bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Variability of nutrient transport and associated upper ocean primary production induced by Kuroshio meanders in the Enshu-nada Sea, Japan
Authors: Namazue Gaku , Uchiyama Yusuke , Zhang Xu , Masunaga Eiji
Published: January 2025

Towards the desirable preservation of the marine environment under a changing global climate, this study aims to investigate the coastal biological response to varying oceanic conditions, namely the Kuroshio meander, and associated nitrate transport on the Pacific coast of Japan around the Enshu-nada Sea, using a coupled three-dimensional regional ocean circulation model with a nitrogen-based ecosystem model. A prominent difference was found in nitrate transport processes between for a period when the Kuroshio took a meandering path and for a non-meandering period, leading to about 1.5 times higher surface primary production measured by chlorophyl-a concentration during the non-meandering period than during the meandering period. The upper ocean nitrate flux budget analysis showed that the subsurface nitrate was transported upward as a vertical diffusive flux around the north (shoreward) of the Kuroshio path and as a mean vertical advective flux in the Kuroshio downstream region around the Izu-Ogasawara Ridge. In contrast, high-frequency eddy vertical advective fluxes caused downward transport, but to a degree about 20% smaller than the other fluxes. After nitrate was supplied to the upper layer, it was transported horizontally by the counterclockwise rotating cyclonic eddy formed between the coast and the Kuroshio and supplied to phytoplankton in the Enshu-nada Sea. These results suggest that carbon sequestration due to biological pump may also vary in response to the Kuroshio that is influenced by basin-scale oceanic conditions.
Production of calcined eggshell: Process description and economic analysis
Authors: Lim Jun Jie , Sethupathi Sumathi , Mohd Ismail Nor Ismaliza
Published: January 2025

Adsorbents derived from eggshell (ES) have been proven to be effective for a variety of pollutants including organic and inorganic pollutants from different types of wastewater. Calcined eggshell (CES) had demonstrated a significant performance in which are on par with or even exceeds the commercially available adsorbents for phosphorus removal or recovery. This study aims to develop the process flow diagram for large scale production of CES with an overall economic analysis. A process flow diagram was developed starting from the transportation to storage of final product, CES. Calculation of process parameters were based on 1,000kg ES/day with 50% yield after the calcination process, generating about 475 kg CES/day. The total production cost was RM542,809.82 for producing 148, 675 kg of CES per annum. Based on these values, the cost of CES production per kg was estimated as RM3.58 or 0.76 USD. There is a great potential for CES in the future for the remediation of water and air pollutants.
Three-dimensional flow structures modelling based on a depth-integrated method in a sharply curved open channel over topography
Authors: Lugina Fikry Purwa , Uchida Tatsuhiko , Blanckaert Koen
Published: January 2025

In this study, we introduce the bottom velocity calculation (BVC) technique, a depth-integrated approach for modeling three-dimensional flow systems in the two-dimensional (2D) river management model framework. The method has been expanded to a general coordinate system and its applicability to flow in bends and meanders for the applications to rivers. The method was validated to a laboratory experiment conducted in a sharply curved channel over topography. The pattern of water surface elevation and vertical velocity distribution can be replicated by the BVC method’s models, which also show strong qualitative agreement with the experimental dataset and 3D model. The benefit of using the BVC technique instead of the 2D model is verified; the 2D model is unable to replicate the profile since it does not take into account three-dimensional flow structures. As seen above, the BVC method is helpful in evaluating the river environment because it can account for the complicated material transports caused by three-dimensional flows in the meandering sections of the river channel.
Potential of a novel and thermostable recombinant phage endolysin of Escherichia phage KW1E_UTAR against Shigella spp.
Authors: Selvam Dharshini , Mohd Ismail Nor Ismaliza , Ng Michelle Y. T.
Published: January 2025

Shigella causes millions of cases and hundreds of thousands of deaths annually, mainly affecting children in impoverished countries. Shigellosis outbreaks have been linked to waterborne transmission, and chlorination is commonly used to disinfect water. However, the emergence of chlorine-resistant Shigella spp. is a concern. Therefore, it is imperative to develop an alternative antibacterial agent such as endolysin against the Shigella spp. In this study, the Escherichia phage KW1E_UTAR gene encoding for endolysin was successfully cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli pET-28a. The purified endolysin was characterized, and its antibacterial activity was determined. The purified endolysin remained stable between pH 4 and 9, and at a broad range of temperature (4°C–75°C). The endolysin's storage stability was tested for one week, one month, and three months at different temperatures (4°C, −20°C, and −80°C). Despite over 50% drop in the lytic activity, the purified endolysin outperformed the commercial lysozyme. Besides, all four Shigella spp. tested were susceptible to the purified endolysin, with Shigella flexneri being the most prominent. Subsequently, the purified endolysin’s effectiveness in removing S. flexneri from spiked water samples was evaluated. After an hour of treatment, the number of viable bacteria in the water samples was reduced by 99.9%. Therefore, endolysin could be effective at eradicating Shigella spp. in various water sources.
An overview of the use of photocatalysis in the environmental control of textile effluent
Authors: Masiren Emyra Ezzaty , Ong Huei Ruey , Khan Md Maksudur Rahmad
Published: January 2025

