bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modularized Reconfigurable Functional Electromagnetic Surfaces Using Tightly Coupled Antennas and Back-Loaded Radio Frequency Circuits
Authors: Sima Boyu , Gong Jiayi , Xi Zhenghu , Zhang Shunli , Li Ziling , Wang Tao , Cheng Guoxiao , Li Huangyan , Wang Xiang , Wang Jianpeng , Zong Zhiyuan
Published: December 2024

This paper presents a modularized reconfigurable functional electromagnetic surface (MRFES) for broadband absorption and polarization conversion by using tightly coupled dipole antennas (TCDA) and back-loaded radio frequency (RF) circuits (BLRFC). A dual-polarized antenna array with tight coupling and wide angular scanning characteristics is designed. By loading different RF circuits on the back side of the antenna array’s ground plane, switchable broadband absorption and polarization conversion functions are achieved. The design adopts modularization to facilitate the replacement of back-loaded RF circuits for diverse electromagnetic (EM) control functions. The final design of the tightly coupled antenna array has a thickness of 13.437 mm and a size of 119.5 mm × 119.5 mm. It works in a bandwidth range of 4.14–13 GHz. Upon loading the absorption circuit board, a broadband absorbing electromagnetic (EM) surface is formed, achieving dual-polarization absorption within a bandwidth of 4.14–12.4 GHz. With the polarization conversion circuit board attached, polarization conversion effects are realized within a bandwidth of 4.4–12.9 GHz. Both simulations and experiments verify that the designed EM surface possesses modular reconfigurable functions for broadband absorption/polarization conversion. The proposed design scheme holds promising prospects for applications in active stealth, adaptive camouflage, intelligent communication and other fields.
Investigation of Microbial Community of Korean Soy Sauce (Ganjang) Using Shotgun Metagenomic Sequencing and Its Relationship with Sensory Characteristics
Authors: Chin Young-Wook , Hong Sang-Pil , Lim Sang-Dong , Yi Sung-Hun
Published: December 2024

The microbial community of a soy sauce is one of the most important factors in determining the sensory characteristics of that soy sauce. In this study, the microbial communities and sensory characteristics of twenty samples of Korean soy sauce (ganjang) were investigated using shotgun metagenome sequencing and descriptive sensory analysis, and their correlations were explored by partial least square (PLS) regression analysis. The metagenome analysis identified 1332 species of bacteria, yeasts, molds, and viruses across 278 genera, of which Tetragenococcus, Bacillus, and Enterococcus accounted for more than 80% of the total community. In the fungal community, Zygosaccharomyces rouxii, Candida versatilis, Rhodotorula taiwanensis, Debaryomyces hansenii, and Aspergillus oryzae were dominant, while the viral community consisted entirely of bacteriophages, with Bacillus phages SIOphi accounting for 93%. According to the results of the PLS analysis, desirable sensory characteristics, such as umami, sweet, and roasted soybean, as well as preference, were associated with Tetragenococcus, Lysinibacillus, Enterococcus, Staphylococcus, Lactobacillus, Pediococcus, and Weissella. The musty flavor, which is a typical property of traditional fermented foods, was related to Halomonas and Psychrobacte, while the bitter, acrid taste and sour smell were closely associated with Chromohalobacter. The results of this study provide comprehensive information on the microbial community of ganjang and may be used to select starter cultures for soy sauces.
Association of Single-Nucleotide Variants in ACE2 with the Persistence of Positive qPCR Test for SARS-CoV-2 in Healthcare Professionals During the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Jiménez-Gil Karina , Cerón-Albarrán Jorge Alberto , Gonzalez-Fernandez Melissa Daniella , Sevilla-Montoya Rosalba , Hidalgo-Bravo Alberto , Angeles-Martínez Javier , Montes-Herrera Daniel , Villavicencio-Carrisoza Oscar , García-Romero Carmen Selene , Muñoz-Medina José Esteban , Monroy-Muñoz Irma Eloisa
Published: December 2024

The persistence of qPCR positivity for SARS-CoV-2 in individuals who recovered from COVID-19 raised several questions regarding viral transmission, with a special interest in healthcare professionals who may pose a risk of transmitting SARS-CoV-2. This issue highlights the necessity for identifying the genetic risk factors associated with persistent SARS-CoV-2 infection. A promising target for achieving this goal is the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) gene, which has been associated with clinical characteristics of COVID-19 infection, such as severity. The analysis of samples from the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic represents the initial response of the immune human system against this new virus, without the effect of vaccination or the presence of multiple strains. The aim of this study was to analyze the association of genetic variants in ACE2 with persistent SARS-CoV-2 infection. We conducted a case–control study, including 151 healthcare workers who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 by qPCR during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, and who were followed up until their results were negative. ACE2 was sequenced through Sanger sequencing. The sequence was compared against a reference sequence and variants identified. Four ACE2 variants were associated with persistent SARS-CoV-2 qPCR positivity. Three of the variants with an effect on the resulting protein were associated with increased risk of persistent SARS-CoV-2 qPCR positivity, NG_012575.2:g.35481 C>T, NG_012575.2:g.35483 G>T and NG_012575.2:g.35498 G>T. On the other hand, the rs2285666 (NG_012575.2:g.14934 G>A) was associated with a higher risk for persistent SARS-CoV-2 qPCR positivity in women and rs4646150 (NG_012575.2:g.25701 G>A) in men. The NG_012575.2:g.35498 G>T variant represents an amino acid change with a possibly harmful effect on ACE2 function. Our results suggest that ACE2 variants might be useful for identifying the population at higher risk for developing persistent SARS-CoV-2-positive qPCR results. This knowledge can be helpful for designing health policies for protecting healthcare professionals and, in consequence, users of health services.
The Role of Immune Semaphorins in Sepsis—A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Gjurasin Branimir , Samadan Markovic Lara , Radmanic Matotek Leona , Papic Neven
Published: December 2024

