bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Automatic 3D Augmented-Reality Robot-Assisted Partial Nephrectomy Using Machine Learning: Our Pioneer Experience
Authors: Piana Alberto , Amparore Daniele , Sica Michele , Volpi Gabriele , Checcucci Enrico , Piramide Federico , De Cillis Sabrina , Busacca Giovanni , Scarpelli Gianluca , Sidoti Flavio , Alba Stefano , Piazzolla Pietro , Fiori Cristian , Porpiglia Francesco , Di Dio Michele
Published: March 2024

The aim of “Precision Surgery” is to reduce the impact of surgeries on patients’ global health. In this context, over the last years, the use of three-dimensional virtual models (3DVMs) of organs has allowed for intraoperative guidance, showing hidden anatomical targets, thus limiting healthy-tissue dissections and subsequent damage during an operation. In order to provide an automatic 3DVM overlapping in the surgical field, we developed and tested a new software, called “ikidney”, based on convolutional neural networks (CNNs). From January 2022 to April 2023, patients affected by organ-confined renal masses amenable to RAPN were enrolled. A bioengineer, a software developer, and a surgeon collaborated to create hyper-accurate 3D models for automatic 3D AR-guided RAPN, using CNNs. For each patient, demographic and clinical data were collected. A total of 13 patients were included in the present study. The average anchoring time was 11 (6–13) s. Unintended 3D-model automatic co-registration temporary failures happened in a static setting in one patient, while this happened in one patient in a dynamic setting. There was one failure; in this single case, an ultrasound drop-in probe was used to detect the neoplasm, and the surgery was performed under ultrasound guidance instead of AR guidance. No major intraoperative nor postoperative complications (i.e., Clavien Dindo > 2) were recorded. The employment of AI has unveiled several new scenarios in clinical practice, thanks to its ability to perform specific tasks autonomously. We employed CNNs for an automatic 3DVM overlapping during RAPN, thus improving the accuracy of the superimposition process.
Comparing Molnupiravir to Nirmatrelvir/Ritonavir (Paxlovid) in the Treatment of Mild-to-Moderate COVID-19 in Immunocompromised Cancer Patients
Authors: Haddad Andrea J. , Hachem Ray Y. , Moussa Mohamed , Jiang Ying , Dagher Hiba R. , Chaftari Patrick , Chaftari Anne-Marie , Raad Issam I.
Published: March 2024

Background: Nirmatrelvir/Ritonavir has been shown to reduce the risk of COVID-19 progression by 88% compared to placebo, while Molnupiravir reduced it by 31%. However, these two agents have not been compared head-to-head. We therefore compared the safety and efficacy of both agents for the treatment of mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in immunocompromised cancer patients. Methods: We identified 240 cancer patients diagnosed with COVID-19 and treated with Molnupiravir or Nirmatrelvir/Ritonavir. Patients were matched using a 1:2 ratio based on age group (18–64 years vs. ≥65) and type of cancer. The collected data included demographics, comorbidities, and treatment outcome. Results: Both groups had comparable characteristics and presenting symptoms. However, dyspnea was more prevalent in the Molnupiravir group, while sore throat was more prevalent in the Nirmatrelvir/Ritonavir group. The rate of disease progression was comparable in both groups by univariate and multivariable analysis. Treatment with Molnupiravir versus Nirmatrelvir/Ritonavir revealed no significant difference in disease progression by multivariable analysis (adjusted OR = 1.31, 95% CI: 0.56–3.14, p = 0.70). Patients who received Nirmatrelvir/Ritonavir, however, were significantly more prone to having drug–drug interactions/adverse events (30% vs. 0%, p < 0.0001). Conclusions: In the treatment of mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in cancer patients, Molnupiravir was comparable to Nirmatrelvir/Ritonavir in preventing progression to severe disease/death and rebound events, and it had a superior safety profile.
Synthesis and Crystal Structures of Rhomb-Shaped Dimeric Pd(II) Complexes with Arylethynyl-Substituted 2,2′-Bipyridine through CH⋯π Interactions in the Crystalline States
Authors: Hori Akiko , Ichisugi Reo , Azegami Daiki , Toyama Naoki , Yuge Hidetaka
Published: March 2024

Two molecular structures of a complex C26H16Cl2N2Pd (1) with a benzene hemisolvate (1•0.5C6H6) and a complex C34H20Cl2N2Pd (2) revealed similar conformations: one side of the arylethynyl group is flat to the bipyridine plane while the other side of the arylethynyl group is highly twisted to the plane because rhomb-like dimer fragments are formed between respective two complexes through CH⋯π interactions. The Hirshfeld surface analysis indicates that the most important contributions for the crystal packing of 1 are from H⋯H (33.6%), C⋯H/H⋯C (28.3%), Cl⋯H/H⋯Cl (17.8%), and C⋯C (10.6%) interactions and those of 2 are from H⋯H (36.5%), C⋯H/H⋯C (26.0%), Cl⋯H/H⋯Cl (15.7%), and C⋯C (12.3%) interactions, indicating the remarkable CH⋯π and electron distribution of molecules by Cl ions. The benzene solvate molecule of 1•0.5C6H6 performs to fill the internal space instead of the naphthyl group. Detailed crystallographic and DFT studies were performed to understand the molecular structures and the corresponding supramolecular associations.
Synthesis and Structure of Unsymmetrical Anthracenyl-Isoxazole Antitumor Agents Via the Diastereoselective Bromination of 3-(9′-Anthryl)-Isoxazole Esters
Authors: Campbell Michael J. , Decato Daniel A. , Li Chun , Weaver Matthew J. , Natale Nicholas R.
Published: March 2024

