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8 pages, 2878 KiB  
Case Report
A Case Report of Secondary Glaucoma in A Patient with HTLV-1: Discussion about the Management of Secondary Glaucoma Due to Recurrent Granulomatous Uveitis
by Kenta Ashikaga, Teruhiko Hamanaka, Mayumi Hosogai, Takao Tanaka, Shintaro Nakao and Toshinari Funaki
J. Clin. Transl. Ophthalmol. 2024, 2(2), 26-33; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcto2020003 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
Purpose: to investigate secondary glaucoma resulting from uveitis in a patient infected with Human T-cell Leukemia Virus Type 1 (HTLV-1) pathologically and discuss the management of glaucoma with recurrent uveitis. Clinical course: An octogenarian woman diagnosed as a carrier of HTLV-1 experienced recurrent [...] Read more.
Purpose: to investigate secondary glaucoma resulting from uveitis in a patient infected with Human T-cell Leukemia Virus Type 1 (HTLV-1) pathologically and discuss the management of glaucoma with recurrent uveitis. Clinical course: An octogenarian woman diagnosed as a carrier of HTLV-1 experienced recurrent uveitis and a sudden rise in intraocular pressure (IOP) in both eyes. Due to the uncontrolled IOP and severely damaged visual field in her left eye, a combined procedure of trabeculectomy and DGIS (glaucoma drainage implant surgery, Baerveldt 350) was performed. The presence of HTLV-1 provirus was detected in the aqueous humor. Her trabeculectomy sample was processed for light microscopic observation. Following an irregular follow-up, she presented with a sudden decrease in vision and pain in her fellow eye, four years after the glaucoma surgeries. Her right eye exhibited a significant accumulation of mutton-fat-like keratic precipitates. Results: Clinical manifestations revealed the presence of granulomatous uveitis. The combined glaucoma surgery, along with continuous topical corticosteroid medication post-surgery in her left eye, effectively suppressed the high IOP spikes and the recurrence of uveitis for 4 years. The pathological examination of the outflow pathways showed a range of damages in Schlemm’s canal (SC), including SC endothelial loss, narrowing, and occlusion, as well as loss of trabecular meshwork (TM) cells and fused TM beams. Conclusion: Combined GDIS and trabeculectomy represents a promising approach for managing such refractory cases of secondary glaucoma. Continuous topical corticosteroid medication is strongly recommended to prevent irreversible changes in SC and TM associated with granulomatous uveitis. Full article
11 pages, 826 KiB  
Article
Neuromuscular Performance of World-Class Judo Athletes on Bench Press, Prone Row and Repeated Jump Tests
by Luís Monteiro, Luís Miguel Massu?a, Sérgio Ramos and José Garcia-Garcia
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(7), 2904; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14072904 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
Judo is a sport that requires multiple high-intensity moments during the fight and high neuromuscular performance. Although not often, the explosive actions of the lower limbs can be decisive to winning in combat. This study aims to identify the differences in the neuromuscular [...] Read more.
Judo is a sport that requires multiple high-intensity moments during the fight and high neuromuscular performance. Although not often, the explosive actions of the lower limbs can be decisive to winning in combat. This study aims to identify the differences in the neuromuscular features of the range of movements of the upper and lower limbs between the top-elite and elite male judo athletes. This cross-sectional study included 63 high-level male judo athletes, who were classified into two level groups: (i) top-elite (n = 30; age: 23.5 ± 3.2 years) and (ii) elite (n = 33; age: 22.6 ± 2.9 years). All the participants went to the laboratory for neuromuscular evaluations in the bench press (BP), prone row (PR), and repeated jump in 30 s (RJ30) tests. The results show that the top-elite judo athletes are superior in all the upper-body neuromuscular attributes studied. These differences were significantly superior in (i) BP peak velocity (p > 0.01), maximum load 1RM, power (peak and mean), force (peak and mean), force mean to peak power, and rate of force development (RFD) (all, p < 0.001); and (ii) RP maximum load 1RM (p < 0.01), power load (kg, p < 0.001; % 1RM, p < 0.05), peak power (p = 0.010), power mean (absolute, p < 0.01; relative, p < 0.05), force mean (p < 0.05), force mean to peak power (absolute, p < 0.05) and RFD (p < 0.001). However, no significant differences were observed in the BP and PR time to peak force, time to peak power, and time between peaks (power and force). In the RJ30, it was observed that the initial contact time (T1) of top-elite athletes is significantly lower than that of elite athletes (p < 0.05) and that power at 15 (T2) and 30 (T3) seconds is significantly higher in top-elite athletes (T2, p < 0.05; T3, p < 0.01). The main effect of the performance group was significant in contact time (p < 0.05), and the main effect of time was statistically significant in jump height (p < 0.001), power (p < 0.001), force (p < 0.001) and velocity (p < 0.01). In addition, jump height (p < 0.01; η2p = 0.088) and power (p < 0.05; η2p = 0.068) showed a significant interaction between time and performance group. These results suggested that the observed superiority of the top-elite judo athletes in neuromuscular attributes can determine success in judo competitions. This observation reinforces that neural and metabolic profiles must be considered to increase the effectiveness of maximal power training for the upper and lower body. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exercise, Fitness, Human Performance and Health)
13 pages, 1075 KiB  
Article
Intracellular Accumulation and Secretion of YKL-40 (CHI3L1) in the Course of DMSO-Induced HL-60 Cell Differentiation
by Izabela Jatczak-Pawlik, Alicja Ewiak-Paszyńska, Ma?gorzata Domowicz, Anna Jurewicz and Mariusz Stasio?ek
Pharmaceuticals 2024, 17(4), 443; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph17040443 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
YKL-40 (CHI3L1) is a matrix glycoprotein stored in human neutrophil-specific granules and released upon activation. While it is implicated in inflammation, cancer progression, and cell differentiation, its exact physiological role remains unclear. This study investigated the intracellular expression and secretion of YKL-40 by [...] Read more.