In sepsis, a balanced pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory response results in the bacterial clearance and resolution of inflammation, promoting clinical recovery and survival. Semaphorins, a large family of secreted and membrane-bound glycoproteins, are newly recognized biomarkers and therapeutic targets in immunological and neoplastic disorders. Although semaphorins might also be a crucial part of host defense responses to infection, their role in sepsis is yet to be determined. This study aimed to analyze the association of serum semaphorin concentrations with sepsis severity and outcomes. Serum semaphorin concentrations (SEMA3A, SEMA3C, SEMA3F, SEMA4D, and SEMA7A) were measured in 115 adult patients with community-acquired sepsis and 50 healthy controls. While SEMA3A was decreased, SEMA3C, SEMA3F, SEMA4D, and SEMA7A were increased in sepsis patients. All analyzed SEMA showed good accuracy in identifying patients with sepsis. SEMA kinetics were related to sepsis complications; SEMA3A, SEMA3C, SEMA3F, and SEMA4D with respiratory failure; SEMA3C and SEMA7A with acute kidney injury; and SEMA3C and SEMA3F were related to septic shock. Importantly, SEMA3A, SEMA3C, SEMA4D, and SEMA7A were associated with 28-day mortality. In conclusion, we provide evidence that semaphorins are associated with sepsis course and outcomes.
Detection of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 in Pregnant Women Treated with Nirmatrelvir/Ritonavir (Paxlovid) Using Salivary Polymerase Chain Reaction: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Tseng Chun-Han , Lin Chih-Wei , Tsai Pei-Yin , Su Mei-Tsz
Published: December 2024

Objectives: We aim to study the relative viral load using salivary polymerase chain reaction among pregnant women treated with Paxlovid. Methods: Pregnant women with coronavirus disease 2019 were allocated to two groups: those receiving Paxlovid and those receiving no antiviral agents. We compared the nasopharyngeal and salivary relative viral loads and their changes in saliva specimens. Results: Among the thirty-seven pregnant women, seventeen received Paxlovid, and twenty received no antiviral agents. The viral cycle threshold value of saliva was significantly higher than that from nasopharynx, with a median ± interquartile range of 26.44 ± 7.68 versus 17.6 ± 9.6 in the Paxlovid group (p = 0.005). Following treatment, the median salivary viral load decreased by 13.40 cycle threshold values in the Paxlovid group (from a median of [Day 0 Ct] to [Day 4/5 Ct]), compared to a change of −1.59 cycle threshold values in the no-antiviral group (from a median of [Day 0 Ct] to [Day 4/5 Ct]) (p = 0.021). The detection rate of coronavirus disease 2019 using salivary polymerase chain reaction was 83.8% (31/37). Conclusions: This study showed that saliva is a useful diagnostic tool for coronavirus disease 2019 in pregnant women, and a significant decrease in the relative viral load of saliva was observed in those treated with Paxlovid.
Analysis of Long-Term Thermo–Hydro–Mechanical Behavior in the Near-Field of a Deep Geological Repository System
Authors: Bajestani Mahsa Shafaei , Nasir Othman , Coulson Caleb
Published: December 2024

The deep geological repository (DGR) system has been selected by most of the world’s nuclear waste management organizations for the long-term disposal of radioactive wastes. The DGR mainly consists of a multi-barrier system—comprising the natural host rock and an engineered barrier system—to contain and isolate high-level radioactive waste, including used fuel containers (UFCs), to protect humans and the environment. Bentonite materials and host rock are the main components of the DGR’s engineered and natural barrier system, respectively. It is crucial to understand the coupled behavior of bentonite and rock materials under various in situ conditions over long-term durations, as it supports safety assessments and enhances the overall safety level of DGR systems. This study presents a methodology for the numerical modeling of a hypothetical DGR using developed coupled models. The developed model was used to investigate the hydromechanical (HM) and thermomechanical (TM) response within the near-field (the area within a radius of 50 m near the UFC and multiple-barrier system) of a simplified hypothetical DGR, based on the proposed design concept of the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) of Canada. The analysis results included the evolution of temperature, thermal stresses, saturation, and swelling pressure at different stages of the DGR system’s lifetime. The results indicated that it could take up to 10,000 years to fully saturate the bentonite materials with a corresponding swelling pressure of 2.7 MPa associated with a decrease in the rock’s strength/stress ratio near the placement room; however, the ratio did not indicate a significant system failure. Sensitivity analysis was also conducted to assess the impact of various parameters on the saturation time and the strength/stress ratio in a DGR. The results highlighted that saturation time was highly influenced by the permeability of both the rock formation and the bentonite, resulting in saturation times ranging from 500 to 20,000 years. Moreover, the strength/stress ratio was found to be sensitive to the model’s parameters, particularly the maximum swelling pressure. The results of the TM analysis show that temperature development around the placement of rooms in a DGR is highly influenced by room spacing, with a lower factor of safety (FOS) as time and temperature progressed due to elevated temperature, while the rock remained stable over the 150-year analysis period. The inclusion of temperature-dependent mechanical properties produced negligible changes to the overall stability of the rock around the placement rooms of the DGR.
Nanotechnology-Based Strategies for Safe and Effective Immunotherapy
Authors: Hong Seeun , Park Juwon , Oh Yoojeong , Cho Hanhee , Kim Kwangmeyung
Published: December 2024