In pursuit of unsymmetrical precursors for the novel series of anthracenyl-isoxazole amide (AIM) antitumor agents, a series of substituted anthracenes were subjected to bromination and re-aromatization in our study, during which we solved four single crystal X-ray diffractometry (Sc-xrd) structures which we report herein. The C-9 nitrile oxide, after its reaction with bromine, was isolated, but when subjected to re-aromatization, it returned to the starting 10-bromo nitrile oxide 1, which did provide an accurate crystal structure, with R = 0.018. The 10-halogenated 3-(9’-anthryl)-isoxazole esters were subjected to bromination and re-aromatization. Surprisingly, the yields obtained in the presence of the isoxazole were reasonably good (62–68% isolated yields), and the major diastereomers allowed for the characterization using Sc-xrd. The penta bromo product 2 showed a trans, trans, cis relationship for the four bromines on the A-ring of the anthracene, and we observed that for the unit cell, the atropisomers displayed a 1:1 ratio at the chiral axis between the isoxazole and anthrancene rings. Similarly, the 10-chloro 3 indicated a ratio of 1:1 at the chiral axis in the crystal structure. A base-induced re-aromatization afforded 3,10-dihalogenated analogues selectively in very good yields (X = Cl, 89%; X = Br 92%), of which the dibromo 4 was characterized using Sc-xrd. The improved yields of the unique diastereomeric bromination products suggested the consideration of a novel electrophilic aromatic substitution mechanism driven by the stereo-electronic environment, imposed by the isoxazole ester substituent. The promise of the application of this chemistry in the future development of AIM antitumor agents is suggested.
Revealing the Diversity of Thin Filamentous Cyanobacteria, with the Discovery of a Novel Species, Pegethrix qiandaoensis sp. nov. (Oculatellaceae, Oculatellales), in a Freshwater Lake in China
Authors: Gao Kaihui , Cheng Yao , Geng Rouzhen , Xiao Peng , Zhang He , Wu Zhixu , Cai Fangfang , Li Renhui
Published: March 2024

During the study of diversity in filamentous cyanobacteria in China, two strains (WZU0719 and WZU0723) with the form of thin filaments were isolated from the surface of Qiandao Lake, a large freshwater lake in Zhejiang Province, China. A comprehensive analysis was conducted, incorporating morphological, ecological, and molecular data. The morphological examination provided an initial identification as a Leptolyngbya-like cyanobacterium. Genetic characterization was also performed by amplifying the 16S rRNA gene and the 16S-23S rRNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region. The phylogenetic grouping based on the 16S rRNA gene demonstrates that the examined strain is unequivocally assigned to the Pegethrix genus. However, it possesses distinct phylogenetic divergence from the six described Pegethrix species. Additionally, discrepancies in habitat further differentiate it from other members of this genus. Employing the polyphasic approach, we present a comprehensive account of the newly discovered taxa: Pegethrix qiandaoensis sp. nov. The novel taxonomic finding in this research significantly contributes to enhancing the comprehension of Pegethrix diversity across various habitats.
Impact of Ecological Water Transfer Project on Vegetation Recovery in Dried-Up Kongque River, Northwest China
Authors: Wang Zhen , Fan Liangxin , Su Jingxuan , Wang Zhijun
Published: March 2024

The ecological water transfer project (EWTP) plays a pivotal role in reinstating the flow of dried-up rivers in arid regions, promoting river connectivity and vegetation resurgence. An essential facet in ensuring the efficacious execution of the EWTP lies in determining the optimal duration of irrigation to facilitate vegetation recovery. Nevertheless, comprehensive reports concerning the EWTP process in arid river ecosystems are scarce. Here, we leverage remote sensing imagery to assess changes in surface water and vegetation dynamics before and after the implementation of the EWTP in a dried-up river. The results show that before the EWTP (1987–2016), riparian vegetation’s mean normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) decreased from 0.181 to 0.066. After EWTP (2017–2022), the river’s flow was restored for a distance of 347 km. This restoration resulted in the formation of 81.47 km2 of intermittent water bodies along the river. The mean NDVI increased from 0.065 to 0.093. As irrigation duration increased, the NDVI growth rate exhibited an initial rise followed by a subsequent decline, reaching its peak growth rate by irrigating for 18 days per year. The regions showing increased NDVI values exhibited a pronounced spatial correlation with the areas subjected to water transfer. These improvements in NDVI were predominantly concentrated on both sides of the river within a 550 m range. Interestingly, as moves farther away from the river, the growth rate of NDVI exhibited an initial increase followed by a subsequent decline. The pinnacle of NDVI growth rate materialized at a distance of 40–50 m from the river. These findings reveal the response characteristics of desert riparian vegetation to EWTP, providing valuable insights for selecting appropriate water transfer timing in future EWTP.
miRNA as a Biomarker for the Early Detection of Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Coleman David , Kuwada Scott
Published: March 2024

