bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Species-Specific Sensitivity and Levels of Beta-D-Glucan for the Diagnosis of Candidemia—A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Ullah Nadir , Muccio Marco , Magnasco Laura , Sepulcri Chiara , Giacobbe Daniele Roberto , Vena Antonio , Bassetti Matteo , Mikulska Malgorzata
Published: February 2025

Background: 1, 3-ß-D-Glucan (BDG) is an antigen present in the cell wall of many pathogenic fungi and is used as a marker for the early diagnosis of candidemia and discontinuation of empirical treatment. Changes in the epidemiology of Candida species might have a negative impact on the performance of serum BDG. The aim of this study was to analyze the performance of BDG in candidemia diagnosis focusing on species-specific differences in BDG sensitivity and BDG levels. Methods: The PRISMA system was used for the systematic search. The following databases were searched for articles published from January 2010 to November 2023: PubMed, Science Direct, and Scopus. Results: A total of 21 studies that met the inclusion criteria were included, reporting data from 1633 patients with candidemia; 11 reported both sensitivity and specificity, 15 reported species-specific sensitivity, and nine reported species-specific BDG levels. The pooled sensitivity of BDG in all studies was 0.73 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.66-0.80), while the pooled sensitivity and specificity in 11 studies were 0.81 (95% CI 0.73-0.89) and 0.80 (95% CI 0.74-0.87). BDG pooled sensitivity (all assays) and BDG levels (for assays with cutoff of 80 pg/mL) were the highest in C. krusei (currently Pichia kudriavzevii) and the lowest in C. auris: 0.76 and 417 pg/mL for C. krusei, 0.73 and 345 pg/mL for C. albicans, 0.74 and 356 pg/mL for C. glabrata (currently Nakaseomyces glabrata), 0.70 and 324 pg/mL for C. tropicalis, 0.63 and 95 pg/mL for C. parapsilosis, 0.51 and 62 pg/mL for C. auris, and 0.44 and 79 pg/mL for other Candida species. These differences were statistically significant for BDG sensitivity and levels of C. albicans, C. glabrata, C. krusei, and C. tropicalis compared to C. auris, C. parapsilosis, and other Candida species. Conclusion: The sensitivity of BDG in candidemia diagnosis depends on the Candida species, with the lowest being for C. auris and C. parapsilosis. This might have a clinical impact in centers where these species are prevalent.
SsNEP2 Plays a Role in the Interaction Between Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and Coniothyrium minitans
Authors: Zhao Huizhang , Zhu Zihang , Xu Yueli , Wang Haixuan , Xie Jiatao , Cheng Jiasen , Jiang Daohong , Fu Yanping
Published: February 2025

Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, a fungal pathogen that is spread worldwide and causes serious diseases on crops, can be parasitized specifically by the mycoparasite Coniothyrium minitans. SsNEP2, encoding a necrosis-inducing protein in S. sclerotiorum, was previously inferred to play a role in the virulence to host plants. In this study, silencing of SsNEP2 in S. sclerotiorum had no significant (p < 0.01) influence on mycelial morphology, while overexpression led to lower mycelial growth and more branches. When amended with the fermentation broth of the SsNEP2 silencing mutants, conidial germination of C. minitans was promoted, while conidial production decreased. When parasitized by C. minitans, enhanced resistance of the SsNEP2 silencing mutants and weaker resistance of the overexpressed transformants were observed compared to the wild-type S. sclerotiorum strain 1980. In addition, the expression of SsNEP2 in C. minitans enhanced mycelial parasitism on S. sclerotiorum and restored the effect of silencing SsNEP2 in S. sclerotiorum on mycoparasitism. Thus, we highlight the role of SsNEP2 as a PAMP-like protein in the mycoparasitism between C. minitans and its host fungus S. sclerotiorum. SsNEP2 can be used to promote the biological potential of C. minitans.
Exploring the Driving Forces of Ecosystem Services in the Yangtze River Basin, China
Authors: Wang Zhenwei , Mao Jinjin , Peng Yelin , Wu Jiahui , Wang Xiaochun , Su Lilan
Published: February 2025

Ecosystem services (ESs) are increasingly recognized as critical to sustainable development and human well-being and are frequently used as indicators in environmental governance policies. However, existing studies mostly assess the performance of isolated single ESs, ignoring the management data needs of local governments for comprehensive gate-keeping and the easy monitoring of regional ecosystems, and lacking holistic gate-keeping indicators for local ESs. To address these shortcomings, this study assessed the spatial changes in five main ESs in the Yangtze River basin (YTRB) in China by creating a comprehensive ESs indicator (CESI) using multi-source data, and introduced the hotspot analyses and spatial econometric models to explore the driving forces of CESI. Results showed that during the study period, the CESI in the YTRB increased from 0.44 in 2000 to 0.47 in 2020. High-value areas were mainly concentrated in the hilly and mountainous regions, whereas the low-value areas were predominantly situated in the plain areas. From 2000 to 2020, the hot spots of CESI were primarily located in the middle and the lower reaches of the YTRB. Conversely, the cold spots were situated in the upper reaches of the YTRB. The regression analysis revealed a significant negative association between socioeconomic factors and CESI, while a significant positive association between natural background factors and CESI. Of the natural background factors, average precipitation has the largest positive effect on CESI, with each 1% increase resulting in up to 0.369% increase in CESI. In contrast, GDP density had the greatest negative impact on CESI, with each 1% increase triggering a reduction in CESI of up to 6.210%. The findings suggest that CESI, which integrates multiple ESs, can effectively simplify the difficulty of regional ecological regulation. The driving mechanism indicates that environmental protection policies, when combined with the natural conditions and intensity of human activities in the region, would be more coherent with varying regulatory intensities.
Developing Blueprints for Robust Regional Bioeconomy Strategies: The Case of Western Macedonia
Authors: Papadopoulou Christina-Ioanna , Foutri Angeliki , Martinidis George , Kalea Theodora , Fallas Yannis
Published: February 2025

