bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immunogenicity and tolerance induction in vascularized composite allotransplantation
Authors: Sun Jiahui (Angela) , Adil Aisha , Biniazan Felor , Haykal Siba
Published: February 2024

Vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA) is the transplantation of multiple tissues such as skin, muscle, bone, nerve, and vessels, as a functional unit (i.e., hand or face) to patients suffering from major tissue trauma and functional deficits. Though the surgical feasibility has been optimized, issues regarding graft rejection remains. VCA rejection involves a diverse population of cells but is primarily driven by both donor and recipient lymphocytes, antigen-presenting cells, macrophages, and other immune as well as donor-derived cells. In addition, it is commonly understood that different tissues within VCA, such as the skin, elicits a stronger rejection response. Currently, VCA recipients are required to follow potent and lifelong immunosuppressing regimens to maximize graft survival. This puts patients at risk for malignancies, opportunistic infections, and cancers, thereby posing a need for less perilous methods of inducing graft tolerance. This review will provide an overview of cell populations and mechanisms, specific tissue involved in VCA rejection, as well as an updated scope of current methods of tolerance induction.
Nuxcell Neo® improves vaccine efficacy in antibody response
Authors: Jesus Gabriel Fernandes Alves , Galvani Nathalia Coral , Abel Jéssica da Silva , Scussel Rahisa , Fagundes Mírian ĺvens , Córneo Emily da Silva , Rossetto Marina , Sargiani Debora , de Ávila Ricardo Andrez Machado , Michels Monique
Published: February 2024

Current vaccination protocols raise concerns about the efficacy of immunization. There is evidence that changes in the gut microbiota can impact immune response. The formation of the gut microbiota in newborns plays a crucial role in immunity. Probiotic bacteria and prebiotics present important health-promoting and immunomodulatory properties. Thus, we hypothesize that pro and prebiotic supplementation can improve the efficacy of vaccination in newborns. In this protocol, newborn mice were used and treated with a single-dose rabies vaccine combined with Nuxcell Neo® (2 g/animal/week) for 3 weeks. Samples were collected on days 7, 14, and 21 after vaccination for analysis of cytokines and concentration of circulating antibodies. Our results show an increased concentration of antibodies in animals vaccinated against rabies and simultaneously treated with Nuxcell Neo® on days 14 and 21 when compared to the group receiving only the vaccine. In the cytokine levels analysis, it was possible to observe that there weren't relevant and significant changes between the groups, which demonstrates that the health of the animal remains stable. The results of our study confirm the promising impact of the use of Nuxcell Neo® on the immune response after vaccination.
Early Weight Status and Human Capital in Adulthood: A 32-Year Follow-Up of the 1970 British Cohort Study
Authors: Luo Yi , Xiao Mimi
Published: February 2024

Objectives: To prospectively evaluate the effects of early weight status (childhood and adolescence) and changes in obesity status on human capital in adulthood.

Methods: We employed data from the 1970 Birth Cohort Study in the United Kingdom. Data on height and weight during childhood and adolescence, human capital variables in adulthood were collected from 2,444 participants. Human capital includes cognitive ability, non-cognitive skill, educational attainment and health status. Data were analyzed through linear regression and logistic regression models.

Results: Our results showed that obesity during adolescence was negatively associated with cognitive ability (β = −0.83, p < 0.01), educational attainment (β = −0.49, p < 0.01), and some health outcomes; and that underweight in childhood also adversely affected educational attainment in females (β = −0.66, p < 0.05). In terms of changes in obesity status, becoming obese in adolescence negatively affected cognitive ability (β = −1.18, p < 0.01), educational attainment (β = −0.62, p < 0.05) and some health outcomes, remaining obese was associated with all adverse health outcomes.

Conclusion: Our results suggest that obesity during adolescence negatively affects a range of human capital outcomes in adulthood, and adolescence is a critical period during which early obesity affects adult human capital.
LINAC-based SBRT in treating early-stage NSCLC patients—single institution experience and survival data analysis
Authors: Kovács Árpád , Trási Krisztina , Barabás Márton , Gál Kristóf , Csiki Emese , Sipos Dávid , Papp Judit , Simon Mihály
Published: February 2024

Aim: This single institute prospective study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of LINAC-based stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) in treating patients with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSLSC). We focused on the survival data with the local and distant control profiles and the cancer- and non-cancer-specific survival. Treatment-related side effects were also collected and analyzed.

Methods: Patients with early-stage NSCLC between January 2018 and October 2021 were included in our prospective study; a total of 77 patients receiving LINAC-based SBRT were analyzed. All patients had pretreatment multidisciplinary tumor board decisions on SBRT. The average patient age was 68.8 years (median: 70 years, range: 52–82); 70 patients were in ECOG 0 status (91%), while seven patients were in ECOG 1-2 status (9%). 52% of the patients (40) had histologically verified NSCLC, and the other 48% were verified based on PETCT results. We applied the SBRT scheme 8 x 7.5 Gy for central tumors (74%) or 4 x 12 Gy for peripheral tumors (26%).

Results: The mean follow-up time was 25.4 months (median 23, range 18–50). The Kaplan-Meier estimation for overall survival in patients receiving LINAC-based SBRT was 41.67 months. Of the 77 patients treated by SBRT, death was reported for 17 patients (9 cases cancer-specific, 8 cases non-cancer specific reason). The mean local tumor control was 34.25 months (range 8.4–41), and the mean systemic control was 24.24 months (range 7–25). During the treatments, no Grade I-II were reported; in 30 cases, Grade I non-symptomatic treatment-related lung fibrosis and two asymptomatic rib fractures were reported.

