bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling Inertia-Driven Oil Transport Inside the Three-Piece Oil Control Ring of Internal Combustion Engines
Authors: Yang Tsung-Yu , Li Mo , Tian Tian
Published: November 2024

The three-piece oil control ring (TPOCR), traditionally used in light-duty gasoline engines, is becoming a viable option for heavy-duty gas and hydrogen engines due to its ability to control lubricating oil consumption (LOC) under throttled conditions. Understanding the distribution of oil inside the TPOCR groove, as well as the effects of rail gap and drain hole positions, is critical for optimizing TPOCR and groove designs. In this work, a one-dimensional oil distribution model was developed to simulate inertia-driven oil transport in the TPOCR groove. A novel approach was proposed by first dividing the TPOCR into units composed of a pair of expander pitches. Then, the relationship between the oil outflow rate of the unit and its oil mass was established with the help of three-dimensional two-phase computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. This relationship was then used to model one-dimensional oil transport along the circumference of the TPOCR groove. Incorporating the boundary conditions at the rail gaps and drain holes, this simple model can complete computations for 10,000 cycles within a few seconds, allowing for quick the evaluation of transient behavior and design iterations. Studies on low-load conditions show that the model, with reasonable adjustment for the boundary conditions, can match the oil distribution patterns observed in visualization experiments. This is the first step toward studying oil transport in the TPOCR groove before involving the effects of gas flows.
Sustainable Manufacturing and Green Processing Methods
Authors: Khalfallah Ali , Leitão Carlos
Published: November 2024

Sustainable manufacturing and green processing methods have gained immense relevance over recent years due to pressing concerns over environmental degradation, resource scarcity, and industrial waste [...]
Automatic Jig-Assisted Battery Exchange for Lightweight Drones
Authors: Vilkki Aleksi , Tikanmäki Antti , Röning Juha
Published: November 2024

Drones utilize rechargeable batteries as a power source. Operating a drone requires human interaction with the exchange or recharge process of these batteries. This can provide limits for drones, which is why some use cases for drones could benefit from automated battery exchange. The purpose of this work was to research how a robotic arm could be used to automatically exchange flight batteries in flying drones without interference from operators and create a proof-of-concept system for evaluation. The devised method was based around a separate jig, which would hold the drone in place during the exchange operation, where battery exchange itself was handled by the use of a robotic arm. The constructed prototype could exchange flight batteries in drones in under two minutes with reasonable perpetuity and reliability.
Design of a Gravity Ropeway in Nepal: A Methodological Analysis for Appropriate Technologies
Authors: Blanco-Romero Elena , Domènech-Mestres Carles , Ayala-Chauvin Manuel
Published: November 2024

This article describes the complete development of a design project for a context-integrated appropriate technology, a gravity ropeway for transporting agricultural products in remote areas of Nepal. The main purpose was to improve and optimize existing gravity ropeway designs, prioritizing simplicity, safety, and local manufacturability and maintenance. The design process followed a phased methodological approach used in machine design, which included stages of definition, conceptual design, materialization, and detailed design. The results of the ropeway installation demonstrate a reduction in the time and effort required by farmers to transport their products, consequently leading to a significant improvement in their quality of life. Despite the methodology followed, deficiencies were identified in the project execution procedure: lack of documentation and lack of explicit consideration of the local context in the design specifications, which could compromise the continuity and success of the project. This analysis highlights the need to adapt traditional design methodologies to appropriate technology projects. Specific procedures that address the characteristics of the local environment should be included to integrate the design into the context and accurately determine the needs of users in development projects.
Assessing the Critical Factors Leading to the Failure of the Industrial Pressure Relief Valve Through a Hybrid MCDM-FMEA Approach
Authors: Kuchekar Pradnya , Bhongade Ajay S. , Rehman Ateekh Ur , Mian Syed Hammad
Published: November 2024

Industrial pressure relief valves must function reliably and effectively to protect pressurized systems from excessive pressure conditions. These valves are essential safety devices that act as cushions to protect piping systems, equipment, and vessels from the risks of high pressure, which can cause damage or even explosions. The objectives of this study were to minimize valve failures, decrease the number of rejected valves in the production line, and enhance the overall quality of pressure relief valves. This work introduces an integrated quality improvement methodology known as the hybrid multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM)—failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) approach. This approach is based on prioritizing crucial factors for any failure modes in the industrial setting. The presented case study demonstrates the application of a hybrid approach for identifying the fundamental causes of industrial pressure relief valve failure modes and malfunctions. This investigation highlights the applicability of FMEA as a methodology for determining causes and executing remedial actions to keep failures from happening again. FMEA helps uncover the underlying causes of industrial pressure relief valve failures, while the integration of the hybrid MCDM methodology enables the application of four integrated MCDM methods to identify crucial factors. The adopted model addresses the shortcomings of the conventional FMEA by accurately analyzing the relationships between the risk factors and by utilizing several MCDM methods to rank failure modes. Following the application of the adopted methodology, it was discovered that the high-risk failure modes for the pressure relief valve included misalignment of wire, normal wear/aging, rejection of machined parts, mismatch of mating parts, and corrosion. Therefore, risk managers should prioritize developing improvement strategies for these five failure modes. Similarly, failures comprising debris, delayed valve opening, internal leakage, premature valve opening, and burr foreign particles were determined as second essential groups for improvement.
Acoustoelastic Theory and Mode Analysis of Bolted Structures Under Preload
Authors: Zhao Lei , Kuang Rui , Tian Guizhong , Shi Xiaona , Sun Li
Published: November 2024

