Saved Queries

by Yu-Meng Zhu, Gui Yao, Song Shao, Xin-Yu Liu, Jun Xu, Chun Chen, Xing-Wang Zhang, Zhuo-Ran Huang, Cheng-Zhen Xu, Long Zhang and Xiao-Min Wu

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(18), 9964; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25189964 (registering DOI) - 15 Sep 2024

Abstract

The enantioselective mechanism of the esterase QeH against the two enantiomers of quizalofop–ethyl (QE) has been primitively studied using computational and experimental approaches. However, it is still unclear how the esterase QeH adjusts its conformation to adapt to substrate binding and promote enzyme–substrate interactions in the catalytic kinetics. The equilibrium processes of enzyme–substrate interactions and catalytic dynamics were reproduced by performing independent molecular dynamics (MD) runs on the QeH-(R)/(S)-QE complexes with a newly developed residue-specific force field (RSFF2C). Our results indicated that the benzene ring of the (R)-QE structure can simultaneously form anion–π and cation–π interactions with the side-chain group of Glu328 and Arg384 in the binding cavity of the QeH-(R)-QE complex, resulting in (R)-QE being closer to its catalytic triplet system (Ser78-Lys81-Tyr189) with the distances measured for the hydroxyl oxygen atom of the catalytic Ser78 of QeH and the carbonyl carbon atom of (R)-QE of 7.39 Å, compared to the 8.87 Å for (S)-QE, whereas the (S)-QE structure can only form an anion–π interaction with the side chain of Glu328 in the QeH-(S)-QE complex, being less close to its catalytic site. The computational alanine scanning mutation (CAS) calculations further demonstrated that the π–π stacking interaction between the indole ring of Trp351 and the benzene ring of (R)/(S)-QE contributed a lot to the binding stability of the enzyme–substrate (QeH-(R)/(S)-QE). These results facilitate the understanding of their catalytic processes and provide new theoretical guidance for the directional design of other key enzymes for the initial degradation of aryloxyphenoxypropionate (AOPP) herbicides with higher catalytic efficiencies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Insights into Macromolecules Structure, Function, and Regulation: 2nd Edition)

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The proposed catabolic pathway of (R)–quizalofop–ethyl and (S)–quizalofop–ethyl by the esterase QeH. Full article ">Figure 2
Ramachandran plot (A) and verify 3D score (B) for the QeH model. The red regions indicated the most favored areas, the yellow regions represented the generously allowed areas, and the blank regions was the disallowed areas. The yellow line in the VERIFY plot (B) represented a threshold for the averaged 3D-1D score, specifically at Y = 0.1. This line was used to indicate areas or scores that meet or exceed this threshold value. Full article ">Figure 3
Molecular dynamics simulations of the QeH-(R)-QE and QeH-(S)-QE complexed systems. The root-mean-square deviation (RMSD) and root-mean-square fluctuation (RMSF) curves of the QeH-(R)-QE (A,C) and QeH-(S)-QE (B,D) complexed systems as functions of simulation time during the MD runs. Full article ">Figure 4
The ten representative snapshots of (R)-QE (A) and (S)-QE (B) superposed at their respective QeH active sites inside the interior of hydrophobic pocket during their MD runs. Key residues of QeH and two ligands were represented by stick models, and the residues (Tyr331, Tyr350, Trp351, Gly352 and Arg384 for the QeH-(R)-QE complex; Tyr189, Phe326, Glu328, Tyr350, Trp351 and Val354 for the QeH-(S)-QE complex) with their respective binding affinities over −1.0 kcal·mol−1 were marked by black labels. Full article ">Figure 5
The total binding free energy (∆Gbind) contributions of the QeH-(R)-QE (A) and QeH-(S)-QE (B) complexes. Each residue for the QeH-(R)-QE and QeH-(S)-QE complexes calculated from the equilibrated conformations during independent MD runs. The residues contribution exceeding −1.00 kcal·mol−1 to the binding free energy were marked with red dashed lines. Full article ">Figure 6
The key interactions at the active sites of the representative conformations of the QeH-(R)-QE and QeH-(S)-QE complexes with equilibrium stabilization. The interactions derived from the representative conformation of the QeH-(R)-QE (A,B) and QeH-(S)-QE (C,D) complexes generated by the MD simulations were represented by dotted lines in different colors, and the unit of interaction distances was Å. Full article ">Figure 7
Time-dependent distances between the hydroxyl oxygen atom of the catalytic Ser78 of QeH and the carbonyl carbon atom of (R)/(S)-QE (A), and the representation of the catalytic triad of QeH and the substrate (R)/(S)-QE (B,C). The catalytic triad (Ser78, Lys81, and Tyr189) of QeH was in blue and green, whereas the (R)/(S)-QE was salmon. Full article ">Figure 8
Schematic illustration of the ester bond hydrolysis process of (R)-QE catalyzed by esterase QeH. The purple arrows displayed the transfer reaction of hydrogen atoms, and the dotted green lines showed the formation of hydrogen bonds between hydroxyl hydrogen atoms and nitrogen atoms on amino groups. Full article ">

