bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring Reinforcement Learning for Scheduling in Cellular Networks
Authors: Gurewitz Omer , Gradus Nimrod , Biton Erez , Cohen Asaf
Published: October 2024

Cellular network scheduling is crucial for wireless deployments like 4G, 5G, and 6G and is a challenging resource allocation task performed by the scheduler located at the base stations. The scheduler must balance two critical metrics, throughput and fairness, which often conflict, as maximizing throughput favors users with better channel conditions, while ensuring fairness requires allocating resources to those with poorer channel conditions. The proportional fairness metric is a prominent scheduling approach that aims to balance these competing metrics with minimal compromise. The common strategy to attain proportional fairness relies on a greedy approach in which each resource block is allocated to the user who maximizes the proportional fairness criterion. With such a strategy, the scheduler can ensure that the resources allocated to the users at each time instance maximize the proportional fairness metric. However, users can usually tolerate some delay and are willing to accept temporary fairness imbalances if they ultimately improve their performance, provided that the fairness criterion is maintained over time. In this paper, we propose a new scheduler that uses reinforcement learning to enhance proportional fairness. The suggested scheduler considers both current and predicted future channel conditions for each user, aiming to maximize the proportional fairness criterion over a set of predefined periodic time epochs. Specifically, by learning patterns in channel fluctuations, our reinforcement learning-based scheduler allocates each resource block not to the user who maximizes the instantaneous proportional fairness metric, but to the user who maximizes the expected proportional fairness metric at the end of the current time epoch. This approach achieves an improved balance between throughput and fairness across multiple slots. Simulations demonstrate that our approach outperforms standard proportional fairness scheduling. We further implemented the proposed scheme on a live 4G eNodeB station and observed similar gains.
Alginate from Ericaria crinita Possesses Antioxidant Activity and Attenuates Systemic Inflammation via Downregulation of Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines
Authors: Lukova Paolina , Kokova Vesela , Baldzhieva Alexandra , Murdjeva Marianna , Katsarov Plamen , Delattre Cédric , Apostolova Elisaveta
Published: October 2024

Alginates are anionic polysaccharides present in the cell walls of brown seaweeds. Various biological activities of alginate and its derivatives have been described. In this study, we assessed the potential of alginate obtained from Ericaria crinita (formerly Cystoseira crinita) to scavenge free radicals and function as a ferric ion reductor. The anti-inflammatory effect on the serum levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-10 of rats with LPS-induced systemic inflammation after 14 days of treatment was also examined. Ericaria crinita alginate showed antioxidant activities of IC50 = 505 µg/mL (DPPH) and OD700 > 2 (ferric reducing power). A significant decrease in serum levels of IL-1β was observed only in animals treated with the polysaccharide at a dose of 100 mg/kg bw. Both doses of E. crinita alginate (25 and 100 mg/kg bw) significantly reduced the serum concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6, but no statistical significance was observed in the levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. Our findings show the potential of E. crinita alginate to act as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. It is likely that the exhibited antioxidant ability of the polysaccharide contributes to its antiphlogistic effects. More in-depth studies are needed to fully understand the specific mechanisms and the molecular pathways involved in these activities.
Evaluation and Management of Urological Complications Following Pediatric Kidney Transplantation: Experience from a Single Tertiary Center
Authors: Sangermano Maria , Montagnani Enrico , Vigezzi Serena , Moi Marco , Morlacco Alessandro , Bertazza Partigiani Nicola , Benetti Elisa
Published: October 2024

Background/Objectives: Kidney transplantation is the treatment of choice for children with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), but its outcome can be affected by urological complications, with incidence rates of 2.5–25%. The aim of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of urological complications and their management in a cohort of pediatric kidney transplant recipients. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis on 178 patients who received a renal transplant at our Pediatric Kidney Transplant Center between 2011 and 2023 was conducted. Demographic and clinical data were analyzed. Urological complications were categorized as early, intermediate, or late based on their onset time. Results: Out of 178 patients, 28 (15.7%) experienced urological complications. Most patients (61%) had a pre-existing uropathy. Early complications (7–30 days) were all obstructive, namely, ureterovesical junction obstruction and perirenal collections. Intermediate complications (1–3 months) comprised ureteral stenosis, symptomatic vesicoureteral reflux (VUR), and obstructive lymphocele. Late complications (>3 months) included symptomatic VUR and ureteral stenosis, with one case leading to ureteral rupture. Early complications were often detected due to acute graft dysfunction, while late ones were mainly identified during routine clinical, laboratory, or ultrasound follow-up. Urological complications requiring surgical or endoscopic therapy were 13.4%. Most ureteral stenoses were treated with initial endoscopic stents, followed by definitive surgery. VUR was treated with endoscopic correction with a high success rate (75%), while open surgery was reserved for cases where initial treatments failed or complications recurred. No clear correlations were found between patient characteristics and risk of urological complication. Urological complications required multiple diagnostic procedures and therapeutic interventions (+2.5 admissions in mean and approximately +EUR 24,000) compared to an uncomplicated post-transplant course. However, they did not significantly impact transplant outcomes, with a graft survival rate comparable to that of the control group. Conclusions: Regular post-transplant follow-up is crucial, especially for patients with known risk factors, to allow for timely detection and treatment of urological complications, avoiding detrimental effects on graft function and improving transplantation outcomes.
Advancements in Mixed-Matrix Membranes for Various Separation Applications: State of the Art and Future Prospects
Authors: Arundhathi Bhoga , Pabba Manideep , Raj Shrisha S. , Sahu Nivedita , Sridhar Sundergopal
Published: October 2024

