bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Establishment of Pinus massoniana–Lactarius hatsudake Symbiosis
Authors: Wei Zhineng , Liu Lin , Lei Yidan , Xie Sisi , Ma Jiangming , Tan Yibo , Tang Nianwu , Yang Zhangqi , Ai Chenbing
Published: March 2024

Lactarius hatsudake is a common ectomycorrhizal edible mushroom in Pinus massoniana forests, and has important ecological and potential economic values. However, there are only a few reports on the establishment of Pinus massoniana–Lactarius hatsudake symbiosis. Here, we isolated a new strain of L. Lactarius hatsudake (GX01) from a local masson pine forest and established its ectomycorrhizal symbiosis with the P. massoniana. Potato dextrose agar (PDA) medium was optimal for the growth of L. hatsudake GX01. The saffron-to-brown ectomycorrhiza formed by L. hatsudake GX01 are usually bifurcated or coralloid shape, with a rod and a smooth surface, without emanating hyphae. The characteristic mantle and Hartig net structures of ectomycorrhizae were confirmed by microscope and scanning electron microscope (SEM). L. hatsudake GX01 can significantly promote the formation and development of lateral roots of P. massoniana seedlings during the early interaction. This study thus lays the foundation for subsequent study of the symbiotic molecular mechanism and application of P. massoniana–L. hatsudake symbiosis.
Investigating the Influence of Flue Gas Induced by Coal Spontaneous Combustion on Methane Explosion Risk
Authors: Hu Sijia , Li Yanjun , Zhu Chuanjie , Lin Baiquan , Li Qingzhao , Li Baolin , Huang Zichao
Published: March 2024

During the process of coal spontaneous combustion (CSC), a plethora of combustible gases alongside inert gases, such as CO2, are copiously generated. However, prior investigations have regrettably overlooked the pivotal influence of inert gas production on the propensity for methane explosions during CSC. To investigate the impact of the flue gas environment generated by CSC, containing both combustible and inert gases, on the risk of methane explosion, a high-temperature programmed heating test system for CSC was employed to analyze the generation pattern of flue gas. It was found that CO, CO2, and CH4 were continuously generated in large quantities during the process of CSC, which are the main components of CSC flue gas. The effect of the concentration and component ratio (CCO2/CCO) of the flue gas on the methane explosion limit was tested. It was found that the CSC flue gas led to a decrease in the methane explosion limit, and that the explosion limit range was facilitated at 0 < CCO2/CCO < 0.543 and suppressed at CCO2/CCO > 0.543. As the temperature of CSC increases, the risk of methane explosion is initially suppressed. When the coal temperature exceeds 330~410 °C, the explosion risk rapidly expands.
Size-Structured Method Applied to the Brown Crab Fishery Callinectes bellicosus in the Gulf of California
Authors: Ortega-Lizárraga Gilberto Genaro , Muñoz-Rubí Horacio Alberto , Rodríguez-Domínguez Guillermo , Pérez-González Raúl , Mendívil-Mendoza Jaime Edzael , Aragón-Noriega Eugenio Alberto
Published: March 2024

The crab fishery of the genus Callinectes is one of the most important fisheries in Mexico. Sonora and Sinaloa are the states on the eastern coast of the Gulf of California, the mainland coast. Sinaloa encompasses the greatest production in Mexico of these species, in particular the Bahía Santa Maria La Reforma (BSMR), supplying the most important catches. A mandatory administrative document for the fishery is the Management Plan of Crab. One of the main weaknesses found in it for Sonora and Sinaloa is the lack of fishery assessment in both states. For this reason, a size-structured method called CASA (Catch-at-Size Analysis) was applied in the BSMR, in the seasons 2000, 2011, and 2014, to C. bellicosus. The first catch size (CW50%) estimated for females was 97.5, 102.5, and 100 mm, while in males, it was estimated at 117.5, 107.5, and 102.5 mm. In the specific case of fishing mortality (F), the algorithm allowed us to find that in the larger sizes, a greater fishing pressure is applied for both females and males, yielding a weighted exploitation rate of 0.047 (2000), 0.119 (2011), and 0.426 (2014) for females and 0.045 (2000), 0.295 (2011), and 0.132 (2014) for males, all below 50% (E = 0.50). The crab C. bellicosus in BSMR is not at risk of overexploitation.
Prioritisation of Barriers According to Their Impact on Migratory Fish in the Lowland River Basin District
Authors: Virbickas Tomas , Kesminas Vytautas
Published: March 2024

Artificial barriers are one of the most damaging anthropogenic factors, but are also socio-economic constructions, so the decision between removing a barrier and installing a fishway must be justified. The aim was to develop a system to quantify the amount of suitable habitat for migratory fish above barriers, to assess barriers’ passability, to prioritise them in current and historical terms and to take into account the impact of the reservoir in the selection of barrier management alternatives. For this purpose, the proportion of suitable area and the potential number of spawners were calculated separately for the flooded and free-flowing river sections above the barrier. The effect of the flooded area and fishway efficiency on the potential number of individuals was assessed and the historical importance of the areas above each barrier was evaluated. The results show that the proportion of suitable area in the total area above the barriers varies between 5 and 31%. Short river stretches of high habitat quality have a higher reproductive potential than much longer stretches of lower habitat quality. Dams with fishways can still be among the most negatively impacting barriers if they are located in the migration route of fish into a large part of the basin.
Experimental Study on Atomization Characteristics of Swirl Nozzle under Annular Airflow Impingement
Authors: Han Qiuge , Zhang Dawei , Liu Xuedong , Sun Bingyang , He Xu , Shen Lingling , Song Siduo
Published: March 2024

