bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigating Heat Transfer in Whole-Body Cryotherapy: A 3D Thermodynamic Modeling Approach with Participant Variability
Authors: Elfahem Rim , Bouchet Bastien , Abbes Boussad , Legrand Fabien , Polidori Guillaume , Beaumont Fabien
Published: March 2024

Whole-body cryotherapy (WBC) is a therapeutic practice involving brief exposure to extreme cold, typically lasting one to four minutes. Given that WBC sessions often occur in groups, there is a hypothesis that cumulative heat dissipation from the group significantly affects the thermo-aerodynamic conditions of the cryotherapy chamber. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is employed to investigate thermal exchanges between three subjects (one man, two women) and a cryotherapy chamber at −92 °C during a 3-minute session. The investigation reveals that collective body heat loss significantly influences temperature fields within the cabin, causing global modifications in aerodynamic and thermal conditions. For example, a temperature difference of 6.7 °C was calculated between the average temperature in a cryotherapy chamber with a single subject and that with three subjects. A notable finding is that, under an identical protocol, the thermal response varies among individuals based on their position in the chamber. The aerodynamic and thermal characteristics of the cryotherapy chamber impact the heat released at the body’s surface and the skin-cooling rate needed to achieve recommended analgesic thresholds. This study highlights the complexity of physiological responses in WBC and emphasizes the importance of considering individual positions within the chamber for optimizing therapeutic benefits.
Descriptive Analysis of Carrier and Affected Hereditary Fructose Intolerance in Women during Pregnancy
Authors: Zuriaga Estefanía , Santander Sonia , Lomba Laura , Izquierdo-García Elsa , Luesma María José
Published: March 2024

(1) Background: Hereditary fructose intolerance (HFI) is a rare autosomal recessive metabolic disorder resulting from aldolase B deficiency, requiring a fructose, sorbitol and sucrose (FSS)-free diet. Limited information exists on the relationship between pregnancy outcomes and HFI. This study aims to analyze pregnancy-related factors in a cohort of thirty Spanish women, with twenty-three being carriers and seven being HFI-affected (45 pregnancies). (2) Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional and retrospective study utilized an anonymous questionnaire. (3) Results: Findings encompassed physical and emotional states, nutritional habits, pathology development and baby information. Notable results include improved physical and emotional states compared to the general population, with conventional analyses mostly within normal ranges. Persistent issues after pregnancy included hepatic steatosis, liver adenomas and hemangiomas. Carrier mothers’ babies exhibited higher weight than those of patient mothers, while the weights of carrier children born with HFI were similar to disease-affected children. (4) Conclusions: Pregnant women with HFI did not significantly differ in physical and emotional states, except for nausea, vomiting, and cravings. Post-pregnancy, HFI patients and carriers exhibited persistent hepatic issues. Significantly, babies born to HFI-affected mothers had lower weights. This study sheds light on pregnancy outcomes in HFI, emphasizing potential complications and the need for ongoing monitoring and care.
Piriformospora indica Enhances Resistance to Fusarium wilt in Strawberry by Increasing the Activity of Superoxide Dismutase, Peroxidase, and Catalase, While Reducing the Content of Malondialdehyde in the Roots
Authors: Huang Yuji , Li Jinman , Nong Chaocui , Lin Tong , Fang Li , Feng Xu , Chen Yiting , Lin Yuling , Lai Zhongxiong , Miao Lixiang
Published: March 2024

Strawberry Fusarium wilt, mainly caused by Fusarium oxysoporum f. sp. Fragariae (Fof), seriously threatens the yield and quality of strawberry. Piriformospora indica is an endophytic fungus that can colonise the roots of a wide range of plants, promoting plant growth and enhancing plant resistance. Against this background, the positive effects of P. indica on the growth of the daughter plants of ‘Benihoppe’ strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) under Fof stress were investigated in this study. The study began by examining the inhibitory effect of P. indica on Fof growth through dual culture on agar plates. Subsequently, a symbiotic system between P. indica and strawberry plantlets was established, and the impact of P. indica on Fusarium wilt resistance and related physiological and biochemical indexes of the plantlets were evaluated. The results indicate that fungus colonization with P. indica significantly enhances the growth indices of strawberries, including plant height, petiole length, petiole diameter, and leaf area. Additionally, the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT) in the leaves of P. indica were increased, and the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) was decreased compared to those without colonization. Under the stress from Fof, the growth indexes of plant height, stem diameter, leaf area, petiole diameter, and root length of strawberry plants colonization with P. indica were significantly higher than those without colonization and the symptoms of wilting were relatively mild. The activities of SOD, POD, and CAT in roots and leaves of plants colonized with P. indica were significantly increased compared to those without colonization. Furthermore, the content of MDA in roots was decreased. These results suggested that P. indica could increase resistance to Fusarium wilt in strawberry by increasing the activity of antioxidant enzymes and reducing the content of MDA.
Robust Chinese Short Text Entity Disambiguation Method Based on Feature Fusion and Contrastive Learning
Authors: Mei Qishun , Li Xuhui
Published: March 2024