Integrating nanomaterials into membranes has revolutionized selective transport processes, offering enhanced properties and functionalities. Mixed-matrix membranes (MMMs) are nanocomposite membranes (NCMs) that incorporate inorganic nanoparticles (NPs) into organic polymeric matrices, augmenting mechanical strength, thermal stability, separation performance, and antifouling characteristics. Various synthesis methods, like phase inversion, layer-by-layer assembly, electrospinning, and surface modification, enable the production of tailored MMMs. A trade-off exists between selectivity and flux in pristine polymer membranes or plain inorganic ceramic/zeolite membranes. In contrast, in MMMs, NPs exert a profound influence on membrane performance, enhancing both permeability and selectivity simultaneously, besides exhibiting profound antibacterial efficacy. Membranes reported in this work find application in diverse separation processes, notably in niche membrane-based applications, by addressing challenges such as membrane fouling and degradation, low flux, and selectivity, besides poor rejection properties. This review comprehensively surveys recent advances in nanoparticle-integrated polymeric membranes across various fields of water purification, heavy metal removal, dye degradation, gaseous separation, pervaporation (PV), fuel cells (FC), and desalination. Efforts have been made to underscore the role of nanomaterials in advancing environmental remediation efforts and addressing drinking water quality concerns through interesting case studies reported in the literature.
Laboratory-Scale Implementation of Standardized Reconstituted Geothermal Water for Electrochemical Investigations of Carbon Steel Corrosion
Authors: Betelu Stephanie , Helali Chahinez , Ignatiadis Ioannis
Published: October 2024

Currently, the demand for heat production by geothermal energy is increasingly strong amid the controversy surrounding non-renewable forms of energy. In France, the Dogger aquifer in the Paris Basin (DAPB) produces saline geothermal waters (GWs) that are hot (70–85 °C), anaerobic, and slightly acidic (pH 6.1–6.4), and are characterized mainly by the presence of Cl−, SO42−, CO2/HCO3−, and H2S/HS. These GWs are corrosive, while the well casings used are carbon steel. GWs have been continuously treated since the 1990s by corrosion inhibitors at the bottom of production wells to reduce water–steel interactions and scaling issues. Electrochemical experiments to optimize inhibitors were carried out on site, protected from the ambient atmosphere, with actual geothermal water, using water tapping at the wellhead. Currently, carbon steel corrosion/scaling, corrosion inhibition phenomenology, and kinetics evaluation remain important challenges. These issues are, of course, linked to the durability of installations. The novelty of our work consists of our validation of a modus operandi that properly reproduces, at the laboratory scale, operating conditions similar to those encountered on the types of geothermal installations. Particular attention was paid to characterizing waters and gases from 13 production wellheads that were modelled with PhreeqC® Version 3 hydrogeochemical software and the Thermoddem thermodynamic database for implementing standardized reconstituted geothermal water (SRGW), a well-balanced water representative of the major elements and dissolved gases of actual DAPB geothermal waters. The developed electrochemical setup enabled us to analyze corrosion mechanisms such as those observed on site and to investigate corrosion inhibition using petrosourced and biosourced inhibitors. The modus operandi constitutes a reference for further investigations, at the laboratory scale, of corrosion inhibition. These investigations may include screening and optimizing the formulas of petrosourced and biosourced inhibitors for use in DAPB waters.
3D Binder-Free Mo@CoO Electrodes Directly Manufactured in One Step via Electric Discharge Machining for In-Plane Microsupercapacitor Application
Authors: Yang Shunqi , Chen Ri , Huang Fu , Wang Wenxia , Zhitomirsky Igor
Published: October 2024

Cobalt oxide-based in-plane microsupercapacitors (IPMSCs) stand out as a favorable choice for various applications in energy sources for the Internet of Things (IoT) and other microelectronic devices due to their abundant natural resources and high theoretical specific capacitance. However, the low electronic conductivity of cobalt oxide greatly hinders its further application in energy storage devices. Herein, a new manufacturing method of electric discharging machining (EDM), which is simple, safe, efficient, and environment-friendly, has been developed for synthesizing Mo-doped and oxygen-vacancy-enriched Co-CoO (Mo@Co-CoO) integrated microelectrodes for efficiently constructing Mo@Co-CoO IPMSCs with customized structures in a single step for the first time. The Mo@Co-CoO IPMSCs with three loops (IPMSCs3) exhibited a maximum areal capacitance of 30.4 mF cm−2 at 2 mV s−1. Moreover, the Mo@Co-CoO IPMSCs3 showed good capacitive behavior at a super-high scanning rate of 100 V s−1, which is around 500–1000 times higher than most reported CoO-based electrodes. It is important to note that the IPMSCs were fabricated using a one-step EDM process without any assistance of other material processing techniques, toxic chemicals, low conductivity binders, exceptional current collectors, and conductive fillers. This novel fabrication method developed in this research opens a new avenue to simplify material synthesis, providing a novel way for realizing intelligent, digital, and green manufacturing of various metal oxide materials, microelectrodes, and microdevices.
Laterally Actuated Si-to-Si DC MEMS Switch for Power Switching Applications
Authors: Shuaibu Abdurrashid Hassan , Rabih Almur A. S. , Blaquière Yves , Nabki Frederic
Published: October 2024

