bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Open Test Case for High-Speed Low-Pressure Turbines: The SPLEEN C1 Cascade
Authors: Lopes Gustavo , Simonassi Loris , Gendebien Samuel , Torre Antonino Federico Maria , Patinios Marios , Zeller Nicolas , Pintat Ludovic , Lavagnoli Sergio
Published: February 2025

Aviation accounts for a significant share of global CO2 emissions, necessitating efficient propulsion technologies to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Geared turbofan architectures offer a promising solution by enabling higher bypass ratios and improved fuel efficiency. However, geared turbofans introduce significant aerodynamic and structural challenges, particularly in the low-pressure turbine. Current understanding of high-speed low-pressure turbine behavior under engine-representative conditions is limited, especially regarding unsteady wake interactions, secondary flows, and compressibility effects. To address these gaps, this work presents a novel test case of high-speed low-pressure turbines, the SPLEEN C1. The test case and experimental methodology are depicted. The study includes the commissioning and characterization of a transonic low-density linear cascade capable of testing quasi-3D flows. The rig’s operational stability, periodicity, and inlet flow characterization are assessed in terms of loss and turbulence quantities to ensure an accurate representation of engine conditions. These findings provide a validated experimental platform for studying complex flow interactions in high-speed low-pressure turbines, supporting future turbine design and efficiency advancements.
Immature Stages and Breeding Behaviour of the Hollyhock Weevil–Rhopalapion longirostre (Olivier 1807) (Coleoptera, Brentidae, Apioninae)
Authors: Gosik Rafał
Published: February 2025

Since the 1960s, the range of Rhopalapion longirostre has rapidly expanded from central Asia to almost all of Europe; it has also been introduced to North America. This expansion is an expression of this weevil’s response to climate change. The phenology of Rhopalapion has been comprehensively described. Its feeding and development are associated with plants from the genus Alcea. Even though more than 300 scientific papers have been written on various aspects of R. longirostre, its immatures and certain kinds of behaviours have yet to be described. The aims of this study were (1) to provide new information on the biology of this species, in particular with regard to the morphology of the preimaginal stages, and (2) to present new observations of its reproductive and developmental behaviour. A total of 73 larvae and 67 pupae were collected from 20 hollyhock plants. Of these, 21 mature larvae and 42 pupae (21 male and 21 female) were measured and described morphologically. The descriptions of both larvae and pupae revealed a number of original features, not previously observed on known immatures of Brentidae. The sympatric development of caterpillars of Pexicopia malvella (Hübner, (1805)) in hollyhock fruit was recorded as a pathogenic factor limiting the numbers of R. longirostre.
Seasonal and Spatial Distribution of Fall Armyworm Larvae in Maize Fields: Implications for Integrated Pest Management
Authors: Zanzana Karimou , Sinzogan Antonio , Tepa-Yotto Ghislain T. , Dannon Elie , Goergen Georg , Tamò Manuele
Published: February 2025

The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda, a major pest in maize production, was assessed for its temporal and spatial distribution in maize fields during both the dry and rainy seasons of 2021 and 2022 in two agroecological regions in Benin (zone 6 and 8). Zone 6 (AEZ 6) “called zone of terre de barre” (Southern and Central Benin) consisted of ferralitic soils, a Sudano-Guinean climate (two rainy seasons alternating with two dry seasons) with a rainfall ranging between 800 and 1400 mm of rainfall per year; while zone 8 (AEZ 8) called “fisheries region” (Southern Benin” is characterized by coastal gleysols and arenosols with a Sudano-Guinean climate and a rainfall of 900–1400 mm of rainfall per year. In this study, 30 and 50 maize plants were randomly sampled using a “W” pattern during the dry and rainy seasons, respectively. Larval density, larval infestation rates, and damage severity were monitored over time. Taylor’s power law and the mean crowding aggregation index were applied to evaluate the dispersion patterns of the larvae. The results indicate a higher larval infestation rate and larval density in AEZ 8 compared to AEZ 6 during the dry season. In the rainy season, while the percentage of damaged plants was higher in AZE 8, no significant differences in larval density between the two zones were observed. The dispersion analysis revealed moderate aggregation (aggregation index = 1.25) with a basic colony of 2.08 larvae, i.e., an average initial cluster of 2.08 larvae observed per plant, reflecting the aggregation oviposition behavior of FAW. This study provides valuable monitoring data on the FAW’s distribution, offering insights for further research on population dynamics and developing predictive models for integrated pest management strategies.
Exploiting Trap Type and Color for Monitoring Macadamia Felted Coccid Acanthococcus ironsidei (Williams) and Associated Parasitic Wasps in Macadamia Orchards in Hawai’i
Authors: Acebes-Doria Angelita L. , Aigbedion-Atalor Pascal O.
Published: February 2025

