bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Catalytic Hydrodeoxygenation of Solar Energy Produced Bio-Oil in Supercritical Ethanol with Mo2C/CNF Catalysts: Effect of Mo Concentration
Authors: Ayala-Cortés Alejandro , Torres Daniel , Frecha Esther , Arcelus-Arrillaga Pedro , Villafán-Vidales Heidi Isabel , Longoria Adriana , Pinilla José Luis , Suelves Isabel
Published: December 2023

Transition metal carbides have emerged as an attractive alternative to conventional catalysts in hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) reactions due to surface reactivity, catalytic activity, and thermodynamic stability similar to those of noble metals. In this study, the impact of varying Mo concentration in carbon nanofiber-supported catalysts for the supercritical ethanol-assisted HDO of bio-oils in an autoclave batch reactor is discussed. Raw bio-oils derived from agave bagasse and corncob through solar hydrothermal liquefaction were treated at 350 °C. Our findings indicate that the presence of Mo has a strong impact on both product yield and chemical properties. Thus, a Mo concentration of 10 wt.% is enough to obtain high deoxygenation values (69–72%), resulting in a yield of upgraded bio-oil ranging between 49.9 and 60.4%, depending on the feedstock used, with an energy content of around 35 MJ/kg. A further increase in the Mo loadings (20 and 30 wt.%) reduced the loss of carbon due to gasification and improved the bio-oil yields up to 62.6 and 67.4%, without compromising the product quality.
Enzyme Immobilization on Stainless Steel Fleece and Its Mass Transfer Enhancement of Enzymatic Catalysis in a Rotating Packed Bed Reactor
Authors: Yang Ruiyi , Xu Juntao , Wu Jinglong , Lu Dong , Wang Fang , Nie Kaili
Published: December 2023

Rotating packed beds (RPB) facilitate the mixing of heterogeneous substrates, and promote high mass transfer efficiency in heterogeneous reactions. For the enzymatic reactions, traditional porous particles with immobilized enzymes are sensitive to the strong sheer force of the RPB, thus limiting its application. This work offers a strategy for enzyme immobilization on the surface of stainless-steel fleece, to improve the shear strength resistance of immobilized enzymes. Lipase was applied to investigate and optimize the immobilization. Finally, a fatty acid hydratase (FAH) was applied for immobilization based on the optimized method, which was further applied for evaluating its performance in RPB. The results indicated that metal immobilized enzymes resist a higher shear force than their particle-immobilized alternatives. Operating at a centrifugal force factor (β) of 30, the hydration conversion rate of 96% is achieved after 8 h, which was from nearly 38% faster than in a stirrer tank reactor (hydration yield of 60%). The metal immobilization, moreover, efficiently improved the enzyme reusability, as demonstrated by a conversion rate remaining above 90% after 15 batches. These results indicated that a metal immobilization method combined with an RPB reactor significantly increases the efficiency of enzymatic reactions.
Unravelling the Gastroprotective Potential of Kefir: Exploring Antioxidant Effects in Preventing Gastric Ulcers
Authors: Côco Larissa Zambom , Aires Rafaela , Carvalho Glaucimeire Rocha , Belisário Eduarda de Souza , Yap Michelle Khai Khun , Amorim Fernanda Gobbi , Conde-Aranda Javier , Nogueira Breno Valentim , Vasquez Elisardo Corral , Pereira Thiago de Melo Costa , Campagnaro Bianca Prandi
Published: December 2023

The present study was conducted to evaluate the protective effect of milk kefir against NSAID-induced gastric ulcers. Male Swiss mice were divided into three groups: control (Vehicle; UHT milk at a dose of 0.3 mL/100 g), proton pump inhibitor (PPI; lansoprazole 30 mg/kg), and 4% milk kefir (Kefir; 0.3 mL/100 g). After 14 days of treatment, gastric ulcer was induced by oral administration of indomethacin (40 mg/kg). Reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitric oxide (NO), DNA content, cellular apoptosis, IL-10 and TNF-α levels, and myeloperoxidase (MPO) enzyme activity were determined. The interaction networks between NADPH oxidase 2 and kefir peptides 1–35 were determined using the Residue Interaction Network Generator (RING) webserver. Pretreatment with kefir for 14 days prevented gastric lesions. In addition, kefir administration reduced ROS production, DNA fragmentation, apoptosis, and TNF-α systemic levels. Simultaneously, kefir increased NO bioavailability in gastric cells and IL-10 systemic levels. A total of 35 kefir peptides showed affinity with NADPH oxidase 2. These findings suggest that the gastroprotective effect of kefir is due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Kefir could be a promising natural therapy for gastric ulcers, opening new perspectives for future research.
Hydroxycitric Acid Alleviated Lung Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury by Inhibiting Oxidative Stress and Ferroptosis through the Hif-1α Pathway
Authors: Lu Zi-Long , Song Cong-Kuan , Zou Shi-Shi , Pan Shi-Ze , Lai Kai , Li Ning , Geng Qing
Published: December 2023