Electrothermal actuators are highly advantageous for microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) due to their capability to generate significant force and large displacements. Despite these benefits, their application in reconfigurable conduction line switches is limited, particularly when employing commercial processes. In DC MEMS switches, electrothermal actuators require electrical insulation between the biasing voltage and the transmission line to prevent interference and maintain the integrity of the switch. This work presents a chevron-type electrothermal actuator utilizing a stack of SiO2/ Al thin films on a silicon (Si) structural layer beam to create a DC MEMS switch. The design leverages a thin film Al heater to drive the actuator while the SiO2 layer provides electrical insulation, suppressing crosstalk with the Si layer. The electrical contact resistance of a Si-to-Si interface was evaluated by applying a controlled current and measuring the resultant voltage. A low contact resistance of 150 Ω was achieved when an initial contact gap of 2.52 μm was closed using an actuator with an actuation voltage of 1.2 V and a current of 205 mA, with a switching speed of less than 5 ms. Factors such as the contact force, the temperature, and the residual device layer etching angle significantly impact the Si-to-Si contact resistance and the switch’s longevity. The switch withstands a breakdown voltage up to 350 V at its terminal contacts. Thus, it will be robust to self-actuation caused by unwanted voltage contributions, making it suitable for high-voltage and harsh environment applications.
Effects of Laser Irradiation in High-Speed Gas Flow for Surface Treatments of Copper
Authors: Ezzat Mohamed , Aniculaesei Constantin , Lee Joong Wook , Lee Seong Ku
Published: October 2024

In this study, the impacts of laser irradiation on the surface morphology and hardness of copper (Cu) are investigated under various environments, including air, vacuum, and high-pressure gas flow through a supersonic nozzle. After irradiating Cu targets with laser pulses with energy of 30, 60, and 90 mJ/pulse, the surface structures of the targets are analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The SEM analysis reveals diverse surface morphologies, including micro-cones, cavities, droplets, ripples, and island-like structures, depending on laser energy and environments. The XRD analysis provides insights into the structural changes induced by laser irradiation. The results indicate a significant enhancement in microhardness by a factor of 2.77, which is attributed to the surface and structural modifications incurred under various environments. In addition, the XRD analysis reveals a shift in the residual stress in the surface layers of copper from tensile before laser irradiation to compressive afterwards, highlighting the effectiveness of laser surface treatment in inducing favorable mechanical properties.
Heat-Killed Lactobacillus paracasei SMB092 Reduces Halitosis by Stimulating the Expression of β-Defensins in Oral Keratinocytes
Authors: Kim Won-Ju , Jung Gyubin , Kim Taewook , Kim Jinseon , Hurh Byung-Serk , Kim Hangeun , Soung Do Yu
Published: October 2024

The purpose of this study is to evaluate Lactobacillus paracasei SMB092 as a prophylactic agent for oral pathogens. We examined the physical interaction of SMB092 with a host by identifying the presence of mucus-binding (MuB) protein domains and the capacity of the mucin binding. We determined the role of heat-killed SMB092 in host oral immunity by quantifying the mRNA levels of β-defensins (BDs), Toll-like receptors (TLRs), and their cofactors (CD14/CD36) in normal human oral keratinocytes (HOK-16B cells). To assess the clinically relevant oral health effects of heat-killed SMB092, the growth of Porphyromonas (P.) gingivalis and the production of a volatile sulfur compound (H2S) were also measured in the filtered condition media (FCM) obtained from its cultures with HOK-16B cells. SMB092 possessed 14 putative MuB protein domains and was attached to mucin. Significant amounts of hBD1/2 and TLR2/6 were expressed in heat-killed SMB092-treated HOK-16B cells. The specific neutralization of TLR2 attenuated the expression of hBD1/2 and CD14/CD36. The FCM inhibited the growth of P. gingivalis and the production of H2S. Our data indicate that heat-killed SMB092 may contribute to a healthy oral microbiome as an immune stimulant in the production of BDs via the activation of the TLR2/6 signaling pathway.
Phenotypic and Molecular Characterization of Staphylococcus aureus in Dairy Farms from Henan Province and the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
Authors: Cui Mingquan , Wang Hejia , Li Zekun , Han Ningning , Li Jie , Peng Wenxiu , Zhang Xiuying , Zhao Qi , Wang Xuan
Published: October 2024