Bolted connections are a common feature of connection in mechanical structures, employed to secure connected parts by tightening nuts and providing preload. The preload is susceptible to various factors leading to potential bolt loosening. The acoustoelastic theory is the most common measure of a bolt structure’s stress. The present study investigates the relationship between the inherent properties of a structure and its acousticelastic properties. The modal response of the bolted structure under different preload forces is studied by translating the acoustoelastic relationship of the structure into an analysis of its intrinsic properties. The modal analysis reflects the relative change in wave velocity to be determined implicitly based on the eigenfrequencies of the structure. A frequency formulation of classical bolted structures based on acoustoelastic theory is presented in this paper to conduct the intrinsic characteristic analysis of bolted structures. The COMSOL5.4 simulation results are under the acoustic elasticity coefficients for ultrasonic wave propagation in bolt structures, as predicted by the acoustic elasticity theory, and the present solutions are compared with those available in the literature to confirm their validity. A systematic parameter study for bolted structures under the varying preloads with different material parameters, Lame elastic constants, Murnaghan third-order elastic constants, and structural parameters are presented. These results may serve as a benchmark for researchers in this field.
Geometric Constraint Programming (GCP) Implemented Through GeoGebra to Study/Design Planar Linkages
Authors: Di Gregorio Raffaele , Cinti Tommaso
Published: November 2024

In the study and design of planar mechanisms, graphical techniques for solving kinematic analysis/synthesis and kinetostatics problems have regained interest due to the availability of advanced drawing tools (e.g., CAD software). These techniques offer a deeper physical understanding of a mechanism’s behavior, which can enhance a designer’s intuition and help students develop their skills. Geometric Constraint Programming (GCP) is the term used to describe this modern approach to implementing these techniques. GeoGebra is an open-source platform designed for the interactive learning and teaching of mathematics and related STEM disciplines. It offers an object-oriented programming language and a wide range of geometric tools that can be leveraged to implement GCP. This work presents a systematic technique for studying and designing planar linkages, based on Assur’s groups and GeoGebra’s tools. Although some kinematic analyses and syntheses of planar linkages using GeoGebra have been previously introduced, the proposed systematic approach is novel and could serve as a guide for implementing similar problem-solving methods in other graphical environments. Several case studies will be presented to illustrate this novel approach in detail.
The Computational Complexity of Subclasses of Semiperfect Rings
Authors: Wu Huishan
Published: November 2024

This paper studies the computational complexity of subclasses of semiperfect rings from the perspective of computability theory. A ring is semiperfect if the identity can be expressed as a sum of mutually orthogonal local idempotents. Semisimple rings and local rings are typical subclasses of semiperfect rings that play important roles in noncommutative algebra. First, we define a ring to be semisimple if the left regular module can be decomposed as a finite direct sum of simple submodules and prove that the index set of computable semisimple rings is Σ20-hard within the index set of computable rings. Second, we define local rings by using equivalent properties of non-left invertible elements of rings and show that the index set of computable local rings is Π20-hard within the index set of computable rings. Finally, based on the Π20 definition of local rings, computable semiperfect rings can be described by Σ30 formulas. As a corollary, we find that the index set of computable semiperfect rings can be both Σ20-hard and Π20-hard within the index set of computable rings.
Context-Aware Level-Wise Feature Fusion Network with Anomaly Focus for Precise Classification of Incomplete Atypical Femoral Fractures in X-Ray Images
Authors: Chang Joonho , Lee Junwon , Kwon Doyoung , Lee Jin-Han , Lee Minho , Jeong Sungmoon , Kim Joon-Woo , Jung Heechul , Oh Chang-Wug
Published: November 2024

Incomplete Atypical Femoral Fracture (IAFF) is a precursor to Atypical Femoral Fracture (AFF). If untreated, it progresses to a complete fracture, increasing mortality risk. However, due to their small and ambiguous features, IAFFs are often misdiagnosed even by specialists. In this paper, we propose a novel approach for accurately classifying IAFFs in X-ray images across various radiographic views. We design a Dual Context-aware Complementary Extractor (DCCE) to capture both the overall femur characteristics and IAFF details with the surrounding context, minimizing information loss. We also develop a Level-wise Perspective-preserving Fusion Network (LPFN) that preserves the perspective of features while integrating them at different levels to enhance model representation and sensitivity by learning complex correlations and features that are difficult to obtain independently. Additionally, we incorporate the Spatial Anomaly Focus Enhancer (SAFE) to emphasize anomalous regions, preventing the model bias toward normal regions, and reducing False Negatives and missed IAFFs. Experimental results show significant improvements across all evaluation metrics, demonstrating high reliability in terms of accuracy (0.931), F1-score (0.9456), and AUROC (0.9692), proving the model’s potential for application in real medical settings.
Human-Machine Function Allocation Method for Submersible Fault Detection Tasks
Authors: Yang Chenyuan , Pang Liping , Wu Wentao , Cao Xiaodong
Published: November 2024

