bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design, Fabrication and Analysis of a Hybrid-Order Monolithic Imaging Diffractive Lens on a Germanium Substrate
Authors: Zheng Yidi , Lei Boping , Fan Bin , Du Junfeng , Bian Jiang , Wang Lihua , Liu Yuchen , Guan Shanghong , Liu Dun , Luo Qian , Yang Hu , Zhang Hao , Hu Chao
Published: March 2023

Diffractive optical elements are gradually replacing some conventional optical elements and becoming a key component of optical systems due to their unique phase modulation function. However, the imaging performance will be reduced due to the fact that this single-sided microstructured lens still produces chromatic aberration. Therefore, the key issue for the application of diffractive optical elements in optical systems is the reduction of chromatic aberration, and diffractive lenses with double-sided microstructures are proposed as a solution. This research describes the design and analysis of a 70-mm-diameter, 296-mm-focal-length double-sided microstructured hybrid-order monolithic imaging diffractive lens operating in the mid-wave infrared region (3.7–4.7 μm). The design minimizes chromatic aberration by up to 30 times compared to a standard harmonic diffractive lens and improves the image performance of a single-lens optical system operating in the infrared range. Experiments indicate that this design is capable of achieving single-lens imaging with high sensitivity for optical systems with a measured NETD ≤ 50 mK. The analysis of the experiments yielded suggestions for future research.
Isolation and Identification of Bacteria of Genus Bacillus from Composting Urban Solid Waste and Palm Forest in Northern Peru
Authors: Vásquez Ernestina , Millones Carlos
Published: March 2023

A technical challenge for composting in Peruvian cities with annual temperatures below 20 °C is that the degradation of municipal solid waste (MSW) is slow, so the identification of cold-adapted bacteria would be interesting for use as inoculants in places with these climatic conditions. This study isolated, identified, and evaluated bacterial strains with cellulolytic and amylolytic activities at low temperatures. Bacterial strains were isolated from the Chachapoyas Municipal Composting Plant and soil from the Ocol Palm Forest in northern Peru. The screening was carried out to evaluate the extracellular enzyme activity of the strains at low temperatures, grouping those with cellulolytic and cellulolytic/amylolytic activities. The DNA-barcoding using 16S rRNA and enzyme activity allowed the identification and selection of five species with enzymatic activity at 15 and 20 °C of the genus Bacillus, three with cellulolytic/amylolytic activity (B. wiedmanii, B. subtilis, and B. velezensis), and two with cellulolytic activity (B. safensis subsp. safensis, and B. subtilis). These strains showed tolerance to temperatures below optimum and could be used in further studies as inoculants for composting organic wastes at temperatures below 20 °C.
Revived Amplicon Sequence Variants Monitoring in Closed Systems Identifies More Dormant Microorganisms
Authors: Lu Ya-Xian , Deng Wei , Qi Fu-Liang , Yang Xiao-Yan , Xiao Wen
Published: March 2023

The large number of dormant microorganisms present in the environment is an important component of microbial diversity, and neglecting dormant microorganisms would be disruptive to all research under the science of microbial diversity. However, current methods can only predict the dormancy potential of microorganisms in a sample and are not yet able to monitor dormant microorganisms directly and efficiently. Based on this, this study proposes a new method for the identification of dormant microorganisms based on high-throughput sequencing technology: Revived Amplicon sequence variants (ASV) Monitoring (RAM). Pao cai (Chinese fermented vegetables) soup was used to construct a closed experimental system, and sequenced samples were collected at 26 timepoints over a 60-day period. RAM was used to identify dormant microorganisms in the samples. The results were then compared with the results of the currently used gene function prediction (GFP), and it was found that RAM was able to identify more dormant microorganisms. In 60 days, GFP monitored 5045 ASVs and 270 genera, while RAM monitored 27,415 ASVs and 616 genera, and the RAM results were fully inclusive of the GFP results. Meanwhile, the consistency of GFP and RAM was also found in the results. The dormant microorganisms monitored by both showed a four-stage distribution pattern over a 60-day period, with significant differences in the community structure between the stages. Therefore, RAM monitoring of dormant microorganisms is effective and feasible. It is worth noting that the results of GFP and RAM can complement and refer to each other. In the future, the results obtained from RAM can be used as a database to extend and improve the monitoring of dormant microorganisms by GFP, and the two can be combined with each other to build a dormant microorganism detection system.
Three-Dimensional Simulation Stability Analysis of Slopes from Underground to Open-Pit Mining
Authors: Li Shuai , Zhao Zeming , Hu Boyi , Yin Tubing , Chen Gong , Chen Guohui
Published: March 2023

