bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Standard and Reverse Mode Operation of a Hydrocyclone for Microplastic Separation
Authors: Senfter Thomas , Walter Andreas , Dür Lukas , Alber Florian , Berger Manuel , Kraxner Michael , Pillei Martin
Published: January 2024

Harmonization in the analytical framework is needed to detect, define and further categorize plastics released into the environment. In the range of particles smaller than 200 μm, hydrocyclones (HCs) have proven their capacity in removing microplastics efficiently by offering technical advantages at low operational costs. This publication aims to expand scientific knowledge by introducing four commercially available, low-priced microplastics to a pilot-scale HC setting. The physicochemical characteristics of particles as well as the separation efficiency of the test rig were investigated in depth. Particles with a density of >1000 kg/m3 passed the primary vortex and were discharged into the underflow, allowing us to employ standard mode operation. Particles with a density of <1000 kg/m3 entered the secondary vortex and were removed through the overflow. As expected, separation efficiencies were found to be higher for particles revealing a greater density difference when compared with the mobile phase water. Furthermore, an increase in the inlet volume flow revealed significant positive impacts on the separation efficiency for three plastics to a certain threshold. Data on standard and reverse mode operations presented in this publication can lay out an important source for the harmonization and standardization of future HC research, with the goal of overcoming plastic pollution by developing economically competitive separation processes.
Microplastic in Drinking Water: A Pilot Study
Authors: Brancaleone Eleonora , Mattei Daniela , Fuscoletti Valentina , Lucentini Luca , Favero Gabriele , Cecchini Giancarlo , Frugis Alessandro , Gioia Valentina , Lazzazzara Marco
Published: January 2024

In recent years, microplastic pollution has been a hot topic as these compounds have been used in various production contexts such as health, food or technology due to their chemical and physical properties and “shelf-life,” making them almost indispensable products in daily life. On the other hand, they have a negative impact on the environment and, consequently, on biota and human health. It is therefore necessary to assess the actual presence of microplastics in drinking water by analysing real samples in order to estimate the possible exposure through drinking water consumption. In this pilot study, drinking water from different aqueous matrices was examined for the presence of microplastics and characterized in terms of shape, size, abundance and polymer type by Raman microspectroscopy analysis. Not all samples analysed were found to be contaminated with microplastics, indeed, some, as in the case of water kiosk samples, were found to be free of such contaminants. The results for the various matrices showed that the microplastics content ranged from less than 2 particles/L to a maximum of 5 + 1.5 particles/L, with sizes ranging from 30 to 100 μm and consisted of the most common polymers such as polyethylene, polypropylene or polyethylene terephthalate.
High-Frequency Lacustrine Lithological and Geochemical Variations in the Eocene Qaidam Basin: Implications for Paleoenvironment Reconstruction
Authors: Wu Kunyu , Tan Xiucheng , Liu Xiangjun , Pang Peng , Wu Songtao , Xue Shituan , Xing Haoting , Xiong Ying , Li Yafeng , Zhang Menglin , Deng Wei , Wang Juan
Published: January 2024

Lacustrine sedimentary processes exhibit high sensitivity to paleoenvironmental changes, often manifesting as high-frequency sedimentary cycles that control the complex variations in sedimentary structure, mineral composition, and element distribution. However, the intricate co-variation mechanism among paleoclimate and paleowater properties at a high precision level (centimeter to meter scale) is still controversial. This study focuses on conducting a high-frequency cycle analysis of lacustrine mixed rocks from the Eocene Lower Ganchaigou Formation (LGCG) in the Qaidam Basin, employing petrology, mineralogy, organic geochemistry, and elemental geochemistry techniques. The lithological variation was characterized by the superposition of three lithofacies types from the bottom to the top with a single sequence: massive sandstone, laminated silty shale, and bedded calcareous dolostone. Geochemical data revealed cyclical variations in the paleoenvironment in the vertical profile, which conformed to the high-frequency lithofacies cycles. Based on the reconstruction of the lake level and paleowater properties, a synthesized paleoclimate–sedimentary model that comprised three consecutive periods within an individual sequence was established. From the bottom to the top of each cycle, the Eocene paleoenvironment varied from reduction and desalination to oxidation and salinization, which was controlled by a decline in the lake level resulting from a transformation of the paleoclimate from warm and humid to cold and arid. The variations in petrology and geochemistry observed in the Eocene Qaidam Basin play a crucial role in comprehending the sedimentary response to paleoenvironmental changes at high precision levels within lacustrine settings.
Impact of Preparative Isolation of C-Glycosylflavones Derived from Dianthus superbus on In Vitro Glucose Metabolism
Authors: Lin Zikai , Zhou Xiaowei , Yuan Chen , Fang Yan , Zhou Haozheng , Wang Zhenhua , Dang Jun , Li Gang
Published: January 2024