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short, non-coding RNA segments that can be detected in a variety of clinical samples, including serum, stool, and urine. While miRNAs were initially known for their effect on post-translational gene expression, the last decade of research has shown them to be promising biomarkers for the detection of many types of cancer. This paper explores the use of miRNA detection as a tool for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening. We discuss the current state of miRNA detection, compare it to the existing CRC screening tools, and highlight the advantages and drawbacks of this approach from a clinical and logistical perspective. Our research finds that miRNA-based tests for CRC show great potential, but that widespread clinical adoption will be conditional on future research overcoming key hurdles.
A Zebrafish-Based Platform for High-Throughput Epilepsy Modeling and Drug Screening in F0
Authors: Locubiche Sílvia , Ordóñez Víctor , Abad Elena , Scotto di Mase Michele , Di Donato Vincenzo , De Santis Flavia
Published: March 2024

The zebrafish model has emerged as a reference tool for phenotypic drug screening. An increasing number of molecules have been brought from bench to bedside thanks to zebrafish-based assays over the last decade. The high homology between the zebrafish and the human genomes facilitates the generation of zebrafish lines carrying loss-of-function mutations in disease-relevant genes; nonetheless, even using this alternative model, the establishment of isogenic mutant lines requires a long generation time and an elevated number of animals. In this study, we developed a zebrafish-based high-throughput platform for the generation of F0 knock-out (KO) models and the screening of neuroactive compounds. We show that the simultaneous inactivation of a reporter gene (tyrosinase) and a second gene of interest allows the phenotypic selection of F0 somatic mutants (crispants) carrying the highest rates of mutations in both loci. As a proof of principle, we targeted genes associated with neurodevelopmental disorders and we efficiently generated de facto F0 mutants in seven genes involved in childhood epilepsy. We employed a high-throughput multiparametric behavioral analysis to characterize the response of these KO models to an epileptogenic stimulus, making it possible to employ kinematic parameters to identify seizure-like events. The combination of these co-injection, screening and phenotyping methods allowed us to generate crispants recapitulating epilepsy features and to test the efficacy of compounds already during the first days post fertilization. Since the strategy can be applied to a wide range of indications, this study paves the ground for high-throughput drug discovery and promotes the use of zebrafish in personalized medicine and neurotoxicity assessment.
Efficient Estimates of Surface Diffusion Parameters for Spatio-Temporally Resolved Virus Replication Dynamics
Authors: Knodel Markus M. , Wittum Gabriel , Vollmer Jürgen
Published: March 2024

Advanced methods of treatment are needed to fight the threats of virus-transmitted diseases and pandemics. Often, they are based on an improved biophysical understanding of virus replication strategies and processes in their host cells. For instance, an essential component of the replication of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) proceeds under the influence of nonstructural HCV proteins (NSPs) that are anchored to the endoplasmatic reticulum (ER), such as the NS5A protein. The diffusion of NSPs has been studied by in vitro fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) experiments. The diffusive evolution of the concentration field of NSPs on the ER can be described by means of surface partial differential equations (sufPDEs). Previous work estimated the diffusion coefficient of the NS5A protein by minimizing the discrepancy between an extended set of sufPDE simulations and experimental FRAP time-series data. Here, we provide a scaling analysis of the sufPDEs that describe the diffusive evolution of the concentration field of NSPs on the ER. This analysis provides an estimate of the diffusion coefficient that is based only on the ratio of the membrane surface area in the FRAP region to its contour length. The quality of this estimate is explored by a comparison to numerical solutions of the sufPDE for a flat geometry and for ten different 3D embedded 2D ER grids that are derived from fluorescence z-stack data of the ER. Finally, we apply the new data analysis to the experimental FRAP time-series data analyzed in our previous paper, and we discuss the opportunities of the new approach.
Pulmonary Effects of Traumatic Brain Injury in Mice: A Gene Set Enrichment Analysis
Authors: Chan Wei-Hung , Huang Shih-Ming , Chiu Yi-Lin
Published: March 2024

Acute lung injury occurs in 20–25% of cases following traumatic brain injury (TBI). We investigated changes in lung transcriptome expression post-TBI using animal models and bioinformatics. Employing unilateral controlled cortical impact for TBI, we conducted microarray analysis after lung acquisition, followed by gene set enrichment analysis of differentially expressed genes. Our findings indicate significant upregulation of inflammation-related genes and downregulation of nervous system genes. There was enhanced infiltration of adaptive immune cells, evidenced by positive enrichment in Lung-Th1, CD4, and CD8 T cells. Analysis using the Tabula Sapiens database revealed enrichment in lung-adventitial cells, pericytes, myofibroblasts, and fibroblasts, indicating potential effects on lung vasculature and fibrosis. Gene set enrichment analysis linked TBI to lung diseases, notably idiopathic pulmonary hypertension. A Venn diagram overlap analysis identified a common set of 20 genes, with FOSL2 showing the most significant fold change. Additionally, we observed a significant increase in ADRA1A→IL6 production post-TBI using the L1000 library. Our study highlights the impact of brain trauma on lung injury, revealing crucial gene expression changes related to immune cell infiltration, cytokine production, and potential alterations in lung vasculature and fibrosis, along with a specific spectrum of disease influence.
Design and Development of an Integrated Virtual-Reality Training Simulation Sand Table for Rail Systems
Authors: Hu He , Chen Junhua , Zhu Jianhao , Yang Yunze , Zheng Han
Published: March 2024

