bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structural Characterization of La0.6Sr0.4CoO3−δ Thin Films Grown on (100)-, (110)-, and (111)-Oriented La0.95Sr0.05Ga0.95Mg0.05O3−δ
Authors: Ražnjević Sergej , Drev Sandra , Bumberger Andreas E. , Popov Maxim N. , Siebenhofer Matthäus , Böhme Christin , Chen Zhuo , Huang Yong , Riedl Christoph , Fleig Jürgen , Čeh Miran , Kubicek Markus , Zhang Zaoli
Published: April 2024

In this study, a detailed structural characterization of epitaxial La0.6Sr0.4CoO3−δ (LSC) films grown in (100), (110), and (111) orientations was conducted. LSC is a model air electrode material in solid oxide fuel and electrolysis cells and understanding the correlation of bulk structure and catalytic activity is essential for the design of future electrode materials. Thin films were grown on single crystals of the perovskite material La0.95Sr0.05Ga0.95Mg0.05O3−δ cut in three different directions. This enabled an examination of structural details at the atomic scale for a realistic material combination in solid oxide cells. The investigation involved the application of atomic force microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy to explore the distinct properties of these thin films. Interestingly, ordering phenomena in both cationic as well as anionic sublattices were found, despite the fact that the thin films were never at higher temperatures than 600 °C. Cationic ordering was found in spherical precipitates, whereas the ordering of oxygen vacancies led to the partial transition to brownmillerite in all three orientations. Our results indicate a very high oxygen vacancy concentration in all three thin films. Lattice strains in-plane and out-of-plane was measured, and its implications for the structural modifications are discussed.
Study on CFRP-Strengthened Welded Steel Plates with Inclined Welds Considering Welding Residual Stress
Authors: Ding Xinyu , Liang Xu , Chen Man-Tai , Hu Lili
Published: April 2024

Welded steel plates are widely used in various structural applications, and the presence of inclined welds is often encountered in practical scenarios. Carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) has been proven to be effective for strengthening steel structures. However, the behavior of CFRP-strengthened welded steel plates with inclined welds, particularly considering the influence of welding residual stress, is limited. This paper aims to investigate the tensile behavior of CFRP-strengthened welded Q355 steel plates with inclined welds considering welding residual stress (WRS). First, WRS data were obtained by the X-ray diffraction (XRD) method at different locations. The maximum tensile and compressive residual stresses are 0.39 and 0.14 times the yield strength of the steel, respectively. Then, finite element models were established to investigate the effects of weld angles, weld width, and height on the WRS distribution of welded steel plates. Finally, the tensile performance of CFRP-strengthened welded plates with WRS was studied by numerical simulation. The results showed that the weld angles have little effect on the distribution pattern of residual stress but significantly affect the peak tensile WRS. When the weld angle changes from 0° to 60°, the peak tensile WRS decreases significantly from 0.32 to 0.06 times the yield strength of steel; furthermore, the influence of weld width and height on WRS is relatively limited. Under tension loading, the maximum stress occurs near the weld. The ends of the weld enter the yielding state later than the middle part of the weld due to the distribution of the WRS. As the weld angle increases and the length of the weld increases, the stress in the weld zone decreases, while the stress in the base material zone correspondingly increases. In addition, CFRP strengthening can reduce the magnitude of stress. This study provides preliminary references for understanding the tensile behavior of CFRP-strengthened welded steel plates with inclined welds.
Secure Multiple-Image Transfer by Hybrid Chaos System: Encryption and Visually Meaningful Images
Authors: Zareimani Ebrahim , Parvaz Reza
Published: April 2024

The secure transmission of information is one of the most important topics in the field of information technology. Considering that images contain important visual information, it is crucial to create a safe platform for image transfer. One commonly employed tool to enhance the complexity and randomness in image encryption methods is the chaos system. The logistic and sine maps are utilized in encryption algorithms but these systems have some weaknesses, notably chaotic behavior in a confined area. In this study, to address these weaknesses, a hybrid system based on the Atangana–Baleanu fractional derivative is proposed. The various tests employed to evaluate the behavior of the new system, including the NIST test, histogram analysis, Lyapunov exponent calculation, and bifurcation diagram, demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed system. Furthermore, in comparison to the logistic and sine maps, the proposed hybrid exhibits chaotic behavior over a broader range. This system is utilized to establish a secure environment for the transmission of multiple images within an encryption algorithm, subsequently concealing them within a meaningful image. Various tools employed to assess the security of the proposed algorithm, including histogram analysis, NPCR, UACI, and correlation values, indicate that the proposed hybrid system has application value in encryption.
The Gauge Equation in Statistical Manifolds: An Approach through Spectral Sequences
Authors: Boyom Michel Nguiffo , Puechmorel Stephane
Published: April 2024

The gauge equation is a generalization of the conjugacy relation for the Koszul connection to bundle morphisms that are not isomorphisms. The existence of nontrivial solution to this equation, especially when duality is imposed upon related connections, provides important information about the geometry of the manifolds under consideration. In this article, we use the gauge equation to introduce spectral sequences that are further specialized to Hessian structures.
A Comprehensive Interaction in Multiscale Multichannel EEG Signals for Emotion Recognition
Authors: Guo Yiquan , Zhang Bowen , Fan Xiaomao , Shen Xiaole , Peng Xiaojiang
Published: April 2024

