bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Constraints on Nuclear Symmetry Energy Parameters
Authors: Lattimer James M.
Published: January 2023

A review is made of constraints on the nuclear symmetry energy parameters arising from nuclear binding energy measurements, theoretical chiral effective field predictions of neutron matter properties, the unitary gas conjecture, and measurements of neutron skin thicknesses and dipole polarizabilities. While most studies have been confined to the parameters SV and L, the important roles played by, and constraints on Ksym, or, equivalently, the neutron matter incompressibility KN, are discussed. Strong correlations among SV,L, and KN are found from both nuclear binding energies and neutron matter theory. However, these correlations somewhat differ in the two cases, and those from neutron matter theory have smaller uncertainties. To 68% confidence, it is found from neutron matter theory that SV=32.0±1.1 MeV, L=51.9±7.9 MeV and KN=152.2±38.1 MeV. Theoretical predictions for neutron skin thickness and dipole polarizability measurements of the neutron-rich nuclei 48Ca, 120Sn, and 208Pb are compared to recent experimental measurements, most notably the CREX and PREX neutron skin experiments from Jefferson Laboratory. By themselves, PREX I+II measurements of 208Pb and CREX measurement of 48Ca suggest L=121±47 MeV and L=−5±40 MeV, respectively, to 68% confidence. However, we show that nuclear interactions optimally satisfying both measurements imply L=53±13 MeV, nearly the range suggested by either nuclear mass measurements or neutron matter theory, and is also consistent with nuclear dipole polarizability measurements. This small parameter range implies R1.4=11.6±1.0 km and Λ1.4=228−90+148, which are consistent with NICER X-ray and LIGO/Virgo gravitational wave observations of neutron stars.
Role of TLRs in HIV-1 Infection and Potential of TLR Agonists in HIV-1 Vaccine Development and Treatment Strategies
Authors: Rozman Marija , Zidovec-Lepej Snjezana , Jambrosic Karlo , Babić Maja , Drmić Hofman Irena
Published: January 2023

Toll-like receptors (TLRs), as a family of pattern recognition receptors, play an important role in the recognition of HIV-1 molecular structures by various cells of the innate immune system, but also provide a functional association with subsequent mechanisms of adaptive immunity. TLR7 and TLR8 play a particularly important role in the innate immune response to RNA viruses due to their ability to recognise GU-rich single-stranded RNA molecules and subsequently activate intracellular signalling pathways resulting in expression of genes coding for various biological response modifiers (interferons, proinflammatory cytokines, chemokines). The aim of this review is to summarise the most recent knowledge on the role of TLRs in the innate immune response to HIV-1 and the role of TLR gene polymorphisms in the biology and in the clinical aspects of HIV infections. In addition, the role of TLR agonists as latency reversing agents in research to treat HIV infections and as immunomodulators in HIV vaccine research will be discussed.
Dietary Weizmannia coagulans Strain SANK70258 Ameliorates Coccidial Symptoms and Improves Intestinal Barrier Functions of Broilers by Modulating the Intestinal Immunity and the Gut Microbiota
Authors: Aida Masanori , Yamada Ryouichi , Matsuo Toshiki , Taniguchi Itaru , Nakamura Shin-ichi , Tsukahara Takamitsu
Published: January 2023

To determine the mechanisms by which Weizmannia coagulans SANK70258 (WC) supplementation improved growth performance and coccidial symptoms, we assessed the gene expressions and the microbiota compositions in the small intestinal tissues and digestas of coccidium-infected broilers previously given WC or lasalocid-A sodium (AM). WC supplementation significantly upregulated the gene expressions related to intestinal immunity and barrier functions, such as IL17A, IL17F, IL10, cathelicidin-2 and pIgR. Body weights, and Claudin-1 and IL10 expressions were positively correlated (r = 0.41, p < 0.05 and r = 0.37, p = 0.06, respectively), whereas lesion scores of the small intestine and IL17A expression were negatively correlated (r = −0.33, p = 0.09). The microbiota analysis detected that genus Alistipes was more abundant in WC-supplemented broilers than in control, and positively correlated with body weights and Claudin-1 expression (r = 0.61, p < 0.05 and r = 0.51, p < 0.05, respectively). Intriguingly, genus Enterococcus was most abundant in WC-supplemented broilers and positively correlated with IL17A expression (r = 0.49, p < 0.05). Interestingly, Escherichia-Shigella was significantly more abundant in the small intestinal digestas of AM-administered broilers than in those of control. To summarize, WC supplementation modulated and immunostimulated the microbiotas of broilers, specifically genera Alistipes and Enterococcus, which led to the improvement of weight gain and coccidial symptoms, without disrupting the intestinal microbiota compositions, as AM did.
The Use of Micro-Ribbons and Micro-Fibres in the Formulation of 3D Printed Fast Dissolving Oral Films
Authors: Algellay Marwan , Roberts Matthew , Bosworth Lucy , Sarker Satyajit D. , Fatokun Amos A. , Ehtezazi Touraj
Published: January 2023

