The 2023 MDPI Annual Report has
been released!
 
18 pages, 1433 KiB  
Article
Production of Polyphenolic Natural Products by Bract-Derived Tissue Cultures of Three Medicinal Tilia spp.: A Comparative Untargeted Metabolomics Study
by Zsolt Szűcs, Zoltán Cziáky, László Volánszki, Csaba Máthé, Gábor Vasas and Sándor Gonda
Plants 2024, 13(10), 1288; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13101288 - 07 May 2024
Abstract
Medicinal plant tissue cultures are potential sources of bioactive compounds. In this study, we report the chemical characterization of the callus cultures of three medicinal Tilia spp. (Tilia cordata, Tilia vulgaris and Tilia tomentosa), along with the comparison to bracts [...] Read more.
Medicinal plant tissue cultures are potential sources of bioactive compounds. In this study, we report the chemical characterization of the callus cultures of three medicinal Tilia spp. (Tilia cordata, Tilia vulgaris and Tilia tomentosa), along with the comparison to bracts and flowers of the same species. Our aim was to show that calli of Tilia spp. are good alternatives to the calli of T. americana for the production of polyphenols and are better sources of a subset of polyphenolic metabolites, compared to the original organs. Calli were initiated from young bracts and grown on woody plant medium containing 1 mg L−1 2,4-D and 0.1 mg L−1 BAP. For chemical characterization, a quality-controlled untargeted metabolomics approach and the quantification of several bioactive compounds was performed with the use of LC-ESI-MS/MS. While bracts and flowers contained flavonoid glycosides (astragalin, isoquercitrin) as major polyphenols, calli of all species contained catechins, coumarins (fraxin, esculin and scopoletin) and flavane aglyca. T. tomentosa calli contained 5397 µg g DW−1 catechin, 201 µg g DW−1 esculin, 218 µg g DW−1 taxifolin and 273 µg g DW−1 eriodictyol, while calli from other species contained lower amounts. T. cordata and T. tomentosa flowers were rich in isoquercitrin, containing 8134 and 6385 µg g DW−1, respectively. The currently tested species contained many of the bioactive metabolites described from T. americana. The production of catechin was shown to be comparable to the most efficient tissue cultures reported. Flowers and bracts contained flavonoid glycosides, including tiliroside, resembling bioactive fractions of T. americana. In addition, untargeted metabolomics has shown fingerprint-like differences among species, highlighting possible chemotaxonomic and quality control applications, especially for bracts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Tissue Culture and Secondary Metabolites)
15 pages, 3887 KiB  
Article
Transcriptome Analysis Revealed the Possible Reasons for the Change of Ni Resistance in Rhus typhina after Spraying Melatonin
by Tongbao Qu, Yinxi Ma, Minqiang Yun and Chunli Zhao
Plants 2024, 13(10), 1287; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13101287 - 07 May 2024
Abstract
Melatonin (MT) plays an important role in alleviating the stress of soil heavy metal pollution on plants. However, its ability to improve the tolerance of Rhus typhina to Ni stress and its mechanism of action are still unclear. Therefore, MT (0, 50, 100, [...] Read more.
Melatonin (MT) plays an important role in alleviating the stress of soil heavy metal pollution on plants. However, its ability to improve the tolerance of Rhus typhina to Ni stress and its mechanism of action are still unclear. Therefore, MT (0, 50, 100, and 200 μmol·L−1) was sprayed on the leaf surface of R. typhina seedlings under Ni (0 and 250 mg·kg−1) stress to study the differences in growth, physiology, and gene expression. The results showed that exogenous MT could improve the ability of R. typhina to resist Ni stress by inhibiting the degradation of chlorophyll and carotenoid, enhancing photosynthesis, and augmenting the activity of antioxidant enzymes. Moreover, 100 μmol·L−1 MT could increase the Ni concentration in R. typhina seedlings and reduce the translocation factor. Transcriptome analysis showed that MT mainly regulated the expression of related genes in plant hormone signal transduction, starch and sucrose metabolism, and various amino acid metabolism pathways. This study combined physiological and transcriptomic analysis to reveal the molecular mechanism of MT enhancing Ni resistance in R. typhina, and provides a new direction for expanding its application in phytoremediation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Adaptive Strategies of Plants to Stress Factors)
17 pages, 944 KiB  
Review
Emerging Contributions of Pluripotent Stem Cells to Reproductive Technologies in Veterinary Medicine
by Raiane Cristina Fratini de Castro, Tiago William Buranello, Kaiana Recchia, Aline Fernanda de Souza, Naira Caroline Godoy Pieri and Fabiana Fernandes Bressan
J. Dev. Biol. 2024, 12(2), 14; https://doi.org/10.3390/jdb12020014 - 07 May 2024
Abstract
The generation of mature gametes and competent embryos in vitro from pluripotent stem cells has been successfully achieved in a few species, mainly in mice, with recent advances in humans and scarce preliminary reports in other domestic species. These biotechnologies are very attractive [...] Read more.