Lung ischemia-reperfusion injury (LIRI) is a prevalent occurrence in various pulmonary diseases and surgical procedures, including lung resections and transplantation. LIRI can result in systemic hypoxemia and multi-organ failure. Hydroxycitric acid (HCA), the primary acid present in the peel of Garcinia cambogia, exhibits anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. However, the effects of HCA on LIRI remain unknown. To investigate the impact of HCA on LIRI in mice, the mice were randomly divided into four groups: the control group, the I/R model group, and the I/R + low- or high-dose HCA groups. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were subjected to hypoxia for 12 h followed by reoxygenation for 6 h to simulate in vitro LIRI. The results demonstrated that administration of HCA effectively attenuated lung injury, inflammation, and edema induced by ischemia reperfusion. Moreover, HCA treatment significantly reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels while decreasing iron content and increasing superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels after ischemia-reperfusion insult. Mechanistically, HCA administration significantly inhibited Hif-1α and HO-1 upregulation both in vivo and in vitro. We found that HCA could also alleviate endothelial barrier damage in H/R-induced HUVECs in a concentration-dependent manner. In addition, overexpression of Hif-1α counteracted HCA-mediated inhibition of H/R-induced endothelial cell ferroptosis. In summary, these results indicate that HCA alleviated LIRI by inhibiting oxidative stress and ferroptosis through the Hif-1α pathway.
Hydrolysis of Oligodeoxyribonucleotides on the Microarray Surface and in Solution by Catalytic Anti-DNA Antibodies in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Novikova Tatiana S. , Ermakov Evgeny A. , Kostina Elena V. , Sinyakov Alexander N. , Sizikov Alexey E. , Nevinsky Georgy A. , Buneva Valentina N.
Published: December 2023

Anti-DNA antibodies are known to be classical serological hallmarks of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In addition to high-affinity antibodies, the autoantibody pool also contains natural catalytic anti-DNA antibodies that recognize and hydrolyze DNA. However, the specificity of such antibodies is uncertain. In addition, DNA binding to a surface such as the cell membrane, can also affect its recognition by antibodies. Here, we analyzed the hydrolysis of short oligodeoxyribonucleotides (ODNs) immobilized on the microarray surface and in solution by catalytic anti-DNA antibodies from SLE patients. It has been shown that IgG antibodies from SLE patients hydrolyze ODNs more effectively both in solution and on the surface, compared to IgG from healthy individuals. The data obtained indicate a more efficient hydrolysis of ODNs in solution than immobilized ODNs on the surface. In addition, differences in the specificity of recognition and hydrolysis of certain ODNs by anti-DNA antibodies were revealed, indicating the formation of autoantibodies to specific DNA motifs in SLE. The data obtained expand our understanding of the role of anti-DNA antibodies in SLE. Differences in the recognition and hydrolysis of surface-tethered and dissolved ODNs need to be considered in DNA microarray applications.
The Rapid Boiling of Thin Liquid Films with Different Thicknesses on Nanochannel Copper Plates: A Molecular Dynamics Study
Authors: Wu Nini , Zeng Liangcai , Fu Ting , Chen Juan , Zhang Feng , Zeng Yun , Peng Shuai
Published: December 2023

Boiling heat transfer on nanostructured surfaces presents great potential in cooling highly integrated microelectronic devices. Analysis of the factors affecting boiling heat transfer included the analysis of nanostructure and wettability, indicating that consideration of the influence of working liquid quantity is essential in finite spaces. Rapid boiling water films with various thicknesses placed on the same nanochannel copper plate were studied via molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The simulation results reveal that the potential energy difference in the vapor–liquid coexisting region on the nanochannels was lower for thicker films, and the evaporation rate was lower. The effect of water film thickness on boiling heat transfer is closely related to the potential energy difference in the vapor–liquid coexisting region on the nanochannels. The heat transfer effect was the worst in case 1, where the water thickness was lower than the height of the nanochannels. This is because there is no guaranteed liquid replenishment at the nucleation points, although the potential energy difference was greatest in the vapor–liquid coexistence zone of case 1. Evaporation was the greatest in case 2, where the water film just covered the nanochannels because of the larger potential energy difference and sufficient liquid water replenishment. This study is of great significance for the analysis of the vapor–liquid flow mechanisms of micro/nanostructured surfaces and the improved design of thermal management equipment of micro/nano devices.
Optoelectronic Device Modeling and Simulation of Selenium-Based Solar Cells under LED Illumination
Authors: Qaid Saif M. H. , Shaker Ahmed , Okil Mohamed , Gontrand Christian , Alkadi Muath , Ghaithan Hamid M. , Salah Mostafa M.
Published: December 2023

Solar cells can be designed for indoor applications to provide a feasible solution for harnessing photon energy from indoor lighting. In this paper, we analyze the suitability of a selenium-based solar cell for gathering photon energy emitted by indoor light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The absorption band of selenium (Se) is found to be aligned with the LED spectrum, making it a promising contender for efficient indoor applications. In order to simulate the Se-based photovoltaic (PV) device, we started by calibrating the simulation model against a fabricated Se cell that was tested under AM1.5G. After the verification of the physical models and the technological key factors of the different layers incorporated in cell design, a systematic approach was performed to assess the operation of the Se solar cell under an LED light environment. We show an optimized power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 26.93% for the Se-based cell under LED illumination (311 μW/cm2). This is achieved by providing an effective design that incorporates a double-ETL structure, which can significantly improve the band alignment between the different layers of the cell device. The simulation results presented in this work serve to judge the potential of Se solar cells as indoor PVs and offer an approach for providing indoor use specifically designed for internet-of-things (IoT) devices.
Ranging Behavior of Non-Breeding and Breeding Adult White-Tailed Eagles
Authors: Mirski Paweł , Anderwald Dariusz
Published: December 2023