Three-dimensional printing (3DP) allows production of novel fast dissolving oral films (FDFs). However, mechanical properties of the films may not be desirable when certain excipients are used. This work investigated whether adding chitosan micro-ribbons or cellulose microfibres will achieve desired FDFs by fused deposition modelling 3DP. Filaments containing polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and paracetamol as model drug were manufactured at 170 °C. At 130 °C, filaments containing polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and paracetamol were also created. FDFs were printed with plain or mesh patterns at temperatures of 200 °C (PVA) or 180 °C (PVP). Both chitosan micro-ribbons and cellulose micro-fibres improved filament mechanical properties at 1% w/w concentration in terms of flexibility and stiffness. The filaments were not suitable for printing at higher concentrations of chitosan micro-ribbons and cellulose micro-fibres. Furthermore, mesh FDFs containing only 1% chitosan micro-ribbons disintegrated in distilled water within 40.33 ± 4.64 s, while mesh FDFs containing only 7% croscarmellose disintegrated in 55.33 ± 2.86 s, and croscarmellose containing films showed signs of excipient scorching for PVA polymer. Cellulose micro-fibres delayed disintegration of PVA mesh films to 108.66 ± 3.68 s at 1% w/w. In conclusion, only chitosan micro-ribbons created a network of hydrophilic channels within the films, which allowed faster disintegration time at considerably lower concentrations.
68Ga-HBED-CC-WL-12 PET in Diagnosing and Differentiating Pancreatic Cancers in Murine Models
Authors: Xiang Qiying , Li Danni , Cheng Chao , Xu Kai , Zuo Changjing
Published: January 2023

Positron emission tomography (PET) has been proven as an important technology to detect the expression of programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) non-invasively and in real time. As a PD-L1 inhibitor, small peptide WL12 has shown great potential in serving as a targeting molecule to guide PD-L1 blockade therapy in clinic. In this study, WL12 was modified with HBED-CC to label 68Ga in a modified procedure, and the biologic properties were evaluated in vitro and in vivo. 68Ga-HBED-CC-WL12 showed good stability in saline and can specifically target PD-L1-positive cells U87MG and PANC02. In PANC02-bearing mice, 68Ga-HBED-CC-WL12 showed fast permeation in subcutaneous tumors within 20 min (SUVmax 0.37) and was of higher uptake in 90 min (SUVmax 0.38). When compared with 18F-FDG, 68Ga-FAPI-04, and 68Ga-RGD, 68Ga-HBED-CC-WL12 also demonstrated great image quality and advantages in evaluating immune microenvironment. This study modified the 68Ga-labeling procedure of WL12 and obtained better biologic properties and further manifested the clinical potential of 68Ga-HBED-CC-WL12 for PET imaging and guiding for immunotherapy.
Eutectic Mixture Formation and Relaxation Dynamics of Coamorphous Mixtures of Two Benzodiazepine Drugs
Authors: Valenti Sofia , Cazorla Claudio , Romanini Michela , Tamarit Josep Lluís , Macovez Roberto
Published: January 2023

The formation of coamorphous mixtures of pharmaceuticals is an interesting strategy to improve the solubility and bioavailability of drugs, while at the same time enhancing the kinetic stability of the resulting binary glass and allowing the simultaneous administration of two active principles. In this contribution, we describe kinetically stable amorphous binary mixtures of two commercial active pharmaceutical ingredients, diazepam and nordazepam, of which the latter, besides being administered as a drug on its own, is also the main active metabolite of the other in the human body. We report the eutectic equilibrium-phase diagram of the binary mixture, which is found to be characterized by an experimental eutectic composition of 0.18 molar fraction of nordazepam, with a eutectic melting point of Te = 395.4 ± 1.2 K. The two compounds are barely miscible in the crystalline phase. The mechanically obtained mixtures were melted and supercooled to study the glass-transition and molecular-relaxation dynamics of amorphous mixtures at the corresponding concentration. The glass-transition temperature was always higher than room temperature and varied linearly with composition. The Te was lower than the onset of thermal decomposition of either compound (pure nordazepam decomposes upon melting and pure diazepam well above its melting point), thus implying that the eutectic liquid and glass can be obtained without any degradation of the drugs. The eutectic glass was kinetically stable against crystallization for at least a few months. The relaxation processes of the amorphous mixtures were studied by dielectric spectroscopy, which provided evidence for a single structural (α) relaxation, a single Johari–Goldstein (β) relaxation, and a ring-inversion conformational relaxation of the diazepinic ring, occurring on the same timescale in both drugs. We further characterized both the binary mixtures and pure compounds by FTIR spectroscopy and first-principles density functional theory (DFT) simulations to analyze intermolecular interactions. The DFT calculations confirm the presence of strong attractive forces within the heteromolecular dimer, leading to large dimer interaction energies of the order of −0.1 eV.
Development and Characterization of Pharmaceutical Systems Containing Rifampicin
Authors: Dan Córdoba Antonella V. , Aiassa Virginia , Dimmer Jesica A. , Barrionuevo Camila N. , Quevedo Mario A. , Longhi Marcela R. , Zoppi Ariana
Published: January 2023

