bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quick In Vitro Screening of PGPMs for Salt Tolerance and Evaluation of Induced Tolerance to Saline Stress in Tomato Culture
Authors: Arminjon Lucas , Lefort François
Published: January 2025

Soil salinity, affecting 20–50% of irrigated farmland globally, poses a significant threat to agriculture and food security, worsened by climate change and increasing droughts. Traditional methods for managing saline soils—such as leaching, gypsum addition, and soil excavation—are costly and often unsustainable. An alternative approach using plant growth-promoting microorganisms (PGPMs) offers promise for improving crop productivity in saline conditions. This study tested twenty-three bacterial strains, one yeast, and one fungal strain, isolated from diverse sources including salicornia plants, sandy soils, tomato stems or seeds, tree leaves, stems, and flowers. They were initially submitted to in vitro selection tests to assess their ability to promote plant growth under salt stress. In vitro tests included auxin production, phosphate solubilization, and co-culture of microorganisms and tomato seedlings in salt-supplemented media. The Bacillus sp. strain 44 showed the highest auxin production, while Bacillus megaterium MJ had the strongest phosphate solubilization ability. Cryptococcus sp. STSD 4 and Gliomastix murorum (4)10-1(iso1) promoted germination and the growth of tomato seedlings in an in vitro co-culture test performed on a salt-enriched medium. This innovative test proved particularly effective in selecting relevant strains for in planta trials. The microorganisms that performed best in the various in vitro tests were then evaluated in vivo on tomato plants grown in greenhouses. The results showed significant improvements in growth, including increases in fresh and dry biomass and stem size. Among the strains tested, Gliomastix murorum (4)10-1(iso1) stood out, delivering an increase in fresh biomass of 94% in comparison to the negative control of the salt modality. These findings highlight the potential of specific PGPM strains to enhance crop resilience and productivity in saline soils, supporting sustainable agricultural practices.
Effects of Mo2C on Microstructures and Comprehensive Properties of Ti(C, N)-Based Cermets Prepared Using Spark Plasma Sintering
Authors: Qiao Mu , Zhao Zhiwei , Zhang Guoguo , Zheng Hongjuan
Published: January 2025

Ti(C, N)-based cermets are problematic in practical production applications due to their brittleness. To improve this defect, Ti(C, N)-based cermets were prepared under different sintering environments using a spark plasma sintering (SPS) device with different contents of Mo2C and 25 wt.% of nano tungsten carbide as additives. By means of microstructural analysis and comprehensive performance tests, the Ti(C, N) cermet with 6 wt.% Mo2C content showed the best comprehensive performance when sintered at 1450 °C under a pressure of 25 MPa with a holding time of 16 min. The density of this metal-ceramic was 6.27 g/cm3, the Vickers hardness was HV 2731, and the fracture toughness was 10.1 MPa·m1/2, which increased the density by 15%, the hardness by 63%, and the fracture toughness by 84% compared with the ceramic without added Mo2C. Densification of cermets can be promoted using SPS. The moderate addition of Mo2C can improve the wettability between the bonded phase and the hard phase, and its joint action with tungsten carbide can promote the formation of a ring structure and inhibit the growth of core-structure grains to enhance the toughness of the ceramic.
Exploring the Connection Between the Structure and Activity of Lignin-Derived Porous Carbon Across Various Electrolytic Environments
Authors: Ding Zhihao , Wang Rui , Pang Guoli , Dong Lili , Lei Tingzhou , Ren Suxia
Published: January 2025

Porous carbon holds great potential for application in supercapacitors due to its rich pore structure and high specific surface area. In this research, lignin served as the starting material for the production of lignin-derived carbon materials via a carbonization-activation process. The resulting porous carbon materials underwent rigorous characterization using SEM, BET, Raman, XRD, and XPS to uncover their morphological and structural intricacies. Notably, the optimal product, achieved with a mass ratio of lignin to KOH and KCl at 1:2:0.5 and activation temperature at 700 °C, emerges as an excellent electrode material for high-performance supercapacitors. This superior carbon material boasts a remarkable specific surface area of 2730 m2 g−1, demonstrating an electrochemical capacitance up to 406 F/g at 1 A/g, its high performance surpasses many existing carbon materials. To further investigate the potential application of ELC in electric double-layer capacitors, the electrochemical properties of ELC in 6 M KOH, 1 M Na2SO4, and 1 M Et4NBF4/PC electrolytes were investigated, the reasons for the differences in ELC’s electrochemical performance in different electrolytes are discussed and analyzed in detail, and the advantages and disadvantages of ELC’s performance in capacitor devices of different systems are compared and analyzed. This was performed to compare the electrochemical performance of ELC and commercial YP-50F capacitor carbon in an electric double-layer capacitor, and to investigate the potential application of ELC.
Near-Infrared Light-Responsive Molybdenum Disulfide Nanosheets for Controlling the Release of Nimodipine as NIR-Drug Delivery System
Authors: Abdelghafour Mohamed M. , Deák Ágota , Amin Keristina Wagdi K. , Czimer Zsófia , Veronika Czike Flóra , Péter Viktória , Berkecz Róbert , Bari Ferenc , Janovák László
Published: January 2025