The development of the bioeconomy in the European Union is promoted through various policies. In Greece, however, there is a paucity of research on bioeconomy issues and policies at both the national and regional levels. This study systematically examines the feasibility of developing a bioeconomy blueprint within the context of a geographically isolated and mountainous region. By employing an integrated strategic framework combining sustainable resource management, innovation and participatory governance, the proposed framework emphasizes the transition from conventional, unsustainable economic practices to a contemporary development paradigm underpinned by the tenets of the circular economy and the utilization of local resources. A central tenet of the proposed framework is the enhancement of collaborative endeavors among local stakeholders, academic institutions, and business entities, with the overarching objective being the promotion of cutting-edge technologies and the economic diversification of the region. Concurrently, emphasis is placed on the necessity to establish conducive policies, regulatory frameworks, and financial mechanisms that will facilitate the development of sustainable industries and mitigate the environmental impact. The text emphasizes the importance of human resources development through educational and training programs, ensuring adaptability to the demands of the emerging bioeconomy. The study concludes that, despite the inherent difficulties arising from geographical isolation and limited access to resources, the region has the potential for sustainable development. The region’s capacity for sustainable development is contingent upon the implementation of suitable strategies and the mobilization of investment, which will be instrumental in the establishment of a robust and environmentally sustainable economic model.
Impact of Altitude Training on Athletes’ Aerobic Capacity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Deng Lin , Liu Yuhang , Chen Baili , Hou Jiawan , Liu Ao , Yuan Xiaoyi
Published: February 2025

Purpose: This study systematically evaluated the effects of altitude training on athletes’ aerobic capacity, focusing on optimal training modalities and intervention durations. Methods: Eight databases (CNKI, CSPD, PubMed, Ovid Medline, ProQuest, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Scopus) were searched for randomized controlled trials on altitude training and aerobic capacity following PRISMA guidelines, covering publications up to 15 October 2024. The risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane tools, and a meta-analysis was conducted using Review Manager 5.4 with a random-effects model. Sensitivity and subgroup analyses were performed to identify heterogeneity and influencing factors. Results: Thirteen studies involving 276 participants (aged 18–35) were included. Meta-analysis revealed that compared to low-altitude training, altitude training significantly increased hemoglobin (SMD = 0.7, 95% CI: 0.27–1.13, p = 0.03) and hemoglobin mass (SMD = 0.49, 95% CI: 0.1–0.89, p = 0.16) but had no significant effect on maximal oxygen uptake (SMD = −0.13, 95% CI: −1.21–0.96, p = 0.68). Altitude training also improved performance in trial tests (SMD = −28.73, 95% CI: −58.69–1.23, p = 0.002). Sensitivity analysis confirmed the robustness of hemoglobin and trial test results. Subgroup analysis showed that the “live high, train high” (LHTH) approach and interventions lasting longer than three weeks were most effective in enhancing aerobic capacity. Conclusions: Altitude training improves athletes’ aerobic capacity by enhancing hematological indicators and trial test performance, though its impact on maximal oxygen uptake is minimal. LHTH and interventions exceeding three weeks yield superior outcomes. However, the findings are limited by the number and quality of the available studies.
Analysis of Temperature Characteristics of Double-Row Spherical Roller Bearings Based on CFD
Authors: Fu Chengguo , Chen Ting , Yang Hui , Li Haibo , Li Yuhao , Zhang Yaqi , He Weiwei , Cong Hongbin
Published: February 2025

Double-row spherical roller bearings are frequently employed as supporting components in mining machinery. In practice, these bearings are lubricated manually, and the bearing chamber is filled with grease, which can lead to issues such as grease wastage and increased bearing temperatures. Additionally, factors such as load and speed also influence the bearing temperature, collectively contributing to inadequate lubrication and potential bearing failure. Consequently, it is essential to investigate the temperature of the bearing under operating conditions. Utilizing tribology theory and the principles of bearing heat generation, a numerical model of fluid–structure interaction heat transmission within the bearing was developed, and finite element analysis was conducted through the ANSYS-Fluent module. The model was verified, and the temperature field of the bearing under varying operating conditions was studied. The findings of this research are as follows: (1) The numerical model demonstrates high accuracy, with a relative error of less than 5% when comparing the experimental temperature values of the jaw crusher bearing to the simulated values. (2) Under diverse operating conditions, the inner ring of the bearing has the highest temperature of all parts of the bearing, while the bearing cavity’s flow field has the lowest temperature. (3) The average temperature amplitude across different areas of the bearing system will rise as a result of increases in radial load or the bearing rotational speed. (4) When the grease filling volume increases from minimal to maximal, the average temperature in each bearing area initially decreases before subsequently rising, with the optimal grease filling amount identified as 60%. In operational scenarios, if the bearing temperature exceeds 70 °C, it is imperative to shut down the machine immediately to avert bearing failure. This study on bearing lubrication has practical guiding significance.
Achieving Superlubricity: Development of Multilayer Co-Doped DLC Coatings and Tribological Evaluation with Eco-Friendly Base Oil and Low-SAPS Oil Formulations
Authors: Haneef Mobeen , Evaristo Manuel , Yang Liuquan , Morina Ardian , Trindade Bruno
Published: February 2025