Cancer immunotherapy using immune checkpoint blockades has emerged as a promising therapeutic approach. However, immunotherapy faces challenges such as low response rates in solid tumors, necessitating strategies to remodel the immune-suppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) into an immune-activated state. One of the primary approaches to achieve this transformation is through the induction of immunogenic cell death (ICD). Herein, we discussed strategies to maximize ICD induction using nanoparticles. In particular, this review highlighted various studies integrating chemotherapy, radiation therapy (RT), photodynamic therapy (PDT), and photothermal therapy (PTT) with nanoparticle-based immunotherapy. The research covered in this review aims to provide valuable insights for future studies on nanoparticle-assisted immunotherapy.
A Simple Surface Treatment for Improving the Adhesive Bonding Properties and Durability of an AlMg3 Alloy
Authors: Fan Changfeng , Yang Bo , Wang Xue , Zhan Xianghua , Yin Xiaoli , Shi Jianmin , Liu Yancong , Dilger Klaus
Published: December 2024

The structural adhesive bonding of aluminum is widely used in the aircraft and automotive industries. The surface preparation of aluminum prior to adhesive bonding plays a significant role in improving the bonding strength. Surface cleanliness, surface roughness, and surface chemistry can be controlled, primarily, by proper surface treatment methods. In this study, the effect of varying the chemical treatment period on the adhesive bonding characteristics was investigated. An epoxy adhesive was used to join the treated surfaces, and the bond strengths were evaluated via single lap-shear (SLS) tests in pristine, as well as degraded, conditions. The surface morphology, chemistry, and corrosion properties of the surfaces with chemical treatments were characterized using various surface analytical tools, such as scanning electron microscopy, an energy dispersive spectrometer (SEM/EDX), and an electrochemical workstation. Excellent adhesion characteristics, with the complete cohesive failure of the adhesive, were encountered on the surfaces of the H2O2-treated samples. The H2O2-treated samples exhibited the highest initial bond strength, reaching 22.5 ± 0.5 MPa, and showed a decrease of only 10% (to 18.1 ± 0.2 MPa) after aging under extreme humidity and temperature conditions (70 °C and 100% R.H. for 4 weeks). The chemical treatment reported in this work is a very simple method to produce durable joints.
Quantum Chemical Determination of Molecular Dye Candidates for Non-Invasive Bioimaging
Authors: Cron Remy R. , South Jordan , Fortenberry Ryan C.
Published: December 2024

Molecular dyes containing carbazole-based π bridges and/or julolidine-based donors should be promising molecules for intense SWIR emission with potential application to molecular bioimaging. This study stochastically analyzes the combinations of more than 250 organic dyes constructed within the D-π-D (or equivalently D-B-D) motif. These dyes are built from 22 donors (D) and 14 π bridges (B) and are computationally examined using density functional theory (DFT). The DFT computations provide optimized geometries from which the excited state transition wavelengths and associated oscillator strengths and orbital overlaps are computed. While absorption is used as a stand-in for emission, the longer the absorption wavelength, the longer the emission should be as well for molecules of this type. Nearly 100 novel dyes reported in this work have electronic absorptions at or beyond 1200 nm, opening the possibility for future synthesis and experimental characterization of new molecular dyes with promising properties for bioimaging.
Proline-Rich Antimicrobial Peptides from Invertebrates
Authors: Stączek Sylwia , Kunat-Budzyńska Magdalena , Cytryńska Małgorzata , Zdybicka-Barabas Agnieszka
Published: December 2024

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) constitute a large and diverse group of molecules with antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antiprotozoan, and anticancer activity. In animals, they are key components of innate immunity involved in fighting against various pathogens. Proline-rich (Pr) AMPs are characterized by a high content of proline (and arginine) residues that can be organized into Pro-Arg-Pro motifs. Such peptides have been described in many invertebrates (annelids, crustaceans, insects, mollusks) and some vertebrates (mammals). The main objective of this review is to present the diversity of invertebrate PrAMPs, which are associated with the presence of cysteine-rich domains or whey acidic protein domains in the molecular structure, in addition to the presence of characteristic proline-rich regions. Moreover, PrAMPs can target intracellular structures in bacteria, e.g., 70S ribosomes and/or heat shock protein DnaK, leading to the inhibition of protein synthesis and accumulation of misfolded polypeptides in the cell. This unique mechanism of action makes it difficult for pathogens to acquire resistance to this type of molecule. Invertebrate PrAMPs have become the basis for the development of new synthetic analogues effective in combating pathogens. Due to their great diversity, new highly active molecules are still being searched for among PrAMPs from invertebrates.
Exploring Spent Coffee Grounds: Comprehensive Morphological Analysis and Chemical Characterization for Potential Uses
Authors: Zuluaga Robin , Hoyos Catalina Gómez , Velásquez-Cock Jorge , Vélez-Acosta Lina , Palacio Valencia Isabela , Rodríguez Torres Javier Augusto , Gañán Rojo Piedad
Published: December 2024