Pressure nozzles are widely used in spray drying and other industries. In order to improve the atomization characteristics of pressure cyclone nozzles, a new type of annular jet gas impingement atomization device is developed. We use high-speed imaging and digital image processing and other methods to analyze the spray characteristics of the different annular device configurations (using four, six, and eight tubes) and under different gas–liquid mass flow rates. It is shown that with an increase in the Air–Liquid mass Ratio (ALR), the liquid film breakup process changes from undulating sheet breakup to perforated sheet breakup and the breakup length decreases. The breakup length decreases the most under the condition of six-tube airflow with the range of 31–55%, while the Sauter mean diameter (SMD) basically does not change. With the increase in ALR and the Weber number of liquid (Wel), the droplet size distribution becomes more uniform. The spray characteristics of the atomizer assisted by gas jets reaches the best state when Wel = 4596.3 and m˙g = 1.97 g/s. The experimental conclusions have some guiding significance for the design and optimization of the atomization devices in spray drying towers.
Application of Antioxidant Poly-Lactic Acid/Polyhydroxybutyrate (PLA/PHB) Films with Rice Bran Extract for the Preservation of Fresh Pork Meat
Authors: Cabeza de Vaca María , Ramírez-Bernabé María Rosario , Barrado David Tejerina , Pimienta Javier Rocha , Delgado-Adámez Jonathan
Published: March 2024

Poly-lactic acid/polyhydroxybutyrate (PLA/PHB) bio-based films suppose an environmentally friendly alternative to petroleum-derived packaging. In addition, rice bran extracts (RBEs) are an interesting source of bioactive compounds. In the present study, active films were formulated with 0.3% (w/v) or 0.5% (w/v) RBE (low-RBE and high-RBE) and compared to PLA/PHB films with no RBE. The migrations of active compounds as well as the antimicrobial and the antioxidant activities were analyzed in the three film formulations. The effects of active PLA/PHB films on fresh pork meat were evaluated by measuring the instrumental color, lipid and protein oxidations, and microbiological status of meat refrigerated for 1, 5, or 9 days. The developed films presented antioxidant activity in vitro, but they did not have an antimicrobial effect against bacterial development (E. coli nor L. innocua). The PLA/PHB film with no extract prevented changes in the instrumental color of meat during storage. However, the antioxidant effect of the PLA/PHB films on fresh pork was negligible, and the inclusion of high doses of extract favored microbial development in the pork during storage. Despite the lack of activity of active PLA/PHB films on meat, their use could be a sustainable alternative to the petroleum-based films.
A Two-Temperature Fractional DPL Thermoelasticity Model with an Exponential Rabotnov Kernel for a Flexible Cylinder with Changeable Properties
Authors: Abouelregal Ahmed E. , Alhassan Yazeed , Althagafi Hashem , Alsharif Faisal
Published: March 2024

This article presents a new thermoelastic model that incorporates fractional-order derivatives of two-phase heat transfer as well as a two-temperature concept. The objective of this model is to improve comprehension and forecasting of heat transport processes in two-phase-lag systems by employing fractional calculus. This model suggests a new generalized fractional derivative that can make different kinds of singular and non-singular fractional derivatives, depending on the kernels that are used. The non-singular kernels of the normalized sinc function and the Rabotnov fractional–exponential function are used to create the two new fractional derivatives. The thermoelastic responses of a solid cylinder with a restricted surface and exposed to a moving heat flux were examined in order to assess the correctness of the suggested model. It was considered that the cylinder’s thermal characteristics are dependent on the linear temperature change and that it is submerged in a continuous magnetic field. To solve the set of equations controlling the suggested issue, Laplace transforms were used. In addition to the reliance of thermal characteristics on temperature change, the influence of derivatives and fractional order was also studied by providing numerical values for the temperature, displacement, and stress components. This study found that the speed of the heat source and variable properties significantly impact the behavior of the variables under investigation. Meanwhile, the fractional parameter has a slight effect on non-dimensional temperature changes but plays a crucial role in altering the peak value of non-dimensional displacement and pressure.
Evolution of Hybrid Hydrogels: Next-Generation Biomaterials for Drug Delivery and Tissue Engineering
Authors: Rana Md Mohosin , De la Hoz Siegler Hector
Published: March 2024