19 pages, 5294 KiB

Open AccessReview

Safety of 3D-Printed Acrylic Resins for Prosthodontic Appliances: A Comprehensive Cytotoxicity Review

by Guilherme Anziliero Arossi, Nauera Abou Abdou, Benjamin Hung, Isadora Martini Garcia, Roberto Zimmer and Mary Anne Melo

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(18), 8322; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14188322 (registering DOI) - 15 Sep 2024

Abstract

Additive manufacturing resins used in dental prosthetics may retain uncured monomers post-polymerization, posing potential long-term patient exposure risks. Understanding the biological safety of these materials is crucial, particularly for 3D-printed acrylic-based prosthodontic devices such as occlusal nightguards, complete and partial dentures, and temporary fixed prostheses. This paper reviews the literature evaluating the cytotoxicity of such materials. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines, we conducted a scoping review using the MESH keywords related to population (P), intervention (I), comparison (C), and outcome (O) across databases, including OVID Medline, EMBASE, and SCOPUS. Our search, limited to peer-reviewed English language articles from 2015 to 2023, resulted in 22 papers. These studies, utilizing digital light processing (DLP) or stereolithography (SLA) printing methods, varied in examining different 3D-printed materials, as well as washing and post-curing protocols. The primary experimental cells used were human gingival fibroblasts (HGF) and mouse fibroblasts (L929). There are no statistical differences in biocompatibility regarding different commercially available resins, washing solutions, or methods. Improvements in cell viability were related to an increase in washing time, as well as post-curing time. After the polishing procedure, 3D resin-based printed occlusal devices perform similarly to milled and conventionally processed ones. Our findings underline the importance of appropriate washing and post-curing protocols in minimizing the cytotoxic risks associated with these 3D-printed resin-based devices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Members’ Collection Series: Dental and Biological Materials)

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Three-dimensional printing workflow diagram demonstrating the steps in fabricating a dental device. Full article ">Figure 2
A dental device in a UV light post-curing oven. Full article ">Figure 3
Examples of materials used in 3D-printed dental devices. Full article ">Figure 4
Flow chart describing the extraction and selection process of relevant papers. Full article ">

27 pages, 1292 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Innovative Integration of Poetry and Visual Arts in Metaverse for Sustainable Education

by Ji-yoon Kim and Han-sol Kim

Educ. Sci. 2024, 14(9), 1012; https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci14091012 (registering DOI) - 15 Sep 2024

Abstract

The rapid advancement of digital technology has necessitated a reevaluation of traditional educational methodologies, particularly in literature and visual arts. This study investigates the application of metaverse technology to integrate contemporary poetry and visual arts, aiming to enhance university-level education. The purpose is to develop a convergent teaching method that leverages the immersive and interactive capabilities of the metaverse. The research involves a joint exhibition project with students from Sangmyung University and international participants, incorporating a metaverse-based educational program. A sample of 85 students participated in the program, and their experiences were evaluated through surveys and focus group interviews (FGIs). The findings reveal significant correlations between content satisfaction and method satisfaction, underscoring the importance of engaging and interactive methods. The study also identifies technical challenges and provides insights for optimizing digital platforms for educational purposes. The implications suggest that integrating metaverse technology in arts education can significantly enhance creativity, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary skills, offering a sustainable and innovative approach to modern education. Based on these implications, this paper proposes methods for incorporating the insights gained from case analyses and implications into the design of educational programs. It is anticipated that this approach will contribute to enhancing the quality of convergence education in higher education institutions. Furthermore, it is expected that this program will serve as a starting point for the systematic implementation of integrated education and the use of digital platforms, thereby helping to reduce disparities in integrated education between countries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Technology-Based Immersive Teaching and Learning)

