bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Crystallized Pickering Emulsions from Plant Oil as a Local Alternative to Palm Oil
Authors: Husmann Cyrill , Schmid Tamara , Waser Chiara , Kaelin Ivo , Hollenstein Lukas , Müller Nadina
Published: January 2025

Palm and palm kernel oils are preferred ingredients in industrial food processing for baked goods and chocolate-based desserts due to their unique properties, such as their distinctive melting behaviors. However, ongoing concerns about the social and environmental sustainability of palm oil production, coupled with consumer demands for palm oil-free products, have prompted the industry to seek alternatives which avoid the use of other tropical or hydrogenated fats. This project investigated replacing palm oils with chemically unhardened Swiss sunflower or rapeseed oils. Target applications were cookies and chocolate fillings. These oils were physically modified through emulsification, stabilized with finely ground oil press cake particles and crystallized waxes. Findings indicated that the emulsification of the oils increased viscosity and that the addition of wax was beneficial for long-term stability; however, the extent of this effect depended on the combination of oil and wax types. Furthermore, wax pre-crystallization and low shear during crystallization significantly improved emulsion stability. Despite these improvements, the resulting emulsions did not achieve sufficient stability and exhibited lower viscosity than palm oil. Future experiments should explore higher wax concentrations (1% or more) and develop analytical methods to better understand the wax composition and its role in oleogel formation.
Cloning and Functional Analysis of BraTSD2 Associated with Root Swelling in Turnip (Brassica rapa L.)
Authors: Huang Wenyue , Zhang Shifan , Li Fei , Zhang Hui , Sun Rifei , Li Guoliang , Zhang Shujiang
Published: January 2025

Turnip, a subspecies of Brassica rapa, is one of the important root vegetable crops in China. Its roots, as significant product organs, possess values for consumption, feed, and medicinal purposes. A previous study localized a gene associated with root swelling traits. In this study, we cloned the turnip root swelling-related gene BraTSD2 (TUMOROUS SHOOT DEVELOPMENT 2) and performed a preliminary functional analysis. The bioinformatics analysis of BraTSD2 indicated that the protein is likely to possess a transmembrane feature. Additionally, predictions of its secondary and tertiary structures suggested that BraTSD2 shares similarities with the structure of a pectin methyltransferase. Temporal and spatial expression analysis of BraTSD2 using qPCR techniques indicated that the BraTSD2 gene had the highest expression levels in roots and hypocotyls during the swelling stage. Analysis of the promoter cis-acting elements of the BraTSD2 gene revealed that the promoter is regulated by signals associated with light response, abscisic acid, stress, salicylic acid, and MYBHI. The promoter of the turnip BraTSD2 gene was expressed throughout the whole plant in Arabidopsis thaliana. Phenotypic observation and analysis of A. thaliana overexpression BraTSD2 transgenic lines showed that plants overexpressing BraTSD2 had fewer primary and lateral roots compared to the wild type, with lighter leaf color, and delayed development and flowering. A previously reported protein CGR3, associated with pectin methyltransferase function, interacts with protein BraTSD2. When the BraTSD2 gene is overexpressed in A. thaliana, it can affect root morphology, which may be the basic structural condition for the generation of turnip root swelling traits.
Time-Course Transcriptomics Analysis Reveals Molecular Mechanisms of Salt-Tolerant and Salt-Sensitive Cotton Cultivars in Response to Salt Stress
Authors: Li Hang , Liu Li , Kong Xianhui , Wang Xuwen , Si Aijun , Zhao Fuxiang , Huang Qian , Yu Yu , Chen Zhiwen
Published: January 2025

Salt stress is an environmental factor that limits plant seed germination, growth, and survival. We performed a comparative RNA sequencing transcriptome analysis during germination of the seeds from two cultivars with contrasting salt tolerance responses. A transcriptomic comparison between salt-tolerant cotton cv Jin-mian 25 and salt-sensitive cotton cv Su-mian 3 revealed both similar and differential expression patterns between the two genotypes during salt stress. The expression of genes related to aquaporins, kinases, reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging, trehalose biosynthesis, and phytohormone biosynthesis and signaling that include ethylene (ET), gibberellin (GA), abscisic acid (ABA), jasmonic acid (JA), and brassinosteroid (BR) were systematically investigated between the cultivars. Despite the involvement of these genes in cotton’s response to salt stress in positive or negative ways, their expression levels were mostly similar in both genotypes. Interestingly, a PXC2 gene (Ghir_D08G025150) was identified, which encodes a leucine-rich repeat receptor-like protein kinase (LRR-RLK). This gene showed an induced expression pattern after salt stress treatment in salt-tolerant cv Jin-mian 25 but not salt-sensitive cv Su-mian 3. Our multifaceted transcriptome approach illustrated a differential response to salt stress between salt-tolerant and salt-sensitive cotton.
Aldose Reductase: A Promising Therapeutic Target for High-Altitude Pulmonary Edema
Authors: Song Dan , Wang Mengjie , Zhao Xinjie , Zhang Yanru , Zhang Yiyi , Hao Xiaohua , Yuan Jialu , Tang Haojie
Published: January 2025

The Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, famously known as the “Roof of the World”, has witnessed a surge in individuals traveling or working there. However, a considerable percentage of these individuals may suffer from acute mountain sickness (AMS), with high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) being a severe and potentially life-threatening manifestation. HAPE disrupts the balance of intrapulmonary tissue fluid, resulting in severe lung function impairment. Current therapeutic interventions for HAPE have limitations and are accompanied by significant side effects. Aldose reductase (AR), a crucial enzyme in the polyol metabolic pathway, has been implicated in various diseases. In this study, we sought to explore the role of AR in HAPE. Utilizing both in vivo and in vitro models, we investigated the impact of AR on hypoxia-induced pulmonary edema, vascular pressure, inflammatory factors, and oxidative stress. Our findings revealed that AR knockdown mitigated hypoxia-induced pulmonary edema, decreased the expression of vascular pressure and inflammatory factors, and enhanced the expression related to oxidative stress. These results indicate that AR may serve as a potential therapeutic target for HAPE, offering a plausible pathological basis and novel drug targets for the prevention and treatment of this condition.
Advances in Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Strategies in Colorectal Cancer: A New Era of Precision Medicine
Authors: Delle Cave Donatella
Published: January 2025

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related morbidity and mortality worldwide [...]
Micro-Level Hybridization of Steel, Glass, and Polypropylene Filaments via Air Texturing: Mechanical and Morphological Analysis
Authors: Rehra Jan , Overberg Matthias , Schmeer Sebastian , Abdkader Anwar , Cherif Chokri
Published: January 2025

The increasing application of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites necessitates the development of composite structures that exhibit high stiffness, high strength, and favorable failure behavior to endure complex loading scenarios and improve damage tolerance. Achieving these properties can be facilitated by integrating conventional FRPCs with metallic materials, which offer high ductility and superior energy absorption capabilities. However, there is a lack of effective solutions for the micro-level hybridization of high-performance filament yarns, metal filament yarns, and thermoplastic filament yarns. This study aims to investigate the hybridization of multi-material components at the micro-level using the air-texturing process. The focus is on investigating the morphological and the mechanical properties as well as the damage behavior in relation to the process parameters of the air-texturing process. The process-induced property changes were evaluated throughout the entire process, starting from the individual components, through the hybridization process, and up to the tape production. Tensile tests on multifilament yarns and tape revealed that the strength of the hybrid materials is significantly reduced due to the hybridization process inducing fiber damage. Morphological analyses using 3D scans and micrographs demonstrated that the degree of hybridization is enhanced due to the application of air pressure during the hybridization process. However, this phenomenon is also influenced by the flow movement of the PP matrix during the consolidation stage. The hybrid laminates exhibited a damage behavior that differs from the established behavior of layer-separated metal fiber hybrids, thereby supporting other failure and energy absorption mechanisms, such as fiber pull-out.
Kinetics of Austenite Formation in a Medium-Carbon, Low-Alloy Steel with an Initial Martensite Microstructure: Influence of Prior Austenite Grain Size
Authors: Rajakrishnan Navneeth , Sadeghifar Morteza , Bhattacharjee Pinaki , Champliaud Henri , Jahazi Mohammad
Published: January 2025

The impact of prior austenite grain size (PAGS) on the kinetics of austenite formation with an initial martensite microstructure was investigated in a medium-carbon, low-alloy steel. Two distinct PAGS of 117 and 330 μm, representing the range of grain sizes encountered in industries, were considered. In this analysis, high-resolution dilatometry was used to study the formation of austenite during continuous heating experiments. The analysis of the dilatometry results revealed that grain refinement accelerated the rate of austenite formation without impacting its austenite formation temperature. Intermittent quenching tests were conducted to elucidate the nucleation and growth mechanisms of austenite formation using a combination of optical, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD). The differences in austenite formation kinetics as a function of prior austenite grain size were quantified and modeled in the framework of diffusion-controlled nucleation and growth theories using the genetic algorithm optimization.
Wave Drift Force and Moment in Deep and Shallow Water
Authors: Söding Heinrich
Published: January 2025

To attain a low Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI), large ships possibly lack the necessary propulsion power to avoid stranding in case of strong adverse wind and wave conditions. To estimate this danger, here, the longitudinal and transverse drift force and the yaw drift moment caused by regular waves of arbitrary frequency and direction are computed using a 3-dimensional Rankine panel method. In many cases, drift forces are larger in shallow than in deep water. Therefore, the theory for computing drift force and moment is extended to shallow water. As published results for shallow water are lacking, the method is verified only for deep water by comparisons with results of model experiments and CFD computations for three ships. For one of them, the dependence of non-dimensional coefficients of longitudinal and transverse drift force and of the drift yaw moment on wave frequency, wave angle, water depth and ship speed is shown. The source files of the programs used for these computations may be obtained from the author if an adequate fee is donated to the Medecins Sans Frontieres or to the author.
An Investigation of Trades That Move the BBO Using Strings
Authors: Huang Ying , Hu Bill , Zeng Hong Chao , Hill Matthew D.
Published: January 2025

