bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pre-, pro-, syn-, and Postbiotics in Infant Formulas: What Are the Immune Benefits for Infants?
Authors: Lemoine Anaïs , Tounian Patrick , Adel-Patient Karine , Thomas Muriel
Published: March 2023

The first objective of infant formulas is to ensure the healthy growth of neonates and infants, as the sole complete food source during the first months of life when a child cannot be breastfed. Beyond this nutritional aspect, infant nutrition companies also try to mimic breast milk in its unique immuno-modulating properties. Numerous studies have demonstrated that the intestinal microbiota under the influence of diet shapes the maturation of the immune system and influences the risk of atopic diseases in infants. A new challenge for dairy industries is, therefore, to develop infant formulas inducing the maturation of immunity and the microbiota that can be observed in breastfed delivered vaginally, representing reference infants. Streptococcus thermophilus, Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938, Bifidobacterium breve (BC50), Bifidobacterium lactis Bb12, Lactobacillus fermentum (CECT5716), and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) are some of the probiotics added to infant formula, according to a literature review of the past 10 years. The most frequently used prebiotics in published clinical trials are fructo-oligosaccharides (FOSs), galacto-oligosaccharides (GOSs), and human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs). This review sums up the expected benefits and effects for infants of pre-, pro-, syn-, and postbiotics added to infant formula regarding the microbiota, immunity, and allergies.
Study of Diet Habits and Cognitive Function in the Chinese Middle-Aged and Elderly Population: The Association between Folic Acid, B Vitamins, Vitamin D, Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation and Cognitive Ability
Authors: Jiang Xinting , Guo Yihan , Cui Liang , Huang Lin , Guo Qihao , Huang Gaozhong
Published: March 2023

A growing body of evidence suggests that vitamin supplements play a role in the prevention of cognitive decline. The objective of the present cross-sectional study was to evaluate the relationship between cognitive ability and folic acid, B vitamins, vitamin D (VD) and Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) supplementation. The sample consisted of 892 adults aged above 50 who were assessed for their cognitive status in the Shanghai Sixth People’s Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine (China) from July 2019 to January 2022. According to the degree of cognitive impairment, the subjects were divided into a normal control (NC) group, subjective cognitive decline (SCD) group, mild cognitive impairment (MCI) group and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) group. The results indicated a lower risk of AD in the daily VD-supplemented subjects with MCI compared to those who were not supplemented; a lower risk of cognitive impairment in those with normal cognitive who consumed VD, folic acid or CoQ10 on a daily basis compared those who did not; and a lower risk of cognitive impairment in subjects with normal cognitive performance who consumed B vitamin supplements, either daily or occasionally, compared to those who did not. The correlation was independent of other factors that potentially affect cognition, such as education level, age, etc. In conclusion, our findings confirmed a lower prevalence of cognitive impairment in those who took vitamins (folic acid, B vitamins, VD, CoQ10) daily. Therefore, we would recommend daily supplementation of vitamins (folic acid, B vitamins, VD, CoQ10), especially group B vitamins, as a potential preventive measure to slow cognitive decline and neurodegeneration in the elderly. However, for the elderly who have already suffered from cognitive impairment, VD supplementation may also be beneficial for their brains.
Pregnancy after Bariatric Surgery: Nutrition Recommendations and Glucose Homeostasis: A Point of View on Unresolved Questions
Authors: Burlina Silvia , Dalfrà Maria Grazia , Lapolla Annunziata
Published: March 2023

Obesity is increasing in all age groups and, consequently, its incidence has also risen in women of childbearing age. In Europe, the prevalence of maternal obesity varies from 7 to 25%. Maternal obesity is associated with short- and long-term adverse outcomes for both mother and child, and it is necessary to reduce weight before gestation to improve maternal and fetal outcomes. Bariatric surgery is an important treatment option for people with severe obesity. The number of surgeries performed is increasing worldwide, even in women of reproductive age, because improving fertility is a motivating factor. Nutritional intake after bariatric surgery is dependent on type of surgery, presence of symptoms, such as pain and nausea, and complications. There is also a risk of malnutrition after bariatric surgery. In particular, during pregnancy following bariatric surgery, there is a risk of protein and calorie malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies due to increased maternal and fetal demand and possibly due to reduction of food intake (nausea, vomiting). As such, it is necessary to monitor and manage nutrition in pregnancy following bariatric surgery with a multidisciplinary team to avoid any deficiencies in each trimester and to ensure the well-being of the mother and fetus.
Expression Profiles of Hepatic Immune Response Genes in HEV Infection
Authors: Badshah Yasmin , Shabbir Maria , Khan Khushbukhat , Akhtar Hashaam
Published: March 2023