13 pages, 1965 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Ten Days of Periodic Fasting on the Modulation of the Longevity Gene in Overweight and Obese Individuals: A Quasi-Experimental Study

by Nurma Yuliyanasari, Eva Nabiha Zamri, Purwo Sri Rejeki and Muhammad Miftahussurur

Nutrients 2024, 16(18), 3112; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16183112 (registering DOI) - 15 Sep 2024

Abstract

Background: Fasting potentially alters the aging process induced by obesity by regulating telomere integrity, which is related to longevity genes. However, the impact of periodic fasting (PF) on the expression of longevity genes, particularly Forkhead Box O Transcription Factors (FOXO3a) and the Human Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase (hTERT), is not fully understood. This study aimed to analyze the effects of PF, specifically on FOXO3a, hTERT expression, and other associated factors. Methods: A quasi-experimental 10-day study was conducted in Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia. This study consisted of an intervention group (PFG), which carried out PF for ten days using a daily 12 h time-restricted eating protocol, and a control group (CG), which had daily meals as usual. FOXO3a and hTERT expression were analyzed by quantitative real-time qPCR. A paired t-test/Wilcoxon test, independent t-test/Mann–Whitney U-test, and Spearman’s correlation test were used for statistical analysis. Result: Thirty-six young men participated in this study. During the post-test period, FOXO3a expression in the PFG increased 28.56 (±114.05) times compared to the pre-test, but the difference was not significant. hTERT expression was significantly higher in both the CG and PFG. The hTERT expression in the PFG was 10.26 (±8.46) times higher than in the CG, which was only 4.73 (±4.81) times higher. There was also a positive relationship between FOXO and hTERT in the CG. Conclusions: PF significantly increased hTERT expression in the PFG; however, no significant increase was found in FOXO3a expression. PF regimens using the 12 h time-restricted eating approach may become a potential strategy for preventing obesity-induced premature aging by regulating longevity gene expression. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Nutrition and Obesity)

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Graphical abstract
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Research workflow. Full article ">Figure 2
Effects of PF on glucose and lipid profiles after 10 days. (a) FBG level in the CG; (b) FBG level in the PFG; (c) TC level in the CG; (d) TC level in the PFG. The difference between pre-test and post-test data was analyzed using the paired t-Test or Wilcoxon test. (**) indicates a significant difference. Full article ">Figure 3
The difference in FOXO3a expression of the participants. (a) dCT of FOXO3a in the CG; (b) FOXO3a relative expression from ΔΔCt in the CG; (c) dCT of FOXO3a in the PFG; (d) FOXO3a relative expression from ΔΔCt in the PFG. The difference between pre-test and post-test data was analyzed using the paired t-test or Wilcoxon test. Full article ">Figure 4
The difference in hTERT expression of the participants. (a) dCT of hTERT in the CG; (b) hTERT relative expression from ΔΔCt in the CG; (c) dCT of hTERT in the PFG; (d) hTERT relative expression from ΔΔCt in the PFG. The difference between pre-test and post-test data was analyzed using the paired t-test or Wilcoxon test. (**) indicates a significant difference. Full article ">

27 pages, 4776 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

A Megacities Review: Comparing Indicator-Based Evaluations of Sustainable Development and Urban Resilience

by Brian R. Mackay and Richard R. Shaker

Sustainability 2024, 16(18), 8076; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16188076 (registering DOI) - 15 Sep 2024

Abstract

Urbanization is defining global change, and megacities are fast becoming a hallmark of the Anthropocene. Humanity’s pursuit toward sustainability is reliant on the successful management of these massive urban centers and their progression into sustainable and resilient settlements. Indicators and indices are applied assessment and surveillance tools used to measure, monitor, and gauge the sustainable development and urban resilience of megacities. Unknown is how indicator-based evaluations of sustainable development and urban resilience of the world’s largest 43 cities compare. In response, this review paper used the PRISMA reporting protocol, governed by 33 established and 10 emerging megacities, to compare and contrast evaluations of sustainable development and urban resilience. Results reveal that applied assessments of sustainable development of megacities appeared earlier in time and were more abundant than those of urban resilience. Geographically, China dominated other nations in affiliations to scientific research for both sustainable development and urban resilience of megacities. Among the 100 most recurrent terms, three distinct key term clusters formed for sustainable development; seven budding key term clusters formed for urban resilience suggesting breadth in contrast to sustainable development depth. The most cited assessments of sustainable development emphasize topics of energy, methodological approaches, and statistical modeling. The most cited assessments of urban resilience emphasize topics of flooding, transit networks, and disaster risk resilience. Megacities research is dominated by few countries, suggesting a need for inclusion and international partnerships. Lastly, as the world’s people become increasingly urbanized, sustainable development and urban resilience of megacities will serve as a key barometer for humanity’s progress toward sustainability. Full article

