bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of Shape Prediction Model of Microlens Fabricated via Diffuser-Assisted Photolithography
Authors: Kim Ha-Min , Shin Yoo-Kyum , Seo Min-Ho
Published: November 2023

The fabrication of microlens arrays (MLAs) using diffuser-assisted photolithography (DPL) has garnered substantial recent interest owing to the exceptional capabilities of DPL in adjusting the size and shape, achieving high fill factors, enhancing productivity, and ensuring excellent reproducibility. The inherent unpredictability of light interactions within the diffuser poses challenges in accurately forecasting the final shape and dimensions of microlenses in the DPL process. Herein, we introduce a comprehensive theoretical model to forecast microlens shapes in response to varying exposure doses within a DPL framework. We establish a robust MLA fabrication method aligned with conventional DPL techniques to enable precise shape modulation. By calibrating the exposure doses meticulously, we generate diverse MLA configurations, each with a distinct shape and size. Subsequently, by utilizing the experimentally acquired data encompassing parameters such as height, radius of curvature, and angles, we develop highly precise theoretical prediction models, achieving R-squared values exceeding 95%. The subsequent validation of our model encompasses the accurate prediction of microlens shapes under specific exposure doses. The verification results exhibit average error rates of approximately 2.328%, 7.45%, and 3.16% for the height, radius of curvature, and contact angle models, respectively, all of which were well below the 10% threshold.
Theoretical Analysis of Piezoelectric Semiconductor Thick Plates with Periodic Boundary Conditions
Authors: Zhu Jueyong , Negahban Mehrdad , Xu Jie , Xia Rongyu , Li Zheng
Published: November 2023

Piezoelectric semiconductors, being materials with both piezoelectric and semiconducting properties, are of particular interest for use in multi-functional devices and naturally result in multi-physics analysis. This study provides analytical solutions for thick piezoelectric semiconductor plates with periodic boundary conditions and includes an investigation of electromechanical coupling effects. Using the linearization of the drift-diffusion equations for both electrons and holes for small carrier concentration perturbations, the governing equations are solved by the extended Stroh formalism, which is a method for solving the eigenvalues and eigenvectors of a problem. The solution, obtained in the form of a series expansion with an unknown coefficient, is solved by matching Fourier series expansions of the boundary conditions. The distributions of electromechanical fields and the concentrations of electrons and holes under four-point bending and three-point bending loads are calculated theoretically. The effects of changing the period length and steady-state carrier concentrations are covered in the discussion, which also reflects the extent of coupling in multi-physics interactions. The results provide a theoretical method for understanding and designing with piezoelectric semiconductor materials.
Study on Cavitation, Warpage Deformation, and Moisture Diffusion of Sop-8 Devices during Molding Process
Authors: Tian Wenchao , Zhang Shuaiqi , Li Wenbin , Chen Yuanming , Zhao Jingrong , Xin Fei , Qian Yingying , Li Wenhua
Published: November 2023

Plastic packaging has shown its advantages over ceramic packaging and metal packaging in lightweight, thin, and high-density electronic devices. In this paper, the reliability and moisture diffusion of Sop-8 (Small Out-Line Package-8) plastic packaging devices are studied, and we put forward a set of complete optimization methods. Firstly, we propose to improve the reliability of plastic packaging devices by reducing the amount of cavitation and warpage deformation. Structural and process factors were investigated in the injection molding process. An orthogonal experiment design was used to create 25 groups of simulation experiments, and Moldflow software was used to simulate the flow mode analysis. Then, the simulation results are subjected to range analysis and comprehensive weighted score analysis. Finally, different optimization methods are proposed according to different production conditions, and each optimization method can reduce cavitation or warpage by more than 9%. The moisture diffusion of the Sop-8 plastic packing devices was also investigated at the same time. It was determined that the contact surface between the lead frame and the plastic packaging material was more likely to exhibit delamination under the condition of MSL2 moisture diffusion because the humidity gradient was easily produced at the crucial points of different materials. The diffusion of moisture is related to the type of plastic packaging material and the diffusion path.
Development of TiO2/ZrO2 Multi-Material Obtained from Ceramic Pastes for Material Extrusion
Authors: Repnin Arseniy , Sotov Anton , Popovich Anatoliy , Masaylo Dmitriy
Published: November 2023

The application of additive manufacturing method such as material extrusion (MEX) allows the successful fabrication of ceramic products, including multi-ceramic products. Promising materials in this research area are TiO2 and ZrO2 ceramics, which can be used in electrical and electronic engineering. The aim of this work is to investigate the possibility of fabricating TiO2/ZrO2 multi-materials from ceramic pastes that can be used in the MEX. In this work, defects, chemical and phase composition, and microhardness were analyzed in multi-ceramic samples after sintering. Multi-ceramic TiO2/ZrO2 samples after the sintering process without interlayer could not be fabricated due to a too large difference in shrinkage between TiO2 and ZrO2. The samples with one and three interlayers also have defects, but they are less significant and can be fabricated. The average hardness for the TiO2 zone was 636.7 HV and for the ZrO2 zone was 1101 HV. In the TiO2 zone, only TiO2 phase in rutile is observed, while in the interlayer zones, in addition to rutile, ZrO2 and ZrTiO4 are also present, as is a small amount of Y2O3. In the zone ZrO2, only the ZrO2 phase is observed. The chemical analysis revealed that the interlayers comprise sintered ZrO2 granules enveloped by TiO2, ZrO2, and ZrTiO4.
Limonite as a Natural Adsorbent for the Removal of Antimony(III) from an Aqueous Solution
Authors: Luo Haicui , Zhou Yuefei , Chen Yan , Xie Qiaoqin , Chen Tianhu
Published: November 2023

