bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamic Neurovascular Coupling during Sleep Inertia: An EEG-fMRI Fusion on Post-sleep Arousal and Spectral Slope
Authors: Wang Zhitong John , Lee Hsin-Chien , Chuang Chun-Hsiang , Hsiao Fan-Chi , Hsu Ai-Ling , Wu Changwei
Published: August 2023

Upon emergence from sleep, individuals experience temporary hypo-vigilance and grogginess known as sleep inertia. During the transient period of vigilance recovery from prior nocturnal sleep, the neurovascular coupling (NVC) may not static and constant as assumed by previous neuroimaging studies. Stemming from this viewpoint in sleep inertia, this study aims to probe the NVC changes dynamically as awakening time prolongs using simultaneous EEG-fMRI. The time-lagged coupling between EEG features of vigilance and BOLD-fMRI signals, in selected regions of interest, was calculated with one pre-sleep and three consecutive post-awakening resting-state measures. We found marginal changes in EEG theta/beta ratio and spectral slope across post-awakening sessions, demonstrating alterations of vigilance during sleep inertia. Dynamic NVC as awakening prolonged was evidenced by the changing time lags of the peak correlation between EEG-vigilance and BOLD-thalamus, as well as BOLD-anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and EEG spectral slope. This study provides the first evidence of potential dynamicity of NVC in sleep inertia and opens new avenues for non-invasive neuroimaging investigations into the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying brain state transitions.
First experimental demonstration of real-time neutron capture discrimination in helium and carbon ion therapy
Authors: Kielly Marissa , Caracciolo Anita , Chacon Andrew , Vita Davide Di , Mohammadi Akram , Tashima Hideaki , Franklin Daniel R. , Yamaya Taiga , Rosenfeld Anatoly , Carminati Marco , Fiorini Carlo , Guatelli Susanna , Safavi-Naeini Mitra
Published: August 2023

This work provides the first experimental proof of an increased neutron capture photon signal following the introduction of boron to a PMMA phantom during helium and carbon ion therapies in Neutron Capture Enhanced Particle Therapy (NCEPT). NCEPT leverages 10B neutron capture, leading to the emission of detectable 478 keV photons. Experiments were performed at the Heavy Ion Medical Accelerator in Chiba, Japan, with two PMMA targets, one bearing a boron insert. The BeNEdiCTE gamma-ray detector measured an increase in the 478 keV signal of 45 ± 7% and 26 ± 2% for carbon and helium ion irradiation, respectively. Our Geant4 Monte Carlo simulation model, developed to investigate photon origins, found less than 30% of detected photons originated from the insert, while boron in the detector’s circuit boards contributed over 65%. Further, the model investigated detector sensitivity, establishing its capability to record a 10% increase in 478 keV photon detection at a target 10 B concentration of 500 ppm using spectral windowing alone, and 25% when combined with temporal windowing. The linear response extended to concentrations up to 20000 ppm. The increase in the signal in all evaluated cases confirm the potential of the proposed detector design for neutron capture quantification in NCEPT.
Comparison of 3D-cDFT and GCMC Simulations for Fluid-Structure Analysis in Amorphous Carbon Nanoporous Materials
Authors: Santos Lucas J. dos , Soares Elvis do A. , Barreto Amaro G. , Tavares Frederico W.
Published: August 2023

Investigating fluid behavior in nanoporous materials is essential for gas storage, separation, and catalysis applications. Here, we present a comparison of two computational methods for fluid-structure analysis in amorphous nanoporous carbon materials: three-dimensional (3D) classical Density Functional Theory (cDFT) and Grand Canonical Monte Carlo (GCMC) simulations. We extended our recent development of 3D-cDFT to allow density-profile analysis without symmetry assumptions, enhancing its applicability to a broader range of porous materials. We provide a theoretical overview and discuss the advantages and limitations of each method. Our results highlight the accuracy of both 3D-cDFT and GCMC simulations while emphasizing differences in computational cost, precision, and scope. We also explore the impact of the non-crystalline structure of amorphous carbon nanopores on fluid structure and adsorption isotherms, as well as fluid-fluid and fluid-solid interactions. We offer insights for selecting computational methods in fluid structure analysis of nanoporous materials, guiding future research and optimization in advanced material development for diverse applications.
Multispecies-Coadsorption-Induced Rapid Preparation of Graphene Glass Fiber Fabric and Applications in Flexible Pressure Sensor Based on the Hierarchical Conductive Configuration
Authors: Liu Zhongfan , Wang Kun , Sun Xiucai , Cheng Shuting , Cheng Yi , Huang Kewen , Liu Ruojuan , Yuan Hao , Li Wenjuan , Liang Fushun , Yang Yuyao , fan Yang , kangyi Zheng , zhiwei Liang , Tu Ce , mengxiong Liu , mingyang Ma , yunsong Ge , muqiang Jian , Yin Wan-Jian , Qi Yue
Published: August 2023

