bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Neuroimmune Regulation and Potential Therapeutic Strategies of Optic Pathway Glioma
Authors: Irshad Khushboo , Huang Yu-Kai , Rodriguez Paul , Lo Jung , Aghoghovwia Benjamin E. , Pan Yuan , Chang Kun-Che
Published: October 2023

Optic pathway glioma (OPG) is one of the causes of pediatric visual impairment. Unfortunately, there is as yet no cure for such a disease. Understanding the underlying mechanisms and the potential therapeutic strategies may help to delay the progression of OPG and rescue the visual morbidities. Here, we provide an overview of preclinical OPG studies and the regulatory pathways controlling OPG pathophysiology. We next discuss the role of microenvironmental cells (neurons, T cells, and tumor-associated microglia and macrophages) in OPG development. Last, we provide insight into potential therapeutic strategies for treating OPG and promoting axon regeneration.
A Study of the Emotional Impact of Interior Lighting Color in Rural Bed and Breakfast Space Design
Authors: Wei Yangyang , Zhang Yuan , Wang Yihan , Liu Chajuan
Published: October 2023

In architectural spaces, the ambiance created by lighting plays a significant role in influencing people’s emotions, often relying on the use of color and light. However, previous research has primarily focused on urban architectural spaces, with relatively less attention given to rural environments, especially the interior spaces of rural accommodation. The objective of this study is to investigate the impact of colored lighting within rural accommodation interiors on people’s emotions and visual perceptions. Additionally, the study aims to establish an emotional dimension model to map the experimental results onto eight basic emotions, utilizing the PAD model for quantitative analysis. To achieve this goal, the researchers recruited 90 participants and divided them into six groups, each experiencing different combinations of indoor lighting scenes with varying colors. Participants evaluated their emotions and visual perceptions. The study results indicate that the combination of cool and warm white light with colored light significantly influences the arousal level of participants but has a relatively lower impact on pleasure levels, dominance and relaxation levels. In comparing the emotions experienced after exposure to cool and warm white light followed by colored light, warm white light elicited more positive emotions. Furthermore, colored light following cool white light diminished the sense of warmth in light, while yellow–blue light enhanced visual comfort and blue–red light increased attraction. Overall, the effect of colored lighting in rural accommodation interior spaces on improving negative emotions was relatively weak. Conversely, the combination of warm white light with blue–yellow or green–yellow light had a more significant effect on enhancing visual perceptions and reducing participants’ anxiety. This research provides valuable insights and references for designing the lighting ambiance in rural accommodation interiors and lighting design, with the potential to enhance the spatial experience of rural accommodations.
Development of an Improved Kinetic Model for CO2 Hydrogenation to Methanol
Authors: Mbatha Siphesihle , Thomas Sébastien , Parkhomenko Ksenia , Roger Anne-Cécile , Louis Benoit , Cui Xiaoti , Everson Ray , Langmi Henrietta , Musyoka Nicholas , Ren Jianwei
Published: October 2023

The kinetics of methanol synthesis remains debatable for various reasons, such as the lack of scientifically conclusive agreement about reaction mechanisms. The focus of this paper is on the evaluation of the intrinsic kinetics of the methanol synthesis reaction based on CO2 hydrogenation and the associated reverse water–gas shift as overall reactions. The industrial methanol synthesis catalyst, Cu/ZnO/Al2O3/MgO, was used for performing the kinetic studies. An optimal kinetic model was assessed for its ability to predict the experimental data from differential to integral conditions, contrary to the typical fitting of only the integral conditions’ data (common practice, as reported in the literature). The catalyst testing and kinetic evaluations were performed at various temperatures (210–260 °C) and pressures (40–77 bar), and for different stoichiometric numbers (0.9–1.9), H2/CO2 ratios (3.0–4.4) and carbon oxide ratios (0.9–1.0), in an isothermal fixed bed reactor, operated in a plug-flow mode. Experiments with CO in the feed were also generated and fitted. Different literature kinetic models with different assumptions on active sites, rate-determining steps, and hence, model formulations were fitted and compared. The original Seidel model appeared to fit the kinetic data very well, but it has twelve parameters. The modified model (MOD) we propose is derived from this Seidel model, but it has fewer (nine) parameters—it excludes CO hydrogenation, but it takes into consideration the morphological changes of active sites and CO adsorption. This MOD model, with three active sites, gave the best fit to all the data sets.
The Acquisition of Primary Amines from Alcohols through Reductive Amination over Heterogeneous Catalysts
Authors: Huang Hao , Wei Yuejun , Cheng Yuran , Xiao Shuwen , Chen Mingchih , Wei Zuojun
Published: October 2023

