bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prediction of Fatigue Crack Growth in Vacuum-Brazed Titanium Alloy
Authors: Huang Chou-Dian , Hwang Jiun-Ren , Huang Jiunn-Yuan
Published: November 2023

The assessment of fatigue is a crucial concern in welded components and structures. This study investigates the fatigue properties and models for predicting fatigue crack growth in Ti-6Al-4V titanium alloy when processed by vacuum brazing with TiCuNi filler. Fatigue properties and the impact of the stress ratio were determined through constant amplitude fatigue tests. By utilizing the results obtained from variable amplitude fatigue tests, various prediction models for fatigue crack growth were examined: modifications for load interaction, residual stress, and crack closure. The results indicate that the microstructures in the brazed zone consist of numerous fine, elongated needle-like Widmanstätten structures. In terms of cycle counting methods, the rainflow method outperforms the simple-range method. In the stable crack growth rate region, fatigue crack growth rate increases with the rise in stress ratio in a manner similar to high-strength steels. The Paris model without any modification obtains good predictions. For models modified with crack closure, the Elber model yields slightly better prediction results than the Schijve model. Among fatigue crack growth prediction models, the Willenborg model with residual stress modification produces the best results. Fracture surfaces within fatigued specimens’ brazed zones exhibit ductile failure characteristics, where fatigue striations and secondary cracks were observed.
Strain Rate Dependence of Twinning Behavior in AZ31 Mg Alloys
Authors: Xu Jing , Guan Bo , Zhao Xiaojun , Fu Rui , Hu Qiang , Liu Chaoqiang
Published: November 2023

This study investigates the impact of strain rate on the twinning process (i.e., twin nucleation, twin propagation, and twin growth) and associated mechanical behavior during compression along the normal direction (ND) and transverse direction (TD) of a rolled AZ31 Mg plate at a range of strain rates from 0.00005 s−1 to 2500 s−1. The findings reveal that the yield strength is insensitive to strain rates below 0.05 s−1 during both ND and TD compression tests, while at higher strain rates of 2500 s−1, the yield strength increases under both loading conditions. Interestingly, the TD-compressed sample exhibits a larger yield plateau at a strain rate of 2500 s−1, attributed to an increased activation of {101¯2} twins. Further examination of the microstructure reveals that the twinning process is highly dependent on the strain rate. As the strain rate increases, twin nucleation is promoted, leading to a higher twin boundary density. In contrast, at lower strain rates, twin nucleation is restrained, and the external strain is mainly accommodated by twin growth, which results in higher area fractions of twinned regions.
Selective Separation and Recovery of Li from Spent LiFePO4 Cathode Materials by Oxidation Roasting Followed by Low-Acid Pressure Leaching
Authors: Chen Zaoming , Shen Changquan , Liu Fupeng , Wang Jinliang
Published: November 2023

The environmental and economic benefits of recycling spent LiFePO4 batteries are becoming increasingly important. Nevertheless, the reprocessing of this type of material by conventional processes remains a challenge due to the difficulties of Li and Fe separation and low product purity. Herein, a new approach for recovering Li to separate iron and phosphorus from spent LiFePO4 cathode materials is developed. Selective separation of Li can be achieved by oxidation roasting followed by low-acid pressure leaching. During the oxidation-roasting stage, almost all the stable LiFePO4 cathode materials were first transformed into Li3Fe2(PO4)3 and Fe2O3, with the most suitable oxidation-roasting temperature determined to be 550 °C. Then, >96% of Li could be extracted using 0.5 mol·L−1 H2SO4 with an L/S ratio of 150 g·L−1 at 110 °C for 1 h; in contrast, the leaching of Fe was 0.03%. The mineral-phase composition of the leaching residues mainly includes FePO4·2H2O, Fe2O3, and C, which can be used as a raw material for preparing battery-grade FePO4. These findings demonstrate that the recycling process has the advantages of high selectivity for Li, excellent reaction kinetics, low acid consumption, and free oxidizing agent that may benefit the development of a circular economy.
Green Synthesis of Nickel Nanoparticles Using Salvadora persica and Their Application in Antimicrobial Activity against Oral Microbes
Authors: Balto Hanan , Amina Musarat , Bhat Ramesa Shafi , Al-Yousef Hanan M. , Auda Sayed H. , Elansary Afaf
Published: November 2023

The current study evaluated the biogenic synthesis of nickel oxide nanoparticles (SP-NiONPs) from the root extract of (Salvadora persica) S. persica and their biological properties. The nanoparticles were characterized using spectroscopic and microscopic techniques and then evaluated for their antimicrobial properties against 10 oral pathogens. The ultraviolet-visible (UV–Vis) spectra exhibited a distinctive resonance spectrum at 334 nm for the SP-NiONPs produced from S. persica. The fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis revealed the presence of functional groups of biomolecules of S. persica that served as reducing and capping agents of the SP-NiONPs. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analyses showed that the nanoparticles were spherical-shaped, tightly packed, and ranged in size from 18.20 nm to 45.12 nm. The energy dispersive x-ray (EDX) analysis confirmed 69.9% of the nickel (Ni) content by weight, and the X-ray diffraction (XRD) results showed the face-centered cubic (FCC) crystalline structure of the formed SP-NiONPs. The antioxidant activity of the SP-NiONPs exhibited a dose-dependent profile with an IC50 value of 51.45 ± 0.65 and a 54.13 ± 0.98 DPPH• and ABTS•+ radical scavenging activity, respectively. The SP-NiONPs showed an antibacterial activity against all the test strains; however, E. cloacae was found to be the most sensitive strain, with an inhibition zone of 31 ± 0.50 mm. The SEM image of the E. cloacae cells treated with SP-NiONPs showed irregular shapes and ruptured, destroyed cell membranes. Our findings revealed that SP-NiONPs could be used as excellent antibacterial agents against oral pathogens.
Poly(3-Hydroxybutyrate) Biosynthesis from [U-13C6]D-Glucose by Ralstonia eutropha NCIMB 11599 and Recombinant Escherichia coli
Authors: Sivashankari Ramamoorthi M. , Miyahara Yuki , Tsuge Takeharu
Published: November 2023