The stability of mine slopes is an important factor influencing the orderly production of mines and the safety of people’s lives and property. The stability of slopes can be effectively determined by means of three-dimensional simulation analysis. Some 3D simulation analysis methods are based on 2D analysis, and are still essentially 2D analysis methods, whereas this digital simulation analysis uses a true 3D analysis method. This method can reflect the overall slope stability of the mine in a more realistic way, and at the same time, the situation of the selected sections can be observed, making the analysis more scientific and rigorous. This study takes the Shizhuyuan Nonferrous Metal Mine as an example and studies the safety stability of mine slopes through true 3D safety analysis. The results show that the open-pit slopes of the Shizhuyuan mine are stable. The overall model results show that there is only a small amount of tensile damage and no penetration; the section results show that the absolute value of tensile stress is generally small, with a maximum of 1.45 MPa being less than the tensile strength of the material (7.04 MPa). After the model monitoring simulation, it is found that the displacements of each monitoring point are in the process of fluctuation and then stabilisation, which can also indicate that the slope is finally in a stable state. Comparing the above results with the conclusions obtained from the 2D analysis method, the conclusions are found to be in general agreement, indicating that the true 3D simulation analysis method is effective and feasible.
Diagenesis, Diagenetic Facies and Their Relationship with Reservoir Sweet Spot in Low-Permeability and Tight Sandstone: Jiaxing Area of the Xihu Sag, East China Sea Basin
Authors: Wang Wenguang , Lin Chengyan , Zhang Xianguo , Dong Chunmei , Ren Lihua , Lin Jianli
Published: March 2023

The optimization of reservoir sweet spots is the key to the efficient exploration and development of low-permeability and tight sandstone gas reservoirs. However, offshore deep, low-permeability and tight sandstone has the characteristics of large burial depth, large diagenesis heterogeneity and prominent importance of diagenetic facies, which make it difficult to predict reservoir sweet spots. This work comprehensively used logging data, core observation, conventional core analysis, thin section, powder particle size analysis, clay X-ray diffraction analysis, cathode luminescence analysis, scanning electron microscopy and energy spectrum analysis and carried out the study of diagenesis, diagenetic facies and reservoir sweet spots of low-permeability and tight sandstone of H3 and H4 (the third and fourth members of Huagang Formation) members in the Jiaxing area of the Xihu Sag. The results show that the H3 and H4 sandstones were divided into five diagenetic facies types, and chlorite-coated facies and dissolution facies were favorable diagenetic facies belts. The H3 member mainly develops chlorite-coated facies, dissolution facies and quartz-cemented facies, whereas the H4 member primarily develops quartz-cemented facies and chlorite-coated facies. The percentages of type I sweet spot, type II1 sweet spot and type II2 sweet spot in the H3 reservoir are approximately 21%, 23% and 26%, respectively, whereas the percentages of type I sweet spot, type II1 sweet spot and type II2 sweet spot in the H4 reservoir are about 16%, 15% and 16%, respectively. The distribution rules of reservoir sweet spots were investigated. Type I sweet spot was mainly developed in the areas of chlorite-coated facies and dissolution facies of medium sandstone and coarse sandstone in the channel bar and braided channel sedimentary microfacies. Type II sweet spot was primarily distributed in the areas of quartz-cemented facies, chlorite-coated facies and minor dissolution facies of medium sandstone, fine sandstone and sandy conglomerate in the braided channel, subaqueous distributary channel and channel bar sedimentary microfacies. Type III sweet spot was chiefly developed in the areas of tightly compacted facies, calcite-cemented facies and quartz-cemented facies of fine sandstone, siltstone and a small amount of sandy conglomerate in the subaqueous distributary channel sedimentary microfacies.
Co-Extraction of Uranium and Mercury Using Ion Exchange from Cemented Radioactive Waste Sulfuric Leachate in Iodide Media
Authors: Courchesne Maxime , Couture Raoul-Marie , Basque Justine , Reynier Nicolas , Larivière Dominic
Published: March 2023

The production of medical isotopes in Chalk River Laboratories facilities (Chalk River, ON, Canada) has resulted in a large quantity of cemented radioactive waste (CRW) containing valuable elements such as uranium. From the perspective of recovering and ultimately recycling valuable elements from CRW, the solubilization of key constituents such as uranium, mercury, and cesium has been previously investigated using H2SO4/KI. However, to achieve recycling of these elements, separation must be performed as they are co-solubilized. In this study, the extraction of uranium and mercury by chelating resin Lewatit TP260 from surrogate cemented radioactive waste (SCRW) leaching solution in sulfuric media and in the presence of iodide was investigated. Extraction of U and Hg was assessed as a function of the concentration of KI (0.12 M to 0.24 M) used during the SCRW dissolution process. Continuous experiments showed that the Lewatit TP260 functional group, aminomethylphosphonic acid, had a high affinity for U. Mercury was also extracted onto the Lewatit TP260. However, the presence of iodide in the SCRW leaching solution increased the competition between the adsorbed mercury of the stationary phase and the iodide–mercury complexes of the mobile phase. Additionally, the reusability of the resin was tested through extraction and desorption cycles. Due to the presence of trivalent cation, the capacity of Lewatit TP260 for U and Hg decreases with the number of cycles.
Study on Benzylamine(BZA) and Aminoethylpiperazine(AEP) Mixed Absorbent on Ship-Based Carbon Capture
Authors: Mao Xudong , Chen Hao , Wang Yubing , Zhu Xinbo , Yang Guohua
Published: March 2023