Direct CVD growth of graphene on dielectric/insulating materials is a promising strategy for subsequent transfer-free applications of graphene. However, graphene growth on noncatalytic substrates is faced with thorny issues, especially the limited growth rate, which severely hinders the mass production and practical applications. Herein, graphene glass fiber fabric (GGFF) was developed by graphene CVD growth on glass fiber fabric. Dichloromethane is creatively applied as carbon precursor to accelerate graphene growth, which has a low decomposition energy barrier, and more importantly, the produced high-electronegativity Cl radical can enhance adsorption of active carbon species by Cl−CH2 coadsorption and facilitate H detachment from graphene edges. Consequently, ~3 orders of magnitude increase of growth rate and ~960 times increase of carbon utilization, compared with conventional methane precursor, were realized. The advantaged hierarchical conductive configuration of lightweight, flexible GGFF makes it a ultrasensitive pressure sensor for human motion and physiological monitoring, such as pulse and vocal signals.
WITHDRAWN: The anti-hyperuricemic and gut microbiota regulatory effects of a novel purine assimilatory probiotic strain
Authors: Zou Yuan , Ro Kum-Song , Jiang Chentian , Yin Deyi , Zhao Li , Zhang Daihui , Du Lei , Xie Jingli
Published: August 2023

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum X7022, a novel probiotic strain, exhibited gastrointestinal viability as 44% at the dose of 109 CFU/mL in mice. The strain possesses a complete purine assimilation pathway and can exhaust xanthine, guanine, and adenine by 82.1%, 33.1%, and 12.6%, respectively. After four-week administration of the strain, a significant decrease of 35.5% in the serum uric acid level in potassium oxonate and hypoxanthine induced hyperuricemic mice was realized. The activity of hepatic xanthine oxidase was normalized. Furthermore, the expression of glucose transporter 9 and urate transporter 1 were downregulated by 12.4% and 37.6%, while organic anion transporter 1 was upregulated by 23.4% in kidney. The treatment also alleviated renal inflammation and restored renal damage. Importantly, the strain played critical roles on improving gut microbiota dysbiosis in hyperuricemic mice through depressing inflammation or hyperuricemia related flora and promoting the abundance of short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production-related flora. As a result, the diminished fecal SCFAs contents were remarkably elevated. Therefore, L. plantarum X7022 is a promising probiotic strain for ameliorating hyperuricemia.
The Hefei Aging Study: a population-based prospective cohort study investigating chronic disease and lifestyle on cognitive impairment in an urban population
Authors: Zhang Wei , Wang Yongkang , Zhang Xianzuo , Li Yi , Fang Xiang , Luo Mengqi , Wu Jun , Zhang Mengmeng , Ge Yuhao , Ding Xiping , Shen Yong , Shi Jiong , Zhang Weiwei
Published: August 2023

Background
The global aging population has led to a rise in dementia, posing challenges to medical professionals and society. Chronic disease and lifestyle factors have been associated with dementia risk, but the effect of these factors on the development of dementia remains unclear. This study aims to investigate these risk factors and to establish a prediction model by using heart and brain imaging studies, and blood biomarkers.
Methods
Residents aged over 50 years and living in four urban communities in Hefei, China were recruited in this study. The participants underwent a series of assessments including face-to-face interviews, clinical examinations, genetic and blood tests, neuropsychological tests, cardiac ultrasound, carotid ultrasound, and brain magnetic resonance imaging scans.
Results
From January 2019 to July 2021, a total of 730 participants were enrolled in the baseline assessment, with an average age of 61.33 ± 7.01 years and mean scores of 27.09 ± 3.29 and 21.84 ± 5.06 on the MMSE and MOCA, respectively, with a relatively high level of education. The overall prevalence of common chronic diseases was high. Hypertension and diabetes mellitus were the top two, affecting more men than women. Women had a higher prevalence of angina pectoris, arrhythmias, hyperlipidemia, and stroke. The prevalence of hypertension, angina pectoris, arrhythmia, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes mellitus increased with age.
Conclusions
Our findings suggest a high prevalence of chronic diseases among the elderly urban population and highlight the need for proactive measures to address these issues.
Improved A*-DWA fusion path planning algorithm with ideal path area constraints
Authors: Cao Yibo , Yang Zhengdong , Liu Haoxin , Zhao Jiaheng , Fan Jingwen
Published: August 2023

Navigation of mobile robots in unknown environments continues to be a common and challenging problem in robotics. In order to improve the mobile robot to obtain the global optimal path and real-time obstacle avoidance capability, this paper proposes a new fusion algorithm based on A* algorithm and DWA (Dynamic Window Approach) algorithm. First, compared with the classical Dijkstra algorithm and BFS(Best First Search) algorithm, the A* algorithm is optimized in path search. Although adding heuristic functions to the A* algorithm can reduce a large number of useless search nodes, experiments show that there are still many useless search nodes, and the obtained global path is not a feasible path in some cases or will increase the movement time significantly, and unsafe paths. In this paper, we add the ideal path area constraint to the A* algorithm, and then integrate the DWA algorithm to address the problem that the A* algorithm is not suitable for real-time obstacle avoidance in dynamic obstacle environments. Simulation results show that the improved A* algorithm can significantly reduce the number of nodes to be searched and decrease the running time of the DWA algorithm compared with the traditional Dijkstra, BFS, and A* algorithms.
Effect of non-thermal sulphur hexafluoride cold plasma modification on surface properties of polyoxymethylene
Authors: Chodkowski Michał , Terpiłowski Konrad , Románszki Loránd , Klébert Szilvia , Mohai Miklós , Károly Zoltán , Aidarovad Saule , Turganbay Seitzhan , Argimbayev Dias , Sarsembekova Raziya
Published: August 2023