Conclusion: In the treatment of early-stage NSCLC, LINAC-based SBRT can be a feasible alternative to surgery. Although we reported worse OS data in our patient cohort compared to the literature, the higher older average age and the initial worse general condition (ECOG1-2) in our patient cohort appear to be the reason for this difference. With the comparable local control and survival data and the favorable side effect profile, SBRT might be preferable over surgery in selected cases.
KUKA KR3 ipari robotegység HMI-tervezése és vezérlése univerzális ipari PC-n Sipy fejlesztőplatform segítségéve
Authors: Diós Szabolcs Sándor , Asztalos Gergő Tamás , Husi Géza
Published: February 2024

A projektem megvalósításra került, és az abban foglaltak megtervezése is megtörtént. A KUKA KR3 ipari robotkar új HMI-je megtervezésre került, amihez a robotegység valós 3D-modellje is elkészítésre és integrálásra került a virtuális környezetben. A Dead man's switch-hez a Pycom által fejlesztett SiPy vezérlő került felhasználásra, míg a Linuxot, egy egykártyás számítógépet, a Strato Pi Base Board és Raspberry Pit alkalmaztuk. A 3D-s KUKA KR3 HMI segítségével pontosan nyomon követhetjük a pozíciók változását, és a koordinációja is lehetséges a valódi KUKA KR3-asnak. További fejlesztési lehetőségek között szerepel egy megfogó integrálása a virtuális környezetbe, és annak 3D-modelljének megtervezése is.
Elektromos motorok vizsgálatára fejlesztett mérőrendszer hitelesítése, kalibrálásra
Authors: Szántó Attila , Garai Henrik András , Ádámkó Éva , Sziki Gusztáv Áron
Published: February 2024

A szerzők már évek óta foglalkoznak elektromos járművek és motorok modellezésével és szimulációjával. Az elektromos motorok szimulációjához fontos ismerni a motor különböző elektromágneses és dinamikai jellemzőit. Ezek többségét a gyártók általában nem adják meg, így azokat kísérleti úton kell meghatározni. Az elmúlt két évben a Debreceni Egyetem Műszaki Karán egy saját fejlesztésű mérőrendszert valósítottunk meg. Jelen publikációban a fenti mérőrendszer egyes elemeinek a hitelesítését, kalibrálását, valamint az ehhez alkalmazott módszereket és a vizsgálatok során kapott eredményeket mutatjuk be.
Nowe nazwy potraw, napojów i produktów spożywczych w polszczyźnie jako zwierciadło współczesnych tendencji żywieniowych (rekonesans leksykograficzny)
Authors: Witaszek-Samborska Małgorzata
Published: February 2024

This article presents and overview of the contemporary nutritional trends established in the 21st-century units of the nominative grid of the lexical and semantic field POTRAWY, NAPOJE I PRODUKTY SPOŻYWCZE (DISHES, BEVERAGES, AND FOODS) of the Polish language. It bears characteristics of a research, since it is based exclusively on an analysis of the lexis that is being recorded in two dictionaries that are being developed on an ongoing basis and that is absent from the 2005 monographic study of culinary lexis. However, some most general regularities are noticeable. In the first place, the strong glocalisation and health-promoting naming trends present in this field at least since the last decade of the 20th century have prevailed. They are complemented by more recent processes, resulting in the emergence of semantic categories that are small in scope and comprise a few components in the vocabulary. The most prominent among these are ecological views (vegetarianism and veganism) and the treatment of food as a source of pleasure (sensual terms, stimulant names, comfort food).
Carbon and Nitrogen Stocks in Topsoil under Different Land Use/Land Cover Types in the Southeast of Spain
Authors: Benslama Abderraouf , Lucas Ignacio Gómez , Jordan Vidal Manuel M. , Almendro-Candel María Belén , Navarro-Pedreño Jose
Published: February 2024

Land use plays a crucial role in the stock of soil organic carbon (SOC) and soil nitrogen (SN). The aim of this study was to assess and characterize the effects of various soil management practices on the physicochemical properties of soil in a Mediterranean region in southeastern Spain. Texture, soil moisture, bulk density, pH, electrical conductivity, equivalent CaCO3 (%), soil organic matter and carbon, and Kjeldahl nitrogen were determined for the surface topsoil (0–5 cm, 180 samples) under three types of land cover: cropland, grassland, and urban soil. The main soil textures were silt, silt loam, and sandy loam with low percentages of soil moisture in all soil samples and lower bulk density values in cropland and grassland areas. The pH was alkaline and the electrical conductivity as well as the equivalent calcium carbonate content were moderate to high. Organic matter estimated using the LOI and WB methods varied in the order cropland > grassland > urban soil. The results obtained for SOC and SN indicate that cropland presented the highest stocks, followed by grassland and urban soil. The values determined for the C/N ratio were close to 10 in cropland and grassland, indicating that organic matter readily undergoes decomposition at these sites. Our results emphasize the importance of evaluating the effects and identifying the impacts of different soil management techniques, and further research is needed to better understand the potential to improve soil organic carbon and nitrogen storage in semiarid regions.
A Relaxed Horse—A Relaxed Client? An Experimental Investigation of the Effects of Therapy Horses’ Stress on Clients’ Stress, Mood, and Anxiety
Authors: Müller-Klein Alicia , Braun Moritz Nicolai , Ferreira de Sá Diana S. , Michael Tanja , Link-Dorner Ulrike , Lass-Hennemann Johanna
Published: February 2024