With the rapid development of the economy, it is imperative to improve the quality of training for operational and managerial talents in the railway industry. To address issues such as efficiency, safety, and cost in railway industry practical training, it is crucial to establish a more comprehensive and efficient high-value virtual–real integration simulation experimental training resource. Therefore, this paper takes the actual work process as the core driving force, utilizes advanced information technology and intelligent devices, and is based on the comprehensive training platform for automatic control of physical trains combined with unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) equipment. It achieves the integration of hardware and software construction to design and develop a comprehensive simulation training sand table system that incorporates functions such as training, demonstration, testing, and experiments. This system builds an integrated platform for training simulation functions, capable of simulating a railway centralized traffic control system, enabling railway dispatching simulation, driving simulation, and inspection simulation experiences. Additionally, it designs experimental processes at three levels: cognition, practical operation, and enhancement, tailored to the needs of talent development. The rail transportation training simulation sand table effectively reduces training costs and enhances the practical ability training quality of railway operation management personnel, meeting the requirements for talent development in the railway and related industries under new circumstances.
Deep Supervised Hashing by Fusing Multiscale Deep Features for Image Retrieval
Authors: Redaoui Adil , Belalia Amina , Belloulata Kamel
Published: March 2024

Deep network-based hashing has gained significant popularity in recent years, particularly in the field of image retrieval. However, most existing methods only focus on extracting semantic information from the final layer, disregarding valuable structural information that contains important semantic details, which are crucial for effective hash learning. On the one hand, structural information is important for capturing the spatial relationships between objects in an image. On the other hand, image retrieval tasks often require a more holistic representation of the image, which can be achieved by focusing on the semantic content. The trade-off between structural information and image retrieval accuracy in the context of image hashing and retrieval is a crucial consideration. Balancing these aspects is essential to ensure both accurate retrieval results and meaningful representation of the underlying image structure. To address this limitation and improve image retrieval accuracy, we propose a novel deep hashing method called Deep Supervised Hashing by Fusing Multiscale Deep Features (DSHFMDF). Our approach involves extracting multiscale features from multiple convolutional layers and fusing them to generate more robust representations for efficient image retrieval. The experimental results demonstrate that our method surpasses the performance of state-of-the-art hashing techniques, with absolute increases of 11.1% and 8.3% in Mean Average Precision (MAP) on the CIFAR-10 and NUS-WIDE datasets, respectively.
Water-Soluble Quaternary and Protonable Basic Chitotriazolans: Synthesis by Click Chemistry Conversion of Chitosan Azides and Investigation of Antibacterial Activity
Authors: Rathinam Sankar , Magdadaro Romano , Hjálmarsdóttir Martha Á. , Másson Már
Published: March 2024

The azide transfer reaction and copper(I)-catalyzed alkyne-azide cycloaddition (CuAAC) can be used to convert the amino groups in chitosan to triazole 1,2,3-moieties. The resulting polymer has been named chitotriazolan. This synthesis was performed with six different quaternary ammonium alkynes and three amine alkynes to obtain a series of nine water-soluble chitotriazolan derivatives. The structure and complete conversion of the azide were confirmed by FT-IR and proton NMR spectroscopy. The derivatives were investigated for antibacterial activity against S. aureus, E. faecalis, E. coli, and P. aeruginosa. The activity of the quaternized chitotriazolan derivatives varied depending on the structure of the quaternary moiety and the species of bacteria. The basic protonable derivatives were less active or inactive against the bacteria.
Comparison of the Field Trapping Ability of MgB2 and Hybrid Disc-Shaped Layouts
Authors: Fracasso Michela , Gerbaldo Roberto , Ghigo Gianluca , Torsello Daniele , Xing Yiteng , Bernstein Pierre , Noudem Jacques , Gozzelino Laura
Published: March 2024