Electroencephalogram (EEG) is the most preferred and credible source for emotion recognition, where long-short range features and a multichannel relationship are crucial for performance because numerous physiological components function at various time scales and on different channels. We propose a cascade scale-aware adaptive graph convolutional network and cross-EEG transformer (SAG-CET) to explore the comprehensive interaction between multiscale and multichannel EEG signals with two novel ideas. First, to model the relationship of multichannel EEG signals and enhance signal representation ability, the multiscale EEG signals are fed into a scale-aware adaptive graph convolutional network (SAG) before the CET model. Second, the cross-EEG transformer (CET), is used to explicitly capture multiscale features as well as their correlations. The CET consists of two self-attention encoders for gathering features from long-short time series and a cross-attention module to integrate multiscale class tokens. Our experiments show that CET significantly outperforms a vanilla unitary transformer, and the SAG module brings visible gains. Our methods also outperform state-of-the-art methods in subject-dependent tasks with 98.89%/98.92% in accuracy for valence/arousal on DEAP and 99.08%/99.21% on DREAMER.
Ethanol Extract of Limonium bicolor Improves Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Ulcerative Colitis by Alleviating Inflammation and Restoring Gut Microbiota Dysbiosis in Mice
Authors: Jia Wei , Yu Siyu , Liu Xi , Le Qingqing , He Xiwen , Yu Lutao , He Jianlin , Yang Longhe , Gao Huiyuan
Published: April 2024

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a kind of inflammatory bowel condition characterized by inflammation within the mucous membrane, rectal bleeding, diarrhea, and pain experienced in the abdominal region. Existing medications for UC have limited treatment efficacy and primarily focus on symptom relief. Limonium bicolor (LB), an aquatic traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), exerts multi-targeted therapeutic effects with few side effects and is used to treat anemia and hemostasis. Nevertheless, the impact of LB on UC and its mechanism of action remain unclear. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects and mechanism of action of ethanol extract of LB (LBE) in lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages and dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced UC. The results showed that LBE suppressed the secretion of cytokines in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells in a dose-dependent manner. LBE had protective effects against DSS-induced colitis in mice, decreased the disease activity index (DAI) score, alleviated symptoms, increased colon length, and improved histological characteristics, thus having protective effects against DSS-induced colitis in mice. In addition, it reversed disturbances in the abundance of proteobacteria and probiotics such as Lactobacillus and Blautia in mice with DSS-induced UC. Based on the results of network pharmacology analysis, we identified four main compounds in LBE that are associated with five inflammatory genes (Ptgs2, Plg, Ppar-γ, F2, and Gpr35). These results improve comprehension of the biological activity and functionality of LB and may facilitate the development of LB-based compounds for the treatment of UC.
Study of Assimilation of Cored Wire into Liquid Steel Baths
Authors: Castro-Cedeno Edgar-Ivan , Jourdan Julien , Martens Jonathan , Bellot Jean-Pierre , Jardy Alain
Published: April 2024

Cored wire is a widespread technology used for performing additions into liquid metal baths as an alternative to bulk-additions. A laboratory-scale study was performed in which the kinetics of assimilation of cored wire in liquid steel baths were studied. An original dataset of positions of the wire/melt interface of cored wire as a function of the time and steel bath temperature was produced. The dataset was compared against results of simulations made with a transient 1D (radial) thermal model of the assimilation of cored wire, and demonstrated reasonable agreement. Hence, this paper provides a dataset that can be used as a resource for the validation of future developments in the field of modeling cored wire injection into liquid metal baths.
Optimization of High-Alumina Blast Furnace Slag Based on Exergy Analysis
Authors: Wang Zhen , Zheng Haiyan , Zhang Yan , Ge Liang
Published: April 2024

Raw material with a high Al2O3 content has led to an increase in the Al2O3 content in blast furnace slag, which has affected the normal operation of a blast furnace. The exergy analysis method is an important method for studying the energy utilization of high-alumina blast furnace smelting. In this paper, to investigate the impact of slag composition on exergy efficiency and optimize exergy efficiency during the smelting process of high Al2O3 iron ore, a gray box exergy analysis model of blast furnace smelting and an objective function for minimizing the total exergy loss were developed. The results indicated that the blast furnace smelting process had an exergy efficiency (η) of 28.29% for hot metal and slag; the exergy efficiency of the blast furnace did not significantly increase with the increasing w(MgO)/w(Al2O3) and R (w(CaO)/w(SiO2)), but the exergy efficiency of the blast furnace declined with increasing w(Al2O3). The regional optimal solution for the objective function method was 7129.42 MJ with slag compositions of R = 1.295, w(MgO)/w(Al2O3) = 0.545, and w(Al2O3) = 15%.
Chronic Administration of Exogenous Lactate Increases Energy Expenditure during Exercise through Activation of Skeletal Muscle Energy Utilization Capacity in Mice
Authors: Jang Inkwon , Kyun Sunghwan , Hwang Deunsol , Kim Taeho , Lim Kiwon , Park Hun-Young , Kim Sung-Woo , Kim Jisu
Published: April 2024