Hepatitis E is a liver inflammation caused by infection with the hepatitis E virus (HEV). Every year, there are an estimated 20 million HEV infections worldwide, leading to an estimated 3.3 million symptomatic cases of hepatitis E. HEV viral load has been studied about the disease progression; however, hepatic the host gene expression against HEV infection remains unknown. Methods: We identified the expression profiles of hepatic immune response genes in HEV infections. Fresh blood samples were collected from all the study subjects (130 patients and 124 controls) in 3ml EDTA vacutainers. HEV viral load was determined by a real-time PCR. The total RNA was isolated from the blood using the TRIZOL method. The expression of theCCL2, CCL5, CXCL10, CXCL16, TNF, IFNGR1, and SAMSN1 genes was studied in the blood of 130 HEV patients and 124 controls using a real-time PCR. Results: Gene expression profiles indicate high levels of CCL2, CCL5, CXCL10, CXCL16, TNF, IFNGR1, and SAMSN1 genes that might lead to the recruitment of leukocytes and infected cell apoptosis. Conclusion: Our study demonstrated distinct differences in the expression profiles of host immune response-related genes of HEV infections and provided valuable insight into the potential impact of these genes on disease progression.
Pathological Characteristics of Domestic Pigs Orally Infected with the Virus Strain Causing the First Reported African Swine Fever Outbreaks in Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Thi Thu Huyen , Nguyen Van Tam , Le Phuong Nam , Mai Nguyen Tuan Anh , Dong Van Hieu , Bui Tran Anh Dao , Nguyen Thi Lan , Ambagala Aruna , Le Van Phan
Published: March 2023

African swine fever (ASF) is currently Vietnam’s most economically significant swine disease. The first ASF outbreak in Vietnam was reported in February 2019. In this study, VNUA/HY/ASF1 strain isolated from the first ASF outbreak was used to infect 10 eight-week-old pigs orally with 103 HAD50 per animal. The pigs were observed daily for clinical signs, and whole blood samples were collected from each animal for viremia detection. Dead pigs were subjected to full post-mortem analyses. All 10 pigs displayed acute or subacute clinical signs and succumbed to the infection between 10 to 27 (19.8 ± 4.66) days post-inoculation (dpi). The onset of clinical signs started around 4–14 dpi. Viremia was observed in pigs from 6–16 dpi (11.2 ± 3.55). Enlarged, hyperemic, and hemorrhagic lymph nodes, enlarged spleen, pneumonia, and hydropericardium were observed at post-mortem examinations.
A Study on Pharmacokinetic Functionalities and Safety Margins of an Optimized Simvastatin Nanoformulation
Authors: Ahmad Aftab , Dhanalekshmi Unnikrishnan Meenakshi , Koumaravelu Kailasam , Francis Arul Prakash , Khan Shah Alam , Abuzinadah Mohammed F. , Selvasudha Nandakumar
Published: March 2023

A pharmaceutical formulation with favorable pharmacokinetic parameters is more likely to be efficacious and safe to overcome the failures of the drug resulting from lack of efficacy, poor bioavailability, and toxicity. In this view, we aimed to evaluate the pharmacokinetic functionalities and safety margin of an optimized CS-SS nanoformulation (F40) by in vitro/in vivo methods. The everted sac technique was used to evaluate the improved absorption of a simvastatin formulation. In vitro protein binding in bovine serum and mice plasma was performed. The formulation’s liver and intestinal CYP3A4 activity and metabolic pathways were investigated by the qRT-PCR technique. The excretion of cholesterol and bile acids was measured to demonstrate the formulation’s cholesterol depletion effect. Safety margins were determined by histopathology as well as fiber typing studies. In vitro protein binding results revealed the existence of a high percentage of free drugs (22.31 ± 3.1%, 18.20 ± 1.9%, and 16.9 ± 2.2%, respectively) compared to the standard formulation. The controlled metabolism in the liver was demonstrated from CYP3A4 activity. The formulation showed enhanced PK parameters in rabbits such as a lower Cmax, clearance, and a higher Tmax, AUC, Vd, and t1/2. qRT-PCR screening further proved the different metabolic pathways followed by simvastatin (SREBP-2) and chitosan (PPAR-γ pathway) in the formulation. The results from qRT-PCR and histopathology confirmed the toxicity level. Hence, this pharmacokinetic profile of the nanoformulation proved it has a unique synergistic hypolipidemic modality.
Fluorescent Probes as a Tool in Diagnostic and Drug Delivery Systems
Authors: Georgiev Nikolai I. , Bakov Ventsislav V. , Anichina Kameliya K. , Bojinov Vladimir B.
Published: March 2023

Over the last few years, the development of fluorescent probes has received considerable attention. Fluorescence signaling allows noninvasive and harmless real-time imaging with great spectral resolution in living objects, which is extremely useful for modern biomedical applications. This review presents the basic photophysical principles and strategies for the rational design of fluorescent probes as visualization agents in medical diagnosis and drug delivery systems. Common photophysical phenomena, such as Intramolecular Charge Transfer (ICT), Twisted Intramolecular Charge Transfer (TICT), Photoinduced Electron Transfer (PET), Excited-State Intramolecular Proton Transfer (ESIPT), Fluorescent Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET), and Aggregation-Induced Emission (AIE), are described as platforms for fluorescence sensing and imaging in vivo and in vitro. The presented examples are focused on the visualization of pH, biologically important cations and anions, reactive oxygen species (ROS), viscosity, biomolecules, and enzymes that find application for diagnostic purposes. The general strategies regarding fluorescence probes as molecular logic devices and fluorescence–drug conjugates for theranostic and drug delivery systems are discussed. This work could be of help for researchers working in the field of fluorescence sensing compounds, molecular logic gates, and drug delivery.
Correction: Juhás et al. Improving Antimicrobial Activity and Physico-Chemical Properties by Isosteric Replacement of 2-Aminothiazole with 2-Aminooxazole. Pharmaceuticals 2022, 15, 580
Authors: Juhás Martin , Bachtíková Andrea , Nawrot Daria Elżbieta , Hatoková Paulína , Pallabothula Vinod Sukanth Kumar , Diepoltová Adéla , Janďourek Ondřej , Bárta Pavel , Konečná Klára , Paterová Pavla , Šesták Vít , Zitko Jan
Published: March 2023