Hydrogels, being hydrophilic polymer networks capable of absorbing and retaining aqueous fluids, hold significant promise in biomedical applications owing to their high water content, permeability, and structural similarity to the extracellular matrix. Recent chemical advancements have bolstered their versatility, facilitating the integration of the molecules guiding cellular activities and enabling their controlled activation under time constraints. However, conventional synthetic hydrogels suffer from inherent weaknesses such as heterogeneity and network imperfections, which adversely affect their mechanical properties, diffusion rates, and biological activity. In response to these challenges, hybrid hydrogels have emerged, aiming to enhance their strength, drug release efficiency, and therapeutic effectiveness. These hybrid hydrogels, featuring improved formulations, are tailored for controlled drug release and tissue regeneration across both soft and hard tissues. The scientific community has increasingly recognized the versatile characteristics of hybrid hydrogels, particularly in the biomedical sector. This comprehensive review delves into recent advancements in hybrid hydrogel systems, covering the diverse types, modification strategies, and the integration of nano/microstructures. The discussion includes innovative fabrication techniques such as click reactions, 3D printing, and photopatterning alongside the elucidation of the release mechanisms of bioactive molecules. By addressing challenges, the review underscores diverse biomedical applications and envisages a promising future for hybrid hydrogels across various domains in the biomedical field.
Agreement in the Postural Assessment of Older Adults by Physical Therapists Using Clinical and Imaging Methods
Authors: Sugiyama Naoki , Kai Yoshihiro , Koda Hitoshi , Morihara Toru , Kida Noriyuki
Published: March 2024

Postural assessment is one of the indicators of health status in older adults. Since the number of older adults is on the rise, it is essential to assess simpler methods and automated ones in the future. Therefore, we focused on a visual method (imaging method). The purpose of this study is to determine the degree of agreement between the imaging method and the palpation and visual methods (clinical method). In addition, the influence of differences in the information content of the sagittal plane images on the assessment was also investigated. In this experiment, 28 sagittal photographs of older adults whose posture had already been assessed using the clinical method were used. Furthermore, based on these photographs, 28 gray and silhouette images (G and S images) were generated, respectively. The G and S images were assessed by 28 physical therapists (PTs) using the imaging method. The assessment was based on the Kendall classification, with one of four categories selected for each image: ideal, kyphosis lordosis, sway back, and flat back. Cross-tabulation matrices of the assessments using the clinical method and imaging method were created. In this table, four categories and two categories of ideal and non-ideal (KL, SB, and FB) were created. The agreement was evaluated using the prevalence-adjusted bias-adjusted kappa (PABAK). In addition, sensitivity and specificity were calculated to confirm the reliability. When comparing the clinical and imaging methods in the four posture categories, the PABAK values were −0.14 and −0.29 for the S and G images, respectively. In the case of the two categories, the PABAK values were 0.57 and 0.5 for the S and G images, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity were 86% and 57% for the S images and 76% and 71% for the G images, respectively. The four categories show that the imaging method is difficult to assess regardless of the image processing. However, in the case of the two categories, the same assessment of the clinical method applied to the imaging method for both the S and G images. Therefore, no differences in image processing were observed, suggesting that PTs can identify posture using the visual method.
Echeveria Leaf Morpho-Anatomical Analysis and Its Implications for Environmental Stress Conditions
Authors: Ha Tran My Khanh Thi , Cabahug-Braza Raisa Aone M. , Hwang Yoon-Jung
Published: March 2024

Echeveria, classified in the Crassulaceae family, possesses unique adaptive strategies with xeromorphic features to withstand semi-arid environments. The diversity and ecological adaptation of succulent plants offer valuable insights into addressing climate change challenges. In particular, the epidermis, hypodermis, vascular bundles arrangement, and stomata characteristics are commonly used to investigate light, humidity, temperature, and water availability adaptations. While leaf anatomical analysis is a common approach, limited studies have been conducted on Echeveria, especially among cultivars. To understand how succulents cope with environmental stress, leaf morpho-anatomical features were analyzed using the free-hand sectioning method with methanol fixation of fifteen Echeveria cultivars. The finding revealed a robust correlation between epidermis and hypodermis size (r = 0.362–0.729), and a positive association between leaf thickness and the epidermis (r = 0.362–0.536), suggesting implications for water storage. Most cultivars displayed a 3D vascular arrangement, with minor vascular bundles surrounding the main vascular bundle at the center, along with small stomata size, and low stomata frequency in the adaxial surface. Moreover, these cultivars grown under controlled conditions maintain their xeromorphic characteristics with the presence of epicuticular wax and thick and fully expanded small leaves. Likewise, the features of cultivars ultimately suggest that these succulents are tolerant to high temperatures and limited water supply. This study provides a fundamental understanding of Echeveria plants’ leaf anatomy and the correlation of their leaf structures toward environmental stress. Likewise, the methods and results of this study will serve as a benchmark for other research in related species.
Calibrating Agro-Hydrological Model under Grazing Activities and Its Challenges and Implications
Authors: Nelson Amanda M. , Maskey Mahesh L. , Northup Brian K. , Moriasi Daniel N.
Published: March 2024