Acanthococcus ironsidei (Williams) (Hemiptera: Eriococcidae) is an invasive pest of macadamia, Macadamia integrifolia, in Hawai’i, causing death to macadamia trees and decreased nut productivity. Monitoring relies on wrapping double-sided sticky tapes over tree branches to trap dispersing crawlers (i.e., mobile immature stage), but this is tedious for growers, especially in large orchards. From September to November 2022 and December 2022 to February 2023, at two commercial macadamia orchards on Hawai’i Island, the use of colored sticky cards was assessed for improving the monitoring of A. ironsidei and to investigate the Hymenopteran parasitoid complex that inhabits macadamia canopies. At each study site, four different colored sticky cards (yellow, lime green, dark green, and white) were placed on the lower canopy of five trees, and on each tree, a transparent double-sided sticky tape was deployed. At bi-weekly intervals, the sticky cards were replaced and re-randomized on each tree, and the double-sided sticky tapes were replaced. The results showed that the sticky cards captured both A. ironsidei crawlers and (winged) male adults, while the double-sided sticky tapes captured only crawlers. The trap color did not have significant effects on the captures of A. ironsidei male adults at the sites, while the captures of crawlers on sticky cards were lowest on the dark green sticky traps at one site. The captures of A. ironsidei adult males on white sticky traps were generally correlated with the number of crawlers captured on the double-sided sticky tapes. The parasitoid complex captured had disparities in the attraction to color; however, the yellow, lime green and dark green colors were seemingly more effective for monitoring Encarsia lounsburyi (Berlese & Paoli), a reported parasitoid of A. ironsidei. These results have useful practical implications for improved monitoring of A. ironsidei crawlers, male adults and associated natural enemies.
Benefits of Treating Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Cognition: Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Montalvão Neves Júlia , Maciel Cátia Andreia , Alexandre-Sousa Pedro
Published: February 2025

Introduction: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is characterized by intermittent hypoxia, sleep fragmentation, daytime sleepiness, cognitive impairment, and brain cell damage due to brain blood flow reduction, with ischemic damage, increased microvascular reactivity, and brain tissue damage. OSAS is strongly linked to chronic, neurodegenerative, and inflammatory cerebrovascular disease and cognitive impairment. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the first-line treatment for OSAS. Objective: This article aims to evaluate the effect of CPAP treatment on neurocognitive performance in OSAS patients with mild cognitive impairment or dementia by reviewing the literature. Methods: We performed a comprehensive review of the Portuguese and English languages without a time limit using the following Mesh terms: dementia, mild cognitive impairment, obstructive sleep apnea, and CPAP. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs), meta-analyses, and systematic reviews (SRs) where the impact of CPAP on neurocognitive performance was addressed. Results: Five SRs and three RCTs reported significant improvements in neurocognitive performance, especially in verbal, visuospatial, and working memory. Conclusion: CPAP treatment seems to improve cognitive defects associated with OSA.
Deterministic-Stochastic Subspace Identification of the Modal Parameters of a Machine Tool During Milling
Authors: Reichert Willy , Kolouch Martin , Berthold Jan , Ihlenfeldt Steffen , Engelmann Max
Published: February 2025

Modal analysis is a standard tool for evaluating the dynamic behaviour of machine tools. Since the dynamic behaviour can differ for operating and analysis conditions, the use of operational modal analysis for machine tools has been researched over the last decade. However, the operation of a machine tool is a special case with respect to the excitation, as the excitation is both deterministic and stochastic in nature. Therefore, a perfect broadband excitation, which can be assumed to be white noise, does not occur in machine tools. This fact must be taken into account for the identification and makes the application of classical techniques of operational modal analysis to milling machines insufficient. The approach for identification of the modal parameters of a milling machine during machining, presented in the paper, is based on the deterministic-stochastic subspace identification, which can consider both the deterministic and the stochastic character of the excitation in machine tools better than the stochastic subspace identification being often used in operational modal analysis. For this purpose, the formulation of the input vector for a milling machine is crucial. The approach is developed with the help of simulations and demonstrated on a real machine tool. The results show an improvement compared to the stochastic subspace identification, which is visible in more clear stability diagrams and in a higher number of identified resonance frequencies.
Enhancing Underwater Acoustic Target Recognition Through Advanced Feature Fusion and Deep Learning
Authors: Zhao Yanghong , Xie Guohao , Chen Haoyu , Chen Mingsong , Huang Li
Published: February 2025

Underwater Acoustic Target Recognition (UATR) is critical to maritime traffic management and ocean monitoring. However, underwater acoustic analysis is fraught with difficulties. The underwater environment is highly complex, with ambient noise, variable water conditions (such as temperature and salinity), and multi-path propagation of acoustic signals. These factors make it challenging to accurately acquire and analyze target features. Traditional UATR methods struggle with feature fusion representations and model generalization. This study introduces a novel high-dimensional feature fusion method, CM3F, grounded in signal analysis and brain-like features, and integrates it with the Boundary-Aware Hybrid Transformer Network (BAHTNet), a deep-learning architecture tailored for UATR. BAHTNet comprises CBCARM and XCAT modules, leveraging a Kan network for classification and a large-margin aware focal (LMF) loss function for predictive losses. Experimental results on real-world datasets demonstrate the model’s robust generalization capabilities, achieving 99.8% accuracy on the ShipsEar dataset and 94.57% accuracy on the Deepship dataset. These findings underscore the potential of BAHTNet to significantly improve UATR performance.
The Impact of Ekman Pumping and Transport on Dosidicus gigas (Jumbo Flying Squid) Fishing Ground by Chinese Jiggers off the Coast of Peru
Authors: Fang Xingnan , Zhang Xin , Chen Xinjun , Yu Wei
Published: February 2025