This study offers a thorough examination of the use of photocatalysts in textile effluent management for environmental goals. Textiles are produced on a big scale to fulfil human requirements and have become an essential part of daily life. Clothes and textiles are essential components of contemporary civilisation and human existence. As the market for textile products has grown, so too has the number of textile mills and the waste they produce, creating a significant global pollution problem. Numerous materials used in the textile industry provide serious risks to human health and the environment. A vast array of speciality chemicals, like as softeners, stain-releasing agents, saturating agents, fixing agents, and different organic dyes, are used in the textile industry. This technique has resulted in the discharge of colourants and other dye-laden effluents into river systems. This research focusses on three key areas: (i) the definition and operation of textile wastewater; (ii) the use of photocatalysts in textile wastewater treatment; and (iii) the impact of nanophotocatalysts and irradiation absorption rate on the treatment efficiency of textile wastewater. One effective way to lower the number of pollutants in textile effluent before releasing it into aquatic bodies is by photocatalytic treatment. This tactic aids in achieving the main objectives of preserving the integrity of water resources and lessening the negative environmental effects of waste from the textile sector.
Removal of copper (II) ions from aqueous solution using acid- and alkali-treated carbonized mangosteen peel as adsorbent
Authors: Anee Sweatha , Krishnan Soundarajan
Published: January 2025

The level of toxic heavy metals from the industrial effluents, seeping into neighbouring waterbodies and agricultural land, must be reduced. Biosorption is a highly effective option. Fruit peels, a typical agricultural waste, have been widely employed as low-cost biosorbents. The purpose of this study is to investigate the removal of copper (Il) ions from aqueous solution using carbonized mangosteen peel. The aim of this research is to prepare the biosorbent, activate it with H2SO4 or KOH, carbonize the pulverized mangosteen peel and to optimize parameters such adsorbent dosage, agitation speed, initial metal-ion concentration, pH and contact time on percentage removal of Cu (II) ions. The adsorption isotherms have been studied using Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms, and the internal mass transfer coefficient has been investigated. Mangosteen peel was soaked in 5 mol% H2SO4 or 5 mol% KOH for one day, dried, and carbonized at 300°C for 30 min. Optimal conditions of 300 rpm agitation, initial metal-ion concentration 150 mg/L, 100 mg adsorbent dosage, pH 2 for H2SO4 treatment, 60 min contact time for maximum copper (II) ion uptake. The Freundlich isotherm model is found to fit the experimental data satisfactorily, with an R2 of 0.8273. The correlation coefficient of 0.9993 for pseudo-second-order model gives the best fit for kinetic data studied with an internal mass transfer coefficient of 0.9976.
One-step hydrothermal fabrication of AgInS2/SnIn4S8 nanocomposite with enhanced visible-light-activated photocatalytic activity
Authors: Zhong Fei , Zhu Zong Qiang
Published: January 2025

In this experiment, AgInS2/SnIn4S8 materials were prepared via one-step hydrothermal method using silver chloride, the indium trichloride, stannic chloride and thioacetamide as source of silver, indium, tin and sulfur sources, respectively. The structure, content and optical property of the as-synthesized AgInS2/SnIn4S8 nanocomposite were investigated by powder Xray diffraction, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy. The ratio of AgInS2 to SnIn4S8 was optimized. When the molar amount of AgInS2 to SnIn4S8 is 0.6, AgInS2/SnIn4S8 composite photocatalyst shows the highest photocatalytic activity for degrading 2-nitrophenol (2NP) due to large absorption range and visible-light response. AgInS2/SnIn4S8 composites not only can degrade 2NP and tetracycline, but also had good mineralization efficiency for pharmaceutical industry wastewater.
A preliminary study of health risk assessment and heavy metals exposure among residents in Kampar, Perak
Authors: Low Yi Chen , Hang Zhong Yu , Guo XinXin , How Vivien , Wai Soon Han , Lim Fang Lee
Published: January 2025

This preliminary study focused on assessing the carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risk of residents due to heavy metal exposure in the indoor settled dust of 34 randomly selected households in Kampar, Perak, Malaysia. The indoor dust samples of residential houses (n=34) were collected and analysed for the concentration of heavy metals (Fe, Zn, Cu, Pb, Cr, Mn) using inductively coupled plasma mass optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Health risk due to heavy metals exposure were assessed by determining the Carcinogenic Risk (CR), Hazard Quotient (HQ) and Hazard Index (HI). Results showed median concentrations of heavy metals in the indoor settled dust samples were in descending order of: Zn (6367.75 mg/kg) >Fe (2064.81 mg/kg) >Pb (59.22 mg/kg) >Cu (49.36 mg/kg) >Mn (41.97 mg/kg) >Cr (22.75 mg/kg). Carcinogenic risk (CR) of Pb and Cr of both adults and children were within the accepted limit (1 × 10−4 to 1 × 10−6). Whereas the HQ and HI of the heavy metals for both adults and children were below 1 which indicates there is no non-carcinogenic risk posed to the Kampar community. Nevertheless, this study provides crucial baseline data for researchers and government authorities in studying and developing indoor air quality relevant guidelines and regulations in Malaysia.
Study on mitigating sediment and flood disasters with sand retarding basins in consideration of natural river environment
Authors: Ishikura Mikako , Kimura Ichiro , Harada Norio
Published: January 2025