We compared the effects of chronic exogenous lactate and exercise training, which influence energy substrate utilization and body composition improvements at rest and during exercise, and investigated the availability of lactate as a metabolic regulator. The mice were divided into four groups: CON (sedentary + saline), LAC (sedentary + lactate), EXE (exercise + saline), and EXLA (exercise + lactate). The total experimental period was set at 4 weeks, the training intensity was set at 60–70% VO2max, and each exercise group was administered a solution immediately after exercise. Changes in the energy substrate utilization at rest and during exercise, the protein levels related to energy substrate utilization in skeletal muscles, and the body composition were measured. Lactate intake and exercise increased carbohydrate oxidation as a substrate during exercise, leading to an increased energy expenditure and increased protein levels of citrate synthase and malate dehydrogenase 2, key factors in the TCA(tricarboxylic acid) cycle of skeletal muscle. Exercise, but not lactate intake, induced the upregulation of the skeletal muscle glucose transport factor 4 and a reduction in body fat. Hence, chronic lactate administration, as a metabolic regulator, influenced energy substrate utilization by the skeletal muscle and increased energy expenditure during exercise through the activation of carbohydrate metabolism-related factors. Therefore, exogenous lactate holds potential as a metabolic regulator.
A Comparative Analysis of Polysaccharides and Ethanolic Extracts from Two Egyptian Sweet Potato Cultivars, Abees and A 195: Chemical Characterization and Immunostimulant Activities
Authors: Elgabry Rehab M. , Hassan Mariam , Fawzy Ghada A. , Meselhy Khaled M. , Mohamed Osama G. , Al-Taweel Areej M. , Sedeek Mohamed S.
Published: April 2024

Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.) belongs to family Convolvulaceae. The plant is distributed worldwide and consumed, especially for its edible tubers. Many studies have proved that the plant has variable biological activities such as antidiabetic, anti-cancer, antihypertensive, antimicrobial, and immunostimulant activities. The roots of sweet potatoes are rich in valuable phytochemical constituents that vary according to the flesh color. Our investigation focused on the chemical profiling of two Egyptian sweet potato cultivars, Abees and A 195, using UPLC-QTOF and the analysis of their polysaccharide fractions by GC-MS. Furthermore, we assessed the immunostimulant properties of these extracts in immunosuppressed mice. The study revealed that sweet potato roots contain significant concentrations of phenolic acids, including caffeoylquinic, caffeic, caffeoyl-feruloyl quinic, and p-coumaric acids, as well as certain flavonoids, such as diosmin, diosmetin, and jaceosidin, and coumarins, such as scopoletin and umbelliferone. Moreover, polysaccharides prepared from both studied cultivars were analyzed using GC-MS. Further biological analysis demonstrated that all the tested extracts possessed immunostimulant properties by elevating the level of WBCs, IL-2, TNF, and IFN-γ in the immunosuppressed mice relative to the control group with the highest values in polysaccharide fractions of A195 (the ethanolic extract showed a higher effect on TNF and IFN-γ, while its polysaccharide fraction exhibited a promising effect on IL-2 and WBCs). In conclusion, the roots of the Egyptian sweet potato cultivars Abees and A 195 demonstrated significant immunostimulant activities, which warrants further investigation through clinical studies.
Hypoglycemic Activity of Rice Resistant-Starch Metabolites: A Mechanistic Network Pharmacology and In Vitro Approach
Authors: Ren Jianing , Dai Jing , Chen Yue , Wang Zhenzhen , Sha Ruyi , Mao Jianwei , Mao Yangchen
Published: April 2024

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is one of the primary sources of energy and nutrients needed by the body, and rice resistant starch (RRS) has been found to have hypoglycemic effects. However, its biological activity and specific mechanisms still need to be further elucidated. In the present study, 52 RRS differential metabolites were obtained from mouse liver, rat serum, canine feces, and human urine, and 246 potential targets were identified through a literature review and database analysis. A total of 151 common targets were identified by intersecting them with the targets of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). After network pharmacology analysis, 11 core metabolites were identified, including linolenic acid, chenodeoxycholic acid, ursodeoxycholic acid, deoxycholic acid, lithocholic acid, lithocholylglycine, glycoursodeoxycholic acid, phenylalanine, norepinephrine, cholic acid, and L-glutamic acid, and 16 core targets were identified, including MAPK3, MAPK1, EGFR, ESR1, PRKCA, FYN, LCK, DLG4, ITGB1, IL6, PTPN11, RARA, NR3C1, PTPN6, PPARA, and ITGAV. The core pathways included the neuroactive ligand–receptor interaction, cancer, and arachidonic acid metabolism pathways. The molecular docking results showed that bile acids such as glycoursodeoxycholic acid, chenodeoxycholic acid, ursodeoxycholic acid, lithocholic acid, deoxycholic acid, and cholic acid exhibited strong docking effects with EGFR, ITGAV, ITGB1, MAPK3, NR3C1, α-glucosidase, and α-amylase. In vitro hypoglycemic experiments further suggested that bile acids showed significant inhibitory effects on α-glucosidase and α-amylase, with CDCA and UDCA having the most prominent inhibitory effect. In summary, this study reveals a possible hypoglycemic pathway of RRS metabolites and provides new research perspectives to further explore the therapeutic mechanism of bile acids in T2DM.
Characterization and Discrimination of Marigold Oleoresin from Different Origins Based on UPLC-QTOF-MS Combined Molecular Networking and Multivariate Statistical Analysis
Authors: Cai Xingfu , Wu Juanjuan , Lian Yunhe , Yang Shuaiyao , Xue Qiang , Li Dewang , Wu Di
Published: April 2024