The generation of mature gametes and competent embryos in vitro from pluripotent stem cells has been successfully achieved in a few species, mainly in mice, with recent advances in humans and scarce preliminary reports in other domestic species. These biotechnologies are very attractive as they facilitate the understanding of developmental mechanisms and stages that are generally inaccessible during early embryogenesis, thus enabling advanced reproductive technologies and contributing to the generation of animals of high genetic merit in a short period. Studies on the production of in vitro embryos in pigs and cattle are currently used as study models for humans since they present more similar characteristics when compared to rodents in both the initial embryo development and adult life. This review discusses the most relevant biotechnologies used in veterinary medicine, focusing on the generation of germ-cell-like cells in vitro through the acquisition of totipotent status and the production of embryos in vitro from pluripotent stem cells, thus highlighting the main uses of pluripotent stem cells in livestock species and reproductive medicine. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cellular Reprogramming and Differentiation)
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12 pages, 1473 KiB  
Article
Dependence of Body Stability on Optical Conditions during VR Viewing
by Gi-Seong Jeong, Hyun-Goo Kang and Sang-Yeob Kim
Electronics 2024, 13(10), 1812; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics13101812 - 07 May 2024
Abstract
The dependence of body stability on the distance between the optical centers of VR-device lenses and the refractive error status of users during VR viewing was investigated. Participants included 31 adults, and their postural-control ability was measured using a BTrackS device. The optical [...] Read more.
The dependence of body stability on the distance between the optical centers of VR-device lenses and the refractive error status of users during VR viewing was investigated. Participants included 31 adults, and their postural-control ability was measured using a BTrackS device. The optical conditions were (1) COCD (comfortable optical center distance), (2) COCD+2D (comfortable optical center distance with 2D myopia), (3) COCD-2D (comfortable optical center distance with 2D hyperopia), (4) DOCD (uncomfortable optical center distance), (5) DOCD+2D (uncomfortable optical center distance with 2D myopia), and (6) DOCD-2D (uncomfortable optical center distance with 2D hyperopia). Posture was assessed under these six optical conditions while the participants were wearing a VR device and watching a 3D roller-coaster video. The sway-path length was significantly increased under the COCD-2D, DOCD, DOCD+2D, and DOCD-2D conditions compared to the COCD condition (p < 0.05). In the case of maximum sway velocity, the results showed significant increases under the DOCD, DOCD+2D, and DOCD-2D conditions compared to the COCD condition (p < 0.05). The analysis revealed that when users are viewing VR displays, optimization of the distance to the optical center of the VR-device lenses and correction of the refractive errors for individual users was a significant factor in minimizing body instability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications of Virtual, Augmented and Mixed Reality)
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27 pages, 8479 KiB  
Article
Comparison of Sentiment Analysis Methods Used to Investigate the Quality of Teaching Aids Based on Virtual Simulators of Embedded Systems
by Andrzej Radecki and Tomasz Rybicki
Electronics 2024, 13(10), 1811; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics13101811 - 07 May 2024
Abstract
Virtual simulators of embedded systems and analyses of student surveys regarding their use at the early stage of the process of learning embedded systems, are presented in this article. The questionnaires were prepared in the Polish language, and the answers were automatically translated [...] Read more.
Virtual simulators of embedded systems and analyses of student surveys regarding their use at the early stage of the process of learning embedded systems, are presented in this article. The questionnaires were prepared in the Polish language, and the answers were automatically translated into English using two publicly available translators. The results of users’ experiences and feelings related to the use of virtual simulators are shown on the basis of detected sentiment using three chosen analysis methods: the Flair NLP library, the Pattern library, and the BERT NLP model. The results of the selected sentiment detection methods were compared and related to users reference answers, which gives information about the methods quality of the methods and their possible use in the automated review analysis process. This paper comprises detailed sentiment analysis results with a broader statistical approach for each question. Based on the students feedback and sentiment analysis, a new version of the TMSLAB v.2 virtual simulator was created. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Advances in Affective Computing)
23 pages, 1051 KiB  
Article
Spacecraft Medium Voltage Direct-Current (MVDC) Power and Propulsion System
by Sarah Talebzadeh and Omid Beik
Electronics 2024, 13(10), 1810; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics13101810 - 07 May 2024
Abstract
This paper introduces a medium voltage direct-current (MVDC) system for large spacecraft megawatt-scale (MW) power and propulsion systems intended for interplanetary transport, including missions to the Moon and Mars. The proposed MVDC system includes: (i) A nuclear electric propulsion (NEP) that powers a [...] Read more.
This paper introduces a medium voltage direct-current (MVDC) system for large spacecraft megawatt-scale (MW) power and propulsion systems intended for interplanetary transport, including missions to the Moon and Mars. The proposed MVDC system includes: (i) A nuclear electric propulsion (NEP) that powers a permanent magnet (PM) generator whose output is rectified and connected to the MVDC bus. (ii) A solar photovoltaic (PV) source that is interfaced to the MVDC bus using a unidirectional boost DC-DC converter. (iii) A backup battery energy storage system (BESS) that connects to the MVDC bus using a bidirectional DC-DC boost converter. (iv) A dual active bridge (DAB) converter that controls the power to the spacecraft’s electric thruster. The NEP serves as the main power source for the spacecraft’s electric thruster, while the solar PV and BESS are intended to provide power for the payload and spacecraft’s low-voltage power system. The paper will (i) provide a review of the spacecraft MVDC power and prolusion system highlighting state-of-the-art main components, (ii) address the control of boost converters for the PV and BESS sources and the DAB converter for the thruster, and (iii) propose an uncertainty and disturbance estimator (UDE) concept based on current control algorithms to mitigate MVDC instability due to unpredictable factors and external disruptions. The proposed UDE can actively estimate and compensate for the system disturbance and uncertainty in real time, and thus, both the system tracking performance and robustness can be improved. Simulation studies have been conducted to substantiate the efficacy of the proposed schemes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Power Electronics)
22 pages, 2060 KiB  
Article
Parasitic-Based Model for Characterizing False Turn-On and Switching-Based Voltage Oscillation in Hybrid T-Type Converter
by Amir Babaki, Mohammad Sadegh Golsorkhi, Nicklas Christensen, Mehdi Baharizadeh, Stefan Behrendt, Jesco Beyer and Thomas Ebel
Electronics 2024, 13(10), 1808; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics13101808 - 07 May 2024
Abstract
High frequency and high voltage switching converters utilizing wide bandgap semiconductors are gaining popularity thanks to their compactness and improved efficiency. However, the faster switching requirements gives rise to new challenges. A key issue is the increased oscillation of the drain–source voltage caused [...] Read more.