This paper deals with the surface modification of polyoxymethylene by the low-pressure non-thermal RF plasma using the sulphur hexafluoride plasma gas. The plasma treatment was performed based on various processing parameters including time, gas flow rate and plasma power. The effects were estimated on the basis of surface wettability determined by the water contact angle measurements. Morphological changes of the material surface were studied by scanning electron microscopy and optical profilometry. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was employed to reveal the differences in the chemical structure of the topmost layer after plasma modification. It was found out that changes in the surface properties of the polymer could be observed even after 20 seconds of treatment. The surface becomes hydrophobic or superhydrophobic, with the water contact angles up to 160 degrees. Morphological changes and increased roughness can be observed only in the nanoscale, whereas the structure seems to be unaffected in the microscale. As a result of plasma modification a permanent hydrophobic effect was obtained on the polyoxymethylene surface.
Coordination divergence of the multi-systems in the Yangtze River Delta and its influencing factors from a coupled carbon reduction perspective
Authors: Xuan Wei , Zhang Wen , Yin Bidan , Zhao Liwei , Lu Yanfei , Tang Junhan
Published: August 2023

In the context of global warming, urban agglomerations need to consider the coupling degree between the urban environmental system and the urbanization system represented by the "Economic-Social-Housing-Public" systems, in relation to carbon emissions. This is of great importance to support regional carbon reduction. This paper constructs the evaluation index system of urbanization and urban environment system. It analyses the current status and coordination divergence of multi-systems in the Yangtze River Delta region in 2000–2019, using the CRITIC weights method and the coupled coordination model. Then, this paper uses the GeoDetector model to sort out the weights of the indicators affecting the coupled coordination degree and the interactions among the indicators based on the consideration of the geographical characteristics. The results show that: (1) The level of urbanization system, the level of environmental system and the degree of coupled coordination have increased significantly from 2000 to 2019. However, there are large regional differences, with the provincial capital and its periphery clearly different from the peripheral areas. (2) More than economic and ecological indicators. Several indicators of residential and public systems actually have a significant impact on the degree of coupled adjustment. (3) Carbon emissions are found to have an increasing weight on the degree of regional coupled coordination year by year, becoming one of the most important factors in 2019. (4) In terms of influencing factors, coupled coordination is a synergistic effect of several factors. There is an obvious "1 + 1 > 2" relationship between technology and environmental indicators.
Exploring the Mechanism of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Preventing Bone Metastasis of Breast Cancer through Data Mining
Authors: Han Linqiu , Dai Jinfang , Zhang Liangping
Published: August 2023

Bone metastasis is a prevalent and incapacitating ailment that significantly impacts the well-being of individuals with advanced breast cancer. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has exhibited encouraging effectiveness in mitigating bone metastasis in breast cancer. In order to investigate the therapeutic approaches of TCM in addressing bone metastasis, we conducted a comprehensive analysis utilizing data mining technology. We methodically examined the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang, VIP, and PubMed databases to identify pertinent TCM literature pertaining to breast cancer bone metastasis. A total of 77 Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) prescriptions and 182 individual herbs were included in the study, resulting in a cumulative frequency of 886 instances of TCM use. Association rule analysis and cluster analysis were conducted using SPSS Moddler and SPSS 25.0 software. The most frequently prescribed TCM herbs for treating bone metastasis in breast cancer patients were cooked Rehmannia, psoraleae, Angelica sinensis, Eucommia ulmoides, and Guchibubua. In order to investigate the effectiveness and underlying molecular mechanisms of TCM combinations in the treatment of bone metastasis, we analyzed drug pairs utilizing the TCMSP and TCMID databases. Furthermore, breast cancer bone metastasis-related gene chip data was obtained from the GEO database, and the R differential gene score was utilized to ascertain significant genes linked to the two drugs employed for bone metastasis treatment. Subsequently, enrichment analysis was conducted using the DAVID database to investigate potential pathways and crucial targets for the management of bone metastasis in breast cancer. The validation of central targets was conducted through molecular docking analysis, in conjunction with data obtained from the GEPIA, HPA, and CBIOpportunities databases. The results of our investigation unveiled that Eucommia ulmoides, Rehmannia rehmannii, Psoralea psoralea, and Gushushi were frequently employed in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) prescriptions for the management of bone metastasis in breast cancer. Additionally, we identified COL1A1, HIF1A, FOS, TP53, MAPK3, and RUNX2 as potential key targets that exert influence on bone metastasis in breast cancer. In summary, this study employed data mining methodologies to unveil the medication patterns of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for the treatment of bone metastasis in breast cancer. The identification of TCM herbs and their potential molecular targets offers significant insights into the development of targeted therapeutic approaches and the elucidation of the underlying mechanisms of TCM in addressing bone metastasis in breast cancer.
Association between coffee consumption and diabetic complications: A two- sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Liang Yingchao , Hu Xinyu , Jia Mingjie , Liu Deliang , Chu Shufang , Li Huilin
Published: August 2023