The synthesis of primary amines via the reductive amination of alcohols involves a hydrogen-borrowing or hydrogen-transfer mechanism, which consists of three main steps: alcohol hydroxyl dehydrogenation, carbonyl imidization, and imine hydrogenation. Heterogeneous catalysts are widely used for this reaction because of their high performance and amenability to separation and reuse. However, the efficiency of reductive amination is limited by the dehydrogenation step, which is severely affected by the competitive adsorption of NH3. We hope to improve the efficiency of reductive amination by increasing dehydrogenation efficiency. Therefore, in this overview, we introduce the research progress of alcohol reductive amination reaction catalyzed by heterogeneous metal catalysts, focusing on methods of enhancing dehydrogenation efficiency by screening the metal component and the acidity/alkalinity of the support. Finally, we propose some new strategies for the preparation of catalysts from the perspective of overcoming the competitive adsorption of NH3 and speculate on the design and synthesis of novel catalysts with high performance in the future.
Mitochondrial F-ATP Synthase Co-Migrating Proteins and Ca2+-Dependent Formation of Large Channels
Authors: Nikiforova Anna B. , Baburina Yulia L. , Borisova Marina P. , Surin Alexey K. , Kharechkina Ekaterina S. , Krestinina Olga V. , Suvorina Maria Y. , Kruglova Svetlana A. , Kruglov Alexey G.
Published: October 2023

Monomers, dimers, and individual FOF1-ATP synthase subunits are, presumably, involved in the formation of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (PTP), whose molecular structure, however, is still unknown. We hypothesized that, during the Ca2+-dependent assembly of a PTP complex, the F-ATP synthase (subunits) recruits mitochondrial proteins that do not interact or weakly interact with the F-ATP synthase under normal conditions. Therefore, we examined whether the PTP opening in mitochondria before the separation of supercomplexes via BN-PAGE will increase the channel stability and channel-forming capacity of isolated F-ATP synthase dimers and monomers in planar lipid membranes. Additionally, we studied the specific activity and the protein composition of F-ATP synthase dimers and monomers from rat liver and heart mitochondria before and after PTP opening. Against our expectations, preliminary PTP opening dramatically suppressed the high-conductance channel activity of F-ATP synthase dimers and monomers and decreased their specific “in-gel” activity. The decline in the channel-forming activity correlated with the reduced levels of as few as two proteins in the bands: methylmalonate–semialdehyde dehydrogenase and prohibitin 2. These results indicate that proteins co-migrating with the F-ATP synthase may be important players in PTP formation and stabilization.
Artificial Intelligence and Child Abuse and Neglect: A Systematic Review
Authors: Lupariello Francesco , Sussetto Luca , Di Trani Sara , Di Vella Giancarlo
Published: October 2023

All societies should carefully address the child abuse and neglect phenomenon due to its acute and chronic sequelae. Even if artificial intelligence (AI) implementation in this field could be helpful, the state of the art of this implementation is not known. No studies have comprehensively reviewed the types of AI models that have been developed/validated. Furthermore, no indications about the risk of bias in these studies are available. For these reasons, the authors conducted a systematic review of the PubMed database to answer the following questions: “what is the state of the art about the development and/or validation of AI predictive models useful to contrast child abuse and neglect phenomenon?”; “which is the risk of bias of the included articles?”. The inclusion criteria were: articles written in English and dated from January 1985 to 31 March 2023; publications that used a medical and/or protective service dataset to develop and/or validate AI prediction models. The reviewers screened 413 articles. Among them, seven papers were included. Their analysis showed that: the types of input data were heterogeneous; artificial neural networks, convolutional neural networks, and natural language processing were used; the datasets had a median size of 2600 cases; the risk of bias was high for all studies. The results of the review pointed out that the implementation of AI in the child abuse and neglect field lagged compared to other medical fields. Furthermore, the evaluation of the risk of bias suggested that future studies should provide an appropriate choice of sample size, validation, and management of overfitting, optimism, and missing data.
Unreliable Findings Due to Miscalculations and Errors. Comment on Nally et al. The Effectiveness of School-Based Interventions on Obesity-Related Behaviours in Primary School Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials. Children 2021, 8, 489
Authors: Ginell Keara , Henschel Beate , Golzarri-Arroyo Lilian , Jamshidi-Naeini Yasaman , Brown Andrew W. , Allison David B.
Published: October 2023

Nally et al. [...]
Renal Involvement in Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children: Not Only Acute Kidney Injury
Authors: Meneghel Alessandra , Masenello Valentina , Alfier Fiorenza , Giampetruzzi Stefania , Sembenini Camilla , Martini Giorgia , Tirelli Francesca , Meneghesso Davide , Zulian Francesco
Published: October 2023

Kidney involvement has been poorly investigated in SARS-CoV-2 Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C). To analyze the spectrum of renal involvement in MIS-C, we performed a single-center retrospective observational study including all MIS-C patients diagnosed at our Pediatric Department between April 2020 and May 2022. Demographic, clinical, pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admission’s need and laboratory data were collected at onset and after 6 months. Among 55 MIS-C patients enrolled in the study, kidney involvement was present in 20 (36.4%): 13 with acute kidney injury (AKI) and 7 with isolated tubular dysfunction (TD). In eight patients, concomitant AKI and TD was present (AKI-TD). AKI patients needed higher levels of intensive care (PICU: 61.5%, p < 0.001; inotropes: 46.2%, p = 0.002; second-line immuno-therapy: 53.8%, p < 0.001) and showed lower levels of HCO3- (p = 0.012), higher inflammatory markers [neutrophils (p = 0.092), PCT (p = 0.04), IL-6 (p = 0.007)] as compared to no-AKI. TD markers showed that isolated TD presented higher levels of HCO3- and lower inflammatory markers than AKI-TD. Our results indicate a combination of both pre-renal and inflammatory damage in the pathogenesis of kidney injury in MIS-C syndrome. We highlight, for the first time, the presence of tubular involvement in MIS-C, providing new insights in the evaluation of kidney involvement and its management in this condition.
Seroprevalence of Dengue and Chikungunya Virus Infections in Children Living in Sub-Saharan Africa: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Kayange Neema , Hau Duncan K , Pain Kevin , Mshana Stephen E , Peck Robert , Gehring Stephan , Groendahl Britta , Koliopoulos Philip , Revocatus Baraka , Msaki Evarist B , Malande Ombeva
Published: October 2023