28 pages, 4712 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Understanding How People Perceive and Interact with Public Space through Social Media Big Data: A Case Study of Xiamen, China

by Shuran Li, Chengwei Wang, Liying Rong, Shiqi Zhou and Zhiqiang Wu

Land 2024, 13(9), 1500; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13091500 (registering DOI) - 15 Sep 2024

Abstract

Public space is a crucial forum for public interaction and diverse activities among urban residents. Understanding how people interact with and perceive these spaces is essential for public placemaking. With billions of users engaging in social media expression and generating millions of data points every second, Social Media Big Data (SMBD) offers an invaluable lens for evaluating public spaces over time, surpassing traditional methods like surveys and questionnaires. This research introduces a comprehensive analytical framework that integrates SMBD with placemaking practices, specifically applied to the city of Xiamen, China. The result shows the social sentiment, vibrancy heatmaps, leisure activities, visitor behaviors, and preferred visual elements of Xiamen, offering urban designers valuable insights into the dynamic nature of citizen experiences. The findings underscore the potential of SMBD to inform and enhance public space design, providing a holistic approach to creating more inclusive, vibrant, and functional urban environments. Full article

24 pages, 1433 KiB

Open AccessReview

Unconventional Edible Plants of the Amazon: Bioactive Compounds, Health Benefits, Challenges, and Future Trends

by Cynthia Tereza Corrêa da Silva Miranda, Stephanie Dias Soares, Williara Queiroz de Oliveira, Adriana de Souza Lima, Iramaia Angélica Neri Numa and Gláucia Maria Pastore

Foods 2024, 13(18), 2925; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13182925 (registering DOI) - 15 Sep 2024

Abstract

The pursuit of an improved quality of life is a major trend in the food market. This is driving the reformulation of the industry’s product portfolio, with the aim of providing nourishment while also contributing to beneficial health metabolic processes. In this context, the use of local biodiversity and the recovery of the traditional knowledge associated with the consumption of vegetables that grow spontaneously in nature emerge as more sustainable and nutritionally adequate concepts. The Amazon region is known for its abundant biodiversity, housing numerous unconventional food plants whose nutritional and biological properties remain unknown due to a lack of research. Among the different species are Xanthosoma sagittifolium, Acmella oleracea, Talinum triangulare, Pereskia bleo, Bidens bipinnata, and Costus spiralis. These species contain bioactive compounds such as apigenin, syringic acid, spilanthol, and lutein, which provide various health benefits. There are few reports on the biological effects, nutritional composition, bioactive compounds, and market prospects for these species. Therefore, this review provides an overview of their nutritional contribution, bioactive compounds, health benefits, and current market, as well as the use of new technologies that can contribute to the development of functional products/ingredients derived from them. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Foods)

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Unconventional food plants commonly found at fairs and markets in the Amazon region: (A) Xanthosoma sagittifolium; (B) Acmella oleracea; (C) Talinum triangulare; (D) Pereskia bleo; (E) Bidens bipinnata; and (F) Costus spiralis. Source: Natália Santos Reis da Cunha (A), Sebastião Rebelo de Miranda (B), and Cynthia Tereza Corrêa da Silva Miranda (C–F). Full article ">Figure 2
Chemical structure of some bioactive compounds found in unconventional vegetables from the Amazon region. Full article ">

12 pages, 521 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Cross-Sectional Study Exploring the Relationship between Work-Related, Lifestyle Factors and Non-Specific Neck and Shoulder Pain in a Southeast Asian Population

by Chi Ngai Lo, Victoria Yu En Teo, Nur Farah Ain Binte Abdul Manaff, Tessa Chu-Yu Seow, Karthik Subramhanya Harve and Bernard Pui Lam Leung

Healthcare 2024, 12(18), 1861; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12181861 (registering DOI) - 15 Sep 2024