Upwelling is often associated with high productivity, biodiversity, and fishery resource abundance. This study employed a generalized additive model (GAM) to analyze the effects of Ekman pumping and transport on the abundance and distribution of jumbo flying squid (Dosidicus gigas) using wind field data and Chinese commercial fishing catch data off Peru from 2012 to 2020. The results indicate that the spatial distribution of Ekman pumping and transport exhibited significant monthly variation and exerted a considerable impact on the abundance and distribution of D. gigas. Ekman pumping fluctuated between 4.98 × 10−9 to 6.84 × 10−7 m/s, with the strongest upwelling effects observed from February to March and October to December. Ekman transport varied from 0.89 to 2.56 m3/s and peaked in August. The GAM results indicate that the catch per unit effort (CPUE) of D. gigas was significantly affected by Ekman pumping, while the latitudinal gravity centers (LATG) of D. gigas were significantly influenced by Ekman transport and chlorophyll-a concentration (Chl-a). Both hydrodynamic processes had a significant influence on Chl-a. Ekman pumping contributed greatly to upwelling formation, significantly increasing Chl-a concentration in the northern region, while strong Ekman transport pushed high-Chl-a coastal waters offshore in the central and southern regions when Ekman pumping was weaker, resulting in increasing offshore Chl-a concentrations. Furthermore, Chl-a concentration was significantly positively correlated with Ekman pumping after a two-month lag. An El Niño weakened the intensity of Ekman pumping, leading to notable declines in Chl-a concentration and D. gigas CPUE. These findings demonstrate that Ekman pumping and transport significantly influence the distribution of Chl-a, to which D. gigas is sensitive, influencing the abundance and distribution of this species off the coast of Peru.
MaNrtB, a Putative Nitrate Transporter, Contributes to Stress Tolerance and Virulence in the Entomopathogenic Fungus Metarhizium acridum
Authors: Wang Jia , Zou Yuneng , Xia Yuxian , Jin Kai
Published: February 2025

Nitrogen is an essential nutrient that frequently determines the growth rate of fungi. Nitrate transporter proteins (Nrts) play a crucial role in the cellular absorption of nitrate from the environment. Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) have shown their potential in the biological control of pests. Thus, comprehending the mechanisms that govern the pathogenicity and stress tolerance of EPF is helpful in improving the effectiveness and practical application of these fungal biocontrol agents. In this study, we utilized homologous recombination to create MaNrtB deletion mutants and complementation strains. We systematically investigated the biological functions of the nitrate transporter protein gene MaNrtB in M. acridum. Our findings revealed that the disruption of MaNrtB resulted in delayed conidial germination without affecting conidial production. Stress tolerance assays demonstrated that the MaNrtB disruption strain was more vulnerable to UV-B irradiation, hyperosmotic stress, and cell wall disturbing agents, yet it exhibited increased heat resistance compared to the wild-type strain. Bioassays on the locust Locusta migratoria manilensis showed that the disruption of MaNrtB impaired the fungal virulence owing to the reduced appressorium formation on the insect cuticle and the attenuated growth in the locust hemolymph. These findings provide new perspectives for understanding the pathogenesis of EPF.
Whole-Genome Sequencing and Fine Map Analysis of Pholiota nameko
Authors: He Yan , Liu Bo , Ouyang Xiaoqi , He Mianyu , Hui Hongyan , Tang Bimei , Feng Liaoliao , Ren Min , Chen Guoliang , Liu Guangping , He Xiaolong
Published: February 2025

Pholiota nameko (T. Ito) S. Ito and S. Imai is an emerging wild mushroom species belonging to the genus Pholiota. Its unique brown–yellow appearance and significant biological activity have garnered increasing attention in recent years. However, there is a relative lack of research on the biological characteristics and genetics of P. nameko, which greatly limits the potential for an in-depth exploration of this mushroom in the research fields of molecular breeding and evolutionary biology. This study aimed to address that gap by employing Illumina and Nanopore sequencing technologies to perform whole-genome sequencing, de novo assembly, and annotation analysis of the P. nameko ZZ1 strain. Utilizing bioinformatics methods, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of the genomic characteristics of this strain and successfully identified candidate genes associated with its mating type, carbohydrate-active enzymes, virulence factors, pan-genome, and drug resistance functions. The genome of P. nameko ZZ1 is 24.58 Mb in size and comprises 33 contigs, with a contig N50 of 2.11 Mb. A hylogenetic analysis further elucidated the genetic relationship between P. nameko and other Pholiota, revealing a high degree of collinearity between P. nameko and ZZ1. In our enzyme analysis, we identified 246 enzymes in the ZZ1 genome, including 68 key carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes), and predicted the presence of 11 laccases, highlighting the strain’s strong potential for cellulose degradation. We conducted a pan-genomic analysis of five closely related strains of Pholiota, yielding extensive genomic information. Among these, there were 2608 core genes, accounting for 21.35% of the total genes, and 135 dispensable genes, highlighting significant genetic diversity among Pholiota and further confirming the value of pan-genomic analysis in uncovering species diversity. Notably, while we successfully identified the A-mating-type locus, composed of the homeodomain protein genes HD1 and HD2 in ZZ1, we were unable to obtain the B-mating-type locus due to technical limitations, preventing us from acquiring the pheromone receptor of the B-mating-type. We plan to supplement these data in future studies and explore the potential impact of the B-mating-type locus on the current findings. In summary, the genome data of ZZ1 presented in this study are not only valuable resources for understanding the genetic basis of this species, but also serve as a crucial foundation for subsequent genome-assisted breeding, research into cultivation technology, and the exploration of its nutritional and potential medicinal value.
Risk Assessment Arising from the Exposure of Terrestrial Vertebrates to Soil Contamination: Learning from Field Lizards of the Podarcis Genus
Authors: Scudiero Rosaria , Chianese Teresa , Cretì Patrizia , Rosati Luigi
Published: February 2025