Recently, the Agricultural Policy Extender (APEX) model was enhanced with a grazing module, and the modified grazing database, APEXgraze, recommends sustainable livestock farming practices. This study developed a combinatorial deterministic approach to calibrate runoff-related parameters, assuming a normal probability distribution for each parameter. Using the calibrated APEXgraze model, the impact of grazing operations on native prairie and cropland planted with winter wheat and oats in central Oklahoma was assessed. The existing performance criteria produced four solutions with very close values for calibrating runoff at the farm outlet, exhibiting equifinality. The calibrated results showed that runoff representations had coefficients of determination and Nash–Sutcliffe efficiencies >0.6 in both watersheds, irrespective of grazing operations. Because of non-unique solutions, the key parameter settings revealed different metrics yielding different response variables. Based on the least objective function value, the behavior of watersheds under different management and grazing intensities was compared. Model simulations indicated significantly reduced water yield, deep percolation, sediment yield, phosphorus and nitrogen loadings, and plant temperature stress after imposing grazing, particularly in native prairies, as compared to croplands. Differences in response variables were attributed to the intensity of tillage and grazing activities. As expected, grazing reduced forage yields in native prairies and increased crop grain yields in cropland. The use of a combinatorial deterministic approach to calibrating parameters offers several new research benefits when developing farm management models and quantifying sensitive parameters and uncertainties that recommend optimal farm management strategies under different climate and management conditions.
A Bi-Objective Home Health Care Routing and Scheduling Problem under Uncertainty
Authors: Zhao Jiao , Wang Tao , Monteiro Thibaud
Published: March 2024

Home health care companies provide health care services to patients in their homes. Due to increasing demand, the provision of home health care services requires effective management of operational costs while satisfying both patients and caregivers. In practice, uncertain service times might lead to considerable delays that adversely affect service quality. To this end, this paper proposes a new bi-objective optimization problem to model the routing and scheduling problems under uncertainty in home health care, considering the qualification and workload of caregivers. A mixed-integer linear programming formulation is developed. Motivated by the challenge of computational time, we propose the Adaptive Large Neighborhood Search embedded in an Enhanced Multi-Directional Local Search framework (ALNS-EMDLS). A stochastic ALNS-EMDLS is introduced to handle uncertain service times for patients. Three kinds of metrics for evaluating the Pareto fronts highlight the efficiency of our proposed method. The sensitivity analysis validates the robustness of the proposed model and method. Finally, we apply the method to a real-life case and provide managerial recommendations.
Accessibility and Perceived Impact of a Group Psychosocial Intervention for Women in Ecuador: A Comparative Analysis by Migration Status
Authors: Wimer Gabrielle , Larrea Maria , Streeter Josefina , Hassan Amir , Angulo Alejandra , Armijos Andrea , Bonz Annie , Tol Wietse A. , Greene M. Claire
Published: March 2024

There is increasing guidance promoting the provision of mental health and psychosocial support programs to both migrant and host community members in humanitarian settings. However, there is a lack of information on the respective experiences and benefits for migrant and host community members who are participating in mental health and psychosocial support programming. We evaluated a community-based psychosocial program for migrant and host community women, Entre Nosotras, which was implemented with an international non-governmental organization in Ecuador in 2021. Data on participant characteristics and psychosocial wellbeing were collected via pre/post surveys with 143 participants, and qualitative interviews were conducted with a subset (n = 61) of participants. All quantitative analyses were conducted in STATA, and qualitative analysis was done in NVivo. Attendance was higher for host community members. Specifically, 71.4% of host community members attended 4–5 sessions, whereas only 37.4% of migrants attended 4–5 sessions (p = 0.004). Qualitative analysis shows that the intervention was less accessible for migrants due to a variety of structural barriers. However, this analysis also demonstrated that both groups of women felt a greater sense of social connectedness after participating in the program and expressed gratitude for the bonds they formed with other women. Some migrant women described negative experiences with the host community because they felt as though they could not confide in host community women and speak freely in front of them. These results underscore how the migratory context influences the implementation of mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) programs. As humanitarian guidelines continue to emphasize the integration of host community members and displaced persons, it is critical to account for how the same intervention may impact these populations differently.
The Effects of Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress via Intratracheal Instillation of Water-Soluble Acrylic Acid Polymer on the Lungs of Rats
Authors: Morimoto Toshiki , Izumi Hiroto , Tomonaga Taisuke , Nishida Chinatsu , Kawai Naoki , Higashi Yasuyuki , Wang Ke-Yong , Ono Ryohei , Sumiya Kazuki , Sakurai Kazuo , Moriyama Akihiro , Takeshita Jun-ichi , Yamasaki Kei , Yatera Kazuhiro , Morimoto Yasuo
Published: March 2024

Polyacrylic acid (PAA), an organic chemical, has been used as an intermediate in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. It has been suggested recently that PAA has a high pulmonary inflammatory and fibrotic potential. Although endoplasmic reticulum stress is induced by various external and intracellular stimuli, there have been no reports examining the relationship between PAA-induced lung injury and endoplasmic reticulum stress. F344 rats were intratracheally instilled with dispersed PAA (molecular weight: 269,000) at low (0.5 mg/mL) and high (2.5 mg/mL) doses, and they were sacrificed at 3 days, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months after exposure. PAA caused extensive inflammation and fibrotic changes in the lungs’ histopathology over a month following instillation. Compared to the control group, the mRNA levels of endoplasmic reticulum stress markers Bip and Chop in BALF were significantly increased in the exposure group. In fluorescent immunostaining, both Bip and Chop exhibited co-localization with macrophages. Intratracheal instillation of PAA induced neutrophil inflammation and fibrosis in the rat lung, suggesting that PAA with molecular weight 269,000 may lead to pulmonary disorder. Furthermore, the presence of endoplasmic reticulum stress in macrophages was suggested to be involved in PAA-induced lung injury.
Cambium Reactivation Is Closely Related to the Cell-Cycle Gene Configuration in Larix kaempferi
Authors: Cheng Dong-Xia , Wang Xin-Hao , Wang Cong-Li , Li Xiang-Yi , Ye Zha-Long , Li Wan-Feng
Published: March 2024