Rifampicin is a potent antimicrobial drug with some suboptimal properties, such as poor stability, low solubility, and variable bioavailability. Therefore, in the current study, a multicomponent complex between rifampicin, γ-cyclodextrin, and arginine was prepared with the aim of improving drug properties. Solubility was evaluated by phase-solubility studies. The mechanism of interaction was established through proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and molecular modeling. Physicochemical characterization was investigated using Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy. The dissolution properties, antimicrobial activity (antibacterial, antibiofilm, and antileishmanial), and stability of the different samples were studied. The results obtained in this investigation demonstrate that multicomponent complexes can improve the water solubility and dissolution rate of rifampicin, as well as its antibacterial and antileishmanial action, and present suitable stability. In conclusion, rifampicin complexed with γ-cyclodextrin and arginine is an attractive approach for developing pharmaceutical dosage forms of rifampicin with increased antimicrobial activities.
Al-Doped ZnO Thin Films with 80% Average Transmittance and 32 Ohms per Square Sheet Resistance: A Genuine Alternative to Commercial High-Performance Indium Tin Oxide
Authors: Cisneros-Contreras Ivan Ricardo , López-Ganem Geraldine , Sánchez-Dena Oswaldo , Wong Yew Hoong , Pérez-Martínez Ana Laura , Rodríguez-Gómez Arturo
Published: January 2023

In this study, a low-sophistication low-cost spray pyrolysis system built by undergraduate students is used to grow aluminum-doped zinc oxide thin films (ZnO:Al). The pyrolysis system was able to grow polycrystalline ZnO:Al with a hexagonal wurtzite structure preferentially oriented on the c-axis, corresponding to a hexagonal wurtzite structure, and exceptional reproducibility. The ZnO:Al films were studied as transparent conductive oxides (TCOs). Our best ZnO:Al TCO are found to exhibit an 80% average transmittance in the visible range of the electromagnetic spectrum, a sheet resistance of 32 Ω/□, and an optical bandgap of 3.38 eV. After an extensive optical and nanostructural characterization, we determined that the TCOs used are only 4% less efficient than the best ZnO:Al TCOs reported in the literature. This latter, without neglecting that literature-ZnO:Al TCOs, have been grown by sophisticated deposition techniques such as magnetron sputtering. Consequently, we estimate that our ZnO:Al TCOs can be considered an authentic alternative to high-performance aluminum-doped zinc oxide or indium tin oxide TCOs grown through more sophisticated equipment.
Long-Term Changes in Organic Matter Content and Soil Moisture Determine the Degree of Root and Soil Respiration
Authors: Kotroczó Zsolt , Makádi Marianna , Kocsis Tamás , Béni Áron , Várbíró Gábor , Fekete István
Published: January 2023

Carbon in soil is one of the most important indicators of soil fertility. Part of the carbon stored in them is returned to the atmosphere during soil respiration. Climate change and inappropriate land use can accelerate these processes. Our work aimed to determine how soil CO2 emissions change over ten years as a result of litter manipulation treatments. Plots at the Síkfőkút DIRT (Detritus Input and Removal Treatments) experimental site include doubling either leaf litter or wood, and removing all aboveground litter, all root inputs, or removing all litter inputs. With the help of this, we were able to examine not only the effects of the different organic matter intake but also the effects of the different microclimates that occur as a result of the treatments. Total soil respiration (root and microbial respiration) is a result of a persistent lack or excess of soil organic matter relative to soil moisture. Based on our studies, the increase in the intensity of root respiration on wetter soils was only half of the increase in respiration associated with decomposition activity. The sustained growth of leaf litter significantly increases soil respiration, which can be partly explained by the more favorable supply of nutrients to the decomposing organisms, and partly by the more favorable microclimatic conditions, however, these effects were only valid in the case of wetter soils. In the dry summer environment, we experienced higher CO2 emissions during litter removal treatments. In the first period between 2002 and 2004, even wetter root removal treatments showed a significantly higher CO2 emission, while in the period 2010–2012, surface litter removal treatments. The permanent removal of surface litter in the drier summer period resulted in the formation of a dense crack network, which increased the CO2 emission of these soils, which increases the soil organic carbon loss of the soil. Our study proves the advantages of mulching in terms of a more favorable microclimate of the soil surface and a balanced carbon balance of the soil–plant system.
Variation in Chloroplast Genome Size: Biological Phenomena and Technological Artifacts
Authors: Turudić Ante , Liber Zlatko , Grdiša Martina , Jakše Jernej , Varga Filip , Šatović Zlatko
Published: January 2023

The development of bioinformatic solutions is guided by biological knowledge of the subject. In some cases, we use unambiguous biological models, while in others we rely on assumptions. A commonly used assumption for genomes is that related species have similar genome sequences. This is even more obvious in the case of chloroplast genomes due to their slow evolution. We investigated whether the lengths of complete chloroplast sequences are closely related to the taxonomic proximity of the species. The study was performed using all available RefSeq sequences from the asterid and rosid clades. In general, chloroplast length distributions are narrow at both the family and genus levels. In addition, clear biological explanations have already been reported for families and genera that exhibit particularly wide distributions. The main factors responsible for the length variations are parasitic life forms, IR loss, IR expansions and contractions, and polyphyly. However, the presence of outliers in the distribution at the genus level is a strong indication of possible inaccuracies in sequence assembly.
New Insights into the Research of Bioactive Compounds from Plant Origins with Nutraceutical and Pharmaceutical Potential
Authors: Dincheva Ivayla , Badjakov Ilian , Galunska Bistra
Published: January 2023

Plant bioactive compounds are essential for human health due to their multiple biological effects, such as antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, antiallergenic, anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic, and antimicrobial activities, which can have beneficial effects on various noncommunicable diseases, such as autoimmune, inflammatory, cardiovascular, cancer, metabolic, and neurodegenerative diseases [...]
PEBP Signaling Network in Tubers and Tuberous Root Crops
Authors: Susila Hendry , Purwestri Yekti Asih
Published: January 2023