Marigold oleoresin is an oil-soluble natural colorant mainly extracted from marigold flowers. Xinjiang of China, India, and Zambia of Africa are the three main production areas of marigold flowers. Therefore, this study utilized ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS) technology, combined with Global Natural Products Social Molecular Networking (GNPS) and multivariate statistical analysis, for the qualitative and discriminant analysis of marigold oleoresin obtained from three different regions. Firstly, 83 compounds were identified in these marigold oleoresin samples. Furthermore, the results of a principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) indicated significant differences in the chemical compositions of the marigold oleoresin samples from different regions. Finally, 12, 23, and 38 differential metabolites were, respectively, identified by comparing the marigold oleoresin from Africa with Xinjiang, Africa with India, and Xinjiang with India. In summary, these results can be used to distinguish marigold oleoresin samples from different regions, laying a solid foundation for further quality control and providing a theoretical basis for assessing its safety and nutritional aspects.
Towards a Point-of-Care Test of CD4+ T Lymphocyte Concentrations for Immune Status Monitoring with Magnetic Flow Cytometry
Authors: Leuthner Moritz , Reisbeck Mathias , Helou Michael , Hayden Oliver
Published: April 2024

For the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients, the regular assessment of the immune status is indispensable. The quantification of CD4+ T lymphocytes in blood by gold standard optical flow cytometry is not point-of-care testing (POCT) compatible. This incompatibility is due to unavoidable pre-analytics, expensive and bulky optics with limited portability, and complex workflow integration. Here, we propose a non-optical, magnetic flow cytometry (MFC) workflow that offers effortless integration opportunities, including minimal user interaction, integrated sample preparation and up-concentration, and miniaturization. Furthermore, we demonstrate immunomagnetic CD4+ T lymphocyte labeling in whole blood with subsequent quantification using sheath-less MFC. Showing linearity over two log scales and being largely unimpaired by hematocrit, evidence is provided for POCT capabilities of HIV patients.
A Ternary Inverter Based on Hybrid Conduction Mechanism of Band-to-Band Tunneling and Drift-Diffusion Process
Authors: Lu Bin , Ma Xin , Wang Dawei , Chai Guoqiang , Chen Yulei , Li Zhu , Dong Linpeng
Published: April 2024

In this paper, a novel transistor based on a hybrid conduction mechanism of band-to-band tunneling and drift-diffusion is proposed and investigated with the aid of TCAD tools. Besides the on and off states, the proposed device presents an additional intermediate state between the on and off states. Based on the tri-state behavior of the proposed TDFET (tunneling and drift-diffusion field-effect transistor), a ternary inverter is designed and its operation principle is studied in detail. It was found that this device achieves ternary logic with only two components, and its structure is simple. In addition, the influence of the supply voltage and the key device parameters are also investigated.
Design and Analysis Method of Piezoelectric Liquid Driving Device with Elastic External Displacement
Authors: Li Wangxin , Ge Mingfeng , Jia Ruihao , Zhao Xin , Zhao Hailiang , Dong Chuanhe
Published: April 2024

In piezoelectric drive, resonant drive is an important driving mode in which the external elastic force and electric drive signal are the key factors. In this paper, the effects of the coupling of external elastic force and liquid parameters with the structure on the vibrator resonance frequency and liquid drive are analyzed by numerical simulation. The fluid-structure coupling model for numerical analysis of the elastic force was established, the principle of microdroplet generation and the coupling method of the elastic force were studied, and the changes in the resonant frequency and mode induced by the changes in the liquid parameters in different cavities were analyzed. Through the coupled simulation and calculation of the pressure and deformation of the cavity, the laser vibration measurement test was carried out to test the effect of the vibration mode analysis. The driving model of the fluid jet driven by the elastic force on the piezoelectric drive was further established. The changing shape of the fluid jet under different elastic forces was analyzed, and the influence law of the external elastic force on the change in the droplet separation was determined. It provides reference support for further external microcontrol of droplet motion.
The Study on Single-Event Effects and Hardening Analysis of Frequency Divider Circuits Based on InP HBT Process
Authors: Zhao Xiaohong , Su Yongbo , Chen You , Zhang Yihao , Xiang Jianjun , Cheng Siyi , Bai Yurong
Published: April 2024

The single-event effects (SEEs) of frequency divider circuits and the radiation tolerance of the hardened circuit are studied in this paper. Based on the experimental results of SEEs in InP HBTs, a transient current model for sensitive transistors is established, taking into account the influence of factors such as laser energy, base-collector junction voltage, and radiation position. Moreover, the SEEs of the (2:1) static frequency divider circuit with the InP DHBT process are simulated under different laser energies by adding the transient current model at sensitive nodes. The effect of the time relationship between the pulsed laser and clock signal are discussed. Changes in differential output voltage and the degradation mechanism of unhardened circuits are analyzed, which are mainly attributed to the cross-coupling effect between the transistors in the differential pair. Furthermore, the inverted output is directly connected to the input, leading to a feedback loop and causing significant logic upsets. Finally, an effective hardened method is proposed to provide redundancy and mitigate the impacts of SEEs on the divider. The simulation results demonstrate a notable improvement in the radiation tolerance of the divider.
A 2 μm Wavelength Band Low-Loss Spot Size Converter Based on Trident Structure on the SOI Platform
Authors: Wang Zhutian , Xu Chenxi , Shi Zhiming , Ye Nan , Guo Hairun , Pang Fufei , Song Yingxiong
Published: April 2024