Dormancy release and reactivation in temperate trees are mainly controlled by temperature and are affected by age, but the underlying molecular mechanisms are still unclear. In this study, we explored the effects of low temperatures in winter and warm temperatures in spring on dormancy release and reactivation in Larix kaempferi. Further, we established the relationships between cell-cycle genes and cambium cell division. The results showed that chilling accelerated L. kaempferi bud break overall, and the longer the duration of chilling is, the shorter the bud break time is. After dormancy release, warm temperatures induced cell-cycle gene expression; when the configuration value of the cell-cycle genes reached 4.97, the cambium cells divided and L. kaempferi reactivated. This study helps to predict the impact of climate change on wood production and provides technical support for seedling cultivation in greenhouses.
Efficient Production of 9,22-Dihydroxy-23,24-bisnorchol-4-ene-3-one from Phytosterols by Modifying Multiple Genes in Mycobacterium fortuitum
Authors: Han Suwan , Liu Xiangcen , He Beiru , Zhai Xinghui , Yuan Chenyang , Li Yixin , Lin Weichao , Wang Haoyu , Zhang Baoguo
Published: March 2024

C19 steroids and C22 steroids are vital intermediates for the synthesis of steroid drugs. Compared with C19 steroids, C22 steroids are more suitable for synthesizing progesterone and adrenocortical hormones, albeit less developed. 9,22-dihydroxy-23,24-bisnorchol-4-ene-3-one(9-OHBA), due to its substituents at positions C-9 and C-22, is a beneficial and innovative steroid derivative for synthesizing corticosteroids. We focused on the C22 pathway in Mycobacterium fortuitum ATCC 35855, aiming to develop a productive strain that produces 9-OHBA. We used a mutant strain, MFΔkstD, that knocked out kstds from Mycobacterium fortuitum ATCC 35855 named MFKD in this study as the original strain. Hsd4A and FadA5 are key enzymes in controlling the C19 metabolic pathway of steroids in Mycobacterium fortuitum ATCC 35855. After knocking out hsd4A, MFKDΔhsd4A accumulated 81.47% 9-OHBA compared with 4.13% 9-OHBA in the strain MFKD. The double mutant MFKDΔhsd4AΔfadA5 further improved the selectivity of 9-OHBA to 95.13%, and 9α-hydroxy-4-androstenedione (9-OHAD) decreased to 0.90% from 4.19%. In the end, we obtained 6.81 g/L 9-OHBA from 10 g/L phytosterols with a molar yield of 80.33%, which showed the best performance compared with formerly reported strains.
4-(Azolyl)-Benzamidines as a Novel Chemotype for ASIC1a Inhibitors
Authors: Platonov Maksym , Maximyuk Oleksandr , Rayevsky Alexey , Hurmach Vasyl , Iegorova Olena , Naumchyk Vasyl , Bulgakov Elijah , Cherninskyi Andrii , Ozheredov Danil , Ryabukhin Serhiy V. , Krishtal Oleg , Volochnyuk Dmytro M.
Published: March 2024

Acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) play a key role in the perception and response to extracellular acidification changes. These proton-gated cation channels are critical for neuronal functions, like learning and memory, fear, mechanosensation and internal adjustments like synaptic plasticity. Moreover, they play a key role in neuronal degeneration, ischemic neuronal injury, seizure termination, pain-sensing, etc. Functional ASICs are homo or heterotrimers formed with (ASIC1–ASIC3) homologous subunits. ASIC1a, a major ASIC isoform in the central nervous system (CNS), possesses an acidic pocket in the extracellular region, which is a key regulator of channel gating. Growing data suggest that ASIC1a channels are a potential therapeutic target for treating a variety of neurological disorders, including stroke, epilepsy and pain. Many studies were aimed at identifying allosteric modulators of ASIC channels. However, the regulation of ASICs remains poorly understood. Using all available crystal structures, which correspond to different functional states of ASIC1, and a molecular dynamics simulation (MD) protocol, we analyzed the process of channel inactivation. Then we applied a molecular docking procedure to predict the protein conformation suitable for the amiloride binding. To confirm the effect of its sole active blocker against the ASIC1 state transition route we studied the complex with another MD simulation run. Further experiments evaluated various compounds in the Enamine library that emerge with a detectable ASIC inhibitory activity. We performed a detailed analysis of the structural basis of ASIC1a inhibition by amiloride, using a combination of in silico approaches to visualize its interaction with the ion pore in the open state. An artificial activation (otherwise, expansion of the central pore) causes a complex modification of the channel structure, namely its transmembrane domain. The output protein conformations were used as a set of docking models, suitable for a high-throughput virtual screening of the Enamine chemical library. The outcome of the virtual screening was confirmed by electrophysiological assays with the best results shown for three hit compounds.
Mechanisms of Action of Dorsal Root Ganglion Stimulation
Authors: Abd-Elsayed Alaa , Vardhan Swarnima , Aggarwal Abhinav , Vardhan Madhurima , Diwan Sudhir A.
Published: March 2024