Dengue and chikungunya viruses are frequent causes of malarial-like febrile illness in children. The rapid increase in virus transmission by mosquitoes is a global health concern. This is the first systematic review and meta-analysis of the childhood prevalence of dengue and chikungunya in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). A comprehensive search of the MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), and Cochrane Library (Wiley) databases was conducted on 28 June 2019, and updated on 12 February 2022. The search strategy was designed to retrieve all articles pertaining to arboviruses in SSA children using both controlled vocabulary and keywords. The pooled (weighted) proportion of dengue and chikungunya was estimated using a random effect model. The overall pooled prevalence of dengue and chikungunya in SSA children was estimated to be 16% and 7%, respectively. Prevalence was slightly lower during the period 2010–2020 compared to 2000–2009. The study design varied depending on the healthcare facility reporting the disease outbreak. Importantly, laboratory methods used to detect arbovirus infections differed. The present review documents the prevalence of dengue and chikungunya in pediatric patients throughout SSA. The results provide unprecedented insight into the transmission of dengue and chikungunya viruses among these children and highlight the need for enhanced surveillance and controlled methodology.
Accident-Tolerant Barriers for Fuel Road Cladding of CANDU Nuclear Reactor
Authors: Diniasi Diana , Fulger Manuela , Butoi Bogdan , Dinca Paul Pavel , Golgovici Florentina
Published: October 2023

The nuclear industry is focusing some efforts on increasing the operational safety of current nuclear reactors and improving the safety of future types of reactors. In this context, the paper is focused on testing and evaluating the corrosion behavior of a thin chromium coating, deposited by Electron Beam Physical Vapor Deposition on Zy-4. After autoclaving under primary circuit conditions, the Cr-coated Zy-4 samples were characterized by gravimetric analysis, optical microscopy, SEM with EDX, and XRD. The investigation of the corrosion behavior was carried out by applying three electrochemical methods: potentiodynamic measurements, EIS, and OCP variation. A plateau appears on the weight gain evolution, and the oxidation kinetics generate a cubic oxidation law, both of which indicate a stabilization of the corrosion. By optical microscopy, it was observed a relatively uniform distribution of hydrides along the samples, in the horizontal direction. By SEM investigations it was observed that after the autoclaving period, the coatings with thickness from 2 to 3 µm are still adherent and maintain integrity. The XRD diffractograms showed a high degree of crystallinity with the intensity of chromium peaks higher than the intensity of zirconium peaks. Electrochemical results indicate better corrosion behavior after 3024 h of autoclaving.
Non-Precious Metals Catalysts for Hydrogen Generation
Authors: Sukackienė Zita , Valeckytė Gitana , Kepenienė Virginija , Stalnionienė Irena , Jasulaitienė Vitalija , Vaičiūnienė Jūratė , Tamašauskaitė-Tamašiūnaitė Loreta , Stalnionis Giedrius , Norkus Eugenijus
Published: October 2023

In this paper, the generation of hydrogen from alkaline sodium borohydride solution by hydrolysis is studied. To obtain catalysts for efficient hydrogen generation, Ni, Mn, Mo, and Co metals were deposited on the Cu surface by the simple electroless metal deposition method using morpholine borane as a reducing agent. Depending on the peculiarities of the deposition of each metal, the coating thickness was ca. 1 μm for all catalysts. The deposited coatings were compact and crack-free, with multilayer characteristics and a cauliflower-like structure. The prepared Ni/Cu, NiMn/Cu, NiMo/Cu, NiCo/Cu, NiCoMn/Cu, NiCoMo/Cu, and NiCoMoMn/Cu catalysts showed an efficient catalytic activity for sodium borohydride hydrolysis reaction. The lowest activation energy of 45.3 kJ mol−1 for sodium borohydride hydrolysis reaction was obtained using the NiCoMoMn/Cu catalyst. The highest hydrogen generation rate of 3.08 mL min−1 was also achieved using this catalyst at 303 K. With a further increase in temperature to 343 K, the hydrogen generation rate catalyzed by the NiCoMoMn/Cu increased 7.7 times and reached 23.57 mL min−1.
Impact of Hot Isostatic Pressing Temperature on Tensile Properties of TA15 Titanium Alloy Produced via Laser Powder Bed Fusion
Authors: Ci Shiwei , Hu Jiaqi , Cheng Zonghui , Liu Qingwei , Xie Suijie , Cai Xiaoye , Dong Dingping , Wang Qiwei
Published: October 2023