High frequency and high voltage switching converters utilizing wide bandgap semiconductors are gaining popularity thanks to their compactness and improved efficiency. However, the faster switching requirements gives rise to new challenges. A key issue is the increased oscillation of the drain–source voltage caused by the switching action of the complementary switch in the same phase or change of state of the other phase switches. The voltage stress caused by these oscillations can damage the switch. Furthermore, the high dv/dt during turning-on of one switch might result in false turn-on of the complementary switch due to the miller effect. In this paper, these issues are investigated in a T-type converter through analytical and experimental analysis. Based on the proposed analytical approach, simple and cost-wise solutions utilizing an optimum design of gate driver circuits and circuit layout modifications can be developed to cope with the aforementioned issues. A comprehensive analytical model of the converter with consideration of parasitic capacitances and inductances is developed. By performing sensitivity analysis on the model, the effect of the parasitic parameters on the drain–source voltage oscillation and gate–source voltage amplitude in case of false turn-on is studied. The validity of the model is then assessed through numerical simulations and experimental results. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Power Electronics Converters)
16 pages, 734 KiB  
Article
Improvement of PBFT Consensus Algorithm Based on Affinity Propagation Clustering in Intellectual Property Transaction Scenarios
by Dan Du, Wenlong Feng, Mengxing Huang, Siling Feng and Jing Wang
Electronics 2024, 13(10), 1809; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics13101809 - 07 May 2024
Abstract
In response to the problems of random selection of primary nodes, high communication complexity, and low consensus efficiency in the current consensus mechanism for intellectual property transactions, a Practical Byzantine Fault Tolerance (PBFT) consensus algorithm based on the Affinity-Propagation (AP) clustering algorithm, termed [...] Read more.
In response to the problems of random selection of primary nodes, high communication complexity, and low consensus efficiency in the current consensus mechanism for intellectual property transactions, a Practical Byzantine Fault Tolerance (PBFT) consensus algorithm based on the Affinity-Propagation (AP) clustering algorithm, termed AP-PBFT, is proposed. Firstly, the election strategy of the leader node is constructed based on the reputation mechanism; the reward and punishment mechanism is designed to achieve the dynamic adjustment of the reputation value of the nodes in the PBFT consensus process, and the number of votes among the nodes is introduced to determine the node’s reputation value in collaboration with the reward and punishment mechanism to guarantee the precise ordering of the nodes. Secondly, nodes with high reputation values are selected as cluster centers to run the AP clustering algorithm, and clustering groups of knowledge property transaction nodes are constructed based on responsibility and availability. Finally, the three-stage consensus process of the PBFT consensus algorithm is optimized, and the consensus task is decomposed into two layers: the intra-consensus group and the inter-leader node group, reducing the communication complexity of transaction data in the blockchain. Experimental findings indicate a significant performance improvement of the algorithm over the PBFT consensus algorithm in communication complexity, throughput, and consensus efficiency in the simulation environment of multiple types of transactions in intellectual property transactions, including different types of large-scale transaction scenarios, such as purchases, sales, licenses, and transfers. Full article
13 pages, 1616 KiB  
Article
Effects of Chlorinated Water on Neurite Length of Cultured Dorsal Root Ganglion Neurons and Semaphorin 3A Content of Cultured Epidermal Keratinocytes
by Kazuhisa Maeda, Neneka Okumura, Aoba Ogawa and Hatsumi Takeda
Cosmetics 2024, 11(3), 75; https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics11030075 - 07 May 2024
Abstract
The tap water that we normally use contains certain concentrations of free residual chlorine to kill microorganisms and viruses and make it safe for use. Water containing free residual chlorine not only dries out our hair and skin but can also cause irritation [...] Read more.