Dianthus superbus L. has been extensively studied for its potential medicinal properties in traditional Chinese medicine and is often consumed as a tea by traditional folk. It has the potential to be exploited in the treatment of inflammation, immunological disorders, and diabetic nephropathy. Based on previous studies, this study continued the separation of another subfraction of Dianthus superbus and established reversed-phase/reversed-phase and reversed-phase/hydrophilic (RPLC) two-dimensional (2D) high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) modes, quickly separating two C-glycosylflavones, among which 2″-O-rhamnosyllutonarin was a new compound and isomer with 6‴-O-rhamnosyllutonarin. This is the first study to investigate the effects of 2″-O-rhamnosyllutonarin and 6‴-O-rhamnosyllutonarin on cellular glucose metabolism in vitro. First, molecular docking was used to examine the effects of 2″-O-rhamnosyllutonarin and 6″-O-rhamnosyllutonarin on AKT and AMPK; these two compounds exhibited relatively high activity. Following this, based on the HepG2 cell model of insulin resistance, it was proved that both of the 2″-O-rhamnosyllutonarin and 6‴-O-rhamnosyllutonarin demonstrated substantial efficacy in ameliorating insulin resistance and were found to be non-toxic. Simultaneously, it is expected that the methods developed in this study will provide a basis for future studies concerning the separation and pharmacological effects of C-glycosyl flavonoids.
Electronic Properties of Graphene Nano-Parallelograms: A Thermally Assisted Occupation DFT Computational Study
Authors: Seenithurai Sonai , Chai Jeng-Da
Published: January 2024

In this computational study, we investigate the electronic properties of zigzag graphene nano-parallelograms (GNPs), which are parallelogram-shaped graphene nanoribbons of various widths and lengths, using thermally assisted occupation density functional theory (TAO-DFT). Our calculations revealed a monotonic decrease in the singlet–triplet energy gap as the GNP length increased. The GNPs possessed singlet ground states for all the cases examined. With the increase of GNP length, the vertical ionization potential and fundamental gap decreased monotonically, while the vertical electron affinity increased monotonically. Some of the GNPs studied were found to possess fundamental gaps in the range of 1–3 eV, lying in the ideal region relevant to solar energy applications. Besides, as the GNP length increased, the symmetrized von Neumann entropy increased monotonically, denoting an increase in the degree of the multi-reference character associated with the ground state GNPs. The occupation numbers and real-space representation of active orbitals indicated that there was a transition from the nonradical nature of the shorter GNPs to the increasing polyradical nature of the longer GNPs. In addition, the edge/corner localization of the active orbitals was found for the wider and longer GNPs.
Transcriptional Stress Induces the Generation of DoGs in Cancer Cells
Authors: Rios Francisco , Uriostegui-Arcos Maritere , Zurita Mario
Published: January 2024

A characteristic of the cellular response to stress is the production of RNAs generated from a readthrough transcription of genes, called downstream-of-gene-(DoG)-containing transcripts. Additionally, transcription inhibitor drugs are candidates for fighting cancer. In this work, we report the results of a bioinformatic analysis showing that one of the responses to transcription inhibition is the generation of DoGs in cancer cells. Although some genes that form DoGs were shared between the two cancer lines, there did not appear to be a functional correlation between them. However, our findings show that DoGs are generated as part of the cellular response to transcription inhibition like other types of cellular stress, suggesting that they may be part of the defense against transcriptional stress.
Association of Glutamine and Glutamate Metabolism with Mortality among Patients at Nutritional Risk—A Secondary Analysis of the Randomized Clinical Trial EFFORT
Authors: Wunderle Carla , von Arx Diana , Mueller Sydney Chiara , Bernasconi Luca , Neyer Peter , Tribolet Pascal , Stanga Zeno , Mueller Beat , Schuetz Philipp
Published: January 2024

Glutamine and its metabolite glutamate serve as the main energy substrates for immune cells, and their plasma levels drop during severe illness. Therefore, glutamine supplementation in the critical care setting has been advocated. However, little is known about glutamine metabolism in severely but not critically ill medical patients. We investigated the prognostic impact of glutamine metabolism in a secondary analysis of the Effect of Early Nutritional Support on Frailty, Functional Outcomes, and Recovery of Malnourished Medical Inpatients Trial (EFFORT), a randomized controlled trial comparing individualized nutritional support to usual care in patients at nutritional risk. Among 234 patients with available measurements, low plasma levels of glutamate were independently associated with 30-day mortality (adjusted HR 2.35 [95% CI 1.18–4.67, p = 0.015]). The impact on mortality remained consistent long-term for up to 5 years. No significant association was found for circulating glutamine levels and short- or long-term mortality. There was no association of glutamate nor glutamine with malnutrition parameters or with the effectiveness of nutritional support. This secondary analysis found glutamate to be independently prognostic among medical inpatients at nutritional risk but poorly associated with the effectiveness of nutritional support. In contrast to ICU studies, we found no association between glutamine and clinical outcome.
Prevalence and Time Trends of Low Serum B12 Levels and Inadequate B12 Dietary Intake in Lebanese Adults amidst the Food Insecurity Situation: Findings from a Nationally Representative Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Hoteit Maha , Khadra Razan , Fadlallah Zahraa , Mourad Youmna , Chahine Mohamad , Skaiki Farouk , Al Manasfi Elham , Chahine Abdulrahman , Poh Omasyarifa Binti Jamal , Tzenios Nikolaos
Published: January 2024