Equine-assisted therapies are becoming increasingly popular for addressing physical and psychological disabilities in clients. The role of the horse’s welfare in equine-assisted service receives increasing attention in research. Several studies have shown that horses are able to perceive human emotions and respond to human stress responses. However, no research has yet looked at the other side of the coin—whether and how humans perceive and react to equine stress levels during equine-assisted services. To fill this gap in the research, we employed a within-subjects design, in which horse-naïve participants had a standardized interaction with both an experimentally stressed horse and an experimentally relaxed horse. We assessed physiological indicators of stress (heart rate, heart rate variability, and salivary cortisol) in participants and horses, as well as psychological indicators of stress (state anxiety and positive and negative affect) in participants. Although our stress and relaxation manipulations were successful (indicated by horses’ physiological indicators of stress), we did not find any difference in the participants’ physiological or psychological indicators of stress between the interaction with a stressed and the interaction with a relaxed horse. Together with results from previous studies, this suggests that humans cannot intuitively recognize the (physiological) stress level of horses, which has important implications for effective communication and bonding between humans and horses and for the safety of equine activities.
Case Report: Emerging Losses of Managed Honey Bee Colonies
Authors: Lamas Zachary S. , Chen Yanping , Evans Jay D.
Published: February 2024

United States commercial beekeepers prepare honey bee colonies for almond pollination in California each year in late January to early February. This represents the largest managed pollination event in the world and involves more than half of all U.S. honey bee colonies. In winter 2023, numerous colonies in Florida, which were graded as suitable for almonds (larger than ten frames of bees), dwindled suddenly or altogether died within several weeks, just prior to movement for almonds. The timing of these losses and the resulting morbidity caused severe economic harm to affected operations. This study reports interviews with affected stakeholders, their economic harm, and analyses of pathogens and parasites found in their colonies.
Central Autonomic Mechanisms Involved in the Control of Laryngeal Activity and Vocalization
Authors: González-García Marta , Carrillo-Franco Laura , Morales-Luque Carmen , Dawid-Milner Marc Stefan , López-González Manuel Víctor
Published: February 2024

In humans, speech is a complex process that requires the coordinated involvement of various components of the phonatory system, which are monitored by the central nervous system. The larynx in particular plays a crucial role, as it enables the vocal folds to meet and converts the exhaled air from our lungs into audible sounds. Voice production requires precise and sustained exhalation, which generates an air pressure/flow that creates the pressure in the glottis required for voice production. Voluntary vocal production begins in the laryngeal motor cortex (LMC), a structure found in all mammals, although the specific location in the cortex varies in humans. The LMC interfaces with various structures of the central autonomic network associated with cardiorespiratory regulation to allow the perfect coordination between breathing and vocalization. The main subcortical structure involved in this relationship is the mesencephalic periaqueductal grey matter (PAG). The PAG is the perfect link to the autonomic pontomedullary structures such as the parabrachial complex (PBc), the Kölliker–Fuse nucleus (KF), the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS), and the nucleus retroambiguus (nRA), which modulate cardiovascular autonomic function activity in the vasomotor centers and respiratory activity at the level of the generators of the laryngeal-respiratory motor patterns that are essential for vocalization. These cores of autonomic structures are not only involved in the generation and modulation of cardiorespiratory responses to various stressors but also help to shape the cardiorespiratory motor patterns that are important for vocal production. Clinical studies show increased activity in the central circuits responsible for vocalization in certain speech disorders, such as spasmodic dysphonia because of laryngeal dystonia.
Experimental Test and Finite Element Analysis on a Concrete Box Girder of a Cable-Stayed Bridge with W-Shaped Prestressed Concrete Diagonal Braces
Authors: He Xuhui , Wang Zhiyu , Li Chao , Gao Ce , Liu Yongfeng , Li Changpeng , Liu Bin
Published: February 2024

This paper presents an experimental study on the box girder of a low-tower cable-stayed railway bridge with a W-shaped section that consists of prestressed concrete diagonal braces. A 1:6 scale test model was designed and constructed for the experiment. The mechanical behavior of the test model was investigated under two loading conditions: a double-track train symmetrical load and a single-track train unsymmetrical load. The experimental results were validated against a finite element model. Furthermore, the torsional performance of the box girder section was analyzed and discussed.
Noncoding RNAs in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Potential Applications in Combined Therapeutic Strategies and Promising Candidates of Treatment Response
Authors: Vianello Clara , Monti Elisa , Leoni Ilaria , Galvani Giuseppe , Giovannini Catia , Piscaglia Fabio , Stefanelli Claudio , Gramantieri Laura , Fornari Francesca
Published: February 2024

The incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is increasing, and 40% of patients are diagnosed at advanced stages. Over the past 5 years, the number of clinically available treatments has dramatically increased for HCC, making patient management particularly complex. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have improved the overall survival of patients, showing a durable treatment benefit over time and a different response pattern with respect to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). Although there is improved survival in responder cases, a sizeable group of patients are primary progressors or are ineligible for immunotherapy. Indeed, patients with nonviral etiologies, such as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and alterations in specific driver genes might be less responsive to immunotherapy. Therefore, improving the comprehension of mechanisms of drug resistance and identifying biomarkers that are informative of the best treatment approach are required actions to improve patient survival. Abundant evidence indicates that noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) are pivotal players in cancer. Molecular mechanisms through which ncRNAs exert their effects in cancer progression and drug resistance have been widely investigated. Nevertheless, there are no studies summarizing the synergistic effect between ncRNA-based strategies and TKIs or ICIs in the preclinical setting. This review aims to provide up-to-date information regarding the possible use of ncRNAs as therapeutic targets in association with molecular-targeted agents and immunotherapies and as predictive tools for the selection of optimized treatment options in advanced HCCs.
Metatungstate Chemical Vapor Deposition of WSe2: Substrate Effects, Shapes, and Morphologies
Authors: Buchkov Krastyo , Rafailov Peter , Minev Nikolay , Videva Vladimira , Strijkova Velichka , Lukanov Todor , Dimitrov Dimitre , Marinova Vera
Published: February 2024

Owing to their exceptional properties, which are usually determined by the growth conditions, 2D transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) offer numerous research directions for applications in the fields of spintronics, valleytronics, and optoelectronics. Here, we focus on the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) synthesis of WSe2 (tungsten diselenide) nanoclusters/nanoflakes by using a liquid precursor for tungsten (ammonium metatungstate) on Si/SiO2, fused silica, and sapphire substrates. Various WSe2 clusters with different sizes, thicknesses, and geometries were analyzed by means of optical and atomic force microscopy (AFM) and Raman spectroscopy. The observed structures were mostly WSe2 multilayers; however, monolayer formations were also found. They showed significant morphological differences, as well as wide nucleation density and size variations, possibly related to precursor/substrate surface interactions under the same CVD synthesis conditions. The largest WSe2 domains with a lateral size of up to hundreds of micrometers were observed on sapphire, probably caused by a higher growth rate of singular nucleation sites. WSe2 domains with irregular and triangular shapes were simultaneously identified on fused silica, whereas multilayered pyramidal WSe2 structures dominated in the case of Si/SiO2 substrates. The application of polarized Raman spectroscopy to precisely determine and differentiate the characteristic vibrational modes (A1g, E2g, and 2LA(M)) enabled the unambiguous identification of 2D and/or multilayered WSe2 formations with a high crystallinity level. The presented comparative analysis of samples prepared in relatively simple synthesis conditions (moderate working temperatures and ambient pressure) provides a base for further progress of the facile metatungstate CVD method and relevant opportunities for the exploration of 2D TMDC materials.
Effects of Rare-Earth Elements Doping on Micro-Structure and Fluorescence Performances of Fluorapatite
Authors: Bie Shao-Rong , She Ding-Shun , Yue Wen
Published: February 2024

For purposes of optimizing the microstructure and fluorescence properties of rare-earth elements (REEs)-doped fluorapatites (FAps), various kinds of REEs (La, Pr, Sm, Eu, Gd, Ho, Er, and Yb) with the concentration of 2~20 mol.% have been inserted into the FAps framework via hydrothermal method, in order to investigate the influential mechanism of the REEs on the crystal structure, morphology, and fluorescence under the excitation of the near-ultraviolet light of the FAps. Experimental results show that the wavelength of the emitted light of the REEs-doped FAps is decided by the type of REEs. Unlike the Pr/Yb- and Ho-doped FAps and with the fluorescence of red and green emitted light, respectively, the Er-doped FAps show a blue light emission with wavelengths of 296, 401, and 505 nm, which is, moreover, different with the Eu-doped Faps, showing an orange light emission with wavelengths of 490, 594, and 697 nm. The emission luminous color is related to the lattice defects of the FAps doped with the various types and the effective doping concentration of the REEs. The luminous intensity increases with the increase in the effective doping concentration of the REEs. Nevertheless, the formation of rare-earth fluoride results in the decrease in the effective doping concentration of the REEs and the luminous intensity. The FAps with an effective doping concentration of 7 mol.% Er and 3 mol.% Eu show relative excellent fluorescence properties.
Experiences with Wearable Sensors in Oncology during Treatment: Lessons Learned from Feasibility Research Projects in Denmark
Authors: Pappot Helle , Steen-Olsen Emma Balch , Holländer-Mieritz Cecilie
Published: February 2024

Background: The fraction of elderly people in the population is growing, the incidence of some cancers is increasing, and the number of available cancer treatments is evolving, causing a challenge to healthcare systems. New healthcare tools are needed, and wearable sensors could partly be potential solutions. The aim of this case report is to describe the Danish research experience with wearable sensors in oncology reporting from three oncological wearable research projects. Case studies: Three planned case studies investigating the feasibility of different wearable sensor solutions during cancer treatment are presented, focusing on study design, population, device, aim, and planned outcomes. Further, two actual case studies performed are reported, focusing on patients included, data collected, results achieved, further activities planned, and strengths and limitations. Results: Only two of the three planned studies were performed. In general, patients found the technical issues of wearable sensors too challenging to deal with during cancer treatment. However, at the same time it was demonstrated that a large amount of data could be collected if the framework worked efficiently. Conclusion: Wearable sensors have the potential to help solve challenges in clinical oncology, but for successful research projects and implementation, a setup with minimal effort on the part of patients is requested.
Artificial Intelligence-Based Algorithms in Medical Image Scan Segmentation and Intelligent Visual Content Generation—A Concise Overview
Authors: Rudnicka Zofia , Szczepanski Janusz , Pregowska Agnieszka
Published: February 2024