Tubers and tuberous root crops are essential carbohydrate sources and staple foods for humans, second only to cereals. The developmental phase transition, including floral initiation and underground storage organ formation, is controlled by complex signaling processes involving the integration of environmental and endogenous cues. FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT) and TERMINAL FLOWER 1/CENTRORADIALIS (TFL1/CEN), members of the phosphatidylethanolamine-binding protein (PEBP) gene family, play a central role in this developmental phase transition process. FT and FT-like proteins have a function to promote developmental phase transition, while TFL1/CEN act oppositely. The balance between FT and TFL1/CEN is critical to ensure a successful plant life cycle. Here, we present a summarized review of the role and signaling network of PEBP in floral initiation and underground storage organ formation, specifically in tubers and tuberous root crops. Lastly, we point out several questions that need to be answered in order to have a more complete understanding of the PEBP signaling network, which is crucial for the agronomical improvement of tubers and tuberous crops.
Valorization of Bioactive Compounds from Two Underutilized Wild Fruits by Microencapsulation in Order to Formulate Value-Added Food Products
Authors: Konaré Mamadou Abdoulaye , Condurache Nina Nicoleta , Togola Issiaka , Păcularu-Burada Bogdan , Diarra Nouhoum , Stănciuc Nicoleta , Râpeanu Gabriela
Published: January 2023

Currently, microencapsulation has become a viable method of nutrient delivery for the food industry. This work microencapsulated the bioactive compounds extracted from two neglected species (Balanites aegyptiaca and Ziziphus mauritiana) by freeze-drying. A combination of wall materials (whey protein and pectin; soy protein and maltodextrin) was chosen to prepare the microcapsules. The phytochemical and physicochemical characterization of the microcapsules was then carried out. The encapsulation yield ranged from 82.77% to 96.05% for Balanites and Ziziphus, respectively, whereas the efficiency was 76.18 ± 1.39% and 80.93 ± 1.71%. The stimulated in vitro gastrointestinal test showed that encapsulation increased the bioavailability of the bioactive compounds. The total carotenoids were the most bioavailable compounds with 85.89 ± 0.06% for Ziziphus and 70.46 ± 1.10% for Balanites, followed by total flavonoids for Zizyphus with 63.27 ± 1.56%. Furthermore, regardless of species or wavelengths, the HPLC analysis resulted in the identification of 17 bioactive metabolites. The predominant one was epicatechin, whose level ranged from 231.52 ± 5.06 to 250.99 ± 3.72 mg/100 g DW in Ziziphus and 91.80 ± 3.85 to 116.40 ± 4.09 mg/100 g DW in Balanites. In estimating the enzyme inhibition and antioxidant power, both studied fruits showed antidiabetic, inflammatory, and antioxidant effects. These findings suggest that natural bioactive compounds are abundant in the fruits of Z. mauritiana and B. aegyptiaca and could be a valuable source for the food and pharmaceutical industries.
Self-Sensing Soft Skin Based on Piezoelectric Nanofibers
Authors: Selleri Giacomo , Mongioì Francesco , Maccaferri Emanuele , D’Anniballe Riccardo , Mazzocchetti Laura , Carloni Raffaella , Fabiani Davide , Zucchelli Andrea , Brugo Tommaso Maria
Published: January 2023

The development of electronic skins and wearable devices is rapidly growing due to their broad application fields, such as for biomedical, health monitoring, or robotic purposes. In particular, tactile sensors based on piezoelectric polymers, which feature self-powering capability, have been widely used thanks to their flexibility and light weight. Among these, poly(vinylidenefluoride-trifluoroethylene) (PVDF-TrFE) presents enhanced piezoelectric properties, especially if manufactured in a nanofiber shape. In this work, the enhanced piezoelectric performances of PVDF-TrFE nanofibers were exploited to manufacture a flexible sensor which can be used for wearable applications or e-skin. The piezoelectric signal was collected by carbon black (CB)-based electrodes, which were added to the active layer in a sandwich-like structure. The sensor was electromechanically characterized in a frequency range between 0.25 Hz and 20 Hz—which is consistent with human activities (i.e., gait cycle or accidental bumps)—showing a sensitivity of up to 4 mV/N. The parameters of the signal acquisition circuit were tuned to enable the sensor to work at the required frequency. The proposed electrical model of the nanofibrous piezoelectric sensor was validated by the experimental results. The sensitivity of the sensor remained above 77.5% of its original value after 106 cycles of fatigue testing with a 1 kN compressive force.
Heat and Mass Transfer to Particles in One-Dimensional Oscillating Flows
Authors: Heidinger Stefan , Unz Simon , Beckmann Michael
Published: January 2023

The heat and mass transfer to solid particles in one-dimensional oscillating flows are investigated in this work. A meta-correlation for the calculation of the Nusselt number (Sherwood number) is derived by comparing 33 correlations and data point sets from experiments and simulations. These models are all unified by their dependencies on the amplitude parameter 10−3≤ϵ≤103 and the Reynolds number 10−1≤Re≤106, while the ϵ-Re plane is applied as a framework in order to graphically display the various models. This is the first study to consider this problem in the entire ϵ-Re plane quantitatively while taking preexisting asymptotic models for various areas of the ϵ-Re plane into account.
Early to Mid-Holocene Tree Immigration and Spread in the Isle of Man: The Roles of Climate and Other Factors
Authors: Chiverrell Richard C. , Innes James B. , Blackford Jeff J. , Davey Peter J. , Roberts David H. , Rutherford Mairead M. , Tomlinson Philippa R. , Turner Simon D.
Published: January 2023