The use of stable isotope-labeled polymers in in situ biodegradation tests provides detailed information on the degradation process. As isotope-labeled raw chemicals are generally expensive, it is desirable to prepare polymer samples with high production yields and high isotope-labeling ratios. The biodegradable plastic poly[(R)-3-hydroxybutyrate)] (P(3HB)) is produced by microorganisms. In this study, to produce carbon 13 (13C)-labeled P(3HB) from [U-13C6]D-glucose (13C-glucose), the culture conditions needed for high production yields and high 13C-labeling ratios were investigated using Ralstonia eutropha NCIMB 11599 and recombinant Escherichia coli JM109. We found that over 10 g/L of P(3HB) could be obtained when these microorganisms were cultured in Luria-Bertani (LB3) medium containing 3 g/L NaCl and 40 g/L 13C-glucose, while 1.4–4.7 g/L of P(3HB) was obtained when a mineral salt (MS) medium containing 20 g/L 13C-glucose was used. The 13C-labeling ratio of P(3HB) was determined by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and both analytical methods yielded nearly identical results. High 13C-labeling ratios (97.6 atom% by GC-MS) were observed in the MS medium, whereas low 13C-labeling ratios (88.8–94.4 atom% by GC-MS) were observed in the LB3 medium. Isotope effects were observed for the P(3HB) content in cells cultured in the LB3 medium and the polydispersity of P(3HB).
Efficient Demulsification Performance of Emulsified Condensate Oil by Hyperbranched Low-Temperature Demulsifiers
Authors: Jiang Shaohui , Li Qingsong , Ma Qiang , Xu Botao , Zou Tao
Published: November 2023

Focusing on the problem of poor demulsification performance of light crude oil emulsions in low-permeability oilfields at low temperatures, the composition of the emulsion samples, clay particle size distribution, and the viscosity–temperature relationship curve of samples were analyzed. Based on the results of emulsion composition analysis and characteristics, the bottle test method was used to analyze the demulsifying effect of different commercial types of demulsifiers, revealing the demulsification mechanism. The field tests confirm the demulsification capabilities of Polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene quaternized polyoxyolefins surfactants (PR demulsifiers). The results reveal that PR demulsifiers combine the features of decreasing the interfacial tension between oil and water and adsorbing SiO2, allowing for quick demulsification and flocculation at low temperatures. This research serves as a theoretical and practical foundation for the study and advancement of low-temperature demulsification technology in oilfields.
In Situ Formation of a Relatively Transparent Ion-Associate Liquid Phase from an Aqueous Phase and Its Application to Microextraction/High-Performance Liquid Chromatography–Fluorescence Detection of Bisphenol A in Water
Authors: Hata Noriko , Takahashi Seira , Osada Sachiko , Katagiri Sakura , Naruse Mayumi , Igarashi Akane , Sazawa Kazuto , Taguchi Shigeru , Kuramitz Hideki
Published: November 2023

The design of a simple approach enabling the detection of bisphenol A (BPA) in water samples without the need for large amounts of solvents is of utmost importance. This paper reports a simple method for the separation, concentration, and quantification of BPA in water samples using high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection (HPLC-FLD) after its microextraction into an in situ formed organic ion-associate (IA) liquid phase (LP). Novel IA phase components without conjugated double bonds, such as benzene rings, were investigated. Ethylhexyloxypropylamine hydrochloride and sodium dodecyl sulfate solutions were added to the water samples to form IAs. The aqueous phase and ion-associate liquid phase (IALP) were separated by centrifugation. The aqueous phase was removed, and the liquid phase was recovered and measured using HPLC-FLD or HPLC-electrochemical detection (ECD). The concentrated phase (IALP) had a relatively low viscosity and could be injected directly into the chromatograph without dissolving it in organic solvents. The detection limits for BPA by HPLC-FLD and HPLC-ECD were 0.009 and 0.3 µg L−1, respectively.
A Spectroscopic and Molecular Dynamics Study on the Aggregation Properties of a Lipopeptide Analogue of Liraglutide, a Therapeutic Peptide against Diabetes Type 2
Authors: Giannetti Micaela , Palleschi Antonio , Ricciardi Beatrice , Venanzi Mariano
Published: November 2023

