bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enhanced adsorption of hydroquinone by transition metals and heteroatom-codoped biochar: Preparation, performance, and mechanism
Authors: xiaolu Xiong , Tian Ai , Lei Zhang , Jing Xu 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

The adsorption capacity of pristine biochar for hydroquinone solutions was limited, while modified biochar could significantly enhance adsorption performance. Modified biochar BCNP-Fe, BCHNP-Fe, and BCP-Fe were produced by mixing corn stover with the solutions of ammonium phosphate and ferrous sulfate, the solutions of diammonium hydrogen phosphate and ferrous sulfate, and the solutions of phosphoric acid and ferrous sulfate for removing hydroquinone solutions. The maximum adsorption capacities of BCNP-Fe, BCHNP-Fe, and BCP-Fe were 154.321, 203.666, and 142.045 mg/g, respectively, which were 1.09, 1.44 and 1.00 folds of BC. The adsorption kinetics and isotherm studies of the modified biochars probably involved physical and chemical adsorption. Thermodynamic studies further suggested that higher temperature was favorable for adsorption, and adsorption exhibited endothermic behavior. The adsorption mechanism of hydroquinone on BCNP-Fe, BCHNP-Fe, and BCP-Fe included the π-π interactions, electron donor-acceptor, hydrogen bonding, pore filling, hydrophilicity, and surface complexation. BCNP-Fe, BCHNP-Fe, and BCP-Fe were promising adsorbents for removing hydroquinone solutions as well as promising candidates for water treatment due to their simple preparation and high adsorption capacity.
Efficacy of tranilast in preventing exacerbating cardiac function and death from heart failure in muscular dystrophy patients with advanced-stage heart failure: A single-arm, open-label, multicenter study
Authors: Matsumura Tsuyoshi , Fukudome Takayasu , Motoyoshi Yasufumi , Nakamura Akinori , Kuru Satoshi , Segawa Kazuhiro , Kitao Ruriko , Watanabe Chigusa , Tamura Takuhisa , Takahasi Toshiaki , Hashimoto Hiroya , Sekimizu Masahiro , Saito Akiko M , Asakura Masanori , Kimura Koichi , Iwata Yuko 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
Transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 2 (TRPV2) functions as a stretch-sensitive calcium channel, with overexpression in the sarcolemma of skeletal and cardiac myocytes leading to detrimental calcium influx and triggering muscle degeneration. In our previous pilot study, we showed that tranilast, a TRPV2 inhibitor, reduced brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels in two patients with muscular dystrophy (MD) and advanced heart failure. Building on this, we performed a single-arm, open-label, multicenter study herein to evaluate the safety and efficacy of tranilast in the treatment of advanced heart failure in MD patients.
Results
This study involved 18 MD patients with BNP levels > 100 pg/mL, despite receiving standard cardioprotective therapy. Tranilast was administered orally at a dose of 100 mg, three times daily. In the short-term period (28 weeks), the primary endpoint of change ratio in the logarithm of BNP level from baseline to 28 weeks was not significant in the full analysis set, but lower in the per set protocol compared with data from a previous beta-blocker treatment study. All 15 patients who completed the short-term treatment consented to be enrolled in long-term therapy for an additional 116 weeks. After all participants completed the long-term treatment, we analyzed all the data. TRPV2 expression on the peripheral blood mononuclear cell surfaces decreased throughout the study period, confirming that the TRPV2 inhibitory effect of tranilast was maintained over time. Despite the presence of progressive disease, cardiac indices such as BNP level, human atrial natriuretic peptide, and fractional shortening, remained stable, and only BNP levels at 144 weeks showed significant changes. The survival rate was 80.7%, and no cardiac deaths were reported. In terms of safety, no serious adverse events associated with tranilast were noted, except for recurrent diarrhea during the short-term period in one case.
Conclusions
The findings suggest that tranilast can inhibit TRPV2 expression for an extended period and is effective in preventing the worsening of cardiac function and subsequent death from heart failure.