To find suitable absorbents for ship-based carbon capture, the absorption and desorption properties of four mixed aqueous amines based on BZA were investigated, and the results indicated that BZA-AEP had the best absorption and desorption performance. Then, the absorption and desorption properties of different mole ratios of BZA-AEP were tested. The results showed that the average CO2 absorption rate had the highest value at the mole ratio of BZA to AEP of three. The average CO2 desorption rate had the maximum value at the mole ratio of BZA to AEP of one. Three fitted models of the absorption and desorption performance of BZA-AEP based on the test data were obtained. The p-values of all three models were less than 0.0001. Considering the performance and material cost, the BZA-AEP mole ratio of 1.5 is more appropriate for ship carbon capture. Compared with MEA, the average CO2 absorption rate increased by 48%, the CO2 desorption capacity increased by 120%, and the average CO2 desorption rate increased by 161%.
Development of pH-Sensitive Magnetoliposomes Containing Shape Anisotropic Nanoparticles for Potential Application in Combined Cancer Therapy
Authors: Pacheco Ana Rita F. , Cardoso Beatriz D. , Pires Ana , Pereira André M. , Araújo João P. , Carvalho Violeta M. , Rodrigues Raquel O. , Coutinho Paulo J. G. , Castelo-Grande Teresa , Augusto Paulo A. , Barbosa Domingos , Lima Rui A. , Teixeira Senhorinha F. C. F. , Rodrigues Ana Rita O. , Castanheira Elisabete M. S.
Published: March 2023

Late diagnosis and systemic toxicity associated with conventional treatments make oncological therapy significantly difficult. In this context, nanomedicine emerges as a new approach in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer. In this work, pH-sensitive solid magnetoliposomes (SMLs) were developed for controlled release of the chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin (DOX). Shape anisotropic magnetic nanoparticles of magnesium ferrite with partial substitution by calcium (Mg0.75Ca0.25Fe2O4) were synthesized, with and without calcination, and their structural, morphological and magnetic properties were investigated. Their superparamagnetic properties were evaluated and heating capabilities proven, either by exposure to an alternating magnetic field (AMF) (magnetic hyperthermia) or by irradiation with near-infrared (NIR) light (photothermia). The Mg0.75Ca0.25Fe2O4 calcined nanoparticles were selected to integrate the SMLs, surrounded by a lipid bilayer of DOPE:Ch:CHEMS (45:45:10). DOX was encapsulated in the nanosystems with an efficiency above 98%. DOX release assays showed a much more efficient release of the drug at pH = 5 compared to the release kinetics at physiological pH. By subjecting tumor cells to DOX-loaded SMLs, cell viability was significantly reduced, confirming that they can release the encapsulated drug. These results point to the development of efficient pH-sensitive nanocarriers, suitable for a synergistic action in cancer therapy with magnetic targeting, stimulus-controlled drug delivery and dual hyperthermia (magnetic and plasmonic) therapy.
Kaempferol, a Phytoprogestin, Induces a Subset of Progesterone-Regulated Genes in the Uterus
Authors: Bergsten Tova M. , Li Kailiang , Lantvit Daniel D. , Murphy Brian T. , Burdette Joanna E.
Published: March 2023

Progesterone functions as a steroid hormone involved in female reproductive physiology. While some reproductive disorders manifest with symptoms that can be treated by progesterone or synthetic progestins, recent data suggest that women also seek botanical supplements to alleviate these symptoms. However, botanical supplements are not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and therefore it is important to characterize and quantify the inherent active compounds and biological targets of supplements within cellular and animal systems. In this study, we analyzed the effect of two natural products, the flavonoids, apigenin and kaempferol, to determine their relationship to progesterone treatment in vivo. According to immunohistochemical analysis of uterine tissue, kaempferol and apigenin have some progestogenic activity, but do not act in exactly the same manner as progesterone. More specifically, kaempferol treatment did not induce HAND2, did not change proliferation, and induced ZBTB16 expression. Additionally, while apigenin treatment did not appear to dramatically affect transcripts, kaempferol treatment altered some transcripts (44%) in a similar manner to progesterone treatment but had some unique effects as well. Kaempferol regulated primarily unfolded protein response, androgen response, and interferon-related transcripts in a similar manner to progesterone. However, the effects of progesterone were more significant in regulating thousands of transcripts making kaempferol a selective modifier of signaling in the mouse uterus. In summary, the phytoprogestins, apigenin and kaempferol, have progestogenic activity in vivo but also act uniquely.
Association of Maternal Plasma Manganese with the Risk of Spontaneous Preterm Birth: A Nested Case–Control Study Based on the Beijing Birth Cohort Study (BBCS) in China
Authors: Han Weiling , Zheng Wei , Wang Aili , Chen Junxi , Wang Jia , Huang Junhua , An Hang , Ma Yuru , Zhang Kexin , Yang Ruihua , Yan Lailai , Li Zhiwen , Li Guanghui
Published: March 2023

We performed this study to clarify the dynamic changes in maternal manganese (Mn) concentration during pregnancy and its association with spontaneous preterm birth (SPB). A nested case–control study was conducted based on the Beijing Birth Cohort Study (BBCS) from 2018 to 2020. Singleton pregnancy women aged 18–44 (n = 488) were involved in the study, including 244 cases of SPB and 244 controls. All of the participants provided blood samples twice (in their first and third trimesters). Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used for the laboratory analysis, and unconditional logistic regression was used for the statistical analysis. We found that the maternal Mn levels were significantly higher in the third trimester than those in the first trimester (median: 1.23 vs. 0.81 ng/mL). The SPB risk was increased to 1.65 (95% CI: 1.04–2.62, p = 0.035) in the highest Mn level (third tertile) in the third trimester, especially in normal-weight women (OR: 2.07, 95% CI: 1.18–3.61, p = 0.011) or non-premature rupture of membrane (PROM) women (OR: 3.93, 95% CI: 2.00–7.74, p < 0.001). Moreover, a dose-dependent relationship exists between the SPB risk and maternal Mn concentration in non-PROM women (P trend < 0.001). In conclusion, dynamic monitoring of maternal Mn level during pregnancy would be helpful for SPB prevention, especially in normal-weight and non-PROM women.
XENOFOOD—An Autoclaved Feed Supplement Containing Autoclavable Antimicrobial Peptides—Exerts Anticoccidial GI Activity, and Causes Bursa Enlargement, but Has No Detectable Harmful Effects in Broiler Cockerels despite In Vitro Detectable Cytotoxicity on LHM Cells
Authors: Fodor András , Vellai Tibor , Hess Claudia , Makrai László , Dublecz Károly , Pál László , Molnár Andor , Klein Michael G. , Tarasco Eustachio , Józsa Sándor , Ganas Petra , Hess Michael
Published: March 2023