The tap water that we normally use contains certain concentrations of free residual chlorine to kill microorganisms and viruses and make it safe for use. Water containing free residual chlorine not only dries out our hair and skin but can also cause irritation and itching in some people—especially those with sensitive skin or reduced skin barrier function. We investigated the effects of free residual chlorine on cultured dorsal root ganglion neurons and cultured epidermal keratinocytes. First, we measured neurite length in cultured rat dorsal root ganglion neurons. Next, to evaluate the effects of chlorine on semaphorin 3A (Sema3A) and nerve growth factor (NGF) levels in cultured human epidermal keratinocytes, we used an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to measure NGF in the supernatant and polymerase chain reaction and Western blot to determine Sema3A and NGF levels. Chlorine elongated the neurite length and increased the number of projections in cultured rat dorsal root ganglion neurons. Although there were no changes in NGF mRNA or protein levels in the supernatant of cultured human epidermal keratinocytes in the presence of chlorine, Sema3A mRNA and protein levels decreased, and the ratio of Sema3A to NGF was also reduced. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Cosmetics—Recent Advances and Perspectives)
13 pages, 2976 KiB  
Article
Comparison of Various Extraction Approaches for Optimized Preparation of Intracellular Metabolites from Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Fibroblasts for NMR-Based Study
by Slavomíra Nováková, Eva Baranovičová, Zuzana Hatoková, Gábor Beke, Janka Pálešová, Romana Záhumenská, Bibiána Baďurová, Mária Janíčková, Ján Strnádel, Erika Halašová and Henrieta Škovierová
Metabolites 2024, 14(5), 268; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo14050268 - 07 May 2024
Abstract
Metabolomics has proven to be a sensitive tool for monitoring biochemical processes in cell culture. It enables multi-analysis, clarifying the correlation between numerous metabolic pathways. Together with other analysis, it thus provides a global view of a cell’s physiological state. A comprehensive analysis [...] Read more.
Metabolomics has proven to be a sensitive tool for monitoring biochemical processes in cell culture. It enables multi-analysis, clarifying the correlation between numerous metabolic pathways. Together with other analysis, it thus provides a global view of a cell’s physiological state. A comprehensive analysis of molecular changes is also required in the case of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which currently represent an essential portion of cells used in regenerative medicine. Reproducibility and correct measurement are closely connected to careful metabolite extraction, and sample preparation is always a critical point. Our study aimed to compare the efficiencies of four harvesting and six extraction methods. Several organic reagents (methanol, ethanol, acetonitrile, methanol–chloroform, MTBE) and harvesting approaches (trypsinization vs. scraping) were tested. We used untargeted nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) to determine the most efficient method for the extraction of metabolites from human adherent cells, specifically human dermal fibroblasts adult (HDFa) and dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs). A comprehensive dataset of 29 identified and quantified metabolites were determined to possess statistically significant differences in the abundances of several metabolites when the cells were detached mechanically to organic solvent compared to when applying enzymes mainly in the classes of amino acids and peptides for both types of cells. Direct scraping to organic solvent is a method that yields higher abundances of determined metabolites. Extraction with the use of different polar reagents, 50% and 80% methanol, or acetonitrile, mostly showed the same quality. For both HDFa and DPSC cells, the MTBE method, methanol–chloroform, and 80% ethanol extractions showed higher extraction efficiency for the most identified and quantified metabolites Thus, preparation procedures provided a cell sample processing protocol that focuses on maximizing extraction yield. Our approach may be useful for large-scale comparative metabolomic studies of human mesenchymal stem cell samples. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Metabolic Profiling of Biological Samples 2nd Edition)
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13 pages, 1765 KiB  
Article
Diabetes Causes Significant Alterations in Pulmonary Glucose Transporter Expression
by Allison Campolo, Zahra Maria and Véronique A. Lacombe
Metabolites 2024, 14(5), 267; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo14050267 - 07 May 2024
Abstract
Diabetes has been identified as a significant and independent risk factor for the development or increased severity of respiratory infections. However, the role of glucose transport in the healthy and diseased lung has received little attention. Specifically, the protein expression of the predominant [...] Read more.
Diabetes has been identified as a significant and independent risk factor for the development or increased severity of respiratory infections. However, the role of glucose transport in the healthy and diseased lung has received little attention. Specifically, the protein expression of the predominant glucose transporter (GLUT) isoforms in the adult lung remains largely to be characterized in both healthy and diabetic states. Type 1 diabetes was induced via streptozotocin and rescued via subcutaneous semi-osmotic insulin pump for 8 weeks. The gene and/or protein expression of the most predominant GLUT isoforms from Classes I and III, including the major insulin-sensitive isoform (i.e., GLUT4) and novel isoforms (i.e., GLUT-8 and GLUT-12), was quantified in the lung of healthy and diabetic mice via qRT-PCR and/or Western blotting. Pulmonary cell surface GLUT protein was measured using a biotinylated photolabeling assay, as a means to evaluate GLUT trafficking. Diabetic mice demonstrated significant alterations of total pulmonary GLUT protein expression, which were isoform- and location-dependent. Long-term insulin treatment rescued the majority of GLUT protein expression alterations in the lung during diabetes, as well as GLUT-4 and -8 trafficking to the pulmonary cell surface. These alterations in glucose homeostasis during diabetes may contribute to an increased severity of pulmonary infection during diabetes and may point to novel metabolic therapeutic strategies for diabetic patients with concurrent respiratory infections. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Cell Metabolism)
13 pages, 7582 KiB  
Article
First Results of Nb3Sn Coated Cavity by Vapor Diffusion Method at SARI
by Qixin Chen, Yue Zong, Zheng Wang, Shuai Xing, Jiani Wu, Pengcheng Dong, Miyimin Zhao, Xiaowei Wu, Jian Rong and Jinfang Chen
Coatings 2024, 14(5), 581; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings14050581 - 07 May 2024
Abstract
Nb3Sn is emerging as one of the focal points in superconducting radio frequency (SRF) research, owing to its excellent superconducting properties. These properties hold significant possibilities for cost reduction and the miniaturization of accelerators. In this paper, we report the recent [...] Read more.