Rising food insecurity (FI) and the increased prices of animal-based foods could compromise vitamin B12 (B12) intake and serum levels in food-insecure people. Our study aims to determine the prevalence of low levels of serum B12 and its inadequate dietary intake among a nationally representative sample of Lebanese adults aged 18 to 64 years, while exploring the impact of FI and identifying other potential predictors. The B12 intake was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire and the mean of two non-consecutive 24 h recalls. The B12 serum levels were also examined. To examine the time trends in the B12 serum levels and dietary intake, the data from a large representative digitized database of 6290 participants were collected, along with the examination of FAOSTAT food consumption data both before and during the economic crisis period. Our findings revealed that 47.3% of households in Lebanon experienced FI. The inadequate intake of B12 food sources was prevalent in 52.5% of participants, and 61.1% presented with low (23%) or intermediate (38.1%) levels of serum B12. The food-secure households had a higher proportion of B12 intake from meats (p = 0.004), while traditional foods contributed more to food-insecure households (p = 0.000). The participants who were female, unemployed, food-insecure, and had low dietary diversity were about two to three times more likely to have inadequate B12 intake. The predictors of low levels of serum B12 included residing in Beqaa (OR = 2.856 and 95% CI = 1.018–8.01) and having inadequate B12 intake (OR = 1.788 and 95% CI = 1.2–2.65). The findings from observing the time trends in the consumption and the serum levels of B12 indicate a considerable decline in the consumption of most animal-based foods compared to the pre-crisis period, associated with a decline in the serum levels of B12. In conclusion, an alarming prevalence of low dietary intake and low serum levels of B12 was revealed among Lebanese adults, and the indirect effect of FI on B12 serum levels mediated through B12 intake was inferred.
Opportunities and Challenges in Catheter-Based Irreversible Electroporation for Ventricular Tachycardia
Authors: Repp Matthew Leonard , Chinyere Ikeotunye Royal
Published: January 2024

The use of catheter-based irreversible electroporation in clinical cardiac laboratories, termed pulsed-field ablation (PFA), is gaining international momentum among cardiac electrophysiology proceduralists for the non-thermal management of both atrial and ventricular tachyrhythmogenic substrates. One area of potential application for PFA is in the mitigation of ventricular tachycardia (VT) risk in the setting of ischemia-mediated myocardial fibrosis, as evidenced by recently published clinical case reports. The efficacy of tissue electroporation has been documented in other branches of science and medicine; however, ventricular PFA’s potential advantages and pitfalls are less understood. This comprehensive review will briefly summarize the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying VT and then summarize the pre-clinical and adult clinical data published to date on PFA’s effectiveness in treating monomorphic VT. These data will be contrasted with the effectiveness ascribed to thermal cardiac ablation modalities to treat VT, namely radiofrequency energy and liquid nitrogen-based cryoablation.
Biochanin A Inhibits the Growth and Biofilm of Candida Species
Authors: Janeczko Monika , Kochanowicz Elżbieta
Published: January 2024

The aim of this study was to investigate the antifungal activity of biochanin A (BCA) against planktonic growth and biofilms of six Candida species, including C. albicans, C. parapsilosis, C. glabrata, C. tropicalis, C. auris, and C. krusei. We applied various assays that determined (a) the antimicrobial effect on growth of Candida species, (b) the effect on formation of hyphae and biofilm, (c) the effect on the expression of genes related to hyphal growth and biofilm formation, (d) the influence on cell wall structure, and (e) the effect on cell membrane integrity and permeability. Moreover, disk diffusion tests were used to investigate the effect of a combination of BCA with fluconazole to assess their possible synergistic effect on drug-resistant C. albicans, C. glabrata, and C. auris. Our results showed that the BCA MIC50 values against Candida species ranged between 125 µg/mL and 500 µg/mL, and the MIC90 values were in a concentration range from 250 µg/mL to 1000 µg/mL. The treatment with BCA inhibited adhesion of cells, cell surface hydrophobicity (CSH), and biofilm formation and reduced hyphal growth in all the analyzed Candida species. Real-time qRT-PCR revealed that BCA down-regulated the expression of biofilm-specific genes in C. albicans. Furthermore, physical destruction of C. albicans cell membranes and cell walls as a result of the treatment with BCA was observed. The combination of BCA and fluconazole did not exert synergistic effects against fluconazole-resistant Candida.
Drug-Induced Anaphylaxis: National Database Analysis
Authors: Butranova Olga , Zyryanov Sergey , Gorbacheva Anastasia , Asetskaya Irina , Polivanov Vitaly
Published: January 2024