The operation and support (OS) officer is responsible for buoyancy regulation and fault detection of onboard equipment in the civil submersible. The OS officer carries out the above tasks through the human-machine interface (HMI) of a submersible buoyancy regulation and support (SBRS) system. However, the OS officer often faces uneven task frequency produced by fault tasks, which leads to an unbalanced mental workload and individual failures. To address this issue, we proposed a human-machine function allocation method based on level of automation (LOA) taxonomy and submersible task complexity (STC), aimed at improving human-machine cooperation in submersible fault detection tasks. Based on this method, we identified the LOA2 as the optimal human-computer function allocation scheme. In this study, three measurement techniques (subjective scale, work performance, and physiological status) were used to test 15 subjects to validate the effectiveness of the proposed optimal human-machine function allocation scheme. The GAMM test results also indicate that the proposed optimal human-machine function allocation scheme (LOA2) can improve the work performance of the operating system officials under low or high workloads and reduce the subjective workload.
Hemin Promotes Higher Effectiveness of Aminolevulinic-Photodynamic Therapy (ALA-PDT) in A549 Lung Cancer Cell Line by Interrupting ABCG2 Expression
Authors: Pustimbara Anantya , Umami Rahma Wirdatul , Prakoso Nurul Muhammad , Rozaliyani Anna , Zaini Jamal , Dwiranti Astari , Ogura Shun-ichiro , Bowolaksono Anom
Published: November 2024

Background/Objectives: Due to concerns about drug resistance and side effects, the discovery of improved drugs for lung cancer has attracted studies to find an effective and safe treatment. Aminolevulinic acid-mediated photodynamic therapy (ALA-PDT) is a cancer treatment with minimal side effects. However, ALA-PDT effectiveness can be hindered by ABCG2 and ABCB1 transporters impeding PpIX accumulation. Combining ALA with other substances can enhance PpIX accumulation. Hemin is a potential substance due to its antitumor properties and may be involved in regulating the ABCG2 and ABCB1 expressions. Methods: The objective of this report is to analyze the effects of administering a combination of hemin and ALA after 48 h on A549 lung cancer cells by quantifying cell viability, intracellular PpIX, and ROS accumulation, completed by ABCG2 and ABCB1 expressions. Results: Our data indicate that the combination of hemin and ALA followed by photoirradiation decreased the viability of A549 cells, which was due to increased intracellular PpIX and ROS. The expression of ABCG2 mRNA was significantly decreased after ALA-hemin treatment, while the ABCB1 mRNA expression increased. This result might suggest that ABCG2 plays a greater role than ABCB1 in regulating the PpIX accumulation in A549 lung cancer cells. Conclusions: The combination of ALA and hemin followed by photoirradiation offers a promising novel treatment for lung cancer, and further evaluations of this therapy are required.
CMV Infection Risk Factors and Viral Dynamics After Valganciclovir Prophylaxis: 10 Years of Experience in Lung Transplant Recipients
Authors: García-Masedo Fernández Sarela , Laporta Rosalía , García Fadul Christian , Aguilar Pérez Myriam , Anel Pedroche Jorge , Sanabrias Fernández de Sevilla Raquel , Royuela Ana , Sánchez Romero Isabel , Ussetti Gil María Piedad
Published: November 2024

(1) The prevention of cytomegalovirus (CMV) in lung transplant recipients (LTx) is based on the administration of VGC for a period of 6–12 months, but there is little information on the premature discontinuation of the drug. Our objective was to evaluate the reasons for early cessation of VGC and the dynamics of CMV replication after discontinuation. (2) We carried out a retrospective study of LTx on VGC prophylaxis according to guidelines, with an outpatient follow-up period of >90 days. The detection of any level of CMV-DNA in the plasma (Cobas, Roche Diagnostics®) during a period of 18 months after the discontinuation of VGC was considered positive. (3) We included 312 patients (64% male, mean age 53.50 ± 12.27; 71% D+R+, 15% D−R+, and 14% D+R−) in our study. The prescribed prophylaxis was completed by 179 patients (57.05%). The mean duration of prophylaxis was 7.17 ± 1.08 months. The recorded reasons for VGC discontinuation in 133 patients (43%) were myelotoxicity (n = 55), impaired renal function (n = 32), and gastrointestinal disturbances (n = 11). The reason for discontinuation was not recorded for 29 patients. CMV-DNA was detected in 79% (n = 246) of cases, and D+R+ and D+R− recipients showed a high risk of detection (p < 0.001). The median times to onset of CMV-DNA detection were 35 days in D+R−, 73 days in D+R+, and 96 days in D−R+ (p < 0.001). (4) Adverse effects of VGC are frequent in LTx. CMV-DNA detection is very common after the discontinuation of VGC and is related to the CMV donor and recipient serostatus.
Metagenomic Analyses of Water Samples of Two Urban Freshwaters in Berlin, Germany, Reveal New Highly Diverse Invertebrate Viruses
Authors: Zell Roland , Groth Marco , Selinka Lukas , Selinka Hans-Christoph
Published: November 2024