The agroindustry generates substantial quantities of byproducts, particularly in coffee production, which yields significant waste, most notably spent coffee grounds (SCGs). This study explores the potential of SCGs as a versatile resource for applications in both food and nonfood sectors. A comprehensive chemical analysis revealed that SCGs consist of 30.2 wt.% cellulose, 25 wt.% hemicellulose, and 12 wt.% lignin. Morphological characterization was performed using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). Additional analyses included attenuated total reflectance Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). ATR-FTIR identified key polysaccharides and oils, whereas TGA offered insights into the thermal degradation behavior of SCGs, confirming the presence of typical plant cell wall components. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns revealed low crystallinity, consistent with SCGs’ amorphous structure. Mineral content was assessed using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) and atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS). The results showed that mineral concentrations in SCGs (per 0.01 kg) were within recommended daily intake limits, confirming their safety for potential human consumption. These findings establish SCGs as a valuable lignocellulosic biomass with applications in composite materials. Additionally, it can serve as an organic soil amendment after fermentation to prevent stress on plants. This approach supports effective waste management and advances resource sustainability practices in the agro-industrial sector.
Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, and Traditional Medicine Applications of Juniperus sabina L.: A Comprehensive Overview
Authors: Pan Lan , Zhou Tianyuan , Chen Chen , Xu Haiyan , Wang Wenli
Published: December 2024

Juniperus sabina L., a species within the Juniperus genus, is broadly distributed across Southern Europe and Central Asia. In China, its berries, branches, and leaves are traditionally employed in Uyghur medicine to address conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, itchy skin, tinnitus, deafness, and urinary discomfort. Notably, the plant’s primary bioactive constituents are terpenoids, lignans, and flavonoids. Contemporary pharmacological studies have revealed that J. sabina exhibits a range of bioactivities, including insecticidal, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor effects. These diverse therapeutic properties can be attributed to its rich chemical profile, which comprises 279 distinct compounds such as terpenoids, lignans, flavonoids, coumarins, and others, isolated to date. This comprehensive review systematically organizes and summarizes the botanical characteristics, traditional uses, chemical composition, pharmacological activities, toxicity, limitations, and future prospects of J. sabina. It aims to offer a valuable scientific reference and fresh perspectives for further research, development, and application of this plant.
Associations of Ultra-Processed Food Intake with the Incidence of Cardiometabolic and Mental Health Outcomes Go Beyond Specific Subgroups—The Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health
Authors: Canhada Scheine , Vigo Álvaro , Giatti Luana , Fonseca Maria , Lopes Leidjaira , Cardoso Letícia , Monteiro Carlos , Schmidt Maria , Duncan Bruce
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives: Avoidance of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) has been recommended to achieve a healthy diet, but whether it applies equally to all UPFs is uncertain. We evaluated individual UPF subgroups in the prediction of cardiometabolic and mental health outcomes. Methods: The Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil) is an occupational cohort study of 15,105 adults (35–74 years) recruited in 2008–2010. We followed participants up to 2018 to ascertain elevated weight and waist gains and the onset of metabolic syndrome, hypertension, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, diabetes, common mental disorders, depressive episodes, and anxiety disorders. Results: In adjusted robust Poisson regression, greater overall UPF intake at the baseline predicted all studied outcomes. Various subgroups of UPF, most frequently processed meat and sweetened beverages, individually conferred a greater risk, and nearly all predicted at least one studied outcome. Considering all subgroups and outcomes, a broad pattern of overall risk was present. When subgroups not individually predictive of these outcomes were aggregated, increased risk (for a one-standard deviation change) was observed for elevated weight (RR = 1.05; 95% CI 1.01–1.11) and waist (RR = 1.05; 95% CI 1.00–1.10) gains, and for the incidence of common mental (RR = 1.06; 95% CI 1.01–1.12), and anxiety (RR = 1.09; 95% CI 1.02–1.16) disorders. Conclusions: UPFs overall and their subgroups predicted future cardiometabolic and mental health outcomes. The pattern of individual UPF subgroup associations varied across outcomes, and the aggregate of subgroups not individually predicting risk also predicted large gains in overall and central adiposity and the incidence of mental health disorders. While additional studies investigating other outcomes are needed, these findings justify avoidance of overall UPF intake in health promotion and disease prevention.
Pathway Analysis of Allulose as a Sugar Substitute in Mitigating Thrombotic Risks in Sickle Cell Disease Patients
Authors: Choi Seong , Kim Eun , Shin Su-Kyung , Lee Ji-Yoon , Han Ji , Kwon Eun-Young , Bae Heekyong
Published: December 2024