YKL-40 (CHI3L1) is a matrix glycoprotein stored in human neutrophil-specific granules and released upon activation. While it is implicated in inflammation, cancer progression, and cell differentiation, its exact physiological role remains unclear. This study investigated the intracellular expression and secretion of YKL-40 by untreated and DMSO-treated HL-60 cells in association with surface expression of CD11b and CD66b throughout the differentiation process (up to 120 h). Secreted YKL-40 protein and mRNA levels of YKL-40, CD66b, and CD11b were measured by ELISA and quantitative RT-PCR, respectively. The intracellular YKL-40 and surface CD11b and CD66b expression were assessed by flow cytometry. A significant increase in CD11b expression confirmed DMSO-induced differentiation of HL-60 cells. Upon DMSO stimulation, YKL-40 mRNA expression increased in a time-dependent manner, unlike CD66b. The lack of CD66b (a granulocyte maturation and activation marker) on the surface of HL-60 cells might suggest that DMSO treatment did not induce full maturation or activation. The intracellular YKL-40 protein expression was increasing up to 96 h of DMSO treatment and then declined. YKL-40 secretion into the culture medium was detectable only at later time points (96 and 120 h), which was correlated with a decreased proliferation of DMSO-treated HL-60 cells. These findings suggest sequential changes in YKL-40 production and secretion during DMSO-induced differentiation of HL-60 cells and might contribute to a better understanding of YKL-40’s involvement in both physiological processes and disease development, including multiple sclerosis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Biopharmaceuticals)
15 pages, 1246 KiB  
Article
Robust Learning from Demonstration Based on GANs and Affine Transformation
by Kang An, Zhiyang Wu, Qianqian Shangguan, Yaqing Song and Xiaonong Xu
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(7), 2902; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14072902 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
Collaborative robots face barriers to widespread adoption due to the complexity of programming them to achieve human-like movement. Learning from demonstration (LfD) has emerged as a crucial solution, allowing robots to learn tasks directly from expert demonstrations, offering versatility and an intuitive programming [...] Read more.
Collaborative robots face barriers to widespread adoption due to the complexity of programming them to achieve human-like movement. Learning from demonstration (LfD) has emerged as a crucial solution, allowing robots to learn tasks directly from expert demonstrations, offering versatility and an intuitive programming approach. However, many existing LfD methods encounter issues such as convergence failure and lack of generalization ability. In this paper, we propose: (1) a generative adversarial network (GAN)-based model with multilayer perceptron (MLP) architecture, coupled with a novel loss function designed to mitigate convergence issues; (2) an affine transformation-based generalization method aimed at enhancing LfD tasks by improving their generalization performance; (3) a data preprocessing method tailored to facilitate deployment on robotics platforms. We conduct experiments on a UR5 robotic platform tasked with handwritten digit recognition. Our results demonstrate that our proposed method significantly accelerates generation speed, achieving a remarkable processing time of 23 ms, which is five times faster than movement primitives (MPs), while preserving key features from demonstrations. This leads to outstanding convergence and generalization performance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue AI Technologies for Collaborative and Service Robots)
22 pages, 38547 KiB  
Article
Mineralogical Characteristics and Genesis of Trapiche-like Sapphire in Changle, Eastern North China Craton
by Yumeng Sun, Liang Zhang, Liqiang Yang, Dapeng Li, Yan Zhang, Zengsheng Li, Guodong Chen, Xiujin Sun, Haoshuai Wang and Yiqi Wang
Minerals 2024, 14(4), 364; https://doi.org/10.3390/min14040364 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
“Trapiche-like” texture is distinct from “trapiche” texture as typically observed in emeralds, amethysts, and aquamarines. It is also occasionally encountered in sapphires from Changle, eastern North China Craton. The advent of the trapiche-like texture has enhanced the ornamental value of sapphire, although its [...] Read more.
“Trapiche-like” texture is distinct from “trapiche” texture as typically observed in emeralds, amethysts, and aquamarines. It is also occasionally encountered in sapphires from Changle, eastern North China Craton. The advent of the trapiche-like texture has enhanced the ornamental value of sapphire, although its origin is still unclear. In this study, techniques, such as Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, ultraviolet–visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, electron probe microanalysis (EPMA), and laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS), have been applied to test the spectroscopic data of the cores, arms, and blue sectors of trapiche-like sapphires from Changle and explore the mineralogical characteristics of different domains. The main component of the core, arms, and blue sectors of trapiche-like sapphire is corundum (Al2O3), with trace elements including Fe, Ti, Mg, Cr, V, Ga, etc. From arms to cores to sectors, trace elements show a trend of increasing and then decreasing. Nb and Ta elements are more enriched in the arms than in the sectors, indicating the existence of rutile. With changes in physicochemical conditions during magma evolution, rutile melted, and related voids were filled with glassy inclusions, which formed the arms of trapiche-like sapphires. Field observations of primary deposits, as well as petrological and geochemical analyses, reveal that the trapiche-like sapphire of Changle belongs to magmatic sapphire. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Mineral Deposits)
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10 pages, 7158 KiB  
Article
Embeddings of Graphs: Tessellate and Decussate Structures
by Michael O’Keeffe and Michael M. J. Treacy
Int. J. Topol. 2024, 1(1), 1-10; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijt1010001 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
We address the problem of finding a unique graph embedding that best describes a graph’s “topology” i.e., a canonical embedding (spatial graph). This question is of particular interest in the chemistry of materials. Graphs that admit a tiling in 3-dimensional Euclidean space are [...] Read more.