In response to the current clinical debate regarding the causal relationship between coffee consumption and the risk of diabetic complications, we conducted a two-sample Mendelian randomization study to determine the impact of coffee on diabetic complications, and further explored this association in complications of diabetes subtypes. We collected summary statistics from 22 genome-wide association studies in the UK Biobank database and FinnGen R9 repository. Causal effects were assessed using the inverse variance weighted (IVW) method, MR pleiotropy residual sum and outlier (MR-PRESSO) model, maximum likelihood method, weighted median method, simple median method, and MR-Egger method. Cochran's Q test, MR-Egger intercept test, and MR-PRESSO global test were utilized for sensitivity analysis. Genetic evidence indicates a positive linkage between coffee intake and the risk of diabetes complications, with coffee significantly increasing the risk of diabetic nephropathy, diabetic neuropathy, and diabetic peripheral angiopathy, and possibly promoting the occurrence and progression of diabetic ocular complications. Coffee also contributed substantially to the complications of type 2 diabetes, while the connection between coffee consumption and complications of type 1 diabetes was modestly notable. These findings provide a scientific foundation for more targeted prevention and management of diabetes complications.
A combined experimental and computational analysis of dexamethasone-conjugated silver nanoparticles for improved surface-enhanced Raman substrate detection.
Authors: Mwenze Nancy Mwikali , Birech Zephania , Juma Moses , Cloete Karen J. , Ondieki Annah , Jeptoo Carolyne , Kaduki Kenneth , Dhlamini Simon , Maaza Malik
Published: August 2023

Computations based on density functional theory (DFT) and experimental analysis on spectral vibrations have been performed on the dexamethasone molecule. The computer simulations have been analyzed using DFT-B3LYP functional at 6-311 + + G(d,p) basis. UV-Vis and Raman spectra have been recorded and reported. High-purity silver granules (99.99%) were immersed in 5 ml of distilled water in a 25 ml glass beaker. A Q-Switched Nd: YAG laser (1064 nm, max energy of 250 mJ, 8 ns) was focused on the silver sample target by a convex lens whose focal length was 30mm. The ablation time varied from 2 to 8 hours leading to the formation of yellow to dark brown AgNPs colloids. Raman spectroscopy, UV-Vis spectroscopy, and Scanning Electron Microscopy techniques were used for the sample characterization. At 8 hours, the synthesized AgNPs were most chemically stable and had spherical colloids with a diameter of 6.3 nm. Conjugating dexamethasone with AgNPs led to the enhancement of the Raman signals by a factor of 1.4. A position shift in the plasmon resonance peak attributed to the newly formed complex with unique optical characteristics was noted. The findings support the possibility of enhancing the functionality of dexamethasone by developing new-drug-like candidates after conjugation with AgNPs.
Weber-Fechner law underlying perception of synchronized group clapping
Authors: Niizato Takayuki , Nishiyama Yuta , Zempo Keichi , Koike Yuka , Arai Koki
Published: August 2023

Recent studies have revealed that temporal perception can be changed in sensor-motor cycles. The mechanism for this may be Bayesian inference; our beliefs regarding the cause--effect relationship can influence our temporal perception as we can anticipate the outcome. The Bayesian paradigm has also been incorporated into studies of collective behaviours by agents interacting through time. However, the cause--effect relationship in the real group inevitably intertwines and may invalidate Bayesian inference relying on a solid cause--effect relationship. This study investigated temporal perception of synchronised group clapping. We found that the intensity of temporal binding on the perception of group clapping increases with group size, supporting the Weber--Fechner law of temporal perception. In addition, we apply the temporal Weber--Fechner law to a simple theoretical model. As a result, this law explains how the frequency increase of group clapping is influenced by the group size, known as joint rushing. These findings suggest that the change in temporal perception following the law generates complex group dynamics.
Proposal for the pre-screening method for early detection of Sjögren’s syndrome, based on the difference of salivary marker of hyposalivation
Authors: Yoshino Yoko , Imamura Takahiro , Nomura Yoshiaki , Ushikoshi-Nakayama Ryoko , Saito Ichiro , Nakagawa Yoichi
Published: August 2023

Reduced salivary secretion is seen in Sjögren’s syndrome (SS), and also seen in Hypo-salivation (Non-SS). However, salivary gland damage is not seen in Non-SS, so, definitive diagnosis of SS requires pathological diagnosis with biopsy. They are invasive and give a physical burden on patients, so, pre-screening methods that distinguish between SS and Non-SS would be beneficial for patients. In this study, we investigated the difference of salivary biomarker between SS and Non-SS for to clarify characteristic feature in SS group and it would contribute to develop the pre-screening method.
Role of isomers and steric hindrance in the micellization of carboxylated carbosilane surfactants
Authors: Wu Tianquan , Liu Hailong , Tan Jinglin
Published: August 2023

A series of carboxylated carbosilane surfactants with methyl, ethyl, branching CH3-, phenyl, and cyclohexyl (Me-Si2C-COONa, Et-Si2C-COONa, Si2C-La-COONa, Ph-Si2C-COONa, and Cy-Si2C-COONa) were prepared. The effect of isomer and steric hindrance on their micellization in aqueous solution was investigated by surface tension, conductivity, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS). Si2C-La-COONa with branching CH3- shows a lower γCMC value and higher the CMC value compared with Et-Si2C-COONa. Cy-Si2C-COONa with cyclohexyl (41.6 mN·m− 1) and Ph-Si2C-COONa with phenyl (43.9 mN·m− 1) have larger γCMC values due to the distinct steric hindrance and hydrophobicity. In aqueous solution, the aggregation behavior of Si2C-La-COONa, Cy-Si2C-COONa, and Ph-Si2C-COONa is enthalpy-driven. However, the micellization process of Me-Si2C-COONa and Et-Si2C-COONa is governed by the enthalpy-driven at high temperature and entropy-driven at low temperature. DLS and TEM results indicate that the carboxylated carbosilane surfactants can self-assemble into aggregate with hydrodynamic diameters of 50–400 nm.
POC1A promotes lung adenocarcinoma progression through the PI3K/AKT pathway and is a potential prognostic marker
Authors: Liu Yuzhen , Kang Zhu , Chen Rui , Zhiping Wang , Shijin Wan , Peimeng You , Tou Fangfang
Published: August 2023