The soil environment has been considered capable of storing toxic substances without serious consequences for the inhabitants since plants are able to bioaccumulate pollutants without compromising their survival. The application of chemicals to increase soil productivity and the dumping of waste have worsened soil quality. Recently, following a greater awareness of the importance of monitoring the damage deriving from the consumption of contaminated crops for humans and of the protection of biodiversity, studies aimed at identifying the effects of soil contamination on terrestrial animals have increased considerably. Studies using field lizards as model organisms fit into this scenario; this research has shed light on the uptake, accumulation, and toxicity of soil pollutants on reptiles. This review summarizes data collected on lizards of the Podarcis genus, a group of resilient wild species capable of living in both pristine and anthropized areas; the data reveal that many of the effects recorded in lizard tissues at the molecular, biochemical, and histological levels are independent of the chemical composition of the contaminants and are mostly linked to the type of cellular response. Overall, these studies confirm Podarcis lizards as a good model system in ecotoxicological and cytotoxicological research, providing an accurate description of the effects of pollutants, clarifying the defense mechanisms activated in relation to different exposure routes and, finally, providing predictive information on the risks faced by other animals. Since the effects recorded in lizards have often also been observed in mammals, it can be concluded that the results obtained from studies on these animals can be translated to other terrestrial vertebrates, including mammals.
Utilization of Artificial Intelligence Coupled with a High-Throughput, High-Content Platform in the Exploration of Neurodevelopmental Toxicity of Individual and Combined PFAS
Authors: Currie Seth D. , Benson David Blake , Xie Zhong-Ru , Wang Jia-Sheng , Tang Lili
Published: February 2025

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic chemicals used in various products, such as firefighting foams and non-stick cookware, due to their resistance to heat and degradation. However, these same properties make them persistent in the environment and human body, raising public health concerns. This study selected eleven PFAS commonly found in drinking water and exposed Caenorhabditis elegans to concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 200 µM to assess neurodevelopmental toxicity using a high-throughput, high-content screening (HTS) platform coupled with artificial intelligence for image analysis. Our findings showed that PFAS such as 6:2 FTS, HFPO-DA, PFBA, PFBS, PFHxA, and PFOS inhibited dopaminergic neuron activity, with fluorescence intensity reductions observed across concentrations from 0.1 to 100 µM. PFOS and PFBS also disrupted synaptic transmission, causing reduced motility and increased paralysis in aldicarb-induced assays, with the most pronounced effects at higher concentrations. These impairments in both neuron activity and synaptic function led to behavioral deficits. Notably, PFOS was one of the most toxic PFAS, affecting multiple neurodevelopmental endpoints. These results emphasize the developmental risks of PFAS exposure, highlighting the impact of both individual compounds and mixtures on neurodevelopment. This knowledge is essential for assessing PFAS-related health risks and informing mitigation strategies.
Toxicity of Crude Oil Wastewater Treated with Nano-ZnO as a Photocatalyst on Labeo rohita: A Biochemical and Physiological Investigation
Authors: Mousaviyon Zahra , Pourkhabbaz Hamid Reza , Banaee Mahdi , Khodadoust Saeid , Pourkhabbaz Ali Reza , Trivedi Abha , Faggio Caterina , Multisanti Cristiana Roberta
Published: February 2025

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the water-soluble fraction of crude oil (WSFO) on Indian carp (Labeo rohita) with and without treatment with zinc oxide nanoparticles (Nano-ZnO). A total of 225 fish were randomly assigned to five groups in triplicate for 21 days. Group I served as the control group. Groups II and III were exposed to 0.5% and 1% untreated WSFO, respectively. Groups IV and V received 5% and 10% WSFO treated with Nano-ZnO, while Groups VI and VII received 5% and 10% WSFO treated without Nano-ZnO. No blood samples were obtained from fish exposed to untreated WSFO, due to increased hemolysis. Exposure to treated WSFO increased creatine phosphokinase, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, and gamma-glutamyl transferase activities, while alanine aminotransferase activity decreased. Although a significant decrease was observed in total protein, globulin, and triglyceride levels, albumin and cholesterol increased. Thiol groups and glutathione peroxidase activity significantly decreased, while superoxide dismutase, catalase, total antioxidant capacity, and malondialdehyde levels increased. The findings showed that exposure to WSFO, whether treated or untreated, induces significant biochemical and oxidative stress responses in Labeo rohita. Although WSFO treated with Nano-ZnO mitigated hemolysis, it was unable to prevent enzyme and antioxidant imbalances, indicating persistent physiological stress.
Board Structure and Executive Compensation for R&D Spending in Innovative Companies Amid COVID-19
Authors: Abrar-ul-haq Muhammad
Published: February 2025