In an attempt to explore the RNA viromes of two German rivers, we searched the virus particle contents of one 50 L water sample each from the Teltow Canal and the Havel River for viruses assumed to infect invertebrates. More than 330 complete and partial virus genomes up to a length of 37 kb were identified, with noda-like and reo-like viruses being most abundant, followed by bunya-like and birna-like viruses. Viruses related to the Permutotetraviridae, Nidovirales, Flaviviridae, Rhabdoviridae and Chuviridae as well as the unclassified Jῑngmén virus and Negev virus groups were also present. The results indicate a broad extent of recombinant virus genomes, supporting the concept of the modularity of eukaryotic viruses. For example, novel combinations of genes encoding replicase and structural proteins with a jellyroll fold have been observed. Less than 35 viruses could be assigned to existing virus genera. These are (i) an avian deltacoronavirus which was represented by only one short contig, albeit with 98% similarity, (ii) a seadornavirus and a rotavirus, and (iii) some 30 nodaviruses. All remaining viruses are novel and too diverse for accommodation in existing genera. Many of the virus genomes exhibit ORFans encoding hypothetical proteins of up to 2000 amino acids without conserved protein domains.
Antigenic Divergence from the Seasonal Vaccine of the Influenza Virus Strains Circulating in Romania During Three Successive Seasons (2021–2024)
Authors: Vlaicu Ovidiu , Banica Leontina , Hohan Robert , Surleac Marius , Florea Dragoş , Miron Victor Daniel , Tudor Andreea , Săndulescu Oana , Drăgănescu Anca Cristina , Oțelea Dan , Paraschiv Simona
Published: November 2024

Influenza viruses continue to be an important public health threat. Vaccination is the most effective measure to control the influenza virus circulation. However, these viruses are continuously evolving through antigenic drift/shift, and thus the vaccine efficiency is affected. The aim of this study was to characterize the viral strains circulating in Romania, in a population with declining vaccination coverage, during the last three cold seasons by evaluating the hemagglutinin antigenic relatedness to the vaccine strains. All the available sequences collected between August 2021 and June 2024 were analyzed by using phylogenetic analysis and the Pepitope model to predict vaccine efficacy. The results showed that the 2021/2022 influenza season was dominated by the circulation of highly diverse clades of A(H3N2) viruses with high mutational divergence as compared to the vaccine strain, which might contribute to the reduction in vaccine efficacy. During the 2022/2023 influenza season, both influenza A and B viruses were reported, with few antigenic site mutations. The 2023/2024 influenza season was dominated by the circulation of influenza A viruses: A/H1N1pdm09 clade 6B.1A.5a.2a and A/H3N2 clade 2a.3a.1. The clade 2a.3a.1 also showed high variability when compared to the vaccine strain, presumably leading to reduced vaccine efficacy. This study illustrates the high diversity of influenza viruses circulating in a population with low vaccination coverage during the previous cold seasons. The viral diversity impacted vaccine efficacy, hence the need for public health programs to increase vaccine uptake and improve vaccine formulation in order to limit viral transmission.
Hepatitis C Diagnosis and Treatment Among Indigenous People in a Canadian Context: Challenges and Community-Led Solutions
Authors: Dunn Kate P. R. , Biondi Mia J. , Lee Samuel S.
Published: November 2024

The historical and ongoing impacts of the influence of colonization are experienced by Indigenous people in systemic racism, inequity in healthcare access, and intergenerational trauma; originating in the disruption of a way of life and seen in a grief response, with links to disparate hepatitis C virus (HCV) prevalence. Despite this, the focus often remains on the increased incidence without a strengths-based lens. Although HCV is a global concern that can result in cirrhosis, liver failure, or cancer, diagnosing and linking people to care and treatment early can prevent advanced liver disease. Efforts to engage certain priority populations are occurring; however, historical context and current practices are often forgotten or overlooked. This is especially true with respect to Indigenous people in Canada. This review considers the published literature to elucidate the context of historical and ongoing colonizing impacts seen in the current HCV treatment gaps experienced by Indigenous people in Canada. In addition, we highlight strengths-based and Indigenous-led initiatives and programming that inspire hopefulness and steps toward community-engaged solutions to meet the World Health Organization Goals of eliminating HCV as a public health threat.
Pd-Catalyzed Aromatic Dual C-H Acylations and Intramolecular Cyclization: Access to Quinoline-Substituted Hydroxyl Isoindolones
Authors: Xu Hongke , Yang Yuchen , Li Fei , Yang Yuzhu
Published: November 2024

A palladium-catalyzed aromatic dual C-H acylations followed with intramolecular cyclizations have been developed by the assistance of bidentate N-(quinolin-8-yl)benzamide. This tandem process involves the formation of three new chemical bonds, providing access to novel quinoline-substituted hydroxyl isoindolones skeleton under simple reaction conditions. The deuterium-labeled competition reaction has revealed that C-H bond cleavage is the turnover limiting step.
Mechanistic Insights into the Reaction of Wulfenite with Aqueous Sodium Sulfide Solution and Its Industrial Implications
Authors: Cai Zi , Li Jialei , Ning Shuai , Liu Ruizeng
Published: November 2024