To address modern tribological challenges—reducing friction and wear to conserve resources while minimising environmental impact—cobalt-doped DLC (Co-DLC) coatings were developed. These nanometric multilayer coatings, designed to retain key properties such as hardness, reduced modulus, and substrate adhesion, were fabricated using non-reactive DC magnetron sputtering (DCMS). The multilayer structure was achieved by controlling the planetary substrate holder’s rotational speed. Characterisation of microscopic, chemical, structural, and mechanical properties was performed using techniques including FEI-SEM, EDS, XRD, TEM, Raman spectroscopy, scratch adhesion testing, and nanoindentation. Tribological performance was evaluated under boundary and fully flooded lubrication using PAO4 base oil and formulations with ashless, sulphur-free AW and EP additives. The coatings exhibited a granular surface morphology, columnar cross-sections, and amorphous structure. Increased dopant concentrations slightly enhanced graphitisation and significantly improved adhesion, though hardness and reduced modulus decreased. Tribological testing revealed superlubricity in several coating–oil combinations and significantly reduced wear rates with higher dopant levels and new additives. A phosphate ester additive without an amine group achieved the lowest COF values, while one with an amine group yielded minimal wear rates. These findings highlight the potential of Co-DLC coatings and tailored additives to minimise friction and wear effectively.
Research on Remote Operation and Maintenance Based on Digital Twin Technology
Authors: Sun Peilu , Liu Xin
Published: February 2025

With the wide application of a new generation of information technology, remote technical services are receiving an increasing amount of attention in the manufacturing field. In view of the fact that most mechanical and electrical equipment manufacturing enterprises still need to send a substantial number of employees to the site to provide operation and maintenance services for customers, and the operation and maintenance costs of enterprises remain high, a remote operation and maintenance method of mechanical and electrical equipment based on digital twin technology is proposed. A digital twin remote operation and maintenance services model is constructed, and digital twin remote operation and maintenance technology is divided into four basic levels: virtual simulation, software/hardware-in-the-loop virtual commissioning, virtual and real synchronization, and cloud–end interconnection. With this, we conduct in-depth research on the key technologies involved in these four levels. The digital twin remote operation and maintenance service platform has been built; this platform can provide maintenance, repair, overhaul, and operation services for enterprise equipment. The feasibility of both the digital twin remote operation and maintenance services model and the digital twin remote operation and maintenance service platform was verified through cases, which provided an efficient and feasible solution for enterprises to improve service efficiency and reduce labor costs.
AMC: Adaptive Learning Rate Adjustment Based on Model Complexity
Authors: Cheng Weiwei , Pu Rong , Wang Bin
Published: February 2025

An optimizer plays a decisive role in the efficiency and effectiveness of model training in deep learning. Although Adam and its variants are widely used, the impact of model complexity on training is not considered, which leads to instability or slow convergence when a complex model is trained. To address this issue, we propose an AMC (Adam with Model Complexity) optimizer, which dynamically adjusts the learning rate by incorporating model complexity, thereby improving training stability and convergence speed. AMC uses the Frobenius norm of the model to measure its complexity, automatically decreasing the learning rate of complex models and increasing the learning rate of simple models, thus optimizing the training process. We provide a theoretical analysis to demonstrate the relationship between model complexity and learning rate, as well as the convergence and convergence bounds of AMC. Experiments on multiple benchmark datasets show that, compared to several widely used optimizers, AMC exhibits better stability and faster convergence, especially in the training of complex models.
Short-Term Prediction of Traffic Flow Based on the Comprehensive Cloud Model
Authors: Dong Jianhua
Published: February 2025

Short-term traffic flow prediction plays a crucial role in transportation systems by describing the time evolution of traffic flow over short periods, such as seconds, minutes, or hours. It helps people make informed decisions about their routes to avoid congested areas and enables traffic management departments to quickly adjust road capacities and implement effective traffic management strategies. In recent years, numerous studies have been conducted in this area. However, there is a significant gap in research regarding the uncertainty of short-term traffic flow, which negatively impacts the accuracy and robustness of traffic flow prediction models. In this paper, we propose a novel comprehensive entropy-cloud model that includes two algorithms: the Fused Cloud Model Inference based on DS Evidence Theory (FCMI-DS) and the Cloud Model Inference and Prediction based on Compensation Mechanism (CMICM). These algorithms are designed to address the short-term traffic flow prediction problem. By utilizing the cloud model of historical flow data to guide future short-term predictions, our approach improves prediction accuracy and stability. Additionally, we provide relevant mathematical proofs to support our methodology.
Tibial Tuberosity–Tibial Intercondylar Midpoint Distance Can Be Interchangeably Measured on Axial CT and MRI: Retrospective Cross-Sectional Comparative Study
Authors: Nizić Dinko , Šimunović Marko , Serdar Jure , Vlaić Josip , Josipović Mario , Levaj Ivan , Ivić-Hofman Igor , Jelić Mislav
Published: February 2025