Superconductors have revolutionized magnet technology, surpassing the limitations of traditional coils and permanent magnets. This work experimentally investigates the field-trapping ability of a MgB2 disc at various temperatures and proposes new hybrid (MgB2-soft iron) configurations using a numerical approach based on the vector potential (A→) formulation. The experimental characterization consists in measurements of trapped magnetic flux density carried out using cryogenic Hall probes located at different radial positions over the MgB2 sample, after a field cooling (FC) process and the subsequent removal of the applied field. Measurements were performed also as a function of the distance from the disc surface. The numerical modelling of the superconductor required the evaluation of the critical current density dependence on the magnetic flux density (Jc(B)) obtained through an iterative procedure whose output were successfully validated by the comparison between experimental and computed data. The numerical model, upgraded to also describe the in-field behavior of ARMCO soft iron, was then employed to predict the field-trapping ability of hybrid layouts of different shapes. The most promising results were achieved by assuming a hollow superconducting disc filled with a ferromagnetic (FM) cylinder. With such a geometry, optimizing the radius of the FM cylinder while the external dimensions of the superconducting disc are kept unchanged, an improvement of more than 30% is predicted with respect to the full superconducting disc, assuming a working temperature of 20 K.
A 3D Meso-Scale Model and Numerical Uniaxial Compression Tests on Concrete with the Consideration of the Friction Effect
Authors: Wang Jiawei , Yu Xinlu , Fu Yingqian , Zhou Gangyi
Published: March 2024

Achieving the real mechanical performance of construction materials is significantly important for the design and engineering of structures. However, previous researchers have shown that contact friction performs an important role in the results of uniaxial compression tests. Strong discreteness generally appears in concrete-like construction materials due to the random distribution of the components. A numerical meso-scale finite-element (FE) method provides the possibility of generating an ideal material with the same component percentages and distribution. Thus, a well-designed meso-FE model was employed to investigate the effect of friction on the mechanical behavior and failure characteristics of concrete under uniaxial compression loading. The results showed that the mechanical behavior and failure profiles of the simulation matched well with the experimental results. Based on this model, the effect of friction was determined by changing the contact friction coefficient from 0.0 to 0.7. It was found that frictional contact had a slight influence on the elastic compressive mechanical behavior of concrete. However, the nonlinear hardening behavior of the stress–strain curves showed a fairly strong relationship with the frictional contact. The final failure profiles of the experiments showed a “sand-glass” shape that might be expected to result from the contact friction. Thus, the numerical meso-scale FE model showed that contact friction had a significant influence on both the mechanical performance and the failure profiles of concrete.
A Stochastic Dynamics Method for Time-Varying Damping Depending on Temperature/Frequency for Several Alloy Materials
Authors: Huang Wenjun , Yu Guorui , Xu Wentao , Zhou Ruchuan
Published: March 2024

In the field of aerospace and advanced equipment manufacturing, accurate response analysis has been paid more attention, requiring a more comprehensive study of the variation of mechanical parameters with the service environment. The damping variation characteristics of 304 aluminum alloy, Sa564 high-strength alloy, GW63K magnesium alloy, and Q235 steel were investigated in this paper, which plays a significant role in the dynamic responses of structures. Variable damping ratios were revealed by the damping tests based on a dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). The numerical method of temperature/frequency-dependent damping parameters in stochastic dynamics was focused on. With a large variation in the damping ratio, a numerical constitutive relation for temperature-dependent damping was proposed, and an efficient stochastic dynamics method was derived to analyze the responses of structures based on the pseudo excitation method (PEM) and variable damping theory. The computational accuracy and validity of the proposed method are confirmed during the vibration tests and numerical analysis. Based on the comparison results of the two damping models and the experiments on GW63K alloy, we proved that the proposed method is more accurate to the real response of the actual engineering structure. The differences in dynamic responses between the constant damping and experiments are significant, and more attention should be paid to the numerical method of stochastic dynamic response of variable damping materials in the aviation and aerospace fields and high-temperature environments.
Geochemistry of Geothermal Fluids in the Three Rivers Lateral Collision Zone in Northwest Yunnan, China: Relevance for Tectonic Structure and Seismic Activity
Authors: Li Qilin , Wang Yun , Zhao Ciping , Ran Hua
Published: March 2024

The Three Rivers Lateral Collision Zone (TRLCZ), situated at the southeastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau, is a crucial frontier where materials from the plateau flow southeastward. This study extensively investigated the hydrochemical characteristics and origin of helium and carbon isotopes in 73 thermal springs within the TRLCZ. The analysis revealed dominant processes, including carbonate and silicate interactions, resulting in elevated concentrations of HCO3− and Na+. The impact of Ca/Mg-rich minerals, particularly dolomite, influenced the cation composition. Additionally, gypsum dissolution, notably in the Lancangjiang Fault and Weixi–Qiaohou Fault, was highlighted through Ca/SO4 ratios. The positive correlation between SO42− and Cl− indicated dilution by shallow cold water, explaining the lower SO42− content in the Jingshajiang–Zhongdian Fault and Nujiang Fault compared to the Weixi–Qiaohou Fault and Lancangjiang Fault. The circulation depth of thermal spring water varied, with the northern Weixi–Qiaohou Fault exhibiting the shallowest circulation depth (~3 km), while the Jingshajiang–Zhongdian Fault and southern segments of the Nujiang Fault displayed deeper depths—ranging from 4 to 7 km. A positive correlation between the circulation depth and fault activity was also observed. The Rc/Ra ratios of free gas samples, predominantly indicating crustal origin, varied from 0.01 Ra to 0.53 Ra. Elevated Rc/Ra ratios in the research area suggested potential minor additions of mantle helium through faults and fractures. Crustal limestone was identified as the primary source of CO2-rich samples, with δ13CCO2 values ranging from −1.6‰ to −7.2‰, while trace amounts of mantle CO2 were found. The spatial distribution of the H2 concentration, CO2 concentration, He concentration, and mantle He proportions in gases indicated that higher values of He concentration and mantle He% always occur near sampling points with deeper circulation depths. However, no similar correlation was observed for H2 and CO2. Most earthquakes of magnitude 5 or greater occurred near the regions with high values of mantle source He release, highlighting the critical role of mantle fluids in the occurrence of earthquakes in the region. In this study, a fluid circulation model was developed to describe the process of fluid (water and gas) circulation migration and earthquake generation in the TRLCZ.
Glassy-like Transients in Semiconductor Nanomaterials
Authors: Balberg Isaac
Published: March 2024