Recently, artificial intelligence (AI)-based algorithms have revolutionized the medical image segmentation processes. Thus, the precise segmentation of organs and their lesions may contribute to an efficient diagnostics process and a more effective selection of targeted therapies, as well as increasing the effectiveness of the training process. In this context, AI may contribute to the automatization of the image scan segmentation process and increase the quality of the resulting 3D objects, which may lead to the generation of more realistic virtual objects. In this paper, we focus on the AI-based solutions applied in medical image scan segmentation and intelligent visual content generation, i.e., computer-generated three-dimensional (3D) images in the context of extended reality (XR). We consider different types of neural networks used with a special emphasis on the learning rules applied, taking into account algorithm accuracy and performance, as well as open data availability. This paper attempts to summarize the current development of AI-based segmentation methods in medical imaging and intelligent visual content generation that are applied in XR. It concludes with possible developments and open challenges in AI applications in extended reality-based solutions. Finally, future lines of research and development directions of artificial intelligence applications, both in medical image segmentation and extended reality-based medical solutions, are discussed.
A Simulation Study of Noise Exposure in Sledge-Based Cable Yarding Operations
Authors: Borz Stelian Alexandru , Mederski Piotr S. , Bembenek Mariusz
Published: February 2024

Ensuring the safety of forestry workers is a key challenge, particularly when working with partly mechanized harvesting systems. Cable yarding is typically used in steep terrain timber harvesting. For long-distance extraction, one of the few alternatives is to use sledge yarders, but these machines may expose workers to high doses of noise. The goal of this study was to model haulers’ exposure to noise in sledge-based cable yarding operations, based on a simulation approach that considered variable factors such as the yarding distance, lateral yarding distance, and average skyline height. Taken into consideration were 165 scenarios developed by examining the variation in yarding distance (500 to 1500 m, with a step of 100 m), lateral yarding distance (10 to 50 m, with a step of 10 m), and average skyline height above the ground (10, 15, and 20 m). The simulations assumed an 8-h working day with a break of 1 h. The models and statistics published by other studies were used to calculate the time consumption and number of work cycles completed within a working day. These data were used to compute the equivalent exposure to noise (LAeq) for each scenario, as well as for those work elements that were likely to expose the haulers to noise the most. The presented findings indicated that (i) the exposure to noise was higher than 100 dB(A), irrespective of variation in the considered factors; (ii) the trend in exposure was characterized by polynomials in relation to the extraction distance, and the magnitude of exposure was consistently affected by variation in the considered factors; and (iii) without hearing protection, the empty and loaded turns exposed workers to noise over the permissible limits. These findings strongly suggest the use of hearing protection when working in close proximity to sledge-based cable yarding operations. The methods proposed in this study in the form of simulation may help benchmark other forest operations.
Pecan, Carya illinoinensis, a New Host Report of Yellowstriped Armyworm, Spodoptera ornithogalli (Guenee) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in the Southeastern US
Authors: Acharya Rajendra , Veerlapati Shivakumar , Barman Apurba K.
Published: February 2024

Yellowstriped armyworm (YSAW), Spodoptera ornithogalli, is a polyphagous pest that infests various crops, including cotton, cabbage, corn, blackberry, grape, etc. We documented egg clusters, larvae and adults of YSAW in pecan orchards in Georgia. Until now, there have been no reports of YSAW infesting pecan and its suitability as a host. To investigate the survival, development, and reproduction of YSAW on pecan, we used the age-stage, two sex life table. The YSAW successfully completed its lifecycle on pecan with an 82% preadult survival rate. The preadult duration and mean fecundity were 47.84 d and 1212.55 offspring per female. The population parameters, including intrinsic rate of increase (r), finite rate of increase (λ), net reproduction rate (R0), and mean generation time (T) were 0.1184 d−1, 1.1257 d−1, 430.67 offspring/female, and 51.05 d, respectively. This study confirms that pecan, Carya illinoinensis, is a potential host plant of YSAW and perhaps more widespread damage could be observed.
Surface Modification Strategies for Chrysin-Loaded Iron Oxide Nanoparticles to Boost Their Anti-Tumor Efficacy in Human Colon Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Karimova Aynura , Hajizada Sabina , Shirinova Habiba , Nuriyeva Sevinj , Gahramanli Lala , Yusuf Mohammed M. , Bellucci Stefano , Reissfelder Christoph , Yagublu Vugar
Published: February 2024

Enhancing nanoparticles’ anti-cancer capabilities as drug carriers requires the careful adjustment of formulation parameters, including loading efficiency, drug/carrier ratio, and synthesis method. Small adjustments to these parameters can significantly influence the drug-loading efficiency of nanoparticles. Our study explored how chitosan and polyethylene glycol (PEG) coatings affect the structural properties, drug-loading efficiency, and anti-cancer efficacy of Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NPs). The loading efficiency of the NPs was determined using FTIR spectrometry and XRD. The quantity of chrysin incorporated into the coated NPs was examined using UV–Vis spectrometry. The effect of the NPs on cell viability and apoptosis was determined by employing the HCT 116 human colon carcinoma cell line. We showed that a two-fold increase in drug concentration did not impact the loading efficiency of Fe3O4 NPs coated with PEG. However, there was a 33 Å difference in the crystallite sizes obtained from chitosan-coated Fe3O4 NPs and drug concentrations of 1:0.5 and 1:2, resulting in decreased system stability. In conclusion, PEG coating exhibited a higher loading efficiency of Fe3O4 NPs compared to chitosan, resulting in enhanced anti-tumor effects. Furthermore, variations in the loaded amount of chrysin did not impact the crystallinity of PEG-coated NPs, emphasizing the stability and regularity of the system.
The Stress of Fungicides Changes the Expression of Clock Protein CmFRQ and the Morphology of Fruiting Bodies of Cordyceps militaris
Authors: Peng Jing-Mei , Zhang Dan-Dan , Huang Zi-Yan , Fu Ming-Jia
Published: February 2024