“Sediment and Flood Disaster (SFD)” has recently been newly defined as a river disaster type. To mitigate SFD while considering river environment, sand retarding basins (SRB) are constructed upstream of the river for protection. In this study, we conducted laboratory experiments on the SRB to mitigate SFD and examine its fundamental aspects. Three types of SRB with different aspect ratios (B/b, where B is the width of the SRB and b is the width of the channel) were considered. Two experiments were conducted. In Case A, the water discharge was fixed at three different values, and the capture ratio of sand was measured 10 min after the start of discharge (quasi-equilibrium state). In Case B, the amount of sand in the SRB was measured every two minutes, thereby examining the temporal changes in the amount of sand deposited in the SRB. For B/b > 2, sand outflow was observed to slow down. For B/b > 3, a prolonged sand retention effect was observed.
Effect of flowrate on the size segregation of magnetic nanoparticles by using continuous flow magnetic separator
Authors: Khew Chung Wei , Ng Wei Ming , Leong Sim Siong , Wong Ling Yong , Toh Pey Yi
Published: January 2025

Magnetic Nanoparticles (MNPs) possess significant potential across various sectors due to their versatility. However, specific MNP sizes are crucial for effective utilization. Traditional methods for synthesizing monodispersed MNPs are often expensive, complex, or environmentally harmful. This study proposes the effect of flow rate on the size segregation of MNPs using a continuous flow low gradient magnetic separator (CFLGMS). To produce MNPs that are monodispersed, firstly, MNPs undergo functionalization with the polyelectrolyte, poly (sodium 4-styrene sulfonate) (PSS), to enhance colloidal stability. Employing PSS molecules as splicing agents effectively inhibits MNP aggregation. To further enhance the monodispersity of MNPs, continuous flow is facilitated by configuring three separator columns in series, with permanent magnets (NdFeB) attached to the sides. As larger MNPs exhibit stronger magnetic field attraction, resulting in their capture by magnets first, followed by smaller MNPs, and finally the smallest ones. Consequently, MNPs captured in Column 1 possess the largest size, while those in Column 3 have the smallest size. Additionally, this paper investigates the impact of solution flowrate on size segregation efficiency. By varying the solution flow rate (10 mL/min, 15 mL/min, and 20 mL/min), it is found that the performance of the size segregation system is higher under the lower solution flowrate.
Kaolin-supported molybdovanado phosphoric acid as green catalyst for fluoride ion removal in water
Authors: Mayani Suranjana V. , Arunachalam Kantha Deivi , Nikam Rahul , Bhattacharya Debleena , Sharma Archana , Mayani Vishal J.
Published: January 2025

Using the impregnation approach, molybdovanado phosphoric acid (MVPA) has been immobilized onto kaolin resulting in a green heterogeneous catalyst (MVPA@Kaolin). A comprehensive physicochemical analysis was performed on the catalyst. Because of its uses in fine chemicals and medicines, this hybrid material is meant to be used as a sustainable catalyst. To investigate the catalyst, a variety of physicochemical characterization approaches were used. Through the adsorption of fluoride, the performance of the material was evaluated with temperature, pH, catalyst load, and contact time. The results demonstrated rapid and efficient fluoride removal, with a removal efficiency of more than 85 % in a little contact time. The optimum pH obtained as 1 with fluoride removal efficiency of 84 %, catalyst load 5 g/L (85 %), and temperature 50 oC (85 %). Additionally, composite material regeneration and reusability were investigated. The results aid in the creation of effective and environmentally sustainable fluoride-in water treatments.
Optical microscopic study of the stress induced corrosion of brass and aluminium in dilute electrolyte, and the inhibition effect of Cedrus Atantica and Ocimum Basilicum
Authors: Tolulope Loto Roland , Loto Cleophas , Usua Idorenyin
Published: January 2025

Optical microscopic analysis of the stress induced (85% calculated stress) corrosion of brass in 1M ammonium sulfate [(NH4)2SO4] + 1M copper (II) sulfate (CuSO4) solution, and aluminium in 0.5M, 1M and 2M sulfuric (H2SO4) solution at 10% and 20% addition of Cedrus Atlantica and Ocimum basilicum Linn. essential oil extracts were documented. The optical images obtained showed the effect of both extracts on the alloys. Optical images of aluminium in the presence of Cedrus Atlantica showed increased susceptibility of the alloy to localized and general corrosion compared to Ocimum basilicum Linn which enhanced the corrosion resistance of aluminium. Cedrus Atlantica increased the susceptibility of alpha brass to corrosion compared to the solution without it. In the absence of Cedrus Atlantica, general surface deterioration was observed without any localized corrosion. However, at 10% Cedrus Atlantica concentration superficial crack was observed. The crack further increased to visible intergranular crack (fracture) at 20% Cedrus Atlantica concentration. Ocimum basilicum Linn performed effectively at 10% concentration, sustaining the corrosion resistance of brass in 1M (NH4)2SO4 + 1M CuSO4 solution. At 20% Ocimum basilicum Linn concentration superficial cracking appeared.
Assessment of Photovoltaic-Thermal (PV-T) system feasibility in Malaysia: A comprehensive study
Authors: Hui Tang Jing , Bahar Rubina , Low Jaslyn , Jun Hieng Kiat
Published: January 2025