(1) Background: National health system databases represent an important source of information about the epidemiology of adverse drug reactions including drug-induced allergy and anaphylaxis. Analysis of such databases may enhance the knowledge of healthcare professionals regarding the problem of drug-induced anaphylaxis. (2) Methods: A retrospective descriptive analysis was carried out of spontaneous reports (SRs) with data on drug-induced anaphylaxis (SRsAs) extracted from the Russian National Pharmacovigilance database (analyzed period 2 April 2019–21 June 2023). The percentage of SRsAs among SRs of drug-induced allergy (SRsDIAs) was calculated, as well as of pediatric, elderly, and fatal SrsAs. Drugs involved in anaphylaxis were assessed among total SRsAs, pediatric, and elderly SRsAs, and among fatal SRsAs. Demographic parameters of patients were assessed. (3) Results: SRsAs were reported in 8.3% of SRsDIAs (2304/27,727), the mean age of patients was 48.2 ± 15.8 years, and females accounted for 53.2% of cases. The main causative groups of drugs were antibacterials (ABs) for systemic use (44.6%), local anesthetics (20.0%), and cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitors (10.1%). Fatal SRsAs were reported in 9.5% (218/2304) of cases, the mean age of patients was 48.0 ± 16.7 years, and females accounted for 56.4% of cases. Pediatric SRsAs accounted for 3.9% of pediatric SRsDIAs and 5.8% of all SRsAs, with a mean age of 11.8 ± 4.5 years, and females acccounted for 51.9% of cases. Elderly SRsAs accounted for 2% of elderly SRsDIAs and 2.8% of all SRsAs, and the mean age was 73.0 ± 5.3 years, and females accounted for 43.5% of cases. ABs caused 40% of SRsAs in the elderly, 42.9% in children, and 50% of fatal SRsAs. (4) Conclusions: Our study revealed a relatively high proportion of anaphylaxis among SRs of drug-induced allergy. ABs were the most prevalent causative agents, especially in fatal SRsAs.
Chemical Adjustment of Fibrinolysis
Authors: Shibeko Alexey M. , Ilin Ivan S. , Podoplelova Nadezhda A. , Sulimov Vladimir B. , Panteleev Mikhail A.
Published: January 2024

Fibrinolysis is the process of the fibrin–platelet clot dissolution initiated after bleeding has been stopped. It is regulated by a cascade of proteolytic enzymes with plasmin at its core. In pathological cases, the balance of normal clot formation and dissolution is replaced by a too rapid lysis, leading to bleeding, or an insufficient one, leading to an increased thrombotic risk. The only approved therapy for emergency thrombus lysis in ischemic stroke is recombinant tissue plasminogen activator, though streptokinase or urokinase-type plasminogen activators could be used for other conditions. Low molecular weight compounds are of great interest for long-term correction of fibrinolysis dysfunctions. Their areas of application might go beyond the hematology field because the regulation of fibrinolysis could be important in many conditions, such as fibrosis. They enhance or weaken fibrinolysis without significant effects on other components of hemostasis. Here we will describe and discuss the main classes of these substances and their mechanisms of action. We will also explore avenues of research for the development of new drugs, with a focus on the use of computational models in this field.
Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes Ameliorate Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity
Authors: Ali Sawdah A. , Singla Dinender K.
Published: January 2024

Doxorubicin (DOX) is an incessantly used chemotherapeutic drug that can cause detrimental dose-dependent effects such as cardiotoxicity and congestive heart failure. Hence, there is a need to discover innovative therapeutic approaches to counteract DOX-induced cardiotoxicity (DIC). MSC-Exos have shown to reduce apoptosis and cardiac fibrosis and promote cardiomyocyte proliferation in myocardial infracted mice. However, the effect of MSC-Exos on ameliorating DOX-induced pyroptosis has not been investigated. In this current study, H9c2 were first exposed to DOX to stimulate pyroptosis, followed by subsequent treatment with MSC-Exos, with further analysis performed through immunocytochemistry, western blotting, and RT-PCR. Our data depicted that post-treatment with MSC-Exos significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the HMGB1/TLR4 axis, inflammasome formation (NLRP3), pyroptotic markers (caspase-1, IL-1β, and IL-18), and the pyroptotic executioner (GSDMD) in DOX-treated H9c2 cells. In conclusion, our data show that MSC-Exos attenuates inflammation-induced pyroptosis in our in vitro DIC model. Our findings indicate that MSC-Exos may serve as a promising therapeutic intervention for mitigating DIC, as they maintain the therapeutic capabilities of MSCs while circumventing the drawbacks associated with traditional stem cell therapy.
Improvement of the Thermal Stability and Aqueous Solubility of Three Matrine Salts Assembled by the Similar Structure Salt Formers
Authors: Wang Yeyang , Zhang Baoxi , Wang Wenwen , Yuan Penghui , Hu Kun , Zhang Li , Yang Dezhi , Lu Yang , Du Guanhua
Published: January 2024

Matrine (MAT), a natural Chinese herbal medicine, has a unique advantage in the treatment of various chronic diseases. However, its low melting point, low bioavailability, and high dosage restrict its subsequent development into new drugs. In this study, three kinds of MAT salts, namely, MAT-2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (MAT-25DHB), MAT-2,6-dihydroxybenzoic acid (MAT-26DHB), and MAT-salicylic acid-hydrate (MAT-SAL-H2O), were designed and synthesized to improve the drugability of MAT. The three salts were characterized by using various analytical techniques, including single-crystal X-ray diffractometry, powder X-ray diffractometry, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetry, and infrared spectroscopy. The results of the thermal stability evaluation showed that the formation of salts improved the stability of MAT; MAT-25DHB is the most stable salt reported at present. The results of aqueous solubility showed that the solubility of MAT-25DHB was higher than that of MAT, while that of MAT-26DHB and MAT-SAL-H2O were less. Given that the MAT-25DHB salt further improved the solubility of MAT, it is expected to be subjected to further research as an optimized salt. Lattice energy and solvation free energy are important factors affecting the solubility of salts; the reasons for the changes of solubility and stability of three kinds of salts are explained by calculating them.
Logistic Regression Is Non-Inferior to the Response Surface Model in Patient Response Prediction of Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery
Authors: Huang Hui-Yu , Lin Shih-Pin , Wang Hsin-Yi , Liou Jing-Yang , Chang Wen-Kuei , Ting Chien-Kun
Published: January 2024

