bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of miRNA in Testicular Cancer: Current Insights and Future Perspectives
Authors: Ditonno Francesco , Franco Antonio , Manfredi Celeste , Fasanella Daniela , Abate Marco , La Rocca Roberto , Crocerossa Fabio , Iossa Vincenzo , Falagario Ugo Giovanni , Cirillo Luigi , Altieri Vincenzo Maria , Di Mauro Ernesto , Crocetto Felice , Barone Biagio , Cilio Simone , Pandolfo Savio Domenico , Aveta Achille , Mirone Vincenzo , Franzese Corrado Aniello , Arcaniolo Davide , Napolitano Luigi
Published: November 2023

Background and Objectives: Despite advancements in the diagnosis and treatment of testicular germ cell tumours (TGTCs), challenges persist in identifying reliable biomarkers for early detection and precise disease management. This narrative review addresses the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) as potential diagnostic tools and therapeutic targets in the treatment of TGCTs. Materials and Methods: Three databases (PubMed®, Web of Science™, and Scopus®) were queried for studies investigating the utility of miRNA as diagnostic tools, assessing their prognostic significance, and evaluating their potential to guide TGCT treatment. Different combinations of the following keywords were used, according to a free-text protocol: “miRNA”, “non-coding RNA”, “small RNA”, “Testicular Cancer”, “seminomatous testicular germ cell”, “non-seminomatous testicular germ cell”. Results: The potential of miRNAs as possible biomarkers for a non-invasive diagnosis of TGCT is appealing. Their integration into the diagnostic pathway for TGCT patients holds the potential to enhance the discriminative power of conventional serum tumour markers (STMs) and could expedite early diagnosis, given that miRNA overexpression was observed in 50% of GCNIS cases. Among miRNAs, miR-371a-3p stands out with the most promising evidence, suggesting its relevance in the primary diagnosis of TGCT, particularly when conventional STMs offer limited value. Indeed, it demonstrated high specificity (90–99%) and sensitivity (84–89%), with good positive predictive value (97.2%) and negative predictive value (82.7%). Furthermore, a direct relationship between miRNA concentration, disease burden, and treatment response exists, regardless of disease stages. The initial evidence of miRNA decrease in response to surgical treatment and systemic chemotherapy has been further supported by more recent results suggesting the potential utility of this tool not only in evaluating treatment response but also in monitoring residual disease and predicting disease relapse. Conclusions: MiRNAs could represent a reliable tool for accurate diagnosis and disease monitoring in the treatment of TGCT, providing more precise tools for early detection and treatment stratification. Nevertheless, well-designed clinical trials and comprehensive long-term data are needed to ensure their translation into effective clinical tools.
Silicon Poisoning and Effects of Tantalum on AlSi Alloys
Authors: Pammer Maria , Pölzl Johannes , Li Jiehua
Published: November 2023

Grain refinement in Al-Si alloys is crucial for enhancing material castability and mechanical properties. Industrial practice involves adding inoculants, composed of TiB2 particles coated with metastable Al3Ti via adsorption, to the melt. This introduces essential free titanium for metastable phase formation and subsequent growth restriction. The superstoichiometric grain refiner Al-5Ti-1B, with 2.2 wt.% free titanium, is applied for this purpose. A peritectic reaction forms α-aluminium from this layer. However, when silicon content exceeds 3.5 wt.%, grain coarsening occurs due to silicon’s detrimental effect. This study quantified silicon poisoning in an Al-10Si alloy using stoichiometric and superstoichiometric grain refiners through ASTM-standardized TP1 tests. Adding 0.02 wt.% tantalum acted as an antidote to the τ1 phase, resulting in a finer microstructure. This was attributed to the formation of a Ta-rich layer on TiB2 particles, which causes α-aluminium formation via a peritectic reaction without generating ternary phases with Ti or Si. Correlating to the increasing particle size curves from the TP1 tests, phases were collected in the filter cake with the help of a PoDFA apparatus. These could be examined more closely on the SEM and identified as needle- or plate-shaped. By using an EDS unit, the phases found were assigned to the poisoning phase and further investigated. After the addition of tantalum, a solubility of tantalum could be detected in former poisoning phases. In combination with the gradients of the grain size, it can thus be assumed that tantalum is both an antidote for silicon poisoning in the Al-Si-Ti system and can itself have a grain-refining effect in this system.
Analytical Solutions and Case Studies on Stress-Dependent Corrosion in Pressurized Spherical Vessels
Authors: Liu Cheng Huijuan , Lacidogna Giuseppe
Published: November 2023

In this paper, we present an overview of all analytical engineering solutions delivered over the past 60 years for corrosion problems in pressure vessels. We briefly detail the strengths and weaknesses of existing approaches, thus demonstrating the need for novel uniform corrosion analysis methods for both current and new applications. To complement the review, we also present a new analytical model allowing the estimation of the lifetime of pressured elastic vessels with mechanically assisted corrosion. Both internal/external pressure and internal/external corrosion are captured, and dissolution-driven corrosion is also considered. The readily implemented method improves existing analytical approaches and is shown to be effective for thin and thick shells, as well as various loading and corrosion intensity and geometrical conditions.
Structural Design and Optimization of the Milling Force Measurement Tool System Embedded with Thin-Film Strain Sensors
Authors: Song Xiangtao , Wu Wenge , Zhao Yongjuan , Cheng Yunping , Liu Lijuan
Published: November 2023