Background and Objectives: It is unknown whether the tibial tuberosity–tibial intercondylar midpoint (TT–TIM) distance can be interchangeably measured on axial computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The objective of this retrospective cross-sectional comparative study was to evaluate the intermethod agreement of the TT–TIM distance on axial CT and MRI and its bias towards tibial rotation (TR), age, sex, and body side. Materials and Methods: On axial CT and MRI of 15 consecutive knee pairs where each pair belonged to the same patient with no pathology affecting the tibial circumference and tibial tuberosity, TT–TIM distance and TR were measured by two blinded radiologists at 2-week intervals. Upon checking the symmetry of distributions (Shapiro–Wilk test), differences between matched knee pairs (Wilcoxon signed-rank test), intermethod (Bland–Altman plot) and interrater agreement (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC]), and correlations (Spearman rank correlation) were assessed. Results: The mean intermethod difference in TT–TIM distance was not statistically significant (−0.4 mm [−1.82, 0.96]; p = 0.52). The TT–TIM distance did not differ between knee pairs (p = 0.68), its interrater agreement was almost perfect (ICC > 0.81), and no bias towards TR (p > 0.66), age (p > 0.14), sex (p = 0.66), and body side (p > 0.37) was found. Conclusions: The TT–TIM distance can be interchangeably measured on axial CT and MRI with almost perfect interrater agreement, unbiased towards TR, age, sex, and body side.
Advances in Metabolic Bariatric Surgeries and Endoscopic Therapies: A Comprehensive Narrative Review of Diabetes Remission Outcomes
Authors: Ghusn Wissam , Zeineddine Jana , Betancourt Richard S. , Gajjar Aryan , Yang Wah , Robertson Andrew G. , Ghanem Omar M.
Published: February 2025

Background and Objectives: Type 2 diabetes (T2D), closely associated with obesity, contributes to increased morbidity and mortality due to complications such as cardiometabolic disease. This review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of metabolic and bariatric surgeries (MBS) and endoscopic bariatric therapies (EBTs) in achieving diabetes remission and to examine key predictors influencing remission outcomes. Materials and Methods: This review synthesizes data from studies on MBS and EBT outcomes, focusing on predictors for diabetes remission such as preoperative insulin use, diabetes duration, HbA1c, and C-peptide levels. Additionally, predictive scoring systems, including the Individualized Metabolic Surgery (IMS), DiaRem, Advanced-DiaRem, ABCD, and Robert et al. scores, were analyzed for their utility in forecasting remission likelihood. Results: Key predictors of T2D remission include shorter diabetes duration, lower HbA1c, and higher C-peptide levels, while prolonged insulin use, and higher insulin doses are associated with lower remission rates. Scoring models like IMS and DiaRem demonstrate that lower scores correlate with a higher likelihood of remission, especially for procedures such as Roux-En-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). RYGB generally shows higher remission rates compared to sleeve gastrectomy (SG), particularly among patients with mild disease severity, while EBTs like ESG and IGBs contribute 5–20% total weight loss (TWL) and moderate glycemic control improvements. Conclusions: Both MBS and EBTs are effective for T2D management, with predictive scoring models aiding in individualized patient selection to optimize remission outcomes. Further research to validate these predictive tools across diverse populations could enhance treatment planning for both surgical and endoscopic interventions.
Correlation Between Blood Coagulation Profile and Viscosity: Clinical Laboratory Observational Study
Authors: Nwose Ezekiel U. , Bwititi Phillip T.
Published: February 2025

Whole blood viscosity is a test for blood stasis and is an ideal evidence-based pathology parameter that is largely undervalued and retrogressing in clinical utilization. Coagulation profiles as indices of haemostasis are available but limited to central or referral laboratories and often involve long turn-around time. It is therefore important to study the correlation between the index of stasis and indices of haemostasis. Objective: To investigate the correlation of index of stasis with indices of haemostasis. Method: The clinical laboratory observational research method, using archived pathology data. Indices of haemostasis including activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and prothrombin time (PT), the international normalization ratio (INR), and plasma D-dimer were evaluated. On the other hand, the index of blood stasis used was the estimated whole blood viscosity (eWBV) and derived haematocrit and serum protein levels. All (N = 193) tests were collected within a calendar year from the same pathology service, and further, for the correlation, each set of variables from the same blood sample collection was used. Results: The haemostasis data are skewed (skewness > 2.0), while eWBV and platelet count are normal (skewness < 2.0). Haemostasis indices have an inverse association with eWBV (p < 0.001). The concordance and correlation of eWBV with platelet count is positive, weak, and significant (p < 0.001), but negative and negligible with PT and APTT. Conclusion: There are limitations to the possible correlation between eWBV and haemostasis indices. However, haemostasis indices have inverse associations with eWBV, and the latter can aid in the evaluation of haemostasis hence could be utilized as an alternative or complementary test to haemostasis tests. Research may normalize skewed data to obtain better correlation; therefore, further study is required to advance discourse, giving cognizance to clinical practice.
Metabolomic Insights into Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Scoping Review
Authors: Muñoz-Zabaleta Maria Jose , Garzón Rodríguez Nicolás , Díaz-Barrera Luis Eduardo , Quiroz-Padilla Maria Fernanda
Published: February 2025