The pharmacokinetics of peptide drugs are strongly affected by their aggregation properties and the morphology of the nanostructures they form in their native state as well as in their therapeutic formulation. In this contribution, we analyze the aggregation properties of a Liraglutide analogue (LG18), a leading drug against diabetes type 2. LG18 is a lipopeptide characterized by the functionalization of a lysine residue (K26) with an 18C lipid chain. To this end, spectroscopic experiments, dynamic light scattering measurements, and molecular dynamics simulations were carried out, following the evolution of the aggregation process from the small LG18 clusters formed at sub-micromolar concentrations to the mesoscopic aggregates formed by aged micromolar solutions. The critical aggregation concentration of LG18 in water (pH = 8) was found to amount to 4.3 μM, as assessed by the pyrene fluorescence assay. MD simulations showed that the LG18 nanostructures are formed by tetramer building blocks that, at longer times, self-assemble to form micrometric supramolecular architectures.
Flavor Quality Analysis of Ten Actinidia arguta Fruits Based on High-Performance Liquid Chromatography and Headspace Gas Chromatography–Ion Mobility Spectrometry
Authors: Wen Jinli , Wang Yue , He Yanli , Shu Nan , Cao Weiyu , Sun Yining , Yuan Pengqiang , Sun Bowei , Yan Yiping , Qin Hongyan , Fan Shutian , Lu Wenpeng
Published: November 2023

Actinidia arguta is a fruit crop with high nutritional and economic value. However, its flavor quality depends on various factors, such as variety, environment, and post-harvest handling. We analyzed the composition of total soluble sugars, titratable acids, organic acids, and flavor substances in the fruits of ten A. arguta varieties. The total soluble sugar content ranged from 4.22 g/L to 12.99 g/L, the titratable acid content ranged from 52.55 g/L to 89.9 g/L, and the sugar–acid ratio ranged from 5.39 to 14.17 at the soft ripe stage. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) showed that citric, quinic, and malic acids were the main organic acids in the A. arguta fruits. Headspace gas chromatography–ion mobility spectrometry (HS-GC-IMS) detected 81 volatile compounds in 10 A. arguta varieties, including 24 esters, 17 alcohols, 23 aldehydes, 7 ketones, 5 terpenes, 2 acids, 1 Pyrazine, 1 furan, and 1 benzene. Esters and aldehydes had the highest relative content of total volatile compounds. An orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) based on the odor activity value (OAV) revealed that myrcene, benzaldehyde, methyl isobutyrate, α-phellandrene, 3-methyl butanal, valeraldehyde, ethyl butyrate, acetoin, (E)-2-octenal, hexyl propanoate, terpinolene, 1-penten-3-one, and methyl butyrate were the main contributors to the differences in the aroma profiles of the fruits of different A. arguta varieties. Ten A. arguta varieties have different flavors. This study can clarify the differences between varieties and provide a reference for the evaluation of A. arguta fruit flavor, variety improvement and new variety selection.
HA-Coated PLGA Nanoparticles Loaded with Apigenin for Colon Cancer with High Expression of CD44
Authors: Yang Bo , Mao Yongqing , Zhang Yanjun , Hao Yue , Guo Meitong , Li Bian , Peng Haisheng
Published: November 2023

Apigenin (API) possesses excellent antitumor properties but its limited water solubility and low bioavailability restrict its therapeutic impact. Thus, a suitable delivery system is needed to overcome these limitations and improve the therapeutic efficiency. Poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) is a copolymer extensively utilized in drug delivery. Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a major extracellular matrix component and can specifically bind to CD44 on colon cancer cells. Herein, we aimed to prepare receptor-selective HA-coated PLGA nanoparticles (HA-PLGA-API-NPs) for colon cancers with high expression of CD44; chitosan (CS) was introduced into the system as an intermediate, simultaneously binding HA and PLGA through electrostatic interaction to facilitate a tighter connection between them. API was encapsulated in PLGA to obtain PLGA-API-NPs, which were then sequentially coated with CS and HA to form HA-PLGA-API-NPs. HA-PLGA-API-NPs had a stronger sustained-release capability. The cellular uptake of HA-PLGA-API-NPs was enhanced in HT-29 cells with high expression of CD44. In vivo, HA-PLGA-API-NPs showed enhanced targeting specificity towards the HT-29 ectopic tumor model in nude mice in comparison with PLGA-API-NPs. Overall, HA-PLGA-API-NPs were an effective drug delivery platform for API in the treatment of colon cancers with high expression of CD44.
Fabrication of Au–Ag Bimetallic Nanoparticles Using Pulsed Laser Ablation for Medical Applications: A Review
Authors: Alheshibri Muidh
Published: November 2023

In recent years, the synthesis of Au–Ag bimetallic nanoparticles has garnered immense attention due to their potential applications in diverse fields, particularly in the realm of medicine and healthcare. The development of efficient synthesis methods is crucial in harnessing their unique properties for medical applications. Among the synthesis methods, pulsed laser ablation in a liquid environment has emerged as a robust and versatile method for precisely tailoring the synthesis of bimetallic nanoparticles. This manuscript provides an overview of the fundamentals of the pulsed laser ablation in a liquid method, elucidating the critical factors involved. It comprehensively explores the pivotal factors influencing Au–Ag bimetallic nanoparticle synthesis, delving into the material composition, laser parameters, and environmental conditions. Furthermore, this review highlights the promising strides made in antibacterial, photothermal, and diagnostic applications. Despite the remarkable progress, the manuscript also outlines the existing limitations and challenges in this advanced synthesis technique. By providing a thorough examination of the current state of research, this review aims to pave the way for future innovations in the field, driving the development of novel, safe, and effective medical technologies based on Au–Ag bimetallic nanoparticles.
Analysis of the Attitudes towards Sexuality in People with Intellectual Disabilities: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: López-García José Carlos , González-Sanz Azucena , Sutil-Rodríguez Elena , Saus-Ortega Carlos , Ruiz de Viñaspre-Hernádez Regina , Juárez-Vela Raúl , Gea-Caballero Vicente , Sánchez-González Juan Luis , Tejada-Garrido Clara Isabel , Cobos-Rincón Ana , Criado-Gutiérrez José María , Sancho-Sanchez Consuelo
Published: November 2023