The purpose of this study was to investigate the reaction mechanism of wulfenite with an aqueous sodium sulfide solution and thereby provide guidance for the sulfidization flotation and sodium sulfide leaching of wulfenite. For this purpose, dissolution/leaching behavior analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) were performed. The dissolution/leaching analysis indicated that sodium sulfide can induce the dissolution of PbMoO4. The XRD and Raman spectra results demonstrated that PbMoO4 was replaced by PbS at the wulfenite–sodium sulfide solution interface, and the sulfidized wulfenite particles had a PbMoO4/PbS core–shell structure. The XPS results also indicated the transformation of PbMoO4 to PbS. The FESEM images showed the growth of PbS nanoparticles on the surface of wulfenite and the dissolution pits after treatment with sodium sulfide solution. These findings showed that wulfenite sulfidization proceeds through an interface-coupled dissolution–precipitation mechanism. In the presence of sodium sulfide solution, the less stable PbMoO4 dissolves, and the more stable PbS phase precipitates, both of which are coupled at the wulfenite–sodium sulfide aqueous solution interface.
Crystallographic Fragment Screening of a Bifunctional Proline Catabolic Enzyme Reveals New Inhibitor Templates for Proline Dehydrogenase and L-Glutamate-γ-semialdehyde Dehydrogenase
Authors: Meeks Kaylen R. , Bogner Alexandra N. , Nix Jay C. , Tanner John J.
Published: November 2024

The proline catabolic pathway consisting of proline dehydrogenase (PRODH) and L-glutamate-γ-semialdehyde (GSAL) dehydrogenase (GSALDH) catalyzes the four-electron oxidation of L-proline to L-glutamate. Chemical probes to these enzymes are of interest for their role in cancer and inherited metabolic disease. Here, we report the results of a crystallographic fragment-screening campaign targeting both enzymes. A unique aspect of our approach is the screening of both enzymes simultaneously using crystals of the bifunctional PRODH-GSALDH enzyme, proline utilization A (PutA). A 288-fragment library from Zenobia was screened in crystallo in cocktails of six fragments. Validation X-ray crystallography with individual fragments identified seven crystal hits distributed in the PRODH active site, GSALDH aldehyde substrate-binding site, and GSALDH NAD+ adenine-binding site. The fragment bound in the PRODH active site, 4-methoxybenzyl alcohol, is structurally distinct from all known PRODH inhibitors as it lacks an anionic anchor and stabilizes open conformations of the active site, motivating the study of eighteen analogs. In total, thirteen crystal structures with resolutions ranging from 1.32 Å to 1.80 Å were determined, resolving the poses and interactions of seven fragments from the Zenobia library and five analogs of 4-methoxybenzyl alcohol. These results expand the chemical space of probes targeting proline catabolic enzymes and provide new structural information for further inhibitor development.
Review of Foam with Novel CO2-Soluble Surfactants for Improved Mobility Control in Tight Oil Reservoirs
Authors: Zhao Fajun , Sun Mingze , Liu Yong , Sun Wenjing , Guo Qinyuan , Yang Zian , Zhang Changjiang , Li Meng
Published: November 2024

CO2-soluble surfactant foam systems have gained significant attention for their potential to enhance oil recovery, particularly in tight oil reservoirs where conventional water-soluble surfactants face challenges such as poor injectability and high reservoir sensitivity. This review provides a comprehensive explanation of the basic theory of CO2-soluble surfactant foam, its mechanism in enhanced oil recovery (EOR), and the classification and application of various CO2-soluble surfactants. The application of these surfactants in tight oil reservoirs, where low permeability and high water sensitivity limit traditional methods, is highlighted as a promising solution to improve CO2 mobility control and increase oil recovery. The mechanism of enhanced oil recovery by CO2-soluble surfactant foam involves the effective reduction of CO2 fluidity, the decrease in oil–gas flow ratio, and the stabilization of the displacement front. Foam plays a vital role in mitigating the issues of channeling and gravity separation often caused by simple CO2 injection. The reduction in gas fluidity can be attributed to the increase in apparent viscosity and trapped gas fraction. Future research should prioritize the development of more efficient and environmentally friendly CO2-soluble surfactants. It is essential to further explore the advantages and challenges associated with their practical applications in order to maximize their potential impact.
Effect of Physical Treatments on Functional Properties of Whey and Soy Protein Isolates in Oleogel Production Through Foam Template Method
Authors: Saneei Mojtaba , Goli Sayed Amir Hossein , Shekarchizadeh Hajar , Rahimmalek Mehdi , Szumny Antoni
Published: November 2024