Entomopathogenic bacteria are obligate symbionts of entomopathogenic nematode (EPN) species. These bacteria biosynthesize and release non-ribosomal-templated hybrid peptides (NR-AMPs), with strong, and large-spectral antimicrobial potential, capable of inactivating pathogens belonging to different prokaryote, and eukaryote taxa. The cell-free conditioned culture media (CFCM) of Xenorhabdus budapestensis and X. szentirmaii efficiently inactivate poultry pathogens like Clostridium, Histomonas, and Eimeria. To learn whether a bio-preparation containing antimicrobial peptides of Xenorhabdus origin with accompanying (in vitro detectable) cytotoxic effects could be considered a safely applicable preventive feed supplement, we conducted a 42-day feeding experiment on freshly hatched broiler cockerels. XENOFOOD (containing autoclaved X. budapestensis, and X. szentirmaii cultures developed on chicken food) were consumed by the birds. The XENOFOOD exerted detectable gastrointestinal (GI) activity (reducing the numbers of the colony-forming Clostridium perfringens units in the lower jejunum. No animal was lost in the experiment. Neither the body weight, growth rate, feed-conversion ratio, nor organ-weight data differed between the control (C) and treated (T) groups, indicating that the XENOFOOD diet did not result in any detectable adverse effects. We suppose that the parameters indicating a moderate enlargement of bursas of Fabricius (average weight, size, and individual bursa/spleen weight-ratios) in the XENOFOOD-fed group must be an indirect indication that the bursa-controlled humoral immune system neutralized the cytotoxic ingredients of the XENOFOOD in the blood, not allowing to reach their critical cytotoxic concentration in the sensitive tissues.
Combined Toxicity of the Most Common Indoor Aspergilli
Authors: Jakšić Daniela , Jelić Dubravko , Kopjar Nevenka , Šegvić Klarić Maja
Published: March 2023

The most common Aspergilli isolated from indoor air samples from occupied buildings and a grain mill were extracted and analyzed for their combined (Flavi + Nigri, Versicolores + Nigri) cytotoxic, genotoxic and pro-inflammatory properties on human adenocarcinoma cells (A549) and monocytic leukemia cells induced in macrophages (THP-1 macrophages). Metabolite mixtures from the Aspergilli series Nigri increase the cytotoxic and genotoxic potency of Flavi extracts in A549 cells suggesting additive and/or synergistic effects, while antagonizing the cytotoxic potency of Versicolores extracts in THP-1 macrophages and genotoxicity in A549 cells. All tested combinations significantly decreased IL-5 and IL-17, while IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-6 relative concentrations were increased. Exploring the toxicity of extracted Aspergilli deepens the understanding of intersections and interspecies differences in events of chronic exposure to their inhalable mycoparticles.
Are We Ready to Get Rid of the Terms “Chalimus” and ”Preadult” in the Caligid (Crustacea: Copepoda: Caligidae) Life Cycle Nomenclature?
Authors: Piasecki Wojciech , Venmathi Maran Balu Alagar , Ohtsuka Susumu
Published: March 2023

In view of recent studies, we suggest that the term “preadult” should not be used in scientific reports on Copepoda parasitic on fishes as having no explicit meaning or further justification. Consequently, the term “chalimus” with its use currently restricted in the Caligidae to at most two instars in the life cycles of species of Lepeophtheirus, also becomes redundant. In our new understanding, both the chalimus and preadult stages should be referred to as the respective copepodid stages (II through V, in integrative terminology). The terminology for the caligid copepod life cycle thereby becomes consistent with that for the homologous stages of other podoplean copepods. We see no justification for keeping “chalimus” and “preadult” even as purely practical terms. To justify this reinterpretation, we comprehensively summarize and reinterpret the patterns of instar succession reported in previous studies on the ontogeny of caligid copepods, with special attention to the frontal filament. Key concepts are illustrated in diagrams. We conclude that, using the new integrative terminology, copepods of the family Caligidae have the following stages in their life cycles: nauplius I, nauplius II (both free-living), copepodid I (infective), copepodid II (chalimus 1), copepodid III (chalimus 2), copepodid IV (chalimus 3/preadult 1), copepodid V (chalimus 4/preadult 2), and adult (parasitic). With this admittedly polemical paper, we hope to spark a discussion about this terminological problem.
Involvement of Potassium Channel Signalling in Migraine Pathophysiology
Authors: Al-Karagholi Mohammad Al-Mahdi
Published: March 2023

