bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bacterial Diversity Associated with Terrestrial and Aquatic Snails
Authors: Apostolou Konstantinos , Radea Canella , Meziti Alexandra , Kormas Konstantinos Ar.
Published: December 2024

The introduction of the holobiont concept has triggered scientific interest in depicting the structural and functional diversity of animal microbial symbionts, which has resulted in an unprecedented wealth of such cross-domain biological associations. The steadfast technological progress in nucleic acid-based approaches would cause one to expect that scientific works on the microbial symbionts of animals would be balanced at least for the farmed animals of human interest. For some animals, such as ruminants and a few farmed fish species of financial significance, the scientific wealth of the microbial worlds they host is immense and ever growing. The opposite happens for other animals, such as snails, in both the wild and farmed species. Snails are evolutionary old animals, with complex ecophysiological roles, living in rich microbial habitats such as soil and sediments or water. In order to create a stepping stone for future snail microbiome studies, in this literature review, we combined all the available knowledge to date, as documented in scientific papers, on any microbes associated with healthy and diseased terrestrial and aquatic snail species from natural and farmed populations. We conducted a Boolean search in Scopus, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect until June 2024, identifying 137 papers, of which 60 were used for original data on snail bacterial communities in the gastrointestinal tract, hepatopancreas, and feces. We provide a synthesis on how representative this knowledge is towards depicting the possible snail core microbiota, as well as the steps that need to be taken in the immediate future to increase the in-depth and targeted knowledge of the bacterial component in snail holobionts.
Stilbenes in Red Wine: Formation and Biological Potential of Resveratrol and Piceid Dimers
Authors: Jaa Ayoub , de Moura Patricia Homobono Brito , Valls-Fonayet Josep , Da Costa Grégory , Ruiz-Larrea María Begoña , Krisa Stéphanie , Ruiz-Sanz José Ignacio , Richard Tristan
Published: December 2024

Resveratrol and its glucoside, piceid, are the primary stilbenes present in wine. These compounds are well known for their pharmaceutical properties. However, these compounds can undergo chemical transformations in wines, such as polymerization in the presence of metallic reagents. This study investigates the oxidative coupling of resveratrol and piceid to form dimers, including δ-viniferin and δ-viniferin-diglucoside. These dimers were synthesized using silver acetate. The formation of these stilbenes was monitored in wine model solutions and red wines. The results indicated that resveratrol and piceid underwent transformation during heat treatment, forming their respective dimers. The polymerization of both compounds is temperature-dependent, with higher conversion rates at elevated temperatures. Notably, piceid was more reactive than resveratrol in wine. Finally, the anti-inflammatory effects of these compounds were evaluated on the RAW 264.7 macrophage cell line.
Protein Precipitation by Metal Hydroxides as a Convenient and Alternative Sample Preparation Procedure for Bioanalysis
Authors: Salina Emanuele , Regazzoni Luca
Published: December 2024

Protein precipitation is widely used for sample preparation ahead of liquid chromatography. This step is required to analyze small molecules without the interference of proteins contained in the matrix. Organic solvents and acidic chemicals are the two most popular reagents used for this scope. Organic solvents are quite effective precipitating agents, but require a medium-to-large sample dilution. Moreover, a high concentration of organic solvents in sample media can affect reversed phase separations. Therefore, an evaporation step, followed by the resuspension of the analytes in appropriate media, is sometimes required. On the contrary, the addition of acidic compounds is more straightforward, since it keeps the supernatant aqueous and does not require evaporation, but the extreme pH can cause the degradation of analytes and the stationary phase. Herein, an alternative method for protein precipitation using the addition of zinc hydroxide was tested. The main advantages of this method over the other precipitating reagents are the minimal sample dilution required and the maintenance of aqueous media at nearly neutral pH which ensure analyte stability. The protocol ensured an effective protein removal before the analysis of small molecules in biological matrices, resulting in full compatibility with reversed phase chromatography coupled with both UV and mass spectrometric detectors.
Leaching Characteristics and Mechanisms of Fluorine and Phosphorus from Phosphogypsum
Authors: Dong Wanqiang , Deng Xiangyi , Chai Liqi , Zhang Yuefei , Chen Haodong , Wu Hanjun , Chi Ru’an
Published: December 2024

As a large-volume industrial solid waste generated during the production of wet-process phosphoric acid, the primary disposal method for phosphogypsum (PG) currently involves centralized stockpiling, which requires substantial land use. Additionally, PG contains impurities, such as phosphorus, fluorine, and alkali metals, that may pose potential pollution risks to the surrounding environment. However, the mechanisms governing the co-release of phosphorus and fluorine impurities alongside valuable metal cations during leaching remain unclear, posing challenges to efficient disposal and utilization. This study compares the leaching characteristics of cations and anions in PG of different particle sizes through static pH leaching experiments. Using Visual MINTEQ simulation combined with XRD, XPS, and FT-IR characterization methods, we analyzed the leaching mechanisms and key controlling factors for various metal elements and inorganic elements, like phosphorus and fluorine, under different pH conditions. The experimental results show that Ca, Al, Fe, Ti, Ba, Sr, Y, and PO43− in PG are more easily released under acidic conditions, while Si, Zn, Co, and F are primarily influenced by the content of soluble components. The dynamic “dissolution–crystallization” reaction of CaSO4·H2O significantly impacts the leaching of fluorine, and the XRD, XPS, and FT-IR characterization results confirm the presence of this reaction during the leaching process. This research provides theoretical guidance for the environmental risk assessment of stockpiled PG and the recovery of phosphorus, fluorine, and valuable metal resources from PG.
Cross-Section Calculations for Electron-Impact Ionization of Pyrimidine Molecule and Its Halogenated Derivatives: 2-Chloropyrimidine, 5-Chloropyrimidine, 2-Bromopyrimidine and 5-Bromopyrimidine
Authors: Żywicka Bożena , Możejko Paweł
Published: December 2024