Here, we present a photothermally triggered drug delivery nanosystem MoS2-NIMO-CHIT-SH, using the thiolated chitosan (CHIT-SH)-modified molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) nanosheets as near-infrared (NIR) photo-responsive carriers, loaded with the dihydropyridine calcium antagonist drug Nimodipine (NIMO). Although NIMO is used to treat stroke, migraine, Alzheimer’s disease, cerebrovascular spasms, and hypertension, this drug is poorly water-soluble, with low bioavailability and lack of selectivity. Thus, there is an urgent need for a novel approach to creating NIMO formulations that are safe, effective, and have better solubility and bioavailability. To overcome these problems, we develop a cationic biopolymer functionalized MoS2 nanosheets as a photothermal drug carrier system to facilitate the NIR light-induced release of NIMO drugs. MoS2 nanosheets (<150 nm) as NIMO drug carriers are prepared through simple exfoliation of their bulk phase and then functionalized with CHIT-SH biopolymer to increase their physiological stability and biocompatibility. According to the results, MoS2-NIMO-CHIT-SH nanocomposites show strong NIR absorbance, which makes them a promising candidate for photothermal therapy.
Effect of Explicit Hydration on the Cisplatin Reaction Mechanism with Adenine and Guanine
Authors: Salazar-Barrientos Jesús Iván , Guevara-Vela José Manuel , García-Revilla Marco A. , Francisco Evelio , Gallegos Miguel , Rocha-Rinza Tomás , Martín Pendás Ángel
Published: January 2025

Cisplatin is still a first-line agent in cancer treatment due to its effectiveness. Despite the large body of research concerning this drug, the role of explicit water molecules in its mechanism remains uncertain. We addressed the addition of cisplatin with the nitrogenous DNA bases adenine and guanine, with an emphasis on the impact of explicit microsolvation on every step of the action pathway of this pharmaceutical. We used electronic structure calculations to explore the energetics of the key reactions of this mechanism. We also exploited state-of-the-art methods of wave function analyses, namely, the Quantum Theory of Atoms in Molecules and the Interacting Quantum Atoms partition, to explore the chemical bonding throughout such chemical reactions. Our results reveal that microsolvation significantly differently affects electronic and Gibbs free activation energies, as previously reported (F.P. Cossio et al. ChemPhysChem, 17, 3932, 2016). The changes in activation energies are consistent with Hammond’s postulate in terms of the changes in the chemical bonding scenario between reactants and transition states. Overall, we provide an in-depth description of the importance of the surrounding water molecules of cisplatin, which aids in understanding the mechanism of pharmaceuticals in the pursuit of more effective cancer treatments.
Harnessing Ultrasonic Technologies to Treat Staphylococcus Aureus Skin Infections
Authors: Hulme John
Published: January 2025

The rise of antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains, particularly MRSA, complicates the management of skin and soft tissue infections. This review highlights ultrasonic methodologies as adjunctive therapies to combat S. aureus-driven skin infections and prevent progression to biofilm formation and chronic wounds. Low- and high-frequency ultrasound (LFU and HFU) demonstrate potential in disrupting biofilms, enhancing drug delivery, and promoting tissue repair through cavitation and microbubble activity. These approaches integrate ultrasonic frequencies with microbubbles and therapeutics, such as antibiotics and affimers, to minimize resistance and improve healing. Tailoring the bioeffects of ultrasound on skin structures through localized delivery technologies, including microneedle patches and piezoelectric systems, presents promising solutions for early intervention in skin and soft structure infections (SSSIs).
Facile Growing of Ni-MOFs on Ni Foam by Self-Dissociation Strategy for Electrochemical Energy Storage
Authors: Li Hongmei , Li Yang , Song Shuxian , Tian Yuhan , Feng Bo , Li Boru , Liu Zhiqing , Zhang Xu
Published: January 2025

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) with redox metal centers have come into view as potential materials for electrochemical energy storage. However, the poor electrical conductivity largely impedes the potentiality of MOFs to construct high-performance electrodes in supercapacitors. In this work, a self-dissociation strategy has been applied to construct Ni-MOF microbelts on Ni foam (NF), where the NF is used as both a support and a Ni source. The transmission channels between the Ni-MOF and NF are favorable for the charge transport due to the in situ self-assembly of the TPA linkers with the dissociated Ni ions from the Ni foam. The grown Ni-MOF microbelt arrays can offer abundant active sites for redox reactions. The prepared Ni-MOF/NF-s electrode can yield a high capacitance of 1124 F g−1 at 1 A g−1 and retains 590 F g−1 at 10 A g−1. This design may offer a controllable protocol for the construction of MOF microbelt arrays on various metal substrates.
Carbon Texture Formation on the Surface of Titanium Alloy Grade 5 (Ti–6Al–4V) During Finishing with Abrasive Films
Authors: Tandecka Katarzyna , Kacalak Wojciech , Panfil-Pryka Dominika , Wieczorowski Michał , Mathia Thomas G.
Published: January 2025