Staphylococcus aureus, a prevalent pathogen associated with infectious and foodborne diseases, is also a significant cause of intramammary infections in dairy farms. This study aimed to determine the phenotypic and molecular characterization of S. aureus in two different stock sizes of dairy farms in Henan province (HN) and the Inner Mongolia autonomous region (IM), China, through biofilm formation, antimicrobial resistance, virulence, and molecular type of S. aureus isolates. In HN, 74 S. aureus isolates (60.7%) were recovered from 122 bulk tank milk samples, while in IM, 24 S. aureus isolates (17.4%) were detected from 161 samples soured from various origins. Notably, 25.7% (19/74) of isolates in HN and 20.8% (5/24) in IM exhibited multidrug-resistant (MDR) phenotypes. Molecular typing revealed distinct patterns: ST97 (n = 32) and spa type t189 (n = 20) predominated in HN, whereas ST50 (n = 13) and spa type t518 (n = 11) were prevalent in IM. Additionally, three isolates harbored both tsst-1 and lukF-PV genes, and two MRSA strains displayed a MDR phenotype in raw milk samples from HN. Biofilm formation was observed in 91.8% strains. Phylogenetic analysis identified two subpopulations (lineages 1 and 2). Among them, cluster 6 in lineage 2 comprised S. aureus strains from three sources within a farm, suggesting potential cross contamination during different stages in IM. Remarkably, among 19 MDR isolates in HN, ST398 MSSA strains exhibited a higher multidrug resistance compared to non-ST398 MSSA strains. This study underscores the high prevalence and diverse characteristics of S. aureus in raw milk, necessitating enhanced surveillance and control measures to mitigate associated risk.
PlmCas12e Utilizes Glu662 to Prevent Cleavage Site Occupation by Positively Charged Residues Before Target Strand Cleavage
Authors: Liu Jinchu , Zhu Lizhe
Published: October 2024

CRISPR-Cas12e is a recently identified gene-editing tool mainly known because its relatively small size benefits cell delivery. Drastically different from Cas9, it creates a blunt-end double-strand breakage of the DNA via two cleavage sites; Cas12e produces a sticky-end double-strand breakage of the DNA through only one cleavage site in its RuvC domain, meaning two consecutive cleavage events first on the non-target strand (ntsDNA) and then the target strand (tsDNA). Though crucial for Cas12e’s cleavage efficiency, the mechanism by which Cas12e loads tsDNA for the second cleavage remains elusive. Through molecular dynamics simulations and our recently matured traveling-salesman-based automated path-searching (TAPS) algorithm, we identified a series of positively charged residues (Arg856TSL, Arg768RuvC, Lys898TSL, Arg904TSL, Arg764RuvC) that guide the tsDNA backbone toward the cleavage site of wild-type PlmCas12e. Further simulations of the R856L and R904L mutants supported such observations. More interestingly, we found the key role of Glu662RuvC in coordinating Arg764RuvC, preventing its occupation of the cleavage site, and facilitating tsDNA cleavage. Additional simulations confirmed that mutating Glu662RuvC to valine disabled such coordination and created a stable intermediate state with Arg764RuvC occupying the cleavage site before tsDNA loading. These insights, revealing an elaborate mechanism of cleavage facilitation, offer essential guiding principles for future rational engineering of Cas12e into more efficient gene-editing tools.
Palladium-Catalyzed Acetoxylation of γ-Dehydro-aryl-himachalene: The Synthesis of a Novel Allylic Acetoxylated Sesquiterpene and a π-Allyl Palladium(II) Complex
Authors: Louchachha Issam , Faris Abdelmajid , Edder Youssef , Hasnaoui Ali , Kozakiewicz-Piekarz Anna , Ait Mansour Abdelkarim , Boualy Brahim , Salghi Rachid , Azzaoui Khalil , Sabbahi Rachid , Alanazi Ashwag S. , Hefnawy Mohamed , Hammouti Belkheir , Karim Abdallah , Ait Ali Mustapha
Published: October 2024

Allylic oxygenated derivatives of himachalenes are highly valued molecules due to their potential applications in perfumery, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Previous attempts at catalyzed allylic oxidation of himachalenes led to the formation of a very stable η3-allyl palladium complex, preventing any further reaction development. Herein, we present the first successful palladium-catalyzed synthesis of a novel allylic acetoxylated derivative of himachalenes. This reaction was achieved by incorporating an aromatic ring into the substrate structure. The resulting intermediate complex was isolated and characterized using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were performed to compare the reactivity of the newly synthesized complex with previously reported ones. The theoretical results confirm that the introduction of an aromatic ring enhances the reactivity of the η³-allyl palladium complex, thereby facilitating the desired transformation.
Hydrophobicity of Benzene-Based Surfactants and Its Effect on Bubble Coalescence Inhibition
Authors: Del Río-Arrillaga Rafael , García-Figueroa Arturo A. , López-Cervantes José L. , Albijanic Boris , Gracia-Fadrique Jesús
Published: October 2024

Bubble coalescence plays a critical role in optimizing biological and industrial processes, impacting efficiency in areas such as fermentation, wastewater treatment, and foaming control. While the relationship between chemical structure and bubble coalescence has been thoroughly explored for inorganic ions, limited data exist on organic ions and surfactants, despite their widespread use in these industries. This study addresses this gap by investigating the effects of surfactant hydrophobicity and bubble size on coalescence behavior at a flat air–liquid interface and within a bubble column. Surface tension measurements were employed to assess surfactant hydrophobicity, while bubble size and coalescence time were analyzed to determine their respective influences. The results reveal a novel quantitative relationship between surfactant hydrophobicity and the half-coalescence inhibition concentration (HCIC), a new variable introduced in this study. This relationship demonstrates that as hydrophobicity increases, the HCIC also rises, providing a new relationship between surfactant hydrophobicity and bubble coalescence. While it is well-known that more hydrophobic molecules delay coalescence, this is the first time a direct, proportional relationship has been established with HCIC, offering a new parameter for predicting and controlling coalescence phenomena.
Methylglyoxal-Induced Modifications in Human Triosephosphate Isomerase: Structural and Functional Repercussions of Specific Mutations
Authors: de la Mora-de la Mora Ignacio , García-Torres Itzhel , Flores-López Luis Antonio , López-Velázquez Gabriel , Hernández-Alcántara Gloria , Gómez-Manzo Saúl , Enríquez-Flores Sergio
Published: October 2024