Response surface models (RSMs) are a new trend in modern anesthesia. RSMs have demonstrated significant applicability in the field of anesthesia. However, the comparative analysis between RSMs and logistic regression (LR) in different surgeries remains relatively limited in the current literature. We hypothesized that using a total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) technique with the response surface model (RSM) and logistic regression (LR) would predict the emergence from anesthesia in patients undergoing video-assisted thoracotomy surgery (VATS). This study aimed to prove that LR, like the RSM, can be used to improve patient safety and achieve enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS). This was a prospective, observational study with data reanalysis. Twenty-nine patients (American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class II and III) who underwent VATS for elective pulmonary or mediastinal surgery under TIVA were enrolled. We monitored the emergence from anesthesia, and the precise time point of regained response (RR) was noted. The influence of varying concentrations was examined and incorporated into both the RSM and LR. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve area for Greco and LR models was 0.979 (confidence interval: 0.987 to 0.990) and 0.989 (confidence interval: 0.989 to 0.990), respectively. The two models had no significant differences in predicting the probability of regaining response. In conclusion, the LR model was effective and can be applied to patients undergoing VATS or other procedures of similar modalities. Furthermore, the RSM is significantly more sophisticated and has an accuracy similar to that of the LR model; however, the LR model is more accessible. Therefore, the LR model is a simpler tool for predicting arousal in patients undergoing VATS under TIVA with Remifentanil and Propofol.
Correction: Yu et al. Achieving Effective Multimodal Imaging with Rare-Earth Ion-Doped CaF2 Nanoparticles. Pharmaceutics 2022, 14, 840
Authors: Yu Zhenfeng , He Yuanyuan , Schomann Timo , Wu Kefan , Hao Yang , Suidgeest Ernst , Zhang Hong , Eich Christina , Cruz Luis J.
Published: January 2024

There was an error in the original publication [...]
Electrospun Antimicrobial Drug Delivery Systems and Hydrogels Used for Wound Dressings
Authors: Moazzami Goudarzi Zahra , Zaszczyńska Angelika , Kowalczyk Tomasz , Sajkiewicz Paweł
Published: January 2024

Wounds and chronic wounds can be caused by bacterial infections and lead to discomfort in patients. To solve this problem, scientists are working to create modern wound dressings with antibacterial additives, mainly because traditional materials cannot meet the general requirements for complex wounds and cannot promote wound healing. This demand is met by material engineering, through which we can create electrospun wound dressings. Electrospun wound dressings, as well as those based on hydrogels with incorporated antibacterial compounds, can meet these requirements. This manuscript reviews recent materials used as wound dressings, discussing their formation, application, and functionalization. The focus is on presenting dressings based on electrospun materials and hydrogels. In contrast, recent advancements in wound care have highlighted the potential of thermoresponsive hydrogels as dynamic and antibacterial wound dressings. These hydrogels contain adaptable polymers that offer targeted drug delivery and show promise in managing various wound types while addressing bacterial infections. In this way, the article is intended to serve as a compendium of knowledge for researchers, medical practitioners, and biomaterials engineers, providing up-to-date information on the state of the art, possibilities of innovative solutions, and potential challenges in the area of materials used in dressings.
Consciousness in Pain: A New Model for Analysing Its Transformation
Authors: Naor-Hofri Roni
Published: January 2024

When looking for an account that explains how pain changes consciousness, one finds that most studies in the phenomenology of pain focus either on the outcome of the change, or on how it affects the self, as a conscious object, and the self’s experiences in the world of objects. This paper focuses on the mechanism of consciousness, exploring the nature of the change that pain creates in consciousness and how exactly that change occurs. The paper provides a systematic, phenomenological inquiry in three phases: one identifies three essential attributes of consciousness, another identifies three essential attributes of pain, and a third analyses the outcome of the integration between both sets of attributes. The paper demonstrates how the change wrought by pain on the self, as a conscious object, allows the self to breach its boundaries as an object, and experience being a non-object, even if only in part and temporarily.
Survey of T1 and T2 Energies of Intramolecular Singlet Fission Chromophores
Authors: Yao Guoying , Yang Zhenyu , Zeng Tao
Published: January 2024

Singlet fission is a desired process in photovoltaics since it enhances photoelectric conversion efficiency. Intramolecular singlet fission is of special interest as the fission efficiency can be improved through tuning configurations between chromophore units that are covalently connected. However, intramolecular singlet fission chromophores feature a large tetraradical character, and may tend to dissatisfy the ET2>2ET1 criterion for all singlet fission chromophores, intramolecular or not. We performed spin-flip time-dependent density functional theory calculations for a collection of representative intramolecular singlet fission chromophores to show that this is indeed the case.
Zero-Point Energy Density at the Origin of the Vacuum Permittivity and Photon Propagation Time Fluctuation
Authors: Hugon Christophe , Kulikovskiy Vladimir
Published: January 2024