The dorsal root ganglion (DRG) serves as a pivotal site for managing chronic pain through dorsal root ganglion stimulation (DRG-S). In recent years, the DRG-S has emerged as an attractive modality in the armamentarium of neuromodulation therapy due to its accessibility and efficacy in alleviating chronic pain refractory to conventional treatments. Despite its therapeutic advantages, the precise mechanisms underlying DRG-S-induced analgesia remain elusive, attributed in part to the diverse sensory neuron population within the DRG and its modulation of both peripheral and central sensory processing pathways. Emerging evidence suggests that DRG-S may alleviate pain by several mechanisms, including the reduction of nociceptive signals at the T-junction of sensory neurons, modulation of pain gating pathways within the dorsal horn, and regulation of neuronal excitability within the DRG itself. However, elucidating the full extent of DRG-S mechanisms necessitates further exploration, particularly regarding its supraspinal effects and its interactions with cognitive and affective networks. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for optimizing neurostimulation technologies and improving clinical outcomes of DRG-S for chronic pain management. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the DRG anatomy, mechanisms of action of the DRG-S, and its significance in neuromodulation therapy for chronic pain.
Special Issue “Physiology and Pathophysiology of the Placenta”
Authors: Tossetta Giovanni
Published: March 2024

The placenta is a transient but essential organ for normal in utero development, playing several essential functions in normal pregnancy [...]
Design and Construction of a Mixed-Ligand Coordinated Fluorescent Complex and Its Application for Sensing Ions, Antibiotics, and Pesticides in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Zhu Gao-Sheng , Jia Yi , Ding Jia-Yao , Yin Hao , Chen Yan , Yu Bao-Yi , Zheng Yan-Ying , Verpoort Francis
Published: March 2024

In this work, a fluorescent complex [Zn(NTD)2(DTP)2(H2O)2]·(H2O)0.8 (Complex Zn), (H2NTD = 1,4-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid and DTP = 3,5-di(1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)pyridine) was synthesized. The fluorescent complex was characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, powder X-ray diffraction, and thermogravimetric, elemental, infrared spectroscopy, and fluorescence analyses. In the fluorescence sensing tests, Complex Zn exhibited excellent fluorescence quenching efficiency towards Fe3+, MnO4−, Cr2O72−, nitrofurantoin, and imidacloprid in aqueous media. A mechanism investigation suggested that the fluorescence quenching caused by the quenchers toward the sensor was due to the inner filter effect and the fluorescence resonance energy transfer effect in the fluorescent sensing process.
A Comprehensive Study of Structural, Thermal, and Dielectric Properties of Melt-Processed Polypropylene/Ni0.9Zn0.1Fe2O4 Nanocomposites
Authors: Taha Taha Abdel Mohaymen , Tharwat Mohamed , Ismael Ali
Published: March 2024

This article explores the processing of structural, thermal, and dielectric properties of polypropylene (PP) polymer nanocomposites modified with Ni0.9Zn0.1Fe2O4. The PP/Ni0.9Zn0.1Fe2O4 nanocomposites are manufactured by the melt-processing method using a Brabender Polyspeed B. The XRD and FTIR structural investigations assure good incorporation of Ni0.9Zn0.1Fe2O4 into the PP matrix. It should be noted that adding Ni0.9Zn0.1Fe2O4 NPs to the PP polymer matrix enhances the polymer’s thermal stability. Utilizing the Coats–Redfern model, kinetic thermodynamic parameters such as activation energy (Ea), enthalpy (ΔH), entropy (ΔS), and Gibbs free energy (ΔG*) are deduced from TGA data. The dielectric results showed an increase in ε′ with the introduction of nanoparticles into the PP matrix. As the content of Ni0.9Zn0.1Fe2O4 NPs in these nanocomposite films increases, the loss tangent values decrease at higher frequencies while increasing at lower frequencies. The estimated εs and ε∞ of PP nanocomposites using Cole–Cole plots reveal an improvement when NPs are added to PP. We believe that the proposed work suggests a relevant step towards the practical application of PP/Ni0.9Zn0.1Fe2O4 nanocomposites.
YOLOv7t-CEBC Network for Underwater Litter Detection
Authors: Zhang Xinyu , Zhu Daqi , Gan Wenyang
Published: March 2024

The issue of marine litter has been an important concern for marine environmental protection for a long time, especially underwater litter. It is not only challenging to clean up, but its prolonged presence underwater can cause damage to marine ecosystems and biodiversity. This has led to underwater robots equipped with powerful visual detection algorithms becoming the mainstream alternative to human labor for cleaning up underwater litter. This study proposes an enhanced underwater litter detection algorithm, YOLOv7t-CEBC, based on YOLOv7-tiny, to assist underwater robots in target identification. The research introduces some modules tailored for marine litter detection within the model framework, addressing inter-class similarity and intra-class variability inherent in underwater waste while balancing detection precision and speed. Experimental results demonstrate that, on the Deep Plastic public dataset, YOLOv7t-CEBC achieves a detection accuracy (mAP) of 81.8%, markedly surpassing common object detection algorithms. Moreover, the detection frame rate reaches 118 FPS, meeting the operational requirements of underwater robots. The findings affirm that the enhanced YOLOv7t-CEBC network serves as a reliable tool for underwater debris detection, contributing to the maintenance of marine health.
Treating Pythiosis with Antibacterial Drugs Targeting Protein Synthesis: An Overview
Authors: Loreto Erico S. , Tondolo Juliana S. M. , Zanette Régis A.
Published: March 2024