Nb3Sn is emerging as one of the focal points in superconducting radio frequency (SRF) research, owing to its excellent superconducting properties. These properties hold significant possibilities for cost reduction and the miniaturization of accelerators. In this paper, we report the recent efforts of the Shanghai Advanced Research Institute (SARI) in fabricating high-performance Nb3Sn superconducting cavities using the vapor diffusion method. This includes the construction of a Nb3Sn coating system with dual evaporators and the test results of 1.3 GHz single-cell coated cavities. The coated samples were characterized, and the growth state of the Nb3Sn films was analyzed. The first coated superconducting cavity was tested at both 4.4 K and 2 K, with different cooldown rates passing through the Nb3Sn critical temperatures. The causes of Sn droplet spot defect formation on the surface of the first cavity were analyzed, and such defects were eliminated in the coating of the second cavity by controlling the evaporation rate. This study provides a reference for the preparation of high-performance Nb3Sn-coated cavities using the vapor diffusion method, including the setup of the coating system, the comprehension of the vapor diffusion process, and the test conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Surface Characterization, Deposition and Modification)
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12 pages, 779 KiB  
Article
Tunable Unexplored Luminescence in Waveguides Based on D-A-D Benzoselenadiazoles Nanofibers
by Carlos Tardío, Esther Pinilla-Peñalver, Beatriz Donoso and Iván Torres-Moya
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(10), 822; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14100822 - 07 May 2024
Abstract
A set of novel Donor-Acceptor-Donor (D-A-D) benzoselenadiazole derivatives has been synthesized and crystallized in nanocrystals in order to explore the correlation between their chemical structure and the waveguided luminescent properties. The findings reveal that all crystals exhibit luminescence and active optical waveguiding, demonstrating [...] Read more.
A set of novel Donor-Acceptor-Donor (D-A-D) benzoselenadiazole derivatives has been synthesized and crystallized in nanocrystals in order to explore the correlation between their chemical structure and the waveguided luminescent properties. The findings reveal that all crystals exhibit luminescence and active optical waveguiding, demonstrating the ability to adjust their luminescence within a broad spectral range of 550–700 nm depending on the donor group attached to the benzoselenadiazole core. Notably, a clear relationship exists between the HOMO-LUMO energy gaps of each compound and the color emission of the corresponding optical waveguides. These outcomes affirm the feasibility of modifying the color emission of organic waveguides through suitable chemical functionalization. Importantly, this study marks the first utilization of benzoseleniadiazole derivatives for such purposes, underscoring the originality of this research. In addition, the obtention of nanocrystals is a key tool for the implementation of miniaturized photonic devices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Photofunctional Nanomaterials and Nanostructures)
12 pages, 2838 KiB  
Article
Correlation between Plasmonic and Thermal Properties of Metallic Nanoparticles
by Inès Abid, Javier González-Colsa, Christophe Naveaux, Andreea Campu, Célia Arib, Monica Focsan, Pablo Albella, Mathieu Edely and Marc Lamy de La Chapelle
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(10), 820; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14100820 - 07 May 2024
Abstract
Here, we investigate the correlation between the heat generated by gold nanoparticles, in particular nanospheres and nanobipyramids, and their plasmonic response manifested by the presence of Localized Surface Plasmon Resonances (LSPRs). Using a tunable laser and a thermal camera, we measure the temperature [...] Read more.
Here, we investigate the correlation between the heat generated by gold nanoparticles, in particular nanospheres and nanobipyramids, and their plasmonic response manifested by the presence of Localized Surface Plasmon Resonances (LSPRs). Using a tunable laser and a thermal camera, we measure the temperature increase induced by colloidal nanoparticles in an aqueous solution as a function of the excitation wavelength in the optical regime. We demonstrate that the photothermal performances of the nanoparticles are strongly related not only to their plasmonic properties but also to the size and shape of the nanoparticles. The contribution of the longitudinal and transversal modes in gold nanobipyramids is also analyzed in terms of heat generation. These results will guide us to design appropriate nanoparticles to act as efficient heat nanosources. Full article
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18 pages, 3973 KiB  
Article
Self-Consistent Model for the Compositional Profiles in Vapor–Liquid–Solid III–V Nanowire Heterostructures Based on Group V Interchange
by Vladimir G. Dubrovskii
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(10), 821; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14100821 - 07 May 2024
Abstract
Due to the very efficient relaxation of elastic stress on strain-free sidewalls, III–V nanowires offer almost unlimited possibilities for bandgap engineering in nanowire heterostructures by using material combinations that are attainable in epilayers. However, axial nanowire heterostructures grown using the vapor–liquid–solid method often [...] Read more.