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Non-specific neck and shoulder pain (NSNSP) is prevalent among working adults. The increased use of electronic devices and prevalence of remote working and study following the COVID-19 pandemic have raised concerns about the potential rise in such conditions. This study aims to investigate the associations between work-related, lifestyle factors and NSNSP in the adult Southeast Asian Singaporean population. Materials and Methods: An online survey was administered electronically to Singaporeans aged 21 and above. Demographic data, NSNSP prevalence, computer and smartphone usage durations, sleep patterns, and exercise frequency were captured after obtaining informed consent (SIT institutional review board approval #2023014). Results: A total of 302 validated responses were recorded, including 212 suffering from NSNSP versus 90 in the comparison group. The NSNSP group showed significantly longer smartphone usage (5.37 ± 3.50 h/day) compared to the comparison group (4.46 ± 3.36 h/day, p = 0.04). Furthermore, the NSNSP group had lower exercise frequency (2.10 ± 1.74 days/week vs. 2.93 ± 2.21 days/week, p < 0.01) and shorter weekly exercise duration (2.69 ± 3.05 h/week vs. 4.11 ± 4.15 h/week, p < 0.01). The average NSNSP severity in this group was 34.9 ± 19.96 out of 100, correlating significantly with age (r = 0.201, p < 0.01) and BMI (r = 0.27, p < 0.01). Conclusions: This preliminary cross-sectional study examines characteristics of adult Southeast Asians with NSNSP post-COVID-19 pandemic. The findings indicate significantly longer smartphone use and less exercise in NSNSP respondents, with both age and body mass index (BMI) demonstrating significant correlations with NSNSP severity. Full article

19 pages, 4987 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Efficient Bio-Based Insulation Panels Produced from Eucalyptus Bark Waste

by Cecilia Fuentealba, César Segovia, Mauricio Pradena-Miquel and Andrés G. César

Forests 2024, 15(9), 1628; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15091628 (registering DOI) - 15 Sep 2024

Abstract

Traditional thermal insulation panels consume large amounts of energy during production and emits pollutants into the environment. To mitigate this impact, the development of bio-based materials is an attractive alternative. In this context, the characteristics of the Eucalyptus fiber bark (EGFB) make it a candidate for insulation applications. However, more knowledge about the manufacturing process and in-service performance is needed. The present study characterized the properties that determine the in-service behavior of the EGFB insulation panel. The assessment involved two different manufacturing processes. The results indicated that the hot plates and the saturated steam injection manufacturing system can produce panels with similar target and bulk density. The thermal conductivity fluctuated between 0.064 and 0.077 W/m·K, which indicated good insulation, and the values obtained for thermal diffusivity (0.10–0.37 m mm²/s) and water vapor permeability (0.032–0.055 m kg/GN s) are comparable with other commercially available panels. To guarantee a good in-service performance, the panels need to be treated with flame retardant and antifungal additive. The good performance of the panel is relevant because bio-based Eucalyptus bark panels generate less CO₂ eq and require less energy consumption compared to traditional alternatives, contributing to the sustainability of the forestry and the construction industry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Valorization of Forestry Byproducts)

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17 pages, 17602 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enhancing Detection of Pedestrians in Low-Light Conditions by Accentuating Gaussian–Sobel Edge Features from Depth Maps

by Minyoung Jung and Jeongho Cho

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(18), 8326; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14188326 (registering DOI) - 15 Sep 2024

Abstract

Owing to the low detection accuracy of camera-based object detection models, various fusion techniques with Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) have been attempted. This has resulted in improved detection of objects that are difficult to detect due to partial occlusion by obstacles or unclear silhouettes. However, the detection performance remains limited in low-light environments where small pedestrians are located far from the sensor or pedestrians have difficult-to-estimate shapes. This study proposes an object detection model that employs a Gaussian–Sobel filter. This filter combines Gaussian blurring, which suppresses the effects of noise, and a Sobel mask, which accentuates object features, to effectively utilize depth maps generated by LiDAR for object detection. The model performs independent pedestrian detection using the real-time object detection model You Only Look Once v4, based on RGB images obtained using a camera and depth maps preprocessed by the Gaussian–Sobel filter, and estimates the optimal pedestrian location using non-maximum suppression. This enables accurate pedestrian detection while maintaining a high detection accuracy even in low-light or external-noise environments, where object features and contours are not well defined. The test evaluation results demonstrated that the proposed method achieved at least 1–7% higher average precision than the state-of-the-art models under various environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Object Detection and Image Classification)

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23 pages, 7622 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Using Pseudo-Color Maps and Machine Learning Methods to Estimate Long-Term Salinity of Soils

by Ravil I. Mukhamediev, Alexey Terekhov, Yedilkhan Amirgaliyev, Yelena Popova, Dmitry Malakhov, Yan Kuchin, Gulshat Sagatdinova, Adilkhan Symagulov, Elena Muhamedijeva and Pavel Gricenko