A milling force measurement tool system is designed with an elastic beam structure, which is divided into a two-end ring hoop compression sensor mode and a two-end square hoop compression sensor mode to improve the strain sensitivity. A simplified mechanical model of the elastic beam is established, and the relationship between the strain and force of the elastic beam under the action of three cutting force components is investigated, which can act a guide for subsequent milling force measurement tool system calibration tests. Thin-film strain sensors occupy a central position in the milling force measurement tool system, which consists of a substrate, transition layer, insulating layer and resistance grid layer. The resistance grid layer has a particularly significant effect on the thin-film strain sensor’s performance. In order to further improve the sensitivity of thin-film strain sensors, the shapes of the substrate, the transition layer, the insulating layer and the resistance grid layer are optimized and studied. A new thin-film strain sensor is designed with a resistance grid beam constructed from an insulating layer and a resistive grid layer double-end-supported on the transition layer. The flow of the wet-etching process of thin-film strain sensors is studied and samples are obtained. The surface microforms of the sensor samples are observed by extended depth-of-field microscopy, confocal microscopy and atomic force microscopy. It can be seen that the boundary of the resistance grid layer pattern is tidy and has high dimensional accuracy, thus enabling the basic achievement of the expected effect of the design. The electrical performance of the samples is tested on an experimental platform that we built, and the results show that the resistive sensitivity coefficient of the samples is increased by about 20%, to 51.2%, compared with that of the flat thin-film strain sensor, which fulfils the design’s requirements.
Impact of Two Lavender Extracts on Silver Nanoparticle Synthesis, and the Study of Nanoparticles’ Antibiofilm Properties and Their Ability to Transfer them into a Nontoxic Polymer
Authors: Mačák Lívia , Velgosova Oksana , Dolinská Silvia
Published: November 2023

In this work, we aimed to analyze the impact of extracts prepared from dried Lavandula angustifolia (lavender) flowers and leaves on the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) (wherein the shape and size of AgNPs and the efficiency of the process were analyzed) and to prove the possibility of transferring the AgNPs’ properties into a polymer matrix. An ex situ method was used to incorporate AgNPs and prepare polymer matrix composite (PVP-AgNPs) films (via casting) and fibers (via electrospinning). We used UV-vis absorption spectrophotometry, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) to analyze and characterize the AgNPs and prepared composites. The results of FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of phytochemicals that can reduce silver ions from Ag+ to Ag0 in both extracts. The presence of spherical nanoparticles was confirmed via TEM regardless of the type of extract used. However, leaf extract caused the formation of AgNPs with a narrower size interval (an average size of 20 nm), and with higher efficiency, compared to the nanoparticles prepared using the flower extract. The nanoparticles prepared using the leaf extract were then incorporated into the polymer matrix, and thin polymer composite films and fibers were successfully prepared. The anti-biofilm activity of AgNPs colloids and prepared polymer nanocomposites against green algae Chlorella kessleri was studied. The anti-biofilm properties of the AgNPs were proved, along with the efficient transfer of their toxic properties into nontoxic polymer.
Interaction Potential between a Uniformly Charged Square Nanoplate and Coplanar Nanowire
Authors: Ciftja Orion
Published: November 2023

We study a structure consisting of two electrostatically interacting objects, a uniformly charged square nanoplate and a uniformly charged nanowire. A straightforward motivation behind this work is to introduce a model that allows a classical description of a finite two-dimensional quantum Hall system of few electrons when the Landau gauge is imposed. In this scenario, the uniformly charged square nanoplate would stand for the neutralizing background of the system while a uniformly charged nanowire would represent the resulting quantum striped state of the electrons. A second important feature of this model is that it also applies to hybrid charged nanoplate-nanowire systems in which the dominant interaction has electrostatic origin. An exact analytical expression for the electrostatic interaction potential between the uniformly charged square nanoplate and coplanar nanowire is obtained by using a special mathematical method adept for this geometry. It is found that the resulting interaction potential is finite, monotonic and slowly-varying for all locations of the nanowire inside the nanoplate.
What Is Food Noise? A Conceptual Model of Food Cue Reactivity
Authors: Hayashi Daisuke , Edwards Caitlyn , Emond Jennifer A. , Gilbert-Diamond Diane , Butt Melissa , Rigby Andrea , Masterson Travis D.
Published: November 2023

As GLP-1 receptor agonists, like semaglutide, emerge as effective treatments for weight management, anecdotal reports from patients and clinicians alike point to a reduction in what has been colloquially termed “food noise”, as patients report experiencing less rumination and obsessive preoccupation about food. In this narrative review, we discuss concepts used in studies to investigate human eating behavior that can help elucidate and define food noise, particularly food cue reactivity. We propose a conceptual model that summarizes the main factors that have been shown to determine the magnitude of the reactivity elicited by external and internal food cues and how these factors can affect short- and long-term behavioral and clinical outcomes. By integrating key research conducted in this field, the Cue–Influencer–Reactivity–Outcome (CIRO) model of food cue reactivity provides a framework that can be used in future research to design studies and interpret findings related to food noise and food cue reactivity.
New Insights into Polygenic Score–Lifestyle Interactions for Cardiometabolic Risk Factors from Genome-Wide Interaction Analyses
Authors: D’Urso Shannon , Hwang Liang-Dar
Published: November 2023