The barriers faced by people with intellectual disabilities are many. One of the areas in which many problems have been identified is the sexual domain. This descriptive study aims to analyze the attitudes of the family environment, professional carers, and the general population toward their sexuality. A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out between 2022 and 2023, using convenience sampling among family members and carers from different centers working with people with intellectual disabilities in Spain, and among the general population not related to people with intellectual disabilities. A total of 583 responses were received and significant differences were found for all variables, with the variables related to family or work proximity being those that provided the most significant and relevant results. It was observed that the male sex has a more paternalistic attitude and that in rural areas there is a more permissive attitude towards the sexuality of people with intellectual disabilities. People who work with people with disabilities have more positive attitudes towards this group, while direct relatives have more paternalistic attitudes. Nursing care in the community and specialized centers should be based on an adequate therapeutic relationship and personalized care.
Occurrence and Phylogenetic Analysis of Zoonotic Enteropathogenic Protist Parasites in Asymptomatic Domestic Ruminants from Portugal
Authors: Gomes-Gonçalves Sara , Palmeira Josman Dantas , Ferreira Helena , Santos-Silva Sérgio , Mesquita João R.
Published: November 2023

Enteropathogenic parasites are of significant concern for public health due to their zoonotic potential and their impact on human and animal health. In this study, we investigated their occurrence and characterized these enteropathogens in asymptomatic domestic ruminants from Portugal. A total of 302 stool samples were collected from cattle (n = 166), sheep (n = 73), and goats (n = 63) in various regions of Portugal and tested for Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis, Enterocytozoon bieneusi, Blastocystis sp., and Balantioides coli by PCR. The occurrence of Cryptosporidium spp. was found to be 12.7% (8/63, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.65–23.5) in goats; however, no sample was found to be positive for Cryptosporidium spp. in cattle and sheep. For E. bieneusi, 6.35% (4/63; 95%CI: 1.76–15.47) of goats were found to be positive; however, no cattle or sheep were found to be positive. Blastocystis sp. was found in sheep (9.59%; 7/73; 95% [CI]: 0.394–18.76) and goats (12.70%; 8/63; 95% [CI]: 5.65–23.50) but none was found in cattle. No positive results for G. duodenalis or B. coli were detected in this study. This study provides essential baseline information for understanding the silent shedding and epidemiology of these enteropathogens in Portugal, contributing to overall livestock health and related occupational safety. Raising awareness among consumers, veterinarians, and farm owners is crucial to minimize the risk of transmission and promote effective disease control strategies.
Current Perspectives and Challenges of MAIT Cell-Directed Therapy for Tuberculosis Infection
Authors: Chengalroyen Melissa D.
Published: November 2023

Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are a distinct population of non-conventional T cells that have been preserved through evolution and possess properties of both innate and adaptive immune cells. They are activated through the recognition of antigens presented by non-polymorphic MR1 proteins or, alternately, can be stimulated by specific cytokines. These cells are multifaceted and exert robust antimicrobial activity against bacterial and viral infections, direct the immune response through the modulation of other immune cells, and exhibit a specialized tissue homeostasis and repair function. These distinct characteristics have instigated interest in MAIT cell biology for immunotherapy and vaccine development. This review describes the current understanding of MAIT cell activation, their role in infections and diseases with an emphasis on tuberculosis (TB) infection, and perspectives on the future use of MAIT cells in immune-mediated therapy.
Anti-Lymphangiogenic Terpenoids from the Heartwood of Taiwan Juniper, Juniperus chinensis var. tsukusiensis
Authors: Wu Ho-Cheng , Shiu Lung-Lin , Wang Shih-Wei , Huang Chia-Ying , Lee Tzong-Huei , Sung Ping-Jyun , Kuo Yueh-Hsiung
Published: November 2023