We investigate the common movement and information content of trades at steps away from the best bid and offer (BBO) using Tokyo Stock Exchange data. We create strings, a series of trades at the same or at an inferior price. The number of the strings is invariant for securities across trading days. The number of shares traded during a string and the time needed for the completion of a string are also significantly related across days for a given stock. The strings represent liquidity beyond the BBO. In addition, the strings characterize the price adjustment process in which we relate to the information on the underlying asset value. The strings measure order aggressiveness beyond the BBO. Finally, we show that the return for the strings is significantly related to the state of the limit order book at the start of the string. Thus, traders can infer information using strings to achieve higher returns.
Reshaping Resistance: How Autovaccine Therapy Alters the Course of Recurrent Multidrug-Resistant Urinary Tract Infections
Authors: Ciudin Alexandru , Padulles Bernat , Manasia Pasqualino , Alcoberro Josep , Toma Cristian , Popescu Răzvan , Persu Cristian , Aguilar Antonio
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria pose a considerable challenge due to high treatment failure rates and associated healthcare costs. This pioneering study evaluates the effectiveness of personalized autovaccine therapy in managing recurrent UTIs in patients with MDR bacteria, aiming to offer an innovative treatment that reduces antibiotic resistance and hospitalizations. Methods: In this prospective, single-center study, 40 patients with recurrent MDR UTIs received personalized sublingual autovaccines derived from their own bacterial isolates. The study assessed UTI recurrence rates, changes in antibiotic use, and hospitalization days over 12 months. Results: The autovaccine therapy significantly reduced UTI recurrence, with 67.5% of patients experiencing fewer infections. Antibiotic usage decreased by 74.4%, and total hospitalization days annually reduced from 400 to 216. A significant shift was observed from MDR to multi-susceptible bacterial profiles among participants. Conclusions: This study is the first to demonstrate that autovaccine therapy is a safe and effective approach for managing recurrent UTIs caused by MDR bacteria, significantly lowering infection frequency, antibiotic needs, and hospitalization. These findings support integrating autovaccine therapy into standard UTI management to combat antibiotic resistance and lessen healthcare burdens.
Surface Hydrophilic Modification of Polypropylene by Nanosecond Pulsed Ar/O2 Dielectric Barrier Discharge
Authors: Zhou Yang , Fang Zhi , Zhang Yi , Li Tingting , Liu Feng
Published: January 2025

Polypropylene (PP) membranes have found diverse applications, such as in wastewater treatment, lithium-ion batteries, and pharmaceuticals, due to their low cost, excellent mechanical properties, thermal stability, and chemical resistance. However, the intrinsic hydrophobicity of PP materials leads to membrane fouling and filtration flux reduction, which greatly hinders the applications of PP membranes. Dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) is an effective technique for surface modification of materials because it generates a large area of low-temperature plasma at atmospheric pressure. In this study, O2 was added to nanosecond pulsed Ar DBD to increase its reactivity. Electrical and optical diagnostic techniques were used to study the discharge characteristics of the DBD at varying O2 contents. The uniformity of the discharge was quantitatively analyzed using the observed discharge images. Water contact angle measurements were used to assess the surface hydrophilicity of polypropylene. The surface morphology and chemical composition of the PP materials before and after treatment were analyzed using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The results show that the moderate addition of O2 enhances surface hydrophilicity and the uniformity of the modification. By increasing the O2 addition from 0% to 0.1%, the average power increased from 4.19 W to 5.79 W, and the energy efficiency increased from 17.78% to 21.51%. The water contact angle of the DBD-treated PP showed a tendency to decrease and then increase with increasing O2 content, with the optimum O2 addition determined to be 0.1%. Under this condition, the water contact angle of the PP surface decreased by 31.88°, which is 52.31% lower than the untreated surface. O2 increases the number of oxygen-containing polar groups (-OH, C=O, and O-C=O) on the surface of the material, and deepens and densifies the grooves on the surface of the PP material, resulting in an increase in the hydrophilicity of the PP surface.
Mathematical Model for Assessing New, Non-Fossil Fuel Technological Products (Li-Ion Batteries and Electric Vehicle)
Authors: Anufriev Igor E. , Khusainov Bulat , Tick Andrea , Devezas Tessaleno , Sarygulov Askar , Kaimoldina Sholpan
Published: January 2025

Since private cars and vans accounted for more than 25% of global oil consumption and about 10% of energy-related CO2 emissions in 2022, increasing the share of electric vehicle (EV) ownership is considered an important solution for reducing CO2 emissions. At the same time, reducing emissions entails certain economic losses for those countries whose exports are largely covered by the oil trade. The explosive growth of the EV segment over the past 15 years has given rise to overly optimistic forecasts for global EV penetration by 2050. One of the major obstacles to such a development scenario is the limited availability of resources, especially critical materials. This paper proposes a mathematical model to predict the global EV fleet based on the limited availability of critical materials such as lithium, one of the key elements for battery production. The proposed model has three distinctive features. First, it shows that the classical logistic function, due to the specificity of its structure, cannot correctly describe market saturation in the case of using resources with limited serves. Second, even the use of a special multiplier that describes the market saturation process taking into account the depletion (finiteness) of the used resource does not obtain satisfactory economic results because of the “high speed” depletion of this resource. Third, the analytical solution of the final model indicates the point in time at which changes in saturation rate occur. The latter situation allows us to determine the tracking of market saturation, which is more similar to the process that is actually occurring. We believe that this model can also be validated to estimate the production of wind turbines that use rare earth elements such as neodymium and dysprosium (for the production of powerful and permanent magnets for wind turbines). These results also suggest the need for oil-exporting countries to technologically diversify their economies to minimize losses in the transition to a low-carbon economy.
A New Approach for Proximal Split Minimization Problems
Authors: Moudafi Abdellatif , Weng-Law André
Published: January 2025