TA15 titanium alloy holds great significance as a crucial material in the aerospace industry. In order to gain deeper insights into the influence of hot isostatic pressing (HIP) temperature on the tensile characteristics of materials formed through laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF), a comparative heat treatment experiment was crafted, aligning with the HIP treatment temperature settings. Specifically, the temperatures selected for this investigation were 900 °C, 940 °C, 980 °C, and 1020 °C, while the duration of the holding time was set at 2 h. Notably, the microstructure within the β phase region demonstrated distinct disparities between the HIP-treated specimens and those subjected to heat treatment. The heat-treated specimens exhibited the formation of Widmanstatten structure at 980 °C, while the metallographic structure of the HIP-treated specimens consisted of the lath α phase. In heat-treated specimens, an upward trend in temperature from 900 °C to 1020 °C led to a gradual decrease in UTS (995 MPa, 947 MPa, 886 MPa, and 892 MPa), YS (921 MPa, 865 MPa, 799 MPa, and 784 MPa). The elongation (15.7%,14.6%, and 13.3%) diminished as the temperature increased from 900 °C to 980 °C. At 1020 °C, the elongation slightly increased to 13.9%. The HIP-treated specimens showcased a declining trend in UTS (1008.5 MPa, 947 MPa, 886 MPa, and 892 MPa) and YS (939 MPa, 897.5 MPa, 839.5 MPa, and 844.5 MPa) with an increase in HIP treatment temperature from 900 °C to 980 °C, after which they experienced a slight increment upon further elevation to 1020 °C. The elongation (16%,18.3%, and 20.5%) demonstrated a remarkable improvement from 900 °C to 980 °C. At 1020 °C, the elongation decreased to 17.5%.
A New Method of Obtaining High Purity Nickel(II) Perrhenate from Waste
Authors: Leszczyńska-Sejda Katarzyna , Benke Grzegorz , Kopyto Dorota , Malarz Joanna , Ciszewski Mateusz , Goc Karolina
Published: October 2023

The article presents a new method of producing anhydrous nickel(II) perrhenate of high purity, entirely from waste from the national Cu industry. This method consists mainly of the reaction of water-washed nickel(II) oxide (obtained by purification in a mixture of alcohols, and subsequent roasting of the Ni-containing sulfate semi-finished products (NSP) at 1200 °C) with perrhenic acid (obtained using the ion exchange method). After the dissolution of nickel(II) oxide in the acid (at a temperature in the range of 60–80 °C) and obtaining a pH of 5–8, the solution is sent to evaporate to dryness, also at a temperature not exceeding 80 °C. The obtained crude nickel(II) perrhenate is washed with methanol and subsequently dried at 160 °C to obtain its anhydrous form, with the following composition: 10.5% of Ni; 66.6% of Re; <5 ppm of Bi, As, Zn and Cu; <10 ppm Co, Mg, Fe, K, Pb, Na, Ca and Mo. Importantly, this composition allows for the use of the compound for the production of superalloys and catalysts. A patent application and a technological scheme were prepared for the developed method. It consists of seven technological operations, including six based on processes in the field of hydrometallurgy, and one in the field of pyrometallurgy (roasting).
Optimal Cut-Off Values for Body Mass Index and Fat Mass Index Based on Age in Physically Active Males Using Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve
Authors: Masih Daisy , Rakhra Gurseen , Vats Annu , Verma Saroj Kumar , Singh Vijay Kumar , Kirar Vandana , Tripathi Jitendra Kumar , Singh Som Nath
Published: October 2023

This study aims to redefine obesity cut-off points for body mass index (BMI) and fat mass index (FMI) according to the different age groups of physically active males. Healthy physically active volunteers (N = 1442) aged 18–57 years (y), with a mean BMI = 22.7 ± 2.8 kg/m2, and mean FMI = 4.3 ± 1.7 kg/m2 were recruited from various fitness centers. BMI was calculated and individuals were categorized according to the Asia–Pacific BMI criterion of ≤22.9 kg/m2 and the previous WHO-guided BMI criterion of ≤24.9 kg/m2. FMI was also calculated for the study participants with a cut-off of 6.6 kg/m2. Redefining of BMI and FMI cut-off values was carried out based on different age groups categorized with a difference of 10 y and 5 y using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and Youden’s index. For the entire study population, BMI redefined cut-off points for overweight and obesity were 23.7 kg/m2 and 24.5 kg/m2, respectively, while FMI redefined cut-off points for overweight and obesity were 4.6 kg/m2 and 5.7 kg/m2, respectively. With 10 y of age group difference, a constant BMI and FMI values were observed, while with 5 y of age group difference, a constant increase in the BMI cut-offs was observed as the age group increased, i.e., from 23.3 kg/m2 in 20–24 y to 26.6 kg/m2 in ≥45 y and a similar trend was seen in FMI cut-offs. To conclude, our study suggests that age-dependent BMI and FMI cut-off points may provide appropriate measurements for physically active males as the age group increases.
Mixed-Thickness Tunnel Access (MiTT) through a Linear Vertical Mucosal Incision for a Minimally Invasive Approach for Root Coverage Procedures in Anterior and Posterior Sites: Technical Description and Case Series with 1-Year Follow-Up
Authors: Marques Tiago , Santos Nuno Bernardo Malta dos , Sousa Manuel , Fernandes Juliana Campos Hasse , Fernandes Gustavo Vicentis Oliveira
Published: October 2023