Due to the very efficient relaxation of elastic stress on strain-free sidewalls, III–V nanowires offer almost unlimited possibilities for bandgap engineering in nanowire heterostructures by using material combinations that are attainable in epilayers. However, axial nanowire heterostructures grown using the vapor–liquid–solid method often suffer from the reservoir effect in a catalyst droplet. Control over the interfacial abruptness in nanowire heterostructures based on the group V interchange is more difficult than for group-III-based materials, because the low concentrations of highly volatile group V atoms cannot be measured after or during growth. Here, we develop a self-consistent model for calculations of the coordinate-dependent compositional profiles in the solid and liquid phases during the vapor–liquid–solid growth of the axial nanowire heterostructure Ax0B1-x0C/Ax1B1-x1C with any stationary compositions x0 and x1. The only assumption of the model is that the growth rates of both binaries AC and BC are proportional to the concentrations of group V atoms A and B in a catalyst droplet, requiring high enough supersaturations in liquid phase. The model contains a minimum number of parameters and fits quite well the data on the interfacial abruptness across double heterostructures in GaP/GaAsxP1-x/GaP nanowires. It can be used for any axial III–V nanowire heterostructures obtained through the vapor–liquid–solid method. It forms a basis for further developments in modeling the complex growth process and suppression of the interfacial broadening caused by the reservoir effect. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Nanoelectronics, Nanosensors and Devices)
11 pages, 2533 KiB  
Article
Effect of Crystallinity on the Field Emission Characteristics of Carbon Nanotube Grown on W-Co Bimetallic Catalyst
by Qi Yao, Yiting Wu, Guichen Song, Zhaoyin Xu, Yanlin Ke, Runze Zhan, Jun Chen, Yu Zhang and Shaozhi Deng
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(10), 819; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14100819 - 07 May 2024
Abstract
Carbon nanotube (CNT) is an excellent field emission material. However, uniformity and stability are the key issues hampering its device application. In this work, a bimetallic W-Co alloy was adopted as the catalyst of CNT in chemical vapor deposition process. The high melting [...] Read more.
Carbon nanotube (CNT) is an excellent field emission material. However, uniformity and stability are the key issues hampering its device application. In this work, a bimetallic W-Co alloy was adopted as the catalyst of CNT in chemical vapor deposition process. The high melting point and stable crystal structure of W-Co helps to increase the grown CNT diameter uniformity and homogeneous crystal structure. High-crystallinity CNTs were grown on the W-Co bimetallic catalyst. Its field emission characteristics demonstrated a low turn-on field, high current density, stable current stability, and uniform emission distribution. The Fowler–Nordheim (FN) and Seppen–Katamuki (SK) analyses revealed that the CNT grown on the W-Co catalyst has a relatively low work function and high field enhancement factor. The high crystallinity and homogeneous crystal structure of CNT also reduce the body resistance and increase the emission current stability and maximum current. The result provides a way to synthesis a high-quality CNT field emitter, which will accelerate the development of cold cathode vacuum electronic device application. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Nanophotonics Materials and Devices)
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15 pages, 241 KiB  
Article
Psychedelics, the Bible, and the Divine
by Jaime Clark-Soles
Religions 2024, 15(5), 582; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel15050582 - 07 May 2024
Abstract
The current psychedelic renaissance intersects with Christian practices in two key ways. First, as psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) becomes more common, Christians undergoing therapeutic medical treatment may seek outside support for integrating into their religious lives mystical experiences that occur during psychedelic sessions. Second, [...] Read more.
The current psychedelic renaissance intersects with Christian practices in two key ways. First, as psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) becomes more common, Christians undergoing therapeutic medical treatment may seek outside support for integrating into their religious lives mystical experiences that occur during psychedelic sessions. Second, with increasing legal access to psychedelics, more Christians may explore their spiritual potential outside of a medical context, either individually with spiritual guides or collectively in organized retreats. Many will have mystical encounters related to the Divine. Whether the experience involves the overwhelming presence or absence of the Divine, these Christians, too, will seek integration support. This essay argues that the Bible can serve as a rich source for such integration, because it contains significant material about mystical experiences marked by altered states of consciousness. First, I summarize the importance of the psychedelic renaissance, especially the scientific studies being conducted, as it relates to Christian practices of spiritual formation. Second, I explore new work being conducted by biblical scholars regarding embodied religious experiences with the Divine (and others), including mystical experiences. Third, I consider the Apostle Paul’s embodied mystical experience, with special attention to 2 Corinthians 12:1–10, as one example of biblical material that might intersect with or inform psychedelic mystical encounters that contemporary Christians might experience (whether in a medical therapeutic or non-medical spiritual formation setting). Finally, I indicate directions for further research and discussion. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Theology and Science: Loving Science, Discovering the Divine)
15 pages, 16879 KiB  
Article
Ship Flow of the Ryuko-maru Calculated by the Reynolds Stress Model Using the Roughness Function at the Full Scale
by Satoshi Matsuda and Tokihiro Katsui
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2024, 12(5), 783; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse12050783 - 07 May 2024
Abstract
The k-omega SST turbulence model is extensively employed in Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS)-based Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) calculations. However, the accuracy of the estimation of viscous resistance and companion flow distribution for full-sized vessels is not sufficient. This study conducted a computational analysis of [...] Read more.
The k-omega SST turbulence model is extensively employed in Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS)-based Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) calculations. However, the accuracy of the estimation of viscous resistance and companion flow distribution for full-sized vessels is not sufficient. This study conducted a computational analysis of the flow around the Ryuko-maru at model-scale and full-scale Reynolds numbers utilizing the Reynolds stress turbulence model (RSM). The obtained Reynolds stress distribution from the model-scale computation was compared against experimental measurements to assess the capability of the RSM. Furthermore, full-scale computations were performed, incorporating the influence of hull surface roughness, with the resulting wake distributions juxtaposed with the actual ship measurements. The full-scale calculation employed the sand-grain roughness function, and an optimal roughness length scale was determined by aligning the computed wake distribution with Ryuko-maru’s measured data. The results of this study will allow for the direct performance estimation of full-scale ships and contribute to the design technology of performance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue CFD Applications in Ship and Offshore Hydrodynamics)
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18 pages, 7532 KiB  
Article
Side-Scan Sonar Image Matching Method Based on Topology Representation
by Dianyu Yang, Jingfeng Yu, Can Wang, Chensheng Cheng, Guang Pan, Xin Wen and Feihu Zhang
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2024, 12(5), 782; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse12050782 - 07 May 2024
Abstract
In the realm of underwater environment detection, achieving information matching stands as a pivotal step, forming an indispensable component for collaborative detection and research in areas such as distributed mapping. Nevertheless, the progress in studying the matching of underwater side-scan sonar images has [...] Read more.