Long-term consumption of erythritol, a widely used sugar substitute, has been associated with increased risks of thrombosis and cardiometabolic diseases. In this study, we investigated the effects and mechanisms of allulose in mitigating these risks compared to erythritol using the clusterProfiler tool in R (version 4.12.6). Since a high-fat diet (HFD) is known to enhance platelet aggregation, we compared the pathways related to these processes between groups of mice treated with allulose and those treated with erythritol. While erythritol exacerbated HFD-induced increased platelet aggregation, allulose treatment significantly reduced it. Further analysis of platelet gene expression in sickle cell disease (SCD) patients to explore the potential of using sugar substitutes revealed that platelet coagulation mechanisms could be exacerbated by HFD. Additionally, the top up- and downregulated pathways in SCD were significantly reduced in the allulose-treated group compared to the erythritol group. Specific mechanisms related to this include the mitochondrial complex I and mitochondrial translational process as potential pathological factors in platelet coagulation related to SCD. Therefore, this study demonstrates that allulose may offer a safer alternative to erythritol in dietary applications, especially in individuals susceptible to thrombotic events, by modulating critical pathways associated with platelet function and mitochondrial activity.
New Classification of Periodontal Diseases, the Obstacles Created and Opportunities for Growth
Authors: Fine Daniel H.
Published: December 2024

The purpose of this Editorial is to expose the gaps in the knowledge created by a decision by the World Workshop Consensus Conference (WWCC), held in 2017, which was focused on the re-classification of periodontal diseases [...]
Targeting mTOR Kinase with Natural Compounds: Potent ATP-Competitive Inhibition Through Enhanced Binding Mechanisms
Authors: Marafie Sulaiman K. , Alshawaf Eman , Al-Mulla Fahd , Abubaker Jehad , Mohammad Anwar
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives: The mammalian target of the rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway is a central regulator of cell growth, proliferation, metabolism, and survival. Dysregulation of mTOR signaling contributes to many human diseases, including cancer, diabetes, and obesity. Therefore, inhibitors against mTOR’s catalytic kinase domain (KD) have been developed and have shown significant antitumor activities, making it a promising therapeutic target. The ATP–KD interaction is particularly important for mTOR to exert its cellular functions, and such inhibitors have demonstrated efficient attenuation of overall mTOR activity. Methods: In this study, we screened the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) database, which enlists natural products that capture the relationships between drugs targets and diseases. Our aim was to identify potential ATP-competitive agonists that target the mTOR-KD and compete with ATP to bind the mTOR-KD serving as potential potent mTOR inhibitors. Results: We identified two compounds that demonstrated interatomic interactions similar to those of ATP–mTOR. The conformational stability and dynamic features of the mTOR-KD bound to the selected compounds were tested by subjecting each complex to 200 ns molecular dynamic (MD) simulations and molecular mechanics/generalized Born surface area (MM/GBSA) to extract free binding energies. We show the effectiveness of both compounds in forming stable complexes with the mTOR-KD, which is more effective than the mTOR-KD–ATP complex with more robust binding affinities. Conclusions: This study implies that both compounds could serve as potential therapeutic inhibitors of mTOR, regulating its function and, therefore, mitigating human disease progression.
Effect of Mn(II) and Co(II) on Anti-Candida Metabolite Production by Aspergillus sp. an Endophyte Isolated from Dizygostemon riparius (Plantaginaceae)
Authors: Santos Anne Karoline Maiorana , dos Santos Bianca Araújo , Farias Josivan Regis , de Morais Sebastião Vieira , Vasconcelos Cleydlenne Costa , Guerra Rosane Nassar Meireles , Rodrigues-Filho Edson , Lopes Alberto Jorge Oliveira , Cantanhede Filho Antônio José
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives: This study evaluates the effect of Mn(II) and Co(II) ions on the production of anti-Candida metabolites by the endophytic fungus Aspergillus sp., isolated from Dizygostemon riparius. The objective was to identify metal-induced secondary metabolites with antifungal potential against drug-resistant Candida species. Methods: Aspergillus sp. was cultivated in Czapek agar supplemented with MnCl₂ (400 µM) or CoCl₂ (200 µM). Metabolite profiles were analyzed using UHPLC-DAD and LC-ESI-HRMS, followed by structural elucidation via NMR. Antifungal and biofilm inhibition activities were tested against Candida albicans and Candida parapsilosis. Toxicity was assessed using Tenebrio molitor larvae. Results: Key metabolites, including pyrophen, penicillquei B, and fonsecinone B, demonstrated antifungal activity with MIC values of 4.37–280.61 µg/mL. Fonsecinone B exhibited superior biofilm inhibition, surpassing fluconazole in reducing biofilm biomass and viability. In vivo assays showed low toxicity, with survival rates above 80% at 2× MIC/kg. Conclusions: Mn(II) and Co(II) significantly modulated the production of antifungal metabolites in Aspergillus sp. Fonsecinone B emerged as a promising candidate for antifungal therapy due to its potent activity and low toxicity. These findings support further investigation into the therapeutic potential of metal-induced fungal metabolites for combating drug-resistant Candida infections.
The Development of an Age-Appropriate Fixed Dose Combination for Tuberculosis Using Physiologically-Based Pharmacokinetic Modeling (PBBM) and Risk Assessment
Authors: Pepin Xavier J. H. , Johansson Soares Medeiros Juliana , Deris Prado Livia , Suarez Sharp Sandra
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives: The combination of isoniazid (INH) and rifampicin (RIF) is indicated for the treatment maintenance phase of tuberculosis (TB) in adults and children. In Brazil, there is no current reference listed drug for this indication in children. Farmanguinhos has undertaken the development of an age-appropriate dispersible tablet to be taken with water for all age groups from birth to adolescence. The primary objective of this work was to develop and validate a physiologically-based biopharmaceutics model (PBBM) in GastroPlusTM, to link the product’s in vitro performance to the observed pharmacokinetic (PK) data in adults and children. Methods: The PBBM was developed based on measured or predicted physico-chemical and biopharmaceutical properties of INH and RIF. The metabolic clearance was specified mechanistically in the gut and liver for both parent drugs and acetyl-isoniazid. The model incorporated formulation related measurements such as dosage form disintegration and dissolution as inputs and was validated using extensive literature as well as in house clinical data. Results: The model was used to predict the exposure in children across the targeted dosing regimen for each age group using the new age-appropriate formulation. Probabilistic models of efficacy and safety versus exposure, combined with real world data on children, were utilized to assess drug efficacy and safety in the target populations. Conclusions: The model predictions (systemic exposure) along with clinical data from the literature linking systemic exposure to clinical outcomes confirmed that the proposed dispersible pediatric tablet and dosing regimen are anticipated to be as safe and as effective as adult formulations at similar doses.
Beautiful Performances by Morally Flawed Athletes
Authors: Holt Jason
Published: December 2024