This research explored the formation and effects of carbon layers on Grade 5 titanium alloy (Ti–6Al–4V) surfaces during a microfinishing process using both traditional abrasive films and graphite-coated abrasive films. The study tried to appraise the effect of using graphite-coated films in the microfinishing process concerning surface roughness. Microfinishing with an abrasive film impregnated with diamond particles and an additional coating of graphite was performed to minimize surface roughness and enhance the overall performance of the surface. As a result, it was shown that after processing, the uniform carbon texture formed by the graphite-coated film significantly improved the lubricating and thermal properties. Energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) analysis confirmed the homogeneity of carbon distribution over the whole treated surface. Moreover, the graphite-coated films enabled us to obtain smoother surfaces with improved tribological properties. The study therefore concluded that the inclusion of graphite in the abrasive films is necessary for effecting surface modification in light of considerable improvements in surface quality and performance, especially where the wear needs to be reduced and the integrity of the surface maximized.
Thin Hydrogenated Amorphous Silicon Carbide Layers with Embedded Ge Nanocrystals
Authors: Remeš Zdeněk , Stuchlík Jiří , Kupčík Jaroslav , Babčenko Oleg
Published: January 2025

The in situ combination of plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) and vacuum evaporation in the same vacuum chamber allowed us to integrate germanium nanocrystals (Ge NCs) into hydrogenated amorphous silicon carbide (a-SiC:H) thin films deposited from monomethyl silane diluted with hydrogen. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy were used for the microscopic characterization, while photothermal deflection spectroscopy (PDS) and near-infrared photoluminescence spectroscopy (NIR PL) were for optical characterization. The presence of Ge NCs embedded in the amorphous a-Si:C:H thin films was confirmed by TEM and EDX. The embedded Ge NCs increased optical absorption in the NIR spectral region. The quenching of a-SiC:H NIR PL due to the presence of Ge indicates that the diffusion length of free charge carriers in a-SiC:H is in the range of a few tens of nm, an order of magnitude less than in a-Si:H. The optical properties of a-SiC:H films were degraded after vacuum annealing at 550 °C.
Deep Learning Design for Loss Optimization in Metamaterials
Authors: Wu Xianfeng , Zhao Jing , Xie Kunlun , Zhao Xiaopeng
Published: January 2025

Inherent material loss is a pivotal challenge that impedes the development of metamaterial properties, particularly in the context of 3D metamaterials operating at visible wavelengths. Traditional approaches, such as the design of periodic model structures and the selection of noble metals, have encountered a plateau. Coupled with the complexities of constructing 3D structures and achieving precise alignment, these factors have made the creation of low-loss metamaterials in the visible spectrum a formidable task. In this work, we harness the concept of deep learning, combined with the principle of weak interactions in metamaterials, to re-examine and optimize previously validated disordered discrete metamaterials. The paper presents an innovative strategy for loss optimization in metamaterials with disordered structural unit distributions, proving their robustness and ability to perform intended functions within a critical distribution ratio. This refined design strategy offers a theoretical framework for the development of single-frequency and broadband metamaterials within disordered discrete systems. It paves the way for the loss optimization of optical metamaterials and the facile fabrication of high-performance photonic devices.
Erosive Potential of Sports, Energy Drinks, and Isotonic Solutions on Athletes’ Teeth: A Systematic Review
Authors: Gálvez-Bravo Francisca , Edwards-Toro Francisca , Contador-Cotroneo Rafael , Opazo-García Catalina , Contreras-Pulache Hans , Goicochea-Palomino Eliane A. , Cruz-Gonzales Gloria , Moya-Salazar Jeel
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: Dental erosion occurs due to repeated contact between the teeth and acidic substances along with mechanical stress. Athletes are exposed to acids through the consumption of sports drinks, energy drinks, and isotonic solutions; they also undergo mechanical stress during training and competition, making them prone to a higher prevalence of dental erosion. Therefore, our aim was to determine the erosive potential of beverages consumed by athletes. Methods: We conducted a systematic review of 1466 articles found on nine search engines between 1997 and 2021. We included observational studies and clinical trials in English, Portuguese, and Spanish on beverage consumption in athletes of both genders. Results: A total of four studies involving 567 athletes from four countries were identified. The prevalence of dental erosion ranged from 19.4% to 100%, and the severity assessments showed that between 52.4% and 75.2% of athletes had enamel affected, and 24% to 57.1% had both enamel and dentin affected. Only one study found that the consumption of sports drinks by swimmers practicing in chlorinated pools doubles the risk of developing dental erosion. Bias was low in half of the studies. Conclusions: The available evidence suggests that the consumption of sports drinks alone is not associated with dental erosion. However, to establish more conclusive evidence on the erosive potential of sports drinks, energy drinks, and isotonic solutions on the oral health of athletes, more prospective cohort studies are needed. These studies should include a standardization of indices and variables to which athletes are subjected, including dietary and healthcare habits, oral conditions, and protective factors. Furthermore, a larger number of athletes must be included to establish more conclusive evidence on the erosive potential of sports drinks, energy drinks, and isotonic solutions on athletes’ oral health.
Nurse-Led Electrical External Cardioversion of Patients with Atrial Arrhythmia: A Systematic Review Update and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Caleffi Dalia , Pingani Luca , Rovesti Sergio , Cannizzaro Domenico , Ferri Paola
Published: January 2025