The physiological, biochemical, and morphological changes brought about by fungi in response to fungicides can undoubtedly bring diversity to fungi. Cordyceps militaris strains TN (mating type genes MAT1-1-1, MAT1-1-2, and MAT1-2-1) and CmFRQ-454 (mating type genes MAT1-1-1 and MAT1-1-2) were treated with non-lethal doses of fungicides amphotericin B, L-cysteine, terbinafine, and 5-fluorocytosine. The results showed that the treatment with amphotericin B, terbinafine, and 5-fluorocytosine promoted an increase in the relative content of clock protein CmFRQ (C. militaris FREQUENCY) in the mycelium of strain TN, while the high concentration of L-cysteine inhibited the expression of CmFRQ in strain TN. These four fungicides could reduce the relative contents of CmFRQ in the mycelium of strain CmFRQ454. The relative contents of CmFRQ in the mycelium of strain TN were increased after removing the four fungicides, but the relative contents of CmFRQ in the mycelium of strain CmFRQ454 were decreased after removing the four fungicides. This indicates that the effect of fungicides on CmFRQ on mycelium was still sustained after removing the stress of fungicides, and the operation of the circadian clock was changed. The fruiting bodies of C. militaris strain TN and CmFRQ-454 were still degenerated to varying degrees after removing amphotericin B, L-cysteine, and terbinafine. However, the fruiting bodies of strain TN after removing 5-fluorocytosine did not show significant degeneration; the fruiting bodies of strain CmFRQ-454 after removing 5-fluorocytosine obtained rejuvenation. These results indicate that the stress of fungicides could lead to the degeneration of fruiting bodies as well as the rejuvenation of fruiting bodies, resulting in the morphological diversity of C. militaris. The increase or decrease of the CmFRQ-454, the main component of the circadian clock, caused by the stress of fungicants, might lead to the differential degeneration of different mating-type strains of C. militaris.
A Low-Inertia and High-Stiffness Cable-Driven Biped Robot: Design, Modeling, and Control
Authors: Tang Jun , Mou Haiming , Hou Yunfeng , Zhu Yudi , Liu Jian , Zhang Jianwei
Published: February 2024

In this paper, a biped robot system for dynamic walking is presented. It has two 2-degree-of-freedom (DOF) lightweight legs and a 6-DOF hip. All the joint pulleys of the legs are driven by motors that are placed at the hip using steel cables. Since all the heavy motors are mounted at the hip, the biped robot has remarkably low-mass legs beyond the hip, which guarantees low inertia during walking at high speeds. Utilizing cable-amplification mechanisms, high stiffness and strength are achieved, resulting in better control performance compared to conventional direct-driven methods. Techniques are developed to estimate joint-angle errors caused by the elastic deformation of the cables. To achieve smooth control, we introduce the concept of a virtual leg, which is an imaginary leg connecting the hip joint and the ankle joint. A robust control approach based on the “virtual leg” is presented, which considers the variances of the virtual leg length during walking. Experiments are conducted to validate the effectiveness of the mechanical design and the proposed control approach.
A One-Step Approach for a Durable and Highly Hydrophobic Coating for Flax Fabrics for Self-Cleaning Application
Authors: Ishak Antoine , Sonnier Rodolphe , Otazaghine Belkacem , Longuet Claire
Published: February 2024

Highly hydrophobic flax fabrics with durable properties were prepared using the “dip-coating” method for self-cleaning application. Flax fabrics were coated with a polysiloxane coating via a hydrosilylation reaction with a Karstedt catalyst at room temperature. The coated fabrics displayed highly and durable hydrophobic properties (contact angle and sliding angle of about 145° and 23°, respectively) with good self-cleaning ability for certain pollutants and excellent durability. Moreover, the influence of the coating process on the mechanical properties of fabrics was investigated. A decrease in E modulus and an increase in tensile stress at maximum force and elongation at maximum force has been observed. Furthermore, this influence of the coating process can be easily controlled by adjusting the proportion of curing agent in the treatment solution.
Hydroxylation of Aryl Sulfonium Salts for Phenol Synthesis under Mild Reaction Conditions
Authors: Hu Xuan-Bo , Fu Qian-Qian , Huang Xue-Ying , Chu Xue-Qiang , Shen Zhi-Liang , Miao Chengping , Chen Weiyi
Published: February 2024

Hydroxylation of aryl sulfonium salts could be realized by utilizing acetohydroxamic acid and oxime as hydroxylative agents in the presence of cesium carbonate as a base, leading to a variety of structurally diverse hydroxylated arenes in 47–95% yields. In addition, the reaction exhibited broad functionality tolerance, and a range of important functional groups (e.g., cyano, nitro, sulfonyl, formyl, keto, and ester) could be well amenable to the mild reaction conditions.
Preservation of scRNA-Seq Libraries Using Existing Inactivation Protocols
Authors: Sturdevant Gail L. , Meade-White Kimberly D. , Best Sonja M. , Speranza Emily
Published: February 2024