Glassy behavior is manifested by three time-dependent characteristics of a dynamic physical property. Such behaviors have been found in the electrical conductivity transients of various disordered systems, but the mechanisms that yield the glassy behavior are still under intensive debate. The focus of the present work is on the effect of the quantum confinement (QC) and the Coulomb blockade (CB) effects on the experimentally observed glassy-like behavior in semiconductor nanomaterials. Correspondingly, we studied the transient electrical currents in semiconductor systems that contain CdSe or Si nanosize crystallites, as a function of that size and the ambient temperature. In particular, in contrast to the more commonly studied post-excitation behavior in electronic glassy systems, we have also examined the current transients during the excitation. This has enabled us to show that the glassy behavior is a result of the nanosize nature of the studied systems and thus to conclude that the observed characteristics are sensitive to the above effects. Following this and the temperature dependence of the transients, we derived a more detailed macroscopic and microscopic understanding of the corresponding transport mechanisms and their glassy manifestations. We concluded that the observed electrical transients must be explained not only by the commonly suggested principle of the minimization of energy upon the approach to equilibrium, as in the mechanical (say, viscose) glass, but also by the principle of minimal energy dissipation by the electrical current which determines the percolation network of the electrical conductivity. We further suggest that the deep reason for the glassy-like behavior that is observed in the electrical transients of the nanomaterials studied is the close similarity between the localization range of electrons due to the Coulomb blockade and the caging range of the uncharged atomic-size particles in the classical mechanical glass. These considerations are expected to be useful for the understanding and planning of semiconductor nanodevices such as corresponding quantum dot memories and quantum well MOSFETs.
Effects of Kiwifruit Dietary Fibers on Pasting Properties and In Vitro Starch Digestibility of Wheat Starch
Authors: Wang Yaqi , Pan Yaoyi , Zhou Chang , Li Wenru , Wang Kunli
Published: March 2024

In this study, the roles of kiwifruit soluble/insoluble dietary fiber (SDF/IDF, respectively) in the pasting characteristics and in vitro digestibility of wheat starch were explored. According to RVA and rheological tests, the IDF enhanced the wheat starch viscosity, decreased the gelatinization degree of the starch granules, and exacerbated starch retrogradation. The addition of SDF in high quantities could reduce the starch gelatinization level, lower the system viscosity, and exacerbate starch retrogradation. Through determining the leached amylose content and conducing scanning electron microscopy, the IDF and SDF added in high quantities was combined with the leached amylose wrapped around the starch granules, which reduced the leached amylose content and decreased the gelatinization degree of the starch granules. The Fourier transform infrared results showed that the addition of both the IDF and SDF resulted in an enhancement in hydrogen bonding formed by the hydroxyl groups of the system. The in vitro digestion results strongly suggested that both the IDF and SDF reduced the wheat starch digestibility. The above findings are instructive for the application of both IDF and SDF in starchy functional foods.
Exploring Diet and Nutrient Insufficiencies across Age Groups: Insights from a Population-Based Study of Brazilian Adults
Authors: Fisberg Mauro , Duarte Batista Lais , Previdelli Agatha , Ferrari Gerson , Fisberg Regina
Published: March 2024

Assessing dietary inadequacies can contribute to understanding the nutritional vulnerabilities of a country. This study aimed to investigate nutrient intakes and micronutrient inadequacies in the Brazilian adult population, with an interest in different age subgroups. We conducted a cross-sectional study with 1812 individuals aged 19 to 65 years from a population-based study with a representative sample of Brazilian adults. Dietary intake was assessed by two 24 h food recalls, and the probabilities of inadequate intake were estimated using the Dietary Reference Intake targets. Adequate macronutrient intake was over 99% for proteins, 84.7% for carbohydrates, and 80.7% for total fats. There was a high probability of inadequacy (above 90%) for vitamins D and E, but vitamin D inadequacy was very similar between the sexes. In contrast, vitamin E was more likely to be inadequately consumed among women. A high probability of inadequacies (above 85%) of calcium and magnesium were found in the population, regardless of age group. Except for iron, the probability of an inadequacy of other minerals increased with age. The results showed a relevant proportion of nutrient inadequacies, with those most at risk being women and older individuals, helping with the better targeting and monitoring of public-health policies that address nutritional problems in the population.
The Living Concrete Experiment: Cultivation of Photosynthetically Active Microalgal on Concrete Finish Blocks
Authors: Tzortzi Julia Nerantzia , Hasbini Rola A. , Ballottari Matteo , Bellamoli Francesco
Published: March 2024