We address the problem of finding a unique graph embedding that best describes a graph’s “topology” i.e., a canonical embedding (spatial graph). This question is of particular interest in the chemistry of materials. Graphs that admit a tiling in 3-dimensional Euclidean space are termed tessellate, those that do not decussate. We give examples of decussate and tessellate graphs that are finite and 3-periodic. We conjecture that a graph has at most one tessellate embedding. We give reasons for considering this the default “topology” of periodic graphs. Full article
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25 pages, 3075 KiB  
Article
Unlocking the Value of End-of-Life JÜLICH Solid Oxide Cell Stack Interconnect Assembly: A Combined Experimental and Thermodynamic Study on Metallic Resource Recyclability
by Jeraldine Lastam, Dmitry Sergeev, Daniel Grüner, Michael Müller and Ruth Schwaiger
Metals 2024, 14(4), 406; https://doi.org/10.3390/met14040406 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
The present study provides fundamental information on the resource recyclability of the interconnect assembly, i.e., the steel interconnector and the nickel meshes, from an end-of-life JÜLICH Solid Oxide Cell Stack—F10 design. The interconnector is composed of iron, chromium, and less than 4 wt.% [...] Read more.
The present study provides fundamental information on the resource recyclability of the interconnect assembly, i.e., the steel interconnector and the nickel meshes, from an end-of-life JÜLICH Solid Oxide Cell Stack—F10 design. The interconnector is composed of iron, chromium, and less than 4 wt.% of other alloying elements, mainly cobalt and manganese. Calculated blended compositions with the nickel meshes revealed their potential as a raw material in the production of 4xx, 2xx, or 3xx stainless steels. The melting behavior of the interconnect assembly was investigated under different conditions, i.e., in inert and oxidizing atmospheres, with and without the addition of slag-forming fluxes. The results demonstrated preferential oxidation of chromium in a trivalent state within the stable cubic spinel phase. Finally, the experimental results were compared with the thermodynamic equilibrium calculations based on the available databases (FToxid, SGTE, and SGPS) in FactSage 8.1 software. The calculated tendency to oxidize is in the order of Cr > Mn > Fe > Co > Ni at P(O2) greater than 10−10 bar, validating the experimental results. Full article
17 pages, 1133 KiB  
Article
Experimental Investigation on Oxy-Hydrogen Gas Flame Injecting Coal Powder Gasification and Combustion
by Jie Cui, Honglei Zhao, Youning Xu, Shuo Yang, Honggang Pan, Wenke Xiao, Yudong Fu and Zhijia Xue
Processes 2024, 12(4), 692; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12040692 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
Hydrogen energy is an important carrier for energy terminals to achieve green and low-carbon transformation. Hydrogen, as a carbon-free fuel, has great research and development value in the field of thermal power generation. This article proposes a solution for the stable combustion of [...] Read more.
Hydrogen energy is an important carrier for energy terminals to achieve green and low-carbon transformation. Hydrogen, as a carbon-free fuel, has great research and development value in the field of thermal power generation. This article proposes a solution for the stable combustion of coal powder using Oxy-hydrogen Gas ignition technology. An Oxy-hydrogen Gas flame injection coal powder combustion testing device was constructed to experimentally study the temperature distribution in the combustion chamber under Oxy-hydrogen Gas ignition technology, with primary air coal powder concentrations of 0.27, 0.32, and 0.36 (kg coal powder/kg air), as well as the concentration changes of volatile CO emissions during the ignition of coal powder using both Oxy-hydrogen Gas and CH4 flames. The sensitivity of the NO generation during coal gasification combustion under the Oxy-hydrogen Gas ignition was simulated and analyzed. The results show that at a coal powder concentration of 0.32 (kg coal/kg air) and an Oxy-hydrogen Gas flow rate of 2.1 L/min, the combustion effect of coal powder is the best, and the highest combustion chamber temperature can reach 1156 K; when the concentration of coal powder varies within a range from 0.32 to 0.27, the combustion chamber temperature can be maintained at around 850K, achieving stable combustion conditions for coal powder. The only product generated by the Oxy-hydrogen Gas combustion is high-temperature water vapor, which helps the rapid gasification of coal powder and releases a large amount of volatile CO, which is beneficial for the ignition and stable combustion of coal powder. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Chemical Processes and Systems)
20 pages, 1168 KiB  
Article
The Association between Glymphatic System and Perivascular Macrophages in Brain Waste Clearance
by Jasleen Kaur, Edward D. Boyd, Guangliang Ding, Li Zhang, Hao Luo, Qingjiang Li, Lian Li, Min Wei, Julie Landschoot-Ward, Michael Chopp, Zhenggang Zhang and Quan Jiang
Diagnostics 2024, 14(7), 731; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics14070731 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
The glymphatic system suggests the convective bulk flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) through perivascular spaces and the interstitial spaces of the brain parenchyma for the rapid removal of toxic waste solutes from the brain. However, the presence of convective bulk flow within the [...] Read more.