Single-cell RNA sequencing has soared in popularity in recent years. The ability to deeply profile the states of individual cells during the course of disease or infection has helped to expand our knowledge of coordinated responses. However, significant challenges arise when performing this analysis in high containment settings such as biosafety level 3 (BSL-3), BSL-3+ and BSL-4. Working in containment is necessary for many important pathogens, such as Ebola virus, Marburg virus, Lassa virus, Nipah and Hendra viruses. Since standard operating procedures (SOPs) for inactivation are extensive and may compromise sample integrity, we tested whether the removal of single-cell sequencing libraries from containment laboratories using existing inactivation protocols for nucleic acid extraction (Trizol, RLT buffer, or AVL buffer) was feasible. We have demonstrated that the inactivation does not affect sample quality and can work with existing methods for inactivation.
Analysing a Group of Homologous BAHD Enzymes Provides Insights into the Evolutionary Transition of Rosmarinic Acid Synthases from Hydroxycinnamoyl-CoA:Shikimate/Quinate Hydroxycinnamoyl Transferases
Authors: Zhou Jiali , Zou Xiaofang , Deng Zixin , Duan Lian
Published: February 2024

The interplay of various enzymes and compounds gives rise to the intricate secondary metabolic networks observed today. However, the current understanding of their formation and expansion remains limited. BAHD acyltransferases play important roles in the biosynthesis of numerous significant secondary metabolites. In plants, they are widely distributed and exhibit a diverse range of activities. Among them, rosmarinic acid synthase (RAS) and hydroxycinnamoyl-CoA:shikimate/quinate hydroxycinnamoyl transferase (HCT) have gained significant recognition and have been extensively investigated as prominent members of the BAHD acyltransferase family. Here, we conducted a comprehensive study on a unique group of RAS homologous enzymes in Mentha longifolia that display both catalytic activities and molecular features similar to HCT and Lamiaceae RAS. Subsequent phylogenetic and comparative genome analyses revealed their derivation from expansion events within the HCT gene family, indicating their potential as collateral branches along the evolutionary trajectory, leading to Lamiaceae RAS while still retaining certain ancestral vestiges. This discovery provides more detailed insights into the evolution from HCT to RAS. Our collective findings indicate that gene duplication is the driving force behind the observed evolutionary pattern in plant-specialized enzymes, which probably originated from ancestral enzyme promiscuity and were subsequently shaped by principles of biological adaptation.
ZIF67-ZIF8@MFC-Derived Co-Zn/NC Interconnected Frameworks Combined with Perfluorosulfonic Acid Polymer as a Highly Efficient and Stable Composite Electrocatalyst for Oxygen Reduction Reactions
Authors: Meng Hongjie , Song Jingnan , Zhang Yongming
Published: February 2024

The development of precious metal-free (M-N-C) catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is considered crucial for reducing fuel cell costs. Herein, Co-Zn/NC interconnected frameworks with uniformly dispersed Co nanoparticles and graphitic carbon are designed and successfully synthesized through the in situ growth of zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIF67 and ZIF8) along with biomass nano-microfibrillar cellulose (MFC), followed by pyrolysis. A Co-Zn/NC composite is prepared by combining Co-Zn/NC with a perfluorosulfonic acid polymer. The Co-Zn/NC composite catalyst exhibits excellent ORR catalytic activity (E0 = 0.974 V vs. RHE, E1/2 = 0.858 V vs. RHE) and good long-term durability, with 90% current retention after 10000s, surpassing that of commercial Pt/C in alkaline media. The hierarchical porous structure, coupled with the uniform distribution of Co nanoparticles and nitrogen doping, contributes to superior electrocatalytic performance, while the interconnected frameworks and graphitic carbon ensure good stability. Additionally, the Co-Zn/NC composite demonstrates promising applications in acidic media. This strategy offers significant guidance to develop advanced non-precious metal carbon-based catalysts for highly efficient and stable ORR.
Enhancing the Hydrolytic Stability of Poly(lactic acid) Using Novel Stabilizer Combinations
Authors: Hallstein Jannik , Metzsch-Zilligen Elke , Pfaendner Rudolf
Published: February 2024

Commercially available poly(lactic acid) exhibits poor hydrolytic stability, which makes it impossible for use in durable applications. Therefore, a novel hydrolysis inhibitor based on an aziridine derivative as well as a novel stabilizer composition, containing an aziridine derivative and an acid scavenger, were investigated to improve the hydrolytic stability. To evaluate the stabilizing effect, the melt volume rate (MVR) and molecular weight were monitored during an accelerated hydrolytic aging in water at elevated temperatures. Temperatures were selected according to the glass transition temperature (~60 °C) of PLA. It was shown that the novel hydrolysis inhibitor as well as the novel stabilizer composition exhibited excellent performance during hydrolytic aging, exceeding commercially available alternatives, e.g., polymeric carbodiimides. A molecular weight analysis resulted in a molecular weight decrease of only 10% during approximately 850 h and up to 20% after 1200 h of hydrolytic aging, whereas poly(lactic acid) stabilized with a commercial polycarbodiimide revealed comparable molecular weight reductions after only 300 h. Furthermore, the stabilization mechanism of the aziridine derivative alone, as well as in the synergistic combination with the acid scavenger (calcium hydrotalcite), was investigated using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. In addition to an improved hydrolytic stability, the thermal properties were also enhanced compared to polymeric carbodiimides.
A maximális hézag meghatározása lézeres hegesztéshez
Authors: Nagy Balázs , Kovács Tünde Anna
Published: February 2024