Much has been written about the presumed interaction between moral and aesthetic properties in art, about whether moral flaws in a work or its artist can compromise the work’s aesthetic value. In the philosophy of sport, similarly, the beauty of an athlete’s performance may be undermined by moral flaws in the performance itself (e.g., in a case of cheating). Yet to be addressed, however, is a potential analogy between artists and athletes where personal moral flaws failing to register in the work or performance may nonetheless compromise aesthetic response. Along with tracing the conceptual terrain in these debates and drawing on earlier work endorsing pluralism in such matters, I will argue that an athlete’s moral flaws may indeed compromise the aesthetic appeal of their performances, even where such flaws stand apart from those performances. In contrast to creative artists whose presence is immaterial to accessing their work, in the case of performing artists and athletes—since they themselves are the vehicles of their work—it is, and ought to be, harder to avoid having one’s moral response to the person diminish one’s aesthetic response to the work. We want athletes to be moral exemplars, I propose, less because they serve as role models and more because we want to preserve unspoiled the aesthetic rewards they provide.
Resolution Enhancement of Geometric Phase Self-Interference Incoherent Digital Holography Using Synthetic Aperture
Authors: Kim Youngrok , Choi KiHong , Hong Keehoon , Min Sung-Wook
Published: December 2024

Incoherent digital holography is a promising solution for acquiring three-dimensional information in the form of interference without a laser. Self-interference is the principal phenomenon of incoherent holography which splits the incident light wave into two waves and interferes with each one. The characteristics of incoherent holograms are defined by the optical configuration of wavefront dividing units. In this paper, we propose the synthetic aperture method to achieve super-resolution of geometric phase lens-based self-interference incoherent digital holography. We analyze the resolution of incoherent holograms acquired from geometric phase lenses and experimentally demonstrate the resolution enhancement via the synthetic-aperture method. Moreover, the sparse synthetic-aperture method is proposed to ensure effective data capturing and the numerical optimization method is also proposed to fill the gap between the empty space of sparsely acquired holograms.
The Optimization Guidance of Hollow Antiresonant Fibers Based on Various Optimization Methods
Authors: Guo Lina , Jiang Biyou , Chang Zhiyu , Li Yu , Sun Xueqin , Wang Sukai , Chen Ping , Niu Deqing , Liu Zihan
Published: December 2024

This paper employs five different general-purpose optimization methods to perform parameter optimization on single-layer hollow antiresonant fibers. It provides guidance on the establishment of hyperparameters for various optimization methods, with the aim of further defining and standardizing the necessary conditions and convergence criteria for applying optimization algorithms to specialty optical fibers. Through numerical experiments, the study ultimately obtains the converged optimal performance and the range of optimized parameter guidance for single-layer, double-layer, and triple-layer antiresonant fibers with different topological structures.
A Comparative Study of the Performance of Orbitally Shaken Bioreactors (OSRs) and Stirred Tank Bioreactors (STRs)
Authors: Zhu Likuan , Liao Yinyu , Chang Xiaoyin , Su Mingwu , Ou Yixian , Wu Shiyun , Wu Zhaozhi , Yang Haolin , Li Junyan , Huang Haijun
Published: December 2024

Bioreactors are crucial for biopharmaceutical engineering, and their properties have an important impact on cell cultivation. Orbitally shaken bioreactors (OSRs) are gradually gaining more and more attention because of their special operational advantages and suitability for disposable cultivation. In this paper, the performance of OSRs is analyzed in comparison to stirred tank bioreactors (STRs). CFD models were established to investigate the difference in fluid dynamics between OSRs and STRs at the same power input levels. The CFD and experiment data showed that mixing and oxygen transfer needed less energy in OSRs than in STRs. Moreover, the shear stress was still at a low level for agitation behaviors in both OSRs and STRs.
Study of Mixed Combustion Behavior of Pulverized Municipal Solid Waste and Anthracite Coal
Authors: Zuo Xiaojian , Wang Guang , Wang Jingsong , Xue Qingguo
Published: December 2024