The Isle of Man is a large island which lies in the middle of the northern Irish Sea between Britain and Ireland and, because of its insularity and size, has an impoverished flora compared with the two main islands. This has been the case throughout the postglacial and warrants the island’s description as a separate phytogeographic province. We have considered Holocene tree pollen data from seventeen sites on the island which together preserve a vegetation history that spans the six thousand years of the early and mid-postglacial from the end of the Lateglacial at 11,700 cal. BP to the mid-Holocene Ulmus decline at ca. 5800 cal. BP. Radiocarbon dating of the rational limits of the pollen curves for the main tree taxa has allowed an appraisal of the timing of each one’s expansion to become a significant component of the island’s woodland, and comparison with the dates of their expansion on the adjacent regions of Britain and Ireland. The radiocarbon dates show that, although some variability exists probably due to local factors, there is considerable concordance between the timings of major pollen zone boundaries in Britain and Ireland around the northern Irish Sea. On the Isle of Man the expansions of both Juniperus and Betula were delayed by several centuries compared to the British/Irish data, however the timing of the expansions of Corylus, Ulmus, Quercus, Pinus and Alnus on the Isle of Man all appear closely comparable to the ages for these pollen stratigraphic events in north Wales, northwest England, southwest Scotland and eastern Ireland, as are those for the Ulmus decline. It is likely that local pedological and edaphic factors on the island account for the differences in the first Holocene millennium, while regional climatic factors governed the timings for the rest of the expansions of tree taxa across the wider region, including the Isle of Man. Disturbance, including by human agency, was important at the site scale and perhaps triggered early tree expansion in some places, including Quercus, Ulmus and Alnus. Insularity seems not to have been a significant factor in the expansion of the major forest trees.
Prehistoric Astronomical Observatories and Paleoclimatic Records in Bulgaria Estimate Astroclimate during 4000–4500 BCE: A Critical Assessment
Authors: Stoev Alexey , Shopov Yavor , Maglova Penka , Ognyanov Ognyan , Raykova Lyubomira
Published: January 2023

Prehistoric astronomical observatories include a specific type of rock-cut monuments from the Mountainous Thrace in Bulgaria, with a specific shape and orientation in space, which are part of the characteristic representatives of the archeoastronomical sites on the Balkan Peninsula from the period of 4000–4500 BCE. Earlier societies focused on the triad “astronomical instrument”—celestial objects—trained observers. When choosing sites for the construction of oriented stone complexes for astronomical observations, prehistoric people were interested in the number of clear days and nights within the tropical year, which is connected with the paleoclimate of the region and to the astroclimate, which determines the possibility of observing heavenly bodies. Here we examine 13 prehistoric astronomical observatories using the methods of archaeoastronomy in order to determine the period of their operation. Since the existence of a large number of such objects is indirect evidence of a good astroclimate, we make an assessment of the paleoclimate in the relevant era in the Bulgarian lands in order to find out if it was suitable for astronomical observations. The estimations are made according to the geological data and solar insolation luminescence proxy records of the evolution of cave speleothems from Duhlata cave in the village of Bosnek, Pernik municipality, which is still the only available experimental record of past solar insolation in Europe covering the last 20,000 years. The number of clear days and nights are estimated, and a critical assessment of the possibility of successful observations of the Sun during equinoxes and solstices is made using the methods of “horizon” astronomy and meridional culminations. It is also shown that the climate at the end of the Ice Age was cooler than today. About 11,700 years ago (11,700 radiocarbon years before 1950 CE or 11,700 BP), the climate began to warm, and forest vegetation developed on the territory liberated from the glaciers. During the Upper Atlantic (6–8 thousand years BCE), the average annual temperature on the Balkan Peninsula and in particular in Bulgaria was about 2–2.5 °C higher than it is today. This climate allows some very good astroclimatic conditions for observations of the Sun near the horizon and increases the accuracy of the observational data in determining the time of occurrence in its extreme positions on the horizon. We show that changes in climate (and astroclimate accordingly) influence the type of prehistoric astronomical observatories.
Benedict XVI on Education and Solidarity
Authors: Henry Caleb
Published: January 2023

American parents and school leaders are debating whether critical race and gender theories belong in public schools, with many parents turning to home school. Many of these parents will instinctively rely on John Locke’s educational theory, since he famously argued for parental control of education. This essay will summarize Locke’s educational theory and then survey some educational moments in American history to reveal that political leaders have often wavered between individual rights and communal control of education. The essay then argues that Benedict XVI provides a better educational resource for concerned parents. Benedict’s educational perspective flows from his understanding of theology and culture. Benedict argues for parental choice, but within the context of solidarity. For Benedict, teaching children a Christian perspective of human nature within private and home schools becomes an act of communal solidarity, particularly when the community embraces false views of human nature. I conclude by suggesting that although Benedict provides a deeper educational resource than John Locke does, concerned parents should keep Locke’s skepticism in mind. Lockean skepticism can protect against naivete.
The Struggle to Define Pilgrimage
Authors: King Judith
Published: January 2023