The relationship between lifestyles and cardiometabolic outcomes varies between individuals. In 382,275 UK Biobank Europeans, we investigate how lifestyles interact with polygenic scores (PGS) of cardiometabolic risk factors. We identify six interactions (PGS for body mass index with meat diet, physical activity, sedentary behaviour and insomnia; PGS for high-density lipoprotein cholesterol with sedentary behaviour; PGS for triglycerides with meat diet) in multivariable linear regression models including an interaction term and show stronger associations between lifestyles and cardiometabolic risk factors among individuals with high PGSs than those with low PGSs. Genome-wide interaction analyses pinpoint three genetic variants (FTO rs72805613 for BMI; CETP rs56228609 for high-density lipoprotein cholesterol; TRIB2 rs4336630 for triglycerides; PInteraction < 5 × 10−8). The associations between lifestyles and cardiometabolic risk factors differ between individuals grouped by the genotype of these variants, with the degree of differences being similar to that between individuals with high and low values for the corresponding PGSs. This study demonstrates that associations between lifestyles and cardiometabolic risk factors can differ between individuals based upon their genetic profiles. It further suggests that genetic variants with interaction effects contribute more to such differences compared to those without interaction effects, which has potential implications for developing PGSs for personalised intervention.
Association between the Suita Score and Body Composition in Japanese Adults: A Large Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Onishi Saori , Fukuda Akira , Matsui Masahiro , Ushiro Kosuke , Nishikawa Tomohiro , Asai Akira , Kim Soo Ki , Nishikawa Hiroki
Published: November 2023

The purpose of this study was to clarify the relationship between the Suita score (a prediction model for the development of cardiovascular disease) and body composition in Japanese health check-up subjects (6873 men and 8685 women). The Suita score includes 8 items (age, gender, smoking, diabetes, blood pressure, low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein, and chronic kidney disease). Factors associated with the Suita score within body composition-related parameters (body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), fat mass index, fat-free mass index, fat mass to fat-free mass ratio (F-FF ratio), and water mass index) as assessed by bioelectrical impedance analysis were examined. The mean age of subjects was 54.8 years in men and 52.8 years in women (p < 0.0001). The mean BMI was 23.9 kg/m2 in men and 21.8 kg/m2 in women (p < 0.0001). Diabetes mellitus was found in 1282 subjects (18.7%) among men and 816 subjects (9.4%) among women (p < 0.0001). The mean Suita score was 42.0 in men and 29.6 in women (p < 0.0001). In multivariate analysis, WC (p < 0.0001), F-FF ratio (p < 0.0001), and water mass index (p < 0.0001) were independent factors linked to the Suita score for both genders. In conclusion, body composition can be associated with the Suita score in Japanese adults receiving health check-ups.
Association between Average Vitamin D Levels and COVID-19 Mortality in 19 European Countries—A Population-Based Study
Authors: Ahmad Amar S. , Juber Nirmin F. , Al-Naseri Heba , Heumann Christian , Ali Raghib , Oliver Tim
Published: November 2023

Early epidemic reports have linked low average 25(OH) vitamin D levels with increased COVID-19 mortality. However, there has been limited updated research on 25(OH) vitamin D and its impact on COVID-19 mortality. This study aimed to update the initial report studying the link between vitamin D deficiency and COVID-19 mortality by using multi-country data in 19 European countries up to the middle of June 2023. COVID-19 data for 19 European countries included in this study were downloaded from Our World in Data from 1 March 2020, to 14 June 2023, and were included in the statistical analysis. The 25(OH) vitamin D average data were collected by conducting a literature review. A generalized estimation equation model was used to model the data. Compared to European countries with 25(OH) vitamin D levels of ≤50 nmol/L, European countries with 25(OH) vitamin D average levels greater than 50 nmol/L had lower COVID-19 mortality rates (RR = 0.794, 95% CI: 0.662–0.953). A statistically significant negative Spearman rank correlation was observed between 25(OH) vitamin D average levels and COVID-19 mortality. We also found significantly lower COVID-19 mortality rates in countries with high average 25(OH) vitamin D levels. Randomized trials on vitamin D supplementation are needed. In the meantime, the issue of vitamin D use should be debated in relation to the ongoing discussions of national post-COVID-19 resilience against future pandemics.
Eat to Treat: The Methods and Assessments of a Culinary Medicine Seminar for Future Physicians and Practicing Clinicians
Authors: Donovan Kate , Thomas Olivia W. , Sweeney Ty , Ryan Tyler J. , Kytomaa Sonja , Zhao Molly , Zhong Wayne , Long Michelle , Rajendran Iniya , Sarfaty Suzanne , Lenders Carine
Published: November 2023