In the original publication [...]
Cereblon-Recruiting PROTACs: Will New Drugs Have to Face Old Challenges?
Authors: Cieślak Marcin , Słowianek Marta
Published: March 2023

The classical low-molecular-weight drugs are designed to bind with high affinity to the biological targets endowed with receptor or enzymatic activity, and inhibit their function. However, there are many non-receptor or non-enzymatic disease proteins that seem undruggable using the traditional drug approach. This limitation has been overcome by PROTACs, bifunctional molecules that are able to bind the protein of interest and the E3 ubiquitin ligase complex. This interaction results in the ubiquitination of POI and subsequent proteolysis in the cellular proteasome. Out of hundreds of proteins serving as substrate receptors in E3 ubiquitin ligase complexes, current PROTACs recruit only a few of them, including CRBN, cIAP1, VHL or MDM-2. This review will focus on PROTACs recruiting CRBN E3 ubiquitin ligase and targeting various proteins involved in tumorigenesis, such as transcription factors, kinases, cytokines, enzymes, anti-apoptotic proteins and cellular receptors. The structure of several PROTACs, their chemical and pharmacokinetic properties, target affinity and biological activity in vitro and in vivo, will be discussed. We will also highlight cellular mechanisms that may affect the efficacy of PROTACs and pose a challenge for the future development of PROTACs.
A Computational Model for the Release of Bioactive Molecules by the Hydrolytic Degradation of a Functionalized Polyester-Based Scaffold
Authors: Batoni Elisa , Bonatti Amedeo Franco , De Maria Carmelo , Dalgarno Kenneth , Naseem Raasti , Dianzani Umberto , Gigliotti Casimiro Luca , Boggio Elena , Vozzi Giovanni
Published: March 2023

This work presents a computational model to study the degradation behavior of polyester-based three-dimensional (3D) functionalized scaffolds for bone regeneration. As a case study, we investigated the behavior of a 3D-printed scaffold presenting a functionalized surface with ICOS-Fc, a bioactive protein able to stimulate bone regeneration and healing, inhibiting osteoclast activity. The aim of the model was to optimize the scaffold design to control its degradation and thus the release of grafted protein over time and space. Two different scenarios were considered: (i) a scaffold without macroporosity presenting a functionalized external surface; and (ii) a scaffold presenting an internal functionalized macroporous architecture with open channels to locally deliver the degradation products.
Local Field Enhancement Due to the Edge States of Nanoplasmonic Crystal
Authors: Beiranvand Behrokh , Khabibullin Rustam A. , Sobolev Alexander S.
Published: March 2023

In this paper, we describe the effect of local electric field enhancement due to the existence of photonic edge states in a nanoplasmonic crystal. These states can be excited by a normal incident wave and are localized along the continuous line defect, where translational symmetry is broken. The nanoplasmonic crystal is formed by a triangular lattice of SiO2 cylinders on top of SiO2 and Ag thin films. Numerical simulations demonstrated that edge modes that are concentrated around a defect in a nanophotonic crystal may result in 12 field enhancements of the electric field for the incident plane wave of wavelength 545 nm. This effect can be employed for improving the sensitivity of surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectroscopy, increasing the Purcell factor of quantum systems and improving the efficiency of higher harmonic generation.
Impacts of Radio-Frequency Electromagnetic Field (RF-EMF) on Lettuce (Lactuca sativa)—Evidence for RF-EMF Interference with Plant Stress Responses
Authors: Tran Nam Trung , Jokic Luca , Keller Julian , Geier Jens Uwe , Kaldenhoff Ralf
Published: March 2023

The increased use of wireless technology causes a significant exposure increase for all living organisms to radio frequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF). This comprises bacteria, animals, and also plants. Unfortunately, our understanding of how RF-EMF influences plants and plant physiology remains inadequate. In this study, we examined the effects of RF-EMF radiation on lettuce plants (Lactuca sativa) in both indoor and outdoor environments using the frequency ranges of 1890–1900 MHz (DECT) at 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz (Wi-Fi). Under greenhouse conditions, RF-EMF exposure had only a minor impact on fast chlorophyll fluorescence kinetics and no effect on plant flowering time. In contrast, lettuce plants exposed to RF-EMF in the field showed a significant and systemic decrease in photosynthetic efficiency and accelerated flowering time compared to the control groups. Gene expression analysis revealed significant down-regulation of two stress-related genes in RF-EMF-exposed plants: violaxanthin de-epoxidase (VDE) and zeaxanthin epoxidase (ZEP). RF-EMF-exposed plants had lower Photosystem II’s maximal photochemical quantum yield (FV/FM) and non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) than control plants under light stress conditions. In summary, our results imply that RF-EMF might interfere with plant stress responses and reduced plant stress tolerance.
Seed Bank Community under Different-Intensity Agrophytocenoses on Hilly Terrain in Lithuania
Authors: Skuodienė Regina , Matyžiūtė Vilija , Aleinikovienė Jūratė , Frercks Birutė , Repšienė Regina
Published: March 2023