Malaysia’s current renewable energy utilization for domestic usage is primarily limited to photovoltaic (PV) systems only, which leaves a gap in understanding the hybrid PV-Thermal (PV-T) performance within the Malaysian context, encompassing efficiency and economy. This study analyzes and compares three cases theoretically: i) PV only, ii) Solar Thermal (ST) only, and iii) PV-T combined hybrid systems in terms of energy load and economy for a Malaysian household. Return on Investment (ROI) analysis reveals that the PV-T combined hybrid system exhibits superior efficiency with a lower ROI. The study reveals that the theoretical PV-T combined hybrid system can reach up to an overall efficiency of 77.11% with a lowered mass flow rate of the cooling water. The PV-T system also has a favorable payback period of 6.54 years, and the ROI for the PV-T system is 15.30%, while the ROI for PV only is 4.81%. The ST system has an efficiency of 72.38%, a payback period of 7.39 years, and an ROI of 13.53%.
Characterization of zeolitic imidazole framework (ZIF-8) catalyst for potential biodiesel production from waste cooking oil (WCO)
Authors: Chai Xin Hui , Ng Law Yong , Ng Ching Yin , Sim Jia Huey , Lim Ying Pei , Liew Josephine Ying Chyi
Published: January 2025

Heteropoly acids (HPAs) catalysts prove effective in waste cooking oil biodiesel production, considering their high density of Brønsted acidic sites, exhibit significant resilience to elevated levels of free fatty acid (FFA) and moisture content. However, the separation of HPA catalysts after biodiesel production is challenging due to their homogeneous catalytic nature. This study aims to develop magnetic vanadium-substituted HPAbased ZIF-8 composites to create a catalyst for biodiesel production from WCO that is more efficient and easier to separate. In this work, a range of analytical methods was utilized to characterize the catalyst, such as Fouriertransform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX), highresolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), and a vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The successful incorporation of HPA acid into the magnetite ZIF-8 nanocomposite was indicated by prominent bands in the FTIR analysis, and this formation was further validated by EDX analysis. The VSM results also revealed that the nanocomposite has good magnetic responsiveness, facilitating catalyst separation and recycling. The magnetic ZIF-8 composites functionalized with H6PV3MoW8O40 demonstrated significant potential for sustainable biodiesel production from WCO.
Dynamic evaluation of water resource carrying capacity in Hainan Island based on improved TOPSIS model
Authors: Wang Wen , Yang Bo
Published: January 2025

Introducing a GIS based analysis matrix of inherent condition indicators and grading standards for engineering water supply, an improved TOPSIS model was used to evaluate the water resource carrying capacity of 17 cities and counties on Hainan Island. The results show a poor evaluation level of water resource carrying capacity in most cities and counties. There is a weakness of water supply capacity, as well as a high level of demand pressure for water resources. The main limiting factors for cities and counties with a rating of "Poor" are reflected in water use efficiency indicators. The water resource carrying capacity of the central and southern regions is better than that of the northeast region.
Evaluation of the combined toxicity of compound pollutants of azole fungicides to Raphidocelis subcapitata
Authors: Huang Yongxiang , Guo Dijie , Qin Litang
Published: January 2025

In order to investigate the combined toxicity of compound contaminated azole fungicides on alage. Systematic investigation of Difenoconazole, Penconazole, Metconazole, Tetraconazole, Flutriafol, Fuberidazole, Triflumizole, Terrazole, HyMexazol, 9 azole fungicides as the components of the mixture. Thirty-five binary mixture systems with 173 mixture rays were designed by direct equipartition ray method. The growth inhibition toxicity of binary mixtures to Raphidocelis subcapitata was determined by 96-well microplates. Toxic interactions were qualitatively analyzed by Concentration addition (CA) and Independent Action (IA) models. Model Deviation Ratio (MDR) was used to quantitatively evaluate the toxic interaction of binary mixtures of azole fungicides, as well as the equivalent graph method, Toxic Unit (TU) method, additivity Index method (AI), Toxicity Index (MTI) and Combination Index (CI) methods were used to analyze the combined toxicity and toxic interaction of the mixture. The results showed that the frequency of synergistic effect was higher when mixed with Difenoconazole, Penconazole and Triflumizole, and the binary mixing with Flutriafol, Fuberidazole and Metconazole could reduce the toxicity of the mixture, showing additive and antagonistic effects. The toxicity of the mixture ranged from 3.053 to 6.415. In addition, at ambient concentrations, the mixture interaction is dominated by addition.
Heavy metals in sediments and fishery catches from the Beibu Gulf, China: Bioaccumulation, potential risks, and human
Authors: Zhao Shuwen , Huang Liangliang , Wang Caiguang , Yang Yiheng , Yang Xi
Published: January 2025

In this study, 3 species of fishey catches (Pennahia macrocephalus, Saurida tumbil, and Upeneus sulphureus) and sediments were collected from the Beibu Gulf to identify the residual levels, human health risk, and ecological risk of HMs (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn). The average concentrations (dry weight) of As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn in the three species of fish were recorded as follows: 10.94, 0.11, 0.55, 2.00, 5.80, 0.47, 0.39, and 41.70 mg/kg, respectively. The health risk assessment results indicated that adults who consume these organisms could encounter carcinogenic health hazards, while children consuming these species may experience notable negative health effects. The contents of studied HMs reached China’s national first-class benchmark of marine sediment quality. The ecological risk index (RI) of HMs from surface sediments ranged from 17.77 to 133.88, with a mean value of 56.45, which portrayed minor potential.
A study on the effectiveness of railway turnout by using roller cradle assembly along Kelana Jaya trackwork
Authors: Hassan Haszanizaam , Prasetijo Joewono
Published: January 2025