Nutrition-associated chronic disease is an epidemic in the United States (US), yet most medical schools lack adequate nutrition education. We developed a six-session culinary medicine (CM) seminar entitled “Eat to Treat: A Nutrition Course for Future Clinicians” that teaches culinary skills, nutrition science, and counseling techniques to improve clinical nutrition management. The seminar was offered in-person to first-year medical students in a medical school-based teaching kitchen from 2017 to 2019. A virtual three-session course was also offered to practicing clinicians in 2020. Voluntary self-efficacy questionnaires were collected at the beginning of the first and last sessions of the student seminar, and paired t-tests determined the course’s effect on survey items. A total of 53 first-year medical students attended the program over five semesters, and 39 students (73.6%) completed both surveys. All except one measure of self-efficacy were significantly higher at session 6 than session 1 (p < 0.05). A post-course survey was utilized for the clinician seminar and of the 31 participants, 14 completed the surveys; 93% and 86% of respondents agreed the course was clinically relevant and improved their confidence, respectively. We developed a CM curriculum that improved nutrition knowledge and confidence among a professionally diverse cohort and may represent a scalable education model to improve nutrition education in US medical schools.
Gut–Joint Axis: Impact of Bifidobacterial Cell Wall Lipoproteins on Arthritis Development
Authors: Piva Frank , Gervois Philippe , Karrout Youness , Sané Famara , Romond Marie-Bénédicte
Published: November 2023

Gut microbiota affect progression of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The present study aims at investigating the protective potential of Bifidobacterium longum cell wall lipoproteins (Lpps) shown to modulate the intestinal microbiome and prevent osteoarthritis. Arthritis was induced by collagen (CIA) or anti-collagen antibodies (CAIA) injection. Intake of 0.5 mg of Lpps/L, but not 0.25 and 1 mg of Lpps/L, significantly alleviated RA symptoms in CIA DBA/1OOaHsd mice. The arthritis index (AI) was also reduced in CAIA mice. In the CIA-protected group, colon Ligilactobacillus murinus, caecal Lactobacillus johnsonii and spleen weight correlated with AI, whereas the reverse was observed with splenic CD11c+ dendritic cells (cDCs). The unprotected CIA Lpps group harbored higher cecal and colon E. coli and lower caecal L. murinus. Lpps administration to CAIA mice after arthritis induction led to lower colon E. plexicaudatum counts. Splenocytes from CIA-protected mice triggered by LPS secreted higher Il-10 than control ones. However, a higher IL-10 response was not elicited in gnotobiotic RA mice splenocytes with lower cDCs’ recruitment. Labeled bacteria with the Lpps signal were detected in CIA mice bone marrow (BM) cDCs 5 and 16 h post-gavage but not in Peyer’s patches and the spleen. In vitro uptake of Lpps by primary BM and thymus cells was observed within 24 h. An FACS analysis detected the Lpps signal in the plasmacytoid cell compartment but not in cDCs. In conclusion, Lpps dosing is critical for preventing arthritis progression and appropriately modulating the microbiome. Our results also highlight the possible triggering of the immune system by Lpps.
QSAR Studies, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of New Pyrimido-Isoquinolin-Quinone Derivatives against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Andrades-Lagos Juan , Campanini-Salinas Javier , Sabadini Gianfranco , Andrade Victor , Mella Jaime , Vásquez-Velásquez David
Published: November 2023

According to the WHO, antimicrobial resistance is among the top 10 threats to global health. Due to increased resistance rates, an increase in the mortality and morbidity of patients has been observed, with projections of more than 10 million deaths associated with infections caused by antibacterial resistant microorganisms. Our research group has developed a new family of pyrimido-isoquinolin-quinones showing antibacterial activities against multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. We have developed 3D-QSAR CoMFA and CoMSIA studies (r2 = 0.938; 0.895), from which 13 new derivatives were designed and synthesized. The compounds were tested in antibacterial assays against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and other bacterial pathogens. There were 12 synthesized compounds active against Gram-positive pathogens in concentrations ranging from 2 to 32 µg/mL. The antibacterial activity of the derivatives is explained by the steric, electronic, and hydrogen-bond acceptor properties of the compounds.
Theranostic Imaging Surrogates for Targeted Alpha Therapy: Progress in Production, Purification, and Applications
Authors: Nelson Bryce J. B. , Wilson John , Andersson Jan D. , Wuest Frank
Published: November 2023

This article highlights recent developments of SPECT and PET diagnostic imaging surrogates for targeted alpha particle therapy (TAT) radiopharmaceuticals. It outlines the rationale for using imaging surrogates to improve diagnostic-scan accuracy and facilitate research, and the properties an imaging-surrogate candidate should possess. It evaluates the strengths and limitations of each potential imaging surrogate. Thirteen surrogates for TAT are explored: 133La, 132La, 134Ce/134La, and 226Ac for 225Ac TAT; 203Pb for 212Pb TAT; 131Ba for 223Ra and 224Ra TAT; 123I, 124I, 131I and 209At for 211At TAT; 134Ce/134La for 227Th TAT; and 155Tb and 152Tb for 149Tb TAT.
Drug Utilization and Measurement of Medication Adherence: A Real World Study of Psoriasis in Italy
Authors: Mucherino Sara , Rafaniello Concetta , Serino Marianna , Zinzi Alessia , Trama Ugo , Capuano Annalisa , Menditto Enrica , Orlando Valentina
Published: November 2023