This study aimed to investigate the impact of physical treatments, namely heat (70 °C for 48 h), atmospheric cold plasma (10 kW for 20 min), and ultrasonic frequency (40 kHz for 15 min), on the physicochemical and interfacial properties of soy protein isolate (SPI) and whey protein isolate (WPI) in the context of oleogel production by foam template (cryogel) method. The physical modification of both SPI and WPI was monitored using SDS-PAGE, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectroscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), measuring interfacial tension, color, solubility, foam volume, foam stability, and, finally, the density and oil absorption of the produced cryogel. The findings revealed that the application of ultrasonic waves resulted in a significant reduction in the content of alpha-helical of SPI and WPI while the other treatments increased the content of random coil proteins. FTIR analysis further showed that ultrasonic and heat treatment led to a decrease in C-N tensile vibration within the range of 1200–1650 cm−1 in SPI. Meanwhile, in cold plasma treatment, an increase was observed which was confirmed by the elevation of enthalpy from 100 to 128 kJ/kg. Physical treatments significantly altered the surface properties of both SPI and WPI, where this value was reduced in SPI and increased in WPI. The cold plasma method demonstrated superior performance in enhancing the solubility of SPI from 10 to 58.2%, while the solubility of WPI decreased from 96.4 to 90.4%. By modifying the proteins, the foam volume and oil adsorption ability of the related cryogel improved, as shown by the maximum oil absorption obtained after ultrasonic treatment for SPI (11.6 g/g) and cold plasma (9.17 g/g) for WPI. These results could be useful in applying physical treatments to modify proteins and create the cryogel as an oleogel template for structuring liquid oil and producing innovative health value-added foods.
New Asymmetric Gemini Triazole Surfactants with a Polar Triethylene Glycol Fragment: Synthesis and Physico-Chemical Properties
Authors: Bogdanov Ilshat , Mironova Diana , Sultanova Elza , Burilov Vladimir , Solovieva Svetlana , Antipin Igor
Published: November 2024

The present work is devoted to the synthesis and analysis of the physicochemical properties of new functionalized asymmetric Gemini surfactants. Herein, alkyl- and azide-substituted surfactants with symmetric and asymmetric substituents were synthesized by using the click-reaction method. The critical aggregation concentration values of Gemini surfactants were determined. The binding processes of functionalized Gemini surfactants with bovine serum albumin were evaluated by fluorescence spectroscopy. Also, using the temperature dependences of the binding constants, the mechanism of Gemini surfactants binding with bovine serum albumin was studied. The hydrodynamic diameters of the formed bovine serum albumin/surfactant aggregates were analyzed. Based on electrophoretic light scattering, the ability of the synthesized Gemini surfactants to form associates was analyzed. The possibility of changing the mechanism of interaction in the 15c/bovine serum albumin system was shown. Based on the results obtained using different light scattering techniques and fluorescence spectroscopy, the mechanisms of interaction between bovine serum albumin and surfactants were determined.
Using Computer Modeling and Experimental Methods to Screen for Aptamers That Bind to the VV-GMCSF-LACT Virus
Authors: Dymova Maya , Vasileva Natalia , Malysheva Daria , Ageenko Alisa , Shchugoreva Irina , Artyushenko Polina , Tomilin Felix , Kichkailo Anna S. , Kuligina Elena , Richter Vladimir
Published: November 2024

Oncolytic virotherapy is a promising approach for cancer treatment. However, when introduced into the body, the virus provokes the production of virus-neutralizing antibodies, which can reduce its antitumor effect. To shield viruses from the immune system, aptamers that can cover the membrane of the viral particle are used. Aptamers that specifically bind to the JX-594 strain of the vaccinia virus were developed earlier. However, the parameters for binding to the recombinant virus VV-GMCSF-Lact, developed based on the LIVP strain of the vaccinia virus, may differ due its different repertoire of antigenic determinants on its membrane compared to JX-594. In this work, the spatial atomic structures of aptamers to JX-594 and bifunctional aptamers were determined using molecular modeling. The efficiency of viral particles binding to the aptamers (EC50), as well as the cytotoxicity and stability of the aptamers were studied. The synergistic effect of the VV-GMCSF-Lact combination with the aptamers in the presence of serum was investigated using human glioblastoma cells. This proposed approach allowed us to conduct a preliminary screening of sequences using in silico modeling and experimental methods, and identified potential candidates that are capable of shielding VV-GMCSF-Lact from virus-neutralizing antibodies.
Nitric Oxide and Small and Intermediate Calcium-Activated Potassium Channels Mediate the Vasodilation Induced by Apigenin in the Resistance Vessels of Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Klider Lislaine Maria , da Silva Maria Luiza Fidelis , da Silva Gustavo Ratti , da Costa João Ricardo Cray , Marques Marcia Alessandra Arantes , Lourenço Emerson Luiz Botelho , Lívero Francislaine Aparecida dos Reis , Manfron Jane , Gasparotto Junior Arquimedes
Published: November 2024