Natural limonite, which contains mainly nano-sized iron and manganese oxides, is widely distributed worldwide. This study investigated the kinetics, thermodynamics, and the effects of pH, ion strength, and anions on the adsorption of Sb(III) via limonites sampled from Xinqiao and Yeshan (Tongling, China). Results show that adsorption equilibrium is achieved after 24 h for all experiments. Under initial Sb(III) = 200 mg/L, pH = 3.0, and temperature = 25 °C, Sb adsorption quantities for X1 (Mn-free limonite from Xinqiao), X2 (Mn-containing limonite from Xinqiao), Y1 (Mn-free limonite from Yeshan), and Y2 (Mn-containing limonite from Yeshan) are 10.92, 12.97, 27.12, and 89.34 mg/g, respectively. Manganese oxides in limonites promote Sb removal through oxidizing Sb(III) to Sb(V). The adsorption processes for all four limonites are fitted with a pseudo-second-order model. All adsorptions except for X1 fit with the Freundlich model; for X1, the Langmuir adsorption model is better. All adsorptions are spontaneous reactions (ΔG < 0). All adsorptions except for Y1 (ΔH < 0, exothermic reaction) are endothermic reactions (ΔH > 0). Antimony adsorption is independent of solution pH for Mn-free limonites but is negatively related to solution pH for Mn-containing limonites. Generally, ion strength has a weak positive effect on Sb adsorption. The effects of anions on Sb adsorption are grouped into three types: weak negative (NO3− and SO42−), negative (CO32−, SiO44−, and PO43−), and equivocal (humic acid). This study indicates that due to a much higher surface area, Yeshan (124.8 m2/g for X1 and 171.7 m2/g for X2) rather than Xinqiao (13.7 m2/g for Y1 and 12.8 m2/g for Y2) limonites are better materials for Sb(III) removal in an aqueous solution. The key factors for the better use of limonite as an Sb(III) treatment material include temperature, pH, ion strength, and Mn content.
Mineralogical and Geochemical Characteristics of the Deeply Buried Wufeng–Longmaxi Shale in the Southern Sichuan Basin, China: Implications for Provenance and Tectonic Setting
Authors: Qi Ling , Wang Hongyan , Shi Zhensheng , Zhou Tianqi , Li Guizhong , Sun Shasha , Cheng Feng
Published: November 2023

Uncertain provenance and tectonic setting of shale has constrained the exploration and exploitation of natural gas in the Wufeng–Longmaxi Formation in the southern Sichuan Basin, China. Therefore, this study analyzed the mineral petrology and geochemistry to assess the effects of sorting, recycling, weathering, and paleoclimate on the deeply buried shale. The findings revealed that the mineral composition is dominated by biogenic quartz, terrigenous clay minerals, and carbonate minerals. Combinations of clay lamina and silty lamina occur in black shale. The geochemical characteristics of these sedimentary rocks remain unaffected by sedimentary sorting and recycling processes. The clastic sediments primarily originate from the felsic igneous rock source that underwent moderate weathering during its initial deposition in the collision environment. Based on the comprehensive analysis of the paleoclimate and paleoprovenance characteristics, Wufeng–Longmaxi Formation characteristics are considered to have undergone six stages, among which the stage of relative enrichment of organic matter corresponds to LM1, LM2–3, and LM4. Following the Hirnantian glacial period, the era has witnessed global warming, marked by glacier melting, a rise in global sea level, and a decrease in terrestrial debris supply, collectively facilitating organic matter enrichment. During the LM5 and LM6–8 periods, the increase in source supply caused by the Leshan–Longnvsi and Qianzhong–Xuefeng uplift inhibited organic matter enrichment.
Effect of Chemical Degradation of Sodium Alginate on Capsaicin Encapsulation
Authors: Kulig Dominika , Bobak Łukasz , Jarmoluk Andrzej , Szmaja Aleksandra , Król-Kilińska Żaneta , Zimoch-Korzycka Anna
Published: November 2023

Capsaicin is known as an oily extract of paprika that is characterized by pungent taste and bioactivity. It also may cause irritation to the mouth and stomach which is why is so important to immobilize capsaicin on a carrier to prevent it. The usage of alginate oligomers, which has an antioxidant potential compared to alginate, is of benefit because it may be used in the immobilization of bioactive substances that are fragile to oxidation. The purpose of this study was to use sodium alginate oligomers as a coating material in the encapsulation process of paprika oleoresin. Alginate oligomers were produced by chemical degradation with hydrogen peroxide. The characteristics of the samples were obtained by measuring the viscosity, the contact angle of the surface, and the surface tension of solutions. The obtained solution of alginate oligomers served as the carrier material for the immobilization of capsaicin. Capsules were prepared by ionic gelation using a calcium chloride solution as a crosslinking agent. In this way, capsules without and with the core (capsaicin) were prepared and their ability to scavenge free radicals (DPPH) and iron-reducing properties (FRAP) were determined. The stability of the capsules was examined by thermal decomposition and under conditions of the gastric and small intestine, and capsaicin content was detected using high-performance liquid chromatography. It was found that alginate oligomers could be used in the encapsulation of bioactive compounds and the efficiency was above 80%. Capsule production from alginate oligomers affected their thermal stability. The use of alginate derivatives as a carrier increased the antioxidant properties of the finished product, as well as its ability to reduce iron ions. The use of alginate oligomers as a coating material prevented the active substance from being released too early in the conditions of the small intestine, prolonged the stability of the capsules, and supported their durability in gastric conditions.
A Diamond/Graphene/Diamond Electrode for Waste Water Treatment
Authors: Wang Yibao , Gai Zhigang , Guo Fengxiang , Zhang Mei , Zhang Lili , Xia Guangsen , Chai Xu , Ren Ying , Zhang Xueyu , Jiang Xin
Published: November 2023