Innovation has played a vital role in continuing business operations worldwide amid the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Innovation is critical for the success and survival of global organizations. Due to the risky long-term nature of innovation, executives with decision-making power may act cynically. Such pessimistic actions become normal when executive compensation is based on the firm’s short-term outcomes. Therefore, the current research examines the effect of executive compensation on research and development (R&D) investment using data from the world’s top 48 innovative companies in Australia. The proposed model was tested using Smart-PLS (v.3.2.8). The findings indicate that board composition significantly and positively affects R&D investment. Likewise, the long-term composition of executives has a positive effect, whereas short-term executive compensation has a negative effect on R&D. Hence, this research suggests that to increase innovation, firms should control the myopic actions of top management by orientating their compensation toward long-term innovation.
On the Use of the Harmonic Mean Estimator for Selecting the Hypothetical Income Distribution from Grouped Data
Authors: Kakamu Kazuhiko
Published: February 2025

It is known that the harmonic mean estimator is a consistent estimator of the marginal likelihood and is easy to implement, but it has severe biases and does not change as much as the prior distribution changes. In this study, we investigate the use of the harmonic mean estimator to select the hypothetical income distribution from grouped data through Monte Carlo simulations and apply it to real data in Japan. From the results, we confirm that there are significant biases, but it can be reliably used to select an appropriate model only when the sample size is large enough under appropriate prior settings.
Unraveling the Impact of Product Market Competition and Earnings Volatility on Zero-Leverage Policies
Authors: Chkir Imed , Rahimzadeh Alireza , Sassi Syrine
Published: February 2025

This paper investigates the impact of product market competition (PMC) on firms’ adoption of zero-leverage (ZL) strategies and examines whether this relationship is influenced by earnings volatility. Using data from 1989 to 2019, we analyze the PMC and ZL behavior of firms using logistic regression. Our results indicate that as PMC intensifies, firms are more likely to adopt ZL policies. This effect is stronger in firms with higher earnings volatility, suggesting a significant interaction between PMC and earnings volatility in shaping capital structure decisions. This study extends existing research by highlighting the role of earnings volatility in strengthening the relationship between PMC and ZL behavior, offering new insights into the dynamics between market competition, financial decisions, and firm risk.
How Much Is the Removed Amount of Potassium with On-Line Hemodiafiltration Affected by the Filter Surface?
Authors: Mavromatidis Konstantinos S. , Kalogiannidou Irini M. , Katzel Achmet Gkiounai S.
Published: February 2025

Introduction: The potassium removed by various dialysis methods (pre- and post-dilution on-line hemodiafiltration) is not clear in the literature. The aim of the study was to investigate the amount of potassium eliminated with each session of pre- or post-dilution on-line hemodiafiltration with collection of the total ultrafiltrate in a tank. Materials and Methods: We studied in 10 dialyzed patients the removal of potassium by a polyetherosulfone dialysis filter. We sought to investigate whether the amount removed is related to filter surface area and type of dialysis. We examined the removal of potassium by on-line hemodiafiltration and post-dilution with high-flux filters, surface areas 2.5 m2 (Group A) and 2.1 m2 (Group B). We repeated the same process with low-flux filters with conventional hemodialysis (Group C), as well as with pre-dilution on-line hemodiafiltration and 2.5 m2 surface area filters (Group D). Results: Significantly higher potassium removal was noted with post-dilution on-line hemodiafiltration versus conventional haemodialysis, which was not affected by filter surface area, and also higher with pre-dilution on-line hemodiafiltration versus all other methods. The amounts of removed potassium even exceeded 300 mmol of potassium/dialysis session in some cases. Conclusions: It is concluded that, with on-line hemodiafiltration, much higher amounts of potassium are removed (mainly with pre-dilution) compared to conventional haemodialysis. The amount removed is not affected by the surface of the filter. The lower potassium levels of dialysate play an important role in this elimination.
Overview of the Ruspolia Plant Genus: Insights into Its Chemical Diversity and Biological Potential
Authors: Bailly Christian , Vergoten Gérard
Published: February 2025

The genus Ruspolia refers to a small group of plants in the Acanthaceae family, with two dominant species R. decurrens and R. hypocrateriformis essentially distributed in tropical parts of Africa. Decoctions from these plants are used in folk medicine for the treatment of a few human pathologies but the active ingredients at the origin of the bioactivities have been little studied. Here, we give an insight into the main phytochemicals of the Ruspolia species published in the literature so far and their pharmacological properties. The flavone glycosides justicialosides A-B likely serve as antioxidant agents and free radical scavengers. Several pyrrolidine alkaloids have been isolated from these Ruspolia species, notably (nor)ruspolinone and a few related products. These molecules have attracted the interest of medicinal chemists, with different synthetic routes leading to ruspolinone and analogues. There are versatile operating procedures to synthesize (nor)ruspolinone isomers. Despite these chemical efforts, the pharmacology of ruspolinone remains largely unknown. A few other Ruspolia alkaloids have been isolated, notably the rare bispyrrolidine benzodioxin alkaloid hypercratine, possibly acting as a ligand of β2-adrenergic receptors. A phytochemical survey of the Ruspolia species sheds light on the diversity of products in this family to promote further investigations into the mechanism of action of ruspolinone and related natural products.
Clock Proteins Have the Potential to Improve Term Delivery Date Prediction: A Proof-of-Concept Study
Authors: Dufford Max T. , Fleischer Tracey C. , Sommerville Laura J. , Badsha Md. Bahadur , Polpitiya Ashoka D. , Logan Jennifer , Fox Angela C. , Rust Sharon R. , Cox Charles B. , Garite Thomas J. , Boniface J. Jay , Kearney Paul E.
Published: February 2025