Background
POC1A, also known as WDR51A (POC1 Centriolar Protein Homolog A), has been implicated in a number of malignancies. However, its biological role in Lung Adenocarcinoma is still largely unknown. This study was performed to investigate the biological role and potential mechanism of POC1A in adenocarcinoma of lung.
Methods
POC1A expression in LUAD was analyzed for combining datasets by the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). Diagnosis and prognostic relevance of POC1A were evaluated through differential expression analysis, Kaplan-Meier curves, cox regression, construction of the nomogram, Gene-set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA). Based on a series of in vitro experiments, such as Western blot analysis, CCK 8 determination, and transwell determination, etc. The biological behavior and role of POC1A in lung cancer cells was estimated.
Results
POC1A expression was upregulated in most cancers and predicted poor prognosis of lung adenocarcinoma in TCGA. The results showed that POC1A expression was significantly associated with Th2 cells, mast cells, eosinophils cells, and Tcm cells. The in vitro results showed that POC1A knockdown inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion of LUAD cells and promoted the apoptosis of LUAD cells.
Conclusion
Our bioinformatics and in vitro experiments confirm that POC1A is substantially expressed in LUAD and is connected to a negative prognosis. In vitro experiments showed that POC1A promotes proliferation, migration and invasion of LUAD tumor cells. These findings suggest that POC1A may serve as a potential prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for LUAD.
The heterogeneous effects of COVID-19 on young adults purchasing patterns: An examination using causal random forest
Authors: Choi Youngran
Published: August 2023

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic prompted governments worldwide to implement lockdown measures that resulted in an increase in online purchases. Young consumers, who are familiar with browsing online platforms, may respond differently than older consumers to the pandemic in terms of online purchases. The generalized random forest (GRF) was employed to identify the heterogeneous causal effects of COVID-19 on the online shopping habits of young consumers. The attributes the GRF analysis identified as sensitive to COVID-19 in inducing online purchases include: gender based on employment, race, television ownership, and specific types of grocery products (i.e., dry foods and frozen foods). Understanding the heterogeneity in the effects of COVID-19 that induce young consumers to shop online can provide practitioners with insights on how to prioritize and target high-impact groups with specific characteristics while improving management and policy strategies for future pandemics or other extended periods of disruption of in-store businesses.
JEL Codes: M30, L81, P36
Study on Carbon Emissions of Clean Heating in Northern Rural Areas
Authors: Xue Yibing , He Yi , Yu Hongwen , Song Ziye
Published: August 2023

By taking clean heating in rural northern areas as the object of research, the research shows seven clean heating systems. It defines the LCA carbon emission accounting boundary for the clean heating system. The research analyses the carbon increment, savings, emission intensity, and emission trend during the lifetime and operating costs. The Solar + system has the highest carbon increment but has the best carbon-saving effect. Compared to the original coal-fired system, the rate of carbon savings reaches 83.86%; in the lifetime, the carbon emission intensity of heat generation decreases from 0.56 tCO2e/(kWh·a) to 0.16 tCO2e/(kWh·a), which is 20% of the original coal-fired system. From the fourth year, its carbon emissions will be better than the others.
Seasonal variability of NDVI-LST relationship in Hyderabad, India
Authors: Veeravalli Sai Ganesh
Published: August 2023

This study investigates the spatiotemporal and seasonal dynamics of NDVI, LST and their relationship in Hyderabad, India from 1993 to 2018, using Landsat data. Focused on the unique urban context, the research unveils distinct patterns in both NDVI and LST. Specifically, the highest NDVI values are observed during the monsoon and post-monsoon seasons, while elevated LST values are found in the pre-monsoon and post-monsoon seasons. This temporal analysis underscores the evolving nature of urban vegetation cover, indicating its stability and resilience over the study duration. Furthermore, the study highlights an observed increase in LST during the pre-monsoon and post-monsoon seasons, signifying potential risks such as heatwaves and extended mosquito breeding seasons. These observations align with the intensification of the urban heat island effect and a reduction in urban vegetation cover. Additionally, a negative correlation between LST and NDVI is established across all seasons and years, with the strongest negative correlation observed during the monsoon season and weakest during the winter season. The findings enrich existing knowledge on NDVI-LST dynamics, informing urban planning and management strategies to mitigate the adverse impacts of rapid urbanization on human health and the environment. The interdisciplinary approach, combining remote sensing techniques, geographic analysis, and urban environmental research, offers a comprehensive understanding of the NDVI-LST dynamics.
LINC-PINT and LincRNA-P21 play a role in the mechanism of action of hydrogen gas’s therapeutic effect on lung cancer cells
Authors: Zhang Lu , Varjas Timea , Pozsgai Éva , Szabó István , Szenczi Ágnes , Alfatafta Huda , Song Yongan , Macharia John , Liu Hongbo , Kiss István
Published: August 2023