To address the limitations of existing methods of short-text entity disambiguation, specifically in terms of their insufficient feature extraction and reliance on massive training samples, we propose an entity disambiguation model called COLBERT, which fuses LDA-based topic features and BERT-based semantic features, as well as using contrastive learning, to enhance the disambiguation process. Experiments on a publicly available Chinese short-text entity disambiguation dataset show that the proposed model achieves an F1-score of 84.0%, which outperforms the benchmark method by 0.6%. Moreover, our model achieves an F1-score of 74.5% with a limited number of training samples, which is 2.8% higher than the benchmark method. These results demonstrate that our model achieves better effectiveness and robustness and can reduce the burden of data annotation as well as training costs.
Properties of Self-Compacting Concrete (SCC) Prepared with Binary and Ternary Blended Calcined Clay and Steel Slag
Authors: Boakye Kwabena , Khorami Morteza
Published: March 2024

The recent emphasis on sustainable development in the construction industry has made it essential to develop construction and building materials that are not only affordable, but have minimal negative impact on the environment. This study investigates the valorisation of steel slag, which is mostly considered to be a waste material in several parts of the world, by blending with calcined impure kaolinitic clay to partially replace ordinary Portland cement (OPC) in the preparation of self-compacting concrete (SCC). OPC was substituted with steel slag at a constant level of 10%, whereas calcined clay replaced OPC at varying levels, ranging from 10 to 30% in a ternary blended mix. The hardened properties evaluated include compressive and flexural strengths. Samples containing only calcined clay showed a lower fluidity, which was significantly improved when steel slag was added to the mix. SCC containing 10% steel slag and 20% calcined clay obtained 28 days compressive strength, which was 3.6% higher than the reference cement concrete. An XRD analysis revealed a significant decrease in the peak heights of portlandite in mixtures containing steel slag and calcined clay, regardless of their replacement percentage. Generally, all the blended cement samples performed appreciably in resisting sulphate attack. The results of this study demonstrate that using steel slag and calcined clay together can significantly improve the fresh and hardened properties of SCC without compromising its mechanical properties.
Progressing the Development of a Collaborative Metareasoning Framework: Prospects and Challenges
Authors: Richardson Beth H. , Ball Linden J.
Published: March 2024

Metareasoning refers to processes that monitor and control ongoing thinking and reasoning. The “metareasoning framework” that was established in the literature in 2017 has been useful in explaining how monitoring processes during reasoning are sensitive to an individual’s fluctuating feelings of certainty and uncertainty. The framework was developed to capture metareasoning at an individual level. It does not capture metareasoning during collaborative activities. We argue this is significant, given the many domains in which team-based reasoning is critical, including design, innovation, process control, defence and security. Currently, there is no conceptual framework that addresses the nature of collaborative metareasoning in these kinds of domains. We advance a framework of collaborative metareasoning that develops an understanding of how teams respond to the demands and opportunities of the task at hand, as well as to the demands and opportunities afforded by interlocuters who have different perspectives, knowledge, skills and experiences. We point to the importance of a tripartite distinction between “self-monitoring”, “other monitoring” and “joint monitoring”. We also highlight a parallel distinction between “self-focused control”, “other-focused control” and “joint control”. In elaborating upon these distinctions, we discuss the prospects for developing a comprehensive collaborative metareasoning framework with a unique focus on language as a measure of both uncertainty and misalignment.
Adding a Piece to the Puzzle? The Allocation of Figurative Language Comprehension into the CHC Model of Cognitive Abilities
Authors: Biesok Andra , Ziegler Matthias , Montag Christiane , Nenchev Ivan
Published: March 2024

The study aimed to investigate the allocation of figurative language comprehension (FLC) within the Cattell–Horn–Carroll (CHC) model of cognitive abilities, using three newly developed tests: the Reverse Paraphrase Test (RPT), the Literal Paraphrase Test (LPT), and the Proverb Test (PT). The analysis of a sample of 909 participants revealed that the RPT and LPT measured a unidimensional construct of FLC, while the PT was excluded due to insufficient fit. Combining RPT and LPT items, various models were evaluated, with a bifactor S-1 model showing the best fit, indicating the influence of a general factor (representing FLC) and test-specific method factors. The study explored FLC allocation within the CHC model, supporting its consideration as a distinct factor under the g factor. Examining the nomological network, significant correlations emerged between the Intellectual Curiosity and Aesthetic Sensitivity facets of Openness and FLC, which were comparable in size to the relation with general ability. In conclusion, the study enhances the understanding of FLC within the CHC model, advocating its recognition as a distinct factor. Correlations with Openness facets suggest valuable insights into the interplay between cognitive abilities and personality, necessitating further research for a deeper exploration of this relation.
Morpho-Molecular Characterization Reveals a New Genus, Three Novel Species and Two New Host Records in Xylariomycetidae
Authors: Li Wen-Li , Liang Rui-Ru , Yang Jing , Liu Jian-Kui
Published: March 2024