Background: Atrial fibrillation, the most frequent and prevalent cardiac arrhythmia, often requires external cardioversion to ensure rhythm control. As healthcare professionals, nurses play a key role in autonomous intervention implementation. The aim was to update current evidence on the efficacy of nurse-led external direct current cardioversion. Methods: A systematic review of primary quantitative studies in English or Italian was conducted with no temporal filter. Seven database searches were interrogated. A total of nine articles were included, for which validity was evaluated and analysed. The review was performed using PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews. Study characteristics were examined to determine if a meta-analysis was possible, and odds ratio was used as the effect size measure. Results: Data analysis led to the development of selected topics. The success rate of nurse-led direct current cardioversion appears to be high, at >80% (eight out of nine studies) in safe conditions. High-level professional training was required of nurses. There seemed to be no clear consensus on the management of anaesthetic aspects and medical support during the procedure. Meta-analyses of three studies found that there was no risk (M1-OR 0.89, CI [0.58, 1.36]; M2-OR 0.90, CI [0.59, 1.37]) difference between nurse-led DCCV and that performed by other clinicians. Few studies reported data on patient satisfaction, cost effectiveness, and waiting time. Conclusions: This review confirms that nurse-led external direct current cardioversion appears to be successful and safe in restoring sinus rhythm. A high level of nurse training and definition of a shared protocol could allow for effective implementation in more countries and settings.
Enhancing Patient Safety Education: Cross-Cultural Validation of the APSQ-III in Brazilian Healthcare Students
Authors: Menezes João Daniel de Souza , Silva Matheus Querino da , Santos Emerson Roberto dos , Ribeiro Rodrigo Soares , Castro Natália Almeida de Arnaldo Silva Rodriguez , Bistafa Isabela Amaral de Almeida , Quitério Alex Bertolazzo , Chubaci Eliana Fazuoli , Lopes Sônia Maria Maciel , Custódio Flávia Cristina , Carvalho Stela Regina Pedroso Vilela Torres de , Schiavinato Gustavo , Catricala Thalissa , Rocha José Nathan Fernandes , Brienze Vânia Maria Sabadoto , Faria Josimerci Ittavo Lamana , Oliani Denise Cristina Mós Vaz , Oliani Antônio Hélio , Brandão Vânia Zaqueu , André Júlio Cesar , Ribeiro Rita de Cassia Helú Mendonça
Published: January 2025

Background: This study aimed to adapt and validate the Attitudes to Patient Safety Questionnaire (APSQ-III) for Brazilian Portuguese and to compare patient safety attitudes between medical and nursing students. Given the critical role of assessing safety attitudes in shaping future healthcare professionals, this research addresses a significant gap in the Brazilian educational context. Materials and Methods: The cross-cultural adaptation process adhered to the guidelines of for the Process of Cross-Cultural Adaptation of Self-Report Measures, encompassing translation, synthesis, back-translation, and expert committee evaluation. The adapted APSQ-III was administered to a sample of 423 undergraduate students from medicine and nursing courses. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted to verify the factor structure, while reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha, McDonald’s omega, and composite reliability measures. Results: The CFA supported an acceptable fit for the nine-factor model with 26 items, following the exclusion of 4 items (χ2/df = 1.92; CFI = 0.90; TLI = 0.89; RMSEA = 0.05; SRMR = 0.07). Factor loadings ranged from 0.30 to 0.82, with satisfactory reliability indices, except for factors 4 (α = 0.47; ω = 0.48) and 9 (α = 0.54; ω = 0.54). Significant differences were discovered between medical and nursing students in four factors, and gender differences were noted in five items, highlighting the diverse perceptions of patient safety across these groups. Conclusions: The Brazilian version of the APSQ-III demonstrated adequate validity and reliability for seven out of the nine original factors. It is recommended to use the scale with modifications, such as developing a reduced version excluding factors with low reliability, to enhance its applicability. This study contributes to advancing patient safety research and education in Brazil, providing a robust tool for evaluating and improving safety attitudes among healthcare students. Future research should focus on refining the instrument and exploring its application in diverse healthcare educational settings across Brazil.
Pathogenic and Protective Roles of Neutrophils in Chlamydia trachomatis Infection
Authors: Wilton Zoe E. R. , Jamus Andzoa N. , Core Susan B. , Frietze Kathryn M.
Published: January 2025

Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct) is an obligate intracellular pathogen that causes the most commonly diagnosed bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI) and is a leading cause of preventable blindness globally. Ct infections can generate a strong pro-inflammatory immune response, leading to immune-mediated pathology in infected tissues. Neutrophils play an important role in mediating both pathology and protection during infection. Excessive neutrophil activation, migration, and survival are associated with host tissue damage during Chlamydia infections. In contrast, neutrophils also perform phagocytic killing of Chlamydia in the presence of IFN-γ and anti-Chlamydia antibodies. Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) and many neutrophil degranulation products have also demonstrated strong anti-Chlamydia functions. To counteract this neutrophil-mediated protection, Chlamydia has developed several evasion strategies. Various Chlamydia proteins can limit potentially protective neutrophil responses by directly targeting receptors present on the surface of neutrophils or neutrophil degranulation products. In this review, we provide a survey of current knowledge regarding the role of neutrophils in pathogenesis and protection, including the ways that Chlamydia circumvents neutrophil functions, and we propose critical areas for future research.
Enhancing Tetrahydrocannabinol’s Therapeutic Efficacy in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: The Roles of Cannabidiol and the Cannabinoid 1 Receptor Allosteric Modulator ZCZ011
Authors: Thapa Dinesh , Patil Mohan , Warne Leon N , Carlessi Rodrigo , Falasca Marco
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: Current inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) treatments focus on symptomatic relief, highlighting the need for innovative approaches. Dysregulation of the cannabinoid 1 (CB1) receptor, part of the endocannabinoid system, is linked to colitis. While tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) alleviates colitis via CB1 activation, its psychotropic effects limit clinical use. ZCZ011, a CB1R allosteric modulator, and cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, offer alternatives. This study investigated combining sub-therapeutic THC doses with ZCZ011 or CBD in a murine model of dextran sodium sulphate (DSS)-induced colitis. Methods: Acute colitis was induced with 4% DSS for 7 days, followed by 3 days of water. Chronic colitis was modelled over 24 days with alternating DSS concentrations. The combination of 2.5 mg/kg THC with 20 mg/kg ZCZ011 or 10 mg/kg CBD was evaluated. Key markers were assessed to determine efficacy and safety, including disease activity index (DAI), inflammation, cytokine levels, GLP-1, and organ health. Results: DSS-induced colitis resulted in increased DAI scores, cytokines, organ inflammation and dysregulation of GLP-1 and ammonia. THC at 10 mg/kg significantly improved colitis markers but was ineffective at 2.5 and 5 mg/kg. ZCZ011 alone showed transient effects. However, combining 2.5 mg/kg THC with either 20 mg/kg ZCZ011 or 10 mg/kg CBD significantly alleviated colitis markers, restored colon integrity and reestablished GLP-1 homeostasis. This combination also maintained favourable haematological and biochemical profiles, including a notable reduction in colitis-induced elevated ammonia levels. Conclusions: This study demonstrates the synergistic potential of low-dose THC combined with CBD or ZCZ011 as a novel, effective and safer therapeutic strategy for ulcerative colitis.
Impact of Genetic Variants on Pregabalin Pharmacokinetics and Safety
Authors: Calleja Sofía , Rodríguez-López Andrea , Ochoa Dolores , Luquero Sergio , Navares-Gómez Marcos , Román Manuel , Mejia-Abril Gina , Martín-Vilchez Samuel , Abad-Santos Francisco , Zubiaur Pablo
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: Pregabalin is a useful therapeutic option for patients with anxiety or neuropathic pain. Genetic variants in certain genes encoding for transporters related to absorption and distribution could have an impact on the efficacy and safety of the drug. Furthermore, extreme phenotypes in metabolic enzymes could alter pregabalin-limited metabolism. Methods: In this study, we included 24 healthy volunteers participating in a bioequivalence clinical trial and administered pregabalin 300 mg orally; 23 subjects were genotyped for 114 variants in 31 candidate genes, and we explored their impact on pregabalin pharmacokinetics and safety. Results: The uncorrected mean (±SD) of AUC∞ and Cmax were 61,097 ± 14,762 ng*h/mL and 7802 ± 1659 ng/mL, respectively, which were significantly higher in females than in males (p = 0.002 and p = 0.001, respectively), with no differences in dose/weight (DW)- corrected exposure metrics. NAT2 slow acetylators (SAs) showed a 16–18% increase in exposure compared to intermediate (IAs) and normal (NAs) acetylators; NAT2 SAs exhibited a 25% higher t1/2 as compared with NAT2 IAs and 58% higher compared to NAT2 NAs. In contrast, neither the NAT2 phenotype nor other genetic variants were related to pregabalin adverse drug reaction (ADR) occurrence. On the contrary, sex and sex-related exposure differences (i.e., females and their higher exposure compared to males) were the main predictors of ADR occurrence. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that NAT2 could be partially responsible for the minor proportion of pregabalin metabolism, but the effect of NAT2 phenotype does not seem clinically relevant. Therefore, pharmacogenetic biomarkers appear to play a restrained role in pregabalin pharmacotherapy.
Correction of Wavefront Distortion in Common Aperture Optical Systems Based on Freeform Lens
Authors: Yu Jiadong , Mao Xianglong
Published: January 2025

The common aperture optical system enhances light utilization efficiency during the imaging process by utilizing a single shared aperture. This approach not only facilitates independent synchronous multi-band imaging across various applications but also reduces the complexity, size, and cost of optical systems. However, conventional common aperture optical systems typically employ inclined plates or prisms for spectral splitting, which can introduce wavefront distortion in the transmission light path, an issue that is particularly problematic in imaging systems with a large field of view. In this work, we propose employing a freeform lens to correct wavefront distortion arising from imperfections within an optical system. We present a design methodology for the freeform lens based on ray tracing techniques. The application of this freeform lens effectively mitigates wavefront distortion in an infrared dual-band composite detection system, resulting in commendable optical performance across both mid-infrared and far-infrared bands.
Current Biological Insights of Castanea sativa Mill. to Improve Crop Sustainability to Climate Change
Authors: Marques Tiago , Ferreira-Pinto Andrea , Fevereiro Pedro , Pinto Teresa , Gomes-Laranjo José
Published: January 2025