This essay arises from research carried out between the summer of 2018 and the spring of 2020 among pilgrims who had participated in the Camino de Santiago in north-western Spain and St Patrick’s Purgatory, on Lough Derg in the northwest of Ireland. Research focused on embodied experience in relation to pilgrim motivation, groundedness and the enduring power of sacred travel as ritual. Convergent considerations about psychology, theology and pilgrimage studies clarified perspective on descriptions and definitions of pilgrimage in contemporary literature. Long-standing questions about journey vs. destination are subsumed into a description of pilgrimage which emphasizes larger process. Interconnected elements of this process are a most significant part of the enduring appeal of contemporary Western pilgrimage.
Religious Pluralism: Transforming Society Using New Concepts of Evangelization and Dialogue
Authors: Konigsburg Joyce Ann
Published: January 2023

For more than half a century, the Catholic Church has deliberated the effects of religious pluralism on its evangelizing mission and rapport in the contemporary world. The Second Vatican Council, after examining theological tradition and scrutinizing the signs of the times, produced many noteworthy documents that modernize the Catholic Church and prudently integrate ideas of religious pluralism into its functions of mission, evangelization, and interreligious dialogue. Yet, tensions remain between the Catholic Church’s mission as the universal sacrament of salvation and its recognition of religious pluralism. Pope John Paul II strived for balance while Pope Benedict XVI expressed concern that justifying multiple religions might lead to relativism. For Pope Francis, the combination of mission, evangelization, and interreligious dialogue is a form of engagement, a means of being in solidarity with the poor and remedying social issues, such as global climate change, poverty, and systematic injustice. Religious pluralism consequently transforms society, serving as an impetus for the Catholic Church’s evolving use of interreligious dialogue to develop mutually respectful relationships and inspire a new evangelization of multifaith collaboration for the global common good.
A New Installation for Geomagnetic Field Monitoring at Talos Dome, a Remote Antarctic Site Away from Permanent Observatories
Authors: Santarelli Lucia , Bagiacchi Paolo , Benedetti Giovanni , Di Mauro Domenico , Lepidi Stefania
Published: January 2023

An automatic geomagnetic station for monitoring the Earth’s magnetic field variations was installed in December 2020 at Talos Dome, a remote site on the Antarctic Plateau, about 300 km away from the permanent geomagnetic observatory at Mario Zucchelli Station (MZS). Designed and assembled at the laboratory of electronics of the Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia (INGV) in Rome, this autonomous station is formed by a vector magnetometer specifically manufactured by Lviv Institute (Ukraine) for very low temperatures and a low-power system supplied by batteries charged by a wind generator and solar panel. Data, sampled at 1 Hz, are locally stored and can be downloaded once a year during the Antarctic summer expeditions. The goal was to integrate observatory data for better monitoring the geomagnetic field from an uncovered Antarctic area. In fact, it is well known that the distribution of geomagnetic observatories strongly favors the northern hemisphere, and each new instrumental installation in Antarctica should be considered as a useful attempt to balance the geomagnetic monitoring in the two hemispheres. The achieved goal was to obtain a long data series, keeping the station working even during the austral winter when the temperature can reach −60 °C; we recorded almost 11 months of data in one year and the station is still operating. Data from the new station, jointly with data from permanent observatories, improve the analysis of the magnetospheric dynamics and the ionosphere–magnetosphere coupling. Talos Dome, together with the Italian geomagnetic observatory at Mario Zucchelli Station and New Zealand geomagnetic observatory at Scott Base, constitutes a network along the 80°S geomagnetic parallel, which is interesting for studying the longitudinal propagation of geomagnetic signals of external origin. In this work we present the characteristics of the station and of the data it provides, with the aim of them for analysis in the framework of space weather.
Characterization of Detailed Sedentary Postures Using a Tri-Monitor ActivPAL Configuration in Free-Living Conditions
Authors: O’Brien Myles W. , Daley W. Seth , Schwartz Beverly D. , Shivgulam Madeline E. , Wu Yanlin , Kimmerly Derek S. , Frayne Ryan J.
Published: January 2023

Objective monitors such as the activPAL characterize time when the thigh is horizontal as sedentary time. However, there are physiological differences between lying, bent-legged sitting, and straight-legged sitting. We introduce a three-monitor configuration to assess detailed sedentary postures and demonstrate its use in characterizing such positions in free-living conditions. We explored time spent in each sedentary posture between prolonged (>1 h) versus non-prolonged (<1 h) sedentary bouts. In total, 35 healthy adults (16♀, 24 ± 3 years; 24 h/day for 6.8 ± 1.0 days) wore an activPAL accelerometer on their thigh, torso, and shin. Hip and knee joint flexion angle estimates were determined during sedentary bouts using the dot-product method between the torso–thigh and thigh–shin, respectively. Compared to lying (69 ± 60 min/day) or straight-legged sitting (113 ± 100 min/day), most time was spent in bent-legged sitting (439 ± 101 min/day, p < 0.001). Most of the bent-legged sitting time was accumulated in non-prolonged bouts (328 ± 83 vs. 112 ± 63 min/day, p < 0.001). In contrast, similar time was spent in straight-legged sitting and lying between prolonged/non-prolonged bouts (both, p > 0.26). We document that a considerable amount of waking time is accumulated in lying or straight-legged sitting. This methodological approach equips researchers with a means of characterizing detailed sedentary postures in uncontrolled conditions and may help answer novel research questions on sedentariness.
Performance of Oral Cavity Sensors: A Systematic Review
Authors: de Almeida e Bueno Leonardo , Kwong Man Ting , Bergmann Jeroen H. M.
Published: January 2023