Space utilization by animals is vital for species ecology but also a valuable predictor of habitat conditions and environment capacity for a given species. We investigated the ranging behavior of the white-tailed eagle, an apex predator experiencing a significant population increase and saturation. Comparing five adult floaters and two breeding males tracked with GPS loggers in Poland for 1–5 years, we observed substantial differences in space utilization. Breeding males occupied approximately 63 to 122 km2 (using 90% kernel density), while floaters ranged over roughly 6000 to 60,000 km2. Breeding males expanded their home ranges during successful breeding, with one male frequently flying 29 km to a foraging site when raising chicks but hardly doing so in other seasons. Both breeding males revisited nests more frequently in April and May (up to seven times daily, typically two to four), exhibiting distinct seasonal daily movement patterns. Floaters had slightly higher daily movement rates with a weak seasonal pattern. We conclude that breeding males’ ranging behavior depended on proximity to optimal foraging sites, while adult floaters engaged in prolonged wandering.
Assessing the Antioxidant Benefits of Topical Carvacrol and Magnolol Periodontal Hydrogel Therapy in Periodontitis Associated with Diabetes in Wistar Rats
Authors: Potra Cicalău Georgiana Ioana , Ciavoi Gabriela , Scrobotă Ioana , Marcu Andreea Olivia , Romanul Ioana , Marian Eleonora , Vicaș Laura Grațiela , Ganea Mariana
Published: December 2023

It is well recognized that oxidative stress contributes to chronic stress-induced cytotoxicity, which is a major factor in the progression of many diseases, including periodontitis and diabetes. Formulas based on natural extracts with antioxidant properties are alternative treatment perspectives in the management of such diseases. The aim of our study was to assess how carvacrol and magnolol influence periodontitis associated with diabetes in Wistar rats. Ninety Wistar rats were distributed in nine groups: I—control group; II—diabetes group (D); III—periodontitis group (P); IV—periodontitis and diabetes group (PD); V—periodontitis and diabetes with vehicle alone (PDV); VI—periodontitis and diabetes treated with carvacrol (PDC); VII—periodontitis and diabetes treated with magnolol (PDM); VIII—periodontitis and diabetes treated with carvacrol and magnolol (PDCM); IX—healthy group with vehicle alone (CV). Blood malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and catalase activity levels (CAT) were measured as indicators of oxidative stress and antioxidant capacity, respectively. Where diabetes and periodontitis were induced, MDA was augmented and CAT was depleted significantly. Whether given alone (PDM) or in combination with carvacrol (PDCM), magnolol significantly decreased MDA. Between the PDM group and the PDCM group, there were no notable differences. In Wistar rats with periodontitis related to diabetes, topical use of hydrogels containing magnolol, either alone or in combination with carvacrol, may reduce oxidative stress.
Integrating Lorenz Hyperchaotic Encryption with Ring Oscillator Physically Unclonable Functions (RO-PUFs) for High-Throughput Internet of Things (IoT) Applications
Authors: Magyari Alexander , Chen Yuhua
Published: December 2023

With the combined call for increased network throughput and security comes the need for high-bandwidth, unconditionally secure systems. Through the combination of true random number generators (TRNGs) for unique seed values, and four-dimensional Lorenz hyperchaotic systems implemented on a Stratix 10 Intel FPGA, we are able to implement 60 MB/s encryption/decryption schemes with 0% data loss on an unconditionally secure system with the NIST standard using less than 400 mW. Further, the TRNG implementation allows for unique encryption outputs for similar images while still enabling proper decryption. Histogram and adjacent pixel analysis on sample images demonstrate that without the key, it is not possible to extract the plain text from the encrypted image. This encryption scheme was implemented via PCIe for testing and analysis.
A Reconfigurable Three-Dimensional Electromagnetically Induced Transparency Metamaterial with Low Loss and Large Group Delay
Authors: Cheng Pei , Xiao Zhongyin , Jiang Xuxian , Liu Yulong , Cai Xianshun
Published: December 2023

In this paper, a solid-state plasma (SSP) metamaterial for an analog of the electromagnetically induced transparency phenomenon is designed and investigated. This electromagnetically induced transparency metamaterial has the ability to interact with both incident electric and magnetic fields, and its low-loss characteristics, slow-wave effect, band reconfigurability, and polarization-insensitive characteristics are researched and explored. According to the tunable SSP, we have successfully implemented two modes of operation (mode 1 and mode 2) by whether the SSP resonance unit is excited or not. Low-loss characteristics and polarization-insensitive properties are achieved by rotating the split-ring resonator (SRR) by 180° in the plane and rotating the overall plane framework 90° to form a three-dimensional structure. After that, the maximum group delay of 261.51 ps and 785.09 ps as well as the delay bandwidth product of 17.51 and 62.96 at mode 1 and mode 2, respectively, are discussed respectively. This indicates a good slow-wave effect as well as a high efficiency of communication devices. After all, in mode 1, a transmission peak at 0.541 THz is observed for a transmission ratio of 92.05%; and in mode 2, a transmission peak at 0.741 THz is observed for a transmission ratio of 93.01%, resulting in a bandwidth shift of 0.2 THz. Due to the uniqueness of the developed metamaterial, it holds potential for a wide range of applications in slow-wave devices, modulators, sensors, and communications equipment.
Li-Ion Battery Immersed Heat Pipe Cooling Technology for Electric Vehicles
Authors: Oh In-Taek , Lee Ji-Su , Han Jin-Se , Lee Seong-Woo , Kim Su-Jong , Rhi Seok-Ho
Published: December 2023