The total cross-sections for the single electron-impact ionization of pyrimidine (C4H4N2), 2-chloropyrimidine (2-C4H3ClN2), 5-chloropyrimidine (5-C4H3ClN2), 2-bromopyrimidine (2-C4H3BrN2) and 5-bromopyrimidine (5-C4H3BrN2) molecules have been calculated with the binary-encounter-Bethe model from the ionization threshold up to 5 keV. The input data for the BEB calculations concerning electronic structure of the studied targets have been obtained with quantum chemical methods including the Hartree–Fock (H-F) and the outer valence Green function (OVGF) methods. The calculated cross-section for the ionization of the pyrimidine molecules due to electron impact is compared with available experimental and theoretical data. The question of the magnitude the pyrimidine ionization cross-section is also discussed, as is the efficiency of the ionization process of studied halogenated derivatives of pyrimidine.
Synthesis of 0.75Pb(Zr0.52Ti0.48)O3-0.25BiFeO3 Thin Film Capacitors with Excellent Efficiency and Thermal Stability
Authors: Wu Li , Han Feifei , Chen Kaiyuan , Deng Jianming , Liu Laijun , Peng Biaolin
Published: December 2024

The advancement of miniaturizing electronic information technology draws growing interest in dielectric capacitors due to their high-power density and rapid charge/discharge capabilities. The sol-gel method was utilized to fabricate the 0.75Pb(Zr0.52Ti0.48)O3-0.25BiFeO3 (PZT-25BFO) thin film. Excitingly, PZT-25BFO thin film exhibits an exceptional capacitive energy storage density (Wrec = 24.61–39.76 J/cm3) and a high efficiency (η = 53.78–72.74%). Furthermore, the dielectric energy storage density and efficiency enhance simultaneously with increasing thickness of the thin film. However, the loss factor shows the opposite trend. Specifically, the 12-layer PZT-25BFO thin film demonstrates the optimal properties, boasting a significant energy storage density (15.73 J/cm3), a high efficiency (77.65%), and remarkable thermal stability (±0.55% variation) from 303 K to 383 K at 1000 kV/cm. This excellent thermal stability can be attributed to the residual stress resulting from a phase transition from the rhombohedral to tetragonal phase. The result offers valuable guidance for the development of ferroelectric thin films in high-power capacitive energy storage applications.
Variation in (Hyper)Polarizability of H2 Molecule in Bond Dissociation Processes Under Spatial Confinement
Authors: Lipkowski Paweł , Bartkowiak Wojciech
Published: December 2024

We report the results of calculations of the linear polarizability and second hyperpolarizability of the H2 molecule in the bond dissociation process. These calculations were performed for isolated molecules, as well as molecules under spatial confinement. The spatial confinement was modeled using the external two-dimensional (cylindrical) harmonic oscillator potential. In contrast to the recently investigated polar LiH molecule, it was shown that the spatial confinement significantly diminishes the linear and nonlinear response of H2 for each interatomic (H-H) distance.
Leaflet: Operative Steps for Interventional Studies in Neuroscience
Authors: Meringolo Maria , Delle Monache Sergio , Martella Giuseppina , Peppe Antonella
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives: Drug development involves multiple stages, spanning from initial discovery to clinical trials. This intricate process entails understanding disease mechanisms, identifying potential drug targets, and evaluating the efficacy and safety of candidate drugs. Clinical trials are designed to assess the effects of drugs on humans, focusing on determining safety profiles, appropriate modes of administration, and comparative efficacy against placebos. Notably, neuroscience drug development encounters distinct challenges, including the complex nature of diseases, limitations imposed by the blood–brain barrier, the absence of reliable predictive preclinical models, and regulatory hurdles. Ethical and safety considerations are pivotal due to the potential cognitive and motor effects of CNS-active drugs. Methods: Our manuscript outlines the procedures for CNS clinical trials and highlights the key elements of study design, methodological considerations, and ethical frameworks. To achieve our objectives, we considered the official websites of regulatory authorities, the EQUATOR network, and recent publications in the field. The paper includes key elements such as criteria for subject selection, methods of evaluation, variable analysis, and statistical methodology approaches. Results: We want to furnish a concise and comprehensive guide tailored to individuals new to CNS clinical trials, providing foundational elements necessary for the design and execution of such trials. The manuscript seeks to outline sources of relevant materials and elucidate adaptability, particularly in instances where sponsors may be absent. Conclusions: By meeting the needs of less-experienced researchers or those with limited resources, the intention is to facilitate an understanding of the intricate nature of the process and offer guidance on appropriately navigating its complexities. It is essential to note that this manuscript does not aim to be exhaustive but endeavors to serve as a structured checklist. Through its approach, the manuscript aspires to offer guidance and support to individuals navigating the challenges inherent in this intricate domain.
Genetic Parameters and Trait Associations in Wheat Under Drought and Low Nitrogen Conditions
Authors: Duma Sbongeleni Warren , Shimelis Hussein , Tesfamariam Seltene Abady , Tsilo Toi John
Published: December 2024