The sustainability of agriculture is seriously threatened by climate change. In Europe, chestnut ecosystems, which are growing mainly in Mediterranean climate, are facing during summertime increasing of heat and drought stresses. These induce fragilities on trees, leading to a reduction in productivity and predisposing them to pest and disease attacks. The plasticity of chestnut species under contrasting climate is known. Understanding the specific adaptation of cultivars to different climate features is now important to anticipating climate changes. Caucasian Region is considered the origin center of chestnut (Castanea sativa), which is characterized by climatic transition from the Mediterranean to the Euro-Siberian area. Mostly, areas of chestnut are concentrated in the countries around the Mediterranean Basin, thriving in regions with humid and Pré-Atlantic bioclimates. In Portugal, more than 95% of the chestnut area is located in the Center and North side of Portugal. This is an anisohydry species, characterized by good hydroplasticity: 90% reduction in A occurs when Ψwstem drops to −1.25 MPa, and a 50% reduction in A occurs at values of −1.7 MPa. The highest fatty acid contents in chestnut chloroplasts are a-linolenic acid (18:3), ranging between 40 and 50% of the total amount and being the unsaturated/saturated 2.27 for Longal. New strategies are being investigated in order to increase tolerance against those abiotic factors in chestnut species. They include the use of innovative irrigation techniques, which can increase production 22–37%. Fertilization with silicone (Si) has been investigated to promote the tolerance of plants against heat and drought stresses. Breeding programs, mostly (in Europe) against ink disease, have been performed since the middle of the XX century to create new genotypes (such the Portuguese ColUTAD®). ClimCast, a network of orchards, was created in Portugal with the aim of responding to the new challenges facing orchards in the context of climate change.
Chemical Screening and Nematicidal Activity of Essential Oils from Macaronesian and Mediterranean Plants for Controlling Plant-Parasitic Nematodes
Authors: Ferreira Rui , Maleita Carla , Fonseca Luís , Esteves Ivânia , Sousa-Ferreira Ivo , Cabrera Raimundo , Castilho Paula
Published: January 2025

Plant-parasitic nematodes are highly damaging pests responsible for heavy losses in a considerable number of plant crops. Common pest management strategies rely on the use of synthetic chemical nematicides, which have led to serious concerns regarding their impact on human health and the environment. The essential oils (EOs) obtained from aromatic plant species can provide a good source of agents for the sustainable control of nematodes, due to higher biodegradability, generally low toxicity for mammals, fish, and birds, and lower bioaccumulation in the environment. This study aimed to evaluate the nematicidal and nematostatic properties of EOs extracted from plant species relevant to Macaronesia flora or with widespread use as culinary herbs in Mediterranean cuisine. Eighteen EOs were chemically characterized and evaluated by direct contact and hatching bioassays on the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne javanica. The EOs that showed a significant effect on M. javanica second-stage juveniles’ (J2) mortality (≥40%) were also used in chemotaxis assays. From the eighteen EOs, seven showed strong nematicidal activity (>80%) and hatching inhibition. The chemotaxis assays revealed that only Mentha pulegium exhibited repellent behavior for M. javanica J2, and the rest of EOs had attractive behavior. Furthermore, EOs were assessed against the root-lesion nematode Pratylenchus penetrans and the pinewood nematode Bursaphelenchus xylophilus. Cinnamomum burmanni was the EO with the highest nematicidal activity for the three nematode species. Among the terpene-rich EOs, high mortality values and hatching inhibition for M. javanica were observed for the carvacrol chemotype Origanum vulgare, albeit with low activity for P. penetrans and B. xylophilus. Mentha pulegium, mainly composed of monoterpene ketones and monoterpenoids, demonstrated moderate-to-high mortality activity (from 30% for P. penetrans to 99% for M. javanica) for the three nematode species.
Influence of Process Aids on Solid–Liquid Interfacial Properties of Three-Component Hydroxyl-Terminated Polybutadiene Propellants
Authors: Zhang Xulong , Deng Zitong , Xu Wenlong , Jiang Liping , Xu Huixiang , Tang Qiufan , Zheng Qilong , Li Jizhen
Published: January 2025

The effect of the process aid “OPS” on the rheological properties of hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene propellant was investigated by formulating different components of high-solid-content slurry, and the change in slurry viscosity with shear rate, surface morphology of solid-phase particles, and contact angle of the relevant interfaces were characterized. The results showed that the polyalkene polyamine surfactant OPS could significantly reduce the apparent viscosity and enhance the rheological properties of the slurry, to up to a 30% reduction, and the effect was achieved by adjusting the interfacial properties of the aluminum powder and the binder system. With the addition of 0.1% OPS, the contact angle of the interface between the aluminum powder and the binder was obviously reduced, from 97° to 30°, and the wetting was significantly enhanced, so it was judged that the OPS was suitable for HTPB-based composite propellants.
Experiment and Mechanism of Ecological Restoration of Water Level Fluctuation Zone Based on Redbed Composite Polymer Materials
Authors: Zhou Cuiying , Zhang Qingxiu , Liao Jin , Lai Haoqiang , Liu Zhen
Published: January 2025