Migraine is a primary headache disorder ranked as the leading cause of years lived with disability among individuals younger than 50 years. The aetiology of migraine is complex and might involve several molecules of different signalling pathways. Emerging evidence implicates potassium channels, predominantly ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channels and large (big) calcium-sensitive potassium (BKCa) channels in migraine attack initiation. Basic neuroscience revealed that stimulation of potassium channels activated and sensitized trigeminovascular neurons. Clinical trials showed that administration of potassium channel openers caused headache and migraine attack associated with dilation of cephalic arteries. The present review highlights the molecular structure and physiological function of KATP and BKCa channels, presents recent insights into the role of potassium channels in migraine pathophysiology, and discusses possible complementary effects and interdependence of potassium channels in migraine attack initiation.
In Silico Identification of Peptides with PPARγ Antagonism in Protein Hydrolysate from Rice (Oryza sativa)
Authors: Ruiz-López Felipe de Jesús , Espinosa-Rodríguez Bryan Alejandro , Silva-Mares David Arturo , González-Martínez Blanca Edelia , López-Cabanillas Lomelí Manuel , Méndez-López Luis Fernando , Vázquez-Rodríguez Jesús Alberto
Published: March 2023

At least half the population in industrialized countries suffers from obesity due to excessive accumulation of adipose tissue. Recently, rice (Oryza sativa) proteins have been considered valuable sources of bioactive peptides with antiadipogenic potential. In this study, the digestibility and bioaccessibility in vitro of a novel protein concentrate (NPC) from rice were determined through INFOGEST protocols. Furthermore, the presence of prolamin and glutelin was evaluated via SDS-PAGE, and their potential digestibility and the bioactivity of ligands against peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) were explored by BIOPEP UWM and HPEPDOCK. For the top candidates, molecular simulations were conducted using Autodock Vina to evaluate their binding affinity against the antiadipogenic region of PPARγ and their pharmacokinetics and drug-likeness using SwissADME. Simulating gastrointestinal digestion showed a recovery of 43.07% and 35.92% bioaccessibility. The protein banding patterns showed the presence of prolamin (57 kDa) and glutelin (12 kDa) as the predominant proteins in the NPC. The in silico hydrolysis predicts the presence of three and two peptide ligands in glutelin and prolamin fraction, respectively, with high affinity for PPARγ (≤160). Finally, the docking studies suggest that the prolamin-derived peptides QSPVF and QPY (−6.38 & −5.61 kcal/mol, respectively) have expected affinity and pharmacokinetic properties to act as potential PPARγ antagonists. Hence, according to our results, bioactive peptides resulting from NPC rice consumption might have an antiadipogenic effect via PPARγ interactions, but further experimentation and validation in suitable biological model systems are necessary to gain more insight and to provide evidence to support our in silico findings.
Development of Novel Fluorinated Polyphenols as Selective Inhibitors of DYRK1A/B Kinase for Treatment of Neuroinflammatory Diseases including Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Araldi Gian Luca , Hwang Yu-Wen
Published: March 2023

Natural polyphenol derivatives such as those found in green tea have been known for a long time for their useful therapeutic activity. Starting from EGCG, we have discovered a new fluorinated polyphenol derivative (1c) characterized by improved inhibitory activity against DYRK1A/B enzymes and by considerably improved bioavailability and selectivity. DYRK1A is an enzyme that has been implicated as an important drug target in various therapeutic areas, including neurological disorders (Down syndrome and Alzheimer’s disease), oncology, and type 2 diabetes (pancreatic β-cell expansion). Systematic structure–activity relationship (SAR) on trans-GCG led to the discovery that the introduction of a fluoro atom in the D ring and methylation of the hydroxy group from para to the fluoro atom provide a molecule (1c) with more desirable drug-like properties. Owing to its good ADMET properties, compound 1c showed excellent activity in two in vivo models, namely the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation model and the 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) animal model for Parkinson’s disease.
Immunogenic Cell Death Photothermally Mediated by Erythrocyte Membrane-Coated Magnetofluorescent Nanocarriers Improves Survival in Sarcoma Model
Authors: Sousa-Junior Ailton Antonio , Mello-Andrade Francyelli , Rocha João Victor Ribeiro , Hayasaki Tácio Gonçalves , de Curcio Juliana Santana , Silva Lívia do Carmo , de Santana Ricardo Costa , Martins Lima Eliana , Cardoso Cléver Gomes , Silveira-Lacerda Elisângela de Paula , Mendanha Sebastião Antonio , Bakuzis Andris Figueiroa
Published: March 2023

Inducing immunogenic cell death (ICD) during cancer therapy is a major challenge that might significantly improve patient survival. The purpose of this study was to develop a theranostic nanocarrier, capable both of conveying a cytotoxic thermal dose when mediating photothermal therapy (PTT) after its intravenous delivery, and of consequently inducing ICD, improving survival. The nanocarrier consists of red blood cell membranes (RBCm) embedding the near-infrared dye IR-780 (IR) and camouflaging Mn-ferrite nanoparticles (RBCm-IR-Mn). The RBCm-IR-Mn nanocarriers were characterized by size, morphology, surface charge, magnetic, photophysical, and photothermal properties. Their photothermal conversion efficiency was found to be size- and concentration-dependent. Late apoptosis was observed as the cell death mechanism for PTT. Calreticulin and HMGB1 protein levels increased for in vitro PTT with temperature around 55 °C (ablative regime) but not for 44 °C (hyperthermia), suggesting ICD elicitation under ablation. RBCm-IR-Mn were then intravenously administered in sarcoma S180-bearing Swiss mice, and in vivo ablative PTT was performed five days later. Tumor volumes were monitored for the subsequent 120 days. RBCm-IR-Mn-mediated PTT promoted tumor regression in 11/12 animals, with an overall survival rate of 85% (11/13). Our results demonstrate that the RBCm-IR-Mn nanocarriers are great candidates for PTT-induced cancer immunotherapy.
Nutmeg Essential Oil, Red Clover, and Liquorice Extracts Microencapsulation Method Selection for the Release of Active Compounds from Gel Tablets of Different Bases
Authors: Kazlauskaite Jurga Andreja , Matulyte Inga , Marksa Mindaugas , Bernatoniene Jurga
Published: March 2023