Drought and low nitrogen stress are the leading cause of low crop production and productivity worldwide. Developing drought-tolerant wheat germplasm resilient to low nitrogen conditions is essential through genetic enhancement and selection for novel traits. The objective of the research was to investigate genetic diversity, parameters, and trait relationships within a wheat genotype panel to inform drought- and low-N-tolerant variety selection. This study evaluated 50 wheat genotypes under drought-stressed and non-stressed conditions, with varying nitrogen (50 kg ha−1, 100 kg ha−1, and 200 kg ha−1) levels across four testing sites during the 2019/2020 growing season. Statistical analysis (combined ANOVA) revealed substantial genetic variation (p < 0.05) for the majority of tested traits. High heritability and substantial genetic gain for KPS (97.49%, 28.10% GAM) and SE (96.48%, 14.28% GAM) were determined under drought and low nitrogen stress. Under drought-stressed and non-stressed (at 200 kg N ha−1), grain yield expressed high heritability estimates of 80.43% and 75.68% and genetic advance at 21.90% and 21.56%, respectively. Positive and significant correlations (r > 0.5; p < 0.001) were measured between grain yield and yield components, implicating simultaneous direct and indirect selection of desired traits. The positive relationship between grain yield and yield components suggests that further quantitative trait loci analysis and progeny testing are crucial to guide genotype selection and breeding for drought and low-N stress-tolerant wheat genotypes.
Ultra-Processed Food and Gut Microbiota: Do Additives Affect Eubiosis? A Narrative Review
Authors: Bevilacqua Antonio , Speranza Barbara , Racioppo Angela , Santillo Antonella , Albenzio Marzia , Derossi Antonio , Caporizzi Rossella , Francavilla Matteo , Racca Deborah , Flagella Zina , De Santis Michele Andrea , Elia Antonio , Conversa Giulia , Luchetti Luciana , Sinigaglia Milena , Corbo Maria Rosaria
Published: December 2024

The gut microbiota plays a key role in health and disease, but it could be affected by various factors (diet, lifestyle, environment, genetics, etc.). Focusing on diet, while the role of the different styles and choices (Mediterranean vs. Western diet, vegan or vegetarian diets) has been extensively studied, there are a few comprehensive papers on the effects of additives and food processing. Therefore, the main goal of this manuscript is to propose an overview of the link between ultra-processed foods and the gut microbiota based on papers and data available in the literature. The literature search was performed on PubMed and Clinicaltrials.gov, and after the selection of the most relevant articles, the paper proposes a synopsis of the effects of some classes of additives (sweeteners, preservatives, emulsifiers, glutamate, etc.), as well as of some treatments, on the gut microbiota and some pathological conditions.
Lactobacillus plantarum L11 and Lactobacillus reuteri LR: Ameliorate Obesity via AMPK Pathway
Authors: Liang Shukun , Sun Jintao , Gu Xinshu , Zhao Ya , Wang Xiumin , Tao Hui , Wang Zhenlong , Zhong Yougang , Wang Jinquan , Han Bing
Published: December 2024

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to find the potential mechanism of two Lactobacillus (Lactobacillus plantarum L11 and Lactobacillus reuteri LR) on ameliorating obesity, including lipid metabolism and gut microbiota. The two isolates have been studied to have good characterization in vitro, but in vivo studies in modulating lipid metabolism and gut microbiota were not studied. Methods: In this study, mice with HFD supplemented with L11 or LR exhibited slower obesity progression, including reduced weight gain, abdominal fat accumulation, liver damage, inflammation, and adipose lesions. Results: Total cholesterol (TC) and triglycerides (TG) in the serum were significantly reduced (p < 0.01). The inflammatory marker interleukin-6 (IL-6) notably decreased (p < 0.05). Both Lactobacillus strains altered the gut microbiota composition, increasing the relative abundance of Alistipes and Lactobacillus, while L11 also raised Lachnospiraceae abundance. Results of the Western blot analysis showed that L11 and LR influenced the PPAR and AMPK pathways. Conclusions: L11 and LR can effectively reduce obesity by modulating gut microbiota and activating the PPAR–AMPK pathway, leading to decreased liver injury and systemic inflammation in mice fed with an HFD. In the future, the two probiotics may provide a new way for clinically ameliorating obesity on human beings.
The Phytochemical Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Matricaria recutita Blossoms and Zingiber officinale Rhizome Ethanol Extracts
Authors: But Anca Elena , Pop Raluca Maria , Binsfeld Georg Friedrich , Ranga Floricuța , Orăsan Meda Sandra , Cecan Andra Diana , Morar Iulia Ioana , Chera Elisabeta Ioana , Bonci Teodora Irina , Usatiuc Lia Oxana , Țicolea Mădălina , Cătoi Florinela Adriana , Pârvu Alina Elena , Ghergie Mircea Constantin Dinu
Published: December 2024