The substitution of municipal solid waste (MSW) for pulverized coal reduces the dependence on fossil fuels, lowers production costs in energy-intensive industries, and helps decrease carbon emissions. The primary method of utilizing MSW as fuel is mixed combustion with pulverized coal. This paper employs a thermogravimetric analysis to study the combustion characteristics and perform a kinetic analysis of a mixture of MSW and pulverized anthracite coal. The simulated MSW is composed of three representative components: polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene (PE), and straw (a typical biomass). The experimental results indicate that the combustion process of MSW is more complex than that of anthracite. The initial ignition temperature of MSW is 334 °C, whereas that of anthracite is 551 °C. As the proportion of MSW increases, the weight loss stages in the combustion curve of the mixture become more numerous, and the ignition temperature gradually decreases. Moreover, the combustion performance of the MSW–anthracite mixture improves, with the combustibility index Rm rising from 0.131 to 0.235. The combustion process of MSW–anthracite mixtures was analyzed using the random pore model (RPM), the unreacted core model (URCM), and the volumetric model (VM). Among these, the VM was found to be the most suitable kinetic model for the combustion process. The activation energies for the combustion processes of anthracite, 20% MSW-80% anthracite, 40% MSW-60% anthracite, 60% MSW-40% anthracite, 80% MSW-20% anthracite, and MSW were calculated to be 152.05 kJ/mol, 80.51 kJ/mol, 51.05 kJ/mol, 40.87 kJ/mol, 33.41 kJ/mol, and 32.17 kJ/mol, respectively. The obtained results indicate that MSW is a high-performance fuel with significant application potential.
Navigating Religious Hybridity: Dimensions of Jain Identity and Practice in Singapore’s Pluralistic Society
Authors: Zhang Yifan
Published: December 2024

With its rich history as a center for commerce, cultural interactions, and a tapestry of spiritual traditions, Singapore has evolved into a vibrant amalgamation of diverse ethnic and religious heritages. Various communities have harmoniously woven themselves into the fabric of Singaporean society, each enriching it with their distinct influences. Throughout history, the rich and varied tapestry of the Indian community has often been underestimated by external observers. In a parallel manner, the distinct identity of the Singaporean Indian community frequently remained in the shadows, eclipsed by the prevailing presence of the Tamil Hindu population. The Jain community in Singapore, though a small minority, has played a notable role in the nation’s growth and the enhancement of its diverse cultural landscape. This article draws upon ethnographic materials collected by the author through comprehensive fieldwork in Singapore. It unveils the multifaceted nature of identity within the Jain community, even though they represent a modest presence in Singapore. The Jains in Singapore exemplify the complex interactions of their multiple identities as they engage with the rich tapestry of Singapore’s diverse and multicultural landscape, where global viewpoints and local traditions intertwine. By engaging actively and adapting to diverse social contexts within Singaporean society, the Jain community has skillfully navigated the complexities of spatial dynamics, and vividly demonstrated the notion of “religious hybridity”.
The Winding Road to Dyspnea: A Case Report of an Unusual Presentation of Anomalous Left Coronary Artery from the Pulmonary Artery
Authors: Fooks Allen , Bhatia Ranvir , Sivalokanathan Sanjay , Chokshi Neel P
Published: December 2024

Background and Clinical Significance: Anomalous left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery (ALCAPA) is a rare congenital anomaly. Such patients are unlikely to survive adulthood without a major surgical correction. Case Presentation: We report a 30-year-old female with a lifelong murmur who presented to the sports cardiology clinic with progressively reduced exercise tolerance. She was eventually diagnosed with ALCAPA and underwent successful Takeuchi repair. Conclusions: Surgical correction is strongly recommended upon diagnosis to mitigate the associated risks and improve the prognosis for affected individuals.
What If an Intense Rain Event Should Trigger Diffuse Shallow Landslides in a Small Mediterranean Catchment? Numerical Modeling Through Remote Sensing Techniques
Authors: Paliaga Guido , Ward Steven N. , Luino Fabio , Faccini Francesco , Turconi Laura
Published: December 2024