We provide an alternative formulation of proximal split minimization problems, a very recently developed and appealing strategy that relies on an infimal post-composition approach. Then, forward–backward and Douglas–Rachford splitting algorithms will guide both the design and analysis of some split numerical methods. We provide evidence of globally weak convergence and the fact that these algorithms can be equipped with relaxed and/or inertial steps, leading to improved convergence guarantees.
Syntheses of Marine Natural Products via Matteson Homologations and Related Processes
Authors: Kazmaier Uli
Published: January 2025

Matteson homologation, a successive extension of chiral boronic esters, is perfectly suited for the synthesis of complex molecular structures containing several stereogenic centers. The “classical version” allows the introduction of various functional groups in a 1,2-anti-configuration. The absolute configuration is determined by the choice of the chiral auxiliary, which can be used to introduce several stereogenic centers. In contrast, in Aggarwal’s lithiation-borylation strategy, new chiral auxiliary reagents must be used in each reaction step, which on the other hand allows the individual insertion of the desired stereogenic centers. Both methods have their individual advantages and disadvantages and are well suited for the synthesis of marine natural products.
Pilot-Scale Enzymatic Conversion of Low Stability, High Free Fatty, Squid Oil to an Oxidatively Stable Astaxanthin-Rich Acylglyceride Oil Suitable for Nutritional Applications
Authors: Joshi Asavari , Holland Brendan , Sachar Moninder , Barrow Colin J.
Published: January 2025

Squid viscera, a byproduct of squid processing, contains oil rich in omega-3 fatty acids (up to 10% by mass) and the antioxidant astaxanthin. However, its high free fatty acid (FFA) content compromises stability. To address this, pilot-scale (200 L) enzymatic re-esterification of squid oil using immobilized lipase (Lipozyme RMIM) was demonstrated, resulting in high acylglyceride yields. The processed oil was analyzed for oxidation kinetics and thermodynamics using Rancimat, fatty acid composition using GC, omega-3 fatty acid positional distribution in the acylglyceride product using 13C NMR, and astaxanthin content. Lipase treatment reduced FFA levels from 44% to 4% and increased acylglycerides to 93% in squid oil. This reduction in FFA was accompanied by significantly increased stability (0.06 to 18.9 h by Rancimat). The treated oil showed no loss in astaxanthin (194.1 µg/g) or omega-3 fatty acids, including docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). DHA remaining predominantly at sn-2 indicated that the naturally occurring positional distribution of this omega-3 FFA was retained in the product. Lipase treatment significantly enhanced oxidative stability, evidenced by improved thermodynamic parameters (Ea 94.15 kJ/mol, ΔH 91.09 kJ/mol, ΔS −12.6 J/mol K) and extended shelf life (IP25 74.42 days) compared to starting squid oil and commercial fish/squid oils lacking astaxanthin. Thus, lipase treatment offers an effective strategy for reducing FFA levels and producing oxidatively stable, astaxanthin-rich acylglyceride squid oil with DHA retained at the nutritionally favored sn-2 position.
Asymptomatic Hyperuricemia and the Kidney: Lessons from the URRAH Study
Authors: Barnini Cecilia , Russo Elisa , Leoncini Giovanna , Ghinatti Maria Carla , Macciò Lucia , Piaggio Michela , Viazzi Francesca , Pontremoli Roberto
Published: January 2025

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a prevalent global health concern affecting approximately 850 million people worldwide, with a significant and rising mortality rate. CKD often coexists with hyperuricemia (HSUA), which is also increasingly common due to its association with hypertension, obesity, and diabetes. The interplay between hyperuricemia and CKD is complex; while in vitro studies and animal models support a role for uric acid mediating glomerular and tubule-interstitial damage, and HSUA has been shown to predict the onset and progression of CKD, the expectations of renal protection by the use of urate lowering treatment (ULT) are inconsistent. A significant challenge in managing asymptomatic HSUA in CKD patients lies in determining the appropriate SUA threshold values. Recent research, including the URRAH project, has sought to identify SUA cut-offs predictive of cardiovascular mortality, but these thresholds may vary depending on the severity of CKD. This variability complicates the establishment of universal guidelines for treating asymptomatic HSUA, leading to a lack of specific recommendations in clinical practice. In conclusion, while hyperuricemia is recognized as a prognostic factor for CKD and cardiovascular risk, more research is needed to refine the threshold values for SUA and to identify which patients may benefit from ULT. Stratification based on glomerular filtration rate may be necessary to tailor the treatments and improve outcomes in this population.
Copper-Copper Oxide Heterostructural Nanocrystals Anchored on g-C3N4 Nanosheets for Efficient Visible-Light-Driven Photo-Fenton-like Catalysis
Authors: Zhou Guangying , Yang Fan , Zhu Ximiao , Feng Weihua , Chen Dongdong , Fang Jianzhang
Published: January 2025