Xylariomycetidae comprises extremely diverse taxa that are widespread on decaying wood worldwide. An investigation of the diversity of microfungi on oil tree plantations in Sichuan Province was conducted during 2020–2021. Twelve saprobic taxa representing five species were identified as members of Amphisphaeriales and Xylariales through morphological comparisons. Phylogenetic analyses of combined ITS, LSU, rpb2, tub2 and tef1 sequence data indicated a distinct clade formed by three strains within Xylariomycetidae, unrelated to any currently recognized families. Thus, a novel anthostomella-like genus, Bicellulospora, is proposed and treated as Xylariales genera incertae sedis. Bicellulospora is characterized by dark brown to black, immersed, subglobose ascomata with a clypeus, cylindrical asci, and hyaline to yellowish brown, inequilaterally ellipsoidal ascospores with a large upper cell and a dwarf lower cell. Two new species of Amphisphaeria, namely A. oleae and A. verniciae, are introduced based on multi-gene phylogenetic analyses (ITS, LSU, rpb2 and tub2) coupled with morphological characteristics. Amphisphaeria micheliae and Endocalyx ptychospermatis are reported as new host records.
The Effects of Geopolitical Risk on Foreign Direct Investment in a Transition Economy: Evidence from Vietnam
Authors: Truong Loc Dong , Friday H. Swint , Pham Tan Duy
Published: March 2024

Foreign direct investment (FDI) is a key driver of economic development of both developed and developing countries. Understanding and having insights into the factors that motivate increased FDI arevery important for both academics and policy makers. A key factor that multinationals incorporate in their decisions on FDI is geopolitical risk (GPR). Therefore, this study is devotedto investigating the short-term and long-term effects of GPR on FDI in Vietnam. Data used in this study are the yearly geopolitical risk index, FDI, and other control variables covering the period from 1986 to 2021. Using the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) bounds testing approach, the empirical results confirm that geopolitical risk (GPR) has a significantly negative effect on FDI in Vietnam in the longterm. Specifically, in the longterm, 1 percent increase in the GPR index is associated with 5.7983 percent decrease in Vietnam’s FDI. In addition, the results derived from the ARDL model indicate that in the shortterm, GPR has a significantly positive effect on the FDI for the one-year lag, meaning that an increase in the GPR index leads to an increase in FDI. Moreover, the results derived from the error correction model (ECM) indicate that 42.89% of the disequilibria from the previous year are converged and corrected back to the long-run equilibrium in the current year. Based on the findings, some policy implications are drawn for policymakers to mitigate the negative effects of GPR on FDI.
Design and Optimization of a Robot Dosing Device for Aliquoting of Biological Samples Based on Genetic Algorithms
Authors: Rybak Larisa , Carbone Giuseppe , Malyshev Dmitry , Voloshkin Artem
Published: March 2024

Aliquoting of biological samples refers to the process of dividing a larger biological sample into smaller, representative portions known as aliquots. This procedure is commonly employed in laboratories, especially in fields like molecular biology, genetics, and clinical research. Currently, manual dosing devices are commonplace in laboratories, but they demand a significant amount of time for their manual operation. The automated dosing devices available are integrated into narrowly focused aliquoting systems and lack versatility as manipulator equipment. Addressing this limitation, a novel technical solution is proposed in this paper for a modular dosing device compatible with robotic manipulators. The paper introduces and details a mathematical model, optimizes its parameters, and constructs a detailed 3D model using the NX environment to demonstrate the engineering feasibility of our concept. It further outlines the development of a three-dimensional dynamic simulation model for the dosing device, comparing analytical calculations with simulation results. The construction of a dosing device prototype is discussed, followed by a comprehensive experimental validation.
Fuzzy Radar Evaluation Chart for Improving Machining Quality of Components
Authors: Chen Kuen-Suan , Yu Chun-Min , Lin Jin-Shyong , Huang Tsun-Hung , Zhong Yun-Syuan
Published: March 2024

Some studies have shown that any part machined by an outsourcer usually has several basic quality characteristics. When the outsourcer’s process capabilities are insufficient, the defective rate of various quality characteristics of the product will increase, thereby raising the rework rate and scrap rate. As a result, maintenance costs will go up, economic value will decrease, and even carbon emissions can increase during the production process. In addition, the process capability index and the radar chart are widely used in engineering management and other fields. Since process indicators often contain unknown parameters, sample data are needed for evaluation. With the rapid development of the Internet of Things and big data analysis, many companies regard rapid response as a basic requirement for timeliness and cost consideration. Therefore, companies often have to evaluate the process quality of ten small samples and decide whether to make some improvements. In order to solve the above problems, this study proposed a fuzzy radar chart evaluation model for the process quality of multi-quality characteristic parts based on the process capability index. Using this model can help all parts manufacturers continue to improve the quality of their machined parts as well as reduce their rework and scrap rates. Meanwhile, carbon emissions can be lessened during the production process, and companies can fulfill their social responsibilities. This fuzzy radar chart evaluation model is based on confidence intervals. As the company’s past experience is incorporated, the evaluation accuracy can be maintained even with a smaller sample size. Furthermore, the fuzzy radar evaluation chart can simultaneously evaluate the process capabilities of all quality characteristics of the part. In addition to making it easier for manufacturers to master all quality characteristics, quality process capability can also help them seize improvement opportunities.
The Ruler Sequence Revisited: A Dynamic Perspective
Authors: Nuño Juan Carlos , Muñoz Francisco J.
Published: March 2024