On the summit of a hill with a lack of humidity, and in usually stronger eroded midslope parts, crops thin out. Changing ecological conditions change the soil seed bank as well. The aim of this study was to examine changes in the seed bank size and number of species and the influence of seed surface characteristics on their spread in different-intensity agrophytocenoses under hilly relief conditions. This study included different parts of the hill (summit, midslope and footslope) in Lithuania. The southern exposition slope’s soil was slightly eroded Eutric Retisol (loamic). In spring and autumn, the seed bank was investigated at depths of 0–5 and 5–15 cm. Irrespective of the season, in the soil of permanent grassland, the seed number was 6.8 and 3.4 times smaller compared to those of cereal–grass crop rotation and crop rotation with black fallow. The highest number of seed species was determined in the footslope of the hill. Seeds with rough surfaces dominated on all parts of the hill, but the highest amount (on the average 69.6%) was determined on the summit of the hill. In autumn, a strong correlation was found between the total seed number and soil microbial carbon biomass (r = 0.841–0.922).
Hypericum foliosum Quality Botanical and Chemical Markers and In Vitro Antioxidant and Anticancer Activities
Authors: Caldeira Gonçalo Infante , Zhang Guanghong , Gouveia Luís Pleno , Videira Mafalda , Serrano Rita , Silva Olga
Published: March 2023

Hypericum foliosum Aiton is an endemic Azorean Hypericum species. Even though the aerial parts of Hypericum foliosum are not described in any official pharmacopoeia, they are utilized in local traditional medicine due to their diuretic, hepatoprotective, and antihypertensive properties. This plant has previously been the subject of phytochemical characterization and has been studied for its antidepressant activity, showing significant results in animal models. The lack of a description of the main characteristics of the aerial parts, which would be necessary to properly identify this medicinal plant species, contributes to the possibility of misidentification events. We performed macroscopic and microscopic analyses that identified specific differential characteristics, such as the absence of dark glands, the dimensions of the secretory pockets in the leaf, and the presence of translucent glands in the powder. To continue our previous work on the biological activity of Hypericum foliosum, ethanol, dichloromethane/ethanol, and water extracts were prepared and studied for their antioxidant and cytotoxic activity. Extracts showed in vitro selective cytotoxic activity in human lung cancer cell line A549, colon cancer cell line HCT 8, and breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231, with dichloromethane/ethanol showing higher activity against all cell lines (IC50 values of 71.49, 27.31, and 9.51 µg/mL, respectively). All extracts also showed significant antioxidant activity.
Anti-Oxidative and Anti-Aging Effects of Ethanol Extract of the Officinal Breynia (Breynia vitis-idaea) In Vitro
Authors: Shin Chae Yun , Jang Jiwon , Lee Hwa Pyoung , Park Sang Hee , Kry Masphal , Keo Omaliss , Lee Byoung-Hee , Choi Wooram , Lee Sarah , Cho Jae Youl
Published: March 2023

The skin is the largest organ of the human body, and it is also the one most exposed to external environmental contaminants. The skin is the body’s first defense against harmful environmental stimuli, including ultraviolet B (UVB) rays and hazardous chemicals. Therefore, proper care of the skin is required to prevent skin-related diseases and age-related symptoms. In this study, we analyzed anti-aging and anti-oxidative effects of Breynia vitis-idaea ethanol extract (Bv-EE) in human keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts. The Bv-EE had free radical scavenging activity and decreased the mRNA expression of MMPs and COX-2 in H2O2- or UVB-treated HaCaT cells. The Bv-EE also inhibited AP-1 transcriptional activity and phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase, extracellular signal-regulated kinase, and mitogen-activated protein kinase 14 (p38), which are major AP-1 activators upon H2O2 or UVB exposure. Furthermore, the promoter activity and mRNA expression of collagen type I (Col1A1) increased in HDF cells treated with Bv-EE, and Bv-EE recovered the collagen mRNA expression decreased by H2O2 or UVB exposure. These results suggest that Bv-EE has anti-oxidative effects by inhibiting the AP-1 signaling pathway, and shows anti-aging effects by upregulating collagen synthesis.
Contribution of Morphoanatomic Characters to the Taxonomy of the Genus LAELIA (Orchidaceae) in Mexico and Their Implication in Environmental Adaptation
Authors: Castellanos-Ramírez Montserrat , Rosas Ulises , Guzmán-Ramos María Concepción , Sandoval-Zapotitla Estela
Published: March 2023