Triosephosphate isomerase (TPI) dysfunction is a critical factor in diverse pathological conditions. Deficiencies in TPI lead to the accumulation of toxic methylglyoxal (MGO), which induces non-enzymatic post-translational modifications, thus compromising protein stability and leading to misfolding. This study investigates how specific TPI mutations (E104D, N16D, and C217K) affect the enzyme’s structural stability when exposed to its substrate glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate (G3P) and MGO. We employed circular dichroism, intrinsic fluorescence, native gel electrophoresis, and Western blotting to assess the structural alterations and aggregation propensity of these TPI mutants. Our findings indicate that these mutations markedly increase TPI’s susceptibility to MGO-induced damage, leading to accelerated loss of enzymatic activity and enhanced protein aggregation. Additionally, we observed the formation of MGO-induced adducts, such as argpyrimidine (ARGp), that contribute to enzyme inactivation and aggregation. Importantly, the application of MGO-scavenging molecules partially mitigated these deleterious effects, highlighting potential therapeutic strategies to counteract MGO-induced damage in TPI-related disorders.
Synthesis of 6- or 8-Carboxamido Derivatives of Imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines via a Heterogeneous Catalytic Aminocarbonylation Reaction
Authors: Nagy Enikő , Máriás Attila , Kovács Margit , Skoda-Földes Rita
Published: October 2024

Imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines and especially their amide derivatives exhibit a wide range of favourable pharmacological properties. In this work, Pd-catalysed carbonylation was used for the first time for the introduction of the carboxamide moiety into positions 6 or 8. A recyclable Pd catalyst, with palladium immobilised on a supported ionic liquid phase decorated with pyridinium ions, was used efficiently for the conversion of 6- or 8-iodo derivatives to the products. In the case of 6-iodo derivatives, a competing mono- and double carbonylation could be observed in the reactions of aliphatic amines as nucleophiles, but under the proper choice of reaction conditions, good-to-excellent selectivities could be achieved towards either the corresponding amides or α-ketomides. The heterogeneous catalyst showed excellent recyclability and low Pd-leaching.
Electrochemical Growth of Copper Crystals on SPCE for Electrocatalysis Nitrate Reduction
Authors: Farina Roberta , D’Arrigo Giuseppe , Alberti Alessandra , Capuano Giuseppe E. , Corso Domenico , Screpis Giuseppe A. , Coniglio Maria Anna , Condorelli Guglielmo G. , Libertino Sebania
Published: October 2024

Copper is efficient, has a high conductivity (5.8 × 107 S/m), and is cost-effective. The use of copper-based catalysts is promising for the electrocatalytic reduction of nitrates. This work aims to grow and characterize copper micro-crystals on Screen-Printed Electrodes (SPEs) for NO3− reduction in water. Copper micro-crystals were grown by cyclic voltammetry. Different cycles (2, 5, 7, 10, 12, 15) of copper electrodeposition were investigated (potential ranges from −1.0 V to 0.0 V, scan rate of 0.1 V s−1). Electrodeposition generated different morphologies of copper crystals on the electrodes, as a function of the number of cycles, with various performances. The presence of numerous edges and defects in the copper micro-crystal structures creates highly reactive active sites, thus favoring nitrate reduction. The manufactured material can be successfully employed for environmental applications.
Healthy Dietary Pattern Cycling Affects Gut Microbiota and Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors: Results from a Randomized Controlled Feeding Trial with Young, Healthy Adults
Authors: Wang Yu , Cross Tzu-Wen L. , Lindemann Stephen R. , Tang Minghua , Campbell Wayne W.
Published: October 2024

Background: Previous research demonstrates that adopting, abandoning, and re-adopting (i.e., cycling) a healthy dietary pattern (HDP) improved, reverted, and re-improved cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. In addition, changes in CVD risk factors are associated with dietary modifications of gut microbiota. Objective: We sought to assess the effects of cycling an HDP on gut microbiota and CVD risk factors. Methods: Retrospectively, we used data from a randomized controlled, crossover trial with three 3-week controlled dietary interventions, each separated by a 5-week period of participant-chosen, uncontrolled food intake. Seventeen participants (10 males, 7 females, age 26 ± 4 years old, BMI 23 ± 3 kg/m2) all consumed intervention diets that followed healthy U.S.-style dietary patterns. Gut microbiota composition and cardiovascular risk factors were measured before and after each HDP. Results: Repeatedly adopting and abandoning an HDP led to a cycling pattern of changes in the gut microbial community and taxonomic composition. During the HDP cycles, relative abundances of several bacterial taxa (e.g., Collinsella, Mediterraneibacter, Romboutsia, and Dorea) decreased and returned to baseline repeatedly. Similar HDP cycling occurred for multiple CVD risk factors (i.e., serum total cholesterol and LDL-C concentrations). Consistent negative associations were observed between changes in Mediterraneibacter or Collinsella and serum total cholesterol/HDL-C ratio. Conclusions: These results support previous findings that HDP cycling affected multiple CVD risk factors and expand the HDP cycling phenomenon to include several bacterial taxa. Young adults are encouraged to adopt and sustain a healthy dietary pattern to improve cardiovascular health, potentially through modifying gut microbiota composition.
Allergenic Potential of Common Hops (Humulus lupulus L.) in the Context of Cross-Reactions with Pollen Allergens
Authors: Piasecka-Kwiatkowska Dorota , Blacharska Kinga , Springer Ewa
Published: October 2024