Lithium-ion batteries, crucial in powering Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), face critical challenges in maintaining safety and efficiency. The quest for an effective Battery Thermal Management System (BTMS) arises from critical concerns over the safety and efficiency of lithium-ion batteries, particularly in Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs). This study introduces a pioneering BTMS solution merging a two-phase immersion cooling system with heat pipes. Notably, the integration of NovecTM 649 as the dielectric fluid substantially mitigates thermal runaway-induced fire risks without requiring an additional power source. Comprehensive 1-D modeling, validated against AMESim (Advanced Modeling Environment for Simulation of Engineering Systems) simulations and experiments, investigates diverse design variable impacts on thermal resistance and evaporator temperature. At 10 W, 15 W, and 20 W heat inputs, the BTMS consistently maintained lithium-ion battery temperatures within the optimal range (approximately 27–34 °C). Optimized porosity (60%) and filling ratios (30–40%) minimized thermal resistance to 0.3848–0.4549 °C/W. This innovative system not only enhances safety but also improves energy efficiency by reducing weight, affirming its potential to revolutionize lithium-ion battery performance and address critical challenges in the field.
Applying the Lombard Effect to Speech-in-Noise Communication
Authors: Korvel Gražina , Kąkol Krzysztof , Treigys Povilas , Kostek Bożena
Published: December 2023

This study explored how the Lombard effect, a natural or artificial increase in speech loudness in noisy environments, can improve speech-in-noise communication. This study consisted of several experiments that measured the impact of different types of noise on synthesizing the Lombard effect. The main steps were as follows: first, a dataset of speech samples with and without the Lombard effect was collected in a controlled setting; then, the frequency changes in the speech signals were detected using the McAulay and Quartieri algorithm based on a 2D speech representation; next, an average formant track error was computed as a metric to evaluate the quality of the speech signals in noise. Three image assessment methods, namely the SSIM (Structural SIMilarity) index, RMSE (Root Mean Square Error), and dHash (Difference Hash) were used for this purpose. Furthermore, this study analyzed various spectral features of the speech signals in relation to the Lombard effect and the noise types. Finally, this study proposed a method for automatic noise profiling and applied pitch modifications to neutral speech signals according to the profile and the frequency change patterns. This study used an overlap-add synthesis in the STRAIGHT vocoder to generate the synthesized speech.
LPI Radar Signal Recognition Based on Feature Enhancement with Deep Metric Learning
Authors: Ren Feitao , Quan Daying , Shen Lai , Wang Xiaofeng , Zhang Dongping , Liu Hengliang
Published: December 2023

Low probability of intercept (LPI) radar signals are widely used in electronic countermeasures due to their low power and large bandwidth. However, they are susceptible to interference from noise, posing challenges for accurate identification. To address this issue, we propose an LPI radar signal recognition method based on feature enhancement with deep metric learning. Specifically, time-domain LPI signals are first transformed into time–frequency images via the Choi–Williams distribution. Then, we propose a feature enhancement network with attention-based dynamic feature extraction blocks to fully extract the fine-grained features in time–frequency images. Meanwhile, we introduce deep metric learning to reduce noise interference and enhance the time–frequency features. Finally, we construct an end-to-end classification network to achieve the signal recognition task. Experimental results demonstrate that our method obtains significantly higher recognition accuracy under a low signal-to-noise ratio compared with other baseline methods. When the signal-to-noise ratio is −10 dB, the successful recognition rate for twelve typical LPI signals reaches 94.38%.
Chirp Rate Estimation of LFM Signals Based on Second-Order Synchrosqueezing Transform
Authors: Zhai Gangyi , Zhou Jianjiang , Yu Kanglin , Li Jiangtao
Published: December 2023

For the problem of low time-frequency aggregation of the short-time Fourier transform (STFT), which causes the parameter estimation performance degradation of linear frequency modulation (LFM) signals at low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), second-order synchrosqueezing transform (SSST) is proposed based on the square of STFT amplitude. The time-frequency resolution and energy aggregation are improved by means of squeezing and reassigning the time-frequency spectrum. Meanwhile, in order to decrease the calculation of classical parameter estimation methods, the Hough transform is used for rough estimation, and then the fractional Fourier transform (FRFT) is used for accuracy estimation based on the Renyi entropy. The simulation result shows that higher estimation accuracy is obtained at low SNR, and it has better robustness.
Leachate Tables as a Tool for Monitoring Changes in Physical and Chemical Parameters of the Peat Substrate in the Cells of Nursery Containers
Authors: Jasik Michał , Kormanek Mariusz , Staszel-Szlachta Karolina , Małek Stanisław
Published: December 2023