The current study presents the most suitable method for encapsulating nutmeg essential oil with liquorice and red clover. Two widely used methods, spray-drying and freeze-drying, were employed to find the most suitable for essential oil volatile compounds’ protection. Results showed that freeze-dried capsules (LM) had a higher yield (85.34%) compared to the exact formulation of spray-dried microcapsules (SDM)—45.12%. All the antioxidant and total phenolic compounds’ results obtained with the LM sample were significantly higher compared with SDM. LM microcapsules were incorporated in two different bases with no additional sugar (gelatin and pectin) for targeted release. Pectin tablets had firmer and harder texture properties, while gelatin tablets had a more elastic texture. There was a significant impact on texture changes caused by microcapsules. Microencapsulated essential oil with extracts can be used alone or in a gel base (pectin or gelatin, depending on user preferences). It could be an effective product to protect the active volatile compounds and regulate the release of active compounds and give a pleasant taste.
Evaluation of Yield and Nutraceutical Traits of Orange-Fleshed Sweet Potato Storage Roots in Two Agro-Climatic Zones of Northern Ethiopia
Authors: Lamaro Gloria Peace , Tsehaye Yemane , Girma Atkilt , Vannini Andrea , Fedeli Riccardo , Loppi Stefano
Published: March 2023

This study evaluated the genotype by environment interactions in the yield and nutraceutical traits of the orange-fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) storage root in different agro-climatic zones of northern Ethiopia. Five OFSP genotypes were cultivated at three different locations following a randomized complete block design, and the yield, dry matter, beta-carotene, flavonoids, polyphenols, soluble sugars, starch, soluble proteins, and free radical scavenging activity were measured in the storage root. The results showed consistent variations in the nutritional traits of the OFSP storage root depending on both the genotype and the location, as well as on their interaction. Ininda, Gloria, and Amelia were the genotypes that provided the higher yield and dry matter, as well as the higher content of starch and beta-carotene; they also showed a high antioxidant power. These findings suggest that the studied genotypes have the potential to alleviate vitamin A deficiency. This study demonstrated a high possibility of sweet potato production for storage root yield in arid agro-climate regions with limited production inputs. Moreover, the results suggest that it is possible to enhance the yield, dry matter content, beta-carotene, starch, and polyphenols of the OFSP storage root through genotype selection.
Assessment of Black Rot in Oilseed Rape Grown under Climate Change Conditions Using Biochemical Methods and Computer Vision
Authors: Pineda Mónica , Barón Matilde
Published: March 2023

Global warming is a challenge for plants and pathogens, involving profound changes in the physiology of both contenders to adapt to the new environmental conditions and to succeed in their interaction. Studies have been conducted on the behavior of oilseed rape plants and two races (1 and 4) of the bacterium Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris (Xcc) and their interaction to anticipate our response in the possible future climate. Symptoms caused by both races of Xcc were very similar to each other under any climatic condition assayed, although the bacterial count from infected leaves differed for each race. Climate change caused an earlier onset of Xcc symptoms by at least 3 days, linked to oxidative stress and a change in pigment composition. Xcc infection aggravated the leaf senescence already induced by climate change. To identify Xcc-infected plants early under any climatic condition, four classifying algorithms were trained with parameters obtained from the images of green fluorescence, two vegetation indices and thermography recorded on Xcc-symptomless leaves. Classification accuracies were above 0.85 out of 1.0 in all cases, with k-nearest neighbor analysis and support vector machines performing best under the tested climatic conditions.
Biostimulant and Elicitor Responses to Cricket Frass (Acheta domesticus) in Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) under Protected Conditions
Authors: Ferruzca-Campos Ema Alejandra , Rico-Chavez Amanda Kim , Guevara-González Ramón Gerardo , Urrestarazu Miguel , Cunha-Chiamolera Tatiana Pagan Loeiro , Reynoso-Camacho Rosalía , Guzmán-Cruz Rosario
Published: March 2023

