12, 1.86, 1.26, and 1.18 eV and corresponding peak trap lifetimes of 3.59, 2.71, 1.47, 3.34, and 3.91 s, respectively. The estimated migration time was 15.0 s.
Network Structure and Luminescent Properties of ZnO–B2O3–Bi2O3–WO3:Eu3+ Glasses
Authors: Yordanova Aneliya , Milanova Margarita , Iordanova Reni , Fabian Margit , Aleksandrov Lyubomir , Petrova Petia
Published: October 2023

In this study, we investigated the influence of Bi2O3 and WO3 on both structure and optical properties of 50ZnO:(49 − x)B2O3:1Bi2O3:xWO3; x = 1, 5, 10 glasses doped with 0.5 mol% Eu2O3. IR spectroscopy revealed the presence of trigonal BØ3 units connecting superstructural groups, [BØ2O]− metaborate groups, tetrahedral BØ4− units in superstructural groupings (Ø = bridging oxygen atom), borate triangles with nonbridging oxygen atoms, [WO4]2− tetrahedral, and octahedral WO6 species. Neutron diffraction experimental data were simulated by reverse Monte Carlo modeling. The atomic distances and coordination numbers were established, confirming the short-range order found by IR spectra. The synthesized glasses were characterized by red emission at 612 nm. All findings suggest that Eu3+ doped zinc borate glasses containing both WO3 and Bi2O3 have the potential to serve as a substitute for red phosphor with high color purity.
Microstructure and Corrosion Behavior of Zinc/Hydroxyapatite Multi-Layer Coating Prepared by Combining Cold Spraying and High-Velocity Suspension Flame Spraying
Authors: Yao Hailong , Hu Xiaozhen , Chen Qingyu , Wang Hongtao , Bai Xiaobo
Published: October 2023

The study aims to enhance the corrosion resistance and bioactivity of Mg alloy substrates through the development of a zinc/hydroxyapatite multi-layer (Zn/HA-ML) coating. The Zn/HA-ML coating was prepared by depositing a cold-sprayed (CS) Zn underlayer and a high-velocity suspension flame sprayed (HVSFS) Zn/HA multi-layer and was compared with the CS Zn coating and the Zn/HA dual-layer (Zn/HA-DL) coating. Phase, microstructure, and bonding strength were examined, respectively, by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and tensile bonding testing. Corrosion behavior and bioactivity were investigated using potentiodynamic polarization, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and immersion testing. Results show that the HVSFS Zn/HA composite layers were mainly composed of Zn, HA, and ZnO and were well bonded to the substrate. The HVSFS HA upper layer on the CS Zn underlayer in the Zn/HA-DL coating exhibited microcracks due to their mismatched thermal expansion coefficient (CTE). The Zn/HA-ML coating exhibited good bonding within different layers and showed a higher bonding strength of 27.3 ± 2.3 MPa than the Zn/HA-DL coating of 20.4 ± 2.7 MPa. The CS Zn coating, Zn/HA-DL coating, and Zn/HA-ML coating decreased the corrosion current density of the Mg alloy substrate by around two–fourfold from 3.12 ± 0.75 mA/cm2 to 1.41 ± 0.82mA/cm2, 1.06 ± 0.31 mA/cm2, and 0.88 ± 0.27 mA/cm2, respectively. The Zn/HA-ML coating showed a sixfold decrease in the corrosion current density and more improvements in the corrosion resistance by twofold after an immersion time of 14 days, which was mainly attributed to newly formed apatite and corrosion by-products of Zn particles. The Zn/HA-ML coating effectively combined the advantages of the corrosion resistance of CS Zn underlayer and the bioactivity of HVSFS Zn/HA multi-layers, which proposed a low-temperature strategy for improving corrosion resistance and bioactivity for implant metals.
Effect of TiO2 on Pd/La2O3-CeO2-Al2O3 Systems during Catalytic Oxidation of Methane in the Presence of H2O and SO2
Authors: Velinova Ralitsa , Todorova Silviya , Kovacheva Daniela , Kolev Hristo , Karakirova Yordanka , Markov Pavel , Tumbalova Katerina , Ivanov Georgi , Naydenov Anton
Published: October 2023