Background: Inflammation-induced oxidative stress is a pathophysiological mechanism of inflammatory diseases. Treatments targeting oxidative stress can reduce inflammatory tissue damage. Objectives: This study aimed to conduct phytochemical analysis and evaluate the antioxidant effects of the hydroalcoholic extract of Matricaria recutita blossoms (M. recutita) and Zingiber officinale rhizomes (Z. officinale). Materials and Methods: The phytochemical analysis was carried out by measuring the total polyphenol content, total flavonoid content, and polyphenolic compounds’ HPLC-ESI MS. The antioxidant activity was evaluated in vitro through H2O2 DPPH, FRAP, and NO scavenging assays. An in vivo experiment was performed on rats with turpentine oil-induced acute inflammation. Treatments were administrated orally for 10 days, with three dilutions of each extract (100%, 50%, 25%), and compared to the CONTROL, inflammation, Diclofenac, and Trolox groups. In vivo, the antioxidant activity was evaluated by measuring the total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidative status (TOS), oxidative stress index (OSI), malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), and total thiols (SH). Results: The phytochemical analysis found a high content of phenolic compounds in both extracts, and the in vitro antioxidant activity was significant. In vivo, M. recutita and Z. officinale extracts proved to be effective in increasing TAC and lowering oxidative stress markers, respectively, the TOS, OSI, MDA, and NO levels. The effects were dose-dependent, with the lower concentrations being more efficient antioxidants. Matricaria recutita and Z. officinale extract effects were as good as those of trolox and diclofenac. Conclusions: Treatment with M. recutita and Z. officinale alleviated inflammation-induced oxidative stress. These findings suggest that M. recutita and Z. officinale extracts could be a promising adjuvant antioxidant therapy in inflammatory diseases.
The Effect of Nutritional Intervention in Nutritional Risk Screening on Hospitalised Lung Cancer Patients
Authors: Oliveira Raquel , Cabrita Bruno , Cunha Ângela , Silva Sónia , Lima João P. M. , Martins Diana , Mendes Fernando
Published: December 2024

Background: Lung cancer (LC) patients are prone to suffer from malnutrition. Malnutrition negatively affects patients’ response to therapy, increases the incidence of treatment-related side effects, and decreases survival. Early identification of LC patients who are malnourished or at risk of malnutrition can promote recovery and improve prognosis. Objective: This study aimed to assess the risk and nutritional status of lung cancer patients who are hospitalised, as well as to evaluate the impact of nutritional intervention on the risk of malnutrition. Methods: From January 2022 to December 2023, 53 LC patients hospitalised in a pulmonology department had their nutritional risk (initial and final) and nutritional status (initial) assessed. All were selected for nutritional intervention. Nutrition counselling was the first intervention option, along with dietary changes with/without oral nutritional supplements. Results: At the time of hospitalisation, 90.6% of the patients were at nutritional risk, 45.3% were classified as moderately malnourished, and 35.8% were classified as severely underweight. After the hospitalisation, 73.6% were at nutritional risk at the time of discharge, suggesting a statistically significant decrease in the number of patients with nutritional risk. Conclusions: Most LC patients hospitalised presented an altered nutritional status. Our study suggests that a nutritional intervention must be implemented to reduce malnutrition risk, which may impact prognosis. The comprehensive nutritional problems experienced by LC patients require nutritional assessment and improved individually tailored nutritional support.
Nutraceuticals and Supplements in Management of Prediabetes and Diabetes
Authors: Derosa Giuseppe , D’Angelo Angela , Angelini Fabrizio , Belli Luca , Cicero Arrigo F. G. , Da Ros Roberto , De Pergola Giovanni , Gaudio Giovanni V. , Lupi Alessandro , Sartore Giovanni , Vignati Federico A. , Maffioli Pamela
Published: December 2024

Dysglycemia is a condition preceding diabetes mellitus. The two situations inherent in this condition are called impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT). If one of these situations is found in the patient, after the advice of an appropriate diet and physical activity, the addition of nutraceuticals or supplements can be considered, which can stop or delay the progression to diabetes mellitus over time. The purpose was to compile a systematic review about the use of nutraceuticals for treating diabetes and prediabetes and to offer a valuable resource for colleagues working on this crucial subject, thereby improving patient health. The added value of the paper compared to other reviews is that it was written by experts appointed by five different scientific societies dealing with diabetes, nutrition, and complications.
Conflict Management in Nursing: Analyzing Styles, Strategies, and Influencing Factors: A Systematic Review
Authors: Nikitara Monica , Dimalibot Mutu Roxane , Latzourakis Evangelos , Constantinou Costas S.
Published: December 2024