A lézeres hegesztést napjainkban igen elterjedten alkalmazzák az iparban. Számos esetben acéllemezeket hegesztőanyag nélkül hegesztenek össze ezzel az eljárással. A kutatás célja a maximális hézagot és a hozzá tartozó hegesztési paramétereket meghatározni S235J2 acélminőségű 3 mm vastagságú acéllemez lézeres hegesztéséhez. A hegesztésnél a nem megfelelő élelőkészítés miatt adódhat hézag, amit a technológia tervezése során figyelembe kell venni. A kísérletek eredménye: a Trumpf TLF 5000 turbo típusú, szén-dioxid-lézer alkalmazásával, 4,5 kW teljesítmény, 3000 mm/min hegesztési sebesség, fókuszban hegesztve 0,10 mm rés, míg 2000 mm/min hegesztési sebesség, +5 mm fókuszeltolással 0,27 mm rés hegeszthető át elfogadható varratminőséggel.
Virtualistique : stratégie de non-participation
Authors: Skalon Nikolaï
Published: February 2024

La sphère d’emploi du terme «virtualité» est aujourd’hui pratiquement illimitée, englobant ce qui relève d’un état psychotique ou de la fiction, ce qu’on appelait jadis l’imagination La réalité informatique virtuelle crée des artefacts.

Le terme latin virtus signifie courage, énergie, force, symptôme de la solidité du sujet. Au Moyen Âge, virtus, en tant que vertu, occupe le quatrième rang dans l’ascension vers Dieu, qui en compte sept. Avec la «redécouverte» de la culture antique, la virtus reste en corrélation avec la connaissance de Dieu, mais les «Titans de la Renaissance», selon leurs apologues marxistes, vont égaler Dieu dans leur «virtuosité». La réflexion allégorique de l’humaniste et la pratique occulte, magique forment un couple étonnant. Dans une dérive semblable vers le panthéisme, le «Siècle d’Argent» russe actualise l’homme, un microcosme dans le monde spirituel et matériel, mais potentiellement Dieu tout-puissant. Poussière, il devient «corpuscule virtuelle». Andreï Bely l’incite à tout brûler, afin que des cendres naisse «l’Oiseau de Feu». À l’enthousiasme du «Siècle d’Argent» dans l’attente d’une «nouvelle révélation» religieuse, répondent les impitoyables instructions de Lénine sur l’extermination des popes et de la religion. On a souvent qualifié ensuite cette «Renaissance» russe d’«activité démoniaque occulte». C’est à la Sophiologie de notre «Siècle d’argent», qu’à notre époque de syncrétisme religieux, se réfère le New Age.

L’hypertrophie de la perception virtuelle conduit à l'homo virtualis, fruit d’une croissance inachevée. Contre cette déchéance de l’homme, il faut retrouver la signification première de «virtualité» et surmonter la «révolution copernicienne» réalisée par Ferdinand de Saussure, «notre excommunication du monde», notre immersion dans des systèmes de signes virtuels.
La Pologne face à l’Europe. Mythes et stéréotypes identitaires de l’imaginaire collectif polonais
Authors: Prokop Janek
Published: February 2024

La noblesse de l’ancienne Pologne considérait son pays comme un paradis de libertés à défendre contre les Habsbourg, Moscou et la barbarie turque. Le centralisme absolutiste moderne remettant en question ces libertés féodales, la noblesse polonaise bouda l’Europe et se replia sur son statut de monarchie élective et parlementaire, paralysée en fait par le liberum veto. Cette «anarchie polonaise» mène à sa disparition de la carte politique de l’Europe en 1795, mais la Pologne entretient le mythe d’un pays pacifique, prêt à se sacrifier pour toute la Chrétienté. Réplique du sacrifice du Christ, ce mythe est réactualisé par la guerre contre les bolcheviks et le discours anti-communiste de Solidarnost.

Frappée par les démembrements successifs, la noblesse polonaise se distingua de l’aristocratie européenne fortement attachée à la monarchie de droit divin. Attachée au bien commun, res publica, elle s’engagea dans la lutte pour l’indépendance, liée pourtant au principe révolutionnaire des nationalités, de la souveraineté du peuple. Aux contraintes «modernes» imposées par les puissances occupantes, s’opposa une résistance «naturelle», anti-moderne ; l’esprit chevaleresque prêt au sacrifice, contre l’esprit marchand, la médiocrité du philistin. Victor Hugo répéta ces clichés du discours de l’émigration polonaise : «Le peuple français a été le missionnaire de la civilisation en Europe ; le peuple polonais en a été le chevalier». Michelet les reprit en louant La Pologne, martyre.

Rhétorique classique des innocents, victimes de la méchanceté de l'Autre, ce discours national polonais prolonge la tradition de la «république des nobles». Car la masse paysanne, sauf rares exceptions, reste totalement muette. Heureusement, l’identité nationale trouve également asile à l’Église, où s’affirme une polonité catholique latine, contre l’orthodoxie russe ou le protestantisme prussien. Paradoxalement, la glorification de l’ancienne Pologne sarmate, pays idyllique de libertés, thème favori de notre littérature romantique, se marie avec le discours national et l’appartenance au monde européen, occidental et latin. Preuve d’une certaine immaturité, cette fragilité du moi national est alimentée, à la fois par un complexe d’infériorité à l’égard de l’Occident, et un complexe de supériorité à l’égard de la Russie. Les noces du Sarmate et de l’Europe ? Suivant l’exemple de Gaulle désireux de garder la France à l’écart du diktat de l’autre, notre pays deviendra-t-il l’enfant terrible de l’Europe ?