The water level fluctuation zone, as a transition zone between water and terrestrial ecosystems, is important in maintaining bank stability and regulating the ecological balance of water. The ecosystem residing within the water level fluctuation zone exhibits pronounced fragility, which has resulted in the recurrent manifestation of soil erosion alongside a myriad of other ecological issues. The existing ecological restoration techniques can solidify the soil and protect the slopes but fail to effectively solve soil erosion, which affects the recovery of vegetation. Therefore, in this study, a vegetation survival test under high water head conditions in the water level fluctuation zone and an ecological restoration modeling study of the fluctuation zone based on redbed composite polymer materials were conducted using redbed composite polymer materials as the soil restoration material. The experimental results showed that there were significant differences in the survival status of different classes of plants under high head stress, with different adaptations to environmental stress. In addition, the redbed composite polymer materials effectively improved the water level fluctuation zone, soil water content, conductivity, pH, and other physicochemical properties and improved the stability of soil aggregates. This study reveals the mechanism of action of the material on the soil of the water level fluctuation zone based on the microstructure of the soil, evaluates the restoration effect of the material, verifies the effectiveness of the redbed composite polymer materials in the restoration of the water level fluctuation zone, and provides an effective method for the ecological restoration of the water level fluctuation zone to solve the problem of soil loss and vegetation restoration.
A New Model to Predict Mudstone Failure Behavior from Brittle to Ductile Caused by Confining Pressures
Authors: Wang Sheng , Xu Kaizhou , Zhao Wanchun , Fu Xiaofei , Lu Xuesong , Song Zhenlong
Published: January 2025

Understanding the failure behavior and mechanisms of mudstone is very important for engineering applications. While confining pressures play an important role in mudstone deformation, the limitations of laboratory conditions and mudstone sample preparation preclude scaled models of the mechanisms of deformation transition from brittle to ductile, especially for high confining pressures. In this study, dry indurated mudstone of the Kuqa depression in North China acted as the prototype rock for a numerical model. We performed numerical experiments for different confining pressures. Overall, the numerical model captured the stress–strain behavior and failure modes demonstrated by triaxial loading experiments from the laboratory at low confining pressures. Subsequently, the mudstone failure modes were predicted for high pressures. A new model to predict brittle–ductile failure behavior is proposed based on the understanding of the mudstone failure mechanism. The model showed the following. (i) For brittle failure stages, a shear dilatancy fracture is developed at low confining pressures. The rock failure modes undergo a high-angle shear fracture and a high-angle conjugate shear fracture. (ii) For brittle–ductile transition failure stages, a shear compaction fracture appears in rock deformation at high confining pressures. The fracture modes are exhibited as low-angle shear fractures and low-angle conjugate shear fractures.
Miniature Mindfulness: Finding Spiritual Flow with Warhammer 40,000 Models
Authors: Smith Tara B. M.
Published: January 2025

Warhammer 40,000 (40k) is the world’s most popular miniature wargame. The game is played with miniatures (small-scale figures made of hard plastic or other materials), which have usually been painted by each individual player. These player–painters typically spend hours in deep concentration painting the models. Drawing on interviews and journal entries from a six-month participant study of 14 painters, this paper explores whether miniature painters achieve a flow state, whether this creates a greater feeling of mindfulness, and how painting impacts their overall mental health. Results from this study indicate that miniature painting is meditative, meaningful, and positive for the participants’ mental health. Using the definition of flow outlined in Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi’s book Optimal Experience: Psychological Studies of Flow in Consciousness (1988), flow is a state of pleasure had when an individual concentrates on a specific task. Csikszentmihalyi, from his research on flow, notes that this state of mind involves both immersion and a sense of transcendence, where the individual temporarily loses a sense of self. This sense of loss of self was explored with an increased attention to the feeling of the body, and situated cognition has been further explored to understand how this connects to painting. While flow is regularly applied to videogame studies, less work has been carried out on this flow state during activities like miniature painting.
Leibniz and the Proof of God’s Existence from Eternal Truths
Authors: Rateau Paul
Published: January 2025

The aim of this article is to show how and in what stages G. W. Leibniz came to develop his proof of God’s existence from eternal truths. It begins by tracing the main stages in the history of this proof, initially forged by Augustine of Hippo, and discusses the reasons for its renewal in the last quarter of the 17th century in the post-Cartesian context. The article then shows why, despite skepticism towards this proof in his youth, Leibniz finally produced a version of it that he presents in the Monadology even before the ontological proof. My hypothesis is that the development of the proof from eternal truths is directly linked to Leibniz’s reflection on the nature of the possible, a reflection that is itself to be placed in the context of the polemic between Nicolas Malebranche and Simon Foucher after the publication of the Search after Truth. The Leibnizian proof is original in that it rests on the consideration of the reality of possibles, insofar as God is the reason for them, and on the claimed subordination of logic to ontology.
The Religious Enlightenment and the English Jesus-Centered Deists
Authors: Waligore Joseph
Published: January 2025