Climate change is a global critical issue. High carbon dioxide emissions and concentrations are important factors. In the construction field, concrete contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, a pioneering team of researchers has developed a new “living concrete” construction finish material capable of scrubbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The material consists of ASTM (ASTM is the acronym for American Society for Testing Materials)-certified concrete block(s) with Chlorella vulgaris cultivated on the surface. Chlorella vulgaris is a common micro-algae with photosynthetic activity; these species require water, nutrients, light, and carbon dioxide to live while releasing oxygen in return. The “living concrete” block was developed in dedicated laboratories; its photosynthetic activity was quantified. Proposed as an external application assembly to a new or an existing building envelope—up to 3 m high, i.e., anthropogenic street-level emissions, or installed on roof(s) in horizontal mode—this concrete/biological composite material reverses carbon dioxide emissions and may present itself as a valid solution for climate change issues in urban moderate climates.
Balancing Sustainability and Comfort: A Holistic Study of Building Control Strategies That Meet the Global Standards for Efficiency and Thermal Comfort
Authors: Azzi Amal , Tabaa Mohamed , Chegari Badr , Hachimi Hanaa
Published: March 2024

The objective of energy transition is to convert the worldwide energy sector from using fossil fuels to using sources that do not emit carbon by the end of the current century. In order to achieve sustainability in the construction of energy-positive buildings, it is crucial to employ novel approaches to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Hence, it is essential to develop buildings with very efficient structures to promote sustainable energy practices and minimize the environmental impact. Our aims were to shed some light on the standards, building modeling strategies, and recent advances regarding the methods of control utilized in the building sector and to pinpoint the areas for improvement in the methods of control in buildings in hopes of giving future scholars a clearer understanding of the issues that need to be addressed. Accordingly, we focused on recent works that handle methods of control in buildings, which we filtered based on their approaches and relevance to the subject at hand. Furthermore, we ran a critical analysis of the reviewed works. Our work proves that model predictive control (MPC) is the most commonly used among other methods in combination with AI. However, it still faces some challenges, especially regarding its complexity.
Analyzing the Impact of Road Accidents on Carbon Dioxide Emissions in Freeway Traffic: A Simulation and Statistical Modeling Approach
Authors: Wang Yushan , Lv Chenjie , Nie Qin , Liu Haobing
Published: March 2024

Roadway accidents significantly contribute to intermittent congestion and increased CO2 emissions on freeways. This research introduces a statistical approach designed to predict the rise in CO2 emissions resulting from traffic disturbances or jams triggered by such incidents. It also assesses the influence of varying levels of accident management effectiveness in different situations. To construct these scenarios, the study employs VISSIM, a traffic modeling software, incorporating diverse factors such as traffic volume, vehicle types, incident durations, and freeway lane counts. It then produces traffic flow characteristics in the form of vehicle paths. The emission estimates are derived by correlating these simulated vehicle paths with emission rates from the MOVES model. The study then applies a regression analysis to examine the connection between the increase in emissions and various influencing factors. The findings indicate that this approach efficiently reflects the impact of variables like accident duration, vehicle mix, and traffic volume on CO2 emissions across different lane configurations. The accuracy of these predictions is also confirmed. The outcomes suggest the model’s potential usage in guiding efforts to lower emissions and determining the optimal duration of incident management, particularly in terms of lane closure, to mitigate emission impacts. This paper also discusses the limitations of the model and the future improvement direction.
Symmetries of the Large Scale Structures of the Universe as a Phenomenology of a Fractal Turbulence: The Role of the Plasma Component
Authors: Montani Giovanni , Carlevaro Nakia
Published: March 2024

We present a new perspective on the symmetries that govern the formation of large-scale structures across the Universe, particularly focusing on the transition from the seeds of galaxy clusters to the seeds of galaxies themselves. We address two main features of cosmological fluid dynamics pertaining to both the linear and non-linear regimes. The linear dynamics of cosmological perturbations within the Hubble horizon is characterized by the Jeans length, which separates stable configurations from unstable fluctuations due to the gravitational effect on sufficiently large (and therefore, massive enough) overdensities. On the other hand, the non-linear dynamics of the cosmological fluid is associated with a turbulent behavior once the Reynolds numbers reach a sufficiently high level. This turbulent regime leads to energy dissipation across smaller and smaller scales, resulting in a fractal distribution of eddies throughout physical space. The proposed scenario suggests that the spatial scale of eddy formation is associated with the Jeans length of various levels of fragmentation from an original large-scale structure. By focusing on the fragmentation of galaxy cluster seeds versus galaxy seeds, we arrived at a phenomenological law that links the ratio of the two structure densities to the number of galaxies in each cluster and to the Hausdorff number of the Universe matter distribution. Finally, we introduced a primordial magnetic field and studied its influence on the Jeans length dynamics. The resulting anisotropic behavior of the density contrast led us to infer that the main features of the turbulence could be reduced to a 2D Euler equation. Numerical simulations showed that the two lowest wavenumbers contained the major energy contribution of the spectrum.
Unveiling the Broad Substrate Specificity of Deoxynivalenol Oxidation Enzyme DepA and Its Role in Detoxifying Trichothecene Mycotoxins
Authors: Zhu Yan , Chan Edicon Tze Shun , Abraham Nadine , Li Xiu-Zhen , Wang Weijun , Mats Lili , Zhu Honghui , Carere Jason , Zhou Ting
Published: March 2024