Boron-doped diamond (BDD) thin film electrodes have great application potential in water treatment. However, the high electrode energy consumption due to high resistance directly limits the application range of existing BDD electrodes. In this paper, the BDD/graphene/BDD (DGD) sandwich structure electrode was prepared, which effectively improved the conductivity of the electrode. Meanwhile, the sandwich electrode can effectively avoid the degradation of electrode performance caused by the large amount of non-diamond carbon introduced by heavy doping, such as the reduction of the electrochemical window and the decrease of physical and chemical stability. The microstructure and composition of the film were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), Raman spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Then, the degradation performance of citric acid (CA), catechol, and tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH) by DGD electrodes was systematically studied by total organic carbon (TOC) and Energy consumption per unit TOC removal (ECTOC). Compared with the single BDD electrode, the new DGD electrode improves the mobility of the electrode and reduces the mass transfer resistance by 1/3, showing better water treatment performance. In the process of dealing with Citric acid, the step current of the DGD electrode was 1.35 times that of the BDD electrode, and the energy utilization ratio of the DGD electrode was 2.4 times that of the BDD electrode. The energy consumption per unit TOC removal (ECTOC) of the DGD electrode was lower than that of BDD, especially Catechol, which was reduced to 66.9% of BDD. The DGD sandwich electrode, as a new electrode material, has good electrochemical degradation performance and can be used for high-efficiency electrocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants.
Highly Efficient Liquid-Phase Exfoliation of Layered Perovskite-like Titanates HLnTiO4 and H2Ln2Ti3O10 (Ln = La, Nd) into Nanosheets
Authors: Kurnosenko Sergei A. , Minich Iana A. , Silyukov Oleg I. , Zvereva Irina A.
Published: November 2023

Nanosheets of layered perovskite-like oxides attract researchers as building blocks for the creation of a wide range of demanded nanomaterials. However, Ruddlesden–Popper phases are difficult to separate into nanosheets quantitatively via the conventional liquid-phase exfoliation procedure in aqueous solutions of bulky organic bases. The present study has considered systematically a relatively novel and efficient approach to a high-yield preparation of concentrated suspensions of perovskite nanosheets. For this, the Ruddlesden–Popper titanates HLnTiO4 and H2Ln2Ti3O10 (Ln = La, Nd) have been intercalated by n-alkylamines with various chain lengths, exposed to sonication in aqueous tetrabutylammonium hydroxide (TBAOH) and centrifuged to separate the nanosheet-containing supernatant. The experiments included variations of a wide range of conditions, which allowed for the achievement of impressive nanosheet concentrations in suspensions up to 2.1 g/L and yields up to 95%. The latter were found to strongly depend on the length of intercalated n-alkylamines. Despite the less expanded interlayer space, the titanates modified with short-chain amines demonstrated a much higher completeness of liquid-phase exfoliation as compared to those with long-chain ones. It was also shown that the exfoliation efficiency depends more on the sample stirring time in the TBAOH solution than on the sonication duration. Analysis of the titanate nanosheets obtained by means of dynamic light scattering, electron and atomic force microscopy revealed their lateral sizes of 30–250 nm and thickness of 2–4 nm. The investigated exfoliation strategy appears to be convenient for the high-yield production of perovskite nanosheet-based materials for photocatalytic hydrogen production, environmental remediation and other applications.
Knockdown of Placental Major Facilitator Superfamily Domain Containing 2a in Pregnant Mice Reduces Fetal Brain Growth and Phospholipid Docosahexaenoic Acid Content
Authors: Powell Theresa L. , Barentsen Kenneth , Vaughan Owen , Uhlson Charis , Zemski Berry Karin , Erickson Kathryn , Faer Kelsey , Chassen Stephanie S. , Jansson Thomas
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an n-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid critical for fetal brain development that is transported to the fetus from the mother by the placenta. The lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) transporter, Major Facilitator Superfamily Domain Containing 2a (MFSD2a), is localized in the basal plasma membrane of the syncytiotrophoblast of the human placenta, and MFSD2a expression correlates with umbilical cord blood LPC-DHA levels in human pregnancy. We hypothesized that placenta-specific knockdown of MFSD2a in pregnant mice reduces phospholipid DHA accumulation in the fetal brain. Methods: Mouse blastocysts (E3.5) were transduced with an EGFP-expressing lentivirus containing either an shRNA targeting MFSD2a or a non-coding sequence (SCR), then transferred to pseudopregnant females. At E18.5, fetuses were weighed and their placenta, brain, liver and plasma were collected. MFSD2a mRNA expression was determined by qPCR in the brain, liver and placenta and phospholipid DHA was quantified by LC-MS/MS. Results: MFSD2a-targeting shRNA reduced placental mRNA MFSD2a expression by 38% at E18.5 (n = 45, p < 0.008) compared with SCR controls. MFSD2a expression in the fetal brain and liver were unchanged. Fetal brain weight was reduced by 13% (p = 0.006). Body weight, placenta and liver weights were unaffected. Fetal brain phosphatidyl choline and phosphatidyl ethanolamine DHA content was lower in fetuses with placenta-specific MFSD2a knockdown. Conclusions: Placenta-specific reduction in expression of the LPC-DHA transporter MFSD2a resulted in reduced fetal brain weight and lower phospholipid DHA content in the fetal brain. These data provide mechanistic evidence that placental MFSD2a mediates maternal–fetal transfer of LPC-DHA, which is critical for brain growth.
Thermoneutral Housing Enables Studies of Vertical Transmission of Obesogenic Diet-Driven Metabolic Diseases
Authors: Wayland Jennifer L. , Doll Jessica R. , Lawson Matthew J. , Stankiewicz Traci E. , Oates Jarren R. , Sawada Keisuke , Damen Michelle S. M. A. , Alarcon Pablo C. , Haslam David B. , Trout Andrew T. , DeFranco Emily A. , Klepper Corie M. , Woo Jessica G. , Moreno-Fernandez Maria E. , Mouzaki Marialena , Divanovic Senad
Published: November 2023