Technological advancements are enabling new applications within biomedical engineering. As a connection point between the outer environment and the human system, the oral cavity offers unique opportunities for sensing technologies. This paper systematically reviews the performance of measurement systems tested in the human oral cavity. Performance was defined by metrics related to accuracy and agreement estimation. A comprehensive search identifying human studies that reported on the accuracy or agreement of intraoral sensors found 85 research papers. Most of the literature (62%) was in dentistry, followed by neurology (21%), and physical medicine and rehabilitation (12%). The remaining papers were on internal medicine, obstetrics, and aerospace medicine. Most of the studies applied force or pressure sensors (32%), while optical and image sensors were applied most widely across fields. The main challenges for future adoption include the lack of large human trials, the maturity of emerging technologies (e.g., biochemical sensors), and the absence of standardization of evaluation in specific fields. New research should aim to employ robust performance metrics to evaluate their systems and incorporate real-world evidence as part of the evaluation process. Oral cavity sensors offer the potential for applications in healthcare and wellbeing, but for many technologies, more research is needed.
Defect Detection and Imaging in Composite Structures Using Magnetostrictive Patch Transducers
Authors: Zitoun Akram , Dixon Steven , Kazilas Mihalis , Hutchins David
Published: January 2023

The use of thin magnetostrictive patches to generate and detect guided waves within the composite samples is investigated for defect detection. This approach has been implemented using SH0 shear horizontal guided waves in both CFRP and GFRP plates. A magnetostrictive patch transducer was able to generate SH0 waves with known directional characteristics. The synthetic aperture focusing technique (SAFT) was then used to reconstruct images of defects using multiple transmission and detection locations. The results for imaging defects in both types of material are presented.
Effects of Load Carriage on Postural Control and Spatiotemporal Gait Parameters during Level and Uphill Walking
Authors: Mexi Asimina , Kafetzakis Ioannis , Korontzi Maria , Karagiannakis Dimitris , Kalatzis Perikles , Mandalidis Dimitris
Published: January 2023

Load carriage and uphill walking are conditions that either individually or in combination can compromise postural control and gait eliciting several musculoskeletal low back and lower limb injuries. The objectives of this study were to investigate postural control responses and spatiotemporal parameters of gait during level and uphill unloaded (UL), back-loaded (BL), and front-loaded (FL) walking. Postural control was assessed in 30 asymptomatic individuals by simultaneously recording (i) EMG activity of neck, thoracic and lumbar erector spinae, and rectus abdominis, (ii) projected 95% ellipse area as well as the anteroposterior and mediolateral trunk displacement, and (iii) spatiotemporal gait parameters (stride/step length and cadence). Measurements were performed during level (0%) and uphill (5, 10, and 15%) walking at a speed of 5 km h−1 without and with a suspended front pack or a backpack weighing 15% of each participant’s body weight. The results of our study showed that postural control, as indicated by increased erector spinae EMG activity and changes in spatiotemporal parameters of gait that manifested with decreased stride/step length and increased cadence, is compromised particularly during level and uphill FL walking as opposed to BL or UL walking, potentially increasing the risk of musculoskeletal and fall-related injuries.
Quantitative Gait Feature Assessment on Two-Dimensional Body Axis Projection Planes Converted from Three-Dimensional Coordinates Estimated with a Deep Learning Smartphone App
Authors: Yamada Shigeki , Aoyagi Yukihiko , Iseki Chifumi , Kondo Toshiyuki , Kobayashi Yoshiyuki , Ueda Shigeo , Mori Keisuke , Fukami Tadanori , Tanikawa Motoki , Mase Mitsuhito , Hoshimaru Minoru , Ishikawa Masatsune , Ohta Yasuyuki
Published: January 2023

To assess pathological gaits quantitatively, three-dimensional coordinates estimated with a deep learning model were converted into body axis plane projections. First, 15 healthy volunteers performed four gait patterns; that is, normal, shuffling, short-stepped, and wide-based gaits, with the Three-Dimensional Pose Tracker for Gait Test (TDPT-GT) application. Second, gaits of 47 patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) and 92 healthy elderly individuals in the Takahata cohort were assessed with the TDPT-GT. Two-dimensional relative coordinates were calculated from the three-dimensional coordinates by projecting the sagittal, coronal, and axial planes. Indices of the two-dimensional relative coordinates associated with a pathological gait were comprehensively explored. The candidate indices for the shuffling gait were the angle range of the hip joint < 30° and relative vertical amplitude of the heel < 0.1 on the sagittal projection plane. For the short-stepped gait, the angle range of the knee joint < 45° on the sagittal projection plane was a candidate index. The candidate index for the wide-based gait was the leg outward shift > 0.1 on the axial projection plane. In conclusion, the two-dimensional coordinates on the body axis projection planes calculated from the 3D relative coordinates estimated by the TDPT-GT application enabled the quantification of pathological gait features.
Ultrasensitive Detection of Interleukin 6 by Using Silicon Nanowire Field-Effect Transistors
Authors: Hu Wen-Pin , Wu Yu-Ming , Vu Cao-An , Chen Wen-Yih
Published: January 2023