Background /Objectives Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most common neurodevelopmental condition, and symptoms persist into adulthood. Its etiology, though recognized as multifactorial, is still under discussion. Metabolomics helps us to identify pathways associated with functional and structural changes that may be related to symptomatology. This study aimed to characterize potentially altered metabolic pathways and associated biochemical reactions in ADHD. Methods: A scoping review of experimental research was conducted using PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus using PRISMA ScR. Fifty-five studies were eligible for data extraction, of which fifteen met the criteria for inclusion in the review. Subsequently, the identified metabolites were analyzed in the context of the literature to recognize possible discordant pathways in the disorder. Results: Two groups of relevant neuromodulators of ADHD were found: precursors of monoamines and polyunsaturated fatty acids. The literature was reviewed to discover potential implicated pathways and new metabolites of interest. Conclusions: The study of ADHD biomarkers should focus on measuring precursor, intermediate, and final metabolites of polyunsaturated fatty acids and monoamines in panels or through untargeted analysis to improve the understanding of the pathology and individualization of treatments.
Metabolomic Profiling of the Striatum in Shank3 Knockout ASD Rats: Effects of Early Swimming Regulation
Authors: Meng Yunchen , Hu Yiling , Xue Yaqi , Zhen Zhiping
Published: February 2025

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the regulatory impact of early swimming intervention on striatal metabolism in Shank3 gene knockout ASD model rats. Methods: Shank3 gene knockout exon 11–21 male 8-day-old SD rats were used as experimental subjects and randomly divided into the following three groups: a Shank3 knockout control group (KC), a wild-type control group (WC) from the same litter, and a Shank3 knockout swimming group (KS). The rats in the exercise group received early swimming intervention for 8 weeks starting at 8 days old. LC-MS metabolism was employed to detect the changes in metabolites in the striatum. Results: There were 17 differential metabolites (14 down-regulated) between the KC and WC groups, 19 differential metabolites (18 up-regulated) between the KS and KC groups, and 22 differential metabolites (18 up-regulated) between the KS and WC groups. Conclusions: The metabolism of striatum in Shank3 knockout ASD model rats is disrupted, involving metabolites related to synaptic morphology, and the Glu and GABAergic synapses are abnormal. Early swimming intervention regulated the striatal metabolome group of the ASD model rats, with differential metabolites primarily related to nerve development, synaptic membrane structure, and synaptic signal transduction.
Integrated Analyses of the Mechanism of Flower Color Formation in Alfalfa (Medicago sativa)
Authors: Wen Zhaozhu , Liu Huancheng , Zhang Qian , Lu Xuran , Jiang Kai , Bao Qinyan , Zhang Zhifei , Yang Guofeng , Wang Zeng-Yu
Published: February 2025

Background: Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) is one of the most valuable forages in the world. As an outcrossing species, it needs bright flowers to attract pollinators to deal with self-incompatibility. Although various flower colors have been observed and described in alfalfa a long time ago, the biochemical and molecular mechanism of its color formation is still unclear. Methods: By analyzing alfalfa lines with five contrasting flower colors including white (cream-colored), yellow, lavender (purple), dark purple and dark blue, various kinds and levels of anthocyanins, carotenoids and other flavonoids were detected in different colored petals, and their roles in color formation were revealed. Results: Notably, the content of delphinidin-3,5-O-diglucoside in lines 3, 4 and 5 was 58.88, 100.80 and 94.07 times that of line 1, respectively. Delphinidin-3,5-O-diglucoside was the key factor for purple and blue color formation. Lutein and β-carotene were the main factors for the yellow color formation. By analyzing differentially expressed genes responsible for specific biochemical pathways and compounds, 27 genes were found to be associated with purple and blue color formation, and 14 genes were found to play an important role in yellow color formation. Conclusions: The difference in petal color between white, purple and blue petals was mainly caused by the accumulation of delphinidin-3,5-O-diglucoside. The difference in petal color between white and yellow petals was mainly affected by the production of lutein and β-carotene. These findings provide a basis for understanding the biochemical and molecular mechanism of alfalfa flower color formation.
A 3.2–3.6 GHz GaN Doherty Power Amplifier Module Based on a Compact Low-Loss Combiner
Authors: Wang Xiyu , Wang Dehan , Li Wenming , Lv Xiaolin , Cui Kai , Liu Haijun , Kang Kai
Published: February 2025