The Laeliinae Subtribe (Epidendroideae-Orchidaceae) is exclusively Neotropical, composed of 43 genera and 1466 species, presenting great floral and vegetative diversity. The genus Laelia has restricted geographic distribution, with species in Brazil and Mexico. However, in molecular studies, the Brazilian species have not been included despite remarkably similar floral structures in both Mexican and Brazilian groups of species. The main objective of the present study is to analyze vegetative structural characters of 12 species of Laelia in Mexico to find similarities to recognize them as a taxonomic group and their relationship with possible ecological adaptations. This work supports the proposal to recognize 12 species of Laelias from Mexico as a taxonomic group (except for the new species recognized as Laelia dawsonii J. Anderson), since a strong similarity was found, translated by 90% of structural characters shared by the Mexican Laelias, given the relationship between the structural characters and the altitudinal distribution in which the groups of Mexican Laelias species are found. We propose that Laelias of Mexico be recognized as a taxonomic group and their structural characteristics allow for better understanding of adaptation of species to their environment.
Biodegradable Polylactic Acid-Polyhydroxyalkanoate-Based Nanocomposites with Bio-Hydroxyapatite: Preparation and Characterization
Authors: Injorhor Preeyaporn , Trongsatitkul Tatiya , Wittayakun Jatuporn , Ruksakulpiwat Chaiwat , Ruksakulpiwat Yupaporn
Published: March 2023

Biodegradable polymers play a significant role in medical applications, especially internal devices because they can be broken down and absorbed into the body without producing harmful degradation products. In this study, biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA)-polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA)-based nanocomposites with various PHA and nano-hydroxyapatite (nHAp) contents were prepared using solution casting method. Mechanical properties, microstructure, thermal stability, thermal properties, and in vitro degradation of the PLA-PHA-based composites were investigated. PLA-20PHA/5nHAp was shown to give the desired properties so it was selected to investigate electrospinnability at different applied high voltages. PLA-20PHA/5nHAp composite shows the highest improvement of tensile strength at 36.6 ± 0.7 MPa, while PLA-20PHA/10nHAp composite shows the highest thermal stability and in vitro degradation at 7.55% of weight loss after 56 days of immersion in PBS solution. The addition of PHA in PLA-PHA-based nanocomposites improved elongation at break, compared to the composite without PHA. PLA-20PHA/5nHAp solution was successfully fabricated into fibers by electrospinning. All obtained fibers showed smooth and continuous fibers without beads with diameters of 3.7 ± 0.9, 3.5 ± 1.2, and 2.1 ± 0.7 µm at applied high voltages of 15, 20, and 25 kV, respectively.
Anti-Blast Performance of Polyurea-Coated Concrete Arch Structures
Authors: Yue Zhengyuan , Zhou Jiannan , Kong Xinli , Xu Ying , Chen Yishun , Wang Bo , Huang Yimiao , Wang Peng
Published: March 2023

With the increasing number of violent terrorist attacks around the world, it is quite a common to improve the anti-blast performance of structures by reinforcing the exterior of the structure. In order to explore the dynamic performance of polyurea reinforced concrete arch structures, a three-dimensional finite element model was established by LS-DYNA software in this paper. Under the condition of ensuring the validity of the simulation model, the dynamic response of the arch structure under the blast load is investigated. Deflection and vibration of the structure under different reinforcement models are discussed. The optimum thickness of reinforcement (approximately 5 mm) and the strengthening method for the model were found by deformation analysis. The vibration analysis shows that the vibration damping effect of the sandwich arch structure is relatively excellent, but increasing the thickness and number of layers of the polyurea does not necessarily achieve a better vibration damping function for the structure. By reasonable design of the polyurea reinforcement layer and concrete arch structure, a protective structure with excellent performance of anti-blast and vibration damping can be created. Polyurea can be used as a new form of reinforcement in practical applications.
Special Issue “State-of-the-Art Polymer Science and Technology in Greece”
Authors: Pispas Stergios , Anastasiadis Spiros H. , Iatrou Hermis
Published: March 2023

Polymer science and technology is an active and continuously developing field of research and innovation in Greece [...]
Use of a Photocleavable Initiator to Characterize Polymer Chains Grafted onto a Metal Plate with the Grafting-from Method
Authors: Mouillard Flavien , Ferté Tom , Voirin Emilie , Méry Stéphane , Masson Patrick , Carradò Adele
Published: March 2023

The thorough characterization of polymer chains grafted through a “grafting-from” process onto substrates based on the determination of number (Mn) and weight (Mw) average molar masses, as well as dispersity (Ɖ), is quite challenging. It requires the cleavage of grafted chains selectively at the polymer–substrate bond without polymer degradation to allow their analysis in solution with steric exclusion chromatography, in particular. The study herein describes a technique for the selective cleavage of PMMA grafted onto titanium substrate (Ti-PMMA) using an anchoring molecule that combines an atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) initiator and a UV-cleavable moiety. This technique allows the demonstration of the efficiency of the ATRP of PMMA on titanium substrates and verification that the chains were grown homogeneously.
The Effects of Increasing the Dry-Bulb Temperature during the Stem-Drying Stage on the Quality of Upper Leaves of Flue-Cured Tobacco
Authors: Jia Jingxiao , Zhang Mingjin , Zhao Jinchao , Wang Jian’an , He Fan , Wang Lifang
Published: March 2023