The glymphatic system suggests the convective bulk flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) through perivascular spaces and the interstitial spaces of the brain parenchyma for the rapid removal of toxic waste solutes from the brain. However, the presence of convective bulk flow within the brain interstitial spaces is still under debate. We first addressed this argument to determine the involvement of the glymphatic system in brain waste clearance utilizing contrast-enhanced 3D T1-weighted imaging (T1WI), diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), and confocal microscopy imaging. Furthermore, perivascular macrophages (PVMs), which are immune cells located within perivascular spaces, have not been thoroughly explored for their association with the glymphatic system. Therefore, we investigated tracer uptake by PVMs in the perivascular spaces of both the arteries/arterioles and veins/venules and the potential association of PVMs in assisting the glymphatic system for interstitial waste clearance. Our findings demonstrated that both convective bulk flow and diffusion are responsible for the clearance of interstitial waste solutes from the brain parenchyma. Furthermore, our results suggested that PVMs may play an important function in glymphatic system-mediated interstitial waste clearance. The glymphatic system and PVMs could be targeted to enhance interstitial waste clearance in patients with waste-associated neurological conditions and aging. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Medical Imaging and Theranostics)
22 pages, 4273 KiB  
Article
Satellite-Based Background Aerosol Optical Depth Determination via Global Statistical Analysis of Multiple Lognormal Distribution
by Qi-Xiang Chen, Chun-Lin Huang, Shi-Kui Dong and Kai-Feng Lin
Remote Sens. 2024, 16(7), 1210; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs16071210 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
Determining background aerosol optical depth threshold value (BAOD) is critical to aerosol type identification and air pollution control. This study presents a statistical method to select the best BAOD threshold value using the VIIRS DB AOD products at 1 × 1 degree resolution [...] Read more.
Determining background aerosol optical depth threshold value (BAOD) is critical to aerosol type identification and air pollution control. This study presents a statistical method to select the best BAOD threshold value using the VIIRS DB AOD products at 1 × 1 degree resolution from 2012 to 2019 as a major testbed. A series of multiple lognormal distributions with 1 to 5 peaks are firstly applied to fit the AOD histogram at each grid point, and the distribution with the highest correlation coefficient (R) gives preliminary estimations of BAOD, which is defined as either the intersection point of the first two normal distribution curves when having multiple peaks, or the midpoint between the peak AOD and the first AOD with non-zero probability when the mono peak is the best fit. Then, the lowest 1st to 100th percentile AOD distributions are compared with the preliminary BAOD distribution on a global scale. The final BAOD is obtained from the best cutoff percentile AOD distributions with the lowest bias compared with preliminary BAOD. Results show that the lowest 30th percentile AOD is the best estimation of BAOD for different AOD datasets and different seasons. Analysis of aerosol chemical information from MERRA-2 further supports this selection. Based on the BAOD, we updated the VIIRS aerosol type classification scheme, and the results show that the updated scheme is able to achieve reliable detection of aerosol type change in low aerosol loading conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aerosol and Atmospheric Correction)
15 pages, 1756 KiB  
Article
Nuclear Receptor FTZ-F1 Controls Locust Molt by Regulating the Molting Process of Locusta migratoria
by Yichao Zhang, Hongjing Li, Xiaoman Liu, Hongli Li, Qiuyan Lan, Haihua Wu, Yanli Wang, Jianzhen Zhang and Xiaoming Zhao
Insects 2024, 15(4), 237; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15040237 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
Fushi-tarazu factor 1 (FTZ-F1) is a class of transcription factors belonging to the nuclear receptor superfamily and an important molting regulator in insects; however, its detailed function in the molting process of Locusta migratoria is still unclear. This study identified two FTZ-F1 transcripts [...] Read more.
Fushi-tarazu factor 1 (FTZ-F1) is a class of transcription factors belonging to the nuclear receptor superfamily and an important molting regulator in insects; however, its detailed function in the molting process of Locusta migratoria is still unclear. This study identified two FTZ-F1 transcripts (LmFTZ-F1-X1 and LmFTZ-F1-X2) in L. migratoria. The classical domains of FTZ-F1 were present in their protein sequences and distinguished based on their variable N-terminal domains. Reverse-transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed that LmFTZ-F1-X1 and LmFTZ-F1-X2 were highly expressed in the integument. RNA interference (RNAi) was used to explore the function of LmFTZ-F1s in the molting of the third-instar nymph. Separate LmFTZ-F1-X1 or LmFTZ-F1-X2 silencing did not affect the normal development of third-instar nymphs; however, the simultaneous RNAi of LmFTZ-F1-X1 and LmFTZ-F1-X2 caused the nymphs to be trapped in the third instar stage and finally die. Furthermore, the hematoxylin-eosin and chitin staining of the cuticle showed that the new cuticles were thickened after silencing the LmFTZ-F1s compared to the controls. RNA-seq analysis showed that genes encoding four cuticle proteins, two chitin synthesis enzymes, and cytochrome P450 303a1 were differentially expressed between dsGFP- and dsLmFTZ-F1s-injected groups. Taken together, LmFTZ-F1-X1 and LmFTZ-F1-X2 are involved in the ecdysis of locusts, possibly by regulating the expression of genes involved in cuticle formation, chitin synthesis, and other key molting processes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Insect Molecular Biology and Genomics)
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23 pages, 13525 KiB  
Article
Rigid Polyurethane Foams’ Development and Optimization from Polyols Based on Depolymerized Suberin and Tall Oil Fatty Acids
by Aiga Ivdre, Mikelis Kirpluks, Arnis Abolins, Laima Vevere, Beatrise Sture, Aigars Paze, Daniela Godina, Janis Rizikovs and Ugis Cabulis
Polymers 2024, 16(7), 942; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16070942 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
The utilization of polyols derived from renewable sources presents an opportunity to enhance the sustainability of rigid polyurethane (PUR) foams, thereby contributing to the advancement of a circular bioeconomy. This study explores the development of PUR rigid foams exclusively using polyols sourced from [...] Read more.