To look in-depth into the phytochemical and pharmacological properties of Taiwan juniper, this study investigated the chemical profiles and anti-lymphangiogenic activity of Juniperus chinensis var. tsukusiensis. In this study, four new sesquiterpenes, 12-acetoxywiddrol (1), cedrol-13-al (2), α-corocalen-15-oic acid (3), 1,3,5-bisaoltrien-10-hydroperoxy-11-ol (4), one new diterpene, 1β,2β-epoxy-9α-hydroxy-8(14),11-totaradiene-3,13-dione (5), and thirty-three known terpenoids were successfully isolated from the heartwood of J. chinensis var. tsukusiensis. The structures of all isolates were determined through the analysis of physical data (including appearance, UV, IR, and optical rotation) and spectroscopic data (including 1D, 2D NMR, and HRESIMS). Thirty-four compounds were evaluated for their anti-lymphangiogenic effects in human lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs). Among them, totarolone (6) displayed the most potent anti-lymphangiogenic activity by suppressing cell growth (IC50 = 6 ± 1 µM) of LECs. Moreover, 3β-hydroxytotarol (7), 7-oxototarol (8), and 1-oxo-3β-hydroxytotarol (9) showed moderate growth-inhibitory effects on LECs with IC50 values of 29 ± 1, 28 ± 1, and 45 ± 2 µM, respectively. Totarolone (6) also induced a significant concentration-dependent inhibition of LEC tube formation (IC50 = 9.3 ± 2.5 µM) without cytotoxicity. The structure–activity relationship discussion of aromatic totarane-type diterpenes against lymphangiogenesis of LECs is also included in this study. Altogether, our findings unveiled the promising potential of J. chinensis var. tsukusiensis in developing therapeutics targeting tumor lymphangiogenesis.
Potential Pharmacological Applications of Nigella Seeds with a Focus on Nigella sativa and Its Constituents against Chronic Inflammatory Diseases: Progress and Future Opportunities
Authors: Wahab Shadma , Alsayari Abdulrhman
Published: November 2023

The leading cause of death worldwide has been identified as chronic illnesses, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Chronic inflammatory conditions such as asthma, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and obesity account for three out of every five deaths. Although many people benefit from using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) for pain and inflammation relief, there are significant adverse effects to using these medications. Medicinal plants possess anti-inflammatory properties with minimal or no side effects. Nigella sativa (NS), also known as black cumin, is one of the plants used in traditional medicine the most. Many studies on the NS have shown that their therapeutic properties are attributed to the seed, oil, and secondary metabolites. This plant has been studied extensively and has many medical uses, such as anti-inflammatory. NS or its phytochemical compounds, such as thymoquinone, can cause cell apoptosis via oxidative stress, block efflux pumps, enhance membrane permeability, and exert potent biocidal effects. Notwithstanding the extensively documented anti-inflammatory effectiveness observed in the experimental model, the precise mechanisms underlying its anti-inflammatory effects in diverse chronic inflammatory diseases and its multi-targeting characteristics remain largely unexplored. This review examines NS or its secondary metabolites, a valuable source for the therapeutic development of chronic inflammatory diseases. Most clinical studies were done for diabetes and cardiovascular disease; therefore, more studies are required to examine the NS extracts and phytoconstituents to treat cancer, obesity, diabetes, asthma, neurological disorders, and COVID-19. This study will be a significant resource for clinicians and biologists seeking a pharmaceutical solution for inflammatory diseases.
Transcriptome Analysis Reveals the Stress Tolerance Mechanisms of Cadmium in Zoysia japonica
Authors: Xu Yi , Li Yonglong , Li Yan , Zhai Chenyuan , Zhang Kun
Published: November 2023

Cadmium (Cd) is a severe heavy metal pollutant globally. Zoysia japonica is an important perennial warm-season turf grass that potentially plays a role in phytoremediation in Cd-polluted soil areas; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying its Cd stress response are unknown. To further investigate the early gene response pattern in Z. japonica under Cd stress, plant leaves were harvested 0, 6, 12, and 24 h after Cd stress (400 μM CdCl2) treatment and used for a time-course RNA-sequencing analysis. Twelve cDNA libraries were constructed and sequenced, and high-quality data were obtained, whose mapped rates were all higher than 94%, and more than 601 million bp of sequence were generated. A total of 5321, 6526, and 4016 differentially expressed genes were identified 6, 12, and 24 h after Cd stress treatment, respectively. A total of 1660 genes were differentially expressed at the three time points, and their gene expression profiles over time were elucidated. Based on the analysis of these genes, the important mechanisms for the Cd stress response in Z. japonica were identified. Specific genes participating in glutathione metabolism, plant hormone signal and transduction, members of protein processing in the endoplasmic reticulum, transporter proteins, transcription factors, and carbohydrate metabolism pathways were further analyzed in detail. These genes may contribute to the improvement of Cd tolerance in Z. japonica. In addition, some candidate genes were highlighted for future studies on Cd stress resistance in Z. japonica and other plants. Our results illustrate the early gene expression response of Z. japonica leaves to Cd and provide some new understanding of the molecular mechanisms of Cd stress in Zosia and Gramineae species.
Impact of Aerated Drip Irrigation and Nitrogen Application on Soil Properties, Soil Bacterial Communities and Agronomic Traits of Cucumber in a Greenhouse System
Authors: Xiao Zheyuan , Lei Hongjun , Lian Yingji , Zhang Zhenhua , Pan Hongwei , Yin Chen , Dong Yecheng
Published: November 2023