We give a vacuum description with zero-point density for virtual fluctuations. One of the goals is to explain the origin of the vacuum permittivity and permeability and to calculate their values. In particular, we improve on existing calculations by avoiding assumptions on the volume occupied by virtual fluctuations. We propose testing of the models that assume a finite lifetime of virtual fluctuation. If during its propagation, the photon is stochastically trapped and released by virtual pairs, the propagation velocity may fluctuate. The propagation time fluctuation is estimated for several existing models. The obtained values are measurable with available technologies involving ultra-short laser pulses, and some of the models are already in conflict with the existing astronomical observations. The phase velocity is not affected significantly, which is consistent with the interferometric measurements.
Analysis of Dieback in a Coastal Pinewood in Campania, Southern Italy, through High-Resolution Remote Sensing
Authors: Nicoletti Rosario , De Masi Luigi , Migliozzi Antonello , Calandrelli Marina Maura
Published: January 2024

For some years, the stone pine (Pinus pinea L.) forests of the Domitian coast in Campania, Southern Italy, have been at risk of conservation due to biological adversities. Among these, the pine tortoise scale Toumeyella parvicornis (Cockerell) has assumed a primary role since its spread in Campania began. Observation of pine forests using remote sensing techniques was useful for acquiring information on the health state of the vegetation. In this way, it was possible to monitor the functioning of the forest ecosystem and identify the existence of critical states. To study the variation in spectral behavior and identify conditions of plant stress due to the action of pests, the analysis of the multispectral data of the Copernicus Sentinel-2 satellite, acquired over seven years between 2016 and 2022, was conducted on the Domitian pine forest. This method was used to plot the values of individual pixels over time by processing spectral indices using Geographic Information System (GIS) tools. The use of vegetation indices has made it possible to highlight the degradation suffered by the vegetation due to infestation by T. parvicornis. The results showed the utility of monitoring the state of the vegetation through high-resolution remote sensing to protect and preserve the pine forest ecosystem peculiar to the Domitian coast.
Effect of Protein Surface Hydrophobicity and Surface Amines on Soy Adhesive Strength
Authors: Kallakas Heikko , Plaza Nayomi , Crooks Casey , Turner Derek , Gargulak Mathew , Arvanitis Matthew A. , Frihart Charles R. , Hunt Christopher G.
Published: January 2024

Soy is considered one of the most promising natural materials for manufacturing wood adhesives due to its low cost, high protein content, and ready availability. However, more cost-effective ways of improving its wet shear strength are needed to achieve wider market acceptance. Protein adhesive wet strength depends on the use of (typically expensive) crosslinking additives as well as the processing/denaturation of the protein. It has been commonly stated in the literature that protein denaturation leads to higher bond strength by activating the surface and exposing the reactive groups. Therefore, we investigated how differences in surface reactive groups (surface hydrophobicity and reactive amine groups) brought on with different denaturation treatments relate to bonding performance. Fourteen soy protein isolates (SPIs) with different denaturation histories were investigated. Characterization of the SPIs included surface hydrophobicity, surface amine content, extent of protein hydrolysis, and bond strength (wet and dry, with and without polyamidoamine epichlorohydrin (PAE) crosslinking agent) by ASTM D7998. The molecular weight patterns showed that proteins denatured by extensive hydrolysis had very low bond strengths. Adding the crosslinker, PAE, improved all the shear strength values. We found that the number of water-accessible reactive amine groups on protein surfaces had no impact on the adhesive strength, even with the amine-reactive crosslinker, PAE. Conversely, increased surface hydrophobicity was beneficial to adhesive strength in all cases, though this correlation was only statistically significant for wet strength without PAE. While, in general, denatured proteins are typically thought to form better bonds than native state proteins, this work suggests that it matters how proteins are denatured, and what surfaces become exposed. Denaturation by hydrolysis did not improve bond strength, and extensive hydrolysis seemed highly detrimental. Moreover, exposing hydrophobic surface groups was beneficial, but exposing covalent bond-forming reactive amine groups was not.
Simulation Study on Dynamic Characteristics of the Chain Drive System for Mining Scraper Conveyor Driven by the Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor
Authors: Zhang Xi , Ren Mingming , Wang Hongju , Jin Lei
Published: January 2024