In this paper, a 3.2–3.6 GHz two-stage Doherty power amplifier (PA) module is proposed for fifth-generation (5G) massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) base stations. A detailed design method and procedure for a compact and low-loss combiner suitable for the Doherty PA module are introduced. Based on the proposed combiner, a Doherty PA module is implemented using gallium nitride (GaN) transistors and surface-mounted devices (SMDs) with a packaged size of 8 × 8 mm2. The proposed two-stage Doherty PA module achieves a 3 dB small-signal bandwidth of 3.1–3.9 GHz and a peak gain of 31.7 dB. From 3.2 to 3.6 GHz, the saturated output power is 40.4–41.1 dBm. Moreover, the measured saturated drain efficiency (DE) and 8 dB power back-off (PBO) DE reach 51–56.6% and 45.5–48.6%, respectively.
TCAD Simulation Study of Electrical Performance of a Novel High-Purity Germanium Drift Detector
Authors: Wang Mingyang , Li Zheng , Xiong Bo , Xiao Yongguang
Published: February 2025

High-purity germanium (HPGe) detectors occupy a prominent position in fields such as radiation detection and aerospace because of their excellent energy resolution and wide detection range. To achieve a broader detection range, conventional HPGe detectors often need to be expanded to cubic-centimeter-scale volumes. However, this increase in volume leads to a large detector area, which in turn increases the detector capacitance, affecting the detector’s noise level and performance. To address this issue, this study proposes a novel high-purity germanium drift detector (HPGeDD). The design features a small-area central collecting cathode surrounded by concentric anode rings, with a resistive chain interposed between the anode rings to achieve self-dividing voltage. This design ensures that the detector’s capacitance is only related to the area of the central collecting cathode, independent of the overall active area, thus achieving a balance between a small capacitance and large active area. Electrical performance simulations of the novel detector were conducted using the semiconductor simulation software Sentaurus TCAD (P-2019.03). The results show a smooth electric potential distribution within the detector, forming a lateral electric field, as well as a lateral hole drift channel precisely directed toward the collecting cathode. Furthermore, simulations of heavy ion incidence were performed to investigate the detector’s carrier collection characteristics. The simulation results demonstrate that the HPGeDD exhibits advantages such as fast signal response and short collection time. The design proposal presented in this study offers a new solution to the problem of excessive capacitance in conventional HPGe detectors, expands their application scope, and provides theoretical guidance for subsequent improvements, optimizations, and practical manufacturing.
Characteristics, Antioxidant Activity Stability, and Anti-Fatigue Activity of Hydrolysates from Cucumaria frondosa Tentacles
Authors: Li Mingbo , Chen Juan , Wang Qiuting , Liu Chuyi , Song Wenkui , Sun Leilei
Published: February 2025

This study aimed to assess the impact of alcalase, trypsin, flavourzyme, and neutrase on the characteristics, antioxidant activity stability, and anti-fatigue activity of hydrolysates derived from Cucumaria frondosa tentacles (CFTHs). The results demonstrate that favourzyme hydrolysates exhibited the highest degree of hydrolysis (DH). Zeta potential and particle size measurements indicated that hydrolyzed peptides treated with favourzyme appeared aggregated and exhibited larger particle sizes. The antioxidant properties of CFTHs demonstrated good thermal stability, pH stability, and enhanced simulated gastrointestinal digestive stability. The anti-fatigue activity of CFTHs was examined using an acute exercise fatigue model. The results indicate that CFTHs extended the exhaustive swimming time of mice to 17.81 min. Additionally, CFTHs significantly elevated (p < 0.01) blood glucose (Glu) and liver glycogen (LG) levels, while also decreasing (p < 0.05) the concentrations of metabolites such as lactic acid (LA), urea nitrogen (BUN), creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and ammonia (NH3). This reduction contributed to the alleviation of fatigue in the body. Furthermore, the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) were significantly increased (p < 0.05), which aided in mitigating oxidative damage induced by strenuous exercise. These findings strongly support the potential utilization of CFTHs in food products as natural antioxidant and anti-fatigue alternatives.
Design, Synthesis and Bioactive Evaluation of Topo I/c-MYC Dual Inhibitors to Inhibit Oral Cancer via Regulating the PI3K/AKT/NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Authors: Zheng Bin , Wang Yi-Xiao , Wu Zi-Yan , Li Xin-Wei , Qin Li-Qing , Chen Nan-Ying , Su Gui-Fa , Su Jun-Cheng , Pan Cheng-Xue
Published: February 2025

The significantly rising incidence of oral cancer worldwide urgently requires the identification of novel, effective molecular targets to inhibit the progression of malignancy. DNA topoisomerase I (Topo I) is a well-established target for cancer treatment, and many studies have shown that different cancer cell genes could be targeted more selectively with one type of Topo I inhibitor. In this report, a new scaffold pyridothieno[3,2-c]isoquinoline 11,11-dioxide was designed via the combination of the key fragment or bioisoster of Topo I inhibitor azaindenoisoquinolines and G-quadruplex binder quindoline. Thirty-two target derivatives were synthesized, among which compounds 7be, with potent Topo I inhibition, exhibited effective antiproliferative activity against Cal27, one of the oral cancer cell lines highly expressing Topo I protein. Further studies indicated that 7be could also inhibit the activation of PI3K/AKT/NF-κB pathway and downregulate the level of c-MYC, repress the colony formation and the migration of Cal27 cells and trigger apoptosis and autophagy. Molecular docking indicated that 7be could interact with the complex of Topo I and DNA via a mode similar to the indenoisoquinolines. The results of the Cal27 xenograft model confirmed that 7be exhibited promising anticancer efficacy in vivo, with tumor growth inhibition (TGI) of 64.7% at 20 mg/kg.
Unveiling the pH-Responsive Mechanisms of the Carbon Dot–Proximicin-A Peptide Conjugate for Targeted Cancer Therapy Using Density Functional Theory
Authors: Ahamed Azeez , Samaranayake Piumantha , Silva Visal de , Kooh Muhammad Raziq Rahimi , Wickramage Nadeesha , Rajapaksha Indu G. , Thotagamuge Roshan
Published: February 2025