Root hypoxia stress and soil nutrient turnover have been related to reduced crop productivity. Aerated drip irrigation (ADI) can effectively enhance crop productivity and yield. However, the response of the soil bacterial community to different irrigation water dissolved oxygen (DO) concentrations remains elusive due to the extreme sensitivity of microorganisms to environmental variations. We investigated the effects of aerated irrigation with different concentrations of DO on soil properties and agronomic performance of cucumber, as well as the contribution of the bacterial community. We performed experiments on cucumber cultivation in Shouguang, China, including different irrigation methods (ADI: O2–10 and O3–20 mg L−1, non-aerated groundwater: O1–5 mg L−1) and nitrogen (N) application rates: 240 and 360 kg N ha−1. ADI (particularly O2) significantly improved soil properties, root growth, cucumber yields, and irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE), and appropriate DO concentrations reduced N fertilizer application and increased crop yields. Furthermore, these changes were associated with bacterial community diversity, aerobic bacteria abundance, and consolidated bacterial population stability within the network module. Environmental factors such as soil respiration rate (Rs), DO, and NO3−-N have significant effects on bacterial communities. The FAPROTAX results demonstrated enhanced nitrification (Nitrospira) and aerobic nitrite oxidation by soil bacteria under ADI, promoting the accumulation of effective soil N and improved soil fertility and crop yield. Appropriate DO concentration is conducive to the involvement of soil bacterial communities in regulating soil properties and cucumber growth performance, which are vital for the sustainable development of facility agriculture.
The Induction of Religious Experiences and Temporal Lobe Activation: Neuronal Source Localization Using EEG Inverse Solutions
Authors: Walter Yoshija , Koenig Thomas
Published: November 2023

Knowledge about brain source localizations for religious states of mind is still limited. Previous studies have usually not set a direct emphasis on experience. The present study investigated the phenomenon of religious experience using inverse solution calculations, and it is one of the first to measure the dimension of experience directly. A total of 60 evangelical Christians participated in an experiment where they were asked to engage in worship and try to connect with God. Using a bar slider, the participants continuously rated how strongly they sensed God’s presence at any given moment. A selection of songs helped to induce the desired experience. Measurements were made using EEG with 64 electrodes and inverse solutions were calculated with sLORETA. We appropriated two mutually compatible hypotheses from the literature pertaining to religious experiences: the executive inhibition hypothesis (reformulated as the frontal relaxation hypothesis) and the temporal involvement hypothesis. Our results did not yield any information about the frontal areas; however, they indicated that the right temporal cortex appeared to be involved during the experience.
CompleteInst: An Efficient Instance Segmentation Network for Missed Detection Scene of Autonomous Driving
Authors: Wang Hai , Zhu Shilin , Chen Long , Li Yicheng , Luo Tong
Published: November 2023

As a fundamental computer vision task, instance segmentation is widely used in the field of autonomous driving because it can perform both instance-level distinction and pixel-level segmentation. We propose CompleteInst based on QueryInst as a solution to the problems of missed detection with a network structure designed from the feature level and the instance level. At the feature level, we propose Global Pyramid Networks (GPN) to collect global information of missed instances. Then, we introduce the semantic branch to complete the semantic features of the missed instances. At the instance level, we implement the query-based optimal transport assignment (OTA-Query) sample allocation strategy which enhances the quality of positive samples of missed instances. Both the semantic branch and OTA-Query are parallel, meaning that there is no interference between stages, and they are compatible with the parallel supervision mechanism of QueryInst. We also compare their performance to that of non-parallel structures, highlighting the superiority of the proposed parallel structure. Experiments were conducted on the Cityscapes and COCO dataset, and the recall of CompleteInst reached 56.7% and 54.2%, a 3.5% and 3.2% improvement over the baseline, outperforming other methods.
A Pre-Grasping Motion Planning Method Based on Improved Artificial Potential Field for Continuum Robots
Authors: Wang Lihua , Sun Zezhou , Wang Yaobing , Wang Jie , Zhao Zhijun , Yang Chengxu , Yan Chuliang
Published: November 2023

Secure and reliable active debris removal methods are crucial for maintaining the stability of the space environment. Continuum robots, with their hyper-redundant degrees of freedom, offer the ability to capture targets of varying sizes and shapes through whole-arm grasping, making them well-suited for active debris removal missions. This paper proposes a pre-grasping motion planning method for continuum robots based on an improved artificial potential field to restrict the movement area of the grasping target and prevent its escape during the pre-grasping phase. The analysis of the grasping workspace ensures that the target is within the workspace when starting the pre-grasping motion planning by dividing the continuum robot into delivery and grasping segments. An improved artificial potential field is proposed to guide the continuum robot in surrounding the target and creating a grasping area. Specifically, the improved artificial potential field consists of a spatial rotating potential field, an attractive potential field incorporating position and posture potential fields, and a repulsive potential field. The simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method. A comparison of motion planning results between methods that disregard and consider the posture potential field shows that the inclusion of the posture potential field improves the performance of pre-grasping motion planning for spatial targets, achieving a success rate of up to 97.8%.
Three-Dimensional Positioning for Aircraft Using IoT Devices Equipped with a Fish-Eye Camera
Authors: Mori Junichi , Morinaga Makoto , Asakura Takumi , Tsuchiya Takenobu , Yamamoto Ippei , Nishino Kentaro , Yokoshima Shigenori
Published: November 2023

Radar is an important sensing technology for three-dimensional positioning of aircraft. This method requires detecting the response from the object to the signal transmitted from the antenna, but the accuracy becomes unstable due to effects such as obstruction and reflection from surrounding buildings at low altitudes near the antenna. Accordingly, there is a need for a ground-based positioning method with high accuracy. Among the positioning methods using cameras that have been proposed for this purpose, we have developed a multisite synchronized positioning system using IoT devices equipped with a fish-eye camera, and have been investigating its performance. This report describes the details and calibration experiments for this technology. Also, a case study was performed in which flight paths measured by existing GPS positioning were compared with results from the proposed method. Although the results obtained by each of the methods showed individual characteristics, the three-dimensional coordinates were a good match, showing the effectiveness of the positioning technology proposed in this study.
Editorial to the Special Issue Optical Fiber Sensors in Radiation Environments
Authors: Esposito Flavio , Stancalie Andrei , Campopiano Stefania , Iadicicco Agostino
Published: November 2023