Malaysia's railway transportation industry has faced significant demand for increased train reliability. Railway turnouts are a specific track system used to divert train direction, which is a vital component for enabling rail operating flexibility. Passengers are directly affected by service disruptions, forcing them to wait or pick alternative public transportation options to get to their destination. This will lower service dependability and consumer satisfaction. This study was conducted to assess the primary failure connected to the permanent way subsystem, which is turnout operation. The aim of this study was to do statistical analysis on the turnout dry slide chair. The failure's major statistics were examined, as well as the right solution, the primary cause improvement, and the efficiency, which was proven by on-site testing. Normal practices were assessed to ensure their effectiveness and to identify any areas for permanent improvement. The proposed solution was evaluated to validate, compare, and determine the parameters that influence the solution's effectiveness. This rigorous testing result demonstrates that the underlying issue has been resolved, resulting in an instant friction reduction of 64% to 83% for depot turnouts, as well as better operational performance.
Spatial temporal dynamics and influential factors of habitat quality in China's Southern Longji rice terrace ecosystem
Authors: Cao Hongli
Published: January 2025

Rice terrace ecosystems (RTEs) offer a wealth of ecosystem services vital to human well-being. Regrettably, the recent period has witnessed a growing trend of abandonment and habitat degradation within RTEs. This study focuses on the Longji Terraces in Guilin, China, using remote sensing data from 1985–2020 to assess habitat quality (HQ) and its spatial-temporal dynamics. Furthermore, the driving factors of HQ is explored through ordinary least squares (OLS) and geographically weighted regression (GWR) models. The research reveals that forested areas are crucial for HQ, with an overall high average HQ, but significant degradation in certain areas. The growth of the tourism industry and the arrangement of the landscape are recognized as the key drivers of RTE-HQ (average annual R2 = 0.75). The findings provide a scientific basis for the conservation and sustainable use of global rice terraces.
Treated swine water as amendment for coffee ground composting system
Authors: Ng Camelia Choi Lam , Koh Kar Weng , Wong Lai Peng , Guo Xinxin , Wong Ling Yong
Published: January 2025

The rise in demand for coffee and pork has led to an increase in spent coffee grounds (SCG) and swine wastewater (SW) by-products. Commercial fertilizers, which harm the environment, need eco-friendly alternatives like compost. However, little research has focused on combining SCG and SW for composting. This study aims to characterize both SCG and SW and determine the optimal ratio for composting them, as well as their effectiveness when mixed with soil. Additionally, it examines the impact of using SW as a nutrient additive in SCG for organic fertilizer. SCG and SW were collected from local sources and characterized. Using the Berkeley Method, composting was conducted in a 1-meter-high and 0.6- meter-diameter cylindrical pile with a PVC net fence. After the mesophilic phase, the compost was mixed with organic soil and used to grow Bok Choy (Brassica rapa Chinensis) to assess its effects. Results showed that the CS 2 mixture (SCG, SW, and vegetable waste) provided optimal NPK nutrient concentrations and improved soil infiltration and porosity. However, further research is needed to confirm its impact on plant growth. In summary, combining SCG and SW offers a promising solution for reducing waste and commercial fertilizer use, supporting sustainable development goals.
Filling the gaps in the genetic diversity of Austropotamobius torrentium (Astacidae, Decapoda) from one of the few unexplored hot spots
Authors: Zorić Katarina , Bugarski-Stanojević Vanja , Roljić Rajko , Nikolić Vera , Stamenković Gorana , Ilić Marija , Marković Vanja
Published: January 2025

Recent molecular analyses of the stone crayfish have revealed a high degree of genetic diversity. The greatest diversity is found in the western Balkans (Dinarides), where more than half of the known phylogroups exist in a relatively small geographical area, some of them having smaller distribution range than the others. While the Croatian and Slovenian parts of the Austropotamobius torrentium areal are well described, data from Bosnia and Herzegovina (BA) are lacking. Here we provide data from 13 different localities in the northwestern parts of BA. We analysed two mtDNA markers and the results revealed high genetic diversity with a total of 12 MT-COI and nine MT-16SrRNA haplotypes, with the majority of novel haplotypes. Both genes confirmed the presence of two known phylogroups and the discovery of a new group named VOJ. The CSE phylogroup was the most widespread and restricted to the Vrbas basin. The first detection of the BAN phylogroup in BA indicates its wider distribution and connects previously isolated findings from Croatia. The discovery of 18 unique haplotypes as well as a new phylogroup is of particular interest, but further studies are needed to clarify their exact relationship to other lineages.
1α,25(OH)2D3 Regulates the TGF-β1/Samd
Signaling Pathway Inhibition of Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation
Authors: Zhao Yihan , Fan Jianghao , Wang Jia , Wan Jie , Ma Haiyan , Sha Xiaoying , Wang Hongli
Published: January 2025

To investigate the effect of 1α,25(OH)2D3 on hepatic
stellate cells and the mechanism of the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway.

LX2 cells were treated with TGF-β1 and different concentrations of
1α,25(OH)2D3. Cell proliferation was assessed
using the CCK8 assay to determine the optimal concentration of
1α,25(OH)2D3 activity. The cell cycle and
apoptotic rates were evaluated using flow cytometry. The expressions of
Samd2, Samd3, Samd4, and Samd7 was assessed by western blotting, whereas the
expression of MMP1, MMP13, and TIMP-1 was detected by qPCR.

Compared with the control group, the 1α,25(OH)2D3 group
had a higher apoptotic rate of LX2 cells, the cell cycle was blocked from
the G1 stage to the S stage, the expressions of Samd2, Samd7, MMP1, and
MMP13 increased, while the expressions of Samd3, Samd4, and TIMP-1
decreased.