Objective: This systematic review aimed to identify the most prevalent conflict management styles and strategies employed by nurses in clinical settings and to examine the factors associated with their selection. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. Databases searched included PUBMED, CINAHL, Medline, and ProQuest, focusing on articles published between 2014 and 2024. Inclusion criteria were primary data studies involving nurses, published in English. The search strategy utilized Boolean operators to combine keywords related to nursing, conflict management, and healthcare settings. A total of 174 articles were initially identified, with 22 meeting the inclusion criteria after screening. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Qualitative Assessment and Review Instrument Critical Appraisal Checklist. The results were synthesized using content analysis. Results: The main findings from the 22 articles reviewed indicate that accommodation and collaboration/integration are the most common conflict management styles and strategies among nurses, with compromising also frequently employed. Factors such as age, experience, educational level, and workplace culture significantly influence the choice of conflict management strategies. Discussion: Nurses employ a variety of conflict management strategies depending on the context, individual preferences, and situational factors. Effective conflict resolution is closely linked to collaboration and communication, with proactive strategies being more effective in preventing conflicts. The findings underscore the need for tailored conflict management training to enhance job satisfaction and work relations in nursing environments. We acknowledge several limitations that may affect the interpretation and generalizability of our findings such as the diversity of the tools and the methodologies used by the included studies.
Missing Fundamental Nursing Care: What’s the Extent of Missed Oral Care? A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Gallione Chiara , Bassi Erika , Basso Ines , Airoldi Chiara , Barisone Michela , Molon Antonella , Di Nardo Gerardo , Torgano Cristina , Dal Molin Alberto
Published: December 2024

Background: The Fundamentals of Care framework emphasizes a patient-centered approach that prioritizes the nurse–patient relationship and care environment to meet patients’ basic needs, including oral hygiene. Recognized as crucial for preventing systemic health problems, oral care neglect is a global concern. Studies identify missed oral care as a widespread issue, contributing to significant patient safety risks. This study aimed at measuring missed nursing care occurrence in a Northern Italian university hospital, exploring the association between missed oral care with nursing staff characteristics and oral care policies. Methods: A single-center cross-sectional study was conducted according to the STROBE guidelines. Data collection was performed in May 2022 using the MISSCARE survey, a self-administered questionnaire sent by email to 473 nurses from all inpatient units. The degree of implementation of oral care policies was obtained by accessing the Facility Score Sheet data at the department level. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and Fisher tests were conducted using SAS 9.4 and R software. Results: Providing oral care was the third-most missed nursing care after rotating patients every two hours and walking them three times daily. The reasons for missed care included resource shortage and high patient turnover. The Facility Score Sheet data showed a low adoption of oral care policies. No significant associations were found between missed oral care and both nurses’ characteristics and oral care policy at the department level. Conclusions: The study confirms highly missed oral care in acute care settings, emphasizing the urgent need for systemic changes via an evidence-based oral care policy and practice implementation. This study was prospectively registered under protocol 293 CE 050/2022 (8 Aril 2022).
A Journey Through Philosophy and Medicine: From Aristotle to Evidence-Based Decisions
Authors: de Alencar José Nunes , Oliveira Marcio Henrique de Jesus , Sampaio Maria Catarina Nunes , Rego Maria Francisca , Nunes Rui
Published: December 2024

The evolution of medical reasoning is deeply intertwined with philosophical thought, beginning with Aristotle’s foundational work in deductive logic. Aristotle’s principles significantly influenced early medical practice, shaping the works of Galen and Avicenna, who made empirical observations that expanded clinical knowledge. During the Enlightenment, both inductive reasoning, as advocated by Francis Bacon, and deductive methods, as stressed by René Descartes, significantly advanced medical reasoning. These approaches proved insufficient when it came to handling uncertainty and variability in medical outcomes. Nineteenth-century figures like William Osler advanced a probabilistic understanding of medicine. Karl Popper’s 20th-century hypothetico-deductive method, which introduced the concept of falsifiability and transformed scientific inquiry into a rigorous process of hypothesis testing, is a fundamental aspect of evidence-based medicine (EBM). EBM emerged as the dominant paradigm, combining empirical research, clinical expertise, and statistical inference to guide medical decisions. Looking forward, Bayesian reasoning offers a further refinement in medical reasoning. By incorporating prior knowledge and continuously updating probabilities with new evidence, Bayesianism addresses the limitations of frequentist methods and offers a more dynamic and adaptable framework for clinical decision making. As medical reasoning evolves, understanding this philosophical lineage is essential to navigating the future of patient care, where evidence must be both rigorously tested and individually tailored.
Advances in Deep Brain Imaging with Quantum Dots: Structural, Functional, and Disease-Specific Roles
Authors: Connor Tenesha , Weerasinghe Hemal , Lathia Justin , Burda Clemens , Yildirim Murat
Published: December 2024

Quantum dots (QDs) have emerged as promising tools in advancing multiphoton microscopy (MPM) for deep brain imaging, addressing long-standing challenges in resolution, penetration depth, and light–tissue interactions. MPM, which relies on nonlinear photon absorption, enables fluorescence imaging within defined volumes, effectively reducing background noise and photobleaching. However, achieving greater depths remains limited by light scattering and absorption, compounded by the need for balanced laser power to avoid tissue damage. QDs, nanoscale semiconductor particles with unique optical properties, offer substantial advantages over traditional fluorophores, including high quantum yields, large absorption cross-sections, superior photostability, and tunable emission spectra. These properties enhance signal to background ratio at increased depths and reduce scattering effects, making QDs ideal for imaging subcortical regions like the hippocampus without extensive microscope modifications. Studies have demonstrated the capability of QDs to achieve imaging depths up to 2100 μm, far exceeding that of conventional fluorophores. Beyond structural imaging, QDs facilitate functional imaging applications, such as high-resolution tracking of hemodynamic responses and neural activity, supporting investigations of neuronal dynamics and blood flow in vivo. Their stability enables long-term, targeted drug delivery and photodynamic therapy, presenting potential therapeutic applications in treating brain tumors, Alzheimer’s disease, and traumatic brain injury. This review highlights the impact of QDs on MPM, their effectiveness in overcoming light attenuation in deep tissue, and their expanding role in diagnosing and treating neurological disorders, positioning them as transformative agents for both brain imaging and intervention.
Response of Tree Seedlings to a Combined Treatment of Particulate Matter, Ground-Level Ozone, and Carbon Dioxide: Primary Effects
Authors: Černiauskas Valentinas , Varnagirytė-Kabašinskienė Iveta , Čėsnienė Ieva , Armoška Emilis , Araminienė Valda
Published: December 2024