Measuring the physical and chemical parameters of substrates in the cells of nursery containers during production is difficult. Monitoring these parameters, however, is required for optimizing the use of substrates and their components in nursery production, specifically important in the progressive reduction in the use of peat. A new solution—leachate tables—for those studies is presented. The leachate tables enable the collection of liquid samples draining from individual cells in nursery containers during long-term irrigation and fertilization. During our 2-month-long experiment, changes in the physical and chemical parameters of the substrate were analyzed, as well as the process of accumulation of elements fed to the substrate via fertilizer and irrigation water. It was found that, due to the different cell volumes, filling the containers with the substrate under the same parameters of vibration and initial moisture resulted in different fractions of the substrate ending up inside the cells. In the smaller cells, the larger diameter fraction was dominant, and in the larger cells, the smaller fraction was dominant. This may have influenced the differences in air and water capacity of the substrate in cells of different volumes and confirmed the need for the selection of individual vibration parameters for the containers. In addition, over time, the granulometric composition of the substrate in the containers changed. Along with the systematic administration of elements via fertilization from the sprinkler ramp, their leachate content increased as a result of increased leaching from the substrate. With time, the physical parameters of the substrate in the cells stabilized, which may have affected the accumulation and leaching of elements during irrigation and fertilization.
Barley Straw Fiber Extraction in the Context of a Circular Economy
Authors: Kovačević Zorana , Strgačić Sara , Bischof Sandra
Published: December 2023

The potential for sustainable lignocellulosic agro-waste is immense, owing to the fact that it represents the most abundant organic compound on Earth. It is a valuable and desirable source for material production across numerous industries due to its abundance, renewability, and biodegradability. This paper explores the world of barley fibers, which are extracted from the straw of two different cultivars (old Rex or new Barun) and have tremendous potential for use, primarily for technical textiles. The quantity of the extracted fibers depends both on the type of barley used and on climate conditions that influence the plants’ growth, resulting in fiber yields ranging from 14.82% to 19.59%. The chemical composition of isolated fibers revealed an optimal content of cellulose and lignin in barley fibers isolated from the Rex variety. Those results were confirmed with FTIR analysis, which revealed a lower intensity of peaks associated with hemicellulose and lignin and, therefore, indicated their better removal after the chemical maceration process. In terms of fiber density, the quality of the fibers was comparable to that of cotton fibers, but they differed significantly in moisture regain (10.37–11.01%), which was higher. Furthermore, sufficient fiber tenacity (20.31–23.08 cN/tex) was obtained in a case of old-variety Rex, indicating the possibility of spinning those fibers into yarns, followed by their extended usage for apparel. Additionally, our paper reveals the possibility of fulfilling the requirements of the zero waste principle due to the fact that a high percentage of solid waste left after the fiber extraction (26.3–32.3%) was afterwards successfully used for the production of biofuels, enabling the closing of the loop in a circular economy.
Cloning, Identification, and Functional Analysis of the Foxl2 Gene in Procambarus clarkii
Authors: Huang Jin , Zhu Weilin , Peng Min , Yang Chunling , Chen Xiaohan , Wu Tiejun , Zeng Digang , Zhao Yongzhen , Chen Xiuli
Published: December 2023

Procambarus clarkii is the most widely distributed freshwater shrimp in China, with important economic value and great potential for development. The forkheadboxL2 (Foxl2) gene has been found to be involved in the reproductive development of many crustaceans. To understand the role of the Foxl2 gene in the gonad development of P. clarkii, we designed CDS-specific primers for the P. clarkii Foxl2 (PcFoxl2) gene and cloned its CDS sequence using RT-PCR. The nucleotide and protein sequence information was then analyzed through bioinformatics analysis. The expression and subcellular localization of PcFoxl2 in various tissues were detected using qRT-PCR and in situ hybridization. The effects of PcFoxl2 knockdown on gonad development were investigated using RNA interference. The results showed that the CDS length of the PcFoxl2 gene was 1614 bp and encoded 537 amino acids. Protein sequence comparison and phylogenetic analysis showed that PcFoxl2 was the closest relative to Crayfish. qRT-PCR analysis indicated that the expression level of PcFoxl2 in the testis was significantly higher (>40 fold) than that in the ovary (p < 0.01). The in situ hybridization results showed that PcFoxl2 was expressed in both the cytoplasm and the nucleus of egg cells, and that the expression was strongest in egg cells at the early stage of yolk synthesis, while weak in the secondary oocytes. The positive signal was strongest in the spermatocyte nucleolus, while only a trace signal was observed in the cytoplasm. After interfering with the PcFoxl2 gene using dsRNA, the expression of PcFoxl2 in the RNA interference group was significantly lower than that in the control group, and this interference effect lasted for one week. Moreover, the gonad index of the experimental group was significantly lower than that of the control group (p < 0.05) after 10 days of P. clarkii cultivation following PcFoxl2 knockdown. The expression levels of the nanos and S3a genes, which are related to gonad development, decreased significantly after PcFoxl2 gene interference. The results suggest that the Foxl2 gene is involved in the growth and development of gonads, particularly in the development of testis, and is related to the early development of oocytes. This study provides a theoretical basis for the artificial breeding of P. clarkii.
Transimperial Eyes: An Interdisciplinary Analysis of Colonial Narratives about the Dutch Expedition to Southern Chile (1643)
Authors: Sambolín Santiago Aurora , Romero-Toledo Hugo , Gloël Matthias
Published: December 2023

The review of historical archives that allow us to know the observations and experiences of those who recorded scarcely explored territories in the past, especially in the context of European colonization of vast areas of the world in the seventeenth century is crucial for heritage studies. The following article analyzes how the Dutch expedition to southern Chile during the 17th century (1642–1643) was narrated, both in Dutch and in its translations into German, English, and Spanish, considering the interests of empires and the discursive differences that translational variations reveal. This transdisciplinary analysis, combining historiography, translation studies, and historical geography, consists of a critical reading of the original narration and a comparative reading of the aforementioned translations, and within them ethnographic representations made about the Mapuche-Huilliche people and the city of Valdivia and changes introduced by different translations are identified. These changes are then related to imperial contexts and discourses that shape these translations. In terms of our findings, we note that, in general, Chilean translations tend to exaggerate the representations of indigenous people as barbaric, inferior, and uncivilized. These representations are present in the European versions, but the shifts that we identified indicate an intensification of this discourse.
Hexavalent-Chromium-Induced Disruption of Mitochondrial Dynamics and Apoptosis in the Liver via the AMPK-PGC-1α Pathway in Ducks
Authors: Wang Chang , Dai Xueyan , Xing Chenghong , Zhang Caiying , Cao Huabin , Guo Xiaoquan , Liu Ping , Yang Fan , Zhuang Yu , Hu Guoliang
Published: December 2023

Hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) is a hazardous substance that poses significant risks to environmental ecosystems and animal organisms. However, the specific consequences of Cr(VI) exposure in terms of liver damage remain incompletely understood. This study aims to elucidate the mechanism by which Cr(VI) disrupts mitochondrial dynamics, leading to hepatic injury in ducks. Forty-eight healthy 8-day-old ducks were divided into four groups and subjected to diets containing varying doses of Cr(VI) (0, 9.28, 46.4, and 232 mg/kg) for 49 days. Our results demonstrated that Cr(VI) exposure resulted in disarranged liver lobular vacuolation, along with increasing the serum levels of ALT, AST, and AKP in a dose-dependent manner, which indicated liver damage. Furthermore, Cr(VI) exposure induced oxidative stress by reducing the activities of T-SOD, SOD, GSH-Px, GSH, and CAT, while increasing the contents of MDA and H2O2. Moreover, Cr(VI) exposure downregulated the activities of CS and MDH, resulting in energy disturbance, as evidenced by the reduced AMPK/p-AMPK ratio and PGC-1α protein expression. Additionally, Cr(VI) exposure disrupted mitochondrial dynamics through decreased expression of OPA1, Mfn1, and Mfn2 and increased expression of Drp-1, Fis1, and MFF proteins. This disruption ultimately triggered mitochondria-mediated apoptosis, as evidenced by elevated levels of caspase-3, Cyt C, and Bax, along with decreased expression of Bcl-2 and the Bcl-2/Bax ratio, at both the protein and mRNA levels. In summary, this study highlights that Cr(VI) exposure induces oxidative stress, inhibits the AMPK-PGC-1α pathway, disrupts mitochondrial dynamics, and triggers liver cell apoptosis in ducks.
Stem Cells Derived from Human Exfoliated Deciduous Teeth Functional Assessment: Exploring the Changes of Free Fatty Acids Composition during Cultivation
Authors: Ivan Alexandra , Cristea Mirabela I. , Telea Ada , Oprean Camelia , Galuscan Atena , Tatu Calin A. , Paunescu Virgil
Published: December 2023

The metabolic regulation of stemness is widely recognized as a crucial factor in determining the fate of stem cells. When transferred to a stimulating and nutrient-rich environment, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) undergo rapid proliferation, accompanied by a change in protein expression and a significant reconfiguration of central energy metabolism. This metabolic shift, from quiescence to metabolically active cells, can lead to an increase in the proportion of senescent cells and limit their regenerative potential. In this study, MSCs from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHEDs) were isolated and expanded in vitro for up to 10 passages. Immunophenotypic analysis, growth kinetics, in vitro plasticity, fatty acid content, and autophagic capacity were assessed throughout cultivation to evaluate the functional characteristics of SHEDs. Our findings revealed that SHEDs exhibit distinctive patterns of cell surface marker expression, possess high self-renewal capacity, and have a unique potential for neurogenic differentiation. Aged SHEDs exhibited lower proliferation rates, reduced potential for chondrogenic and osteogenic differentiation, an increasing capacity for adipogenic differentiation, and decreased autophagic potential. Prolonged cultivation of SHEDs resulted in changes in fatty acid composition, signaling a transition from anti-inflammatory to proinflammatory pathways. This underscores the intricate connection between metabolic regulation, stemness, and aging, crucial for optimizing therapeutic applications.
Aspergillus Enhances Eosinophil and Neutrophil Extracellular DNA Trap Formation in Chronic Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Shin Seung-Heon , Ye Mi-Kyung , Lee Dong-Won , Choi Mi-Hyun , Geum Sang-Yen
Published: December 2023

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is characterized by inflammatory cell infiltration in the sinonasal mucosa. Eosinophil and neutrophil extracellular traps (EETs and NETs, respectively) are prominently found in CRS. This study aimed to investigate the effect of airborne fungi, Alternaria alternata and Aspergillus fumigatus, on EET and NET formation. Nasal epithelial cells, eosinophils, and neutrophils were isolated from eosinophilic CRS (ECRS), non-ECRS (NECRS), and healthy control. We determined eosinophil and neutrophil transepithelial migration after fungal treatment. We then determined the release of EETs and NETs by fungi using Sytox Green staining and determined the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) using ROS inhibitors. We identified more abundant EETs and NETs in ECRS than in NECRS. A. alternata and A. fumigatus enhanced eosinophil and neutrophil transepithelial migration. A. fumigatus strongly induced EET and NET formation in CRS and, simultaneously, suppressed fungal metabolic activity. EET formation in CRS is associated with nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH)–oxidase and NET formation with NADPH–oxidase and mitochondrial ROS. A. fumigatus, but not A. alternata, induced EET and NET formation, and peripheral blood eosinophils and neutrophils exhibited different immune responses against A. fumigatus following the inflammatory status of the host. Aspergillus-fumigatus-induced EET and NET formation plays a crucial role in CRS pathogenesis.
DNA Sensor for the Detection of Brucella spp. Based on Magnetic Nanoparticle Markers
Authors: Abuawad Abdalhalim , Ashhab Yaqoub , Offenhäusser Andreas , Krause Hans-Joachim
Published: December 2023