A 2 μm wavelength band spot size converter (SSC) based on a trident structure is proposed, which is coupled to a lensed fiber with a mode field diameter of 5 μm. The cross-section of the first segment of the tapered waveguide structure in the trident structure is designed as a right-angled trapezoidal shape, which can further improve the performance of the SSC. The coupling loss of the SSC is less than 0.9 dB in the wavelength range of 1.95~2.05 μm simulated by FDTD. According to the experimental results, the lowest coupling loss of the SSC is 1.425 dB/facet at 2 μm, which is close to the simulation result. The device is compatible with the CMOS process and can provide a good reference for the development of 2 μm wavelength band integrated photonics.
Formation of Calcium Ferrite Containing Aluminum (CFA) in Sintering of Iron Ore Fines
Authors: Du Yu , Guo Hui , Guo Xing-Min
Published: April 2024

Calcium ferrite containing aluminum (CFA) is a precursor of the low-temperature bonding phase in the sintering process of iron ore fines for blast furnace ironmaking. Thus, improving the formation of CFA at lower temperature is very important for saving energy, improving efficiency and production. In this paper, the formation process of CFA was investigated at 1200 °C by reactions of alumina (Al2O3), respectively with a mixture of calcium oxide (CaO) and hematite (Fe2O3) and monocalcium ferrite (CF) as a recognized initial product, as well as reaction of Al-containing hematite (Hss) with CF. The result confirmed that CF is an intermediate product formed easily in the sintering process, and it may react with excessive Fe2O3 to generate an alpha-calcium iron oxide (Ca2Fe15.50O25) as a new phase. It was found that CFA can be formed directly by reactions of CF with Hss and Ca2Fe15.50O25 with Al2O3, while the reaction of CF with Al2O3 is more helpful in generating Ca2Fe15.5O25 rather than CFA, simultaneously forming a calcium aluminum oxide (CaAl2O4, CA; CaAl4O7, CA2). It was revealed that the appearance of CA and CA2 is a main reason to hinder CFA formation in the sintering process of iron ore fines.
Stability of CO2 Fluid in Eclogitic Mantle Lithosphere: Thermodynamic Calculations
Authors: Vinogradova Yulia G. , Shatskiy Anton
Published: April 2024

Findings of solid and liquefied CO2 in diamonds from kimberlites and placers have indicated its presence in the form of a fluid phase in the Earth’s mantle at depths of 150–250 km. However, this is inconsistent with the results of experiments and existing thermodynamic calculations. To clarify this, we carried out thermodynamic modeling of garnet–CO2 and bimineral eclogite–CO2 systems using the Perple_X v. 7.1.3 software package, which establishes the most thermodynamically favorable assemblages for a given bulk composition of the system, unlike previous calculations, for which the phase relationships were simply assumed. The key difference between our results and previously known data is the presence of a region of partial carbonation. In this region, the garnet and clinopyroxene of the new compositions, CO2 fluid, carbonates, kyanite, and coesite are in equilibrium. The calculations revealed that unlike endmember systems (pyrope–CO2 and diopside–CO2) in the eclogite–CO2 system, the carbonation and decarbonation lines do not coincide, and the Grt+Cpx+CO2 and Carb+Ky+Coe+Cpx fields are separated by the Grt+Cpx+CO2+Carb+Ky+Coe region, which extends to pressures exceeding 4.3–6.0 GPa at 1050–1200 °C. This should extend the CO2 stability field in the eclogitic mantle to lower temperatures. Yet, owing to the short CO2 supply in the real mantle, the CO2 fluid should be completely spent on the carbonation of eclogite just below the eclogite + CO2 field. Thus, according to the obtained results, the CO2 fluid is stable in the eclogitic mantle in the diamond stability field at temperatures exceeding 1250 °C and pressures of 5–6 GPa.
Evaluation of the Thermal, Chemical, Mechanical, and Microbial Stability of New Nanohybrids Based on Carboxymethyl-Scleroglucan and Silica Nanoparticles for EOR Applications
Authors: Castro Rubén H. , Corredor Laura M. , Llanos Sebastián , Rodríguez Zully P. , Burgos Isidro , Niño Jhorman A. , Idrobo Eduardo A. , Romero Bohórquez Arnold R. , Zapata Acosta Karol , Franco Camilo A. , Cortés Farid B.
Published: April 2024

Scleroglucan (SG) is resistant to harsh reservoir conditions such as high temperature, high shear stresses, and the presence of chemical substances. However, it is susceptible to biological degradation because bacteria use SG as a source of energy and carbon. All degradation effects lead to viscosity loss of the SG solutions, affecting their performance as an enhanced oil recovery (EOR) polymer. Recent studies have shown that nanoparticles (NPs) can mitigate these degradative effects. For this reason, the EOR performance of two new nanohybrids (NH-A and NH-B) based on carboxymethyl-scleroglucan and amino-functionalized silica nanoparticles was studied. The susceptibility of these products to chemical, mechanical, and thermal degradation was evaluated following standard procedures (API RP 63), and the microbial degradation was assessed under reservoir-relevant conditions (1311 ppm and 100 °C) using a bottle test system. The results showed that the chemical reactions for the nanohybrids obtained modified the SG triple helix configuration, impacting its viscosifying power. However, the nanohybrid solutions retained their viscosity during thermal, mechanical, and chemical degradation experiments due to the formation of a tridimensional network between the nanoparticles (NPs) and the SG. Also, NH-A and NH-B solutions exhibited bacterial control because of steric hindrances caused by nanoparticle modifications to SG. This prevents extracellular glucanases from recognizing the site of catalysis, limiting free glucose availability and generating cell death due to substrate depletion. This study provides insights into the performance of these nanohybrids and promotes their application in reservoirs with harsh conditions.
Cognitive Impulsivity in Anorexia Nervosa in Correlation with Eating and Obsessive Symptoms: A Comparison with Healthy Controls
Authors: Bevione Francesco , Martini Matteo , Toppino Federica , Longo Paola , Abbate-Daga Giovanni , Brustolin Annalisa , Panero Matteo
Published: April 2024