This study investigates the pH-responsive dissociation mechanism of carbon dot (CD) conjugated with the anticancer peptide proximicin-A (PROXI) using density functional theory (DFT) simulations. The CD@PROXI system, designed for targeted cancer therapy, releases the drug in acidic environments typical of cancer sites. DFT simulations, with the B3LYP-D3BJ functional and 6-311G (d, p) basis set, optimized the conjugate’s geometry under neutral and acidic conditions. The focus was on the pH-sensitive C=N bond, existing in two protonation states. Key parameters evaluated included the HOMO-LUMO gap, bond length, IR spectroscopy, non-covalent interaction (NCI), electron localization function (ELF), density of states (DOSs), and electrostatic potential (ESP). Under neutral pH, the system showed stability with a HOMO-LUMO gap of 3.22 eV, indicating low reactivity. In acidic pH, this gap decreased to 0.40 eV, suggesting higher reactivity and potential for drug release. IR spectroscopy indicated weakened C=N bonds in acidic conditions, with bond length increasing from 1.288 Å to 1.324 Å. NCI analysis revealed increased van der Waals interactions, supporting bond weakening. ELF analysis showed electron localization at reactive sites, while DOS profiles and ESP maps highlighted distinct electronic states and potential dissociation regions in acidic conditions. These findings confirm the potential of CD@PROXI for targeted cancer therapy, with drug release triggered by the acidic tumor microenvironment.
Development and Techno-Economic Evaluation of Crystallization Techniques for GABA Purification from Fermentation Broth
Authors: Jing Yu , Zhang Jinxu , You Shengping , Wang Mengfan , Su Rongxin , Qi Wei
Published: February 2025

γ-aminobutyric acid, a critical neurotransmitter, is experiencing an increasing demand in the medical and health fields. Conventional processes for γ-aminobutyric acid purification from fermentation broth encounter significant challenges, such as high ethanol usage, low yield, complex process flow, and environmental pollution. Therefore, a purification process based on crystallization techniques was developed to address the above issues. The process was implemented in two stages: desalination and γ-aminobutyric acid treatment. Na2SO4 was effectively removed through a cooling crystallization technique. γ-aminobutyric acid with a purity of 98.66% and a yield of 67.32% was further obtained through a designed “antisolvent-cooling” crystallization process in a 3.2 L system. Moreover, the new process reduced ethanol usage compared to conventional processes, streamlined the purification process flow, and was more environmentally sustainable. Furthermore, we established an industrial-scale model for γ-aminobutyric acid production. Techno-economic analysis indicates that an investment in a plant with an annual capacity of 74.16 tons of γ-aminobutyric acid is projected to achieve payback in 1.98 years. In conclusion, the crystallization-based purification process is poised for industrial-scale γ-aminobutyric acid production due to its high efficiency, economic viability, energy conservation, and environmental compatibility.
Biosynthesis of a Novel Ginsenoside with High Anticancer Activity by Recombinant UDP-Glycosyltransferase and Characterization of Its Biological Properties
Authors: Wang Dandan , Jin Yan , Wang Hongtao , Zhang Chenwei , Li Yao , Subramaniyam Sathiyamoorthy , Sohng Jae-Kyung , Baek Nam-In , Kim Yeon-Ju
Published: February 2025

UDP-glycosyltransferases (UGTs) contribute to catalyzing the glycosylation of numerous functional natural products and novel derivatives with improved bioactivities. UDP-glucose sterol glucosyltransferase (SGT) is normally involved in the synthesis of sterol glycosides in a variety of organisms. SGT was derived from Salinispora tropica CNB-440 and heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3). Novel 12-O-glucosylginsenoside Rh2 was identified using HPLC, high-resolution MS (HR-MS), and NMR analysis. The cell viability assay was performed on 12-O-glucosylginsenoside-treated AGS stomach cancer, HeLa cervical cancer, U87MG glioma, and B16F10 melanoma cell lines. Protein structure modeling, molecular docking, and dynamics simulations were performed using AutoDock 4.2 and GROMACS 2020.1 software. The SGT gene is comprised of 1284 nucleotides and codes for 427 amino acids. The 12-O-glucosylginsenoside Rh2 may be a potential anticancer agent due to its potent viability inhibition of cancer cells. Structural analysis showed critical perspectives into the intermolecular interactions, stability, and binding energetics of the enzyme–ligand complex, with outcomes complementing the experimental data, thereby deepening our understanding of the structural basis of SGT-mediated glycosylation and its functional implications. This report presents a novel ginsenoside, 12-O-glucosylginsenoside Rh2, utilizing reshuffled SGT derived from S. tropica, and provides a promising candidate for anticancer drug research and development.
Urea Derivatives as H2S Scavengers
Authors: Koue Asger Munk , Szlek Karolina Agata , Kucheryavskiy Sergey , Maschietti Marco , Pedersen Christian Marcus
Published: February 2025