Vertical transmission of obesity is a critical contributor to the unabated obesity pandemic and the associated surge in metabolic diseases. Existing experimental models insufficiently recapitulate “human-like” obesity phenotypes, limiting the discovery of how severe obesity in pregnancy instructs vertical transmission of obesity. Here, via utility of thermoneutral housing and obesogenic diet feeding coupled to syngeneic mating of WT obese female and lean male mice on a C57BL/6 background, we present a tractable, more “human-like” approach to specifically investigate how maternal obesity contributes to offspring health. Using this model, we found that maternal obesity decreased neonatal survival, increased offspring adiposity, and accelerated offspring predisposition to obesity and metabolic disease. We also show that severe maternal obesity was sufficient to skew offspring microbiome and create a proinflammatory gestational environment that correlated with inflammatory changes in the offspring in utero and adulthood. Analysis of a human birth cohort study of mothers with and without obesity and their infants was consistent with mouse study findings of maternal inflammation and offspring weight gain propensity. Together, our results show that dietary induction of obesity in female mice coupled to thermoneutral housing can be used for future mechanistic interrogations of obesity and metabolic disease in pregnancy and vertical transmission of pathogenic traits.
Impact of Ring Finger Protein 20 and Its Downstream Regulation on Renal Tubular Injury in a Unilateral Nephrectomy Mouse Model Fed a High-Fat Diet
Authors: Kim You-Jin , Oh Se-Hyun , Lim Jeong-Hoon , Cho Jang-Hee , Jung Hee-Yeon , Kim Chan-Duck , Park Sun-Hee , Kwon Tae-Hwan , Kim Yong-Lim
Published: November 2023

Abnormal lipid metabolism increases the relative risk of kidney disease in patients with a single kidney. Using transcriptome analysis, we investigated whether a high-fat diet leads to abnormalities in lipid metabolism and induces kidney cell-specific damage in unilateral nephrectomy mice. Mice with unilateral nephrectomy fed a high-fat diet for 12 weeks exhibited progressive renal dysfunction in proximal tubules, including lipid accumulation, vacuolization, and cell damage. Ring finger protein 20 (RNF20) is a ligase of nuclear receptor corepressor of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs). The transcriptome analysis revealed the involvement of RNF20-related transcriptome changes in PPAR signaling, lipid metabolism, and water transmembrane transporter under a high-fat diet and unilateral nephrectomy. In vitro treatment of proximal tubular cells with palmitic acid induced lipotoxicity by altering RNF20, PPARα, and ATP-binding cassette subfamily A member 1 (ABCA1) expression. PPARγ and aquaporin 2 (AQP2) expression decreased in collecting duct cells, regulating genetic changes in the water reabsorption process. In conclusion, a high-fat diet induces lipid accumulation under unilateral nephrectomy via altering RNF20-mediated regulation and causing functional damage to cells as a result of abnormal lipid metabolism, thereby leading to structural and functional kidney deterioration.
Factors Associated with the Nutritional Status of Women with Non-Metastatic Breast Cancer in a Brazilian High Complexity Oncology Center
Authors: Silva Roberto Júnio Gomes , Grippa Wesley Rocha , Neto Luiz Claudio Barreto Silva , Enriquez-Martinez Oscar Geovanny , Marcarini Júlia Anhoque Cavalcanti , Pessanha Raphael Manhães , Haraguchi Fabiano Kenji , Lopes-Júnior Luís Carlos
Published: November 2023