In the realm of underwater environment detection, achieving information matching stands as a pivotal step, forming an indispensable component for collaborative detection and research in areas such as distributed mapping. Nevertheless, the progress in studying the matching of underwater side-scan sonar images has been hindered by challenges including low image quality, intricate features, and susceptibility to distortion in commonly used side-scan sonar images. This article presents a comprehensive overview of the advancements in underwater sonar image processing. Building upon the novel SchemaNet image topological structure extraction model, we introduce a feature matching model grounded in side-scan sonar images. The proposed approach employs a semantic segmentation network as a teacher model to distill the DeiT model during training, extracting the attention matrix of intermediate layer outputs. This emulates SchemaNet’s transformation method, enabling the acquisition of high-dimensional topological structure features from the image. Subsequently, utilizing a real side-scan sonar dataset and augmenting data, we formulate a matching dataset and train the model using a graph neural network. The resulting model demonstrates effective performance in side-scan sonar image matching tasks. These research findings bear significance for underwater detection and target recognition and can offer valuable insights and references for image processing in diverse domains. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Marine Autonomous Vehicles: Design, Test and Operation)
16 pages, 2000 KiB  
Article
Real-Time Detection Technology of Corn Kernel Breakage and Mildew Based on Improved YOLOv5s
by Mingming Liu, Yinzeng Liu, Qihuan Wang, Qinghao He and Duanyang Geng
Agriculture 2024, 14(5), 725; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14050725 - 07 May 2024
Abstract
In order to solve low recognition of corn kernel breakage degree and corn kernel mildew degree during corn kernel harvesting, this paper proposes a real-time detection method for corn kernel breakage and mildew based on improved YOlOv5s, which is referred to as the [...] Read more.
In order to solve low recognition of corn kernel breakage degree and corn kernel mildew degree during corn kernel harvesting, this paper proposes a real-time detection method for corn kernel breakage and mildew based on improved YOlOv5s, which is referred to as the CST-YOLOv5s model algorithm in this paper. The method continuously obtains images through the discrete uniform sampling device of corn kernels and generates whole corn kernels, breakage corn kernels, and mildew corn kernel dataset samples. We aimed at the problems of high similarity of some corn kernel features in the acquired images and the low precision of corn kernel breakage and mildew recognition. Firstly, the CBAM attention mechanism is added to the backbone network of YOLOv5s to finely allocate and process the feature information, highlighting the features of corn breakage and mildew. Secondly, the pyramid pooling structure SPPCPSC, which integrates cross-stage local networks, is adopted to replace the SPPF in YOLOv5s. SPP and CPSC technologies are used to extract and fuse features of different scales, improving the precision of object detection. Finally, the original prediction head is converted into a transformer prediction head to explore the prediction potential with a multi-head attention mechanism. The experimental results show that the CST-YOLOv5s model has a significant improvement in the detection of corn kernel breakage and mildew. Compared with the original YOLOv5s model, the average precision (AP) of corn kernel breakage and mildew recognition increased by 5.2% and 7.1%, respectively, and the mean average precision (mAP) of all kinds of corn kernel recognition is 96.1%, and the frame rate is 36.7 FPS. Compared with YOLOv4-tiny, YOLOv6n, YOLOv7, YOLOv8s, and YOLOv9-E detection model algorithms, the CST-YOLOv5s model has better overall performance in terms of detection accuracy and speed. This study can provide a reference for real-time detection of breakage and mildew kernels during the harvesting process of corn kernels. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Digital Agriculture)
11 pages, 431 KiB  
Article
Comorbidities, Treatment and Survival Rates of Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension in a Regional Centre
by Razvan Adrian Bertici, Nicoleta Sorina Bertici, Amalia Ridichie and Ovidiu Fira-Mladinescu
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(10), 2754; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13102754 - 07 May 2024
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is characterized by a multitude of underlying causes, treatment modalities and prognostic outcomes. Our aim was to evaluate the underlying causes, comorbidities and survival rates of CTEPH patients. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted regarding [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is characterized by a multitude of underlying causes, treatment modalities and prognostic outcomes. Our aim was to evaluate the underlying causes, comorbidities and survival rates of CTEPH patients. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted regarding the evolution of CTEPH patients confirmed by right heart catheterization under treatment with specific vasodilator medication in our centre between 2008 and 2023. Results: We treated 14 CTEPH patients, 78.57% female, 52.79 ± 13.64 years at inclusion, representing 11.29% of our pulmonary arterial hypertension registry. Initially, the distribution of patients’ NYHA class was II-14.28%, III-71.42% and IV-14.28%. In total, 71.42% of these patients were technically operable due to the central location of the thrombus, but 42.85% presented severe comorbidities and 28.57% refused the surgery or it was financially inaccessible. Only four patients were operated on by pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA). Unfortunately, all the post-PEA patients had persistent pulmonary hypertension and had to continue vasodilator treatment. Overall, 64.28% of patients had monotherapy, 21.42% double therapy and 14.28% triple therapy. Regarding underlying causes and comorbidities, we found the following incidences: 78.57% chronic venous insufficiency, 42.85% obesity, 35.71% thyroid disease, hypertension and hyperuricemia, 21.42% thrombophilia and ischemic heart disease, 14.28% atrial fibrillation, vasculitis and lung disease, and 14.28% neoplastic history and diabetes. Seven patients died (50%), six of whom were unoperated and one of whom was lost (abandoned the program). The survival rates at 1, 3, 5 and 7 years for unoperated patients were 100%, 58.3%, 29.2% and 29.2% versus 100%, 75%, 75% and 75% in post-PEA patients. Conclusions: CTEPH, marked by delayed diagnosis, multiple comorbidities and limited intervention options, requires proactive screening and comprehensive multimodal therapies, including PEA, to improve survival rates. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Pulmonology)