Optical fibers are well known for their use in high-speed data links and related sensors nowadays find application in different domains, such as structural health monitoring, distributed sensing, but also biological and chemical monitoring [...]
An Improved New YOLOv7 Algorithm for Detecting Building Air Conditioner External Units from Street View Images
Authors: Tian Zhongmin , Yang Fei , Qin Donghong
Published: November 2023

Street view images are emerging as new street-level sources of urban environmental information. Accurate detection and quantification of urban air conditioners is crucial for evaluating the resilience of urban residential areas to heat wave disasters and formulating effective disaster prevention policies. Utilizing street view image data to predict the spatial coverage of urban air conditioners offers a simple and effective solution. However, detecting and accurately counting air conditioners in complex street-view environments remains challenging. This study introduced 3D parameter-free attention and coordinate attention modules into the target detection process to enhance the extraction of detailed features of air conditioner external units. It also integrated a small target detection layer to address the challenge of detecting small target objects that are easily missed. As a result, an improved algorithm named SC4-YOLOv7 was developed for detecting and recognizing air conditioner external units in street view images. To validate this new algorithm, we extracted air conditioner external units from street view images of residential buildings in Guilin City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China. The results of the study demonstrated that SC4-YOLOv7 significantly improved the average accuracy of recognizing air conditioner external units in street view images from 87.93% to 91.21% compared to the original YOLOv7 method while maintaining a high speed of image recognition detection. The algorithm has the potential to be extended to various applications requiring small target detection, enabling reliable detection and recognition in real street environments.
Trajectory-BERT: Trajectory Estimation Based on BERT Trajectory Pre-Training Model and Particle Filter Algorithm
Authors: Wu You , Yu Hongyi , Du Jianping , Ge Chenglong
Published: November 2023

In the realm of aviation, trajectory data play a crucial role in determining the target’s flight intentions and guaranteeing flight safety. However, the data collection process can be hindered by noise or signal interruptions, thus diminishing the precision of the data. This paper uses the bidirectional encoder representations from transformers (BERT) model to solve the problem by masking the high-precision automatic dependent survey broadcast (ADS-B) trajectory data and estimating the mask position value based on the front and rear trajectory points during BERT model training. Through this process, the model acquires knowledge of intricate motion patterns within the trajectory data and acquires the BERT pre-training Model. Afterwards, a refined particle filter algorithm is utilized to generate alternative trajectory sets for observation trajectory data that is prone to noise. Ultimately, the BERT trajectory pre-training model is supplied with the alternative trajectory set, and the optimal trajectory is determined by computing the maximum posterior probability. The results of the experiment show that the model has good performance and is stronger than traditional algorithms.
UAV Cluster Mission Planning Strategy for Area Coverage Tasks
Authors: Yan Xiaohong , Chen Renwen , Jiang Zihao
Published: November 2023

In the context of area coverage tasks in three-dimensional space, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) clusters face challenges such as uneven task assignment, low task efficiency, and high energy consumption. This paper proposes an efficient mission planning strategy for UAV clusters in area coverage tasks. First, the area coverage search task is analyzed, and the coverage scheme of the task area is determined. Based on this, the cluster task area is divided into subareas. Then, for the UAV cluster task allocation problem, a step-by-step solution is proposed. Afterward, an improved fuzzy C-clustering algorithm is used to determine the UAV task area. Furthermore, an optimized particle swarm hybrid ant colony (PSOHAC) algorithm is proposed to plan the UAV cluster task path. Finally, the feasibility and superiority of the proposed scheme and improved algorithm are verified by simulation experiments. The simulation results show that the proposed method achieves full coverage of the task area and efficiently completes the task allocation of the UAV cluster. Compared with related comparison algorithms, the method proposed in this paper can achieve a maximum improvement of 21.9% in balanced energy consumption efficiency for UAV cluster task search planning, and the energy efficiency of the UAV cluster can be improved by up to 7.9%.
Non-Invasive Glucose Sensing Technologies and Products: A Comprehensive Review for Researchers and Clinicians
Authors: Di Filippo Daria , Sunstrum Frédérique , Khan Jawairia , Welsh Alec
Published: November 2023

Diabetes Mellitus incidence and its negative outcomes have dramatically increased worldwide and are expected to further increase in the future due to a combination of environmental and social factors. Several methods of measuring glucose concentration in various body compartments have been described in the literature over the years. Continuous advances in technology open the road to novel measuring methods and innovative measurement sites. The aim of this comprehensive review is to report all the methods and products for non-invasive glucose measurement described in the literature over the past five years that have been tested on both human subjects/samples and tissue models. A literature review was performed in the MDPI database, with 243 articles reviewed and 124 included in a narrative summary. Different comparisons of techniques focused on the mechanism of action, measurement site, and machine learning application, outlining the main advantages and disadvantages described/expected so far. This review represents a comprehensive guide for clinicians and industrial designers to sum the most recent results in non-invasive glucose sensing techniques’ research and production to aid the progress in this promising field.
New Complementary Resonator for Permittivity- and Thickness-Based Dielectric Characterization
Authors: Haq Tanveerul , Koziel Slawomir
Published: November 2023