Impulsivity in eating disorders (ED) has been historically focused on bingeing–purging symptoms, evidencing lower levels in restricting subtypes. In the recent literature, obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) has been described as characterized by high cognitive impulsivity. This specific impulsivity factor has been rarely studied in anorexia nervosa (AN). In this study, 53 inpatients with anorexia nervosa and 59 healthy controls completed the following questionnaires: the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11), the Obsessive–Compulsive Inventory (OCI), the Eating Disorders Inventory—2 (EDI–2), the State–Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). AN individuals showed significantly increased levels of cognitive instability but no difference in global score and other subscales of impulsivity compared to the healthy controls. Among AN individuals, cognitive instability emerged as being associated with the global score and obsession subscale of the OCI. It was also significantly associated with interoceptive awareness and impulse regulation. Cognitive instability was the main predictor of obsessive thoughts and behaviors in AN. Our study supports the hypothesis of AN as being characterized by high cognitive instability and adds the result that the cognitive domain of impulsivity may be associated with the presence of obsessive symptoms, specifically obsessive thoughts.
Impact of Plant Protein Intakes on Nutrient Adequacy in the US
Authors: Fulgoni Victor L. , Agarwal Sanjiv , Marinangeli Christopher P. F. , Miller Kevin
Published: April 2024

There is an increasing interest in plant-based diets and higher levels of plant proteins due to rising concerns around health and environmental sustainability issues. We determined the effects of increasing quartiles of plant protein in the diet on nutrient adequacy using a large nationally representative observational dataset. Twenty-four-hour dietary-recall data from NHANES 2013–2018 from 19,493 participants aged 9+ years were used to assess nutrient intakes. Nutritional adequacy was assessed by estimating the percentage of the population with intakes below the EAR or above the AI. A quartile trend was assessed using regression and the significance was set at Pquartile trend < 0.05. With increasing quartiles of plant protein, the adequacy decreased for calcium, potassium, and vitamin D and increased for copper and magnesium for adolescents. Among the adults aged 19–50 years, the adequacy decreased for protein, choline, selenium, vitamin B12, and zinc and increased for copper, folate, iron, magnesium, thiamin, and vitamin C with increasing quartiles of plant protein. The adequacy for calcium, vitamin A, and zinc decreased and it increased for copper, folate, magnesium, thiamin, and vitamin C with increasing quartiles of plant protein among adults aged 51+ years. The results indicate that diets of mixed protein sources (from both animals and plants) are the most nutritionally adequate.
Antitumor Effect and Gut Microbiota Modulation by Quercetin, Luteolin, and Xanthohumol in a Rat Model for Colorectal Cancer Prevention
Authors: Pérez-Valero Álvaro , Magadán-Corpas Patricia , Ye Suhui , Serna-Diestro Juan , Sordon Sandra , Huszcza Ewa , Popłoński Jarosław , Villar Claudio J. , Lombó Felipe
Published: April 2024

Colorectal cancer stands as the third most prevalent form of cancer worldwide, with a notable increase in incidence in Western countries, mainly attributable to unhealthy dietary habits and other factors, such as smoking or reduced physical activity. Greater consumption of vegetables and fruits has been associated with a lower incidence of colorectal cancer, which is attributed to their high content of fiber and bioactive compounds, such as flavonoids. In this study, we have tested the flavonoids quercetin, luteolin, and xanthohumol as potential antitumor agents in an animal model of colorectal cancer induced by azoxymethane and dodecyl sodium sulphate. Forty rats were divided into four cohorts: Cohort 1 (control cohort), Cohort 2 (quercetin cohort), Cohort 3 (luteolin cohort), and Cohort 4 (xanthohumol cohort). These flavonoids were administered intraperitoneally to evaluate their antitumor potential as pharmaceutical agents. At the end of the experiment, after euthanasia, different physical parameters and the intestinal microbiota populations were analyzed. Luteolin was effective in significantly reducing the number of tumors compared to the control cohort. Furthermore, the main significant differences at the microbiota level were observed between the control cohort and the cohort treated with luteolin, which experienced a significant reduction in the abundance of genera associated with disease or inflammatory conditions, such as Clostridia UCG-014 or Turicibacter. On the other hand, genera associated with a healthy state, such as Muribaculum, showed a significant increase in the luteolin cohort. These results underline the anti-colorectal cancer potential of luteolin, manifested through a modulation of the intestinal microbiota and a reduction in the number of tumors.
Mendelian Randomization Analysis Identifies Inverse Causal Relationship between External Eating and Metabolic Phenotypes
Authors: Timasheva Yanina , Balkhiyarova Zhanna , Avzaletdinova Diana , Morugova Tatyana , Korytina Gulnaz F. , Nouwen Arie , Prokopenko Inga , Kochetova Olga
Published: April 2024