Background: Apigenin (4′,5,7-trihydroxyflavone), a flavonoid with potential cardiovascular benefits, has unclear mechanisms of action. This study investigates its effects on vascular function in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats (SHRs). Methods: Mesenteric vascular beds (MVBs) were isolated from SHRs and perfused with increasing doses of apigenin after pre-contraction with phenylephrine. To explore the mechanisms, different MVBs were pre-perfused with antagonists and inhibitors, including indomethacin, L-NAME, and potassium channel blockers (tetraethylammonium, a non-specific potassium channel blocker; glibenclamide, an ATP-sensitive potassium channel blocker; 4-aminopyridine, a voltage-gated potassium channel blocker; charybdotoxin a selective intermediate-conductance calcium-activated potassium channel blocker; and apamin, a selective small-conductance calcium-activated potassium channel blocker). Results: Apigenin induced a dose-dependent reduction in perfusion pressure in MVBs with intact endothelium, an effect abolished by endothelium removal. L-NAME reduced apigenin-induced vasodilation by approximately 40%. The vasodilatory effect was blocked by potassium chloride and tetraethylammonium. The inhibition of small and intermediate calcium-activated potassium channels with charybdotoxin and apamin reduced apigenin-induced vasodilation by 50%, and a combination of these blockers with L-NAME completely inhibited the effect. Conclusions: Apigenin promotes vasodilation in resistance arteries through endothelial nitric oxide and calcium-activated potassium channels. These findings suggest that apigenin could have therapeutic potential in cardiovascular disease, warranting further clinical research.
Theoretical Study on Singlet Fission Dynamics and Triplet Migration Process in Symmetric Heterotrimer Models
Authors: Miyamoto Hajime , Okada Kenji , Tada Kohei , Kishi Ryohei , Kitagawa Yasutaka
Published: November 2024

Singlet fission (SF) is a photophysical process where one singlet exciton splits into two triplet excitons. To construct design guidelines for engineering directional triplet exciton migration, we investigated the SF dynamics in symmetric linear heterotrimer systems consisting of different unsubstituted or 6,13-disubstituted pentacene derivatives denoted as X/Y (X, Y: terminal and center monomer species). Time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) calculations clarified that the induction effects of the substituents, represented as Hammett’s para-substitution coefficients σp, correlated with both the excitation energies of S1 and T1 states, in addition to the energies of the highest occupied and lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals (HOMO and LUMO). Electronic coupling calculations and quantum dynamics simulations revealed that the selectivity of spatially separated TT states for heterotrimers increased over 70%, superior to that in the homotrimer: an optimal region of the difference in σp between the substituents of X and Y for the increase in SF rate was found. The origin of the rise in SF rate is explained by considering the quantum interference effect: reduction in structural symmetry opens new interaction paths, allowing the S1-TT mixing, which contributes to accelerating the hetero-fission between the terminal and center molecules.
Recent Developments in the Metal-Catalyzed Synthesis of Nitrogenous Heterocyclic Compounds
Authors: Zhang Xueguo , Bi Wenxuan , Cao Zhenyu , Shen Jian , Chen Baohua
Published: November 2024

Metal-catalyzed cyclization reactions have become a powerful and efficient approach for the stereoselective construction of both carbocyclic and heterocyclic ring systems. Transition metal complexes, with their ability to activate and selectively functionalize organic substrates, have revolutionized various areas of synthetic chemistry. This review highlights recent advancements in metal-catalyzed cyclization reactions, especially in the synthesis of nitrogen-containing heterocycles like imidazoles, pyridines, pyrimidines, and indoles. These advancements have significantly impacted fields such as natural product synthesis, pharmaceuticals, functional materials, and organic electronics. Novel catalytic systems, ligand designs, and reaction conditions continue to expand the capabilities of these reactions, driving further the progress made in synthetic organic chemistry. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent research.
Oxidative Imbalance in Psoriasis with an Emphasis on Psoriatic Arthritis: Therapeutic Antioxidant Targets
Authors: Bilski Rafał , Kupczyk Daria , Woźniak Alina
Published: November 2024

Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) are chronic autoimmune diseases characterized by persistent inflammation and oxidative imbalance. Oxidative stress, caused by excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and dysfunction in antioxidant mechanisms, plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of both conditions, leading to increased inflammatory processes and tissue damage. This study aims to review current antioxidant-based therapeutic options and analyze oxidative stress biomarkers in the context of psoriasis and PsA. Based on available literature, key biomarkers, such as malondialdehyde (MDA), advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), and advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), were identified as being elevated in patients with psoriasis and PsA. Conversely, antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), showed reduced activity, correlating with symptom severity. The study also examines the efficacy of various antioxidant therapies, including curcumin, resveratrol, coenzyme Q10, and vitamins C and E, which may aid in reducing oxidative stress and alleviating inflammation. The findings indicated that antioxidants can play a significant role in alleviating symptoms and slowing the progression of psoriasis and PsA through modulation of redox mechanisms and reduction of ROS levels. Antioxidant-based therapies offer a promising direction in treating autoimmune diseases, highlighting the need for further research on their efficacy and potential clinical application.
The Influence of Realism on the Sense of Presence in Virtual Reality: Neurophysiological Insights Using EEG
Authors: Safikhani Saeed , Gattringer Vinzenz , Schmied Michael , Pirker Johanna , Wriessnegger Selina Christin
Published: November 2024