Simple urea-based chemicals have been used in the textile industry for “ironing-free clothes” for decades. One of the most used chemicals is 1,3-dimethylol-4,5-dihydroxyethyleneurea (DMDHEU), which consists of urea, glyoxal and formaldehyde. DMDHEU and related chemicals are considered safe and environmentally benign. We have therefore synthesized these compounds and studied their properties as H2S scavengers as alternatives to the “triazine” compounds used in the offshore industry today. Several derivatives are easily available, and we have evaluated their scavenging properties using Raman spectroscopy. This study reveals that this class of compounds scavenges H2S under conditions similar to the triazine-based scavengers and gives insight into the structural requirements needed.
Computational Analysis of the Kinetic Requirements for Coupled Reaction Systems
Authors: Incarbone Sara , De Gioia Luca
Published: February 2025

The art of designing coupling systems to drive reactions for endergonic synthesis is a subject of great interest in the scientific community, but it still presents major challenges. The aim of this kinetic study was to run simulations in COPASI 4.39 to test the behavior of hypothetical models for a system that couples two independent reactions, one exergonic and the other endergonic. In our computational study, we unraveled the qualitative and quantitative conditions that allow and benefit coupling, considering all possible reaction pathways within the network. Optimal conditions were reached by assigning favorable directionalities and low activation energies to six reaction steps within a network that featured twenty reaction steps. Moreover, different models were designed and tested in order to investigate the availability of coupling with different reaction steps.
What Happens Inside the Germinating Grain After Microbial Decontamination by Pulsed Electric Field? Data-Driven Multi-Omics Helps Find the Answer
Authors: Stranska Milena , Behner Adam , Ovesna Jaroslava , Svoboda Pavel , Hajslova Jana
Published: February 2025

Pulsed electric field (PEF) has previously been recognized as a method of gentle food processing, and its use has been shown to be helpful in reducing the levels of toxigenic Fusarium micromycetes developed during malting. The aim of this study was to describe the effects of PEF on gene expression and metabolite production at the pre-finishing stage of barley malting by using a novel multi-omics data-driven approach. The study helps to uncover the processes occurring in the germinated grain and discusses the up-/downregulation of genes and metabolites in relation to fungal infection and/or PEF-induced abiotic stress. Among the factors upregulated by PEF and previously described as supportive against Fusarium diseases, we identified the increased expression of genes encoding vegetative gp1-like protein, which positively correlated with flavonoids, (methylsulfanyl)prop-2-enoates, triterpenoid glycosides, and indole alkaloids. On the other hand, some genes associated with barley resistance to fungal infection were also overexpressed in the untreated control (in particular, genes encoding ethylene response factor 3-like, putrescine hydroxycinnamoyltransferase 3-like, and dirigent protein 21-like). This study provides the first ‘data-driven’ basic research results that contribute to the understanding of the role of PEF as an effective fungal decontamination strategy and allows the formulation of new hypotheses related to Fusarium pathogen crosstalk.
Fabricating Graphene-Based Molecular Electronics via Surface Modification by Physisorption and Chemisorption
Authors: Li Zhi , Guo Keying , Yin Chengjie , Li Yanan , Mertens Stijn F. L.
Published: February 2025

Graphene, a one-atom-thick sp2-hybridized carbon sheet, has enormous potential for fabricating flexible transparent electronics due to its unique electronic and mechanical properties. However, the intrinsic lack of a band gap, the low reactivity, and the poor solubility of pristine graphene have largely hindered wide-ranging applications so far. One of the most attractive ways to resolve these issues is to modify the graphene surface through molecular physisorption or chemisorption. In this review, we summarize the recent progress in fabricating graphene-based molecular electronics through manipulating small functional molecules on the graphene surface towards chemical reactivity adjustment, molecular doping, and band gap opening via non-covalent and covalent interactions, and draw attention to challenges and opportunities. We also suggest future research directions for graphene-based molecular electronics.
Coulomb Effect of Intermediate Products of Core–Shell SiO2@Al Nanothermite
Authors: Zhang Jinping , Chu Yuanhong , Wang Fei , Yuan Shan , Tan Minghui , Fu Hui , Jia Yu
Published: February 2025

Nanothermites as high-energy-density and high-reaction-rate materials have important applications in civil and military fields. Nevertheless, it is difficult to detect all intermediates and products using conventional experimental methods. In this work, the reaction process of core-shell SiO2@Al nanoparticles under adiabatic conditions was investigated through molecular dynamics simulations using a reactive force field (ReaxFF). In the microcanonical ensemble, the redox reaction of SiO2@Al nanothermite becomes explosive due to the huge energy release during Al-O bond formation. The gaseous products are mainly the intermediate products Al5O and Al4O as well as the final products Al2O, AlO, Si and Al. Analyses of the steric charge distributions and evolution show that the Coulomb effect causes the number of intermediates Al5O (0.32|e|) to increase to the maximum, then slowly decrease and remain stable. But the tetrahedral Al4O cluster is almost charge-neutral, at −0.05|e|, and the number remained almost constant. This work is expected to provide deeper insights into the complex reaction mechanism of nanothermite.