Disordered eating contributes to weight gain, obesity, and type 2 diabetes (T2D), but the precise mechanisms underlying the development of different eating patterns and connecting them to specific metabolic phenotypes remain unclear. We aimed to identify genetic variants linked to eating behaviour and investigate its causal relationships with metabolic traits using Mendelian randomization (MR). We tested associations between 30 genetic variants and eating patterns in individuals with T2D from the Volga-Ural region and investigated causal relationships between variants associated with eating patterns and various metabolic and anthropometric traits using data from the Volga-Ural population and large international consortia. We detected associations between HTR1D and CDKAL1 and external eating; between HTR2A and emotional eating; between HTR2A, NPY2R, HTR1F, HTR3A, HTR2C, CXCR2, and T2D. Further analyses in a separate group revealed significant associations between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and the loci in CRP, ADCY3, GHRL, CDKAL1, BDNF, CHRM4, CHRM1, HTR3A, and AKT1 genes. MR results demonstrated an inverse causal relationship between external eating and glycated haemoglobin levels in the Volga-Ural sample. External eating influenced anthropometric traits such as body mass index, height, hip circumference, waist circumference, and weight in GWAS cohorts. Our findings suggest that eating patterns impact both anthropometric and metabolic traits.
The Role of Oxidative Stress in Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Preclinical Studies
Authors: Rabelo Ana Carolina Silveira , Andrade Amanda Kelly de Lima , Costa Daniela Caldeira
Published: April 2024

Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (AFLD) is characterized by the accumulation of lipids in liver cells owing to the metabolism of ethanol. This process leads to a decrease in the NAD+/NADH ratio and the generation of reactive oxygen species. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to investigate the role of oxidative stress in AFLD. A total of 201 eligible manuscripts were included, which revealed that animals with AFLD exhibited elevated expression of CYP2E1, decreased enzymatic activity of antioxidant enzymes, and reduced levels of the transcription factor Nrf2, which plays a pivotal role in the synthesis of antioxidant enzymes. Furthermore, animals with AFLD exhibited increased levels of lipid peroxidation markers and carbonylated proteins, collectively contributing to a weakened antioxidant defense and increased oxidative damage. The liver damage in AFLD was supported by significantly higher activity of alanine and aspartate aminotransferase enzymes. Moreover, animals with AFLD had increased levels of triacylglycerol in the serum and liver, likely due to reduced fatty acid metabolism caused by decreased PPAR-α expression, which is responsible for fatty acid oxidation, and increased expression of SREBP-1c, which is involved in fatty acid synthesis. With regard to inflammation, animals with AFLD exhibited elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-a, IL-1β, and IL-6. The heightened oxidative stress, along with inflammation, led to an upregulation of cell death markers, such as caspase-3, and an increased Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. Overall, the findings of the review and meta-analysis indicate that ethanol metabolism reduces important markers of antioxidant defense while increasing inflammatory and apoptotic markers, thereby contributing to the development of AFLD.
Recombinant Vaccine Strain ASFV-G-Δ9GL/ΔUK Produced in the IPKM Cell Line Is Genetically Stable and Efficacious in Inducing Protection in Pigs Challenged with the Virulent African Swine Fever Virus Field Isolate Georgia 2010
Authors: Ramirez-Medina Elizabeth , Rai Ayushi , Espinoza Nallely , Spinard Edward , Silva Ediane , Burton Leeanna , Clark Jason , Meyers Amanda , Valladares Alyssa , Velazquez-Salinas Lauro , Gay Cyril G. , Gladue Douglas P. , Borca Manuel V.
Published: April 2024

We have previously reported that the recombinant African Swine Fever (ASF) vaccine candidate ASFV-G-Δ9GL/ΔUK efficiently induces protection in domestic pigs challenged with the virulent strain Georgia 2010 (ASFV-G). As reported, ASFV-G-Δ9GL/ΔUK induces protection, while intramuscularly (IM), administered at doses of 104 HAD50 or higher, prevents ASF clinical disease in animals infected with the homologous ASFV g strain. Like other recombinant vaccine candidates obtained from ASFV field isolates, ASFV-G-Δ9GL/ΔUK stocks need to be produced in primary cultures of swine macrophages, which constitutes an important limitation in the production of large virus stocks at the industrial level. Here, we describe the development of ASFV-G-Δ9GL/ΔUK stocks using IPKM (Immortalized Porcine Kidney Macrophage) cells, which are derived from swine macrophages. We show that ten successive passages of ASFV-G-Δ9GL/ΔUK in IPKM cells induced small changes in the virus genome. The produced virus, ASFV-G-Δ9GL/ΔUKp10, presented a similar level of replication in swine macrophages cultures to that of the original ASFV-G-Δ9GL/ΔUK (ASFV-G-Δ9GL/ΔUKp0). The protective efficacy of ASFV-G-Δ9GL/ΔUKp10 was evaluated in pigs that were IM-inoculated with either 104 or 106 HAD50 of ASFV-G-Δ9GL/ΔUKp10. While animals inoculated with 104 HAD50 present a partial protection against the experimental infection with the virulent parental virus ASFV-G, those inoculated with 106 HAD50 were completely protected. Therefore, as was just recently reported for another ASF vaccine candidate, ASFV-G-ΔI177L, IPKM cells are an effective alternative to produce stocks for vaccine strains which only grow in swine macrophages.
Emerging Approaches for Mitigating Biofilm-Formation-Associated Infections in Farm, Wild, and Companion Animals
Authors: Araújo Daniela , Silva Ana Rita , Fernandes Rúben , Serra Patrícia , Barros Maria Margarida , Campos Ana Maria , Oliveira Ricardo , Silva Sónia , Almeida Carina , Castro Joana
Published: April 2024