Exceptional advances have been made with systemic treatment for psoriasis (PSO). However, that disease still represents a heavy burden in terms of impact on healthcare systems worldwide. This study comprehensively assesses medication adherence in a real world setting in Italy across all phases—initiation, implementation, and persistence—of PSO therapies. By distinguishing between switches and swaps, it provides unique insights into the patient’s own approach to prescribed therapy as well as clinical decision-making processes, enhancing our understanding of medication adherence and discontinuation in a real world daily setting. The study’s refined methodology for assessing persistence, considering variations in refill gaps and complex dosing regimens, shows that anti-interleukin (IL) therapies are associated with longer periods of adherence compared with other available therapeutic strategies. Among the selected drugs, ixekizumab and secukinumab were the ones with higher rate of treatment adherence at the expense of anti-TNF-α and anti-PDE4 agents. Notably, patients who opt for swaps are approximately 2.8 times more likely to discontinue their PSO therapy within one year. These findings carry practical implications for optimizing medication adherence, including tailored patient counseling, monitoring, and therapeutic adjustments, highlighting the need for a comprehensive and patient-centered approach to managing these conditions.
Exploration of Microalgae-Activated Sludge Growth Performance in Lab-Scale Photobioreactors under Outdoor Environmental Conditions for Wastewater Biotreatment
Authors: James Abraham O. , Bankole Abayomi O. , Pompei Caroline M. E. , Dantas Gustavo A. S. A. , Ruas Graziele , Silva Gustavo H. R.
Published: November 2023

Increasing the volume of untreated and inadequately treated municipal wastewater undermines the circular economy potential of wastewater resources, particularly in low-income regions. This present study focused on and evaluated the performance of native microalgae-activated sludge (MAS) growth for tertiary treatment of anaerobically digested wastewater from an up-flow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) in an outdoor lab-scale photobioreactor (2.2 L). Three conditions with distinct MAS inoculum concentrations alongside three controls were operated in batch mode for 5 days hydraulic retention time (HRT) at 11.5:12.5 photo-hours. The MAS inoculum concentration influenced the treatment outcome. The best performance was observed when the MAS concentration was 0.10/0.20 g L−1, and the cell density was 1.60 × 107 cells mL−1, total biomass productivity of 0.10 g TSS L−1 d−1, total phosphorus uptake of 85.1%, and total nitrogen uptake of 66.1%. Logarithmic removal (Log-Re) of bacterial pathogens (water quality indicators) showed Log-Re 3.4 for total coliforms (1.37 × 102 CFU 100 mL−1) and 4.7 for Escherichia coli (0.00 × 100 CFU 100 mL−1). The results revealed optimum remediation performance and nutrient recovery potential with appropriate inoculum concentration, in admiration to advancing the science of circular economy.
Development of Electromagnetic Shielding Composites Reinforced with Nonwovens Produced from Recycled Fibers
Authors: Atay Melisa , Duran Kaya Deniz , Ülker Aydın
Published: November 2023

As a light-weight solution for electromagnetic shielding, this paper aims to investigate the development of electrically conductive composites that shield from electromagnetic radiation while providing sustainability by using recycled fibers in the structure of nonwoven reinforcement materials. The main novelty of this research is the conversion of waste fabrics into functional composites via a fast and inexpensive method. For this purpose, waste fabrics were recycled into fibers, and the recycled fibers were processed into needle-punched nonwovens to be used as reinforcement materials for electromagnetic shielding composites. Electrically conductive composite structures were obtained by adding copper (II) sulfate and graphite conductive particles with different ratios to polyester resin. The hand lay-up method was used for the production of composites. Electromagnetic shielding, electrical resistivity, and some mechanical properties of the composites were investigated. The results were analyzed statistically using IBM SPSS software version 18. The results have shown that up to 31.43 dB of electromagnetic shielding effectiveness was obtained in the 1–6 GHz frequency range. This result corresponds to a very good grade for general use and a moderate grade for professional use, according to FTTS-FA-003, exceeding the acceptable range for industrial and commercial applications of 20 dB. The composites developed in this research are good candidates to be used in various general and professional applications, such as plastic parts in household applications, electronic industry, building and construction industries, and other applications where light weight shielding materials are needed.
Development of Plum Seed-Derived Carboxymethylcellulose Bioink for 3D Bioprinting
Authors: Lee Juo , Lee Sungmin , Lim Jae Woon , Byun Iksong , Jang Kyoung-Je , Kim Jin-Woo , Chung Jong Hoon , Kim Jungsil , Seonwoo Hoon
Published: November 2023

Three-dimensional bioprinting represents an innovative platform for fabricating intricate, three-dimensional (3D) tissue structures that closely resemble natural tissues. The development of hybrid bioinks is an actionable strategy for integrating desirable characteristics of components. In this study, cellulose recovered from plum seed was processed to synthesize carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) for 3D bioprinting. The plum seeds were initially subjected to α-cellulose recovery, followed by the synthesis and characterization of plum seed-derived carboxymethyl cellulose (PCMC). Then, hybrid bioinks composed of PCMC and sodium alginate were fabricated, and their suitability for extrusion-based bioprinting was explored. The PCMC bioinks exhibit a remarkable shear-thinning property, enabling effortless extrusion through the nozzle and maintaining excellent initial shape fidelity. This bioink was then used to print muscle-mimetic 3D structures containing C2C12 cells. Subsequently, the cytotoxicity of PCMC was evaluated at different concentrations to determine the maximum acceptable concentration. As a result, cytotoxicity was not observed in hydrogels containing a suitable concentration of PCMC. Cell viability was also evaluated after printing PCMC-containing bioinks, and it was observed that the bioprinting process caused minimal damage to the cells. This suggests that PCMC/alginate hybrid bioink can be used as a very attractive material for bioprinting applications.
Pickering Emulsions Stabilized by Conjugated Zein-Soybean Polysaccharides Nanoparticles: Fabrication, Characterization and Functional Performance
Authors: Yao Lili , Wang Ying , He Yangyang , Wei Ping , Li Chen , Xiong Xiong
Published: November 2023