Due to the limitations of conventional Brucella detection methods, including safety concerns, long incubation times, and limited specificity, the development of a rapid, selective, and accurate technique for the early detection of Brucella in livestock animals is crucial to prevent the spread of the associated disease. In the present study, we introduce a magnetic nanoparticle marker-based biosensor using frequency mixing magnetic detection for point-of-care testing and quantification of Brucella DNA. Superparamagnetic nanoparticles were used as magnetically measured markers to selectively detect the target DNA hybridized with its complementary capture probes immobilized on a porous polyethylene filter. Experimental conditions like density and length of the probes, hybridization time and temperature, and magnetic binding specificity, sensitivity, and detection limit were investigated and optimized. Our sensor demonstrated a relatively fast detection time of approximately 10 min, with a detection limit of 55 copies (0.09 fM) when tested using DNA amplified from Brucella genetic material. In addition, the detection specificity was examined using gDNA from Brucella and other zoonotic bacteria that may coexist in the same niche, confirming the method’s selectivity for Brucella DNA. Our proposed biosensor has the potential to be used for the early detection of Brucella bacteria in the field and can contribute to disease control measures.
Comment on Peker, T.; Boyraz, B. The Relationship between Resistant Hypertension and Advanced Glycation End-Product Levels Measured Using the Skin Autofluorescence Method: A Case–Control Study. J. Clin. Med. 2023, 12, 6606
Authors: Alkhami Fadi , Foussard Ninon , Larroumet Alice , Barbet-Massin Marie-Amélie , Blanco Laurence , Mohammedi Kamel , Rigalleau Vincent
Published: December 2023

We read with interest the recent article by Peker et al. [...]
Recognition and Spatial Distribution of Rural Buildings in Vietnam
Authors: Deng Xin , Liang Yutian , Li Xun , Xu Weipan
Published: December 2023

The research on the distribution of rural buildings is one of the fundamental works of urban–rural development in Vietnam. Adopting a Mask R-CNN deep learning framework and collecting sub-meter remote sensing images, this research used a remote sensing interpretation model of rural buildings trained based on East Asian characteristics of rural buildings and successfully recognized about 2.87 million rural buildings in 34 Vietnamese provincial administrative districts with a total area of rural buildings of 2492 million square meters. The reliability of the identification results was verified by manual detection and quantitative statistics, and a multi-scale database of rural buildings in Vietnam based on individual rural buildings was created. Based on the database, this paper analyzes the distribution characteristics of rural buildings and summarizes characteristics of rural building distribution at the country, regional, and provincial scales. The identification results lay the foundation for the next study of urban–rural relations in Southeast Asia and the construction of a basic database on villages.
Monkeypox Entry and Emergence Preparation in Pakistan
Authors: Khattak Saadullah , Ali Yasir , Ren Zhiguang , Ji Xin-Ying
Published: December 2023

Monkeypox (Mpox) is a virus that first emerged in Africa in 1970 [...]
Molecular, Cellular, and Technical Aspects of Breast Cancer Cell Lines as a Foundational Tool in Cancer Research
Authors: Witt Brittany L. , Tollefsbol Trygve O.
Published: December 2023

Breast cancer comprises about 30% of all new female cancers each year and is the most common malignant cancer in women in the United States. Breast cancer cell lines have been harnessed for many years as a foundation for in vitro analytic studies to understand the use of cancer prevention and therapy. There has yet to be a compilation of works to analyze the pitfalls, novel discoveries, and essential techniques for breast cancer cell line studies in a scientific context. In this article, we review the history of breast cancer cell lines and their origins, as well as analyze the molecular pathways that pharmaceutical drugs apply to breast cancer cell lines in vitro and in vivo. Controversies regarding the origins of certain breast cancer cell lines, the benefits of utilizing Patient-Derived Xenograft (PDX) versus Cell-Derived Xenograft (CDX), and 2D versus 3D cell culturing techniques will be analyzed. Novel outcomes from epigenetic discovery with dietary compound usage are also discussed. This review is intended to create a foundational tool that will aid investigators when choosing a breast cancer cell line to use in multiple expanding areas such as epigenetic discovery, xenograft experimentation, and cancer prevention, among other areas.
Protocol for a Randomized, Open-Label Clinical Trial on the Effect of Mouthwash on Salivary SARS-CoV-2 Load
Authors: Konishi Keiji , Onozuka Daisuke , Takatera Satoko , Matsuo Hiroo , Yoshida Hisao , Hamaguchi Shigeto , Yamamoto Shungo , Sada Ryuichi Minoda , Suzuki Koichiro , Kutsuna Satoshi
Published: December 2023