Clinical Trial Registration Details:
The study was registered in the UMIN Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN-CTR: UMIN000031965, URL: http://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/) [March 30, 2018] and the Japan Registry of Clinical Trials (jRCT, registration number: jRCTs031180038, URL: https://jrct.niph.go.jp/) [November 12, 2021]. Patient registration was initiated on December 19, 2018.
Sexual conflict in red deer: male-male competition can delay the reproductive phenology of younger females
Authors: Peña Eva de la , Mateos Concha , Pérez-González Javier , Alarcos Susana , Sánchez-Prieto Cristina , Carranza Juan 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Investigating factors related to reproductive phenology is of particular interest in mammals with long gestation times, as the optimal adjustment of the timing of births depends on factors that occur much earlier. In Mediterranean environments, delays in conception timing in red deer populations, mainly due to climatic and demographic factors, lead to a mismatch between resource availability and the energy needs of hinds and offspring. In this polygynous species, the sex and age structure of populations determines the level of intrasexual competition, and the mating attempts of males may affect the behaviour and spatial distribution of females. In this paper, we used data from 14 years of females harvested in hunting actions in several estates with different population structures and, therefore, different levels of mate competition between males. The main aim was to explore the factors underlying variation in mating dates considering individual female and population characteristics. We found that the age and body condition of females are the main variables determining the mating date. However, our results showed a greater asynchrony in populations where mate competition is intense. Younger females suffer a delay in the mating date where intrasexual competition between males is high. These results point to a situation of conflict between the sexes, in which the behaviour of males to maximise their mating success may entail costs for the reproduction of females, which in turn is an example of the negative effects of a component of sexual selection on population dynamics.
Antimicrobial activity screening of Bacteroidota and genome-based analysis of their antimicrobial biosynthetic potential
Authors: Garcia-Morena Diego , Fernandez-Cantos Maria Victoria , Maathuis Willem , Kuipers Oscar Paul 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

The oral and gut microbiota constitute vastly diverse and complex ecosystems. Their presence affects local and distal organs, thus having a major role in health and disease. Bacteria forming these complex communities display social behaviour and can positively or negatively impact their neighbours. While the potential for antimicrobial production of Gram-positive bacteria has been widely investigated, the research on Gram-negative bacteria is lagging behind, also because current bioinformatic tools appear to be suboptimal to detect antimicrobial clusters in these bacteria. The present study investigates the antimicrobial potential of the Gram-negative Bacteroidota phylum members from oral and gut bacterial microbiota. For this purpose, several Bacteroidota strains of oral and gut origin were tested against each other, and the genomes of bacterial strains displaying interesting antimicrobial activity were mined. Several biosynthetic gene clusters were detected, and the potential peptide sequences were identified. These putative peptides showed low sequence similarity to each other. Still, all contained a Gly-Gly motif, probably representing the processing site of the prepeptide, and they shared a similar N-terminal region reminiscent of the TIGR04149 protein family. However, the cluster architecture differed between the biosynthetic gene clusters, indicating they contain different posttranslational modifications (PTMs). These findings highlight the potential for novel antimicrobial discovery in Gram-negative bacteria relevant to the human microbiota and their ecology.
COVID-19 and Parkinson’s disease: a single-centered study and Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Yin Jianhong , Zheng Qian , Zhang Song , Feng Zhanhui 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Objective
To investigate the effects of the release of COVID-19 restrictions on patients with PD, and the association between COVID-19 and PD.
Methods
A single-center survey was performed among patients with PD through a questionnaire from December 7, 2022, to March 10, 2023. Logistic regression was performed to analyze the infection-related risk factors. Then, a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization was utilized to investigate the association between COVID-19 and PD.
Results
In cross-sectional analysis, the COVID-19 infection rate of PD was 65.7%. Forty-eight (35.3%) patients with PD experienced worsening of motor symptoms. Long PD course (OR: 3.296, P = 0.047) and duration of the last dose of COVID-19 vaccine (OR: 4.967, P = 0.034) were the infection-related risk factors. The MR analysis results supported that PD causally increases the risk of COVID-19 susceptibility (β = 0.081, OR = 1.084, P = 0.006). However, MR analysis showed that PD did not increases the risk of COVID-19 severity and hospitalization. In addition, no causal linkage of COVID-19 on PD was observed.