The development of efficient and sustainable photocatalysts for wastewater treatment remains a critical challenge in environmental remediation. In this study, a ternary photocatalyst, Cu-Cu2O/g-C3N4, was synthesized by embedding copper-copper oxide heterostructural nanocrystals onto g-C3N4 nanosheets via a simple deposition method. Structural and optical characterization confirmed the successful formation of the heterostructure, which combines the narrow bandgap of Cu2O, the high stability of g-C3N4, and the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) effect of Cu nanoparticles. The photocatalytic performance was evaluated through the degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) in a photo-Fenton-like reaction system under visible light irradiation. Among the catalysts tested, the 30 wt% Cu-Cu2O/g-C3N4 composite exhibited the highest catalytic efficiency, achieving a reaction rate constant approximately 3 times and 1.5 times higher than those of Cu-Cu2O and g-C3N4, respectively. Mechanistic studies suggest that the heterostructure facilitates efficient charge separation and promotes the reduction of Cu2+ to Cu+, thereby enhancing ∙OH radical generation. The catalyst also demonstrated excellent stability and reusability across a wide pH range. These findings provide a new strategy for designing highly efficient photocatalysts for organic pollutant degradation, contributing to the advancement of advanced oxidation processes for environmental applications.
Differential DNA Extraction from Lateral Flow Immunochromatographic Tests via the EZ1® Advanced XL System
Authors: Neilson Scarlet , Nangeroni Leah , Ghemrawi Mirna
Published: January 2025

This differential extraction protocol details the steps for isolating DNA from sample pads used in lateral flow immunochromatographic (LFI) tests, particularly for cases involving mixed biological samples such as semen and menstrual blood, or other evidence related to sexual assault. This procedure utilizes a differential extraction technique applied to sample pads from immunochromatographic tests, where the sample pads serve as the substrate. The method involves two sequential lysis steps to effectively separate non-sperm and sperm fractions, enabling the targeted isolation of distinct cell types for downstream DNA analysis. The efficiency of this procedure is demonstrated by the results within this paper, which highlights the successful recovery of both male autosomal and Y-STR profiles, even in mixed samples with a high female presence. Overall, this protocol demonstrates the effective recovery of DNA from sample pads, which is beneficial for forensic practitioners dealing with limited sample quantities, underscoring the value of using these pads in forensic analysis.
Yeokwisan: Standardised Herbal Formula Enhancing Gastric Mucosal Protection Against Gastric Ulcers in Mice, a Preclinical Study
Authors: Lee Yun Mi , Jo Kyuhyung , Kim So Yeon , Seo Chang-Seob , Son Eunjung , Kim Aejin , Kim Dong-Seon
Published: January 2025

Background: Yeokwisan (YWS) is a standardised herbal formula for relieving functional dyspepsia symptoms. Methods: We explored the therapeutic value of YWS and its potential effects on gastritis. Its inhibitory effect on gastric mucosal damage and anti-inflammatory activity in animal models of alcohol- and restraint stress-induced gastritis were also examined. Gastric tissues of ICR mice treated with YWS (150 and 300 mg/kg) or famotidine (5 mg/kg) for 10 days were collected, and gastric lesions were quantified. The stomachs of C57BL/6 mice treated with YWS (150 and 300 mg/kg) or famotidine (5 mg/kg) for 23 days were collected, and gastric lesions were quantified. Blood samples were analysed for inflammation related factors and gastroprotective effects. Results: YWS (300 mg/kg) inhibited gastric damage by 42.33% in the EtOH-induced gastritis model and 75% in the restraint stress-induced gastritis model (compared to the control group). Pretreatment with YWS led to decreased levels of inflammatory factors (IL-1β, IL-6, and COX-2). YWS showed gastroprotective effects through histamine downregulation, while prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and mucin were upregulated. The mRNA levels of H2R, M3R, CCK2R, and H+/K+ ATPase were significantly decreased following treatment with YWS. Conclusions: YWS provides gastric protection through its anti-inflammatory properties, reduced histamine secretion, and enhanced release of mucosal defensive factors.
Design and Efficiency Optimization of Distributed Laser Wireless Power Transmission Systems Through Centralized Scheduling and Current Regulation
Authors: Sun Liangrong , Kang Jinsong , Bai Yunfeng , Jin Pengjia
Published: January 2025