1α,25(OH)2D3 inhibits hepatic stellate cell activation
and exerts anti-hepatic fibrosis effects by downregulating the expression of
Samd3, Samd4, TIMP-1 and upregulating the expression of Samd2, Samd4, MMP1,
and MMP13.
Muscle-specific neuromuscular responses during running with blood
flow restriction
Authors: Lubiak Sean M. , Proppe Christopher E. , Rivera Paola M. , Howard Mason A. , Prajapati Anuj J. , Shah Niriham M. , Patel Nihar N. , Hammer Shane M. , Trevino Michael A. , Dinyer-McNeely Taylor K. , Zak Roksana B. , Hill Ethan C.
Published: January 2025

The purpose of this investigation was to examine muscle excitation at maximal
running capacity without blood flow restriction (BFR) relative to submaximal
running bouts with BFR. Fourteen college-aged males randomly completed four,
three-minute running bouts at 70, 80, and 90% of peak speed with BFR
(70%BFR, 80%BFR, and 90%BFR) and without
BFR at 100% of their peak speed (100%NOBFR). The surface
electromyographic amplitudes of the vastus lateralis, rectus femoris, and vastus
medialis muscles were assessed. Muscle excitation of the vastus lateralis was
similar across most bouts; however, it was lower during the 70%BFR
compared to 90%BFR (Meandiff =−4.67±− 0.22%; Bayesian 95%
high-density interval [HDI]: − 7.07 to − 2.2) and 100%NOBFR (Meandiff
=−2.94±− 0.27%; 95% HDI:−5.33 to−0.50) bouts. For the rectus femoris, muscle
excitation largely increased across running speeds
(70%BFR<80%BFR < 90%BFR;
90%BFR < 100%NOBFR). For the vastus medialis,
muscle excitation was lower during the 70%BFR compared to
90%BFR (Meandiff =−8.15±− 0.28%; 95% HDI:−15.3 to−0.89).
Submaximal running with BFR increased muscle excitation responses for the vastus
lateralis and vastus medialis, such that muscle excitation was similar to
100%BFR, despite 10–20% reductions in running speed. The rectus
femoris muscle, however, was not affected by BFR during the submaximal running
bouts.
Therapeutic Neuroscience Education In Fibromyalgia: A Randomized
Controlled Trial
Authors: Kabul Elif Gur , Basakci Calik Bilge , Baş Aslan Ummuhan , Karasu Uğur
Published: January 2025

To investigate additive effect of Therapeutic Neuroscience Education (TNE)
to pilates exercises in female patients with fibromyalgia (FM).

25 female patients FM included in the study. They randomly separated into two
groups. There were 11 patients in the intervention group and 14 patients in
the control group. Pilates exercises and TNE were applied in the
intervention group, and only pilates exercises were applied in the control
group. Dynamic Loewenstein Occupational Therapy Cognitive Assessment
(DLOTCA), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Brief Pain Inventory (BPI),
Widespread Pain Index (WPI), Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnare (FIQ), Symptom
Severity Scale (SSS), Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), Tampa Scale for
Kinesiophobia (TSK), Biopsychosocial Questionnaire (BETY-BQ) and pressure
algometer was used for evaluation.

After the treatment, control group improved in the “visuomotor construction”
and “thinking operations"cognitive areas andtotal score of DLOTCA, BPI-pain
severity score, VAS, FIQ, SSS, PCS-magnification, and only left medial knee
mean score of pressure pain thresholds (p<0.05). Intervention group
improved in the “thinking operations” cognitive area and total score of
DLOTCA, BPI-pain severity score, BPI-pain interference score, VAS, WPI, FIQ,
SSS, TSK, BETY-BQ and all pressure pain thresholds (excluding left
trapezius) (p<0.05). In the comparison of delta values, the
intervention group improved more in WPI, FIQ, right trapezius mean score and
left trapezius, right quadriceps femoris, right-left medial knee maximum and
mean scores of pressure pain thresholds (p<0.05).

TNE increased the effectiveness of pilates exercises on pain, functional
status and pressure pain thresholds in patients with FM.
Middle-throughput LC-MS-based platelet proteomics with minute sample amounts using semi-automated positive pressure FASP in 384-well format (PF384)
Authors: Loroch Stefan , Panagiotidis Eleftherios , Klewe Kristoffer , Swieringa Frauke , Heemskerk Johan WM , Lerch Jan-Paul , Greinacher Andreas , Walter Ulrich , Jurk Kerstin , John Tobias , Barkovits Katalin , Dandekar Thomas , Marcus Katrin , Balkenhol Johannes
Published: January 2025