Interleukin 6 (IL-6) has been regarded as a biomarker that can be applied as a predictor for the severity of COVID-19-infected patients. The IL-6 level also correlates well with respiratory dysfunction and mortality risk. In this work, three silanization approaches and two types of biorecognition elements were used on the silicon nanowire field-effect transistors (SiNW-FETs) to investigate and compare the sensing performance on the detection of IL-6. Experimental data revealed that the mixed-SAMs-modified silica surface could have superior surface morphology to APTES-modified and APS-modified silica surfaces. According to the data on detecting various concentrations of IL-6, the detection range of the aptamer-functionalized SiNW-FET was broader than that of the antibody-functionalized SiNW-FET. In addition, the lowest concentration of valid detection for the aptamer-functionalized SiNW-FET was 2.1 pg/mL, two orders of magnitude lower than the antibody-functionalized SiNW-FET. The detection range of the aptamer-functionalized SiNW-FET covered the concentration of IL-6, which could be used to predict fatal outcomes of COVID-19. The detection results in the buffer showed that the anti-IL-6 aptamer could produce better detection results on the SiNW-FETs, indicating its great opportunity in applications for sensing clinical samples.
The Effect of the Elemental Composition of Municipal Sewage Sludge on the Phosphorus Recycling during Pyrolysis, with a Focus on the Char Chemistry—Modeling and Experiments
Authors: Vali Naeimeh , Combres Aurélie , Hosseinian Aida , Pettersson Anita
Published: January 2023

The present study investigates how the original sewage sludge characteristics influence the composition of sewage sludge-based chars for land applications. Sewage sludge from two different wastewater treatment plants in Sweden was pyrolyzed at 500, 700, and 900 °C, and the resulting chars were analyzed. Thermodynamic equilibrium calculations (TEC), together with chemical fractionation, were implemented to simulate the char after the pyrolysis process at different temperatures. The results showed that, in general, for both the municipal sewage sludge (MSS), phosphorus (P) was significantly retained in the char at various temperatures. However, no specific correlation could be found between the pyrolysis temperature and the amount of P remaining. With regard to the heavy metals removed from the char after the pyrolysis reaction, the concentrations of copper, chromium, lead, nickel, zinc, and cadmium were below the limits of the Swedish regulations for farmland application.
Preparation of Hydrolyzed Sugarcane Molasses as a Low-Cost Medium for the Mass Production of Probiotic Lactobacillus paracasei ssp. paracasei F19
Authors: Acosta-Piantini Elsa , Rodríguez-Díez Elena , Chavarri María , López-de-Armentia Iratxe , Villaran M. Carmen , Lombraña José Ignacio
Published: January 2023

In this study, sugarcane molasses (SCM) was pre-treated in a low-cost fermentation medium to produce probiotic biomass of Lactobacillus paracasei ssp. paracasei F19 (LPPF19) with the combination of dilution, centrifugation, and acid hydrolysis (5 molar sulfuric acid, 60 °C/2 h). Microtox analysis, inductively coupled mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) were used to measure the effects of SCM pretreatment on the fermentation process. The results showed that the hydrolysis of sucrose into glucose and fructose was 98%, which represented an increase of 44.4% in the initial glucose content (fermentation-limiting sugar), and harmful heavy metals, such as arsenic, cadmium, and lead, were reduced by 50.3, 60.0, and 64.3%, respectively. After pretreatment, with the supplementation of only yeast extract and salts (Na, K, Mg, and Mn), a biomass of 9.58 log CFU/mL was achieved, approximately ten times higher than that for the control medium used (MRS/DeMan, Rogosa, and Sharpe). The cost reduction achieved compared to this commercial medium was 68.7% in the laboratory and 78.9% on an industrial scale. This work demonstrated that SCM could be used in a cheaper and more effective alternative fermentation to produce LPPF19.
Improved Prediction Model and Utilization of Pump as Turbine for Excess Power Saving from Large Pumping System in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al-Suhaibani Zeyad , Danish Syed Noman , Al-Khalaf Ziyad Saleh , Salim Basharat
Published: January 2023

The throttling process is frequently encountered in many industrial practices utilizing Pressure Reducing Valves (PRVs). This process is typically used to control pressure and flow in pipeline networks. The practice of utilizing PRVs is considered simple and cheap in terms of installation cost and control. It dissipates the excess fluid energy that can be used for other purposes. This paper studies the feasibility of utilizing the Pump as Turbine (PAT) concept to partially recover the excess power dissipated from PRVs located at the discharge lines of refined product shipping pumps at one of the hydrocarbon distribution facilities in Saudi Arabia. Multiple PAT installation layouts have been studied to achieve this goal, selecting the optimum option to maximize the power recovery. The final selection of PAT was conducted to achieve a reasonable payback period. A new method for predicting the pump performance in reverse mode was developed depending on the manufacturer’s pump performance curves. The comparison of the proposed model with experimental data and previous models for three modes of operation reveals that the proposed model in this paper’s results either have the minimum deviation or the second minimum deviation out of all models. In the case of flow ratio prediction, the predicted deviation is merely 3.83%, −1.14%, and 1.35% in three modes of operation. For power prediction, the proposed model is the best and the only reliable model out of all with the least deviation of −7.48%, 0.07%, and −3.16% in three modes of operation. The economic analysis reveals the Capital Payback Time (CPP) for five optimum PATs is around 5 years. The new method was also validated against previous models showing more precise performance prediction of multistage centrifugal pumps running in turbine mode.