DepA, a pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ)-dependent enzyme isolated from Devosia mutans 17-2-E-8, exhibits versatility in oxidizing deoxynivalenol (DON) and its derivatives. This study explored DepA’s substrate specificity and enzyme kinetics, focusing on DON and 15-acetyl-DON. Besides efficiently oxidizing DON, DepA also transforms 15-acetyl-DON into 15-acetyl-3-keto-DON, as identified via LC-MS/MS and NMR analysis. The kinetic parameters, including the maximum reaction rate, turnover number, and catalytic efficiency, were thoroughly evaluated. DepA-PQQ complex docking was deployed to rationalize the substrate specificity of DepA. This study further delves into the reduced toxicity of the transformation products, as demonstrated via enzyme homology modeling and in silico docking analysis with yeast 80S ribosomes, indicating a potential decrease in toxicity due to lower binding affinity. Utilizing the response surface methodology and central composite rotational design, mathematical models were developed to elucidate the relationship between the enzyme and cofactor concentrations, guiding the future development of detoxification systems for liquid feeds and grain processing. This comprehensive analysis underscores DepA’s potential for use in mycotoxin detoxification, offering insights for future applications.
Changes in Prevalence and Seasonality of Pathogens Identified in Acute Respiratory Tract Infections in Hospitalised Individuals in Rural and Urban Settings in South Africa; 2018–2022
Authors: Davids Michaela , Johnstone Siobhan , Mendes Adriano , Brecht Gadean , Avenant Theunis , du Plessis Nicolette , de Villiers Maryke , Page Nicola , Venter Marietjie
Published: March 2024

Severe acute respiratory tract infections (SARIs) has been well described in South Africa with seasonal patterns described for influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), while others occur year-round (rhinovirus and adenovirus). This prospective syndromic hospital-based surveillance study describes the prevalence and impact of public interventions on the seasonality of other respiratory pathogens during the coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic. This occurred from August 2018 to April 2022, with 2595 patients who met the SARS case definition and 442 controls, from three sentinel urban and rural hospital sites in South Africa. Naso/oro-pharyngeal (NP/OP) swabs were tested using the FastTrack Diagnostics® Respiratory pathogens 33 (RUO) kit. Descriptive statistics, odds ratios, and univariate/multivariate analyses were used. Rhinovirus (14.80%, 228/1540) and Streptococcus pneumoniae (28.50%, 439/1540) were most frequently detected in NP/OP swabs and in children <1 years old (35%, 648/1876). Among others, pathogens associated with SARI cases causing disease were influenza A&B, HRV, RSV, hCoV 229e, Haemophilus influenzae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus pneumoniae. Pre-COVID-19, seasonal trends of these pathogens correlated with previous years, with RSV and influenza A seasons only resuming after the national lockdown (2021). It is evident that stringent lockdown conditions have severe impacts on the prevalence of respiratory tract infections.
Holocene Paleoclimate Records in Equatorial West Africa: Insights Based on the Characterization of Glycerol Dialkyl Glycerol Tetraethers
Authors: Yang Peining , Mao Shengyi , Cao Yiyun , Liu Li , Zhai Mengyue , Qiu Zhongyan , Liu Lihua
Published: March 2024

One gravity core retrieved from the Niger Delta was used to explore the origin of deposited organic matter (OM) and the paleo-climatic and environmental conditions over the Holocene in equatorial West Africa. The geochemical properties of sediments including glycerol dialkyl glycerol tetraethers (GDGTs) and elemental (%OC, %N, C/N) and isotopic (δ13Corg, δ15N) signatures were determined. The determination constrained the age of the column and revealed that the sediment OM was mainly derived from a marine source. The isoprenoid (iso)GDGTs were the dominant GDGTs, with a small amount of branched (br)GDGTs, which led to a low-branched and isoprenoid tetraether index (BIT, 0.02–0.21) and represented a low terrestrial input. Most isoGDGTs and OH-GDGTs were produced in situ by Marine Group I (MG-I) Thaumarchaeota, while the brGDGTs were mainly transported from land. A two-endmember model quantified the contribution of terrestrial OM, as 0.9–19.9% by BIT and 1.1–32.6% by δ13C. Accordingly, the millennium-scale sea surface temperatures (SSTs) were reconstructed based on the cyclopentane ring distribution (TEX86H) and the ring index of OH-GDGTs (RI-OH). The top core SSTs were lower than the modern mean annual SST due to the growth season and habitat depth of Thaumarchaeota. The reconstructed SSTs clearly revealed the four stages of paleoclimate change, in particular, the drought episode of 8.2 kyr and the following humid period. The above research has enhanced our understanding of the paleoclimate change in river outflow during the Holocene at the millennium scale.