The Ruler function or the Gros sequence is a classical infinite integer sequence that underlies some interesting mathematical problems. In this paper, we provide four new problems containing this type of sequence: (i) demographic discrete dynamical automaton, (ii) the middle interval Cantor set, (iii) construction by duplication of polygons and (iv) the horizontal visibility sequence at the accumulation point of the Feigenbaum cascade. In all of them, the infinite sequence is obtained through a recursive procedure of duplication. The properties of the ruler sequence, in particular, those relating to recursiveness and self-containing, are used to achieve a deeper understanding of these four problems. These new representations of the ruler sequence could inspire new studies in the field of discrete mathematics.
Electrochemical Behavior of Niobium Oxide and Titanium Oxide in NaF–Na3AlF6 Molten Salt
Authors: Zhang Bo , Yu Shuiqing , Liang Yudong , Jiang Maofa
Published: March 2024

The Bayan Obo ore deposit is a world-renowned polymetallic coexistence mine that integrates important elements, such as rare earths, iron, niobium, and titanium. The chemical properties of niobium and titanium are similar, and the two often coexist in the Bayan Obo deposit as isomorphs, making them difficult to separate. Therefore, the separation of niobium and titanium is crucial for the efficient utilization of niobium resources in the Bayan Obo ore deposit of China. To discuss the feasibility of separating niobium and titanium by selective electrolysis, cyclic voltammetry and square wave voltammetry were used to study the reduction mechanism of niobium oxide and titanium oxide in NaF–Na3AlF6 molten salt. The results revealed significant differences in the diffusion coefficients and reduction steps of Nb5+ and Ti4+ during reduction at a molybdenum cathode. At 950 °C, the diffusion coefficient of Nb5+ during reduction at a molybdenum cathode was 3.57 × 10–6 cm2/s. Also, in the NaF–Na3AlF6 system, Nb5+ underwent a three-step reduction as follows: Nb(V)→Nb(IV)→Nb(I)→Nb. The diffusion coefficient of Ti4+ during reduction at the molybdenum cathode was 9.92 × 10–7 cm2/s, and Ti4+ underwent a two-step reduction in the NaF–Na3AlF6 system: Ti(IV)→Ti(I)→Ti. When Nb2O5 and TiO2 were both present in the NaF–Na3AlF6 system, the deposition potential of niobium metal (−0.64 V) differed from that of titanium metal (−0.77 V). These differences in diffusion coefficient, reduction step, and deposition potential enabled selective electrolytic separation of niobium and titanium.
In Vitro Astroglial Dysfunction Induced by Neurotoxins: Mimicking Astrocytic Metabolic Alterations of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Taday Jéssica , Fróes Fernanda Telles , Seady Marina , Gonçalves Carlos Alberto , Leite Marina Concli
Published: March 2024

Astrocytes play fundamental roles in the maintenance of brain homeostasis. The dysfunction of these cells is widely associated with brain disorders, which are often characterized by variations in the astrocyte protein markers GFAP and S100B, in addition to alterations in some of its metabolic functions. To understand the role of astrocytes in neurodegeneration mechanisms, we induced some of these metabolic alterations, such as energy metabolism, using methylglyoxal (MG) or fluorocitrate (FC); and neuroinflammation, using lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and streptozotocin (STZ), which is used for inducing Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in animal models. We showed that MG, LPS, STZ and FC similarly caused astrocyte dysfunction by increasing GFAP and reducing S100B secretion. In the context of AD, STZ caused an amyloid metabolism impairment verified by increases in Aβ1-40 peptide content and decreases in the amyloid degradation enzymes, IDE and NEP. Our data contribute to the understanding of the role of astrocytes in brain injury mechanisms and suggest that STZ is suitable for use in vitro models for studying the role of astrocytes in AD.
A Modulation Method for Tunnel Magnetoresistance Current Sensors Noise Suppression
Authors: Wang Shuaipeng , Huang Haichao , Yang Ying , Chen Yanning , Fu Zhen , Jin Zhenhu , Shi Zhenyu , Xiong Xingyin , Zou Xudong , Chen Jiamin
Published: March 2024

To mitigate the impact of low-frequency noise from the tunnel magnetoresistance (TMR) current sensor and ambient stray magnetic fields on weak current detection accuracy, we propose a high-resolution modulation-demodulation test method. This method modulates and demodulates the measurement signal, shifting low-frequency noise to the high-frequency band for effective filtering, thereby isolating the target signal from the noise. In this study, we developed a Simulink model for the TMR current sensor modulation-demodulation test method. Practical time-domain and frequency-domain tests of the developed high-resolution modulation-demodulation method revealed that the TMR current sensor exhibits a nonlinearity as low as 0.045%, an enhanced signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of 77 dB, and a heightened resolution of 100 nA. The findings indicate that this modulation-demodulation test method effectively reduces the impact of low-frequency noise on TMR current sensors and can be extended to other types of resistive devices.
Coinfection of Cage-Cultured Spotted Sea Bass (Lateolabrax maculatus) with Vibrio harveyi and Photobacterium damselae subsp. piscicida Associated with Skin Ulcer
Authors: Zhou Dandan , Zhang Binzhe , Dong Yuchen , Li Xuepeng , Zhang Jian
Published: March 2024