Background: Breast cancer poses a significant public health concern owing to its high prevalence and the risk of mortality associated with delayed diagnosis and treatment. The aim of this study was to assess the nutritional status of women with non-metastatic breast cancer and to identify factors associated with it. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted at a High Complexity Oncology Assistance Center in the southeast region of Brazil, with the aim of assessing the nutritional status in women undergoing treatment for stage I, II, or III breast cancer. Patients in palliative care or undergoing reconstructive surgery were excluded. Data collection took place between June 2022 and March 2023 and included questionnaires, physical examinations, laboratory tests, and anthropometric assessments. Nutritional status was assessed using measures such as BMI and skinfold thickness, while nutritional risk was assessed using the Nutritional Risk Screening (NRS-2002) tool. Results: Significant associations were found between nutritional risk and educational level (p = 0.03) and BMI (p = 0.01). Binary logistic regression analysis revealed a significant association between educational level and nutritional risk, indicating that lower educational level was associated with higher odds of nutritional risk (OR = 4.59; 95% CI = 1.01–21.04; p = 0.049). In addition, regarding BMI, it was observed that a BMI above 20.5 kg/m2 was associated with a higher likelihood of nutritional risk (OR = 0.09; 95% CI = 0.01–0.89; p = 0.039). Conclusions: It is crucial to consider the nutritional status of breast cancer patients, alongside clinical factors, to offer comprehensive and personalized care. Gaining insight into the sociodemographic variables linked to nutritional risk can significantly contribute to our understanding of breast cancer. This knowledge, in turn, can aid in identifying effective strategies for public policy, health promotion, and prevention efforts aimed at tackling this condition.
Quality Assessment of Selected Protein Structures Derived from Homology Modeling and AlphaFold
Authors: Binbay Furkan Ayberk , Rathod Dhruv Chetanbhai , George Ajay Abisheck Paul , Imhof Diana
Published: November 2023

With technology advancing, many prediction algorithms have been developed to facilitate the modeling of inherently dynamic and flexible macromolecules such as proteins. Improvements in the prediction of protein structures have attracted a great deal of attention due to the advantages they offer, e.g., in drug design. While trusted experimental methods, such as X-ray crystallography, NMR spectroscopy, and electron microscopy, are preferred structure analysis techniques, in silico approaches are also being widely used. Two computational methods, which are on opposite ends of the spectrum with respect to their modus operandi, i.e., homology modeling and AlphaFold, have been established to provide high-quality structures. Here, a comparative study of the quality of structures either predicted by homology modeling or by AlphaFold is presented based on the characteristics determined by experimental studies using structure validation servers to fulfill the purpose. Although AlphaFold is able to predict high-quality structures, high-confidence parts are sometimes observed to be in disagreement with experimental data. On the other hand, while the structures obtained from homology modeling are successful in incorporating all aspects of the experimental structure used as a template, this method may struggle to accurately model a structure in the absence of a suitable template. In general, although both methods produce high-quality models, the criteria by which they are superior to each other are different and thus discussed in detail.
Neuroprotective–Neurorestorative Effects Induced by Progesterone on Global Cerebral Ischemia: A Narrative Review
Authors: Montes Pedro , Ortíz-Islas Emma , Rodríguez-Pérez Citlali Ekaterina , Ruiz-Sánchez Elizabeth , Silva-Adaya Daniela , Pichardo-Rojas Pavel , Campos-Peña Victoria
Published: November 2023

Progesterone (P4) is a neuroactive hormone having pleiotropic effects, supporting its pharmacological potential to treat global (cardiac-arrest-related) cerebral ischemia, a condition associated with an elevated risk of dementia. This review examines the current biochemical, morphological, and functional evidence showing the neuroprotective/neurorestorative effects of P4 against global cerebral ischemia (GCI). Experimental findings show that P4 may counteract pathophysiological mechanisms and/or regulate endogenous mechanisms of plasticity induced by GCI. According to this, P4 treatment consistently improves the performance of cognitive functions, such as learning and memory, impaired by GCI. This functional recovery is related to the significant morphological preservation of brain structures vulnerable to ischemia when the hormone is administered before and/or after a moderate ischemic episode; and with long-term adaptive plastic restoration processes of altered brain morphology when treatment is given after an episode of severe ischemia. The insights presented here may be a guide for future basic research, including the study of P4 administration schemes that focus on promoting its post-ischemia neurorestorative effect. Furthermore, considering that functional recovery is a desired endpoint of pharmacological strategies in the clinic, they could support the study of P4 treatment for decreasing dementia in patients who have suffered an episode of GCI.
Trajectories of Depressive Individual Symptoms over Time during Transcranial Photobiomodulation
Authors: Urata Minoru , Cassano Paolo , Norton Richard , Sylvester Katelyn , Watanabe Koichiro , Iosifescu Dan , Sakurai Hitoshi
Published: November 2023

Transcranial photobiomodulation (t-PBM) is an innovative, non-invasive treatment for depression. This study aimed to investigate the changes in individual depressive symptoms during t-PBM treatment and identify the symptoms that improved in those who responded to treatment. The research analyzed data from two trials, the Evaluation of Light-emitting diodes Therapeutic Effect in Depression-2 and -3, focusing on patients with major depressive disorder. The patients received t-PBM treatment on the F3 and F4 regions of the scalp over eight weeks, with symptoms assessed weekly using the Quick Inventory for Depression Symptomatology (QIDS). A response was defined as a 50% or greater reduction in the QIDS score at eight weeks from baseline. Out of the 21 patients analyzed, 4 responded at eight weeks. Neurovegetative symptoms, including sleep disturbances and change in appetite, improved in ≥50% of the patients who had these symptoms at baseline. However, core depressive symptoms, including a depressed mood and lack of energy, persisted in about 80–90% of the patients. The responders showed a more than 75% improvement in these core depressive symptoms. These findings suggest that t-PBM treatment may uniquely alleviate certain neurovegetative symptoms in depression, and the improvement in core depressive symptoms might be linked to a clinical response to this treatment.
Postharvest Storage Differentially Modulates the Enzymatic and Non-Enzymatic Antioxidant System of the Exocarp and Mesocarp of Hass Avocado: Implications for Disorders
Authors: Chirinos Rosana , Delgado-Pariona Jahaira , Aguilar-Galvez Ana , Figueroa-Merma Andrés , Pacheco-Ávalos Alejandro , Campos David , Pedreschi Romina
Published: November 2023