Our ability to accurately predict the delivery date of term pregnancies is limited by shortcomings of modern-day clinical tools and due date estimation methods. The pregnancy clock is a series of coordinated and harmonized signals between mother, fetus, and placenta that regulate the length of gestation. Clock proteins are thought to be important mediators of these signals, yet few studies have investigated their potential utility as predictors of term delivery date. In this study, we performed a cross-sectional proteome analysis of 2648 serum samples collected between 18 and 28 weeks of gestation from mothers who delivered at term. The cohort included pregnancies both with and without complications. A total of 15 proteins of diverse functionalities were shown to have a direct association with time to birth (TTB), 11 of which have not been previously linked to gestational age. The protein A Distintegrin and Metalloproteinase 12 (ADA12) was one of the 15 proteins shown to have an association with TTB. Mothers who expressed the highest levels of ADA12 in the cohort (90th percentile) gave birth earlier than mothers who expressed the lowest levels of ADA12 (10th percentile) at a statistically significant rate (median gestational age at birth 390/7 weeks vs. 393/7 weeks, p < 0.001). Altogether, these findings suggest that ADA12, as well as potentially other clock proteins, have the potential to serve as clinical predictors of term delivery date in uncomplicated pregnancies and represent an important step towards characterizing the role(s) of clock proteins in mediating pregnancy length.
Effect of Trace Sc Addition on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Al-Zn-Mg-Cu-Zr Alloy
Authors: Huang Yuchen , Xia Linfei , Yang Huabing , Wang Chengguo , Wu Yuying , Liu Xiangfa
Published: February 2025

Transition element microalloying is important for improving the properties of Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloys. Nevertheless, along with its high costs, increasing Sc content generates a harmful phase, limiting the strength of the alloy. In this experiment, we reduced the amount of Sc added to a Zr-containing Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloy by one order of magnitude. The microstructure and mechanical properties of the alloys were studied by means of tensile tests, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The findings indicate that the alloys’ mechanical properties were progressively enhanced with the increase in Sc content from 0 to 0.04%. After adding 0.04% Sc, the tensile strength and yield strength of the Al-Zn-Mg-Cu-Zr-Sc alloy increased by 20.9% and 24.3%, reaching 716 MPa and 640 MPa, respectively, and the elongation decreased, but still reached 12.93%. The strengthening mechanisms of the trace addition of Sc are fine grain strengthening and precipitate and disperse strengthening, and Al3(Sc, Zr) particles hinder the dislocation and grain boundary movement. Drawing on insights from other studies on Sc microalloying in Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloys, this experiment successfully reduced the amount of Sc added by an order of magnitude, the alloys properties were improved, and the effect of strengthening remained good.
Large-Scale Metasurface Simulation Using Local-Segmented Approach
Authors: Wang Shiyao , Zhang Site , Song Naitao , Xue Donglin
Published: February 2025

The complicated electromagnetic couplings between nanostructures present substantial challenges in the design and simulation of metasurfaces, especially large-scale elements. The couplings are typically neglected in a conventional simulation. We introduce a computational framework that includes the electromagnetic coupling effects between meta-atoms. Decomposing the incident field and segmenting the computing range for individual local simulations allows for an effective and accurate simulation of the entire metasurface. Numerical examples of a 2 mm diameter cylindrical metalens with a numerical aperture of 0.9 and a 1 mm aperiodic beam splitter show the deviation from the conventional method is reduced by 97% compared to the rigorous method, while the computation times are 10 times and 4 times faster than the rigorous methods, respectively.
Study on the Mechanical Properties, Tensile Performance, Hydration Heat, and Microstructure of VAE-Modified Rubber Mortar
Authors: Zhang Jiaming , Bian Ce , Chen Bowen , Li Chunhe , Wei Hua , Lu Hao
Published: February 2025

This study builds on the practice of using waste rubber to improve the ductility of cement mortar and further explores the potential of vinyl acetate-ethylene (VAE) in enhancing the ductility of rubber cement mortar (RM). It systematically analyzes the effects of VAE on the workability, mechanical properties, crack resistance, and microstructure of RM. Additionally, isothermal calorimetry was employed to investigate the mechanism of VAE’s influence on cement hydration heat. The results show that VAE significantly improves the flexural strength, tensile strength, and ultimate tensile strain of RM, while reducing its compressive strength and tensile elastic modulus, thereby markedly enhancing its flexibility and ductility. At a VAE content of 4%, the fluidity, 28-day flexural strength, tensile strength, and ultimate tensile strain of RM reached 240 mm, 4.83 MPa, 1.92 MPa, and 233 × 10−6, respectively, representing increases of 16%, 18.97%, 11.63%, and 62.94% compared to ordinary RM. However, when the VAE content exceeded 4%, both flexural strength and tensile strength began to decrease. Furthermore, the incorporation of VAE induced the formation of flexible polymer films within the RM matrix but also increased the porosity of the cement matrix, extended the induction period of cement hydration, and reduced the rate and degree of hydration. These findings provide valuable data to support the development of high-ductility and high-crack-resistance concrete repair materials.
The Effects of Cu Powder on the Interface Microstructure Evolution of Hot-Rolled Al 6061/Mg M21/Al 6061 Composite Plates During Annealing
Authors: Yang Na , Jiang Xianquan , Zhang Ruihao , Li Jian , Zheng Kaihong , Pan Fusheng
Published: February 2025