One of the most crucial aspects of the user experience in virtual reality (VR) is the sense of presence. To evaluate this, both subjective and objective methods can be employed. While subjective methods are easy to implement and interpret, they may not fully capture user feedback, and the results can sometimes lack consistency. In contrast, using objective methods, such as electroencephalography (EEG), can provide more reliable insights. To investigate the influence of realism on the sense of presence, we conducted an EEG study with 21 participants who experienced two VR environments—one realistic and one non-realistic. During the study, we continuously measured their brain activity using an EEG device. Our findings showed that alteration in the level of realism in an environment can be detected through changes in brain activity. Notably, we observed that users take longer to adapt to a non-realistic environment when transitioning from a realistic scene, compared to the reverse. Although our study has limitations, such as the total number of participants, we gained valuable initial insights into how realism may influence brain activity. These findings suggest that higher realism may lead to reduced cognitive load, increased attention, improved decision-making, and suppression of irrelevant information.
LNC-ing Genetics in Mitochondrial Disease
Authors: Kamps Rick , Robinson Emma Louise
Published: November 2024

Primary mitochondrial disease (MD) is a group of rare genetic diseases reported to have a prevalence of 1:5000 and is currently without a cure. This group of diseases includes mitochondrial encephalopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes (MELAS), maternally inherited diabetes and deafness (MIDD), Leber’s hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON), Leigh syndrome (LS), Kearns–Sayre syndrome (KSS), and myoclonic epilepsy and ragged-red fiber disease (MERRF). Additionally, secondary mitochondrial dysfunction has been implicated in the most common current causes of mortality and morbidity, including cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancer. Identifying key genetic contributors to both MD and secondary mitochondrial dysfunction may guide clinicians to assess the most effective treatment course and prognosis, as well as informing family members of any hereditary risk of disease transmission. Identifying underlying genetic causes of primary and secondary MD involves either genome sequencing (GS) or small targeted panel analysis of known disease-causing nuclear- or mitochondrial genes coding for mitochondria-related proteins. Due to advances in GS, the importance of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) as functional contributors to the pathophysiology of MD is being unveiled. A limited number of studies have thus far reported the importance of lncRNAs in relation to MD causation and progression, and we are entering a new area of attention for clinical geneticists in specific rare malignancies. This commentary provides an overview of what is known about the role of lncRNAs as genetic and molecular contributors to disease pathophysiology and highlights an unmet need for a deeper understanding of mitochondrial dysfunction in serious human disease burdens.
Real-Time Observations of Leaf Vitality Extinction by Dynamic Speckle Imaging
Authors: Colin Elise , Garcia-Caurel Enrique , Adeline Karine , Plyer Aurélien , Orlik Xavier
Published: November 2024

Sap flow within a leaf is a critical indicator of plant vitality and health. This paper introduces an easy-to-use, non-invasive and real-time imaging method for sap microcirculation imaging. From the coherent backscattering of light on a leaf, we show that the acquisition frequency of dynamic speckle can be linked to the microcirculation speed inside the leaf. Unlike conventional methods based on speckle contrast, which use integration times long enough to observe temporal decorrelation within a single image, our approach operates in a regime where speckle patterns appear ‘frozen’ in each frame of a given sequence. This ‘frozen’ state implies that any decorrelation of the speckle pattern within a frame is negligible. However, between successive frames, decorrelation becomes substantial, and it is this inter-frame decorrelation that enables the extraction of dynamic information. In this context, the integration time primarily influences the radiometric levels, while the frame acquisition rate emerges as the key parameter for generating activity index maps. Thus, by accessing different ranges of sap flow activity levels by varying the frame acquisition rate, we reveal, in a non-invasive way, the anatomy of the leaf’s circulatory network with unprecedented richness. We experimentally validate the ability of the method to characterize the vitality of a fig leaf in real time by observing the continuous decrease in sap circulation, first in the smaller vessels and then in the larger ones, following the cutting of the leaf over a 48 h period.
A Convolutional Neural Network-Based Method for Distinguishing the Flow Patterns of Gas-Liquid Two-Phase Flow in the Annulus
Authors: Cheng Chen , Yang Weixia , Feng Xiaoya , Zhao Yarui , Su Yubin
Published: November 2024

In order to improve the accuracy and efficiency of flow pattern recognition and to solve the problem of the real-time monitoring of flow patterns, which is difficult to achieve with traditional visual recognition methods, this study introduced a flow pattern recognition method based on a convolutional neural network (CNN), which can recognize the flow pattern under different pressure and flow conditions. Firstly, the complex gas–liquid distribution and its velocity field in the annulus were investigated using a computational fluid dynamics (CFDs) simulation, and the gas–liquid distribution and velocity vectors in the annulus were obtained to clarify the complexity of the flow patterns in the annulus. Subsequently, a sequence model containing three convolutional layers and two fully connected layers was developed, which employed a CNN architecture, and the model was compiled using the Adam optimizer and the sparse classification cross entropy as a loss function. A total of 450 images of different flow patterns were utilized for training, and the trained model recognized slug and annular flows with probabilities of 0.93 and 0.99, respectively, confirming the high accuracy of the model in recognizing annulus flow patterns, and providing an effective method for flow pattern recognition.