The chain drive system represents a critical subsystem within the scraper conveyor. This paper proposes a joint simulation model for the drive system of the scraper conveyor, driven by the permanent magnet synchronous motor, in order to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the dynamic characteristics of the chain drive system during the operational process. Firstly, the dynamic simulation model for the mining scraper conveyor’s chain drive system was established in ADAMS, taking into account its structural characteristics. Then, the mathematical model of the permanent magnet synchronous motor was established using the coordinate transformation theory, and the speed controller based on vector control was designed by using the theory related to sliding mode control. The coupling relationship between the chain drive system of the scraper conveyor and the permanent magnet synchronous motor drive system was investigated. Finally, a joint simulation model of the mechanical system and motor control system was created using ADAMS (View 2019) and MATLAB/Simulink (2020a). The dynamic characteristics of the chain drive system were analyzed, and the three typical working conditions of no load, half load, and rated load were considered. The results show that the contact force between the flat ring and the sprocket undergoes an initial increase, followed by a decrease, and finally another increase. As the load increases from no load to full load, there is a marked increase in the contact force between the loaded side chainrings. Due to the polygon effect, both the speed curve of the permanent magnet drive motor and the contact force curve between the ring chains exhibit periodic fluctuations. The research in this paper provides an idea for the coupling analysis of the scraper conveyor electromechanical system.
Antinociceptive Efficacy of 15-Deoxy-Δ12,14-Prostaglandin J2 Therapy in Response to Experimentally Induced Temporomandibular Joint Arthritis: A Systematic Review of Studies in Rats
Authors: Hart Fraser , Michelogiannakis Dimitrios , Rossouw P. Emile , Javed Fawad
Published: January 2024

The aim of the present systematic review was to assess the antinociceptive efficacy of 15-deoxy-Δ12,14-prostaglandin J2 (15d-PGJ2) therapy in rats with experimentally induced temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthritis. The focused question was “Is 15d-PGJ2 therapy effective in the management of TMJ nociception?” Indexed databases were searched without time and language restrictions up to and including September 2023 using different key words. Original studies were included. Risk of Bias (RoB) was assessed using the SYRCLE tool. Six studies performed in male Wistar rats with experimentally induced TMJ arthritis were included. The observation or follow-up period ranged between 45 min and 14 days. Four studies reported that 15d-PGJ2 therapy retards the production of proinflammatory cytokines in TMJ tissues. Four studies reported that 15d-PGJ2 therapy inhibits leukocyte migration and plasma extravasation in TMJ tissues. In one study, the expression of decay-accelerating factor in TMJ tissues increased after 15d-PGJ2 therapy. One study showed that 15d-PGJ2 inhibits nociception in a dose-dependent manner via the activation of peripheral kappa/delta opioid receptors. Prior sample-size-estimation (SSE) was performed in none of the studies and all studies had a high RoB. Due to a high RoB, methodological variations, and the absence of prior SSE within the included studies, it is demanding to derive an absolute verdict regarding the antinociceptive efficacy of 15d-PGJ2 therapy in response to experimentally induced TMJ arthritis.
The Noscapine Saga: Unravelling a Valuable Jewel from a Poppy Pod—Past, Present and Future
Authors: Priyadarshani Anjali , Bhatia Rishit , Shan Muniba
Published: January 2024

Noscapine is a naturally occurring alkaloid isolated from Papaver somniferum, commonly known as opium poppy or bread seed poppy. It edges over other opioids as it lacks addictive, sedative or euphoric effects. This review chronicles the saga of endeavours with noscapine, from modest efforts in the mid-1950s to its present anticancer potential and futuristic hope in combating COVID-19. We comprehensively searched for publications including noscapine- and noscapinoid-relevant keywords in different electronic databases such as PubMed, Google Scholars, Elsevier, Springer Link and Science Direct up to June 2023. We excluded those in a language other than English. Noscapine has long been used as an antitussive and suppresses coughing by reducing the activity of the cough centre in the brain. A great number of water-soluble noscapine analogues have been found to be impressive microtubule-interfering agents with a superior antiproliferative activity, inhibiting the proliferation of cancer cell lines with more potency than noscapine and bromo-noscapine. With enhanced drug delivery systems, noscapine has exerted significant therapeutic efficacy in animal models of Parkinson’s disease, polycystic ovary syndrome, multiple sclerosis and other disorders. Furthermore, the merit of noscapine in crossing the blood–brain barrier makes it a putative candidate agent against neurodegenerative and psychiatric diseases. Its long safety record, widespread availability and ease of administration make it an ideal candidate for fighting several life-threatening conditions. Recent promising docking studies onnoscapine with main protease (Mpro) of SARS-CoV-2 paves the way for combinatorial drug therapy with anti-viral drugs and is hopeful in fighting and triumphing over any future COVID-19 pandemic.
A Platform for Laser-Driven Ion Sources Generated with Nanosecond Laser Pulses in the Intensity Range of 1013–1015 W/cm2
Authors: Giuffrida L. , Istokskaia V. , Picciotto A. , Kantarelou V. , Barozzi M. , Dell`Anna R. , Divoky M. , Denk O. , Giubertoni D. , Grepl F. , Hadjikyriacou A. , Hanus M. , Krasa J. , Kucharik M. , Levato T. , Navratil P. , Pilar J. , Schillaci F. , Stancek S. , Tosca M. , Tryus M. , Velyhan A. , Lucianetti A. , Mocek T. , Margarone D.
Published: January 2024