This study aims to fabricate zein-based colloidal nanoparticles, which were used to stabilize Pickering emulsions, by conjugation with soybean polysaccharide (SSPS) through the Maillard reaction. The physicochemical properties of the conjugated particles as well as the physical and oxidative stability of the fabricated Pickering emulsion that utilized conjugated colloidal particles with the volumetric ratio of water and oil at 50:50 were investigated. The grafting degree of zein and SSPS was verified through examination of FT-IR and fluorescence. Moreover, the conjugated Zein/SSPS nanoparticles (ZSP) that were prepared after dry heating for 48–72 h exhibit excellent colloidal stability across a range of pH values (4.0–10.0). Further, the wettability of ZSP decreased based on a contact angle analysis of θ~87°. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) images indicated that ZSP particles were located around the oil droplets. Additionally, the ZSP effectively improved the oxidative stability of the Pickering emulsions, as demonstrated by a significant decrease in both peroxide value (PV) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). The results of this study demonstrate that ZSP represents a promising food-grade Pickering emulsifier, capable of not only stabilizing emulsions but also inhibiting their oil oxidation.
Hydrothermal Carbonization of Cellulose with Ammonium Sulfate and Thiourea for the Production of Supercapacitor Carbon
Authors: Liu Chang , Wang Kun , Du Yuhan , Shan Yaqi , Duan Peigao , Ramzan Naveed
Published: November 2023

Doping with heteroatoms is the main method used to enhance energy storage with carbon materials, and polyatomic doping is one of the main challenges. Hydrothermal carbonization of cellulose was performed at 240 °C for 1 h. Ammonium sulfate and thiourea dopants were selected as the sources of inorganic nitrogen and organic nitrogen in the preparation of supercapacitor carbon. The effects of boric acid on the properties of the resulting hydrochar after KOH activation were examined. The results showed that the proportion of functional groups and the specific surface area of the activated hydrochar were reduced by the addition of boric acid, and the formation of micropores was inhibited. The hydrochar obtained from the reaction of cellulose and organic nitrogen compounds had a better pore size distribution and electrochemical properties after activation. The largest specific surface area (952.27 m2/g) was obtained when thiourea was used as the sole dopant. In a three-electrode system, the specific capacitance of the activated hydrochar reached 235.8 F/g at a current density of 1 A/g. After 20,000 charging and discharging cycles at a current density of 10 A/g, the capacitance retention rate was 99.96%. Therefore, this study showed that supercapacitor carbon with good electrochemical properties was obtained by the direct reactions of cellulose with organic nitrogen compounds.
A Study of the Friction Stir Lap Welding of AA5052 and Polypropylene
Authors: Alhatti Ahmed I. , Sheikh-Ahmad Jamal , Almaskari Fahad , Khan Kamran A. , Deveci Suleyman , Hosny Abdelrahman I.
Published: November 2023

Friction stir lap welding (FSLW) remains a pioneering technique for creating hybrid joints between AA5052 aluminium alloy and polypropylene (PP), particularly with the metal-on-top configuration. Building upon previous research, this study introduces a tapered fluted pin tool design and investigates its effectiveness in the welding process. Our results, supported by ANOVA, chemical, and microstructural analyses, reiterate that the optimal welding parameters stand at a rotational speed of 1400 RPM and a traverse speed of 20 mm/min. This combination produces a joint tensile strength of 3.8 MPa, signifying 16.54% of the weaker material’s inherent strength. Microstructural evaluations revealed a unique composite of aluminium chips intermeshed with PP, strengthened further by aluminium hooks. Crucially, mechanical interlocking plays a predominant role over chemical bonding in achieving this joint strength. The study underscores the absence of significant C-O-Al bonds, hinting at the PP degradation without the thermo-oxidation process. Additionally, joint strength was found to inversely correlate with the interaction layer’s thickness. The findings fortify the promise of FSLW with the novel fluted pin design for enhancing joints between AA5052 and PP, emphasising the potential of mechanical interlocking as a principal factor in achieving high-quality welds.
J. I. Packer’s Theology of Justification—His Reception and Appropriation of a Classic Protestant Doctrine
Authors: Simuț Corneliu C.
Published: November 2023