Trees growing in urban areas face increasing stress from atmospheric pollutants, with limited attention given to the early responses of young seedlings. This study aimed to address the knowledge gap regarding the effects of simulated pollutant exposure, specifically particulate matter (PM), elevated ozone (O3), and carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations, on young seedlings of five tree species: Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.); Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) H.Karst.); silver birch (Betula pendula Roth); small-leaved lime (Tilia cordata Mill.); and Norway maple (Acer platanoides L.). The main objectives of this paper were to evaluate the seedling stem growth response and the biochemical response of seedling foliage to pollutant exposure. Four treatments were performed on two- to three-year-old seedlings of the selected tree species: with PM (0.4 g per seedling) under combined O3 = 180 ppb + CO2 = 650 ppm; without PM under combined O3 = 180 ppb + CO2 = 650 ppm; with PM (0.4 g per seedling) under combined O3 < 40–45 ppb + CO2 < 400 ppm; and without PM under combined O3 < 40–45 ppb + CO2 < 400 ppm. Scots pine and Norway maple showed no changes in growth (stem height and diameter) and biochemical parameters (photosynthetic pigments, total polyphenol content (TPC), total flavonoids content (TFC), and total soluble sugars (TSS)), indicating a neutral response to the combined PM, O3, and CO2 treatment. The chlorophyll response to PM alone and in combination with elevated O3 and CO2 exposure varied, with silver birch increasing, Norway maple—neutral to increasing, Scots pine—neutral to decreasing, and Norway spruce and small-leaved lime—decreasing. The TPC indicated stress responses in Scots pine, small-leaved lime, and Norway maple under increased combined O3 and CO2 and in Norway spruce under single PM treatment. Hence, Scots pine and Norway maple seedlings showed greater resistance to increased PM under combined O3 and CO2 with minimal change in growth, while silver birch seedlings showed adaptation potential with increasing chlorophyll under simulated pollutant stress.
Impact of Cell Design Parameters on Mechanical Properties of 3D-Printed Cores for Carbon Epoxy Sandwich Composites
Authors: Aslan Mustafa , Çava Kutay , Uşun Altuğ , Güler Onur
Published: December 2024

The introduction of 3D printing technology has broadened manufacturing possibilities, allowing the production of complex cellular geometries, including auxetic and curved plane structures, beyond the standard honeycomb patterns in sandwich composite materials. In this study, the effects of cell design parameters, such as cell geometry (honeycomb and auxetic) and cell size (cell thickness and width), are examined on acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) core materials produced using fusion deposition modeling (FDM). They are produced as a result of the epoxy bonding of carbon epoxy prepreg composite materials to the surfaces of core materials. Increasing the wall thickness from 0.6 mm to 1 mm doubled the elastic modulus of the re-entrant structures (5 GPa to 10 GPa) and improved compressive strength by 50–60% for both geometries. In contrast, increasing cell size from 6 mm to 10 mm significantly reduced compressive strength by 80% (from 2.5–2.8 MPa to 0.5–0.6 MPa) and elastic modulus by 70–78% (from 9–10 GPa to 2–3 GPa). Flexural testing showed that the re-entrant cores, with a maximum load capacity of 148 N, exhibited more uniform deformation, while the honeycomb cores achieved a higher load capacity of 273 N but were prone to localized failures. These findings emphasize the directional anisotropy and specific advantages of auxetic and honeycomb designs, offering valuable insights for lightweight, high-strength structural applications.
Development of a Novel Dimensionless Relationship to Describe Mass Transfer in Ladles Due to Bottom Gas Injection
Authors: Liu Zhiyong , Conejo Alberto N.
Published: December 2024

In the quest to design reactors with a higher productivity, their mixing efficiency should be highly improved. The mass transfer coefficient is a parameter that measures the rate of the refining rates and has been extensively investigated in the past; however, most of the correlations developed in steelmaking are based on the effect of the gas flow rate or its alternative form, stirring energy. The gas flow rate can play a big role in mass transfer but there are many more variables involved. This work has investigated the combined effect of five variables on the mass transfer coefficient due to bottom gas injection with two injection devices: the gas flow rate, the radial position and the separation angle of the porous plugs, the slag thickness, and the ladle aspect ratio. A novel expression in a dimensionless form has been developed, which accurately predicts the mass transfer coefficient. The expression proposed indicates that increasing the gas flow rate, the slag thickness, the ladle aspect ratio, and the separation angle also increases the mass transfer coefficient. On the contrary, increasing the radial position away from the center affects mass transfer, especially at high gas flow rates. Based on the experimental data and their practical application, an optimum layout for the injection of gas is suggested to optimize both mass transfer and the mixing intensity of liquid steel.
Numerical Investigation of Heat Transfer Characteristics Between Thermochemical Heat Storage Materials and Compressed Natural Gas in a Moving Bed
Authors: Wang Liang , Jia Yun , Tan Yu , Ding Bin
Published: December 2024