This review article explores the effectiveness of antibacterial drugs that inhibit protein synthesis in treating pythiosis, a difficult-to-treat infection caused by Pythium insidiosum. The article highlights the susceptibility of P. insidiosum to antibacterial drugs, such as macrolides, oxazolidinones, and tetracyclines. We examine various studies, including in vitro tests, experimental infection models, and clinical case reports. Based on our synthesis of these findings, we highlight the potential of these drugs in managing pythiosis, primarily when combined with surgical interventions. The review emphasizes the need for personalized treatment strategies and further research to establish standardized testing protocols and optimize therapeutic approaches.
The APSES Transcription Factor SsStuA Regulating Cell Wall Integrity Is Essential for Sclerotia Formation and Pathogenicity in Sclerotinia sclerotiorum
Authors: Jiao Wenli , Li Maoxiang , Lei Tianyi , Liu Xiaoli , Zhang Junting , Hu Jun , Zhang Xianghui , Liu Jinliang , Shi Shusen , Pan Hongyu , Zhang Yanhua
Published: March 2024

APSES (Asm1p, Phd1p, Sok2p, Efg1p, and StuAp) family transcription factors play crucial roles in various biological processes of fungi, however, their functional characterization in phytopathogenic fungi is limited. In this study, we explored the role of SsStuA, a typical APSES transcription factor, in the regulation of cell wall integrity (CWI), sclerotia formation and pathogenicity of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, which is a globally important plant pathogenic fungus. A deficiency of SsStuA led to abnormal phosphorylation level of SsSmk3, the key gene SsAGM1 for UDP-GlcNAc synthesis was unable to respond to cell wall stress, and decreased tolerance to tebuconazole. In addition, ΔSsStuA was unable to form sclerotia but produced more compound appressoria. Nevertheless, the virulence of ΔSsStuA was significantly reduced due to the deficiency of the invasive hyphal growth and increased susceptibility to hydrogen peroxide. We also revealed that SsStuA could bind to the promoter of catalase family genes which regulate the expression of catalase genes. Furthermore, the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation was found to be increased in ΔSsStuA. In summary, SsStuA, as a core transcription factor involved in the CWI pathway and ROS response, is required for vegetative growth, sclerotia formation, fungicide tolerance and the full virulence of S. sclerotiorum.
Artificial Intelligence Techniques for Bankruptcy Prediction of Tunisian Companies: An Application of Machine Learning and Deep Learning-Based Models
Authors: Hamdi Manel , Mestiri Sami , Arbi Adnène
Published: March 2024

The present paper aims to compare the predictive performance of five models namely the Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA), Logistic Regression (LR), Decision Trees (DT), Support Vector Machine (SVM) and Random Forest (RF) to forecast the bankruptcy of Tunisian companies. A Deep Neural Network (DNN) model is also applied to conduct a prediction performance comparison with other statistical and machine learning algorithms. The data used for this empirical investigation covers 25 financial ratios for a large sample of 732 Tunisian companies from 2011–2017. To interpret the prediction results, three performance measures have been employed; the accuracy percentage, the F1 score, and the Area Under Curve (AUC). In conclusion, DNN shows higher accuracy in predicting bankruptcy compared to other conventional models, whereas the random forest performs better than other machine learning and statistical methods.
Rheological Performance Analysis of Different Preventive Maintenance Materials in Porous High-Viscosity Asphalt Pavements
Authors: Xu Bin , Wang Weiying , Sun Yiren , Gong Mingyang
Published: March 2024

Porous asphalt pavements are widely used in rainy and wet areas for their skid resistance, noise reduction, runoff minimization and environmental sustainability. Long-term moisture vapor erosion and the destabilization of large pore structures can easily result in pavement problems such as fragmentation, spalling, cracking, and excessive permanent deformation. To this end, four different preventive maintenance materials, including the rejuvenation (RJ), cohesion reinforcement (CEM), polymerization reaction, and emulsified asphalt (EA) types, were selected in this paper to improve the high-viscosity porous asphalt pavement. The effects of the different preventive maintenance materials on the temperature sensitivity, rheological properties and fatigue performance of high-viscosity modified asphalt were evaluated through temperature sweep, frequency sweep, multi-stress creep recovery (MSCR), linear amplitude sweep (LAS), and bending beam rheometer (BBR) tests. The results showed that the four preventive maintenance materials exhibit different enhancement mechanisms and effects. RJ improves the fatigue properties, deformation resistance and low-temperature cracking resistance of aged asphalt by adding elastomeric components; CEM materials are more conducive to increasing the low-temperature crack resistance of aged asphalt; while GL1 and EA improve the viscoelastic behavior of aged asphalt, but the effect of the dosing ratio needs to be considered.
An Overview of the Non-Energetic Valorization Possibilities of Plastic Waste via Thermochemical Processes
Authors: Moussa Kazem , Awad Sary , Krawczak Patricia , Al Takash Ahmad , Faraj Jalal , Khaled Mahmoud
Published: March 2024