This paper presents an efficiency optimization method for laser wireless power transmission (LWPT) system, focusing on the coordination and control of multiple laser diodes. A distributed laser wireless power transmission (D-LWPT) system is proposed, which includes multiple independent and parallel power transmission chains. The system has the characteristics of power scalability, redundancy, and control flexibility. The efficiency characteristics of each key component in the LWPT system are discussed. Due to the internal losses of the laser, the transmission efficiency is also affected by the transmission power. For distributed architecture, its flexibility allows for the rational allocation of transmission power. To achieve optimal efficiency, a central scheduling controller is designed to regulate the current of LDs. A swarm intelligence-based optimization algorithm is used to determine the optimal operating current. This significantly improves the system’s efficiency and ensures real-time control. Experimental results validate the effectiveness of the proposed techniques. The DC to DC efficiency of the power transmission chain can reach over 14%, and the photovoltaic array can output a maximum power of over 130 W. The impact of beam combination on the efficiency and output power of PV arrays is less than 3%, indicating that the distributed structure does not affect system performance. The experimental results show that the proposed efficiency optimization method has excellent power following performance (algorithm execution time < 10 ms) and effective efficiency optimization performance. Under light load conditions, the LDs’ efficiency is optimized from 27.5% to 45.0%, and under medium load conditions, it is optimized from 41.5% to 44.5%. This distributed structure and efficiency optimization method provide a solution for improving the performance of LWPT systems.
Analysis of the Distribution Pattern and Prophage Types in Candidatus Liberibacter Asiaticus ‘Cuimi’ Kumquat
Authors: Li Wen-Ting , Teng Xiao-Feng , He Li , Guan Bin , He Cui-Ling , Liu Jian-Jun , Chen Ke-Ling , Zheng Zheng , He Jian
Published: January 2025

The ‘Cuimi’ kumquat is a unique citrus cultivar known for its thin, crisp pulp and sweet, aromatic flavor. In addition to its use in fresh consumption and processing, this variety exhibits certain medicinal properties. This study aims to investigate the genetic diversity of the Huanglongbing (HLB) bacterium across different tissues of the ‘Cuimi’ kumquat, offering a theoretical basis for understanding the HLB epidemic in Dechang County, Sichuan. The research focuses on the absolute quantification of the HLB bacterium in seven specific tissues of the ‘Cuimi’ kumquat, including new leaves, upper phloem of branches, fruit peduncle, pith, fruit axis, old leaves, and lower phloem of branches. Additionally, the types and contents of prophages were identified in these tissues. In the same diseased branch group, Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas) exhibited an uneven distribution, with the highest concentration detected in the pith, significantly surpassing levels found in the stem and leaf tissues (new leaves, upper phloem of branches, old leaves, lower phloem of branches). Infected fruit peduncles and pith slices showed noticeable shrinkage and collapse in the phloem. Prophage analysis indicated that multiple types of prophages could be simultaneously detected within the same infected ‘Cuimi’ kumquat branch. New shoot tissues contained both Type 2 and Type 4 prophages, with a relatively higher abundance of Type 4 and a lower abundance of Type 2. The relative abundance of Type 1 prophage in the fruit tissues was generally higher than in other tissues. CLas primarily accumulates in the fruit tissues of the ‘Cuimi’ kumquat, and the situation in Dechang County suggests that individual trees may be infected with multiple prophage strains simultaneously.
Understanding the Impact of Salt Stress on Plant Pathogens Through Phenotypic and Transcriptomic Analysis
Authors: Jung Hyejung , Han Gil , Lee Duyoung , Jung Hyun-Kyoung , Kim Young-Sam , Kong Hee Jeong , Kim Young-Ok , Seo Young-Su , Park Jungwook
Published: January 2025

For plant diseases to become established, plant pathogens require not only virulence factors and susceptible hosts, but also optimal environmental conditions. The accumulation of high soil salinity can have serious impacts on agro-biological ecosystems. However, the interactions between plant pathogens and salinity have not been fully characterized. This study investigated the effects of salt stress on representative plant pathogens, such as Burkholderia gladioli, Burkholderia glumae, Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. carotovorum (Pcc), Ralstonia solanacearum, and Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae. Phenotypic assays revealed that B. gladioli and R. solanacearum are highly sensitive to salt stress, exhibiting significant reductions in growth, motility, and enzyme production, whereas Pcc showed notable tolerance. Pan-genome-based comparative transcriptomics identified co-downregulated patterns in B. gladioli and R. solanacearum under stress conditions, indicating the suppression of bacterial chemotaxis and type III secretion systems. Uniquely upregulated patterns in Pcc were associated with enhanced survival under high salinity, such as protein quality control, osmotic equilibrium, and iron acquisition. Additionally, the application of salt stress combined with the beneficial bacterium Chryseobacterium salivictor significantly reduced tomato wilt caused by R. solanacearum, suggesting a potential management strategy. This study underscores practical implications for effectively understanding and controlling plant pathogens under future climate changes involving salt stress.
The Preparation of an Environmentally Friendly Novel Daidzein-Modified Lignin Phenolic Resin with High Performance and Its Application in Friction Materials
Authors: Jia Yufei , Zhang Yimiao , Meng Fuliang , Chen Zeyu , Fei Hongwei , Zhou Dapeng , Zhu Maiyong , Yuan Xinhua
Published: January 2025