To promote energy conservation and a low-carbon approach in natural gas storage, efficient methods for utilizing waste heat during gas injection and maintaining adequate cooling rates are crucial. This study developed a three-dimensional model integrating the desorption process of hydrated salts to analyze temperature and flow fields within a moving bed during heat exchange. This study systematically evaluated the effects of operating parameters on key outcomes, including the outlet temperatures of hydrated salts and natural gas, as well as the waste heat recovery ratio. Results indicated that the outlet temperatures of natural gas and particles varied synchronously, while the waste heat recovery ratio exhibited an inverse relationship with the natural gas outlet temperature. Remarkably, incorporating a composite material comprising hydrated calcium chloride and hydrated magnesium sulfate into the moving bed reduced the natural gas outlet temperature from 60 °C to 47.5 °C. Concurrently, the waste heat recovery ratio improved substantially, rising from 66% to 90%. Furthermore, the proposed moving bed heat exchange system requires less than one-third of the volume of conventional natural gas air-cooled heat exchangers. These findings provide theoretical insights and robust data support for enhancing cross-seasonal waste heat utilization in natural gas storage facilities.
Enhanced Bioaccessibility of Carotenoids, Antioxidants, and Minerals from Red Lobster By-Products Through High-Hydrostatic Pressure and Ultrasound Extraction
Authors: Briones-Labarca Vilbett , Giovagnoli-Vicuña Claudia
Published: December 2024

Efficient extraction of bioactive compounds from red lobster by-products is crucial for maximizing their nutritional and economic value. This study compared high-hydrostatic pressure extraction (HHPE), ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), and conventional extraction (CE), assessing the yield and bioaccessibility of carotenoids (astaxanthin, β-carotene, lycopene), antioxidants (DPPH, FRAP assays), and minerals (sodium, magnesium, potassium, calcium). HHPE and UAE significantly enhanced carotenoid extraction (p < 0.05), with UAE yielding the highest astaxanthin (3.61 mg/100 g FW) and HHPE producing the most β-carotene (0.64 mg/100 g FW). HHPE also significantly increased antioxidant capacity (38.04% increase over CE, p < 0.05). Despite reduced bioaccessibility after in vitro digestion, HHPE and UAE represent sustainable methods for recovering valuable bioactive compounds, improving the nutritional profile of red lobster by-products.
Research on the Construction Method of an Assembly Knowledge Graph for a Biomass Heating System
Authors: Chen Zuobin , Wang Fukun , Gao Yong , Ai Jia , Mao Ya
Published: December 2024

In the complex process of assembling biomass heating systems, traditional paper documents and construction process card management methods have weak information correlation and take a long time for information retrieval, which seriously restricts the assembly efficiency and quality. Moreover, the assembly process involves numerous components and complex processes, making it difficult for traditional management methods to cope with. To address this issue, a knowledge graph-based assembly information integration method is proposed to integrate scattered assembly information into a graph database, providing pathways for accessing assembly information and assisting on-site management. The biomass heating system assembly knowledge graph (BAKG) adopts the top-down method construction. After the construction of the upper schema layer, the 3DXML file was parsed, the XML.dom parser in Python3.7.16 was used to extract the equipment structure information, and the RoBERTa-BiLSTM-CRF model was applied to the named entity recognition of the assembly document, which improved the accuracy of entity recognition. The experimental results show that the F1 score of the RoBERTa-BiLSTM-CRF model in entity recognition during the assembly process reaches 92.19%, which is 3.1% higher than that of the traditional BERT-BiLSTM-CRF model. Moreover, the knowledge graph structure generated by the equipment structure data based on 3DXML file is similar to the equipment structure tree, but is more clear and intuitive. Finally, taking the second-phase construction process records of a company as an example, BAKG was constructed and assembly information was stored in the Neo4j graph database in the form of graphs, which verified the effectiveness of the method.
Research on Performance Prediction of Air Quality Assurance Systems for Gas Turbines Based on Novel Test Method
Authors: Shi Yan , Bai Yunshan , Xiang Wenguo , Cao Run , Chen Shiyi
Published: December 2024

The quality of air intake significantly impacts the overall performance of gas turbines. A new high-precision testing method for the air intake quality assurance system of gas turbines has been proposed, and the influence of typical intake conditions on the system was studied through this testing method. The research results indicate a positive correlation between filtration efficiency and particle size. Atmospheric temperature, particle concentration, filter differential pressure, and atmospheric humidity all affect filtration efficiency, with their influence decreasing in that order. Additionally, this paper presents a performance prediction model based on the LSTM neural network. The calculation results show that the errors of the filter pressure loss and filtration efficiency model test set are both less than 3%, reflecting the characteristics of pressure loss and efficiency well. The research results have significant engineering application value and provide experimental basis for establishing technical standards and high-precision detection systems for air quality assurance in gas turbines.
On the Similarity and Differences Between Nano-Enhanced Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy and Nano-Enhanced Laser-Induced Plasma Spectroscopy in Laser-Induced Nanomaterials Plasma
Authors: Sherbini Ashraf EL , Aboulfotouh AbdelNasser , Sherbini Tharwat EL
Published: December 2024