Conclusion
Our findings suggest that COVID-19 infection leads to worsened PD motor symptoms. Long PD course is the infection-related risk factors, and PD causally increases the risk of COVID-19 susceptibility. However, we found no evidence that COVID-19 contributes to PD.
Combined Kinetic, and Theoretical Approaches for the Study of the SEAr Reactions of 2-(2’,4’,6’-trinitrophenyl)-4,6-dinitrobenzotriazole 1-oxide with 5-R-substituted Indoles in Acetonitrile
Authors: Amamou Ons , Hedhli Amel , Slama Takwa , Ayachi Sahbi , Boubaker Taoufik 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
We present a kinetic and theoretical study of nucleophilic addition reactions involving 2-(2’,4’,6’-trinitrophenyl)-4,6-dinitrobenzotriazole 1-oxide 1 with a series of 5-R-substituted indoles 2a-e (R = CN, Cl, H, Me and NH2) in acetonitrile at 20°C. Single electron transfer (SET) mechanism was proposed and confirmed by the agreement between the rate constants (k) and the oxidation potentials (Epox) of these series of indoles. Using Mayr's equation, the electrophilicity parameter (E) of 1 at C-7 position is derived and compared with the same parameter estimate using empirical equation E vs. pKa. Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations were performed to confirm the suggested reaction mechanisms and elucidate the origin of the electrophilic reactivity of 1. Notably, a linear correlation (R2 = 0.9957) between the experimental nucleophilicity (N) and the theoretical model of nucleophilicity (ω−1) determined in this work of various 5-R-substituted indoles has been obtained and discussed.
Analysis of damage mechanism and mechanical conditions of karst soil caves at different evolution stages under strong water level fluctuation
Authors: Wei Yongyao , li zongchun , chen bo , xiao jianxun , kong JInqi 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The study of the evolutionary characteristics of the trajectory of karst soil caves from development to collapse is an important basis for the analysis of damage mechanism and the study of critical mechanical conditions. Combining the field collapse phenomenon and indoor research, the author summarized the characteristics of different evolutionary trajectory stages and generalized the evolutionary stages of karst earth caves. On the basis of the research on the damage mechanism and mechanical theory conditions of different evolutionary stages of the lineage, it is concluded: (1) In the early gestation stage of karst soil cavities, soil particles in the fine pores are subjected to two kinds of forces: normal stress and shear stress. The normal stress is caused by the super-static pore water pressure, and the shear stress (drag force) is caused by the dynamic water pressure acting on the side of soil particles. Whereas the water level fluctuation of groundwater is closely related to the superstatic pore water pressure, the flow rate of groundwater is related to the dynamic water pressure, and the soil particles begin to spall off beyond the critical water level amplitude, and the soil particles disintegrate and migrate beyond the critical flow rate; (2) Karst soil hole arch progressive stage, the inner wall of the small hole before soil hole expansion has isotropic effective stress, with the increase of internal pressure, the spherical region will be from the elastic state into the plastic state, if the normal effective stress is greater than zero, the soil hole wall will be tensile damage, resulting in the further spalling and expansion of the soil hole; (3) The overall destruction stage of the karst soil hole, the existence of the critical height of the arch soil hole at the time of the arch collapse. In the cylindrical collapse pit formation, there exists the critical friction force of the side wall of the cylindrical unit body. At the time of funnel-shaped collapse pit formation, there exists cylindrical collapse pit sidewall critical depth.