An experimental platform for laser-driven ion (sub-MeV) acceleration and potential applications was commissioned at the HiLASE laser facility. The auxiliary beam of the Bivoj laser system operating at a GW level peak power (~10 J in 5–10 ns) and 1–10 Hz repetition rate enabled a stable production of high-current ion beams of multiple species (Al, Ti, Fe, Si, Cu, and Sn). The produced laser–plasma ion sources were fully characterized against the laser intensity on the target (1013–1015 W/cm2) by varying the laser energy, focal spot size, and pulse duration. The versatility and tuneability of such high-repetition-rate laser–plasma ion sources are of potential interest for user applications. Such a statistically accurate study was facilitated by the large amount of data acquired at the high repetition rate (1–10 Hz) provided by the Bivoj laser system.
Reconsidering Syncretism and Contextualization: The sangoma-Prophet Phenomenon in South African Neo-Prophetic Pentecostalism
Authors: Mofokeng Thabang R.
Published: January 2024

The emergence of African Christianity from missionary tutelage towards the close of the nineteenth century and early twentieth century raised concerns of syncretism that only eased with arguments of contextualisation in the 1970s. The arguments some missiologists in Southern Africa made, especially about the older Spirit churches (Zion and Apostolic churches) as indigenising agents, almost retired the concept of syncretism in relation to these churches in favour of recognising them as being responsive to their context—hence, agents of contextualisation. The advent of the neo-prophetic movement requires a reconsideration of both the concepts of syncretism and contextualisation of the Christian faith, especially in light of the alleged interaction of some in this movement with ancestral spirits. The article concerns itself with the question: why does the advent of neo-prophetism require a conceptual reconsideration of syncretism and contextualisation and to what end? The search for an answer to this question adopts a qualitative desktop research approach. The study seeks to understand the reasons for the traditional healing (sangoma) prophet phenomenon requiring a reconsideration of the mentioned concepts.
Lightweight-VGG: A Fast Deep Learning Architecture Based on Dimensionality Reduction and Nonlinear Enhancement for Hyperspectral Image Classification
Authors: Fei Xuan , Wu Sijia , Miao Jianyu , Wang Guicai , Sun Le
Published: January 2024

In the past decade, deep learning methods have proven to be highly effective in the classification of hyperspectral images (HSI), consistently outperforming traditional approaches. However, the large number of spectral bands in HSI data can lead to interference during the learning process. To address this issue, dimensionality reduction techniques can be employed to minimize data redundancy and improve HSI classification performance. Hence, we have developed an efficient lightweight learning framework consisting of two main components. Firstly, we utilized band selection and principal component analysis to reduce the dimensionality of HSI data, thereby reducing redundancy while retaining essential features. Subsequently, the pre-processed data was input into a modified VGG-based learning network for HSI classification. This method incorporates an improved dynamic activation function for the multi-layer perceptron to enhance non-linearity, and reduces the number of nodes in the fully connected layers of the original VGG architecture to improve speed while maintaining accuracy. This modified network structure, referred to as lightweight-VGG (LVGG), was specifically designed for HSI classification. Comprehensive experiments conducted on three publicly available HSI datasets consistently demonstrated that the LVGG method exhibited similar or better performance compared to other typical methods in the field of HSI classification. Our approach not only addresses the challenge of interference in deep learning methods for HSI classification, but also offers a lightweight and efficient solution for achieving high classification accuracy.
A Feasibility Study of Nearshore Bathymetry Estimation via Short-Range K-Band MIMO Radar
Authors: Ludeno Giovanni , Antuono Matteo , Soldovieri Francesco , Gennarelli Gianluca
Published: January 2024

This paper provides an assessment of a 24 GHz multiple-input multiple-output radar as a remote sensing tool to retrieve bathymetric maps in coastal areas. The reconstruction procedure considered here exploits the dispersion relation and has been previously employed to elaborate the data acquired via X-band marine radar. The estimation capabilities of the sensor are investigated firstly on synthetic radar data. With this aim, case studies referring to sea waves interacting with a constant and a spatially varying bathymetry are both considered. Finally, the reconstruction procedure is tested by processing real data recorded at Bagnoli Bay, Naples, South Italy. The preliminary results shown here confirm the potential of the radar sensor as a tool for sea wave monitoring.
The Rising Concern for Sea Level Rise: Altimeter Record and Geo-Engineering Debate
Authors: Gower Jim , Barale Vittorio
Published: January 2024

The Oceans from Space V Symposium, held in Venice, Italy, on 24–27 October 2022, devoted special sessions to sea level rise, as described by a series of satellite altimeters, and to remediations of consequent calamities in vulnerable mediterranean seas. It emerged that various aspects of climate change can be modelled in time as a Single Exponential Event (SEE), with a similar trend (a 54–year e–folding time) for CO2 concentration in the Earth’s atmosphere, global average sea surface temperature, and global average sea level. The sea level rise record, combining tide gauges data starting in 1850, as well as more recent altimeter data, for the last 30 years, is already 25 cm above historical values. If the curve continues to follow the exponential growth of the simple SEE model, it will reach about 40 cm by the year 2050, 1 m by 2100, and 2.5 m by 2150. As a result, dramatic impacts would be expected for most coastal areas in the next century. Decisive remediations, based on geo-engineering at the basin scale, are possible for semi-enclosed seas, such as the Mediterranean and Black Seas. Damming the Strait of Gibraltar would provide an alternative to the conclusion that coastal sites such as the City of Venice are inevitably doomed.