Purpose: The goal of this article was to introduce a new root coverage (RC) technique, the mixed-thickness tunnel access (MiTT) technique, which approaches a full-split design and intends to augment soft tissues coronal to the gingival margin. It was shown step-by-step, and the results were presented in a case series. Methods: Healthy individuals (non-diabetics) and non-smokers with gingival recession (GR) type 1 or 2 (RT1 or RT2) were included. After evaluation, prophylaxis was performed 14 days before the surgical procedure. During the surgical appointment, one or two vertical incision(s) on the mucosa (around 1–2 mm apical to the MGJ), lateral to the papilla base, was/were performed after anesthesia. Initially, there was a partial incision to detach the mucosa of the muscles (split design). It was permitted (but not mandatory) to perform intrasulcular incisions. Through the vertical incision, internally, subperiosteal access from the MGJ toward the gingival margin (coronally) was performed to create a full-thickness tunnel. Then, communication from the vertical incision with the gingival sulcus and the papilla base occurred, keeping the papilla tip intact. A connective tissue graft was harvested and inserted through the linear incision or intrasulcularly. There were interrupted sutures. An adjunctive material may be applied (e.g., Endogain). The root coverage was measured using a periodontal probe and considered fully covered when the gingival margin was 1 mm coronal to the cementum–enamel junction (CEJ). Results: Nine healthy individuals (seven females and two males) aged 19 and 43 were enrolled. They were treated following the MiTT steps. Four cases had a single GR; two patients had two teeth involved; and three others had three or four GR. There were seven cases of RT1 and two RT2. All RT1 cases achieved 100% RC, while the mean RC obtained for RT2 was around 80%. Conclusion: The MiTT technique can be considered a more straightforward approach for minimally invasive surgical techniques, which is a feasible option to treat RC with a high success rate, predictability, and esthetic preservation. Therefore, there is a technical sensitivity to performing the full-split design procedure.
Multi-Modal Representation via Contrastive Learning with Attention Bottleneck Fusion and Attentive Statistics Features
Authors: Guo Qinglang , Liao Yong , Li Zhe , Liang Shenglin
Published: October 2023

The integration of information from multiple modalities is a highly active area of research. Previous techniques have predominantly focused on fusing shallow features or high-level representations generated by deep unimodal networks, which only capture a subset of the hierarchical relationships across modalities. However, previous methods are often limited to exploiting the fine-grained statistical features inherent in multimodal data. This paper proposes an approach that densely integrates representations by computing image features’ means and standard deviations. The global statistics of features afford a holistic perspective, capturing the overarching distribution and trends inherent in the data, thereby facilitating enhanced comprehension and characterization of multimodal data. We also leverage a Transformer-based fusion encoder to effectively capture global variations in multimodal features. To further enhance the learning process, we incorporate a contrastive loss function that encourages the discovery of shared information across different modalities. To validate the effectiveness of our approach, we conduct experiments on three widely used multimodal sentiment analysis datasets. The results demonstrate the efficacy of our proposed method, achieving significant performance improvements compared to existing approaches.
Assessment of Load Losses Caused by Harmonic Currents in Distribution Transformers Using the Transformer Loss Calculator Software
Authors: León-Martínez Vicente , Peñalvo-López Elisa , Montañana-Romeu Joaquín , Andrada-Monrós Clara , Molina-Cañamero Laura
Published: October 2023

Transformer load losses cause various adverse effects, such as derating, a decreased lifetime, and greenhouse gas emissions. In this paper, the load losses caused by non-linear loads on distribution transformers are analyzed. For this study, the load loss expressions provided by the IEEE Standard C57.110 and ANSI/UL 1561-1562 were adapted to the usual case where the transformer currents differ in each phase. The novel load loss expressions adapted from the IEEE Standard C57.110 were applied using the software known as the “Transformer Loss Calculator” (TLC), implemented with LabVIEW. For the application of new load loss expressions, carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions were determined by multiplying the load losses by the emission factors of each country. The experimental results are based on the recordings made by a FLUKE 435 Series II analyzer on the second of two 1000 kVA transformers, feeding real residential distribution networks with very differently distorted loads. An analysis of these transformers shows that the annual energy losses and CO2 emissions obtained from the adapted load loss expressions could be more than 5% of those determined by the original IEEE and ANSI Standard expressions. Due to these percentage loss and emission differences, it is advisable to use the TLC software in transformer monitoring instruments.
Dynamic Physiological Responses of Cinnamomum camphora with Monoterpene Protection under High Temperature Shock
Authors: Wang Yingying , Qian Qixia , Xu Haozhe , Zuo Zhaojiang
Published: October 2023