Spotted sea bass (Lateolabrax maculatus) is a high-economic-value aquacultural fish widely distributed in the coastal and estuarine areas of East Asia. In August 2020, a sudden outbreak of disease accompanied by significant mortality was documented in L. maculatus reared in marine cage cultures located in Nanhuang island, Yantai, China. Two coinfected bacterial strains, namely, NH-LM1 and NH-LM2, were isolated from the diseased L. maculatus for the first time. Through phylogenetic tree analysis, biochemical characterization, and genomic investigation, the isolated bacterial strains were identified as Vibrio harveyi and Photobacterium damselae subsp. piscicida, respectively. The genomic analysis revealed that V. harveyi possesses two circular chromosomes and six plasmids, while P. damselae subsp. piscicida possesses two circular chromosomes and two plasmids. Furthermore, pathogenic genes analysis identified 587 and 484 genes in V. harveyi and P. damselae subsp. piscicida, respectively. Additionally, drug-sensitivity testing demonstrated both V. harveyi and P. damselae subsp. piscicida exhibited sensitivity to chloramphenicol, ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, orfloxacin, minocycline, doxycycline, tetracycline, and ceftriaxone. Moreover, antibiotic resistance genes were detected in the plasmids of both strains. Extracellular product (ECP) analysis demonstrated that both V. harveyi and P. damselae subsp. piscicida can produce hemolysin and amylase, while V. harveyi additionally can produce caseinase and esterase. Furthermore, infected fish displayed severe histopathological alterations, including infiltration of lymphocytes, cellular degeneration and necrosis, and loose aggregation of cells. Artificial infection assays determined that the LD50 of P. damselae subsp. piscicida was 3 × 105 CFU/g, while the LD50 of V. harveyi was too low to be accurately evaluated. Furthermore, the dual infection of V. harveyi and P. damselae subsp. piscicida elicits a more rapid and pronounced mortality rate compared to single challenge, thereby potentially exacerbating the severity of the disease through synergistic effects. Ultimately, our findings offer compelling evidence for the occurrence of coinfections involving V. harveyi and P. damselae subsp. piscicida in L. maculatus, thereby contributing to the advancement of diagnostic and preventative measures for the associated disease.
Presence of Zonula Occludens Toxin-Coding Genes among Vibrio parahaemolyticus Isolates of Clinical and Environmental Origin
Authors: Iribarren Cristian , Plaza Nicolás , Ramírez-Araya Sebastián , Pérez-Reytor Diliana , Urrutia Ítalo M. , Suffredini Elisabetta , Vicenza Teresa , Ulloa Soledad , Fernández Jorge , Navarrete Paola , Jaña Victor , Pavez Leonardo , del Pozo Talía , Corsini Gino , Lopez-Joven Carmen , García Katherine
Published: March 2024

In recent studies, emphasis has been placed on the zonula occludens toxin (Zot) from the non-toxigenic Vibrio parahaemolyticus strain PMC53.7 as an agent inducing alterations in the actin cytoskeleton of infected Caco-2 cells and which appears as a relevant virulence factor. Universal zot primers were designed by the alignment of different types of zot gene and identification of conserved sequences to investigate the presence in diverse environmental and clinical V. parahaemolyticus isolates, in co-occurrence with virulence factors, such a hemolysins and secretion systems. The study screened a total of 390 isolates from environmental sources from Chile and Italy and 95 Chilean clinical isolates. The results revealed that around 37.2% of Chilean environmental strains and 25.9% of Italian strains, and 24.2% of clinical isolates carried the zot gene. The Zot-C2 cluster was present in 71.4% of Chilean environmental strains but absent in clinical isolates, while the Zot-C4 cluster was identified in 28.6% of environmental and 100% of clinical isolates. Understanding the role of zot in V. parahaemolyticus virulence is crucial, especially considering the risk associated with consuming diverse isolates from bivalves and the co-occurrence with virulence factors such as TDH, TRH or T3SS2.
Microplastics in Atlantic Ribbed Mussels (Geukensia demissa) from the Delaware Inland Bays, USA
Authors: Ashley Jeffrey , Pilat Amanda , Ohlweiler Ariana , Ogden Connor , Bradley Owen , Modi Priya , Talbot Spencer , Smith Caya , O’Pella Justin , Ozbay Gulnihal
Published: March 2024

Due to the prevalence of plastic pollution in coastal ecosystems, aquatic organisms are at high risk for accumulating microplastics (MPs). Filter-feeding bivalves, such as mussels and oysters, may be exposed to, and subsequently accumulate, MPs due to the high volume of water they pass through their bodies. This study assessed the levels of MPs within Atlantic ribbed mussels (Geukensia demissa), a common filter feeder found along the United States Atlantic Coast, from 12 sites within Rehoboth Bay, Indian River Bay, and Little Assawoman Bay, collectively known as the Delaware Inland Bays. Composited mussels from each site were digested using potassium hydroxide and filtered. Microplastics were physically identified, sorted based on color, and counted using a digital microscope. Microplastics, almost entirely dominated by synthetic microfibers, were found in all mussels well above laboratory blanks. Across all sites, 40% of microfibers were black, and 27% of fibers were clear. The composite concentrations of MPs ranged from 0.25 to 2.06 particles/g wet tissue, with a mean of 0.08 ± 0.06. In general, higher concentrations were found in mussels collected at sites that were adjacent to more urbanized land use versus those from rural sites. At two sites, individual mussels, in addition to composites, were analyzed and had MP concentrations ranging from 11 to 69 particles/mussel. This study represents the first evaluation of MPs in this ecologically important coastal species and suggests its viability as a biomonitoring species for microplastic pollution.
Boron Recovery from Organic Solutions Used in Brine Treatment through a Water Stream
Authors: Cerda Alejandra , Jara Mackarena , Yañez Osvaldo , Barrueto Yahaira , Jimenez Yecid P.
Published: March 2024