This article is a systematic overview of Packer’s theology of justification from the perspective of descriptive, analytical, and critical methodologies. A series of books written by Packer were investigated in order to identify various references to justification, which led to a categorization consisting of six features (justification as the legacy of the Reformation, eternal status, a precursor of sanctification, trust in Christ, covenant reality, and a divine promise). Two of Packer’s most important books used for this research, Keep in Step with the Spirit: Finding Fullness in Our Walk with God (2005) and Concise Theology: a Guide to Historic Christian Beliefs (2011), also revealed the theological foundation of justification, which I present as the two pillars on which Packer’s theology of justification stands: God’s being and Christ’s incarnation. These two pillars reveal not only God’s invisible being as Trinity but also his self-disclosure in Christ as an exclusive focus of the sinners’ belief of justification. The six features and the two pillars of Packer’s theology of justification demonstrate not only how he received and appropriated the classical Protestant teaching about God’s decision to consider sinners righteous despite their sins but also how it generates, through faith in Christ, a consistently new life.
GF-1 WFV Surface Reflectance Quality Evaluation in Countries along “the Belt and Road”
Authors: Ding Yaozong , Gu Xingfa , Liu Yan , Zhang Hu , Cheng Tianhai , Li Juan , Wei Xiangqin , Gao Min , Liang Man , Zhang Qian
Published: November 2023

The GaoFen-1 wide field of view (GF-1 WFV) has produced level 1 digital number data globally; however, most applications have focused on China, and data quality outside China has not been validated. This study presents a preliminary assessment of the 2020 GF-1 WFV surface reflectance data for Nepal, Azerbaijan, Kenya, and Sri Lanka along “the Belt and Road” route using Sentinel-2 Multi-Spectral Instrument (MSI), Landsat-8 Operational Land Image (OLI), and Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) data. A method for obtaining the GF-1 WFV surface reflectance data was also proposed, with steps including atmospheric correction, cross-radiation calibration, and bidirectional reflectance distribution function correction. The results showed that WFV surface reflectance data was not significantly different from MSI, OLI, and MODIS surface reflectance data. In the visible and near-infrared bands, for most landcover types, the bias was less than 0.02, and the precision and root mean square error were less than 0.04. When the landcover types were forest and water, the MSI, OLI, and MODIS surface reflectance data were higher than that of WFV in the near-infrared band. The results of this study provide a basis for assessing the global application potential of GF-1 WFV.
Image to Image Deep Learning for Enhanced Vegetation Height Modeling in Texas
Authors: Malambo Lonesome , Popescu Sorin
Published: November 2023

Vegetation canopy height mapping is vital for forest monitoring. However, the high cost and inefficiency of manual tree measurements, coupled with the irregular and limited local-scale acquisition of airborne LiDAR data, continue to impede its widespread application. The increasing availability of high spatial resolution imagery is creating opportunities to characterize forest attributes at finer resolutions over large regions. In this study, we investigate the synergy of airborne lidar and high spatial resolution USDA-NAIP imagery for detailed canopy height mapping using an image-to-image deep learning approach. Our main inputs were 1 m NAIP image patches which served as predictor layers and corresponding 1 m canopy height models derived from airborne lidar data, which served as output layers. We adapted a U-Net model architecture for canopy height regression, training and validating the models with 10,000 256-by-256 pixel image patches. We evaluated three settings for the U-Net encoder depth and used both 1 m and 2 m datasets to assess their impact on model performance. Canopy height predictions from the fitted models were highly correlated (R2 = 0.70 to 0.89), precise (MAE = 1.37–2.21 m), and virtually unbiased (Bias = −0.20–0.07 m) with respect to validation data. The trained models also performed adequately well on the independent test data (R2 = 0.62–0.78, MAE = 3.06–4.1 m). Models with higher encoder depths (3,4) and trained with 2 m data provide better predictions than models with encoder depth 2 and trained on 1 m data. Inter-comparisons with existing canopy height products also showed our canopy height map provided better agreement with reference airborne lidar canopy height estimates. This study shows the potential of developing regional canopy height products using airborne lidar and NAIP imagery to support forest productivity and carbon modeling at spatially detailed scales. The 30 m canopy height map generated over Texas holds promise in advancing economic and sustainable forest management goals and enhancing decision-making in natural resource management across the state.
Advancing Ultra-High Precision in Satellite–Ground Time–Frequency Comparison: Ground-Based Experiment and Simulation Verification for the China Space Station
Authors: Guo Yanming , Gao Shuaihe , Pan Zhibing , Wang Pei , Gong Xuewen , Chen Jiangyu , Song Kun , Zhong Zhen , Yue Yaoli , Guo Lishu , Bai Yan , Gao Yuping , Lu Xiaochun , Zhang Shougang
Published: November 2023

Establishing an ultra-high-precision link for time–frequency comparisons between satellites and ground stations is critically important. This endeavor is fundamental to the advancement of pioneering space science exploration and the development of a robust space-based time–frequency system featuring ultra-high-precision space atomic clocks. In response to the requirements for assessing the long-term stability of high-precision space atomic clocks, we have designed and implemented a satellite–ground microwave time–frequency comparison system and method based on a three-frequency mode. Ground-based experimental results demonstrate that the equipment layer can achieve a satellite–ground time comparison accuracy better than 0.4 ps (RMS), with the equipment delay stability (ADEV) for all three frequencies being better than 8 × 10−18 at 86,400. By leveraging the ground-based experimental results, we constructed a satellite–ground time–frequency comparison simulation and verification platform. This platform realizes ultra-high-precision satellite–ground time–frequency comparison based on the China Space Station (CSS). After correcting various transmission delay errors, the satellite–ground time comparison achieved an accuracy better than 0.8 ps and an ADEV better than 2 × 10−17 at 86,400. This validation of our novel satellite–ground time–frequency comparison system and method, capable of achieving an 10−17 magnitude stability, is not only a significant contribution to the field of space time–frequency systems but also paves the way for future advancements and applications in space science exploration.
Modeling of Suspended Particulate Matter Concentration in an Extremely Turbid River Based on Multispectral Remote Sensing from an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)
Authors: Zhai Yinghui , Zhong Pu , Duan Hongtao , Zhang Dan , Chen Xin , Guo Xingjian
Published: November 2023