The design of high-performance complementary meta-resonators for microwave sensors featuring high sensitivity and consistent evaluation of dielectric materials is challenging. This paper presents the design and implementation of a novel complementary resonator with high sensitivity for dielectric substrate characterization based on permittivity and thickness. A complementary crossed arrow resonator (CCAR) is proposed and integrated with a fifty-ohm microstrip transmission line. The CCAR’s distinct geometry, which consists of crossed arrow-shaped components, allows for the implementation of a resonator with exceptional sensitivity to changes in permittivity and thickness of the material under test (MUT). The CCAR’s geometrical parameters are optimized to resonate at 15 GHz. The CCAR sensor’s working principle is explained using a lumped-element equivalent circuit. The optimized CCAR sensor is fabricated using an LPKF protolaser on a 0.762-mm thick dielectric substrate AD250C. The MUTs with dielectric permittivity ranging from 2.5 to 10.2 and thickness ranging from 0.5 mm to 1.9 mm are used to investigate the properties and calibrate the proposed CCAR sensor. A two-dimensional calibration surface is developed using an inverse regression modelling approach to ensure precise and reliable measurements. The proposed CCAR sensor is distinguished by its high sensitivity of 5.74%, low fabrication cost, and enhanced performance compared to state-of-the-art designs, making it a versatile instrument for dielectric characterization.
Design and Construction of the Optical Bench Interferometer for the Taiji Program
Authors: Tao Wei , Deng Xiaoqin , Diao Yuqing , Gao Ruihong , Qi Keqi , Wang Shaoxin , Luo Ziren , Sha Wei , Liu Heshan
Published: November 2023

A kind of full-function two-sided optical bench interferometer (OBI) is designed to meet the practical requirements of the Taiji Program for space gravitational wave detection. The main optical paths are arranged on the A-side for transmission and interference, and other optical paths and electronic devices are placed on the B-side. According to the design scheme, we successfully constructed two OBIs by using hydrogen–oxygen catalytic stress-free bonding technology. When the OBI is installed and adjusted, the position and Angle error of the interference beam are controlled within 30 μm and 50 μrad through the self-designed precision mechanical clamping mechanism and beam position measuring device. The built OBI was placed on the vibration isolation platform in the vacuum tank for the stability test. The test results show that the noise of the OBI is less than 10 pm/√Hz in the frequency band of 0.1 Hz to 1 Hz, which meets the noise budget requirements of the Taiji Pathfinder in the middle- and high-frequency band.
On Model-Based Transfer Learning Method for the Detection of Inter-Turn Short Circuit Faults in PMSM
Authors: Wang Mingsheng , Song Qiang , Lai Wuxuan
Published: November 2023

The early detection of an inter-turn short circuit (ITSC) fault is extremely critical for permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSMs) because it can lead to catastrophic consequences. In this study, a model-based transfer learning method is developed for ITSC fault detection. The contribution can be summarized as two points. First of all, a Bayesian-optimized residual dilated CNN model was proposed for the pre-training of the method. The dilated convolution is utilized to extend the receptive domain of the model, the residual architecture is employed to surmount the degradation problems, and the Bayesian optimization method is launched to address the hyperparameters tuning issues. Secondly, a transfer learning framework and strategy are presented to settle the new target domain datasets after the pre-training of the proposed model. Furthermore, motor fault experiments are carried out to validate the effectiveness of the proposed method. Comparison with seven other methods indicates the performance and advantage of the proposed method.
A Flexible Magnetic Field Sensor Based on PZT/CFO Bilayer via van der Waals Oxide Heteroepitaxy
Authors: Pan Weijuan , Ao Yuan , Zhou Peng , Fetisov Leonid , Fetisov Yuri , Zhang Tianjin , Qi Yajun
Published: November 2023

Magnetoelectric (ME) magnetic field sensors utilize ME effects in ferroelectric ferromagnetic layered heterostructures to convert magnetic signals into electrical signals. However, the substrate clamping effect greatly limits the design and fabrication of ME composites with high ME coefficients. To reduce the clamping effect and improve the ME response, a flexible ME sensor based on PbZr0.2Ti0.8O3 (PZT)/CoFe2O4 (CFO) ME bilayered heterostructure was deposited on mica substrates via van der Waals oxide heteroepitaxy. A saturated magnetization of 114.5 emu/cm3 was observed in the bilayers. The flexible sensor exhibited a strong ME coefficient of 6.12 V/cm·Oe. The local ME coupling has been confirmed by the evolution of the ferroelectric domain under applied magnetic fields. The flexible ME sensor possessed a stable response with high sensitivity to both AC and DC weak magnetic fields. A high linearity of 0.9988 and sensitivity of 72.65 mV/Oe of the ME sensor were obtained under flat states. The ME output and limit-of-detection under different bending states showed an inferior trend as the bending radius increased. A flexible proximity sensor has been demonstrated, indicating a promising avenue for wearable device applications and significantly broadening the potential application of the flexible ME magnetic field sensors.