This research evaluates the modification of the lithium carbonate (Li2CO3) production process and particularly the boron removal step, which currently employs a recirculated stream. This recirculated stream is a liquor with low boron content but rich in lithium, currently being wasted. In this process, the recirculating stream is substituted with a freshwater stream. Boron is re-extracted from the loaded organic stream to form an input stream for a boric acid process. Under certain operational conditions, the formation of emulsions was observed; due to this, the analysis of emulsion formation involved controlling the pH of each sample, which lead to the development of a procedure to prevent such formations. From this analysis, it was determined that emulsions form in water with pH values below 1.3 and above 6.9. In addition, a speciation analysis showed that the concentrations of the H2BO3− and H+ species influence the formation of emulsions. The mass balance of the process showed that by replacing the recirculated stream, boron recovery of 89% was achieved, without the need to add new stages or equipment.
Novel Scaffold Agonists of the α2A Adrenergic Receptor Identified via Ensemble-Based Strategy
Authors: Sun Shiyang , Li Pengyun , Wang Jiaqi , Zhao Dongsheng , Yang Tingting , Zhou Peilan , Su Ruibin , Zheng Zhibing , Li Song
Published: March 2024

The α2A adrenergic receptor (α2A-AR) serves as a critical molecular target for sedatives and analgesics. However, α2A-AR ligands with an imidazole ring also interact with an imidazoline receptor as well as other proteins and lead to undesirable effects, motivating us to develop more novel scaffold α2A-AR ligands. For this purpose, we employed an ensemble-based ligand discovery strategy, integrating long-term molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and virtual screening, to identify new potential α2A-AR agonists with novel scaffold. Our results showed that compounds SY-15 and SY-17 exhibited significant biological effects in the preliminary evaluation of protein kinase A (PKA) redistribution assays. They also reduced levels of intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) in a dose-dependent manner. Upon treatment of the cells with 100 μM concentrations of SY-15 and SY-17, there was a respective decrease in the intracellular cAMP levels by 63.43% and 53.83%. Subsequent computational analysis was conducted to elucidate the binding interactions of SY-15 and SY-17 with the α2A-AR. The binding free energies of SY-15 and SY-17 calculated by MD simulations were −45.93 and −71.97 kcal/mol. MD simulations also revealed that both compounds act as bitopic agonists, occupying the orthosteric site and a novel exosite of the receptor simultaneously. Our findings of integrative computational and experimental approaches could offer the potential to enhance ligand affinity and selectivity through dual-site occupancy and provide a novel direction for the rational design of sedatives and analgesics.
Comparative Analysis of the Structure and Pharmacological Properties of Some Piperidines and Host–Guest Complexes of β-Cyclodextrin
Authors: Kemelbekov Ulan , Volynkin Vitaly , Zhumakova Symbat , Orynbassarova Kulpan , Papezhuk Marina , Yu Valentina
Published: March 2024

Pain and anesthesia are a problem for all physicians. Scientists from different countries are constantly searching for new anesthetic agents and methods of general anesthesia. In anesthesiology, the role and importance of local anesthesia always remain topical. In the present work, a comparative analysis of the results of pharmacological studies on models of the conduction and terminal anesthesia, as well as acute toxicity studies of the inclusion complex of 1-methyl-4-ethynyl-4-hydroxypiperidine (MEP) with β-cyclodextrin, was carried out. A virtual screening and comparative analysis of pharmacological activity were also performed on a number of the prepared piperidine derivatives and their host–guest complexes of β-cyclodextrin to identify the structure–activity relationship. Various programs were used to study biological activity in silico. For comparative analysis of chemical and pharmacological properties, data from previous works were used. For some piperidine derivatives, new dosage forms were prepared as beta-cyclodextrin host–guest complexes. Some compounds were recognized as promising local anesthetics. Pharmacological studies have shown that KFCD-7 is more active than reference drugs in terms of local anesthetic activity and acute toxicity but is less active than host–guest complexes, based on other piperidines. This fact is in good agreement with the predicted results of biological activity.
Exploring the Effect of Milk Fat on Fermented Milk Flavor Based on Gas Chromatography–Ion Mobility Spectrometry (GC-IMS) and Multivariate Statistical Analysis
Authors: Tan Chunlei , Tian Yang , Tao Liang , Xie Jing , Wang Mingming , Zhang Feng , Yu Zhijin , Sheng Jun , Zhao Cunchao
Published: March 2024