Mouthwashes containing cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) or on-demand aqueous chlorine dioxide (ACD) have potential to reduce the salivary severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) load in individuals with SARS-CoV-2 infection. This study will evaluate the effect of CPC and on-demand ACD mouthwashes on salivary SARS-CoV-2 levels in individuals with acute asymptomatic or mild SARS-CoV-2 infection (COVID-19) staying in a residential recuperation facility in Osaka, Japan. This randomized, open-label clinical trial will include three equal-sized groups (CPC mouthwash, on-demand ACD mouthwash, and placebo), with 30 participants per group. A stratified replacement block method will be used to ensure balanced allocation based on symptom presence and days since symptom onset. Participants will use mouthwash at set times for 7 days or until the end of recuperation. Saliva samples will be collected at multiple time points and tested for SARS-CoV-2 using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The primary outcome will be changes in salivary SARS-CoV-2 viral load 2 h after the first mouthwash use compared with the pre-mouthwash level. Secondary outcomes will include changes in salivary viral load and clinical parameters at different time points. This study was registered with the Japan Registry of Clinical Trials on 18 October 2022 (jRCTs051220107).
Study on the Influence of the MoS2 Addition Method on the Tribological and Corrosion Properties of Greases
Authors: Zhu Can , He Zhongyi , Xiong Liping , Li Jiusheng , Wu Yinglei , Li Lili
Published: December 2023

MoS2 lithium-based grease is suitable for lubrication protection between bearings at high temperatures and loads due to its excellent tribological properties. However, there is little research on the influence of different addition methods of MoS2 additive on its tribology and corrosion properties. In this work, eco-friendly vegetable oil was selected as the base oil, with MoS2 powder as the additive to synthesize lithium-based grease. The effects of different adding modes of MoS2 on the tribology and corrosion properties of the grease were studied. The experimental results showed that adding 0.01 wt% MoS2 before thickening (Method D) was more conducive to improving the tribological properties of lithium grease. The average friction coefficient was reduced by 26.1%, and the average wear scar diameter was reduced by 0.16 mm. After grinding and adding (Method B) 0.01 wt% MoS2, the corrosion inhibition efficiency of the steel sheet was as high as 96.97%. The reason was that the tribochemical reaction of MoS2 evenly distributed throughout the grease during friction, forming a thin friction film, reducing friction and wear. The protective film formed by MoS2 and GCr15-bearing steel improved the corrosion inhibition performance of the grease.
Optimization of Aging Temperature and Heat-Treatment Pathways in Additively Manufactured 17-4PH Stainless Steel
Authors: Chae Hobyung , Lim Sangyeob , Lee Taeho , Shin Eunjoo , Suh Joowon , Kang Suk Hoon , Lee Soo Yeol
Published: December 2023

This study investigates the tensile behaviors of additively manufactured (AM) 17-4PH stainless steels heat-treated within various temperature ranges from 400 °C to 700 °C in order to identify the effective aging temperature. Despite an aging treatment of 400–460 °C increasing the retained austenite content, an enhancement of the tensile properties was achieved without a strength-ductility trade-off owing to precipitation hardening by the Cu particles. Due to the intricate evolution of the microstructure, aging treatments above 490 °C led to a loss in yield strength and ductility. A considerable rise in strength and a decrease in ductility were brought about by the increase in the fraction of precipitation-hardened martensitic matrix in aging treatments over 640 °C. The impact of heat-treatment pathways on aging effectiveness and tensile anisotropy was then examined. Direct aging at 482 °C for an hour had hardly any effect on wrought 17-4PH, but it increased the yield strength of AM counterparts from 436–457 to 588–604 MPa. A solid-solution treatment at 1038 °C for one hour resulted in a significant drop in the austenite fraction, which led to an increase in the yield (from 436–457 to 841–919 MPa) and tensile strengths (from 1106–1127 to 1254–1256 MPa) with a sacrifice in ductility. Improved strength and ductility were realized by a solid-solution followed by an aging treatment, achieving 1371–1399 MPa. The tensile behaviors of AM 17-4PH were isotropic both parallel and perpendicular to the building direction.
Remimazolam-Based Anesthesia in Patients with Heart Failure Due to Mitral Regurgitation and Low Left Ventricular Function: A Case Series
Authors: Kitaura Atsuhiro , Sakamoto Hiroatsu , Hamasaki Shinichi , Tsukimoto Shota , Nakajima Yasufumi
Published: December 2023

Background and Objectives: Remimazolam is a new ultrashort-acting benzodiazepine anesthetic. Remimazolam appears to be useful in patients with severe valvular disease because of its minimal cardiovascular impact. In this retrospective case series study, we assessed the efficacy and safety of remimazolam for maintaining hemodynamic stability during anesthetic induction and maintenance. Cases: MitraClip was performed on 18 cases with severe mitral regurgitation with low left ventricular function who presented with heart failure, and remimazolam was administered for general anesthesia with induction (12 mg/kg/h) and maintenance (1 mg/kg/h). The impact of remimazolam on the hemodynamics at anesthetic induction and during anesthetic maintenance was investigated retrospectively using electronic medical records. Blood pressure decreased significantly during anesthetic induction with remimazolam (78.5 [72, 81.25] and 66.1 [62.2, 74.2], median [IQR], p = 0.0001), but only mildly, by about 10 mmHg. There was no significant change in the cardiac index (2.0 [1.8, 2.4] vs. 1.9 [1.8, 2.3], p = 0.57642) or pulse rate (73.5 ± 8.85 vs. 74.7 ± 11.7, mean ± SD, p = 0.0876) during anesthetic induction with remimazolam. All patients underwent MitraClip without major hemodynamic concerns, with no or small increases in inotropes. Conclusions: Remimazolam may be used safely in patients with severe mitral regurgitation and low left ventricular function presenting with heart failure.