The present study evaluated the performance of some enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant systems against oxidative stress for 10 to 30 d of refrigeration (R) and 15 to 50 d in controlled atmosphere (CA) conditions in both exocarp and mesocarp of Hass avocados from early and late harvests and at shelf life (SL) or consumption maturity. The possible relationship of the antioxidant systems with the occurrence of physiological disorders is also evaluated. The results indicate that the enzymatic system—superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), phenylalanine ammonium lyase (PAL) and polyphenoloxidase (PPO)—as well as the non-enzymatic system—such as phenolic compounds (PC)—showed different responses to the stress generated during storage and shelf life. In general, SOD, CAT, PAL and PPO did not significantly vary in storage (R or CA). At consumption maturity, SOD, POD and PAL activities decreased in the mesocarp (RSL and CASL), while CAT increased in the exocarp for CASL15-50d. PC instead decreased in the exocarp as the harvest period progressed while it increased in the mesocarp. Physiological disorders (dark spots) showed only in refrigeration on the exocarp at R30d and in mesocarp at RSL30d coincident with low SOD and low SOD and POD activity values, as well as low PC contents (p-coumaric and its derivatives and caffeic acid derivatives), respectively. The results support the use of CA as a postharvest technology to prevent the development of physiological disorders through the joint action of antioxidative defenses during avocado transport to distant markets until consumption maturity is reached.
Larvicidal and Adulticidal Activity of Essential Oils from Four Cuban Plants against Three Mosquito Vector Species
Authors: García-Díaz Jesús , Souto Raimundo Nonato Picanço , Escalona-Arranz Julio César , Ferreira Ricardo Marcelo Dos Anjos , Da Costa Tiago Silva , González-Fernández Rosalia , Heredia-Díaz Yamile , Chil-Núñez Idelsy , Vega Jorge de la , Monzote Lianet , Queiroz Margareth Maria de Carvalho , Setzer William N.
Published: November 2023

Mosquitoes are one of the main vectors of many important diseases and their degree of resistance to chemical insecticides has increased. Nowadays, it has become crucial to identify novel plant larvicides with an eco-friendly impact. The components of essential oils from Croton linearis Jacq. (EO-Cl), Lantana involucrata L. (EO-Li), Ocimum sanctum var. cubensis M. Gómez. (EO-Os), and Zanthoxylum pistaciifolium Griseb. (syn. Zanthoxylum flavum subsp. pistaciifolium (Griseb.) Reynel (EO-Zp) were determined using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis. Larvicidal and adulticidal bioassays against Aedes aegypti, Anopheles albitarsis and Culex quinquefasciatus, were performed according to the World Health Organization standard methods. A high diversity of compounds was identified in the four oils, with a total of 152 compounds (33–70 components). EO-Cl, EO-Li, and EO-Os were classified as active against both insect forms, larvae and adults. Lantana involucrata showed the best results, with LC50 values from 33.8 to 41.7 mg/L. In most of the cases, it was not possible to associate the main compounds with the measured activity, supporting the hypothesis about probable synergistic interactions among major and minor compounds. The results indicate EO-Cl, EO-Os, and EO-Li as good eco-friendly insecticides with potential.
Beneficial Interactive Effects Provided by an Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and Yeast on the Growth of Oenothera picensis Established on Cu Mine Tailings
Authors: Pérez Rodrigo , Tapia Yasna , Antilén Mónica , Ruiz Antonieta , Pimentel Paula , Santander Christian , Aponte Humberto , González Felipe , Cornejo Pablo
Published: November 2023

Phytoremediation, an environmentally friendly and sustainable approach for addressing Cu-contaminated environments, remains underutilized in mine tailings. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) play a vital role in reducing Cu levels in plants through various mechanisms, including glomalin stabilization, immobilization within fungal structures, and enhancing plant tolerance to oxidative stress. Yeasts also contribute to plant growth and metal tolerance by producing phytohormones, solubilizing phosphates, generating exopolysaccharides, and facilitating AMF colonization. This study aimed to assess the impact of AMF and yeast inoculation on the growth and antioxidant response of Oenothera picensis plants growing in Cu mine tailings amended with compost. Plants were either non-inoculated (NY) or inoculated with Meyerozyma guilliermondii (MG), Rhodotorula mucilaginosa (RM), or a combination of both (MIX). Plants were also inoculated with Claroideoglomus claroideum (CC), while others remained non-AMF inoculated (NM). The results indicated significantly higher shoot biomass in the MG-NM treatment, showing a 3.4-fold increase compared to the NY-NM treatment. The MG-CC treatment exhibited the most substantial increase in root biomass, reaching 5-fold that in the NY-NM treatment. Co-inoculation of AMF and yeast influenced antioxidant activity, particularly catalase and ascorbate peroxidase. Furthermore, AMF and yeast inoculation individually led to a 2-fold decrease in total phenols in the roots. Yeast inoculation notably reduced non-enzymatic antioxidant activity in the ABTS and CUPRAC assays. Both AMF and yeast inoculation promoted the production of photosynthetic pigments, further emphasizing their importance in phytoremediation programs for mine tailings.
Characterization of the F-Box Gene Family and Its Expression under Osmotic Stress in Birch
Authors: Lv Guanbin , Shi Jingjing , Li Jingnan , Liu Guifeng , Yang Chuanping , Jiang Jing
Published: November 2023