Agronomy 2024, 14(9), 2103; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14092103 (registering DOI) - 15 Sep 2024

Abstract

Soil salinity assessment methods based on remote sensing data are a common topic of scientific research. However, the developed methods, as a rule, estimate relatively small areas of the land surface at certain moments of the season, tied to the timing of ground surveys. Considerable variability of weather conditions and the state of the earth surface makes it difficult to assess the salinity level with the help of remote sensing data and to verify it within a year. At the same time, the assessment of salinity on the basis of multiyear data allows reducing the level of seasonal fluctuations to a considerable extent and revealing the statistically stable characteristics of cultivated areas of land surface. Such an approach allows, in our opinion, the processes of mapping the salinity of large areas of cultivated lands to be automated considerably. The authors propose an approach to assess the salinization of cultivated and non-cultivated soils of arid zones on the basis of long-term averaged values of vegetation indices and salinity indices. This approach allows revealing the consistent relationships between the characteristics of spectral indices and salinization parameters. Based on this approach, this paper presents a mapping method including the use of multiyear data and machine learning algorithms to classify soil salinity levels in one of the regions of South Kazakhstan. Verification of the method was carried out by comparing the obtained salinity assessment with the expert data and the results of laboratory tests of soil samples. The percentage of “gross” errors of the method, in other words, errors when the predicted salinity class differs by more than one position compared to the actual one, is 22–28% (accuracy is 0.78–0.72). The obtained results allow recommending the developed method for the assessment of long-term trends of secondary salinization of irrigated arable land in arid areas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Applications of Deep Learning in Smart Agriculture)

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20 pages, 1843 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring Ecological Quality and Its Driving Factors in Diqing Prefecture, China, Based on Annual Remote Sensing Ecological Index and Multi-Source Data

by Chen Wang, Qianqian Sheng and Zunling Zhu

Land 2024, 13(9), 1499; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13091499 (registering DOI) - 15 Sep 2024

Abstract

The interaction between the natural environmental and socioeconomic factors is crucial for assessing the dynamics of plateau ecosystems. Therefore, the remote sensing ecological index (RSEI) and CatBoost-SHAP model were employed to investigate changes in the ecological quality and their driving factors in the Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, China, from 2001 to 2021. The results showed an increase from 0.44 in 2001 to 0.71 in 2021 in the average RSEI for the Diqing Prefecture, indicating an overall upward trend in the ecological quality. Spatial analysis shows the percentage of the area covered by different levels of RSEI and their temporal changes. The results revealed that “good” ecological quality accounted for the largest proportion of the study area, at 42.77%, followed by “moderate” at 21.93%, and “excellent” at 16.62%. “Fair” quality areas accounted for 16.11% and “poor” quality areas only 2.57%. The study of ecological and socioeconomic drivers based on the CatBoost-SHAP framework also indicated that natural climate factors have a greater impact on ecological quality than socioeconomic factors; however, this effect differed significantly with altitude. The findings suggest that, in addition to strengthening climate monitoring, further advancements in ecological engineering are required to ensure the sustainable development of the ecosystem and the continuous improvement of the environmental quality in the Diqing Prefecture. Full article

22 pages, 4006 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Framework for Rail Transport Inequality Assessment: A Case Study of the Indian Railway Zones with Superfast Express (SE) Trains

by Shailesh Chandra and Vivek Mishra

Sustainability 2024, 16(18), 8077; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16188077 (registering DOI) - 15 Sep 2024

Abstract

The paper presents a framework for assessing inequality in passenger rail services by examining connectivity and accessibility across two different travelframes: favorable (daytime travel) and unfavorable (nighttime travel). The unfavorable timeframe is often characterized by a lack of adequate first-/last-mile transport availability to train stations, impacting passenger access. The study employs a newly developed inequality-to-investment ratio to classify rail transport entities like stations, routes, or zones as either winners or losers, using a performance persistence analysis. A case study was conducted using data on the superfast express (SE) train schedule and investments from 2016 to 2020 across sixteen zones of the Indian Railway, assessing service inequalities during the hours of favorable (7 a.m. to 9 p.m.) and unfavorable (9 p.m. to 7 a.m.) timeframes. Results revealed inconsistencies in inequalities among zones. Moreover, the research demonstrates that the choice between connectivity and accessibility metrics significantly influences the identification of better or worse performing zones as winners or losers, respectively, throughout the 2016–2020 period and during both timeframes. The study underscores the importance of selecting appropriate measures and suggests re-evaluating or increasing investments in certain zones of Indian Railways based on these insights. The framework proposed in this paper can be used to assess inequalities within any transportation system receiving investments or government funds, contributing to the broader goal of ensuring equitable access to transportation, which is essential for a sustainable transportation system. Full article