Following consecutive years of governance efforts, there has been a substantial reduction in sediment transport in the Yellow River, resulting in significant changes in its water–sediment dynamics. This necessitates precise monitoring of sediment-bearing tributary inflows, a crucial requirement for effective governance strategies on the Loess Plateau’s current developmental stage. While satellite remote sensing technology has been widely used to estimate suspended particulate matter concentration (CSPM) in open water bodies like oceans and lakes, its application in narrow rivers presents challenges related to hybrid pixel and proximity effects. As a result, the effectiveness and competence of satellite remote sensing in monitoring CSPM in such confined river environments are reduced. This study attempted to use unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) remote sensing with multispectral technology to invert CSPM in the Wuding River, a sediment-bearing Yellow River tributary. A novel CSPM concentration inversion model was introduced for highly turbid river settings. The results showed that the accuracy of the new band ratio model in this study is significantly improved compared with the existing models. The validation dataset had a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.83, a root mean square error (RMSE) of 3.73 g/L, and a mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of 44.95% (MAPE is 40.68% at 1–20 g/L, and 12.37% at >20 g/L). On this basis, the UAV also monitored the impacts of heavy rainfall on the CSPM, resulting in a rapid rise and fall in CSPM over a period of ten hours. This study demonstrated the potential of UAV remote sensing for CSPM monitoring in extremely turbid narrow rivers (tens to tens of meters), especially before and after rainfall sediment production events, which can provide technical support for accurate sediment management and source identification in the main tributaries of the Yellow River and help realize the goal of high-quality development of the Yellow River Basin.
Applications of Deep Learning-Based Super-Resolution Networks for AMSR2 Arctic Sea Ice Images
Authors: Feng Tiantian , Jiang Peng , Liu Xiaomin , Ma Xinyu
Published: November 2023

Studies have indicated that the decrease in the extent of Arctic sea ice in recent years has had a significant impact on the Arctic ecosystem and global climate. In order to understand the evolution of sea ice, it is becoming increasingly imperative to have continuous observations of Arctic-wide sea ice with high spatial resolution. Passive microwave sensors have the benefit of being less susceptible to weather, wider coverage, and higher temporal resolution. However, it is challenging to retrieve accurate parameters of sea ice due to the low spatial resolution of passive microwave images. Therefore, improving the spatial resolution of passive microwave images is beneficial for reducing the uncertainty of sea ice parameters. In this paper, four competitive multi-image super-resolution (MISR) networks are selected to explore the applicability of the networks on multi-frequency Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer 2 (AMSR2) images of Arctic sea ice. The upsampling factor is set to 4 in the experiment. Firstly, the optimal input lengths of the image sequence for the four MISR networks are found, and then the best network on different frequency band images is further identified. Furthermore, some factors, including seasons, sea ice motion, and polarization mode of images, that may affect the super-resolution (SR) results are analyzed. The experimental results indicate that utilizing images from winter yields superior SR results. Conversely, SR results are the worst during summer across all four MISR networks, exhibiting the largest difference in PSNR of 4.48 dB. Additionally, the SR performance is observed to be better for images with smaller magnitudes of sea ice motion compared to those with larger motions, with the maximum PSNR difference of 2.04 dB. Finally, the SR results for vertically polarized images surpass those for horizontally polarized images, showcasing an average advantage of 4.02 dB in PSNR and 0.0061 in SSIM. In summary, valuable suggestions for selecting MISR models for passive microwave images of Arctic sea ice at different frequency bands are offered in this paper. Additionally, the quantification of the various impact factors on SR performance is also discussed in this paper, which provides insights into optimizing MISR algorithms for passive microwave sea ice imagery.
Visual Navigation and Obstacle Avoidance Control for Agricultural Robots via LiDAR and Camera
Authors: Han Chongyang , Wu Weibin , Luo Xiwen , Li Jiehao
Published: November 2023

Obstacle avoidance control and navigation in unstructured agricultural environments are key to the safe operation of autonomous robots, especially for agricultural machinery, where cost and stability should be taken into account. In this paper, we designed a navigation and obstacle avoidance system for agricultural robots based on LiDAR and a vision camera. The improved clustering algorithm is used to quickly and accurately analyze the obstacle information collected by LiDAR in real time. Also, the convex hull algorithm is combined with the rotating calipers algorithm to obtain the maximum diameter of the convex polygon of the clustered data. Obstacle avoidance paths and course control methods are developed based on the danger zones of obstacles. Moreover, by performing color space analysis and feature analysis on the complex orchard environment images, the optimal H-component of HSV color space is selected to obtain the ideal vision-guided trajectory images based on mean filtering and corrosion treatment. Finally, the proposed algorithm is integrated into the Three-Wheeled Mobile Differential Robot (TWMDR) platform to carry out obstacle avoidance experiments, and the results show the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed algorithm. The research conclusion can achieve satisfactory results in precise obstacle avoidance and intelligent navigation control of agricultural robots.