(1) Purpose: Non-small cell Lung cancer (NSCLC) is one of the leading causes of cancer mortality globally. Hydrogen (H2) gas is a possible anticancer agent. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA), including LINC-PINT and lincRNA-P21, involves in regulating the apoptotic proteins’ expression. Therefore, our study aim was to investigate the H2 treatment effect on the LINC-PINT and lincRNA-P21's expression in NSCLC cells;
(2) Methods: A549 cells were treated with three H2 gas concentrations at different times. qRT-PCR was used to assess the LINC-PINT and lincRNA-P21’s expressions. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and linear regression were carried out to analyse the differences;
(3) Results: The expression of LINC-PINT was significantly correlated with the increasing (0-10%) H2 concentrations, after both 2-hour-30-minute and 3-hour hydrogen treatment (R22H30=0.52, R23H=0.57, both P<0.05). This positive relationship -between expression and H2 concentrations- was also observed for lincRNA-P21 expression after 2-hour-30-minute H2 treatment (R2=0.88, P<0.01). In contrast, the expression of LINC-PINT showed a significant negative correlation with H2 after 3-hour-40-minute (R2=0.81, P<0.01);
(4) Conclusions: The expressions of LINC-PINT and lincRNA-P21 were upregulated after H2 gas treatment. Thus, it appears highly probable that the therapeutic effect of hydrogen gas is achieved by upregulating LINC-PINT and lincRNA-P21’s expressions in NSCLC cells.
Clinical and Biochemical Evaluation of The Use of Alb-PRF Versus L-PRF in Mandibular Third Molar Extractions: a Split-Mouth Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Javid Kayvon , Mourão Carlos Fernando , Sartoretto Suelen Cristina , Melo-Machado Rafael Coutinho , Torres Madelaine , Lourenço Emanuelle Stellet , Leite Paulo Emilio Correa , Granjeiro José Mauro , Alves Gutemberg Gomes , Calasans-Maia Monica Diuana
Published: August 2023

Objective
This study compares the performance of L-PRF and a new activated plasma albumin gel, Alb-PRF.
Materials and Methods
In a controlled, split-mouth study involving ten volunteers, twenty extracted molars were treated with either Alb-PRF (Group 1) or L-PRF (Group 2). Post-extraction, pain, trismus (jaw muscle spasm), infection presence, and swelling were evaluated after one and seven days using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain, a trismus measurement method, and Gabka and Matsumura's swelling analysis method. Infection presence was based on any detected suppuration. The concentrations of different analytes in the surgical sites were also examined. The data were statistically analyzed with significance defined at p < 0.05 (t-test).
Results
No significant difference was noted between the groups for pain and trismus, but Alb-PRF showed a significant reduction in swelling on day seven. Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1b) was significantly different between groups. The Alb-PRF group showed lower levels of proinflammatory cytokines (GM-CSF, IL-1b, IL-6, IFNy, IL-8, IL-15, RANTES, and MIP-1a) after seven days, with only higher expressions of MIP-1b, IL-1b, and MCP-1 found in the L-PRF group.
Conclusion
Differences were observed in the release of analytes between L-PRF and Alb-PRF, with Alb-PRF significantly reducing edema after seven days.
Clinical Relevance:
In the first clinical trial using denatured albumin combined with PRF, the results showed that Alb-PRF had better outcomes in reducing swelling and improving post-operative recovery compared to L-PRF. This makes it a promising alternative for dental procedures that require invasive methods.
Bottom-up Construction and Screening of Algae-bacteria Consortia for Bioremediation: A Case Study on Volatile Organic Compounds
Authors: Cai Zongting , Karunakaran Esther , Pandhal Jagroop
Published: August 2023

Background
Microbial communities have been used as important biological tools for a variety of purposes associated with agriculture, the food industry and human health. Artificial engineering of microbial communities is an emerging field of research motivated by finding stable and efficient microbial systems. However, successful designing of microbial communities not only underlies profound understanding of microbial activities but also requires efficient approaches to piece together the known microbial traits to give rise to more complex systems. This study demonstrated the bottom-up integration of environmentally isolated phototrophic microalgae and chemotrophic bacteria as artificial consortia to bio-degrade selected volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Result
A high throughput screening method based on 96-well plate format was developed for discovering consortia with bioremediation potential. Screened exemplar consortia were verified for VOCs degradation performance, among which certain robust consortia achieved 90.7%, 92.15% and near 100% removal (7-day) of benzene, toluene, and phenol, respectively, with initial concentrations of 100 mg/L. VOCs degradation by consortia were mainly attributed to certain bacteria including Rhodococcus erythropolis, and Cupriavidus metallidurans, and directly contributed to the growth of microalgae Coelastrella terrestris (R = 0.81, P < 0.001).
Conclusion
This work revealed the potential of converting VOCs waste into algal biomass by algae-bacteria consortia constructed through a bottom-up approach. The screening method enables rapid shortlisting of consortia combinatorial scenarios without prior knowledge about the individual strains or the need for interpreting complex microbial interactions.
EcoFireX: An Integrated IoT Solution for Forest Fire Detection
Authors: Garg Pankaj , M Ananya , Khan Saquib Ameer
Published: August 2023