Milk fat is a premium nutritional health product, yet there is a lack of high-fat dairy products for daily consumption in the current market. This study investigated the influence of different milk fat contents on the physicochemical and textural properties of fermented milk. The research revealed that an increase in milkfat content significantly improved the water-holding capacity, syneresis, color, hardness, springiness, gumminess, and chewiness of fermented milk, while showing minimal changes in pH and total titratable acidity. Response surface analysis indicated that fermented milk with 25% milk fat, 2.5% inoculum, a fermentation time of 16 h, and a fermentation temperature of 30 °C exhibited the highest overall acceptability. Using GC-IMS technology, 36 volatile compounds were identified, with an increase in milk fat content leading to elevated levels of ketone compounds, and 14 compounds were defined as key aroma compounds (ROAV > 1). Electronic nose distinguished samples with different milk fat contents. The results demonstrate that an increase in milk fat content enhances the physicochemical and flavor attributes of fermented milk. This work provides theoretical references for the production and development of high-fat fermented milk.
Enhancement of Optical and Chemical Resistance Properties with a Novel Yellow Quinophthalone Derivative for Image Sensor Colorants
Authors: Park Sunwoo , Jillella Raveendra , Kwon Hyukmin , Park Sangwook , Lee Hayoon , Lee Kiho , Park Jongwook
Published: March 2024

A novel quinophthalone derivative, 4,5,6,7-tetrachloro-2-(2-(3-hydroxy-1-oxo-1H-cyclopenta[b]naphthalen-2-yl)quinolin-4-yl)isoindoline-1,3-dione (TCHCQ), was designed and synthesized as a yellow colorant additive for green color filters in image sensors. The characteristics of the new material were evaluated in terms of optical, thermal, and chemical properties under solution and color filter film conditions. TCHCQ exhibited a significantly enhanced molar extinction coefficient in solution, being 1.21 times higher than that of the commercially used yellow colorant Y138. It also demonstrated excellent thermal stability, with a decomposition temperature (Td) exceeding 450 °C. Utilizing the nano-pigmentation process, TCHCQ was used to prepare nano-sized particles with an excellent average size of 35 nm. This enabled the fabrication of a color filter film with outstanding properties. The optical properties of the produced film revealed outstanding yellow colorant transmittance of 0.97% at 435 nm and 91.2% at 530 nm. The color filter film exhibited similar optical and thermal stability to Y138, with an improved chemical stability, as evidenced by a ΔEab value of 0.52. The newly synthesized TCHCQ is considered a promising candidate for use as a yellow colorant additive in image sensor color filters, demonstrating superior optical, thermal, and chemical stability.
Synthesis and Study of SrTiO3/TiO2 Hybrid Perovskite Nanotubes by Electrochemical Anodization
Authors: Bissenova Madina , Umirzakov Arman , Mit Konstantin , Mereke Almaz , Yerubayev Yerlan , Serik Aigerim , Kuspanov Zhengisbek
Published: March 2024

Layers of TiO2 nanotubes formed by the anodization process represent an area of active research in the context of innovative energy conversion and storage systems. Titanium nanotubes (TNTs) have attracted attention because of their unique properties, especially their high surface-to-volume ratio, which makes them a desirable material for various technological applications. The anodization method is widely used to produce TNTs because of its simplicity and relative cheapness; the method enables precise control over the thickness of TiO2 nanotubes. Anodization can also be used to create decorative and colored coatings on titanium nanotubes. In this study, a combined structure including anodic TiO2 nanotubes and SrTiO3 particles was fabricated using chemical synthesis techniques. TiO2 nanotubes were prepared by anodizing them in ethylene glycol containing NH4F and H2O while applying a voltage of 30 volts. An anode nanotube array heat-treated at 450 °C was then placed in an autoclave filled with dilute SrTiO3 solution. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis showed that the TNTs were characterized by clear and open tube ends, with an average outer diameter of 1.01 μm and an inner diameter of 69 nm, and their length is 133 nm. The results confirm the successful formation of a structure that can be potentially applied in a variety of applications, including hydrogen production by the photocatalytic decomposition of water under sunlight.
Can a Fraction of Flour and Sugar Be Replaced with Fruit By-Product Extracts in a Gluten-Free and Vegan Cookie Recipe?
Authors: Breschi Carlotta , D’Agostino Silvia , Meneguzzo Francesco , Zabini Federica , Chini Jasmine , Lovatti Luca , Tagliavento Luca , Guerrini Lorenzo , Bellumori Maria , Cecchi Lorenzo , Zanoni Bruno
Published: March 2024

Certain food by-products, including not-good-for-sale apples and pomegranate peels, are rich in bioactive molecules that can be collected and reused in food formulations. Their extracts, rich in pectin and antioxidant compounds, were obtained using hydrodynamic cavitation (HC), a green, efficient, and scalable extraction technique. The extracts were chemically and physically characterized and used in gluten-free and vegan cookie formulations to replace part of the flour and sugar to study whether they can mimic the role of these ingredients. The amount of flour + sugar removed and replaced with extracts was 5% and 10% of the total. Physical (dimensions, color, hardness, moisture content, water activity), chemical (total phenolic content, DPPH radical-scavenging activity), and sensory characteristics of cookie samples were studied. Cookies supplemented with the apple extract were endowed with similar or better characteristics compared to control cookies: high spread ratio, similar color, and similar sensory characteristics. In contrast, the pomegranate peel extract enriched the cookies in antioxidant molecules but significantly changed their physical and sensory characteristics: high hardness value, different color, and a bitter and astringent taste. HC emerged as a feasible technique to enable the biofortification of consumer products at a real scale with extracts from agri-food by-products.
Preparation and Application of Polymer-Dispersed Liquid Crystal Film with Step-Driven Display Capability
Authors: Lin Hui , Zhao Yuzhen , Jiao Xiangke , Gao Hong , Guo Zhun , Wang Dong , Luan Yi , Wang Lei
Published: March 2024