The F-box gene family is abundant in plants and crucial for plant growth and development. However, two questions prevail: Which F-box genes are involved in regulating plant biological processes? How do these genes regulate such biological processes? In this study, we characterized the F-box family and identified 240 F-box genes in birch (Betula platyphylla Suk.) via HMMER analysis. According to the C-terminal conserved domains, the F-box members were divided into 10 subfamilies. Through phylogenetic analysis, the F-box proteins were clustered into eight evolutionary branches. Synteny analyses suggested that the birch F-box gene family exhibits tandem and segmental duplication events. GO annotation analysis revealed that BpF-box proteins respond to stimuli, and regulate the defense response. According to RNA-Seq analysis, we found that 11 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) are responsive to osmotic stress. We performed co-expression analysis on the representative genes, and GO enrichment analysis further revealed that representative plant genes participate in the regulation of hormones, growth, and development. Through qRT-PCR, we found that the representative BpF-box genes are mainly involved in hormone response signaling pathways. It appears that the F-box gene family plays a significant role in the regulation of birch osmotic stress responses through the regulation of different hormones. Our results provided novel insights into the biological function of BpF-box proteins.
Unlocking Nature’s Clock: CRISPR Technology in Flowering Time Engineering
Authors: Hodaei Ashkan , Werbrouck Stefaan P. O.
Published: November 2023

Flowering is a crucial process in the life cycle of most plants as it is essential for the reproductive success and genetic diversity of the species. There are situations in which breeders want to expedite, delay, or prevent flowering, for example, to shorten or prolong vegetative growth, to prevent unwanted pollination, to reduce the risk of diseases or pests, or to modify the plant’s phenotypes. This review aims to provide an overview of the current state of knowledge to use CRISPR/Cas9, a powerful genome-editing technology to modify specific DNA sequences related to flowering induction. We discuss the underlying molecular mechanisms governing the regulation of the photoperiod, autonomous, vernalization, hormonal, sugar, aging, and temperature signal pathways regulating the flowering time. In addition, we are investigating the most effective strategies for nominating target genes. Furthermore, we have collected a dataset showing successful applications of CRISPR technology to accelerate flowering in several plant species from 2015 up to date. Finally, we explore the opportunities and challenges of using the potential of CRISPR technology in flowering time engineering.
Does Regulated Deficit Irrigation Affect Pear Fruit Texture by Modifying the Stone Cells?
Authors: Peco Jesús D. , Rapoport Hava F. , Centeno Ana , Pérez-López David
Published: November 2023

Regulated deficit irrigation (RDI) strategies aim to improve water usage without reducing yield. Generally, irrigation strategy effectiveness is measured as fruit yield, with little consideration of fruit quality. As water deficit and increased plant cell sclerification are often associated, this study explored the effect of RDI on pear fruit stone cells, a crucial trait affecting flesh texture. The presence, distribution, and development of pear fruit stone cells under RDI and full irrigation were compared using Pyrus communis L. cv. Barlett trees, employing recently developed microscope image analysis technology. The control treatment was maintained under non-stress conditions, while the RDI treatment received an average of 15% of the control water during the latter part of Stage I fruit development. Observations at the end of Stage I and at harvest revealed no effect on stone cell presence under the RDI strategy tested. The relative area of stone cells within the flesh was greater at Stage I than at harvest, as stone cell expansion occurred early in development, while the (unsclerified) parenchyma cells, a dominant component of the fruit flesh, expanded until harvest. Stone cell cluster density was higher near the fruit core than in the cortex center and exterior. These initial results suggest that well-planned RDI strategies will generally not affect pear fruit stone cell content and, thus, textural quality. Microscope image analysis supported the results from previously used analytical techniques, mainly chemical, while providing a tool for better understanding the process and factors involved in the timing of stone cell differentiation.
Industrial Process Control Using DPCA and Hierarchical Pareto Optimization
Authors: Arsenyev Dmitriy , Malykhina Galina , Shkodyrev Viacheslav
Published: November 2023

The control of large-scale industrial systems has several criteria, such as ensuring high productivity, low production costs and the lowest possible environmental impact. These criteria must be established for all subsystems of the large-scale system. This study is devoted to the development of a hierarchical control system that meets several of these criteria and allows for the separate optimization of each subsystem. Multicriteria optimization is based on the processing of data characterizing production processes, which makes it possible to organize a multidimensional statistical control process. Using neural networks to model the technological processes of subsystems and the method of dynamic principal component analysis (DPCA) to reduce the dimensionality of control problems allows us to find more efficient solutions. Using the example of a two-level hierarchy, we showed a variant of the connection between two subsystems by parameters.
Investigation into the Flow Mechanism of Nano-Elastic Microspheres during Water Invasion
Authors: Feng Xuezhang , Zhang Hongjie , Liu Honglei , Hong Jiangling , Liu Jinbo , Yang Yingqiang , Liu Zelin , Abdullah Muhammad Adil , Yang Haifeng , Yu Haiyang
Published: November 2023