Comprehensive characterization of platelets requires various functional assays and analysis techniques, including omics-disciplines, each requiring an individual aliquot of a given sample. Consequently, the sample material per assay is often highly limited rendering downscaling a prerequisite for effective sample exploitation. Here we present a transfer of our recently introduced 96-well-based proteomics workflow (PF96) into the 384-well format (PF384) allowing for a significant increase in sensitivity when processing minute platelet protein amounts. In addition, the 4-fold higher throughput (1500 samples per lab worker per week) allows to easily meet the throughput capacities of modern LC-MS instruments. We determined optimal sample loads followed by highlighting the strengths in comparison to our previous sample preparation approach by processing only 3 µg of purified platelet protein from 22 healthy donors. Major advantages are: (I) improved identification and analyte recovery, especially of low copy number proteins, with signal intensity gains of +130 % and +107 % (peptide and protein level, respectively) (II) substantial intensity gains for key-players in platelet activation including the membrane receptors PAR4, P2X1, GPVI, GPV, GPIX and the downstream mediators AKT, PKA, Rap1, Lyn (III) improved reproducibility with a reduction of technical variance from 22 / 25 % down to 16 / 19 % for detection of lower / higher abundant disease markers and (IV) a 4-fold increase in sample preparation throughput. Taken together, these advantages render PF384 a promising future in clinical proteomics and might pave the way of platelet proteomics with minute sample amounts into molecular diagnostics.
Safety and effectiveness of endoscopic ultrasound-guided gallbladder drainage in patients with cirrhosis: an international multicenter experience
Authors: Garg Rajat , Baron Todd H. , Trieu Judy A. , Martínez-Moreno Belén , Aparicio Tormo José Ramón , Akiki Karl , Storm Andrew C. , Kumar Prabhat , Singh Amandeep , Simons-Linares C. Roberto , Chahal Prabhleen
Published: January 2025

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided gallbladder drainage (EUS-GBD) for symptomatic gallbladder disease has been shown to be safe and effective in patients with high surgical risk, but data are lacking for patients with cirrhosis. We investigated the safety and effectiveness of EUS-GBD in patients with and without cirrhosis.

This retrospective review included patients who underwent EUS-GBD at four (three US and one Spanish) international tertiary care centers. Outcomes, including technical success, clinical success, and procedure-related adverse events, were compared between patients with and without cirrhosis.

170 patients (47 with cirrhosis, 123 without cirrhosis) were included. There was no difference in age, sex, race, comorbidities, antiplatelet use, hemoglobin, or international normalized ratio between the two groups (P > 0.05 for all). The most common etiology of cirrhosis was alcohol (42.6%) with mean Model of End-stage Liver Disease-Sodium (MELD-Na) score of 16.2 (SD 8.8). Acute cholecystitis was more common in patients with cirrhosis (74.5% vs. 56.9%; P = 0.02). Technical (cirrhosis 97.9% vs. no cirrhosis 95.1%; P = 0.67) and clinical (93.6% vs. 94.9%; P = 0.71) success rates were similar in the two groups. Adverse events were infrequent and similar between groups, the most common being stent maldeployment (cirrhosis 4.3% vs. no cirrhosis 5.7%; P = 0.99). Survival rates were similar at the end of follow-up.

EUS-GBD was safe and effective in patients with cirrhosis, with outcomes similar to patients without cirrhosis when performed by experienced echoendoscopists. Patients with cirrhosis and symptomatic gallbladder disease can be considered for EUS-GBD.
Technical Considerations for Oncologic Colectomy
Authors: Bauer Philip S. , Wlodarczyk Jordan , Widmar Maria
Published: January 2025

Colectomy for malignant tumors or unresectable benign tumors requires preoperative planning based on cross-sectional imaging, consideration of neoadjuvant therapy, a decision on the extent of lymphadenectomy, and comprehensive knowledge of the relevant anatomy. Imaging review is critical for determining resectability and noting any aberrant anatomy. Based on the imaging, neoadjuvant therapy should be considered for bulky or locally advanced disease. The anatomical resection of the colon, mesentery, and lymph node basins is performed in accordance with the concept of complete mesocolic excision (CME), entailing the resection of the mesentery with visceral peritoneum intact, appropriate proximal and distal margins taken en bloc, and high ligation of the primary feeding vessels along which the lymph nodes are positioned. High ligation of the colic arteries is part of a standard lymphadenectomy and is intended to address possible micrometastatic nodal disease and proper staging for adjuvant therapy. Extended lymphadenectomy in the form of CME with central vascular ligation is indicated for patients with advanced T stage or clinical lymphadenopathy. Whether extended lymphadenectomy should be performed routinely is subject to debate. In this article, we review the indications and operative strategies for management of colon cancer in various locations in the colon, as well as key considerations for minimally invasive colectomy and advanced techniques such as CME with central vascular ligation.
A histochemical approach to activity-based copper sensing reveals cuproplasia-dependent vulnerabilities in cancer
Authors: Messina Marco S. , Torrente Laura , Pezacki Aidan T. , Humpel Hanna I. , Li Erin L. , Miller Sophia G. , Verdejo-Torres Odette , Padilla-Benavides Teresita , Brady Donita C. , Killilea David W. , Killilea Alison N. , Ralle Martina , Ward Nathan P. , Ohata Jun , DeNicola Gina M. , Chang Christopher J.
Published: January 2025

Copper is an essential nutrient for sustaining vital cellular processes spanning respiration, metabolism, and proliferation. However, loss of copper homeostasis, particularly misregulation of loosely bound copper ions which are defined as the labile copper pool, occurs in major diseases such as cancer, where tumor growth and metastasis have a heightened requirement for this metal. To help decipher the role of copper in the etiology of cancer, we report a histochemical activity-based sensing approach that enables systematic, high-throughput profiling of labile copper status across many cell lines in parallel. Coppermycin-1 reacts selectively with Cu(I) to release puromycin, which is then incorporated into nascent peptides during protein translation, thus leaving a permanent and dose-dependent marker for labile copper that can be visualized with standard immunofluorescence assays. We showcase the utility of this platform for screening labile Cu(I) pools across the National Cancer Institute’s 60 (NCI-60) human tumor cell line panel, identifying cell types with elevated basal levels of labile copper. Moreover, we use Coppermycin-1 to show that lung cancer cells with heightened activation of nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) possess lower resting labile Cu(I) levels and, as a result, have reduced viability when treated with a copper chelator. This work establishes that methods for labile copper detection can be used to assess cuproplasia, an emerging form of copper-dependent cell growth and proliferation, providing a starting point for broader investigations into the roles of transition metal signaling in biology and medicine.
CoReSi: a GPU-based software for Compton camera reconstruction and simulation in collimator-free SPECT
Authors: Lequertier Vincent , Testa Étienne , Maxim Voichiţa
Published: January 2025