The preparation of biological phenolic resin (PF) with green recyclable biomaterials instead of phenol is a research hotspot for solving current resource and environmental problems. In this study, on the basis of introducing lignin into the phenolic system, daidzein of a renewable resource with a rigid structure was selected to modify lignin-based phenolic resin (LPF), and the improvement of the mechanical and thermal properties of the modified phenolic resin under different substitution ratios was studied. The friction materials were prepared with a daidzein-modified lignin-based phenolic resin (D-LPF) as the matrix binder, and their effects on the mechanics and friction and wear properties of friction materials were investigated. The results show that when the proportion of daidzein replacing phenol is 12%, the highest Tp can reach 152.4 °C, and the Tg of the modified D-LPF resins is significantly higher than those of PF and LPF. The highest Ts of D-LPF is 203.3 °C, which is also significantly higher than those of PF and LPF (184.7 °C and 174.6 °C, respectively). The maximum carbon residue rate at 800 °C is 64.2% and is greatly improved compared with the 55.1% and 56.7% of PF and LPF. The bending strength and impact strength of D-LPF-matrix friction materials are obviously higher than those of PF- and LPF-matrix friction materials. The specific wear rate of D-LPF-matrix friction materials is 0.70 × 10−4 mm3/Nm, which is obviously lower than those of PF- and LPF-matrix friction materials and shows good applicational prospect as a matrix resin in friction materials.
An Improved ADRC Design Based on a Generalized Differentiator for a Nonlinear Hydraulic Turbine Regulating System
Authors: Zhang Jiwen , Liu Shaojie , Li Jingyan , Li Donghai , Wang Zhengwei
Published: January 2025

In recent years, with the advancement of renewable energy technologies, hydropower has assumed an increasingly important regulatory and balancing role in the power system. It plays an important role in grid frequency stability. This requires a faster response speed and superior disturbance immunity of the hydropower regulation system. The characteristics of active disturbance rejection control (ADRC) make it suitable for solving these kinds of nonlinearities, oscillations, and disturbances of hydro-generating units. The traditional ADRC has a complex structure and a large amount of parameter adjustments. In this paper, an improved ADRC based on a generalized differentiator is proposed, and the control loop consists of only the proportional and integrator. The parameters to be adjusted are reduced to two. The structure of the traditional ADRC is simplified. In several types of typical linear systems, the improved ADRC can harvest almost the same dynamic performance as the traditional ADRC. After applying the improved method to the simulation of a hydraulic turbine speed control system, a satisfactory response speed, superior anti-interference ability, and robustness are obtained.
Interpretations of “True Knowledge” in Zhuangzi’s Philosophy
Authors: Zhang Rongkun
Published: January 2025

Genuine Humans can achieve a way of existence in harmony with the “Way of Heaven” and open up a meaningful world where Heaven and humanity are integrated. Therefore, the “Way of Heaven”, as the true source of value for true knowledge, highlights the “transcendental” aspect of true knowledge. On the other hand, true knowledge includes the compassionate understanding and sincere empathy of a Genuine Human towards the unavoidable fact of the human world, thereby manifesting its “practical” dimension in a harmonious sense.
Airborne Mapping of Atmospheric Ammonia in a Mixed Discrete and Diffuse Emission Environment
Authors: Tratt David M. , Chang Clement S. , Keim Eric R. , Buckland Kerry N. , Alvarez Morad , Kalashnikova Olga , Hasheminassab Sina , Garay Michael J. , Miao Yaning , Porter William C. , Hopkins Francesca M. , Pakbin Payam , Sowlat Mohammad
Published: January 2025

Airborne longwave-infrared (LWIR) hyperspectral imagery acquisitions were coordinated with stationary and mobile ground-based in situ measurements of atmospheric ammonia in regions surrounding California’s Salton Sea, an area of commingled intensive animal husbandry and agriculture operations that is encumbered by exceptionally high levels of persistent ammonia and PM2.5 pollution. The goal of this study was to validate remotely sensed ammonia retrievals against ground truth measurements as part of a broader effort to elucidate the behavior of the atmospheric ammonia burden in this area of abundant diffuse and point sources. The nominal 2 m pixel size of the airborne data revealed variability in ammonia concentrations at a diversity of scales within the study area. At this pixel resolution, ammonia plumes emitted by individual facilities could be clearly discriminated and their dispersion characteristics inferred. Several factors, including thermal contrast and atmospheric boundary layer depth, contributed to the overall uncertainty of the intercomparison between airborne ammonia quantitative retrievals and the corresponding in situ measurements, for which agreement was in the 16–37% range under the most favorable conditions. Hence, while the findings attest to the viability of airborne LWIR spectral imaging for quantifying atmospheric ammonia concentrations, the accuracy of ground-level estimations depends significantly on precise knowledge of these atmospheric factors.
Estimation of Individual Tree Structure and Wood Density Parameters for Ginkgo biloba Using Terrestrial LiDAR and Resistance Drill Data
Authors: Li Ting , Shen Xin , Zhou Kai , Cao Lin
Published: January 2025