The utilization of polyols derived from renewable sources presents an opportunity to enhance the sustainability of rigid polyurethane (PUR) foams, thereby contributing to the advancement of a circular bioeconomy. This study explores the development of PUR rigid foams exclusively using polyols sourced from second-generation renewable biomass feedstocks, specifically depolymerized birch bark suberin (suberinic acids) and tall oil fatty acids. The polyols achieved a total renewable material content as high as 74%, with a suberinic acid content of 37%. Response surface modeling was employed to determine the optimal bio-polyol, blowing agents, and catalyst content, hence, optimizing the bio-based foam formulations. In addition, response surface modeling was applied to rigid PUR foam formulations based on commercially available petroleum-based polyols for comparison. The results, including apparent density (~40–44 kg/m3), closed cell content (~95%), compression strength (>0.2 MPa, parallel to the foaming direction), and thermal conductivity (~0.019 W/(m·K)), demonstrated that the suberinic acids-based rigid PUR foam exhibited competitive qualities in comparison to petroleum-based polyols. Remarkably, the bio-based rigid PUR foams comprised up to 29% renewable materials. These findings highlight the potential of suberinic acid-tall oil polyols as effective candidates for developing rigid PUR foams, offering promising solutions for sustainable insulation applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Circular and Green Polymer Science)
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26 pages, 1898 KiB  
Article
Long Short-Term Memory and Bidirectional Long Short-Term Memory Modeling and Prediction of Hexavalent and Total Chromium Removal Capacity Kinetics of Cupressus lusitanica Bark
by Juan Crescenciano Cruz-Victoria, Alma Rosa Netzahuatl-Mu?oz and Eliseo Cristiani-Urbina
Sustainability 2024, 16(7), 2874; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16072874 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
Hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] is a high-priority environmental pollutant because of its toxicity and potential to contaminate water sources. Biosorption, using low-cost biomaterials, is an emerging technology for removing pollutants from water. In this study, Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) and bidirectional LSTM (Bi-LSTM) neural [...] Read more.
Hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] is a high-priority environmental pollutant because of its toxicity and potential to contaminate water sources. Biosorption, using low-cost biomaterials, is an emerging technology for removing pollutants from water. In this study, Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) and bidirectional LSTM (Bi-LSTM) neural networks were used to model and predict the kinetics of the removal capacity of Cr(VI) and total chromium [Cr(T)] using Cupressus lusitanica bark (CLB) particles. The models were developed using 34 experimental kinetics datasets under various temperature, pH, particle size, and initial Cr(VI) concentration conditions. Data preprocessing via interpolation was implemented to augment the sparse time-series data. Early stopping regularization prevented overfitting, and dropout techniques enhanced model robustness. The Bi-LSTM models demonstrated a superior performance compared to the LSTM models. The inherent complexities of the process and data limitations resulted in a heavy-tailed and left-skewed residual distribution, indicating occasional deviations in the predictions of capacities obtained under extreme conditions. K-fold cross-validation demonstrated the stability of Bi-LSTM models 38 and 43, while response surfaces and validation with unseen datasets assessed their predictive accuracy and generalization capabilities. Shapley additive explanations analysis (SHAP) identified the initial Cr(VI) concentration and time as the most influential input features for the models. This study highlights the capabilities of deep recurrent neural networks in comprehending and predicting complex pollutant removal kinetic phenomena for environmental applications. Full article
14 pages, 5596 KiB  
Article
S-YOLOv5: A Lightweight Model for Detecting Objects Thrown from Tall Buildings in Communities
by Yuntao Shi, Qi Luo, Meng Zhou, Wei Guo, Jie Li, Shuqin Li and Yu Ding
Information 2024, 15(4), 188; https://doi.org/10.3390/info15040188 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
Objects thrown from tall buildings in communities are characterized by their small size, inconspicuous features, and high speed. Existing algorithms for detecting such objects face challenges, including excessive parameters, overly complex models that are difficult to implement, and insufficient detection accuracy. This study [...] Read more.