The importance of addressing the problem of biofilms in farm, wild, and companion animals lies in their pervasive impact on animal health and welfare. Biofilms, as resilient communities of microorganisms, pose a persistent challenge in causing infections and complicating treatment strategies. Recognizing and understanding the importance of mitigating biofilm formation is critical to ensuring the welfare of animals in a variety of settings, from farms to the wild and companion animals. Effectively addressing this issue not only improves the overall health of individual animals, but also contributes to the broader goals of sustainable agriculture, wildlife conservation, and responsible pet ownership. This review examines the current understanding of biofilm formation in animal diseases and elucidates the complex processes involved. Recognizing the limitations of traditional antibiotic treatments, mechanisms of resistance associated with biofilms are explored. The focus is on alternative therapeutic strategies to control biofilm, with illuminating case studies providing valuable context and practical insights. In conclusion, the review highlights the importance of exploring emerging approaches to mitigate biofilm formation in animals. It consolidates existing knowledge, highlights gaps in understanding, and encourages further research to address this critical facet of animal health. The comprehensive perspective provided by this review serves as a foundation for future investigations and interventions to improve the management of biofilm-associated infections in diverse animal populations.
Development of CuO Nanoparticles from the Mucus of Garden Snail Cornu aspersum as New Antimicrobial Agents
Authors: Dolashka Pavlina , Marinova Karina , Petrov Petar , Petrova Ventsislava , Ranguelov Bogdan , Atanasova-Vladimirova Stella , Kaynarov Dimitar , Stoycheva Ivanka , Pisareva Emiliya , Tomova Anna , Kosateva Angelina , Velkova Lyudmila , Dolashki Aleksandar
Published: April 2024

Several biologically active compounds involved in the green synthesis of silver and gold nanoparticles have been isolated from snail mucus and characterized. This paper presents a successful method for the application of snail mucus from Cornu aspersum as a bioreducing agent of copper sulfate and as a biostabilizer of the copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs-Muc) obtained. The synthesis at room temperature and neutral pH yielded nanoparticles with a spherical shape and an average diameter of 150 nm. The structure and properties of CuONPs-Muc were characterized using various methods and techniques, such as ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–vis), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), one-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (1D-PAGE), up-conversion infrared spectroscopy Fourier transform (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy combined with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM/EDS), Raman spectroscopy and imaging, thermogravimetric analysis (TG-DSC), etc. Mucus proteins with molecular weights of 30.691 kDa and 26.549 kDa were identified, which are involved in the biogenic production of CuONPs-Muc. The macromolecular shell of proteins formed around the copper ions contributes to a higher efficiency of the synthesized CuONPs-Muc in inhibiting the bacterial growth of several Gram-positive (Bacillus subtilis NBIMCC2353, Bacillus spizizenii ATCC 6633, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538, Listeria innocua NBIMCC8755) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli ATCC8739, Salmonella enteitidis NBIMCC8691, Salmonella typhimurium ATCC 14028, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia ATCC 17666) bacteria compared to baseline mucus. The bioorganic synthesis of snail mucus presented here provides CuONPs-Muc with a highly pronounced antimicrobial effect. These results will expand knowledge in the field of natural nanomaterials and their role in emerging dosage forms.
A Novel Class of Human ADAM8 Inhibitory Antibodies for Treatment of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Mineva Nora D. , Pianetti Stefania , Das Sonia G. , Srinivasan Srimathi , Billiald Nicolas M. , Sonenshein Gail E.
Published: April 2024

New targeted treatments are urgently needed to improve triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) patient survival. Previously, we identified the cell surface protein A Disintegrin And Metalloprotease 8 (ADAM8) as a driver of TNBC tumor growth and spread via its metalloproteinase and disintegrin (MP and DI) domains. In proof-of-concept studies, we demonstrated that a monoclonal antibody (mAb) that simultaneously inhibits both domains represents a promising therapeutic approach. Here, we screened a hybridoma library using a multistep selection strategy, including flow cytometry for Ab binding to native conformation protein and in vitro cell-based functional assays to isolate a novel panel of highly specific human ADAM8 dual MP and DI inhibitory mAbs, called ADPs. The screening of four top candidates for in vivo anti-cancer activity in an orthotopic MDA-MB-231 TNBC model of ADAM8-driven primary growth identified two lead mAbs, ADP2 and ADP13. Flow cytometry, hydrogen/deuterium exchange–mass spectrometry (HDX-MS) and alanine (ALA) scanning mutagenesis revealed that dual MP and DI inhibition was mediated via binding to the DI. Further testing in mice showed ADP2 and ADP13 reduce aggressive TNBC characteristics, including locoregional regrowth and metastasis, and improve survival, demonstrating strong therapeutic potential. The continued development of these mAbs into an ADAM8-targeted therapy could revolutionize TNBC treatment.