The interaction of pulsed lasers with matter involving nanomaterials as a pure target or thin layer deposited on a target initiates transient plasma, which shows strong enhancement in a spectral line emission. This domain of research has been explored via two well-established techniques dubbed NELIBS and NELIPS. These Nano-Enhanced Laser-Induced Breakdown or Plasma Spectroscopy techniques entail similarities as well as differences. The newly defined concept of Nano-Enhanced Laser-Induced Plasma Spectroscopy NELIPS is introduced. Thereupon, certain confusion has arisen from various aspects of the similarities as well as differences between the two techniques. In this article, we will investigate the application of either technique to retrieve relevant data about the enhanced spectral line plasma emission phenomenon. To discriminate between these two techniques, a survey on the nature of the target, the origin of enhancement and prevalent theoretical approaches is presented. In this context, the potential achievements, challenges and expected prospects are comparatively highlighted. This review emphasizes the unique contributions of NELIPS, particularly the advanced approach in nanoscale thermal modeling and spectroscopic applications.
Fences on the Epistemological Prairie: A Settler Colonial Approach to “Religion and Science”
Authors: Stenmark Lisa L.
Published: December 2024

Building on the idea of religion and science as conceptual maps of intellectual territory, I use a settler colonial analysis as a framework for thinking about decolonizing religion and science in a way that moves away from abstraction and towards action; addressing not just the ideas, but the tools of control—the fences—that impose ideas on the territory itself. Comparing the Wyoming prairie with the epistemological prairie, I describe the maps, fences and other tools and technologies of settler colonialism used to appropriate Indigenous Land and knowledge, eventually turning it into private property. It is in this last step—the creation of private property—that fences are most important, because they are tools of ownership that do not merely restrict access to parts of the prairie (land and knowledge), but restrict movement on the prairie itself. I describe patents and intellectual property as examples of fences on the epistemological prairie. Because they are legally and historically connected to technologies of settler colonial appropriation of land—including terra nullius and land patents—they are an excellent example of the connection between land and epistemological territory, and show what epistemological decolonization can look like in practice.
High-Speed Target HRRP Reconstruction Based on Fast Mean-Field Sparse Bayesian Unrolled Network
Authors: Dong Hang , Dai Fengzhou , Zhang Juan
Published: December 2024

The rapid and accurate reconstruction of the high-resolution range profiles (HRRPs) of high-speed targets from incomplete wideband radar echoes is a critical component in space target recognition tasks (STRTs). However, state-of-the-art HRRP reconstruction algorithms based on sparse Bayesian learning (SBL) are computationally expensive and require the manual selection of prior scale parameters. To address these challenges, this paper proposes a model-driven deep network based on fast mean-field SBL (FMFSBL-Net) for the HRRP reconstruction of high-speed targets under missing data conditions. Specifically, we integrate a precise velocity compensation and HRRP reconstruction into the mean-field SBL framework, which introduces a unified SBL objective function and a mean-field variational family to avoid matrix inversion operations. To reduce the performance loss caused by mismatched prior scale parameters, we unfold the limited FMFSBL iterative process into a deep network, learning the optimal global prior scale parameters through training. Additionally, we introduce a sparsity-enhanced loss function to improve the quality and noise robustness of HRRPs. In addition, simulation and measurement experimental results show that the proposed FMFSBL-Net has a superior reconstruction performance and computational efficiency compared to FMFSBL and existing state-of-the-art SBL framework type algorithms.
Study on the Aquaculture of Large Yellow Croaker in the Coastal Zone of Zhejiang Province Based on High-Resolution Remote Sensing
Authors: Yin Jie , Cai Lina , Li Jiahua , Yan Xiaojun , Zhang Beibei
Published: December 2024

This study applied high-resolution satellite data to address the siting and evaluation challenges for potential cage aquaculture areas of large yellow croaker in Zhejiang Province. A typical template of water environmental factors for large yellow croaker cage aquaculture was developed, incorporating various environmental parameters and considerations that were not fully addressed in previous studies. This paper established the Site Selection Method for Large Yellow Croaker potential aquaculture (SSM-LYC) based on the template. Site selection and grading evaluation of potential cage aquaculture areas were performed using SSM-LYC. The findings include the following: (1) Potential aquaculture sites for large yellow croaker include 11 areas with water depths of 15–60 m along the coast of Zhejiang Province from 27° to 31° north latitude, of which 7 are in water depths of less than 40 m, and 4 are in water depths of 40–60 m. (2) Assessment and scoring for potential aquaculture sites were performed, pinpointing 4 central locations of first-level aquaculture areas offering scientific evidence for the feasibility of deep-sea aquaculture of large yellow croaker along the Zhejiang coast. (3) The conclusions drawn from this research provide significant guidance for future aquaculture strategies and regional planning. Moreover, SSM-LYC can be applied to other coastal waters in the world.