Objects thrown from tall buildings in communities are characterized by their small size, inconspicuous features, and high speed. Existing algorithms for detecting such objects face challenges, including excessive parameters, overly complex models that are difficult to implement, and insufficient detection accuracy. This study proposes a lightweight detection model for objects thrown from tall buildings in communities, named S-YOLOv5, to address these issues. The model is based on the YOLOv5 algorithm, and a lightweight convolutional neural network, Enhanced ShuffleNet (ESNet), is chosen as the backbone network to extract image features. On this basis, the initial stage of the backbone network is enhanced and the simplified attention module (SimAM) attention mechanism is added to utilize the rich position information and contour information in the shallow feature map to improve the detection of small targets. For feature fusion, the sparsely connected Path Aggregation Network (SCPANet) module is designed to use sparsely connected convolution (SCConv) instead of the regular convolution of the Path Aggregation Network (PANet) to fuse features efficiently. In addition, the model uses the normalized Wasserstein distance (NWD) loss function to reduce the sensitivity of positional bias. The accuracy of the model is further improved. Test results from the self-built objects thrown from tall buildings dataset show that S-YOLOv5 can detect objects thrown from tall buildings quickly and accurately, with an accuracy of 90.2% and a detection rate of 34.1 Fps/s. Compared with the original YOLOv5 model, the parameters are reduced by 87.3%, and the accuracy and rate are improved by 0.8% and 63%, respectively. Full article
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18 pages, 3807 KiB  
Article
Anomaly Identification for Photovoltaic Power Stations Using a Dual Classification System and Gramian Angular Field Visualization
by Zihan Wang, Qiushi Cui, Zhuowei Gong, Lixian Shi, Jie Gao and Jiayong Zhong
Processes 2024, 12(4), 690; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12040690 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
With the increasing scale of photovoltaic (PV) power stations, timely anomaly detection through analyzing the PV output power curve is crucial. However, overlooking the impact of external factors on the expected power output would lead to inaccurate identification of PV station anomalies. This [...] Read more.
With the increasing scale of photovoltaic (PV) power stations, timely anomaly detection through analyzing the PV output power curve is crucial. However, overlooking the impact of external factors on the expected power output would lead to inaccurate identification of PV station anomalies. This study focuses on the discrepancy between measured and expected PV power generation values, using a dual classification system. The system leverages two-dimensional Gramian angular field (GAF) data and curve features extracted from one-dimensional time series, along with attention weights from a CNN network. This approach effectively classifies anomalies, including normal operation, aging pollution, and arc faults, achieving an overall classification accuracy of 95.83%. Full article
13 pages, 2105 KiB  
Article
TDDFT Study on the ESIPT Properties of 2-(2′-Hydroxyphenyl)-Benzothiazole and Sensing Mechanism of a Derived Fluorescent Probe for Fluoride Ion
by Tingting Wang, Meiheng Lv, Yuhang Zhang, Yue Gao, Zexu Cai, Yifan Zhang, Jiaqi Song, Jianyong Liu, Hang Yin and Fangjian Shang
Molecules 2024, 29(7), 1541; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29071541 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
The level of fluoride ions (F) in the human body is closely related to various pathological and physiological states, and the rapid detection of F is important for studying physiological processes and the early diagnosis of diseases. In this study, [...] Read more.
The level of fluoride ions (F) in the human body is closely related to various pathological and physiological states, and the rapid detection of F is important for studying physiological processes and the early diagnosis of diseases. In this study, the detailed sensing mechanism of a novel high-efficiency probe (PBT) based on 2-(2′-hydroxyphenyl)-benzothiazole derivatives towards F has been fully investigated based on density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) methods. F attacks the O-P bond of PBT to cleavage the dimethylphosphinothionyl group, and the potential products were evaluated by Gibbs free energy and spectroscopic analyses, which ultimately identified the product as HBT-Enol1 with an intramolecular hydrogen bond. Bond parameters, infrared vibrational spectroscopy and charge analysis indicate that the hydrogen bond is enhanced at the excited state (S1), favoring excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT). The mild energy barrier further evidences the occurrence of ESIPT. Combined with frontier molecular orbital (FMO) analysis, the fluorescence quenching of PBT was attributed to the photoinduced electron transfer (PET) mechanism and the fluorescence turn-on mechanism of the product was attributed to the ESIPT process of HBT-Enol1. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Theoretical Study on Luminescent Properties of Organic Materials)
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20 pages, 3529 KiB  
Article
Non-Thermal Plasma Reduces HSV-1 Infection of and Replication in HaCaT Keratinocytes In Vitro
by Julia Sutter, Jascha Brettschneider, Brian Wigdahl, Peter J. Bruggeman, Fred C. Krebs and Vandana Miller
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(7), 3839; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25073839 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is a lifelong pathogen characterized by asymptomatic latent infection in the trigeminal ganglia (TG), with periodic outbreaks of cold sores caused by virus reactivation in the TG and subsequent replication in the oral mucosa. While antiviral therapies [...] Read more.
Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is a lifelong pathogen characterized by asymptomatic latent infection in the trigeminal ganglia (TG), with periodic outbreaks of cold sores caused by virus reactivation in the TG and subsequent replication in the oral mucosa. While antiviral therapies can provide relief from cold sores, they are unable to eliminate HSV-1. We provide experimental results that highlight non-thermal plasma (NTP) as a new alternative therapy for HSV-1 infection that would resolve cold sores faster and reduce the establishment of latent infection in the TG. Additionally, this study is the first to explore the use of NTP as a therapy that can both treat and prevent human viral infections. The antiviral effect of NTP was investigated using an in vitro model of HSV-1 epithelial infection that involved the application of NTP from two separate devices to cell-free HSV-1, HSV-1-infected cells, and uninfected cells. It was found that NTP reduced the infectivity of cell-free HSV-1, reduced viral replication in HSV-1-infected cells, and diminished the susceptibility of uninfected cells to HSV-1 infection. This triad of antiviral mechanisms of action suggests the potential of NTP as a therapeutic agent effective against HSV-1 infection. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Biophysics)
16 pages, 5760 KiB  
Article
Effect of Fucoidan on Structure and Bioactivity of Chinese Steamed Bread
by Qingyu Yang, Man Li, Chenqi Gu, Anni Lu, Lijun Dong, Xiling Zhang, Xiufa Hu, Yao Liu and Jun Lu
Foods 2024, 13(7), 1057; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13071057 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
Fucoidan refers to a group of sulphated polysaccharides obtained from brown seaweed, with numerous biological activities. In this study, fucoidan was fortified into Chinese steamed bread (CSB) at different concentrations (0, 1%, 3% and 5%) and the effect of fucoidan on the dough [...] Read more.