Agriculture in the current century is seeking sustainable tools in order to generate plant production systems with minimal negative environmental impact. In recent years it has been shown that the use of insect frass is an option to be used for this purpose. The present work studied the effect of low doses (0.1, 0.5, and 1.0% w/w) of cricket frass (Acheta domesticus) in the substrate during the cultivation of tomatos under greenhouse conditions. Plant performance and antioxidant enzymatic activities were measured in the study as explicative variables related to plant stress responses in order to determine possible biostimulant or elicitor effects of cricket frass treatments during tomato cultivation under greenhouse conditions. The main findings of this study indicated that tomato plants responded in a dose dependent manner to cricket frass treatments, recalling the hormesis phenomenon. On the one hand, a 0.1% (w/w) cricket frass treatment showed typical biostimulant features, while on the other hand, 0.5 and 1.0% treatments displayed elicitor effects in tomato plants under evaluated conditions in the present study. These results support the possibility that low doses of cricket frass might be used in tomato cultivation (and perhaps in other crops) for biostimulant/elicitor input into sustainable production systems.
Cellulose/Grape-Seed-Extract Composite Films with High Transparency and Ultraviolet Shielding Performance Fabricated from Old Cotton Textiles
Authors: Ji Xiaoqian , Xu Zhen , Xia Xinqun , Wei Zhaoning , Zhang Jun , Xia Guangmei , Ji Xingxiang
Published: March 2023

Plastics displaying many merits have been indispensable in daily life and they still maintain the strong momentum of development. Nevertheless, petroleum-based plastics possess a stable polymer structure and most of them are incinerated or accumulated in the environment, leading to devastating impacts on our ecology system. Thus, exploiting renewable and biodegradable materials to substitute or replace these traditional petroleum-derived plastics is an urgent and important task. In this work, renewable and biodegradable all-biomass cellulose/grape-seed-extract (GSEs) composite films with high transparency and anti-ultraviolet performance were fabricated successfully from pretreated old cotton textiles (P-OCTs) using a relatively simple, green, yet cost-effective, approach. It is proved that the obtained cellulose/GSEs composite films exhibit good ultraviolet shielding performance without sacrificing their transparency, and their UV-A and UV-B blocking values can reach as high as nearly 100%, indicating the good UV-blocking performance of GSEs. Meanwhile, the cellulose/GSEs film show higher thermal stability and water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) than most common plastics. Moreover, the mechanical property of the cellulose/GSEs film can be adjusted by the addition of a plasticizer. Briefly, the transparent all-biomass cellulose/grape-seed-extracts composite films with high anti-ultraviolet capacity were manufactured successfully and they can be used as potential materials in the packaging field.
Contributing Factors of Uneven Climatic Aging for Polymeric Composite Materials: Methods and Modelling
Authors: Lebedev Mikhail P. , Startsev Oleg V. , Kychkin Anatoly K. , Petrov Mark G. , Kopyrin Michail M.
Published: March 2023

Regarding a wide variety of PCMs, the materials’ strength properties which decrease no more than 20% after 30 years of operation are of special interest. One of the important regularities of the climatic aging of PCMs is the formation of gradients of mechanical parameters across the thickness of the plates. The occurrence of gradients must be taken into account when modeling the strength of PCMs for long periods of operation. At present, there is no scientific basis for the reliable prediction of the physical-mechanical characteristics of PCMs for a long period of operation in the world of science. Nevertheless, “climatic qualification” has been a universally recognized practice of substantiating the safe operation of PCMs for various branches of mechanical engineering. In this review, the influence of solar radiation, temperature, and moisture according to gradients of mechanical parameters across the thickness of the PCMs are analyzed according to the data of dynamic mechanical analysis, linear dilatometry, profilometry, acoustic emission, and other methods. In addition, the mechanisms of uneven climatic PCM aging are revealed. Finally, the problems of theoretical modeling of uneven climatic aging of composites are identified.
Buddhist Women and Female Buddhist Education in the South China Sea: A History of the Singapore Girls’ Buddhist Institute
Authors: Lin Ruo
Published: March 2023

This paper studies the history of the Singapore Girls’ Buddhist Institute, the first and only modern Buddhist education institution for women in Singapore and Malaysia. This paper aims to explore a dynamic transregional Buddhist network constructed by nuns, vegetarian nuns, and laywomen, with a particular emphasis on the prominent female figures and religious women communities involved. Through an analysis of the movements and religious practices of the Buddhist women community, the author demonstrates the contributions of Buddhist women to the transmission of religious knowledge and modern experiences. It is this paper’s intention that the micro-history of the case could contribute to restaging the women-centered Buddhist community in the narrative of “South China Sea Buddhism”.
Grasping Complex-Shaped and Thin Objects Using a Generative Grasping Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Kim Jaeseok , Nocentini Olivia , Bashir Muhammad Zain , Cavallo Filippo
Published: March 2023

Vision-based pose detection and grasping complex-shaped and thin objects are challenging tasks. We propose an architecture that integrates the Generative Grasping Convolutional Neural Network (GG-CNN) with depth recognition to identify a suitable grasp pose. First, we construct a training dataset with data augmentation to train a GG-CNN with only RGB images. Then, we extract a segment of the tool using a color segmentation method and use it to calculate an average depth. Additionally, we apply and evaluate different encoder–decoder models with a GG-CNN structure using the Intersection Over Union (IOU). Finally, we validate the proposed architecture by performing real-world grasping and pick-and-place experiments. Our framework achieves a success rate of over 85.6% for picking and placing seen surgical tools and 90% for unseen surgical tools. We collected a dataset of surgical tools and validated their pick and place with different GG-CNN architectures. In the future, we aim to expand the dataset of surgical tools and improve the accuracy of the GG-CNN.
Satellite SAR Interferometry and On-Site Traditional SHM to Monitor the Post-Earthquake Behavior of the Civic Tower in L’Aquila (Abruzzo Region, Italy)
Authors: Caprino Amedeo , Puliero Silvia , Lorenzoni Filippo , Floris Mario , da Porto Francesca
Published: March 2023

Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) represents a very powerful tool to assess the health condition of buildings. In recent years, the growing availability of high-resolution SAR satellite images has made possible the application of multi-temporal Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (MT-InSAR) techniques for structural monitoring purposes, with high precision, low costs, timesaving, and the possibility to investigate wide areas. However, a comprehensive validation of the effectiveness of MT-InSAR in this application field has not been achieved yet. For this reason, in this paper a comparison between interferometric data and on-site measurement of displacements is proposed. The application case study is the Civic Tower of the city of L’Aquila (Abruzzo Region, Italy). After the seismic events that affected the area in 2009, an on-site monitoring system was installed on the tower to detect any changes in the damage pattern in the period 2010–2013. Furthermore, images acquired by COSMO-SkyMed constellation in Stripmap mode (~3 m resolution) during the same period were processed by the Permanent Scatterer-InSAR (PSI) technique to estimate the deformation of the structure and the surrounding area. The obtained results indicate that both methods are consistent in the measurement of displacement trends of the building and a slight rotation/displacement of the tower was detected. Such evidence highlights both the huge potential and the limitations of using InSAR techniques for SHM.
Huge CH4, NO2 and CO Emissions from Coal Mines in the Kuznetsk Basin (Russia) Detected by Sentinel-5P
Authors: Trenchev Plamen , Dimitrova Maria , Avetisyan Daniela
Published: March 2023

The coal industry is the largest global emitter of carbon dioxide (CO2). However, recent data suggests that coal mine methane (CH4) emissions worldwide are higher than those of the oil and gas industry. Furthermore, the coal industry is less active in reducing methane emissions than the oil and gas sectors due to lower profitability. Although uncertainties remain in quantifying methane emissions from mines, the use of satellite observations is revolutionizing the process of monitoring and improving the accuracy of emission accounting. The methodology presented here allows us to determine background CH4 concentrations and improve our ability to detect emission events using Sentinel-5P data. Knowing the background concentrations for the area of interest provides us the opportunity to track seasonal and annual variations and trends, as well as quickly detect periodic or accidental emissions from unregulated sources, etc. The methodology and systematic research applied in this paper for the period of May 2018 to the end of 2022 enables us to detect hundreds of large-scale emissions of CH4, NO2, and CO from the coal mines in the Kuznetsk Basin (the Kemerovo region), the largest coal mining area in Russia. We estimated that the amount of these emissions is significantly higher than the emissions reported by various authors for other coal mining regions such as Poland and Australia. We found that in cases of high methane quantity there is a positive correlation between NO2 and CO emissions in time and location. The source of emissions in the study area is homogeneous, which allows it to be used as a benchmark for building models to estimate and track emissions in heterogeneous areas.
Non-Parametric Tomographic SAR Reconstruction via Improved Regularized MUSIC
Authors: Hadj-Rabah Karima , Schirinzi Gilda , Budillon Alessandra , Hocine Faiza , Belhadj-Aissa Aichouche
Published: March 2023

Height estimation of scatterers in complex environments via the Tomographic Synthetic Aperture Radar (TomoSAR) technique is still a valuable research field. The parametric spectral estimation approach constitutes a powerful tool to identify the superimposed scatterers with different complex reflectivities, located at different heights in the same range–azimuth resolution cell. Unfortunately, this approach requires prior knowledge about the number of scatterers for each pixel, which is not possible in practical situations. In this paper, we propose a method that analyzes the scree plot, generated from the spectral decomposition of the multidimensional covariance matrix, in order to estimate automatically the number of scatterers for each resolution cell. In this context, a properly improved regularization step is included during the reconstruction process, transforming the parametric MUSIC estimator into a non-parametric method. The experimental results on two data sets covering high elevation towers, with different facade coating characteristics, acquired by the TerraSAR-X satellite highlighted the effectiveness of the proposed regularized MUSIC for the reconstruction of high man-made structures compared with classical approaches.
Cyanobacteria Index as a Tool for the Satellite Detection of Cyanobacteria Blooms in the Baltic Sea
Authors: Konik Marta , Bradtke Katarzyna , Stoń-Egiert Joanna , Soja-Woźniak Monika , Śliwińska-Wilczewska Sylwia , Darecki Mirosław
Published: March 2023

Cyanobacteria blooms in the Baltic Sea have been studied for years due to their toxicity, which negatively affects all biota, along with the influence of these floating colonies on surface fluxes. However, mapping these blooms is still a challenge since their high dynamics, wide coverage, and specific radiometric footprint hinder atmospheric correction and negatively affect the quality of satellite images. In this study, we assessed the use of an alternative approach called the cyanobacteria index (CI), which is based on the reflectance spectral shape and which does not require comprehensive atmospheric correction. We demonstrated a close relationship between the positive CI values, indicating the presence of blooms, and the concentration of phycocyanin, the marker pigment of filamentous cyanobacteria in the Baltic Sea. We proved that the CI index could efficiently identify cyanobacteria-dominated blooms where colonies floated near the surface. Therefore, this index represents a valuable complement to the previous monitoring methods, suitable for extreme bloom events. The analysis of a time series of satellite images obtained between 2002 and 2018 using the CI index revealed the elongation of the bloom season, which may have been a consequence of the water temperature remaining within the cyanobacteria’s tolerance range for a longer time.