Forest fires have been a long-standing concern in India, as they have a devastating impact on the environment, wildlife, and natural resources. According to the Forest Survey of India (FSI), about 54% [1] of India's woods are subject to sporadic fires. Many factors, such as natural causes like lightning or human-made factors like negligence, accidents, or even arson, can lead to these fires. Recent events, like the Bandipur forest fire in Karnataka, show that forest fires can have serious repercussions. The ecosystem was severely harmed by the fire, which burned for five days and destroyed about 15,443.27 acres of forest area[2]. Seven persons perished in the fire, which also presented a threat to human life. According to wildlife officials, most of the harm was done to tiny animals and reptiles. The tragedy emphasizes the value of early discovery and preventative measures to limit larger-scale damage. To address this concern, an IoT-based fire detector system is proposed in this paper, which employs various sensors such as DHT sensor, flame sensor, and MQ135 sensor, along with an alarming system. The sensors are connected to the Arduino UNO microcontroller, which collects data and calculates the intensity of the fire using a proposed formula. If the intensity exceeds a predefined threshold, an alerting mechanism is activated, and the data is transmitted to the cloud for analysis using graphical widgets and graphs. The suggested approach offers a number of benefits, including real-time monitoring, early detection, and prompt mitigation of forest fire damage. The method also offers insightful information about how forest fires alter the ecology, which is helpful for managing and conserving forests. The importance of IoT-based solutions in tackling the issue of forest fires is highlighted throughout this paper, and it also underlines the demand for proactive steps to safeguard the environment and natural resources.
Association of game use with Loneliness and Social Isolation: a nationwide Korean study
Authors: Jung Jin Young , Choi Han Mil , Hong Jin Pyo , Kim Myung Hyun , Kim Dahae , Park So Hee , An Ji Hyun
Published: August 2023

Objective
The aim of this article is to examine the correlation between social isolation, loneliness, and the use of online games. Conflicting conclusions have been drawn in previous studies on this topic due to small sample sizes and the confounding effects of psychiatric disorders. To address these limitations, the authors conducted a nationwide study that gives consideration to sociodemographic variables and psychiatric disorders.
Methods
A total of 5,511 Koreans responded to the Loneliness and Social Isolation Scale-6 (LSIS-6), Game Overuse Screening Questionnaire (GOS-Q) and Korean version of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (K-CIDI) between January 2021 and March 2021. Participants were classified as non-gamer, low-risk gamer, and high-risk gamer according to their game usage. Multivariate linear regression was performed to evaluate the association of game usage with loneliness and social isolation after propensity matching controlling for sociodemographic data and presence of psychiatric disorders.
Results
Low-risk gamers reported significantly lower loneliness scores (0.53±1.02) compared to other gaming groups (non-risk: 0.94±1.44, high-risk: 1.02±1.64). Among male participants, non-risk gamers (2.49±1.51) showed lower social network scores than low-risk gamers (2.10±1.11) and high –risk gamers (2.09±1.31). Loneliness (p = 0.001) was more strongly correlated with game usage than social support (p = 0.839) or network (p = 0.055). The relationship between loneliness and game usage was significantly stronger in non-risk (ß = 0.41) and high-risk (ß = 0.44) gamers than in low- risk gamers.
Conclusion
Increased use of game does not show a linear relationship with loneliness and isolation when correcting for confounding factors including psychiatric disease. Rather, low-risk game use was associated with lower scores for loneliness and isolation. Further studies exploring other factors that affect gaming overuse, loneliness and social isolation are needed.
Comparative Analysis of Wettability Behavior and Glossiness of CAA and FPL Coatings on Aluminum Sheets
Authors: Nasresfahani Mohamad Reza , Asghari Saeed , Mirahmadi Seyed Javid , Gorabi Hadi
Published: August 2023

The use of anodized coatings as a substrate for adhesive bonding of aluminum is quite common and widely accepted. However, over time and with exposure to heat, the behavior of the coating changes and its wettability reduces. We investigate the wettability of the coating by measuring the contact angle of the coatings. Aluminum sheets are coated with two types of anodizing and FPL coatings for this purpose. The results show that the wettability of all coatings is stable for 16 hours after the coating is applied. However, the wettability decreases dramatically over long time periods. The anodized coating shows more dramatic changes after 30 days than the FPL coating. Also, in both types of coatings, with increasing heating temperature, the wettability decreases and the contact angle increases. The changes in the anodized coatings are more significant than in FPL coatings. Measuring the glossiness of the coating before and after heating indicates that the gloss and the surface roughness of the coating do not change.
Investigation Of The Effect Of Using Cavity Disinfectant Before Cementation Of Cad/Cam Blocks On Shear Bond Strength
Authors: Öz Tuğba , Topçu Fulya Toksoy , Aydın Numan , Ersöz Bilge
Published: August 2023

Objective
The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of cavity disinfectant application on the shear bond strength of current CAD/CAM blocks to dentin.
Materials and Methods
Samples of three CAD/CAM blocks, Celtra Duo, Vita Enamic, and Tetric CAD (2×3×3 mm) were obtained from each material under water cooling. Chlorhexidine digluconate was applied to half of the samples, while the other half remained untreated. Variolink DC and Variolink LC resin cements were used to bond the blocks to the teeth.
Results
All samples underwent testing to measure shear bond strength. Fracture failure patterns were examined using a stereomicroscope. Statistical analysis was performed using a two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). In general, teeth treated with 2% chlorhexidine digluconate exhibited lower shear bond strength values. Dual-cure resin cement demonstrated higher shear bond strengths compared to light-cure cement for the tested specimens. Among the CAD/CAM blocks, Celtra Duo exhibited the highest bond strength, while Tetric CAD showed the lowest bond strength value.
Conclusion
The results of the study showed that cavity disinfectants had a mostly negative effect on the bonding of CAD/CAM blocks to dentin.
Clinical Relevance:
The use of chlorhexidine before restoration had no beneficial effect on bond strength.
Self-Assembly Method of Glucose Oxidase in a Fully Packaged Microfluidic Glucose Biosensor
Authors: Peng Zhen , Li Zongyuan , Zhang Zhimi , Liao Jingru , Xie Mingzhe , Xia Yuanlin , Xia Cao , Wang Zhuqing
Published: August 2023