New results on the effect of TiO2 on Pd/La2O3-CeO2-Al2O3 systems for catalytic oxidation of methane in the presence of H2O and SO2 have been received. Low-temperature N2-adsorption, XRD, SEM, HRTEM, XPS, EPR and FTIR techniques were used to characterize the catalyst. The presence of Ce3+ on the catalytic surface and in the volume near the lantana was revealed by EPR and XPS. After aging, the following changes are observed: (i) agglomeration of the Pd-clusters (from 8 nm to 12 nm); (ii) transformation of part of the TiO2 from anatase to larger particles of rutile; and (iii)—the increase in PdO/Pd—ratio above its optimum. The modification by Ti of the La2O3-CeO2-Al2O3 system leads to higher resistance towards the presence of SO2 most likely due to the prevailing formation of unstable surface sulfites instead of thermally stable sulfates. Based on kinetic model calculations, the reaction pathway over the Pd/La2O3-CeO2-TiO2-Al2O3 catalyst follows the Mars–van Krevelen mechanism. For evaluation of the possible practical application of the obtained material, a sample of Pd/La2O3-CeO2-TiO2-Al2O3, supported on rolled aluminum-containing stainless steel (Aluchrom VDM®), was prepared and tested. Methane oxidation in an industrial-scale monolithic reactor was simulated using a two-dimensional heterogeneous reactor model.
Effects of an Electric Current on the Superplastic Deformation Behavior of 3Y-TZP in an Oxygen-Lean Atmosphere
Authors: Wang Kang , Zu Yufei , Chen Guoqing , Fu Xuesong , Zhou Wenlong
Published: October 2023

The aim of this paper is to investigate the mechanism of an electric current-assisted superplastic deformation on 3Y-TZP in an oxygen-lean atmosphere. The experiments were performed with different electric currents in the range of 0~5 A. The results show that the flow stress of 3Y-TZP during the deformation was significantly decreased by the combination of Joule heating and the applied current effect. The microstructures of the deformed specimens were all equiaxed grains without an obvious preferential grain growth. The stress exponent n = 2.05~2.61 suggested that the dominant deformation of 3Y-YZP with/without the electric current was grain boundary sliding at 1400 °C. The activation energy of the deformation which decreased from 465 kJ mol−1 to 315 kJ mol−1 by the electric current indicated that the lattice diffusion of Zr cation during the deformation was enhanced. And the deformation rate of 3Y-TZP with the electric current may be controlled by the grain boundary diffusion of Zr cation.
Preparation of Bioactive Polyamide Fibres Modified with Acetanilide and Copper Sulphate
Authors: Biniaś Dorota , Biniaś Włodzimierz , Ślusarczyk Czesław , Machnicka Alicja
Published: October 2023

This paper presents a simple method of obtaining polyamide 6 fibres modified with acetanilide and copper ions. During the spinning of the fibres with the additives applied, a partial reduction of CuSO4 to Cu2+ and Cu+ ions occurs, which is observed as a change in the blue colour of the prepared polyamide granulate to the grey–brown colour of the formed fibres. CuMPs obtained as a result of the salt reduction should give the obtained fibres bioactive properties. Three types of microorganisms were selected to assess the microbiological activity of the obtained fibres, i.e., Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and Gram-negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli. The fibres have antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The largest inhibition zones were obtained for the Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, ranging from 1.5 to 4.5 mm, depending on the concentration of CuMPs. The morphology of the fibres’ surfaces was examined by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and optical microscopy (OM). The changes in the polymer structure chemistry are studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, X-ray structure studies (WAXS and SAXS) and an energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) analysis. The newly obtained bioactive polyamide fibres can be used in many areas, including medicine, clothing and environmental protection for the production of filters.
Application of Sunflower Husk Pellet as a Reducer in Metallurgical Processes
Authors: Matula Tomasz , Labaj Jerzy , Vadasz Pavol , Plešingerová Beatrice , Smalcerz Albert , Blacha Leszek
Published: October 2023