The control of the curing temperature during the stem-drying stage is important for the quality of upper leaves of flue-cured tobacco. Based on the conventional curing process during the yellowing stage and the leaf0drying stage in the tobacco curing process, in this study, the dry-bulb temperature was increased to 72 and 75 °C in the bulk curing barn during the stem-drying stage to compare with the highest temperature of 68 °C commonly adopted in the bulk curing barn. The result showed that, compared with the conventional temperature setting, the energy consumption cost was reduced by 0.10 or 0.08 USD/kg when the curing temperature was increased to 72 or 75 °C, respectively. Statistical analysis showed that increasing DBT was beneficial to the improvement in the internal quality of flue-cured tobacco leaves. The adjustment of curing temperature also improved the aromatic quality and volume of singe-material tobacco leaves. However, as the temperature continued to increase, the quality improvement in cured upper tobacco leaves showed a decreasing trend. According to the quality of fresh tobacco leaves, an appropriate increase in the dry-bulb temperature based on the conventional temperature setting of 68 °C during the stem-drying stage can improve the usability and economic benefit. The degree of increase in the DBT should depend on the quality of local fresh tobacco growth in the field.
Current, Projected Performance and Costs of Thermal Energy Storage
Authors: Pompei Laura , Nardecchia Fabio , Miliozzi Adio
Published: March 2023

The technology for storing thermal energy as sensible heat, latent heat, or thermochemical energy has greatly evolved in recent years, and it is expected to grow up to about 10.1 billion US dollars by 2027. A thermal energy storage (TES) system can significantly improve industrial energy efficiency and eliminate the need for additional energy supply in commercial and residential applications. This study is a first-of-its-kind specific review of the current projected performance and costs of thermal energy storage. This paper presents an overview of the main typologies of sensible heat (SH-TES), latent heat (LH-TES), and thermochemical energy (TCS) as well as their application in European countries. With regard to future challenges, the installation of TES systems in buildings is being implemented at a rate of 5%; cogeneration application with TES is attested to 10.2%; TES installation in the industry sector accounts for 5% of the final energy consumption. From the market perspective, the share of TES is expected to be dominated by SH-TES technologies due to their residential and industrial applications. With regard to the cost, the SH-TES system is typically more affordable than the LH-TES system or the TCS system because it consists of a simple tank containing the medium and the charging/discharging equipment.
Analysis of the Interactome of the Toxoplasma gondii Tgj1 HSP40 Chaperone
Authors: Munera López Jonathan , Alonso Andrés Mariano , Figueras Maria Julia , Saldarriaga Cartagena Ana María , Hortua Triana Miryam A. , Diambra Luis , Vanagas Laura , Deng Bin , Moreno Silvia N. J. , Angel Sergio Oscar
Published: March 2023

Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular apicomplexan that causes toxoplasmosis in humans and animals. Central to its dissemination and pathogenicity is the ability to rapidly divide in the tachyzoite stage and infect any type of nucleated cell. Adaptation to different cell contexts requires high plasticity in which heat shock proteins (Hsps) could play a fundamental role. Tgj1 is a type I Hsp40 of T. gondii, an ortholog of the DNAJA1 group, which is essential during the tachyzoite lytic cycle. Tgj1 consists of a J-domain, ZFD, and DNAJ_C domains with a CRQQ C-terminal motif, which is usually prone to lipidation. Tgj1 presented a mostly cytosolic subcellular localization overlapping partially with endoplasmic reticulum. Protein–protein Interaction (PPI) analysis showed that Tgj1 could be implicated in various biological pathways, mainly translation, protein folding, energy metabolism, membrane transport and protein translocation, invasion/pathogenesis, cell signaling, chromatin and transcription regulation, and cell redox homeostasis among others. The combination of Tgj1 and Hsp90 PPIs retrieved only 70 interactors linked to the Tgj1-Hsp90 axis, suggesting that Tgj1 would present specific functions in addition to those of the Hsp70/Hsp90 cycle, standing out invasion/pathogenesis, cell shape motility, and energy pathway. Within the Hsp70/Hsp90 cycle, translation-associated pathways, cell redox homeostasis, and protein folding were highly enriched in the Tgj1-Hsp90 axis. In conclusion, Tgj1 would interact with a wide range of proteins from different biological pathways, which could suggest a relevant role in them.
What Kind of Theology Does the Church of the Future Need? Reflections in a European Context
Authors: Körtner Ulrich H. J.
Published: March 2023

While Christianity is growing worldwide, especially in various forms of charismatic and Pentecostal churches, membership in the Protestant churches and in the Catholic Church are declining throughout Europe. A theology for the church of the future, particularly a theology for pastoral ministry, needs an understanding of the church that is at once relevant to practical pastoral ministry and congregational work as well as awareness of the processes of change and upheaval. This paper argues that there is a need for a contemporary theology of diaspora. At the center of this paper is the question of how God can be spoken of in a theologically responsible way under present conditions without dissolving all theology into anthropology and ethics. The crisis of faith in modern Western secular societies is essentially a crisis of the language of faith. Theology in crisis and a theology for times of crisis—both have the task of waiting: waiting for God’s new entry into the world, for his coming, and for him to speak to us in a new way by making the language of the biblical tradition speak and appeal to us anew. Such a theology for times of crisis is precisely not resigned, but highly expectant, as can be learned from Dietrich Bonhoeffer.
Is the Christian View of the Self Empirically Adequate? The Tradition and the Future
Authors: Stepanenko Walter Scott
Published: March 2023