Nano-elastic microspheres are particle-absorbent polymers that can be applied in plugging water. They plug pores and throats, reducing the damage from water invasion. The plug effect and flow mechanism of nano-elastic microspheres during water invasion were investigated in this paper through laboratory experiments. The results of the plugging experiments show that the nano-elastic microspheres had a higher plugging rate and formed physical plugs in the aquiferous region, thus preventing water invasion. Online nuclear magnetic resonance experiments indicated that the nano-elastic microspheres migrated from large pores to smaller ones during the flow process, forming elastic plugs in the porous media. The nano-elastic microspheres expanded in the aquiferous layer, increasing the flow resistance through both physical and elastic plugging, thereby reducing the water cut. Nano-elastic microspheres employed physical plugging to prevent water invasion and exhibited elastic flow in the porous media during the invasion.
Biodegradation and Utilization of the Pesticides Glyphosate and Carbofuran by Two Yeast Strains
Authors: Stoyanova Katya , Gerginova Maria , Peneva Nadejda , Dincheva Ivayla , Alexieva Zlatka
Published: November 2023

The widespread use of synthetic pesticides in agricultural practice is associated with the risk of environmental pollution, damage to non-target organisms, and harm to the health of consumers due to the presence of pesticides in the resulting products. Metabolically active microbial species play a significant role in eliminating harmful chemicals from the environment. The two yeast strains used in this study are Trichosporon cutaneum R57 and Candida tropicalis V1. Both strains showed growth and development in the presence of the pesticides glyphosate and carbofuran used as the sole carbon sources. The gas-chromatographic analysis performed showed that C. tropicalis V1 reached 76% of 0.3 g/L glyphosate biodegradation in 192 h. At the same time, the amount of glyphosate decreased by about 58% in the culture of T. cutaneum R57. During the glyphosate biodegradation process, the presence of the intermediate metabolites methylglycine and glycine was revealed. Strain T. cutaneum R57 demonstrated nearly total biodegradation of 0.3 g/L carbofuran in 192 h of cultivation. Strain C. tropicalis V1 showed a slow decrease (23.4%) of the same amount of carbofuran during 192 h. Pyruvic acid and carbofuran-7-phenol have been found to be intermediate metabolites in the breakdown of carbofuran. This report provides new information on the potential of yeasts to participate in environmental pesticide cleanup processes.
Reflections on the Death of George Floyd and Its Impact on Sports Chaplaincy: Navigating Culturally Responsive Care for BIPOC People in Sport
Authors: Waller Steven N.
Published: November 2023

On the evening of 25 May 2020, White Minneapolis police officer, Derek Chauvin, killed George Floyd, a Black man, by kneeling on his neck for almost 10 min. Floyd’s death sparked one of the most significant protests in the US. Moreover, it forced a global conversation about reckoning with race, social justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion in society. Sport was used as a platform to address many of the social ills that plagued humanity in the US and other nations. Floyd’s tragic death created an alarm for chaplains across vocational strands, including sports chaplains, to immerse themselves in painful and often awkward conversations surrounding race, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Three years after the demise of Floyd, the task that lies ahead is to continue compassionately the work of recognizing harm, promoting reconciliation, and engaging in the collective work of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Furthermore, advancing conversations about moral harm, fairness, relevant theologies, and culturally responsive caregiving strategies must be given primacy.
The Contents and Functions of the 49-Day Funeral Rites in Modern Korean Buddhism
Authors: Moon Hyungong , Somers Brian D.
Published: November 2023

This article explores the history and procedures of the 49-day Buddhist funeral ceremony, which functions as a ritual for the dead and a healing tool for the bereaved. The significance of this ceremony has its origins in The Treatise of the Great Commentary of the Abhidharma (아비달마대비바사론, 阿毘達磨大毘婆沙論) and The Sūtra of the Fundamental Vows of the Bodhisattva Kṣitigarbha (지장보살본원경, 地藏菩薩本願經). While this 49-day ceremony has been practiced in Korea for centuries, it was overshadowed by Confucian-style funerals, which were predominant during the Joseon dynasty. Since the end of the Joseon dynasty, Buddhism and Buddhist practices, including the 49-day funeral ceremony, emerged in Korea and continue to be practiced with frequency today. This article maintains that these rituals have two primary purposes. The first is to aid the departed in a successful rebirth. The second is to help the bereaved cope with their loss, which often includes various forms of psychological distress. After introducing the 49-day ceremony as it is currently practiced in Korea, this article shifts its focus to delve deeper into the ceremony’s potential for healing. We will first examine the psychological healing elements that this ceremony offers, followed by considerations related to the grieving process, both within and outside of a Buddhist context.
Correction: Zeng et al. Tempo-Spatial Landslide Susceptibility Assessment from the Perspective of Human Engineering Activity. Remote Sens. 2023, 15, 4111
Authors: Zeng Taorui , Guo Zizheng , Wang Linfeng , Jin Bijing , Wu Fayou , Guo Rujun
Published: November 2023

In the original publication [...]