The realization of multifunctional advanced displays with better electro-optical properties is especially crucial at present. However, conventional integral full drive-based transparent display is increasingly failing to meet the demands of the day. Herein, partitioned polymerization as a novel preparation method was introduced innovatively into polymer-dispersed liquid crystals (PDLC) for realizing a step-driven display in agreement with fluorescent dye to solve the above drawback. At first, the utilization of fluorescent dye to endow the PDLC film with fluorescent properties resulted in a reduction in the saturation voltage of the PDLC from 39.7 V to 25.5 V and an increase in the contrast ratio from 58.4 to 96.6. Meanwhile, the experimental observations and theoretical considerations have elucidated that variation in microscopic pore size can significantly influence the electro-optical behavior of PDLC. Then, the step-driven PDLC film was fabricated through the exposure of different regions of the LC cell to different UV-light intensities, resulting in stepwise voltage–transmittance (V–T) responses of the PDLC film for the corresponding regions. Consequently, under appropriate driving voltages, the PDLC can realize three different states of total scattering, semi-transparent and total transparent, respectively. In addition, the PDLC film also embodied an outstanding anti-aging property and UV-shielding performance, which makes it fascinating for multifunctional advanced display applications.
Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Chamaecyparis obtusa (Siebold & Zucc.) Endl. Leaf Essential Oil
Authors: Kim Sung-Hee , Jang Young-Ah , Kwon Yong-Jin
Published: March 2024

Chamaecyparis obtusa (Siebold & Zucc.) Endl. (C. obtusa) belongs to the Cupressaceae family and is native to East Asian regions. Essential oils extracted from the leaves, bark, branches, and roots of C. obtusa have both aesthetic and medicinal properties and are thus widely used. However, detailed analyses of the active ingredients of C. obtusa extract are lacking. In this study, the sabinene content in the hydro-distillation of C. obtusa leaf essential oil (COD) was analyzed using GC-MS, and the anti-inflammatory effect of COD was compared with that of pure sabinene. Cell viability was evaluated by MTT assay, and nitric oxide (NO) production was measured using Griess reagent. Relative mRNA and protein levels were analyzed using RT-qPCR and western blot, and secreted cytokines were analyzed using a cytokine array kit. The results showed that both COD and sabinene inhibited the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and the phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 cells. COD and sabinene also reduced the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-27, IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra), and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF). The anti-inflammatory mechanisms of COD and sabinene partially overlap, as COD was shown to inhibit MAPKs and the JAK/STAT axis, and sabinene inhibited MAPKs, thereby preventing LPS-induced macrophage activation.
An Exceptionally Active and Highly Selective Perchlorate Transporter Containing a Trimesic Amide Scaffold
Authors: Deng Shaowen , Li Zhongyan , Yuan Lin , Zeng Huaqiang
Published: March 2024

We report here a series of alkyl group-modified trimesic amide molecules (TAs) with excellent anion transport activities. Among them, TA6, with the highest ion transport activity and excellent selectivity, efficiently transports anions across the membrane in the order of ClO4− > I− > NO3− > Br− > Cl−, with an EC50 value as low as 17.6 nM (0.022 mol% relative to lipid molecules) for ClO4−, which outperforms other anions by 5- to 22-folds and manifests as the best perchlorate transporter ever reported.
Sub-Nanomolar Detection of Oligonucleotides Using Molecular Beacons Immobilized on Lightguiding Nanowires
Authors: Johansson Therese B. , Davtyan Rubina , Valderas-Gutiérrez Julia , Gonzalez Rodriguez Adrian , Agnarsson Björn , Munita Roberto , Fioretos Thoas , Lilljebjörn Henrik , Linke Heiner , Höök Fredrik , Prinz Christelle N.
Published: March 2024

The detection of oligonucleotides is a central step in many biomedical investigations. The most commonly used methods for detecting oligonucleotides often require concentration and amplification before detection. Therefore, developing detection methods with a direct read-out would be beneficial. Although commonly used for the detection of amplified oligonucleotides, fluorescent molecular beacons have been proposed for such direct detection. However, the reported limits of detection using molecular beacons are relatively high, ranging from 100 nM to a few µM, primarily limited by the beacon fluorescence background. In this study, we enhanced the relative signal contrast between hybridized and non-hybridized states of the beacons by immobilizing them on lightguiding nanowires. Upon hybridization to a complementary oligonucleotide, the fluorescence from the surface-bound beacon becomes coupled in the lightguiding nanowire core and is re-emitted at the nanowire tip in a narrower cone of light compared with the standard 4π emission. Prior knowledge of the nanowire positions allows for the continuous monitoring of fluorescence signals from each nanowire, which effectively facilitates the discrimination of signals arising from hybridization events against background signals. This resulted in improved signal-to-background and signal-to-noise ratios, which allowed for the direct detection of oligonucleotides at a concentration as low as 0.1 nM.