In this work, a self-assembly approach is proposed to bio-functionalize the fully microfluidic biosensors for catalyzing glucose based on the designed and fabricated microfluidic chip with suspending structure by micro-electro-mechanical system technology. Glucose oxidase is successfully immobilized on the surface of microelectrodes to build composite layers by the proposed self-assembly approach, with cysteamine applied as a functional linker. The biological activity and stability of glucose oxidase is optimized by the electrodeposition of chitosan membrane. Experiments results suggest that the fully packaged microfluidic biosensor integrated with self-assembled glucose oxidase can effectively detect the existence of glucose in sample solution. The detection range of glucose concentration is 0 ~ 10 mM. With SNR of 3, the detection limit is 51.2 µM and sensitivity is 23.47 ± 1.36 µA·cm− 2·mM− 1 within low concentration range of 0 ~ 0.1 mM, while the detection limit is 497 µM and the sensitivity is 10.63 ± 1.28 µA·cm− 2·mM− 1 among high concentration range of 0.1 ~ 10 mM. The proposed study provides a straightforward method to construct a microfluidic biosensor, which is promising in miniaturized clinical medical device.
Evaluation of trends and analysis of air temperature and wind on the Antarctic Peninsula using Extreme Value Theory
Authors: de Oliveira Marilia Mitidieri Fernandes , de Oliveira Jorge Luiz Fernandes , Gilleland Eric , Ebecken Nelson Francisco Favilla
Published: August 2023

The west side of the Antarctic Peninsula (AP) shows both warming and cooling since the middle of the last century, however is more characterized by warming because of the disintegration of floating ice and strength of westerly winds. Two climatic databases (reanalysis from 1979 to 2020 and surface stations from 1947 to 2020) are analyzed to investigate trends in extreme air temperatures and wind components in west, east sector and over the AP. Non-parametric statistical trend tests and extreme value approaches are used. A set of annual, monthly and seasonal series are fitted. The extremal index is applied to measure the degree of independence of monthly excesses over a threshold considered as extreme events. Increasing trends are verified in the annual and monthly temperature and wind series. The greatest trends are observed for seasonal series from reanalysis without change-point in summer and winter. Decreasing trends are observed for maximum temperature in summer and positive trends mainly for the westerly winds over the AP. But in winter, the maximum temperature shows an increase trend also over the AP. Most of reanalysis seasonal minimum temperature and wind components, as well as maximum and minimum temperatures from stations present increasing trends with change-point but, tending to stability after the breakpoints. The generalized distribution (GEV) is used to fit temperatures and westerly wind between South America (SA) and north of the AP. The 100-years return levels exceed the maximum value of the maximum temperature in Esperanza and maximum westerly winds at several grid points. Pareto and Poison distributions are applied for the maximum temperatures from stations and the 100-year return levels are not exceeded. Our findings show significant positive trends for monthly wind components near the SA in the region of the westerly winds whose changes in position influence directly the SAM, which modify the atmospheric patterns in the South Hemisphere (SH). A predominance of seasonal warming is identified, which may impact the climate with consequences not only locally but also in other region.
Development of multifunctional bionanocomposite films based on corn starch incorporating roselle extract and TiO2 nanoparticles
Authors: Hao Yanling Hao , Gao Qiqi Gao , Song Xiaoshuang Song , Wang Shihui Wang
Published: August 2023

The biodegradable and multifunctional nanocomposite films incorporated with TiO2 nanoparticles (T) and roselle extract (RE) in corn starch (CS) matrix were successfully developed by the solution casting method. The physical and functional properties of bionanocomposite films were comparatively evaluated as well as an analysis of the microstructure of films. The properties of CS film could be significantly altered by incorporating TiO2 and/or RE, and the CSRE, CST and CSTRE films all exhibited improved mechanical properties, higher barrier properties against water vapor and UV light. The composite films containing RE also obtained pH sensitive ability, showing color visibly variations to different pH values. The CSTRE film performance 1.52 times higher tensile strength and 27.1% lower water vapor permeability than CS film accompanying enhanced UV light blocking capacity. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) appeared more compact and homogeneous microstructure in CSRE and CSTRE films compared to CS film and the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and X ray diffraction (XRD) results indicated that there were good interactions between TiO2 nanoparticles, RE and starch molecules. Antioxidant and antimicrobial assays revealed that the antioxidant activity of bionanocomposite films were mainly affected by RE and the antimicrobial impression related to both RE and TiO2. The CSTRE film possessed strong antioxidant activity and exhibited obvious antimicrobial activity against S. aureus and E. coli. It suggested that the multifunctional bionanocomposite films incorporated TiO2 nanoparticles and RE with corn starch could be a potential approach for developing sustainable active food packaging.