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16 pages, 8215 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Laser Direct Writing of Setaria Virids-Inspired Hierarchical Surface with TiO₂ Coating for Anti-Sticking of Soft Tissue

by Qingxu Zhang, Yanyan Yang, Shijie Huo, Shucheng Duan, Tianao Han, Guang Liu, Kaiteng Zhang, Dengke Chen, Guang Yang and Huawei Chen

Micromachines 2024, 15(9), 1155; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi15091155 (registering DOI) - 15 Sep 2024

Abstract

In minimally invasive surgery, the tendency for human tissue to adhere to the electrosurgical scalpel can complicate procedures and elevate the risk of medical accidents. Consequently, the development of an electrosurgical scalpel with an anti-sticking coating is critically important. Drawing inspiration from nature, we identified that the leaves of Setaria Virids exhibit exceptional non-stick properties. Utilizing this natural surface texture as a model, we designed and fabricated a specialized anti-sticking surface for electrosurgical scalpels. Employing nanosecond laser direct writing ablation technology, we created a micro-nano textured surface on the high-frequency electrosurgical scalpel that mimics the structure found on Setaria Virids leaves. Subsequently, a TiO₂ coating was deposited onto the ablated scalpel surface via magnetron sputtering, followed by plasma-induced hydrophobic modification and treatment with octadecyltrichlorosilane (OTS) to enhance the surface’s affinity for silicone oil, thereby constructing a self-lubricating and anti-sticking surface. The spreading behavior of deionized water, absolute ethanol, and dimethyl silicone oil on this textured surface is investigated to confirm the effectiveness of the self-lubrication mechanism. Furthermore, the sticking force and quality are compared between the anti-sticking electrosurgical scalpel and a standard high-frequency electrosurgical scalpel to demonstrate the efficacy of the nanosecond laser-ablated micro-nano texture in preventing sticking. The findings indicate that the self-lubricating anti-sticking surface fabricated using this texture exhibits superior anti-sticking properties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Micro/Nano-Fabrication)