Background: Common hops (Humulus lupulus L.) play a key role in brewing, providing the bitterness, flavor, and aroma of beer, and are widely used in supplements for their antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. However, despite their broad applications, the allergenic potential of common hops remains underexplored, particularly when compared to the closely related Humulus japonicus. This preliminary study aimed to investigate the allergenic potential of common hops and their potential cross-reactivity with common pollen allergens. Methods: The immunoreactivity of hop stalks, leaves, and cones was assessed using antibodies against major allergens from birch (Bet v1a), mugwort (Art v1), and timothy grass (Phl p5b), as well as three sera from pollen-allergic patients. Slot Blot analysis was performed using phosphate-buffered saline extracts from the stalks, leaves, and cones of three hop cultivars, while Western Blotting followed SDS-PAGE protein separation. Results: The results revealed significant immunoreactivity in native hop proteins, with diminished reactivity observed in denatured proteins. Cross-reactivity between hop proteins and major pollen allergens was confirmed, indicating that hop proteins may contribute to allergic sensitization in pollen-sensitive individuals. Conclusions: These findings underscore the potential allergenic risks associated with the consumption or exposure to hop-containing products.
Preeclampsia and Future Implications on Growth and Body Composition in Preterm Infants
Authors: Calek Elisabeth , Binder Julia , Palmrich Pilar , Eibensteiner Felix , Thajer Alexandra , Harreiter Karin , Berger Angelika , Binder Christoph
Published: October 2024

Background: Preeclampsia is associated with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), which can lead to impaired postnatal growth and neurodevelopment in preterm infants. Preeclampsia can also occur without IUGR and its impact on postnatal nutrition, growth, and body composition remains not fully investigated to the best of our knowledge. Methods: This study included infants born before 37 weeks of gestation who underwent air displacement plethysmography to measure body composition (fat-free mass [FFM] and fat mass [FM]) at term-equivalent age. We compared infants born to mothers with preeclampsia and IUGR (PE-IUGR group) and preeclampsia without IUGR (PE-non-IUGR group) to those born to mothers without preeclampsia (control group). Results: In total, 291 infants were enrolled (control: n = 227; PE-non-IUGR: n = 43; PE-IUGR: n = 21). FFM was significantly lower in the PE-IUGR (mean differences −231 g (IQR: (−373, −88); p < 0.001)) and PE-non-IUGR groups (mean differences −260 g (IQR: (−372, −149); p < 0.001)) in comparison to the control group. FM was not significantly different between the three groups. Conclusions: This study indicates that infants of preeclamptic mothers, even without IUGR, had significantly lower FFM at term-equivalent age compared to the control group. Further research is necessary to determine if these variations can be modified.
Nursing Students’ Satisfaction with Clinical Simulation: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study
Authors: Jiménez-Álvarez Juan Antonio , Guerra-Martín María Dolores , Borrallo-Riego Álvaro
Published: October 2024

Clinical Simulation improves results in the students’ learning tests and allows for preserving acquired knowledge for longer periods of time, promoting more significant learning. This study was conducted to analyze Nursing students’ satisfaction with Clinical Simulation in three centres attached to a university from southern Spain. Methods: A quantitative, non-experimental and cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out. The students included were attending their third year of the Nursing undergraduate course and had already taken part in training sessions by means of Clinical Simulation. The Satisfaction Scale with High-Fidelity Clinical Simulation in Students (SSHF) was used for data collection. This scale has been validated and has 33 items grouped into eight factors. The SPSS software (version 28), was used for data analysis, establishing p-values < 0.05 for the statistically significant differences. Results: The participants were 180 students, with a mean age of 22.17 years old. Of them, 90.56% belonged to the female gender. A mean score of 3.82 out of 5 was obtained in the SSHF items. The items that obtained the highest scores were the following: benefits of Clinical Simulation as it relates theory with practise; possibility of learning based on the mistakes made; and comfort and respect while the sessions were developed. The item that obtained the lowest score was “timing for each simulation case”. We found significant differences in the results obtained according to each attached centre. Conclusions: The students showed high satisfaction levels regarding High-Fidelity Clinical Simulation in each of the three attached centres included in the study. Nevertheless, they stated the need to invest more time in Clinical Simulation sessions.
Research on Rate Adaptation of Underwater Optical Communication with Joint Control of Photoelectric Domain
Authors: Chen Yu , Qiu Hongbing , Li Yanlong
Published: October 2024