In most of the twentieth century, the Enlightenment was seen as a time when religious belief was incompatible with Enlightenment values of reason, toleration, and science. David Sorkin maintains that many religious Protestants, Catholics, and Jews emphasized toleration and reason while participating in the secular public sphere. Sorkin asserts that these people were part of the religious Enlightenment. This article focuses on a group of ten English deists who identified themselves as deists, claimed to be Christian, and devoted their writings to explaining their concept of true Christianity. This article argues that these ten deists, whom I label “Jesus-centered deists”, were much more religious than other deists. Like the Protestants, Catholics, and Jews that Sorkin considers part of the religious Enlightenment, these deists emphasized toleration and used reason to defend their conception of God and genuine Christianity. Furthermore, these deists participated in discussions in the public sphere about secular Enlightenment concerns. Unlike stereotypical Enlightenment deists, these Jesus-centered deists did not believe in an inactive and impersonal God. Instead, they believed in a loving and kind God who performed miracles and made revelations. They also emphasized developing a closer relationship with God through prayer. These deists should be included in the religious Enlightenment.
Advances and Future Directions in Monitoring and Predicting Secondary Surface Subsidence in Abandoned Mines
Authors: Zhao Ruonan , Du Sen , Zheng Meinan , Guo Qingbiao , Wang Lei , Wang Teng , Guo Xi , Fernández José
Published: January 2025

In recent years, the prolonged exploitation of coal resources has led to the depletion of coal reserves in some mining areas, resulting in the closure of certain mines worldwide. After mine closures, the fractured rock masses in abandoned mine cavities undergo weathering and degradation due to factors such as stress and groundwater, leading to reduced strength. This change alters the stress distribution and load-bearing capacity of the fractured rock within the abandoned voids, resulting in secondary or multiple deformations on the surface, which pose significant potential threats to surface infrastructure and public safety. Research into the mechanisms, patterns, and predictive methods of secondary surface subsidence in closed mines is thus of great theoretical and practical significance. Based on a literature review and practical monitoring experience in closed mine sites, this study systematically examines and analyzes the current state of secondary surface subsidence monitoring methods, formation mechanisms, spatiotemporal distribution patterns, and prediction methods in closed mines, as well as existing challenges. Initially, we compare the advantages and limitations of conventional surface deformation monitoring techniques with remote sensing techniques, emphasizing the benefits and issues of using InSAR technology for monitoring surface subsidence in closed mines. Next, by reviewing extensive data, we analyze the formation mechanisms and spatiotemporal evolution of secondary surface subsidence in closed mines. Building on this analysis, we discuss numerical and analytical methods for predicting secondary surface subsidence mechanisms in closed mines, evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of each approach. Predictive models for surface subsidence and uplift phases in the longwall collapse method are presented based on the constitutive relationships of fractured rock masses. Finally, the study highlights that the mechanisms and patterns of surface subsidence in closed mines represent a highly complex physical–mechanical process involving geological mining environments, fractured rock structures, constitutive relations, deformation characteristics, hydro-mechanical interactions, and groundwater dynamics, underscoring the need for further in-depth research.
Landslide Susceptibility Mapping Considering Landslide Spatial Aggregation Using the Dual-Frequency Ratio Method: A Case Study on the Middle Reaches of the Tarim River Basin
Authors: Yi Xuetao , Shang Yanjun , Liang Shichuan , Meng He , Meng Qingsen , Shao Peng , Cui Zhendong
Published: January 2025

The phenomenon of landslide spatial aggregation is widespread in nature, which can affect the result of landslide susceptibility prediction (LSP). In order to eliminate the uncertainty caused by landslide spatial aggregation in an LSP study, researchers have put forward some techniques to quantify the degree of landslide spatial aggregation, including the class landslide aggregation index (LAI), which is widely used. However, due to the limitations of the existing LAI method, it is still uncertain when applied to the LSP study of the area with complex engineering geological conditions. Considering landslide spatial aggregation, a new method, the dual-frequency ratio (DFR), was proposed to establish the association between the occurrence of landslides and twelve predisposing factors (i.e., slope, aspect, elevation, relief amplitude, engineering geological rock group, fault density, river density, average annual rainfall, NDVI, distance to road, quarry density and hydropower station density). And in the DFR method, an improved LAI was used to quantify the degree of landslide spatial aggregation in the form of a frequency ratio. Taking the middle reaches of the Tarim River Basin as the study area, the application of the DFR method in an LSP study was verified. Meanwhile, four models were adopted to calculate the landslide susceptibility indexes (LSIs) in this study, including frequency ratio (FR), the analytic hierarchy process (AHP), logistic regression (LR) and random forest (RF). Finally, the receiver operating characteristic curves (ROCs) and distribution patterns of LSIs were used to assess each LSP model’s prediction performance. The results showed that the DFR method could reduce the adverse effect of landslide spatial aggregation on the LSP study and better enhance the LSP model’s prediction performance. Additionally, models of LR and RF had a superior prediction performance, among which the DFR-RF model had the highest prediction accuracy value, and a quite reliable result of LSIs.