This study achieved the successful creation of a 6061/M21/6061 composite sheet, with Cu powder incorporated in the middle, through a two-pass hot roll bonding process. The effect of Cu powder addition on interface microstructure evolution of Mg-Al composite plate during annealing was studied. The results show that the incorporation of copper powder significantly suppresses the formation of Mg-Al intermetallic compounds (IMCs) at the boundary of Al-Mg bonded plates. The IMCs’ thickness of composite plate Mg-Al interface absent Cu powder increased from 7.0 µm at 250 °C to 61.2 µm at 400 °C, showing a rapid growth trend. On the contrary, in the area with Cu powder of composite plate containing Cu powder, when the temperature ranges from 250 °C to 350 °C, the Mg-Al diffusion layer is thin and only varies between 1 µm and 3.2 µm and, even when the temperature rises to 400 °C, the diffusion layer is only 18.8 µm. At a constant temperature, the diffusion rate of IMCs in the Cu powder-containing region of the composite plate is significantly lower than that in the region without Cu powder. Upon the addition of Cu powder, Al2Cu and Al0.92Cu1.08Mg phases are formed, which decrease the proportion of the brittle phases Al3Mg2 and Mg17Al12 at the composite plate interface, thereby effectively mitigating the diffusion of IMCs within the Mg-Al interface. This presents a novel concept for the investigation of enhanced interface bonding and the fabrication of Mg-Al composite plates.
First-Principles Understanding of Mono- and Dual-Emissions in AZnOS:Bi3+ (A = Ba, Ca) Phosphors
Authors: Kougong Quanzhi , Lou Bibo , Brik Mikhail G.
Published: February 2025

The AZnOS:Bi3+ (A = Ba, Ca) phosphors exhibit mono- and dual-emission phenomena based on the different choices of cation, making them an ideal prototype for dual-emission mechanism studies of Bi3+ ions. Here, first-principles calculations were performed to investigate the site occupancy, defect levels, and luminescence properties of the AZnOS:Bi3+ systems. The formation energy calculations show that the bismuth dopants are mainly in the trivalent charge state, with the Bi3+ ions preferring the Ca sites in CaZnOS but the Zn sites in BaZnOS. Such cation-selective occupancy mainly results in the difference between the mono- and dual-emission phenomena in the two hosts. The excitation and emission energies predicted by calculations are in good agreement with the measurements. Our calculations show that the lowest excited state 3P0,1 provides the dominant emission in both CaZnOS:Bi3+ and BaZnOS:Bi3+ phosphors. In light of the experimental and theoretical results, the metastable excited state of Bi2+ + hVBM (hole at the valence band maximum) is the origin of the additional emission bands in BaZnOS:Bi3+. These results provide the basis of emission band tuning and novel material design for Bi3+-doped phosphors.
Improvement of the Impact Resistance of Epoxy Prepregs Through the Incorporation of Polyamide Nonwoven Fabric
Authors: Kondrateva Anastasia , Morozov Oleg , Erdni-Goryaev Erdni , Afanaseva Ekaterina , Avdeev Viktor
Published: February 2025

The impact of introducing a nonwoven polyamide PA 12-E material on the mechanical properties of polymer composite materials based on epoxy autoclave prepreg T107 has been investigated. This study demonstrates that the incorporation of nonwoven fabric does not lead to a decrease in the mechanical properties of the composites. A significant advantage of composites reinforced with nonwoven fabric is their enhanced impact resistance. During a free impact with an energy of 6.67 J per 1 mm of the sample, complete breakdown with fiber destruction occurs in samples without nonwoven material. In contrast, samples containing nonwoven material exhibit damage characterized by stratification without compromising the fibers. The compressive strength after impact increased from 260 to 320 MPa with the addition of nonwoven material. Consequently, the proposed modification of the commercial prepreg will expand the material’s range of applications and enhance safety, particularly in aircraft structures.
Optimization of Peri-Implant Bone Repair in Estrogen-Deficient Rats on a Cafeteria Diet: The Combined Effects of Systemic Risedronate and Genistein-Functionalized Implants
Authors: de Castro Tatiany Aparecida , Hassumi Jaqueline Suemi , Julião Gabriela Morais , Dutra Marina Corrêa , da Silva Ana Cláudia Ervolino , Monteiro Naara Gabriela , de Souza Batista Fábio Roberto , Mulinari-Santos Gabriel , Lisboa-Filho Paulo Noronha , Okamoto Roberta
Published: February 2025