Monoterpenes can protect plants against high temperature, but the early events of protection are still unknown. In this study, the dynamic variations in reactive oxygen species metabolism, photosynthetic capacity, and related gene expression in linalool, eucalyptol, and camphor chemotypes of Cinnamomum camphora with and without monoterpene emission under 6 h high-temperature stress were investigated. With respect to the control (28 °C), 40 °C and Fos + 40 °C (fosmidomycin inhibited monoterpene biosynthesis under 40 °C) treatments increased H2O2 and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance levels in the three chemotypes, but without significant differences between the two treatments after 2 h. Compared with the 40 °C treatment, the Fos + 40 °C treatment further aggravated the increase after 4 h, with increases of 13.8%, 12.3%, and 12.3% in H2O2 levels as well as 16.5%, 17.4%, and 9.1% in thiobarbituric acid reactive substance levels, respectively, in linalool, eucalyptol, and camphor chemotypes. When the three chemotypes were treated with 40 °C and Fos + 40 °C, the ascorbic acid content was gradually decreased during the 2 h treatment. After 4 h, the Fos + 40 °C treatment further aggravated the decrease in ascorbic acid content, with decreases of 10.6%, 9.8%, and 20.1%, respectively, in the eucalyptol, linalool, and camphor chemotypes. This could be caused by the further down-regulation of the key gene GGP in antioxidant biosynthesis. Meanwhile, two genes (VTE3 and 4CL) in other non-enzymatic antioxidant formation were also further down-regulated in Fos + 40 °C treatment for 4 h. These might lead to the further increase in reactive oxygen species levels in Fos + 40 °C treatment lacking non-enzymatic antioxidants. The photosynthetic electron yield and transfer (φPo, Ψo and φEo) in the three chemotypes were significantly (p < 0.05) decreased under the 40 °C and Fos + 40 °C treatments for 0.5 h, and the photosynthetic rate was significantly (p < 0.05) decreased in the two treatments for 1 h. After 4 h, the Fos + 40 °C treatment aggravated the decrease, as the genes encoding the components of photosystem II (psbP and psbW) and ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (rbcS and rbcL) were further down-regulated. These dynamic variations in the early events suggested that monoterpenes should act as signaling molecules to improve plant thermotolerance, as blocking monoterpene biosynthesis did not cause immediate effects on the physiological responses in contrast to the monoterpene-emitting plants during the 2 h high temperature stress, but resulted in serious damages after 4 h for suppressing related gene expression. This not only provides new proof for the isoprenoid thermotolerance mechanism by serving a signaling function, but also promotes the utilization of monoterpenes as anti-high-temperature agents, and the cultivation of high-temperature tolerance varieties with abundant monoterpene emission.
Genetic Variability of Tabebuia rosea (Bignoniaceae) from Plantations and Remnant Populations in the Mayan Forest
Authors: Ruiz-González Hugo , Raggio María , Labrín-Sotomayor Natalia Y. , Ferrer Miriam M. , Peña-Ramírez Yuri J.
Published: October 2023

In Neotropical regions, plantations and remnant forest populations of native trees coexist in a highly fragmented matrix and may be affected by isolation and reduction in population size, leading to genetic structure, inbreeding, and genetic bottlenecks that reduce the population’s genetic diversity. Tabebuia rosea variability in the Mayan Forest was studied by genotyping 30 trees from three plantations and three remnant natural populations using simple sequence repeats (SSRs) and inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSRs). Ho-SSR estimates were lower than He; the mean inbreeding coefficient was 0.07 and did not differ among populations, but was eight times higher in plantations than in remnant populations. Using ISSR data, the individuals were assigned to k = 5 and k = 4 clusters under admixture without and with geographic information used as priors in Bayesian analysis assignments. Genetic differentiation estimated with the Bayesian estimator II (0.0275 ± 0.0052) was significantly different from 0, but FST was not (0.0985 ± 0.1826), while paired FST among populations ranged from 0.05 up to 0.16. Only one remnant population displayed evidence of a genetic bottleneck. T. rosea displays a genetic structure in which the isolated remnant forest populations show moderate inbreeding levels.
Sustainability of Forest Eco-Products: Comprehensive Analysis and Future Research Directions
Authors: Wang Jinghua , Tian Gang
Published: October 2023

Forest ecological products are closely related to ecological balance, and an in-depth understanding of the development dynamics of these products is crucial to the realization of sustainable development that integrates ecological, economic, and social benefits. Based on the Web of Science (WOS) and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases, this study conducted a comprehensive econometric analysis of the number of articles, journals, research institutions, author collaborations, research hotspots, and research trends of forest ecological products globally during the period of 2003–2023 with the help of CiteSpace software (Philadelphia, PA, USA). The study’s results revealed the following insights: (1) The research on forest ecological products in recent years showed a general upward trend, but the research interest in foreign countries was higher than that in China. (2) The literature within the WOS database primarily focused on the field of ecology, whereas the literature in the CNKI database predominantly emphasized the field of forestry. (3) In both databases, the Chinese Academy of Sciences was the organization with the highest number of articles. Globally, Chinese institutions had the largest proportion of articles issued. The high percentage of articles issued by specialized agricultural and forestry schools in China showed clear domain relevance. (4) In both databases, author collaborations were relatively decentralized, and no significant core group of authors had been formed. (5) The research hotspots in foreign countries focused on the ecological regulation of forest ecological products, while the research hotspots in China focused on the realization of the economic value of forest ecological products. (6) “Machine learning”, “river basin”, and “health” are the future research frontiers in foreign countries, while “ecological function” and “forest ecosystem service” are the future research frontiers in China. The results of both databases indicate that the sustainability of forest ecological products is a research trend for the coming period. Finally, the outlook for future research on forest eco-products is presented in four aspects: promoting the establishment of a unified international standard certification system for forest eco-products, developing diversified products, strengthening the function of policy support and guidance, and establishing national partnerships.
Response of Soil Aggregate Composition and Stability to Secondary Succession and Plantation of a Broad-Leaved Korean Pine Forest after Clear-Cutting and Its Causes
Authors: Wang Yafei , Chen Lixin , Qu Meixue , Duan Wenbiao , Wang Zhizhen , Tian Zhen , Yang Wen
Published: October 2023