Many central creedal statements in Christianity presuppose the existence of a substantial self, even though Christian tradition has not always explicitly used this terminology. However, in contemporary philosophy, the traditional Christian view has been charged with empirical inadequacy, an objection often motivated by neuroscientific considerations. In this paper, I examine the empirical adequacy of the traditional Christian view from a phenomenological perspective and from emerging contemporary cognitive scientific perspectives that downplay or de-emphasize the brain’s role in cognition. I argue that neither perspective supports fatal objections to the traditional view and I explain how the traditional Christian view of the self can be synthesized with some novel philosophical developments that suggest the continued relevance of the view.
Glacial Archaeology in Northern Norway—The Island of Seiland
Authors: Caspari Gino , Schou Torbjørn Preus , Steuri Noah , Balz Timo
Published: March 2023

Norway is at the forefront of monitoring ice patches and glaciers for archaeological remains, and thousands of artifacts have been recovered over the past two decades due to accelerating melting. The majority of finds stem from the lower latitudes of the country and relatively little is known about the glacial archaeology of Norway’s far north. We use historical maps and high-resolution LiDAR derived elevation models to monitor ice flow and melt. We employ a terrain ruggedness index to map areas of non-moving ice which possibly contain well-preserved archaeological finds, and model least cost paths to understand the accessibility for humans and animals of an archaeologically unexplored landscape. We then conduct a sailboat supported exploratory survey on the arctic island of Seiland. While we fail to locate archaeologically productive ice, we identify and date a so far unknown type of archaeological stone structure likely related to sheltering and reindeer hunting/herding activities.
Complex-Valued U-Net with Capsule Embedded for Semantic Segmentation of PolSAR Image
Authors: Yu Lingjuan , Shao Qiqi , Guo Yuting , Xie Xiaochun , Liang Miaomiao , Hong Wen
Published: March 2023

In recent years, semantic segmentation with pixel-level classification has become one of the types of research focus in the field of polarimetric synthetic aperture radar (PolSAR) image interpretation. Fully convolutional network (FCN) can achieve end-to-end semantic segmentation, which provides a basic framework for subsequent improved networks. As a classic FCN-based network, U-Net has been applied to semantic segmentation of remote sensing images. Although good segmentation results have been obtained, scalar neurons have made it difficult for the network to obtain multiple properties of entities in the image. The vector neurons used in the capsule network can effectively solve this problem. In this paper, we propose a complex-valued (CV) U-Net with a CV capsule network embedded for semantic segmentation of a PolSAR image. The structure of CV U-Net is lightweight to match the small PolSAR data, and the embedded CV capsule network is designed to extract more abundant features of the PolSAR image than the CV U-Net. Furthermore, CV dynamic routing is proposed to realize the connection between capsules in two adjacent layers. Experiments on two airborne datasets and one Gaofen-3 dataset show that the proposed network is capable of distinguishing different types of land covers with a similar scattering mechanism and extracting complex boundaries between two adjacent land covers. The network achieves better segmentation performance than other state-of-art networks, especially when the training set size is small.
Satellite Magnetics Suggest a Complex Geothermal Heat Flux Pattern beneath the Greenland Ice Sheet
Authors: Kolster Mick Emil , Døssing Arne , Khan Shfaqat Abbas
Published: March 2023

Geothermal heat flow is key to unraveling several large-scale geophysical systems, including the inner workings of the Greenlandic ice sheet, and by extension, the possibility of understanding the past and prior global climate. Similarly, it could provide insight into the paleo-trace of the Icelandic mantle plume, which in turn is integral in answering long-standing questions on the origin of mountains in western and eastern Greenland and in Norway. This study documents the results from an intra-scientific field approach, which combines geological, petrophysical, and satellite magnetic field data in a nonlinear probabilistic inversion. These results include Curie depths with associated uncertainties and Geothermal Heat Flux estimates. While baselines remain challenging to evaluate due to the strong nonlinearity of the problem posed, stress testing reveals a high robustness of the predicted spatial variations, which largely disagree with the classic straightforward northwest–southeast or east–west plume trace across Greenland. Instead, our results indicate a complex heat flux pattern, including a localized region with anomalously heightened heat flux near the origin of the Northeast Greenland Ice Stream.
Construction and Analysis of Ecological Security Patterns in the Southern Anhui Region of China from a Circuit Theory Perspective
Authors: Lai Xiaoying , Yu Haoran , Liu Guihua , Zhang Xiangxue , Feng Yu , Ji Yiwen , Zhao Qi , Jiang Junyi , Gu Xinchen
Published: March 2023