As the communication distance changes, the received signal strength of an underwater optical communication system will change, and the range of its variation may not only exceed the dynamic range of the photoelectric detection device but also cause the reliability of communication to change due to the change in the received signal-to-noise ratio. In order to maintain better communication over a longer distance, this paper proposes a rate-adaptive method for underwater optical communication with joint control in the photoelectric domain. In the optical domain, the incident light’s power is adaptively adjusted by controlling the transmittance of the liquid crystal light valve to reduce saturation distortion. In the electrical domain, the constellation distribution is optimized according to the desired probability mass function, and the modulation order is adjusted in real time by estimating the received signal-to-noise ratio of the link. The simulation results show that under the forward error correction (FEC) threshold, the proposed method increases the dynamic range of the photomultiplier tube (PMT) by about 10 dB and expands the dynamic range of the system’s communication distance.
Passively Mode-Locked Erbium-Doped Fiber Laser and Application in Laser Thrombolysis
Authors: Zhao Xiaoli , Cong Linyu , Zhang Congyu , Zhang Chenxi , Ahmad Ijaz , Fu Bo
Published: October 2024

Fiber lasers have been widely used in surgery with the development of fiber photonics. Since the human body is prone to myocardial infarction caused by blood clots, laser thrombolysis was proposed as a safe and efficient treatment. Mode-locked fiber lasers have high peak power and narrow pulse width. In order to observe the effect of laser thrombolysis with mode-locked fiber lasers, a 1.5 µm mode-locked fiber laser based on carbon nanotubes was built, showing a pulse width of 1.46 ps, a 3 dB bandwidth of 1.65 nm, and a repetition rate of 29.5 MHz. The output pulses were amplified by an erbium-doped fiber amplifier to the hundred-milliwatt level and were applied to the surface of a self-made thrombus. The influences of lasing power and time on the damage diameter of the thrombus surface were evaluated. A low threshold damage power of 45 mW was observed, which resulted from the high peak power of the mode-locked pulses. These results demonstrate that high ablation efficiency can be achieved by using mode-locked pulses with a narrow pulse width and high peak power.
Advances in Design and Fabrication of Micro-Structured Solid Targets for High-Power Laser-Matter Interaction
Authors: Jipa Florin , Ionel Laura , Zamfirescu Marian
Published: October 2024

Accelerated particles have multiple applications in materials research, medicine, and the space industry. In contrast to classical particle accelerators, laser-driven acceleration at intensities greater than 1018 W/cm2, currently achieved at TW and PW laser facilities, allow for much larger electric field gradients at the laser focus point, several orders of magnitude higher than those found in conventional kilometer-sized accelerators. It has been demonstrated that target design becomes an important factor to consider in ultra-intense laser experiments. The energetic and spatial distribution of the accelerated particles strongly depends on the target configuration. Therefore, target engineering is one of the key approaches to optimizing energy transfer from the laser to the accelerated particles. This paper provides an overview of recent progress in 2D and 3D micro-structured solid targets, with an emphasis on fabrication procedures based on laser material processing. Recently, 3D laser lithography, which involves Two-Photon Absorption (TPA) effects in photopolymers, has been proposed as a technique for the high-resolution fabrication of 3D micro-structured targets. Additionally, laser surface nano-patterning followed by the replication of the patterns through molding, has been proposed and could become a cost-effective and reliable solution for intense laser experiments at high repetition rates. Recent works on numerical simulations have also been presented. Using particle-in-cell (PIC) simulation software, the importance of structured micro-target design in the energy absorption process of intense laser pulses—producing localized extreme temperatures and pressures—was demonstrated. Besides PIC simulations, the Finite-Difference Time-Domain (FDTD) numerical method offers the possibility to generate the specific data necessary for defining solid target material properties and designing their optical geometries with high accuracy. The prospects for the design and technological fabrication of 3D targets for ultra-intense laser facilities are also highlighted.
Plants for Extreme and Changing Environments: Domestication, Evolution, Crop Breeding and Genetics
Authors: Mora-Poblete Freddy , Campostrini Eliemar
Published: October 2024

In this Special Issue, researchers investigated the genetic, physiological, and biological mechanisms that enable plants to thrive in challenging environmental conditions [...]
Vanilla planifolia: Artificial and Insect Pollination, Floral Guides and Volatiles
Authors: Van Dyk Sahar , McGlasson Williams Barry , Williams Mark , Spooner-Hart Robert , Holford Paul
Published: October 2024

The natural pollinator of the major species of commercially-grown vanilla, Vanilla planifolia, is unknown, and the crop requires hand pollination to achieve significant levels of fruit set; however, the traditional technique (using a toothpick) is costly, as it requires skilled personnel. To overcome this problem, two native Australian bees, Tetragonula carbonaria and Austroplebeia australis, and the blowfly, Lucilia cuprina, were trialled as pollinators. Three alternatives to the toothpick method were also trialled. The appearance of vanilla flowers under ultraviolet radiation was examined to determine the presence of cryptic pollination guides, and the chemical composition of nectar from extrafloral nectaries and aroma volatiles from the flowers were characterised. None of the three insects effected pollination due to their small size and behaviour; other insect pollinators need to be identified. The alternative mechanical methods of pollination trialled resulted in fruit set; however, the percentages of fruit set were lower than the traditional toothpick method, and the fruit were of inferior quality. The nectar produced predominantly consisted of sucrose and melezitose. Melezitose is a strong attractant of various ant species, which may explain the concentration of ants around the nectaries and the apparent lack of nectar production in part of this study. The aroma volatiles included monoterpenoids, terpenes, sesquiterpenoids, aromatics, nitrogen-containing compounds and fatty acids, the most abundant being a-pinene and eucalyptol. Illumination of the flowers with UV-A radiation revealed fluorescence from the stamens, the column and the callus, which is located on the labellum. These observations may aid the identification and use of potential pollinators.
Comparative Metabolome and Transcriptome Analyses Reveal Molecular Mechanisms Involved in the Responses of Two Carex rigescens Varieties to Salt Stress
Authors: Wu Yiming , Zhu Kai , Wang Chu , Li Yue , Li Mingna , Sun Yan
Published: October 2024