Objective. Compton cameras (CCs) are imaging devices that may improve observation of sources of γ photons. The images are obtained by solving a difficult inverse problem. We present CoReSi, a Compton reconstruction and simulation software implemented in Python and powered by PyTorch to leverage multi-threading and to easily interface with image processing and deep learning algorithms. The code is mainly dedicated to medical imaging and near-field experiments where images are reconstructed in 3D. Approach. The code was developed over several years in C++, with the initial version being proprietary. We have since redesigned and translated it into Python, adding new features to improve its adaptability and performances. This paper reviews the literature on CC mathematical models, explains the implementation strategies we have adopted and presents the features of CoReSi. Main results. The code includes state-of-the-art mathematical models from the literature, from the simplest, which allow limited knowledge of the sources, to more sophisticated ones with a finer description of the physics involved. It offers flexibility in defining the geometry of the CC and the detector materials. Several identical cameras can be considered at arbitrary positions in space. The main functions of the code are dedicated to the computation of the system matrix, leading to the forward and backward projector operators. These are the cornerstones of any image reconstruction algorithm. A simplified Monte Carlo data simulation function is provided to facilitate code development and fast prototyping. Significance. As far as we know, there is no open source code for CC reconstruction, except for MEGAlib, which is mainly dedicated to astronomy applications. This code aims to facilitate research as more and more teams from different communities such as applied mathematics, electrical engineering, physics, medical physics get involved in CC studies. Implementation with PyTorch will also facilitate interfacing with deep learning algorithms.
Theoretical evaluation of the realizable power conversion efficiency and the possible scheme for hole-transport-layer-free carbon-cathode CsPbI2Br solar cells
Authors: Wan Guodong , Li Yali , Liu Xiaoyang , Li Wenxuan , Liu Hai , Du Mingbo , Liu Qiming , Fu Yujun , He Deyan , Li Junshuai
Published: January 2025

Hole-transport-layer (HTL)-free carbon-cathode CsPbI2Br solar cells have gained notable attention because of the good balance between light absorption and improved stability, as well as the cost advantage. However, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) experimentally realized for the related solar cells of < 16% is necessarily improved for possible practical application. In this study, the impact of the interfacial defect density between CsPbI2Br and the carbon cathode that is one of the most pivotal factors influencing the PCE improvement is studied, and meanwhile a feasible scheme using a thin AlO
x
passivation layer to block electrons and allow hole tunneling is proposed. The PCE of 19.68% is predicted for HTL-free carbon-cathode CsPbI2Br solar cells.
Unraveling the environmental Kuznets curve in IGAD countries: interplay between ecological footprint, economic growth, renewable energy, and globalization
Authors: Warsame Abdimalik Ali , Daror Hudayfe Osman , Abdullahi Abdulkadir Mohamed
Published: January 2025

Climate change has become a global phenomenon; hence, mitigating environmental pollution and degradation are crucial for addressing climate change consequences. A paradigm shift from fossil fuel to clean energy sources is suggested to reduce environmental pollution without compromising economic growth. This study assesses the validity of the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) hypothesis by incorporating the impacts of renewable energy, population density, and globalization on ecological footprint in IGAD member nations. A battery of econometric techniques, such as Pedroni, Kao, and Johansen Fisher cointegration methods, heterogeneous panel methods, and Dumitrescu-Hurlin panel causality tests are utilized. Before the formal analysis, we performed a cross-sectional dependence test; and it was observed that the data are cross-sectional dependent. Hence, the second-generation unit root test is utilized which confirms that all the interested variables are stationary at the first difference I (1). The empirical results of cointegration methods indicate that explanatory variables are cointegrated into the ecological footprint in the long run. Moreover, the PMG—which provides consistent results as evidenced by the Hausman test—underscored that globalization, population density, and renewable energy mitigate ecological footprint in the long run even though renewable energy is insignificant. An increase in economic growth is associated with a deterioration of environmental pollution, while squared growth is linked to a reduction in pollution. This evidence supports the existence of the EKC theory, which posits an inverted U-shaped relationship between economic expansion and ecological footprint. Besides, unidirectional causalities are detected from ecological footprint to population density, renewable energy, economic growth, and squared economic growth but not the other way around. In light of the empirical results, several policy recommendations are proposed.
A harmonic level set proof of a positive mass theorem
Authors: Batista Rondinelle , de Lima Levi
Published: January 2025

We provide a harmonic level set proof (along the lines of the argument by Bray et al [J. Geom. Anal. 32 (2022), p. 29]) of the positive mass theorem for asymptotically flat

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-manifolds with a non-compact boundary first established by Almaraz-Barbosa-de Lima [Comm. Anal. Geom. 24 (2016), pp. 673–715].