Estrogen deficiency, coupled with a cafeteria diet (CD), can impair peri-implant bone repair, posing a significant challenge to implant success in affected individuals. Thus, it is crucial to explore strategies for implant functionalization and systemic treatments that could alleviate these bone alterations. This study aimed to assess peri-implant bone repair in ovariectomized (OVX) rats subjected to a CD, with a focus on implants functionalized with genistein (GEN), compared to conventional implants (CONV), and the effects of systemic treatment with risedronate sodium (RIS). In total, thirty-six female rats were assigned to three groups: rats with estrogen (SHAM), rats with estrogen deficiency and CD (OVX-CD), rats with estrogen deficiency, CD, and systemic RIS treatment (OVX-CD-RIS). All rats underwent bilateral extraction of the first upper molars followed by implant installation. Each group was further subdivided based on implant type: conventional implants (CONV) or GEN-functionalized implants, resulting in six subgroups (n = 6). The study employed several analyses, including reverse torque testing, microcomputed tomography (Micro-CT), epifluorescence microscopy, and molecular assays. The main result demonstrated that the OVX-CD-RIS/GEN subgroup exhibited significantly higher reverse torque values, indicating stronger implant stability. Micro-CT scans revealed a greater bone volume in the OVX-CD-RIS/GEN subgroup compared to other subgroups. Epifluorescence microscopy also demonstrated an increased mineral apposition rate in both the OVX-CD/GEN and OVX-CD-RIS/GEN subgroups. Molecular analysis indicated elevated expression levels of osteocalcin, alkaline phosphatase, and vascular endothelial growth factor in the OVX-CD-RIS/GEN subgroup. In conclusion, the combined treatment of systemic RIS and GEN-functionalized implants significantly enhanced peri-implant bone repair, offering a promising strategy to improve implant outcomes in postmenopausal women with metabolic syndrome.
Study on the Axial Compressive Behavior of Steel Fiber Reinforced Concrete Confined with High-Strength Rectangular Spiral Stirrup
Authors: Zhao Huajing , Liu Weitong , Yang Penghui , Song Can
Published: February 2025

Monotonic axial compression tests were carried out on 16 steel fiber-reinforced concrete (SFRC) columns confined by rectangular spiral stirrups. The impacts of stirrup spacing, stirrup strength, concrete strength, and cross-sectional aspect ratio on the peak load, ductility, and failure mode of these columns were analyzed. The test results demonstrate that steel fibers significantly mitigate the spalling of the concrete column’s protective layer through their bridging effect. Small spacing and high-strength spiral stirrups effectively confine the core concrete, enhancing the bearing capacity and ductility of concrete columns. Concrete strength exhibits a positive correlation with the confinement effect. However, as concrete strength increases, the rate of improvement in the confinement effect decreases. At peak compressive stress, the high-strength stirrup may not reach its yield state. Based on the test results, a method for calculating stirrup stress under the peak stress of confined concrete is proposed. A “coupling restraint coefficient” is proposed, and a constitutive model for HRSS confined steel fiber reinforced concrete is developed, considering the coupled effect of effective confinement forces in different directions. Comparative analysis shows that the constitutive model established in this paper agrees well with the experimental results and demonstrates good applicability.
Bamboo–PCM: Comparative Analysis of Phase Change Material-Impregnated Dendrocalamus giganteus Culm Behavior Exposed to Thermal Variation in Wind Tunnel Assay
Authors: Fontenelle Fabrício Rezende , Guimarães Túlio Caetano , Yanagi Junior Tadayuki , Bahuti Marcelo , Toledo Filho Romildo Dias , Koenders Eddie , Ferreira Saulo Rocha
Published: February 2025

The construction industry’s pursuit of eco-friendly materials has sparked interest in bamboo, a renewable resource with exceptional physical and mechanical properties. This study analyzed the integration of Dendrocalamus giganteus bamboo with phase change materials (PCMs) to enhance thermal energy storage in building applications, aiming to improve temperature regulation and reduce energy consumption for climate control. The study compared the performance of bamboo impregnated with an industrial PCM or coconut oil, used in conjunction with a polyurethane resin (PU) coating treatment, assessing their thermal regulation performance against traditional building materials such as ceramic tiles, fiber cement, and metal sheets. From an anatomical perspective, the pores within bamboo culms offered ample space for PCM storage, resulting in a substantial heat storage capacity. Thermal behavior tests conducted in a wind tunnel revealed that the impregnated bamboo samples effectively mitigate temperature fluctuations by aligning them with the PCM’s phase change temperature. Additionally, it was observed that air flow velocity had an impact on this phenomenon. The study concluded that bamboo culms impregnated with PCM hold promise for temperature regulation in construction applications, with variations in airflow exerting an impact on the outcomes obtained.
Tool Condition Monitoring Model Based on DAE–SVR
Authors: Sun Xiaoning , Yang Zhifeng , Xia Maojin , Xia Min , Liu Changfu , Zhou Yang , Guo Yuquan
Published: February 2025

Cutting tools are executive components in metal processing, and tool wear directly affects the quality of the workpiece and processing efficiency; monitoring the change in its state is crucial to avoid accidents and ensure the safety of workers. The traditional monitoring model cannot compress a large amount of cutting data effectively, failing to obtain reliable feature data, and there are some defects in generalization ability and monitoring accuracy. For this purpose, this article takes milling cutters as the research object, and it integrates signals from force sensors, vibration sensors, and acoustic emission sensors, combining the advantages of the denoising autoencoder (DAE) model in data compression and the high monitoring accuracy of the support vector regression (SVR) model, to establish a tool wear monitoring model based on DAE–SVR. The results show that compared with traditional DAE and SVR models in multiple datasets, the maximum improvement in monitoring performance (MAE) is 43.58%.