Individual tree structure and wood density are important indicators of forest quality and key parameters for biomass calculation. To explore the extraction accuracy of individual tree structure parameters based on LiDAR technology, as well as the correlation between individual tree structure parameters, resistance value and wood density can be beneficial for providing new ideas for predicting wood density. Taking a 23-year-old Ginkgo plantation as the research object, the tree QSM (Quantitative Structure Model) was constructed based on terrestrial and backpack LiDAR point clouds, and the individual tree structure parameters were extracted. The accuracy of estimating structure parameters based on two types of point clouds was compared. A wood density prediction model was constructed using principal component analysis based on the resistance, diameter, tree height, and crown width. The accuracy verification was carried out and it showed that the estimation accuracies of individual tree structure parameters (DBH, tree height, and crown width) extracted from tree QSM constructed based on TLS and BLS all had R2 > 0.8. The estimation accuracy of DBH based on TLS was slightly higher than that based on BLS, and the estimation accuracy of tree height and crown width based on TLS was slightly lower than that based on BLS. BLS has great potential in accurately obtaining forest structure information, improving forest information collection efficiency, promoting forest resource monitoring, forest carbon sink estimation, and forest ecological research. The feasibility of predicting the wood basic density based on wood resistance (R2 = 0.51) and combined with DBH, tree height, and crown width (R2 = 0.49) was relatively high. Accurate and non-destructive estimation of the wood characteristics of standing timber can guide forest cultivation and management and promote sustainable management and utilization of forests.
The Impact of Virtual Reality Content Characteristics on Cybersickness and Head Movement Patterns
Authors: Park Seo-Yoon , Koo Dong-Kyun
Published: January 2025

Virtual reality (VR) technology has gained popularity across various fields; however, its use often induces cybersickness, characterized by symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, and eye strain. This study investigated the differences in cybersickness levels and head movement patterns under three distinct VR viewing conditions: dynamic VR (DVR), static VR (SVR), and a control condition (CON) using a simulator. Thirty healthy adults participated, and their head movements were recorded using the Meta Quest 2 VR headset and analyzed using Python. The Virtual Reality Sickness Questionnaire (VRSQ) assessed subjective cybersickness levels. The results revealed that the SVR condition induced the highest VRSQ scores (M = 58.057), indicating the most severe cybersickness symptoms, while the DVR condition elicited significantly higher values in head movement variables, particularly in the coefficient of variation (CV) and integral values of head position along the vertical axis, and mean velocity (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that VR content characteristics directly influence users’ head movement patterns, closely related to cybersickness occurrence and severity. This study highlights the importance of analyzing head movement patterns in cybersickness research and provides insights for VR content design.
A Systematic Review of Asset Integrity and Process Safety Management Sustainability for Onshore Petrochemical Installations
Authors: Ayomoh Michael , Ongwae Benard
Published: January 2025

This paper presents a systematic review of the contributions of asset integrity and process safety management for the safe operations and sustainability of onshore petrochemical installations. The review highlights how the two systems work as prerequisites for minimizing industrial accidents and preserving the environment. Their contributions to the management of safety-critical equipment and the integration of the emerging technologies of Industry 4.0 are provided. Based on a systematic review of more than one hundred academic papers and gray literature, the authors highlight considerable gaps associated with the operations of the two systems mostly functioning without integration. The authors propose a new conceptual framework, integrated asset integrity and process safety management (iAIPSM), to address the gaps. This review provides insights to strengthen operational safety, ensure regulatory compliance, and support the advancement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within the sector.
Serosurvey of Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus in Cattle in Southern Japan and Estimation of Its Transmissibility by Transient Infection in Nonvaccinated Cattle
Authors: Isoda Norikazu , Sekiguchi Satoshi , Ryu Chika , Notsu Kosuke , Kobayashi Maya , Hamaguchi Karin , Hiono Takahiro , Ushitani Yuichi , Sakoda Yoshihiro
Published: January 2025

Bovine viral diarrhea (BVD) is caused by the BVD virus (BVDV) and has been reported worldwide in cattle. To estimate BVDV circulation among cattle where few BVD cases were reported in southern Japan, 1910 serum samples collected from 35 cattle farms without a BVD outbreak were investigated to detect antibodies against BVDV-1 and BVDV-2 using an indicator virus with a cytopathogenic effect and the luciferase gene, respectively. Neutralizing antibodies against BVDV-1 and BVDV-2 were detected more frequently in 18 vaccinated farms than in 17 nonvaccinated farms. In the nonvaccinated farms, 9.6%, 1.8%, and 13.8% of the cattle were estimated to have a history of infection with BVDV-1, BVDV-2, and both, respectively. The median rate of within-herd anti-BVDV-1 seropositivity among cattle in the nonvaccinated farms was 22.0%; however, a high within-herd seropositivity (>50%) was confirmed in the two farms. The force of infection, basic reproduction number, and annual probability of BVDV-1 infection were estimated as 0.072 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.062–0.084), 0.36 (95% CI: 0.31–0.42), and 0.73% (95% CI: 0.61–0.87%), respectively, using the age-specific positive rate of anti-BVDV-1 antibodies. These parameters should be further applicable for developing epidemiological models which illustrate the BVDV dynamics in the field.