In relation to the climate policy being introduced, the search for a replacement for solid fossil fuels with renewable raw materials is ongoing. In this study, a potential biomass (sunflower husk pellet) application in the process of copper slag reduction was assessed. For the purpose of raw material characterisation, thermogravimetric tests were carried out and characteristic temperature points were determined with the use of a high-temperature microscope. The slag reduction tests led to the recovery of 97% of copper and a decrease in this metal content in the slag to less than 0.5% Cu, which enables safe storage or use in other industrial branches.
Multi-Objective Optimization of Thin-Walled Composite Axisymmetric Structures Using Neural Surrogate Models and Genetic Algorithms
Authors: Miller Bartosz , Ziemiański Leonard
Published: October 2023

Composite shells find diverse applications across industries due to their high strength-to-weight ratio and tailored properties. Optimizing parameters such as matrix-reinforcement ratio and orientation of the reinforcement is crucial for achieving the desired performance metrics. Stochastic optimization, specifically genetic algorithms, offer solutions, yet their computational intensity hinders widespread use. Surrogate models, employing neural networks, emerge as efficient alternatives by approximating objective functions and bypassing costly computations. This study investigates surrogate models in multi-objective optimization of composite shells. It incorporates deep neural networks to approximate relationships between input parameters and key metrics, enabling exploration of design possibilities. Incorporating mode shape identification enhances accuracy, especially in multi-criteria optimization. Employing network ensembles strengthens reliability by mitigating model weaknesses. Efficiency analysis assesses required computations, managing the trade-off between cost and accuracy. Considering complex input parameters and comparing against the Monte Carlo approach further demonstrates the methodology’s efficacy. This work showcases the successful integration of network ensembles employed as surrogate models and mode shape identification, enhancing multi-objective optimization in engineering applications. The approach’s efficiency in handling intricate designs and enhancing accuracy has broad implications for optimization methodologies.
Grasping Pose Estimation for Robots Based on Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Zheng Tianjiao , Wang Chengzhi , Wan Yanduo , Zhao Sikai , Zhao Jie , Shan Debin , Zhu Yanhe
Published: October 2023

Robots gradually have the ability to plan grasping actions in unknown scenes by learning the manipulation of typical scenes. The grasping pose estimation method, as a kind of end-to-end method, has rapidly developed in recent years because of its good generalization. In this paper, we present a grasping pose estimation method for robots based on convolutional neural networks. In this method, a convolutional neural network model was employed, which can output the grasping success rate, approach angle, and gripper opening width for the input voxel. The grasping dataset was produced, and the model was trained in the physical simulator. A position optimization of the robotic grasping was proposed according to the distribution of the object centroid to improve the grasping success rate. An experimental platform for robot grasping was established, and 11 common everyday objects were selected for the experiments. Grasping experiments involving the eleven objects individually, multiple objects, as well as a dark environment without illumination, were performed. The results show that the method has the adaptability to grasp different geometric objects, including irregular shapes, and it is not influenced by lighting conditions. The total grasping success rate was 88.2% for the individual objects and 81.1% for the cluttered scene.
A New Modified Helmholtz Equation for the Expression of the Gravity Gradient and the Intensity of an Electrostatic Field in Spherical Harmonics
Authors: Manoussakis Gerassimos
Published: October 2023

In this work, it is shown that the geometry of a gravity field generated by a spheroid with low eccentricity can be described with the help of a newly modified Helmholtz equation. To distinguish this equation from the modified Helmholtz equation, we refer to it as the G-modified Helmholtz equation. The use of this new equation to study the spheroid’s gravity field is advantageous in expressing the gravity vector as a vector series of spherical harmonics. The solution of the G-modified Helmholtz equation involves both the gravity intensity g (or simply gravity g) and the intensity E of an electrostatic field as shown in sequel. An electrostatic field generated by an oblate spheroid charged with l electrons (uniform ellipsoidal charge distribution) is demonstrated to be a special case. Both gravity intensity g and intensity E are governed by the same law and can be expressed as a series of spherical harmonics, and thus the G-modified Helmholtz equation is useful for describing the gravity and electrostatic fields.