An Ensemble Learning Model for Forecasting Water-pipe Leakage
Authors: Warad Ahmed Ali Mohamed , Wassif Khaled , Darwish Nagy Ramadan 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Based on the benefits of different ensemble methods, such as bagging and boosting, which have been studied and adopted extensively in research and practice, where bagging and boosting focus more on reducing variance and bias, this paper presented an optimization ensemble learning-based model for a large pipe failure dataset of water pipe leakage forecasting, something that was not previously considered by others. It is known that tuning the hyperparameters of each base learned inside the ensemble weight optimization process can produce better-performing ensembles, so it effectively improves the accuracy of water pipe leakage forecasting based on the pipeline failure rate. To evaluate the proposed model, the results are compared with the results of the bagging ensemble and boosting ensemble models using the root-mean-square error (RMSE), the mean square error (MSE), the mean absolute error (MAE), and the coefficient of determination (R2) of the bagging ensemble technique, the boosting ensemble technique and optimizable ensemble technique are higher than other models. The experimental result shows that the optimizable ensemble model has better prediction accuracy. The optimizable ensemble model has achieved the best prediction of water pipe failure rate at the 14th iteration, with the least RMSE = 0.00231 and MAE = 0.00071513 when building the model that predicts water pipe leakage forecasting via pipeline failure rate.
Defect detection in pipelines using magnetic flux leakage method combined with Kernel Extreme Learning Machine
Authors: Li Yingqi , Sun Chao 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Magnetic flux leakage (MFL) testing technology is widely employed in non-destructive testing of pipelines, and the analysis of leakage signals plays a crucial role in assessing safety. This paper introduces a novel approach for MFL testing, which combines finite element simulation with artificial neural networks. Firstly, a simulation model is developed to study MFL testing in defective pipelines, with a focus on investigating how magnetization state and defect dimensions impact the leakage signal. Signal features are subsequently defined and extracted through an analysis of the distribution curve of MFL signals. Finally, a Kernel Extreme Learning Machine (KELM) model is constructed, and optimization is carried out on the influential parameters to predict defect dimensions. The results demonstrate that the effect of magnetization intensity on the magnetization state can be categorized into two stages: a nonlinear growth stage and a saturated linear growth stage. Additionally, an increase in defect size has the effect of delaying the magnetization process in pipelines. Notably, changes in defect dimensions have a pronounced impact on the distribution of MFL signals. And KELM prediction model is demonstrated to be capable of accurately and efficiently predicting the depth, length, and area of defects.
A macroevolutionary analysis of cryptic coloration in sexually dichromatic grasshoppers of the genus Sphenarium (Orthoptera: Pyrgomophidae).
Authors: Ramírez-Delgado Victor Hugo , Serrano-Meneses Martín Alejandro , Castillo Raúl Cueva del 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background matching and disruptive coloration are defense mechanisms of animals against visual predators. Disruptive coloration tends to evolve in microhabitats that are visually heterogeneous, while background matching is favored in microhabitats that are chromatically homogeneous. Controlling for the phylogeny, we explored the evolution of the coloration and the marking patterns in the sexual dichromatic and widely distributed Neotropical grasshoppers of the genus Sphenarium. These grasshoppers represent an excellent model to investigate the evolution of cryptic coloration on insects due to the heterogeneity of the environments where they have evolved. We found a correlation between the grasshoppers' coloration and disruptive markings with the chromatic properties of their environments that was inferred by the levels of precipitation during the rainy season. The results suggest that colors and marks patterns could evolve due to predation pressures. color in both sexes could offer camouflage that is not perfectly background matched to a single habitat but instead offers a degree of resemblance to multiple backgrounds. Moreover, we found that males and females chromatic properties differ between them and precipitation levels where the species are found. This suggests that the sexes have diverged in their response to the environments, favoring the evolution of sexual dichromatism in these grasshoppers.
Therapeutic effects of metabolic bariatric surgery on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease are influenced by low density lipoprotein
Authors: Niu Mutian , Li Fengli , Ye Jianping , Liu Hansong , Hu Yangxi 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background: Metabolic bariatric surgery (MBS) improves Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). However, there is limited data on MBS impact in NAFLD of obese patients in China. We aim to address the issue in this study.
Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 439 obese patients who underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy at the Department of Metabolic Surgery of Zhengzhou Central Hospital between January 2022 and March 2023. Patients were divided into two groups (Control/30 patients and NAFLD/409 patients) based on the liver functional parameters (AST, ALT, and GGT) and ultrasound results. At one-year post-surgery, MBS impact in NAFLD was examined by comparing the two groups in those parameters plus percentage of Excess Weight Loss (EWL). Other parameters included: body weight-related indicators (weight, waist circumference, body mass index (BMI), insulin sensitivity-related markers (fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin, and Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance), and blood lipid profiles (TC, TG, HDL, and LDL).
Results: The patients of NAFLD group exhibited significantly higher levels in parameters (BMI, insulin resistance, ALT, AST, GGT, and TG) and lower level of HDL before the surgery. Results of 122 patients were collected at one year after surgery and those parameters were significantly improved in the NAFLD group compared to the preoperative levels (P < 0.01). Patients with high LDL exhibited a reduced response in NAFLD resolution (OR=0.18, p=0.01). A higher percentage of EWL was associated with an increased therapeutic response in NAFLD resolution (p<0.05). Other metabolic parameters showed no significant relationship with the NAFLD resolution.
Conclusion: MBS has shown significant effects on obesity and NAFLD. NAFLD resolution after surgery was positively associated with percentage of EWL in the obese patients. Individuals with higher LDL levels before MBS have a lower postoperative NAFLD resolution rate. LDL may serve as a predictive indicator of NAFLD resolution after surgery.
Study on the Kinetics of Formation Process of Emulsion of Heavy Oil and Its Functional Group Components
Authors: Liu Jinhe , Sun Chengdi , Lun Zengmin , Yao Li , Tang Xinyu , Zhang Qingxuan , Yang Pujiang 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

The key to the cold recovery technology of heavy oil is the efficient emulsification and viscosity reduction of heavy oil under formation conditions. The dynamic model of heavy oil emulsification process was established by conductivity method for the first time. The change in water phase conductivity during emulsification conforms to the second-order rate equation. In addition, an investigation was conducted on the effects of functional group composition, emulsifier concentration, temperature, pH and stirring speed on the emulsification rate of heavy oil. The results show that the conductivity method effectively evaluates the emulsification rate. Acidic and amphoteric fractions exhibit higher interfacial activity, larger emulsification rate constant and faster emulsification rate. With the increase of emulsifier concentration, the emulsification rate constant first rose and reached its maximum value at a concentration of 0.05 mol/L before decreasing. The activation energy of the emulsification process is 40.282 kJ /mol, and increasing temperature benefits the emulsification rate. Higher pH levels and stirring speed indicate a faster emulsification rate. The study of dynamics law provides theoretical guidance for an in-depth understanding of the mechanism and application of cold recovery technology for heavy oil.
Ultrasonic Welding of Sisal- HDPE Composite: Effect of Welding Parameters on Lap Shear Strength Performance
Authors: Melese Kassahun Gashu , Georgise Fasika Bete 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Nowadays materials are at the core of every technological advancement; the development of sustainable materials is an area of the researchers are focusing their efforts being put universal that can ensure the sustainable growth of communities as well as optimal utilization of available resources. Natural fiber-based composite materials indicate a class of materials with abundant opportunities and possess the tremendous potential to be exploited in various engineering applications such as; automobile, construction, and household goods. The commercial manufacturing processing technique, such as compression molding is used extensively to fabricate the woven mat sisal/HDPE composite specimens. Joining is the process of ensuring the assembly of simple specimens to create a complex product design. Ultrasonic welding (USW) is a solid-state fusion bonding technique that is mostly used to weld thermoplastic polymers (HDPE) through high-frequency ultrasonic vibration by generating mechanical motion along with the applied force creates frictional heat at the mating surface of the plastic components. The current experimental investigation analyzes the ultrasonic welding (USW) behavior of sisal/HDPE polymer composites. Process optimization has been achieved and identifies the best combination of parameters that can ensure excellent weld quality and higher values of joint strength. The sisal/HDPE composites have been successfully joined and the mechanical behavior of the joints has been investigated in terms of their failure load and tensile strength. The failed specimens have been analyzed for variation in their thermal behavior and degree of crystallinity. The SEM micrographs helped understand the failure mechanisms of the joints under tensile loading.