The Mediterranean region is increasingly experiencing intense and short-term rainfall, whose effects on the ground trigger widespread and quickly evolving phenomena including debris flows and shallow landslides which cause damage to buildings and infrastructure and occasionally even loss of life. In this research, we focus on the central Mediterranean in an area exposed to high-intensity rainfall that impacts small catchments which have been intensively anthropogenically modified through the years. The Portofino Promontory is characterized by a high cultural and landscape value where nature and historical anthropogenic landforms and signs coexist. The Promontory attracts tourists from all over the world, but it is exposed to a high number of hazards related to debris–mud flow processes that may impact cultural heritage, tourism facilities and infrastructure. In addition, the ancient man-made terraces that are widespread along the Promontory’s slopes may play the role of being a source for shallow landslides, as this similarly happens in many Mediterranean regions. In 2011, heavy rainfall impacted the similar landscape of the Cinque Terre, triggering hundreds of small mud–debris flows whose combined effect was devastating. To this end, a ground effects simulation was developed as part of the H2020 project RECONECT which aims to contribute to a European reference framework on nature-based solutions, based on the high-detail and -precision remote sensing data acquired within the project. The data allowed us to assess the triggering areas, the transport channel, the observed deposition zones and the interaction with the exposed elements before building a possible risk scenario. The simulation and the entire approach may be upscaled to many similar areas where shallow landslide hazards originating from man-made terraces threatens buildings, cultural heritage, tourism facilities and infrastructure.
Precision and Characteristics of Satellite Spatial Quality Estimators’ Measurement Using an Edge Target Imaged with KOMPSAT-3A
Authors: Lee Donghan , Park Daesoon , Yoo Daehoon
Published: December 2024

After the launch of a high-resolution remote sensing satellite, representative spatial quality estimators (RER, FWHM, MTF50, MTFA) are measured from images taken of ground Edge targets. In this work, the best spatial quality estimator is proposed by quantitatively comparing and analyzing the precision between the Relative Edge Response (RER), the Full Width at Half Maximum (FWHM), the MTF value at the Nyquist frequency (MTF50), and the MTF Area between 0 and the Nyquist frequency (MTFA). While the basic method for the measurement of spatial quality estimators on Edge targets is already well established, this work summarizes and explains the uncertain factors and problems in the measurement procedure that affect the accuracy and precision of spatial quality estimators. It also considers how to improve the precision of spatial quality estimators during the measurement procedure. The contents and results of this work were discussed by various satellite development organizations in the Geo-Spatial Working Group within CEOS WGCV IVOS from 2012 to 2019, and the Edge target Spatial quality Measurement Python code (ESMP) was developed in 2019 to reflect the findings of this workshop. Using 483 Edge targets from worldwide images taken by KOMPSAT-3A, which has been in operation since 2017, the results obtained via ESMP show that the precision levels of RER, FWHM, and MTFA are approximately three to four times higher than that of MTF50 when comparing the Coefficient of Variance (CV) statistics. This is the first statistical comparison of spatial quality estimators using 7 years of ground Edge target imagery from a single satellite of KOMPSAT-3A.
Feed Intake and Growth Performance of Vietnamese Yellow Calves Fed Silages from Intercropped Maize–Soybean and Guinea Grass
Authors: Nguyen Don V. , Penrose Beth , Tran Ngoc B. T. , Le Huyen T. T. , Trinh Hong T. , Ives Stephen
Published: December 2024

Combining soybeans with grass or biomass maize in silage holds promise in addressing the nutritional limitations of individual crops, providing a roughage with a good energy–protein balance. This study evaluated the effects of replacing urea-treated rice straw (UTRS) with silages made from intercropped maize–soybean and Guinea grass (GG) in calf diets on feed intake and growth performance. Sixteen native Yellow calves (130.7 ± 16.1 kg live weight and 12.8 ± 2.6 months old) were used; the experiment had a randomised complete block design with four dietary treatments: Treatment 1 (70% UTRS + 30% GG); Treatment 2 (40% UTRS + 30% GG + 30% Guinea grass silage); Treatment 3 (40% UTRS + 30% GG + 30% Guinea grass–soybean silage); and Treatment 4 (40% UTRS + 30% GG + 30% maize–soybean silage). The animals were fed 0.5 kg concentrate per 100 kg live weight daily, with unlimited access to forage and clean water, for 12 weeks after a two-week adaptation. The results indicate that silages containing soybean increased total weight gain and average daily gain (ADG) and decreased feed conversion ratio (FCR); however, silage replacements had no impact on dry matter intake and body conformation, suggesting that Guinea grass–soybean or maize–soybean silage can effectively enhance the ADG and decrease the FCR of growing calves fed UTRS-based diets.
Time-Series Representation Feature Refinement with a Learnable Masking Augmentation Framework in Contrastive Learning
Authors: Lee Junyeop , Ham Insung , Kim Yongmin , Ko Hanseok
Published: December 2024

In this study, we propose a novel framework for time-series representation learning that integrates a learnable masking-augmentation strategy into a contrastive learning framework. Time-series data pose challenges due to their temporal dependencies and feature-extraction complexities. To address these challenges, we introduce a masking-based reconstruction approach within a contrastive learning context, aiming to enhance the model’s ability to learn discriminative temporal features. Our method leverages self-supervised learning to effectively capture both global and local patterns by strategically masking segments of the time-series data and reconstructing them, which aids in revealing nuanced temporal dependencies. We utilize learnable masking as a dynamic augmentation technique, which enables the model to optimize contextual relationships in the data and extract meaningful representations that are both context-aware and robust. Extensive experiments were conducted on multiple time-series datasets, including SleepEDF-78, 20, UCI-HAR, achieving improvements of 2%, 2.55%, and 3.89% each and similar performance on Epilepsy in accuracy over baseline methods. Our results show significant performance gains compared to existing methods, highlighting the potential of our framework to advance the field of time-series analysis by improving the quality of learned representations and enhancing downstream task performance.