The composition and stability of soil aggregates are important characteristics for evaluating soil health. The objective of this study was to explore the effects of different restoration modes and secondary succession sequences of Korean pine on the stability of forest soil aggregates after clear cutting and their causes. The stability and composition of soil aggregates in 0–10 cm, 10–20 cm, and 20–40 cm were analyzed in four natural forests in the secondary succession sequence and a Pinus koraiensis plantation in the clear-cutting area of Liangshui National Nature Reserve, and the effects of forest community characteristics and cementing materials on these aggregates were explored. With the advancement of succession, the large soil water-stable aggregates and mechanical aggregates increased, and the stability increased. From the pioneer community to the top community, the proportion of macroaggregates in the soil mechanical aggregates in the 20–40 cm soil layer increased by 36%, while that in the water-stable aggregates in the 10–20 cm soil layer increased by 19%. Compared with plantation, the stability of soil aggregates in natural forests with a similar age was stronger. Water-stable aggregates were negatively correlated with bulk density, density, and porosity, and positively correlated with organic-matter-related cement. The volume of the dominant tree, litter yield, tree species diversity, biomass of various tree species, and litter biomass in the undecomposed layer were the key indicators affecting the stability of aggregates. In terms of restoration measures, natural restoration is better than plantations with a single tree species. In addition, succession makes forest soil aggregates more stable. The change of dominant tree species leads to changes in soil aggregate stability, and the effect of organic-related cementing material was stronger than that of iron oxide.
Water Vapor Sorption Kinetics of Beech Wood Modified with Phenol Formaldehyde Resin Oligomers
Authors: Lang Qian , Biziks Vladimirs , Militz Holger
Published: October 2023

Beech is an important tree species in Europe. This study aimed to elucidate the influence of four molecular weights of phenol formaldehyde (PF) resin (266, 286, 387, and 410 g/mol) on the sorption behavior of unmodified and modified beech wood samples using a dynamic vapor sorption (DVS) apparatus. The variations in the environmental relative humidity and moisture content (MC) of the samples were recorded, and the DVS isotherms were plotted from the equipment. During the sorption process, the MC of the modified samples decreased in comparison to that of the unmodified samples, and both apparently decreased with the increasing molecular weight of the PF resin. The DVS isotherm hysteresis plot illustrated a reduction in sorption hysteresis for the modified wood with varying PF resins compared to the unmodified samples. Based on the DVS isotherm adsorption and desorption plots, the decrease in the equilibrium of the MC can be attributed to there being fewer sorption sites in the modified samples, which exhibited the lowest hygroscopicity. Overall, the moisture sorption mechanism for both types of samples was clarified, highlighting a clear correlation between the molecular weight of the applied PF resin and its influence on moisture sorption behavior.
Evaluation of Turbulence Models in Unsteady Separation
Authors: MacDougall Claire Yeo , Piomelli Ugo , Ambrogi Francesco
Published: October 2023

Unsteady separation is a phenomenon that occurs in many flows and results in increased drag, decreased lift, noise emission, and loss of efficiency or failure in flow devices. Turbulence models for the steady or unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equations (RANS and URANS, respectively) are commonly used in industry; however, their performance is often unsatisfactory. The comparison of RANS results with experimental data does not clearly isolate the modeling errors, since differences with the data may be due to a combination of modeling and numerical errors, and also to possible differences in the boundary conditions. In the present study, we use high-fidelity large-eddy simulation (LES) results to carry out a consistent evaluation of the turbulence models. By using the same numerical scheme and boundary conditions as the LES, and a grid on which grid convergence was achieved, we can isolate modeling errors. The calculations (both LES and RANS) are carried out using a well-validated, second-order-accurate code. Separation is generated by imposing a freestream velocity distribution, that is modulated in time. We examined three frequencies (a rapid, flutter-like oscillation, an intermediate one in which the forcing and the flow have the same timescales, and a quasi-steady one). We also considered three different pressure distributions, one with alternating favorable and adverse pressure gradients (FPGs and APGs, respectively), one oscillating between an APG and a zero-pressure gradient (ZPG), and one with an oscillating APG. All turbulence models capture the general features of this complex unsteady flow as well or better than in similar steady cases. The presence, during the cycle, of times in which the freestream pressure-gradient is close to zero affects significantly the model performance. Comparing our results with those in the literature indicates that numerical errors due to the type of discretization and the grid resolution are as significant as those due to the turbulence model.
Mulberry MnGolS2 Mediates Resistance to Botrytis cinerea on Transgenic Plants
Authors: Wang Donghao , Liu Zixuan , Qin Yue , Zhang Shihao , Yang Lulu , Shang Qiqi , Ji Xianling , Xin Youchao , Li Xiaodong
Published: October 2023