Fucoidan refers to a group of sulphated polysaccharides obtained from brown seaweed, with numerous biological activities. In this study, fucoidan was fortified into Chinese steamed bread (CSB) at different concentrations (0, 1%, 3% and 5%) and the effect of fucoidan on the dough properties, structure properties and bioactivity were investigated. The results showed that fucoidan could change the viscosity of unfermented dough, and a high concentration of fucoidan could remove the free radicals produced by the SH–SS exchange reaction (GS-) in the dough, which significantly reduced the content of disulfide bond and reduced the expanded volume of fermented dough (p < 0.05). In addition, fucoidan forms a physical barrier on the surface of starch particles and hinders the reaction between protein-to-protein; therefore, fucoidan increased the hardness, gumminess and chewiness in CSB, and reduced the specific volume in CSB. Furthermore, the fucoidan-fortified CSB samples were found to have both the ability to significantly reduce the predicted glycemic index (pGI) (p < 0.05) and improve antioxidant activity (p < 0.05). Collectively, these findings could provide a theoretical basis for the applications of fucoidan as a functional component in fermented foods. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Starch and Food Processing: Structure, Functionality and Nutrition)
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15 pages, 1536 KiB  
Article
The Luminescence of Laser-Produced Carbon Nanodots: The Effect of Aggregation in PEI Solution
by Agata Kaczmarek, Agnieszka Wisniewska, Tomasz Mo?cicki and Jacek Hoffman
Materials 2024, 17(7), 1573; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17071573 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
Carbon nanodots (CNDs) produced in pure water by the ablation of graphite with a nanosecond laser pulse exhibit weak photoluminescence. A small addition of polyethyleneimine (PEI) to the aqueous suspension of CNDs causes a significant increase in emissions. This paper presents experimental and [...] Read more.
Carbon nanodots (CNDs) produced in pure water by the ablation of graphite with a nanosecond laser pulse exhibit weak photoluminescence. A small addition of polyethyleneimine (PEI) to the aqueous suspension of CNDs causes a significant increase in emissions. This paper presents experimental and theoretical studies of the emission properties of CND/PEI systems. The obtained CNDs responded to even trace amounts of PEI in solution (~0.014% v/v), resulting in a significant increase in the initial weak blue emission of CNDs and PEI taken separately. Morphology and size measurements showed that particle aggregation occurred in the presence of the polymer. A decrease in the calculated Stokes shift values was observed with increasing PEI content in the solution. This indicates a reduction in the number of non-radiative transitions, which explains the increase in the emission intensity of the CND/PEI systems. These results therefore confirmed that the increase in the emission of CND/PEI systems is caused by particle aggregation. Kinetic studies proved that the process is controlled mainly by diffusion, the initial stage of which has a dominant influence on determining the optical properties of the system. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Progress in Carbon-Based Materials)
13 pages, 687 KiB  
Article
Non-Thermal Plasma Technology for Further Purification of Flue Gas in the Resource Utilization Process of Waste Mercury Catalyst: A Case Study in Xinjiang, China
by Qinzhong Feng, Kaiyue Wang, Shitong Yang, Jianbo Guo, Jun Chen, Tongzhe Wang, Liyuan Liu and Yang Chen
Processes 2024, 12(4), 691; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12040691 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
This study aims to advance the recycling of mercury-containing waste and promote sustainable development within the polyvinyl chloride (PVC) industry. Our innovative system integrates pre-treatment technology (spraying potassium permanganate and demisting and dust removal) with efficient non-thermal plasma oxidation, resulting in excellent treatment [...] Read more.
This study aims to advance the recycling of mercury-containing waste and promote sustainable development within the polyvinyl chloride (PVC) industry. Our innovative system integrates pre-treatment technology (spraying potassium permanganate and demisting and dust removal) with efficient non-thermal plasma oxidation, resulting in excellent treatment efficiency, low cost, and simple operation. With a processing capacity of 3000 m3/h, the concentration of mercury emissions in flue gas can achieve the target of <0.01 mg/m3, boasting a removal efficiency exceeding 98%, which satisfies the standard “Emission standard of air pollutants for industrial kiln and furnace” (GB 9078-1996). Our results can provide technical support for the comprehensive purification of mercury-containing flue gas during the resource recovery process from mercury-containing waste. The application of our system can contribute to reducing mercury emissions in the PVC industry, lowering occupational exposure risks for workers, and promoting China’s better compliance with “the Minamata Convention on Mercury”. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Environmental and Green Processes)
12 pages, 711 KiB  
Article
Spike-Specific Memory B Cell Response in Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Recipients following Multiple mRNA-1273 Vaccinations: A Longitudinal Observational Study
by Elena Pettini, Annalisa Ciabattini, Fabio Fiorino, Jacopo Polvere, Gabiria Pastore, Monica Tozzi, Francesca Montagnani, Giuseppe Marotta, Alessandro Bucalossi and Donata Medaglini
Vaccines 2024, 12(4), 368; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12040368 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
Preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection is of utmost importance in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation patients (allo-HCT), given their heightened susceptibility to adverse outcomes associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, limited data are available regarding the immune response to COVID-19 vaccines in these subjects, particularly concerning the [...] Read more.
Preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection is of utmost importance in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation patients (allo-HCT), given their heightened susceptibility to adverse outcomes associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, limited data are available regarding the immune response to COVID-19 vaccines in these subjects, particularly concerning the generation and persistence of spike-specific memory response. Here, we analyzed the spike-specific memory B cells in a cohort of allo-HCT recipients vaccinated with multiple doses of the mRNA-1273 vaccine and monitored the spike-specific antibody response from baseline up to one month after the fourth dose. After the primary vaccine series, the frequency of spike-specific B cells, detected within the pool of Ig-switched CD19+ cells, significantly increased. The booster dose further induced a significant expansion, reaching up to 0.28% of spike-specific B cells. The kinetics of this expansion were slower in the allo-HCT recipients compared to healthy controls. Spike-specific IgG and ACE2/RBD binding inhibition activity were observed in 80% of the allo-HCT recipients after the first two doses, with a significant increase after the third and fourth booster doses, including in the subjects who did not respond to the primary vaccine series. Additionally, 87% of the allo-HCT recipients exhibited positive cross-inhibition activity against the BA.1 variant. Our findings provide evidence that allo-HCT recipients need repeated doses of the mRNA-1273 vaccine to induceSARS-CoV-2 specific immune response similar to that observed in healthy individuals. This is particularly crucial for vulnerable individuals who may exhibit a limited response to the primary series of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2nd Edition: Safety and Autoimmune Response to SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination)
10 pages, 729 KiB  
Case Report
Successful Surgical Treatment of a Giant Intraventricular Meningioma: A Case Report and Literature Review
by Corneliu Toader, Razvan-Adrian Covache-Busuioc, Bogdan-Gabriel Bratu, Luca Andrei Glavan, Andrei Adrian Popa and Alexandru Vlad Ciurea
Medicina 2024, 60(4), 560; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60040560 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
In our study, we document the case of a 48-year-old patient who presented at our clinic with various neurological disturbances. Magnetic Resonance Imaging revealed the presence of an intraventricular meningioma located in the body of the left lateral ventricle measuring 60 mm in [...] Read more.
In our study, we document the case of a 48-year-old patient who presented at our clinic with various neurological disturbances. Magnetic Resonance Imaging revealed the presence of an intraventricular meningioma located in the body of the left lateral ventricle measuring 60 mm in diameter. This tumor was classified as a giant meningioma, accompanied by a significant amount of digitiform-type edema. A surgical procedure was conducted, resulting in a gross total resection of the tumor. Histopathological analysis identified the tumor as a fibrous meningioma. Postoperative assessments, as well as follow-ups conducted at 3 months and 1 year post-surgery, indicated considerable neurological improvement. The patient exhibited a remission of hemiparesis and gait disturbances along with a marginal improvement in the status of expressive aphasia. This case report underscores the significance of achieving total and safe resection of the tumor and includes an analysis of various cases from the literature, particularly focusing on those that describe minimally invasive surgical approaches and highlight the benefits of radiosurgery in the treatment of giant intraventricular meningiomas. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Surgery)
17 pages, 1084 KiB  
Article
Response of the TEROS 12 Soil Moisture Sensor under Different Soils and Variable Electrical Conductivity
by Athanasios Fragkos, Dimitrios Loukatos, Georgios Kargas and Konstantinos G. Arvanitis
Sensors 2024, 24(7), 2206; https://doi.org/10.3390/s24072206 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
In this work, the performance of the TEROS 12 electromagnetic sensor, which measures volumetric soil water content (θ), bulk soil electrical conductivity (σb), and temperature, is examined for a number of different soils, different θ and different levels of the electrical [...] Read more.
In this work, the performance of the TEROS 12 electromagnetic sensor, which measures volumetric soil water content (θ), bulk soil electrical conductivity (σb), and temperature, is examined for a number of different soils, different θ and different levels of the electrical conductivity of the soil solution (ECW) under laboratory conditions. For the above reason, a prototype device was developed including a low-cost microcontroller and suitable adaptation circuits for the aforementioned sensor. Six characteristic porous media were examined in a θ range from air drying to saturation, while four different solutions of increasing Electrical Conductivity (ECw) from 0.28 dS/m to approximately 10 dS/m were used in four of these porous media. It was found that TEROS 12 apparent dielectric permittivity (εa) readings were lower than that of Topp’s permittivity–water content relationship, especially at higher soil water content values in the coarse porous bodies. The differences are observed in sand (S), sandy loam (SL) and loam (L), at this order. The results suggested that the relationship between experimentally measured soil water content (θm) and εa0.5 was strongly linear (0.869 < R2 < 0.989), but the linearity of the relation θma0.5 decreases with the increase in bulk EC (σb) of the soil. The most accurate results were provided by the multipoint calibration method (CAL), as evaluated with the root mean square error (RMSE). Also, it was found that εa degrades substantially at values of σb less than 2.5 dS/m while εa returns to near 80 at higher values. Regarding the relation εab, it seems that it is strongly linear and that its slope depends on the pore water electrical conductivity (σp) and the soil type. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Metrology-Assisted Production in Agriculture and Forestry)

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