Located in an important biodiversity conservation area in the Yangtze River Delta, the habitats of many species have been severely eroded because of human activities such as tourism development. There is no relevant species conservation plan in place in the region, and scientific guidance on ecosystem change and corridor construction is urgently needed. In this study, we first assess ecosystem service functions based on the InVEST model; then, we assess ecological sensitivity and identify landscape resistance surfaces by constructing ecosystem sensitivity indicators; finally, we construct ecological security patterns by combining landscape resistance surfaces and circuit theory identification. The main results are as follows: (1) The high value area of ecosystem services is located in the southwest, while the northeast part of the study area has lower ecosystem services, and there is a trade-off between the ecosystem services in the study area. (2) There are 38 ecological sources in southern Anhui, with a total area of more than 5742.79 km2, that are the basic guarantees of ecological security, mainly located in the northeast of the study area, and woodland and grassland are the most important components, accounting for 18.4% of the total study area. (3) The ecological security pattern in the study area consists of 63 ecological sources, 37 important corridors, and 26 potential corridors, of which there are 28 pinch point areas and 6 barrier point patches in the study area, mainly located within Huangshan City and Xuancheng City. We recommend that when implementing restoration and rehabilitation measures in the future, policy makers should give priority to pinch points and barrier areas.
Performance Evaluation of Mangrove Species Classification Based on Multi-Source Remote Sensing Data Using Extremely Randomized Trees in Fucheng Town, Leizhou City, Guangdong Province
Authors: Wang Xinzhe , Tan Linlin , Fan Jianchao
Published: March 2023

Mangroves are an important source of blue carbon that grow in coastal areas. The study of mangrove species distribution is the basis of carbon storage research. In this study, we explored the potential of combining optical (Gaofen-1, Sentinel-2, and Landsat-9) and fully polarized synthetic aperture radar data from different periods (Gaofen-3) to distinguish mangrove species in the Fucheng town of Leizhou, Guangdong Province. The Gaofen-1 data were fused with Sentinel-2 and Landsat-9 satellite data, respectively. The new data after fusion had both high spatial and spectral resolution. The backscattering coefficient and polarization decomposition parameters of the fully polarized SAR data which could characterize the canopy structure of mangroves were extracted. Ten different feature combinations were designed by combining the two types of data. The extremely randomized trees algorithm (ERT) was used to classify the species, and the optimal feature subset was selected by the feature selection algorithm on the basis of the ERT, and the importance of the features was sorted. Studies show the following: (1) When controlling a single variable, the higher the spatial resolution of the multi-spectral data, the higher the interspecific classification accuracy. (2) The coupled Sentinel-2 and Landsat-9 data with a 2 m resolution will have higher classification accuracy than a single data source. (3) The selected feature subset contains all types of features in the optical data and the polarization decomposition features of the SAR data from different periods: multi-spectral band > texture feature > polarization decomposition parameter > vegetation index. Among the optimized feature combinations, the classification accuracy of mangrove species was the highest, the overall classification accuracy was 90.13%, and Kappa was 0.84, indicating that multi-source and SAR data from different periods coupling could improve the discrimination of mangrove species. (4) The ERT classification algorithm is suitable for the study of mangrove species classification, and the classification accuracy of extremely random trees in this paper is higher than that of random forest (RF), K-nearest neighbor (KNN), and Bayesian (Bayes). The results can provide technical guidance and data support for mangrove species monitoring based on multi-source satellite data.
Intelligent Transportation Using Wireless Sensor Networks Blockchain and License Plate Recognition
Authors: Alharbi Fares , Zakariah Mohammed , Alshahrani Reem , Albakri Ashwag , Viriyasitavat Wattana , Alghamdi Abdulrahman Abdullah
Published: March 2023

License Plate Recognition (LPR) is essential for the Internet of Vehicles (IoV) since license plates are a necessary characteristic for distinguishing vehicles for traffic management. As the number of vehicles on the road continues to grow, managing and controlling traffic has become increasingly complex. Large cities in particular face significant challenges, including concerns around privacy and the consumption of resources. To address these issues, the development of automatic LPR technology within the IoV has emerged as a critical area of research. By detecting and recognizing license plates on roadways, LPR can significantly enhance management and control of the transportation system. However, implementing LPR within automated transportation systems requires careful consideration of privacy and trust issues, particularly in relation to the collection and use of sensitive data. This study recommends a blockchain-based approach for IoV privacy security that makes use of LPR. A system handles the registration of a user’s license plate directly on the blockchain, avoiding the gateway. The database controller may crash as the number of vehicles in the system rises. This paper proposes a privacy protection system for the IoV using license plate recognition based on blockchain. When a license plate is captured by the LPR system, the captured image is sent to the gateway responsible for managing all communications. When the user requires the license plate, the registration is done by a system connected directly to the blockchain, without going through the gateway. Moreover, in the traditional IoV system, the central authority has full authority to manage the binding of vehicle identity and public key. As the number of vehicles increases in the system, it may cause the central server to crash. Key revocation is the process in which the blockchain system analyses the behaviour of vehicles to judge malicious users and revoke their public keys.
Software Correction of Speed Measurement Determined by Phone GNSS Modules in Applications for Runners
Authors: Biernacki Pawel
Published: March 2023

This paper presents the results of a study on software correction of speed measurements taken by GNSS receivers installed in cell phones and sports watches. Digital low-pass filters were used to compensate for fluctuations in measured speed and distance. Real data obtained from popular running applications for cell phones and smartwatches were used for simulations. Various measurement situations were analyzed, such as running at a constant speed or interval running. Taking a very high accuracy GNSS receiver as the reference equipment, the solution proposed in the article reduces the measurement error of the traveled distance by 70%. In the case of measuring speed in interval running, the error could be reduced by up to 80%. The low-cost implementation allows simple GNSS receivers to approach the quality of distance and speed estimation of very precise and expensive solutions.