13 pages, 1039 KiB  
Article
Three-Dimensional Evaluation of Treatment Effects and Post-Treatment Stability of Maxillary Molar Intrusion Using Temporary Anchorage Devices in Open Bite Malocclusion
by Hiroki Ogura, Kento Numazaki, Toshihito Oyanagi, Masahiro Seiryu, Arata Ito, Takahiro Noguchi, Fumitoshi Ohori, Michiko Yoshida, Tomohiro Fukunaga, Hideki Kitaura and Itaru Mizoguchi
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(10), 2753; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13102753 - 07 May 2024
Abstract
Background: We investigated treatment outcomes and post-treatment stability in 10 patients with an anterior open bite and nonsurgical orthodontics. Methods: The patients underwent maxillary molar intrusion using temporary anchorage devices (TADs) to deepen the overbite due to mandibular autorotation. Lateral cephalograms [...] Read more.
Background: We investigated treatment outcomes and post-treatment stability in 10 patients with an anterior open bite and nonsurgical orthodontics. Methods: The patients underwent maxillary molar intrusion using temporary anchorage devices (TADs) to deepen the overbite due to mandibular autorotation. Lateral cephalograms and dental cast models were obtained before treatment (T0), immediately after it (T1), and >1 year after it (T2). Skeletal and dental cephalometric changes and three-dimensional movements of the maxillary dentitions were evaluated. Results: At T0, cephalometric analysis indicated that patients had skeletal class I with tendencies for a class II jaw relationship and a skeletal open bite. During active treatment (T0 to T1), the maxillary first molar intruded by 1.6 mm, the mandibular first molar extruded by 0.3 mm, the Frankfort-mandibular plane angle decreased by 1.1°, and the overbite increased by 4.1 mm. Statistically significant changes were observed in the amount of vertical movement of the maxillary first molar, Frankfort-mandibular plane angle, and overbite. Three-dimensional (3D) dental cast analysis revealed that the maxillary first and second molars intruded, whereas the anterior teeth extruded, with the second premolar as an infection point. In addition, the maxillary molar was tipped distally by 2.9° and rotated distally by 0.91°. Statistically significant changes were observed in the amount of vertical movement of the central incisor, lateral incisor, canine and first molar, and molar angulation. From T1 to T2, no significant changes in cephalometric measurements or the 3D position of the maxillary dentition were observed. The maxillary and mandibular dentitions did not significantly change during post-treatment follow-up. Conclusions: Maxillary molar intrusion using mini-screws is an effective treatment for open bite correction, with the achieved occlusion demonstrating 3D stability at least 1 year after treatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Dentistry, Oral Surgery and Oral Medicine)
11 pages, 669 KiB  
Systematic Review
The Use of Bone Wax in Hemostatic Control for Total Knee and Hip Arthroplasties: A Systematic Review
by Kenny Do, Benjamin Vachirakorntong, Eric Kawana, Jenifer Do, Thinh Dat Phan and Thinh Dai Phan
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(10), 2752; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13102752 - 07 May 2024
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Blood loss can be a serious complication in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA) or total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Various methods are used by surgeons to achieve hemostatic control in these patients. Complications are associated with perioperative blood loss. In this systematic [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Blood loss can be a serious complication in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA) or total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Various methods are used by surgeons to achieve hemostatic control in these patients. Complications are associated with perioperative blood loss. In this systematic review, we examined the efficacy of using bone wax to control bleeding in patients undergoing THA and TKA. Methods: The PRISMA model was used to systematically identify and aggregate articles for this study. The PubMed and EMBASE databases were used to search individual studies that examined the use of bone wax in THA or TKA. After applying the search term “bone wax”, 2478 articles were initially identified. After inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied, three articles were aggregated for this systematic review. Results: The use of bone wax in THA and TKA decreased blood loss in patients undergoing these operations. Postoperative blood loss following surgery was lower in the bone wax groups compared to the control groups as well. Patients in the bone wax groups also required fewer blood transfusions than those who did not receive bone wax. Conclusions: Bone wax appears to be another modality that can be used by physicians to maintain hemostatic control in THA or TKA patients. Reduced blood loss and transfusion rates in surgery can increase patient outcomes. More studies are needed to examine the efficacy of bone wax in comparison with other hemostatic tools. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Orthopedics)
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