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(a) The morphology of Setaria Virids and the sticking state of dewdrops on the surface of Setaria Virids leaves. (b) The front contact angle θA and the rear contact angle θB of a droplet on the surface of a horizontally placed Setaria Virids leaf. (c) White light interference morphology characterization of micro-nano textures processed by nanosecond laser. (d) Ideal illustration of micro-nano textures prepared using nanosecond laser. (e) Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) characterization of the microstructure on the surface of Setaria Virids leaves. (f) The flow of a droplet on the surface of a Setaria Virids leaf placed at an inclination of 20°. (g) A mechanism illustration showing the preparation of a functionalized surface with anti-sticking properties by creating a microgroove–micropillar composite texture using a nanosecond laser, followed by Plasma modification and a self-assembled molecular layer coating. Full article ">Figure 2
(a) Mechanism diagram of laser processing surface micro-nano texture. (b) Removal of sharp tips by water bath heating. (c) Microscopic observation of the processed surface micro-nano texture. Full article ">Figure 3
(a) Successful OTS chemical grafting was confirmed by Raman spectroscopy. (b) Chemical mechanism diagram of OTS self-assembly. Full article ">Figure 4
The white light interference morphology, longitudinal and transverse profile characterization, as well as SEM images of micro/nano texture were obtained at inclination angles β of 90°, 85°, 75°, and 60° between the oblique column and the horizontal plane. Full article ">Figure 5
Self-lubricating anti-stick surface with added lubricant. Full article ">Figure 6
Antigravity spreading of deionized water (labeled with rhodamine B as orange yellow), anhydrous ethanol (labeled with fluorescein sodium as yellow green), and dimethylsilicone oil (colorless and transparent) on the texture of oblique columns with different inclination angles. (a) Antigravity spreading mechanism of liquid on micro/nano texture. (b) Antigravity spreading of liquid on a functional surface with a slant column angle of 90°. (c) Antigravity spreading of liquid on a functional surface with a slant column angle of 85°. (d) Antigravity spreading of liquid on a functional surface with a slant column angle of 75°. (e) Antigravity spreading of liquid on a functional surface with a slant column angle of 60°. Full article ">Figure 7
Unidirectional flow of the bulk on the texture of different slant column angles (90°, 85°, 75°, 60°). (a) Absolute ethanol (labeled with fluorescein sodium in yellow green). (b) Deionized water (labeled with rhodamine B in orange yellow). (c) 10cs dimethylsilicone oil (colorless and transparent). (d) Summary plot of one-way spreading data of the three liquids. Full article ">Figure 8
Sticking force measured by digital explicit push–pull dynamometer. Full article ">Figure 9
Sticking force and adhesion scale characteristics of high frequency electric scalpel and the inclination Angle β = 90°, 85°, 75°, and 60° between the upper oblique column of the electric scalpel and the horizontal plane. (a) When the operating power of the electric scalpel was 50 w, the amount of adhesion and thermal injury wound of fresh pig liver was cut with a high frequency electric scalpel (the number of electric cutting S = 1, 10, 20). (b) When the operating power of the electric scalpel was 50 w, the amount of adhesion and thermal injury wound of fresh pig liver was cut by the anti-stick electric scalpel with the angle of microcolumn β = 90° (the number of electric cutting S = 1, 10, 20). (c) When the electric scalpel working power was 50 w, the amount of adhesion and thermal injury wound of fresh pig liver was cut by the anti-stick electric scalpel with the angle of microcolumn β = 85° (the number of electric cutting S = 1, 10, 20). (d) When the operating power of electric scalpel was 50 w, the amount of adhesion and thermal injury wound of fresh pig liver was cut by the anti-stick electric scalpel with the angle β = 85°. The amount of adhesion and thermal injury wound of fresh pig liver was cut by the anti-stick electric scalpel with the angle of microcolumn β = 75° (the number of electric cutting S = 1, 10, 20). (e) When the operating power of the electric scalpel was 50 w, the amount of adhesion and thermal injury wound (electrotomy times S = 1, 10, 20) of fresh pig liver was cut with the anti-stick electrotome with micropillar angle β = 60°. (f) Comparison of adhesion forces between high frequency electrotome and different micropillar angle (90°, 85°, 75°, 60°). Full article ">Figure 10
Comparison curves of adhesion amount versus adhesion force when the number of cycles are 1, 10, and 20. Full article ">

31 pages, 5879 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Associations of SEMA7A, SEMA4D, ADAMTS10, and ADAM8 with KRAS, NRAS, BRAF, PIK3CA, and AKT Gene Mutations, Microsatellite Instability Status, and Cytokine Expression in Colorectal Cancer Tissue

by Błażej Ochman, Piotr Limanówka, Sylwia Mielcarska, Agnieszka Kula, Miriam Dawidowicz, Wiktor Wagner, Dorota Hudy, Monika Szrot, Jerzy Zbigniew Piecuch, Jerzy Piecuch, Zenon Czuba and Elżbieta Świętochowska

Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2024, 46(9), 10218-10248; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb46090609 (registering DOI) - 15 Sep 2024

Abstract

Semaphorins (SEMAs), ADAM, and ADAMTS family members are implicated in various cancer progression events within the tumor microenvironment across different cancers. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the expression of SEMA7A, SEMA4D, ADAM8, and ADAMTS10 in colorectal cancer (CRC) in relation to the mutational landscape of KRAS, NRAS, BRAF, PIK3CA, and AKT genes, microsatellite instability (MSI) status, and clinicopathological features. We also examined the associations between the expression of these proteins and selected cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors, assessed using a multiplex assay. Protein concentrations were quantified using ELISA in CRC tumors and tumor-free surgical margin tissue homogenates. Gene mutations were evaluated via RT-PCR, and MSI status was determined using immunohistochemistry (IHC). GSEA and statistical analyses were performed using R Studio. We observed a significantly elevated expression of SEMA7A in BRAF-mutant CRC tumors and an overexpression of ADAM8 in KRAS 12/13-mutant tumors. The expression of ADAMTS10 was decreased in PIK3CA-mutant CRC tumors. No significant differences in the expression of the examined proteins were observed based on MSI status. The SEMA7A and SEMA4D expressions were correlated with the expression of numerous cytokines associated with various immune processes. The potential immunomodulatory functions of these molecules and their suitability as therapeutic targets require further investigation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular-Based Approaches in Therapy for Gastrointestinal Cancers, 2nd Edition)

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