Galactitol synthetase (GolS) as a key enzyme in the raffinose family oligosaccharides (RFOs) biosynthesis pathway, which is closely related to stress. At present, there are few studies on GolS in biological stress. The expression of MnGolS2 gene in mulberry was increased under Botrytis cinerea infection. The MnGolS2 gene was cloned and ectopically expressed in Arabidopsis. The content of MDA in leaves of transgenic plants was decreased and the content of CAT was increased after inoculation with B. cinerea. In this study, the role of MnGolS2 in biotic stress was demonstrated for the first time. In addition, it was found that MnGolS2 may increase the resistance of B. cinerea by interacting with other resistance genes. This study offers a crucial foundation for further research into the role of the GolS2 gene.
An Exploratory Application of Multilayer Networks and Pathway Analysis in Pharmacogenomics
Authors: Milano Marianna , Agapito Giuseppe , Cannataro Mario
Published: October 2023

Over the years, network analysis has become a promising strategy for analysing complex system, i.e., systems composed of a large number of interacting elements. In particular, multilayer networks have emerged as a powerful framework for modelling and analysing complex systems with multiple types of interactions. Network analysis can be applied to pharmacogenomics to gain insights into the interactions between genes, drugs, and diseases. By integrating network analysis techniques with pharmacogenomic data, the goal consists of uncovering complex relationships and identifying key genes to use in pathway enrichment analysis to figure out biological pathways involved in drug response and adverse reactions. In this study, we modelled omics, disease, and drug data together through multilayer network representation. Then, we mined the multilayer network with a community detection algorithm to obtain the top communities. After that, we used the identified list of genes from the communities to perform pathway enrichment analysis (PEA) to figure out the biological function affected by the selected genes. The results show that the genes forming the top community have multiple roles through different pathways.
The Use of Artificial Intelligence to Predict the Prognosis of Patients Undergoing Central Nervous System Rehabilitation: A Narrative Review
Authors: Chang Min Cheol , Kim Jeoung Kun , Park Donghwi , Kim Jang Hwan , Kim Chung Reen , Choo Yoo Jin
Published: October 2023

Applications of machine learning in the healthcare field have become increasingly diverse. In this review, we investigated the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in predicting the prognosis of patients with central nervous system disorders such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, and spinal cord injury. AI algorithms have shown promise in prognostic assessment, but challenges remain in achieving a higher prediction accuracy for practical clinical use. We suggest that accumulating more diverse data, including medical imaging and collaborative efforts among hospitals, can enhance the predictive capabilities of AI. As healthcare professionals become more familiar with AI, its role in central nervous system rehabilitation is expected to advance significantly, revolutionizing patient care.
Physical Fitness Variables, General Health, Dementia and Quality of Life in Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Jacinto Miguel , Matos Rui , Gomes Beatriz , Caseiro André , Antunes Raul , Monteiro Diogo , Ferreira José Pedro , Campos Maria João
Published: October 2023

The average life expectancy of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs) is increasing. However, living more years does not mean living better, leading to the need for research on comorbidities associated with the aging process. Associated with this process are the physical characteristics most prevalent in an individual with IDD: low levels of all physical capacities, the accumulation of central fat, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, and hypertension, variables considered to be some of the main risk factors of the onset of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases, and variables that can negatively impact quality of life (QoL). Therefore, the aim of this study is to evaluate a sample of 21 institutionalized adults with IDD (42.81 ± 10.99 years old) in terms of their anthropometric characteristics, body composition, general health status, functional capacity, neuromuscular capacity, and dementia/cognitive function, and the possible associations with QoL. All assessments were performed in the laboratory of the Faculty of Sport Sciences and Physical Education—University of Coimbra. Participants, in the present study, have low levels of physical fitness and high metabolic and cardiovascular markets, which need to be improved. On the other hand, functional and neuromuscular ability seems to be associated with QoL (p ≤ 0.05). This study highlights the role of primary and secondary care providers in diagnosis, prevention, and supporting individuals with IDDs to promote QoL.
Consequences of Disturbing Manganese Homeostasis
Authors: Baj Jacek , Flieger Wojciech , Barbachowska Aleksandra , Kowalska Beata , Flieger Michał , Forma Alicja , Teresiński Grzegorz , Portincasa Piero , Buszewicz Grzegorz , Radzikowska-Büchner Elżbieta , Flieger Jolanta
Published: October 2023

Manganese (Mn) is an essential trace element with unique functions in the body; it acts as a cofactor for many enzymes involved in energy metabolism, the endogenous antioxidant enzyme systems, neurotransmitter production, and the regulation of reproductive hormones. However, overexposure to Mn is toxic, particularly to the central nervous system (CNS) due to it causing the progressive destruction of nerve cells. Exposure to manganese is widespread and occurs by inhalation, ingestion, or dermal contact. Associations have been observed between Mn accumulation and neurodegenerative diseases such as manganism, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. People with genetic diseases associated with a mutation in the gene associated with impaired Mn excretion, kidney disease, iron deficiency, or a vegetarian diet are at particular risk of excessive exposure to Mn. This review has collected data on the current knowledge of the source of Mn exposure, the experimental data supporting the dispersive accumulation of Mn in the brain, the controversies surrounding the reference values of biomarkers related to Mn status in different matrices, and the competitiveness of Mn with other metals, such as iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), calcium (Ca). The disturbed homeostasis of Mn in the body has been connected with susceptibility to neurodegenerative diseases, fertility, and infectious diseases. The current evidence on the involvement of Mn in metabolic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus/insulin resistance, osteoporosis, obesity, atherosclerosis, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, was collected and discussed.