Salt stress severely inhibits crop growth and production. The native turfgrass species Carex rigescens in northern China, exhibits extraordinary tolerance to multiple abiotic stresses. However, little is known about its specific metabolites and pathways under salt stress. To explore the molecular metabolic mechanisms under salt stress, we conducted metabolome analysis combined with transcriptome analysis of two varieties of Carex rigescens with differing salt tolerances: salt-sensitive Lvping NO.1 and salt-tolerant Lvping NO.2. After 5 days of salt treatment, 114 and 131 differentially abundant metabolites (DAMs) were found in Lvping NO.1 and Lvping NO.2, respectively. Among them, six amino acids involved in the amino acid biosynthesis pathway, namely, valine, phenylalanine, isoleucine, tryptophan, threonine, and serine, were accumulated after treatment. Furthermore, most DAMs related to phenylalanine biosynthesis, metabolism, and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis increased under salt stress in both varieties. The expression profiles of metabolism-associated genes were consistent with the metabolic profiles. However, genes including HCT, β-glucosidases, and F5H, and metabolite 4-hydroxycinnamic acid, of the two varieties may account for the differences in salt tolerance. Our study provides new insights into the mechanisms underlying salt tolerance in Carex rigescens and reveals potential metabolites and genes to improve crop resilience to saline environments.
Impact of Natural and Human Factors on Dryland Vegetation in Eurasia from 2003 to 2022
Authors: Liu Jinyue , Zhao Jie , He Junhao , Zhang Pengyi , Yi Fan , Yue Chao , Wang Liang , Mei Dawei , Teng Si , Duan Luyao , Sun Nuoxi , Hu Zhenhong
Published: October 2024

Eurasian dryland ecosystems consist mainly of cropland and grassland, and their changes are driven by both natural factors and human activities. This study utilized the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), gross primary productivity (GPP) and solar-induced chlorophyll fluorescence (SIF) to analyze the changing characteristics of vegetation activity in Eurasia over the past two decades. Additionally, we integrated the mean annual temperature (MAT), the mean annual precipitation (MAP), the soil moisture (SM), the vapor pressure deficit (VPD) and the terrestrial water storage (TWS) to analyze natural factors’ influence on the vegetation activity from 2003 to 2022. Through partial correlation and residual analysis, we quantitatively described the contributions of both natural and human factors to changes in vegetation activity. The results indicated an overall increasing trend in vegetation activity in Eurasia; the growth rates of vegetation greenness, productivity and photosynthetic capacity were 1.00 × 10−3 yr−1 (p < 0.01), 1.30 g C m−2 yr−2 (p < 0.01) and 1.00 × 10−3 Wm−2μm−1sr−1yr−1 (p < 0.01), respectively. Furthermore, we found that soil moisture was the most important natural factor influencing vegetation activity. Human activities were identified as the main driving factors of vegetation activity in the Eurasian drylands. The relative contributions of human-induced changes to NDVI, GPP and SIF were 52.45%, 55.81% and 74.18%, respectively. These findings can deepen our understanding of the impacts of current natural change and intensified human activities on dryland vegetation coverage change in Eurasia.
Flexural Behavior of 3D-Printed Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Nylon Lattice Beams
Authors: Yalçın Muhammet Muaz
Published: October 2024

This study investigates the flexural behavior of 3D-printed multi-topology lattice beams, with a specific emphasis on octet and cube lattice geometries created through fused deposition modeling (FDM). The mechanical properties of these beams were evaluated through quasi-static three-point bending tests. A comparative analysis of load-carrying capacity, energy absorption, and specific energy absorption (SEA) indicates that octet lattice beams exhibit superior performance to cube lattice beams. The octet lattice beam in the triple-layer double-column (TL-DC) arrangement absorbed 14.99 J of energy, representing a 38% increase compared to the 10.86 J absorbed by the cube lattice beam in the same design. The specific energy absorption (SEA) of the octet beam was measured at 0.39 J/g, which exceeds the 0.29 J/g recorded for the cube beam. Two distinct types of deformations were identified for the struts and the beam layers. Octet struts exhibit enhanced performance in stretch-dominated zones, whereas the cube system demonstrates superior efficacy in compressive-dominated regions. The results highlight the enhanced efficacy of octet lattice structures in energy absorption and mechanical stability maintenance. The investigation of sandwich lattice topologies integrating octet and cube structures indicates that while hybrid designs may exhibit efficiency, uniform octet structures yield superior performance. This study provides valuable insights into the structural design and optimization of lattice systems for applications requiring high-energy absorption and mechanical robustness.