The recovery and recycling/upcycling of plastics and polymer-based materials is needed in order to reduce plastic waste accumulated over decades. Mechanical recycling processes have made a great contribution to the circularity of plastic materials, contributing to 99% of recycled thermoplastics. Challenges facing this family of processes limit its outreach to 30% of plastic waste. Complementary pathways are needed to increase recycling rates. Chemical processes have the advantage of decomposing plastics into a variety of hydrocarbons that can cover a wide range of applications, such as monomers, lubricants, phase change materials, solvents, BTX (benzene, toluene, xylene), etc. The aim of the present work is to shed light on different chemical recycling pathways, with a special focus on thermochemicals. The study will cover the effects of feedstock, operating conditions, and processes used on the final products. Then, it will attempt to correlate these final products to some petrochemical feedstock being used today on a large scale.
Optimal Social and Vaccination Control in the SVIR Epidemic Model
Authors: Ramponi Alessandro , Tessitore Maria Elisabetta
Published: March 2024

In this paper, we introduce an approach to the management of infectious disease diffusion through the formulation of a controlled compartmental SVIR (susceptible–vaccinated–infected–recovered) model. We consider a cost functional encompassing three distinct yet interconnected dimensions: the social cost, the disease cost, and the vaccination cost. The proposed model addresses the pressing need for optimized strategies in disease containment, incorporating both social control measures and vaccination campaigns. Through the utilization of advanced control theory, we identify optimal control strategies that mitigate disease proliferation while considering the inherent trade-offs among social interventions and vaccination efforts. Finally, we present the results from a simulation-based study employing a numerical implementation of the optimally controlled system through the forward–backward sweep algorithm. The baseline model considered incorporates parameters representative of typical values observed during the recent pandemic outbreak.
Predicting and Enhancing the Multiple Output Qualities in Curved Laser Cutting of Thin Electrical Steel Sheets Using an Artificial Intelligence Approach
Authors: Rohman Muhamad Nur , Ho Jeng-Rong , Lin Chin-Te , Tung Pi-Cheng , Lin Chih-Kuang
Published: March 2024

This study focused on the efficacy of employing a pulsed fiber laser in the curved cutting of thin, non-oriented electrical steel sheets. Experiments were conducted in paraffinic oil by adjusting the input process parameters, including laser power, pulse frequency, cutting speed, and curvature radius. The multiple output quality metrics included kerf width, inner and outer heat-affected zones, and re-welded portions. Analyses of the Random Forest Method and Response Surface Method indicated that laser pulse frequency was the most important variable affecting the cut quality, followed by laser power, curvature radius, and cutting speed. To improve cut quality, an innovative artificial intelligence (AI) approach incorporating a deep neural network (DNN) model and a modified equilibrium optimizer (M-EO) was proposed. Initially, the DNN model established correlations between input parameters and cut quality aspects, followed by M-EO pinpointing optimal cut qualities. Such an approach successfully identified an optimal set of laser process parameters, even beyond the specified process window from the initial experiments on curved cuts, resulting in significant enhancements confirmed by validation experiments. A comparative analysis showcased the developed models’ superior performance over prior studies. Notably, while the models were initially developed based on the results from curved cuts, they proved adaptable and capable of yielding comparable outcomes for straight cuts as well.
Exploring the Entropy-Based Classification of Time Series Using Visibility Graphs from Chaotic Maps
Authors: Conejero J. Alberto , Velichko Andrei , Garibo-i-Orts Òscar , Izotov Yuriy , Pham Viet-Thanh
Published: March 2024

The classification of time series using machine learning (ML) analysis and entropy-based features is an urgent task for the study of nonlinear signals in the fields of finance, biology and medicine, including EEG analysis and Brain–Computer Interfacing. As several entropy measures exist, the problem is assessing the effectiveness of entropies used as features for the ML classification of nonlinear dynamics of time series. We propose a method, called global efficiency (GEFMCC), for assessing the effectiveness of entropy features using several chaotic mappings. GEFMCC is a fitness function for optimizing the type and parameters of entropies for time series classification problems. We analyze fuzzy entropy (FuzzyEn) and neural network entropy (NNetEn) for four discrete mappings, the logistic map, the sine map, the Planck map, and the two-memristor-based map, with a base length time series of 300 elements. FuzzyEn has greater GEFMCC in the classification task compared to NNetEn. However, NNetEn classification efficiency is higher than FuzzyEn for some local areas of the time series dynamics. The results of using horizontal visibility graphs (HVG) instead of the raw time series demonstrate the GEFMCC decrease after HVG time series transformation. However, the GEFMCC increases after applying the HVG for some local areas of time series dynamics. The scientific community can use the results to explore the efficiency of the entropy-based classification of time series in “The Entropy Universe”. An implementation of the algorithms in Python is presented.