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The decipherment of ancient Chinese scripts, such as oracle bone and bronze inscriptions, holds immense significance for understanding ancient Chinese history, culture, and civilization. Despite substantial progress in recognizing oracle bone script, research on the overall recognition of ancient Chinese characters remains somewhat
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The decipherment of ancient Chinese scripts, such as oracle bone and bronze inscriptions, holds immense significance for understanding ancient Chinese history, culture, and civilization. Despite substantial progress in recognizing oracle bone script, research on the overall recognition of ancient Chinese characters remains somewhat lacking. To tackle this issue, we pioneered the construction of a large-scale image dataset comprising 9233 distinct ancient Chinese characters sourced from images obtained through archaeological excavations. We propose the first model for recognizing the common ancient Chinese characters. This model consists of four stages with Linear Embedding and Swin-Transformer blocks, each supplemented by a CoT Block to enhance local feature extraction. We also advocate for an enhancement strategy, which involves two steps: firstly, conducting adaptive data enhancement on the original data, and secondly, randomly resampling the data. The experimental results, with a top-one accuracy of 87.25% and a top-five accuracy of 95.81%, demonstrate that our proposed method achieves remarkable performance. Furthermore, through the visualizing of model attention, it can be observed that the proposed model, trained on a large number of images, is able to capture the morphological characteristics of ancient Chinese characters to a certain extent.
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Sustainable energy presently represents the energy of the future, which should be based on the application respecting the importance of energy priorities, increasing regional self-sufficiency, regional control of energy, and regulation of resource use. In the area of energy supply, the use of
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Sustainable energy presently represents the energy of the future, which should be based on the application respecting the importance of energy priorities, increasing regional self-sufficiency, regional control of energy, and regulation of resource use. In the area of energy supply, the use of RES has been increasingly popular, mainly due to the instability in the energy market and the political situation worldwide. Paper’s ambition is to evaluate the efficiency of the selected RES use in the specific conditions of Slovakia, with the aim to achieve the EU targets. This is important due to the increasing use of RES in Slovakia. The objective of this paper is achieved through an analysis of the energy profit of the RES system, comparing the costs of the proposed solutions. The evaluation is carried out by calculating the energy and economic efficiency of three possible buildings used in the research. Using the data obtained, the results show the most suitable alternative for each building. The resulting findings provide a valuable insight for governments in identifying the best projects for RES use. The result will be methodology creation as a base for local administration and communities to elaborate plans with a goal to extend RES use.
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In this field study, we examined the impact of human-centered lighting on an open-plan office environment, involving the participation of sixty office workers. The objective was to investigate the effects of the Circadian Stimulus (CS) and Equivalent Melanopic Lux (EML) metrics. This study
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In this field study, we examined the impact of human-centered lighting on an open-plan office environment, involving the participation of sixty office workers. The objective was to investigate the effects of the Circadian Stimulus (CS) and Equivalent Melanopic Lux (EML) metrics. This study took place at Istanbul Technical University in Istanbul, Turkey. The office was equipped with single Correlated Color Temperature (CCT) light emitting diode (LED) sources, featuring two different light beam distributions: Direct Suspended Linear (L1) and Direct and Indirect Suspended Linear (L2). To minimize energy consumption, we proposed simulations for a suspended individual lighting system. The office workers were invited to complete visual cognitive performance tests, proofreading tasks, and the Karolinska Sleepiness Scale (KSS) test to measure alertness. Additionally, participants were asked to provide feedback on the comfort criteria associated with the designed human-centered lighting concept. The preliminary findings from part 1 of this field study shed light on the potential of office lighting modifications in enhancing energy efficiency and meeting the standards set by WELL v2 2023 Q4 and UL Design Guideline 24480 (2019). Part 2 of this study will further optimize the proposed lighting quality concept to determine the most suitable individual lighting solution for office workers.
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Interleukin-17 (IL-17) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine that participates in innate and adaptive immune responses and plays an important role in host defense, autoimmune diseases, tissue regeneration, metabolic regulation, and tumor progression. Post-translational modifications (PTMs) are crucial for protein function, stability, cellular localization, cellular
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Interleukin-17 (IL-17) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine that participates in innate and adaptive immune responses and plays an important role in host defense, autoimmune diseases, tissue regeneration, metabolic regulation, and tumor progression. Post-translational modifications (PTMs) are crucial for protein function, stability, cellular localization, cellular transduction, and cell death. However, PTMs of IL-17 receptor A (IL-17RA) have not been investigated. Here, we show that human IL-17RA was targeted by F-box and WD repeat domain-containing 11 (FBXW11) for ubiquitination, followed by proteasome-mediated degradation. We used bioinformatics tools and biochemical techniques to determine that FBXW11 ubiquitinated IL-17RA through a lysine 27-linked polyubiquitin chain, targeting IL-17RA for proteasomal degradation. Domain 665-804 of IL-17RA was critical for interaction with FBXW11 and subsequent ubiquitination. Our study demonstrates that FBXW11 regulates IL-17 signaling pathways at the IL-17RA level.
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Cutaneous wound healing is a complex biological process involving a series of well-coordinated events aimed at restoring skin integrity and function. Various experimental models have been developed to study the mechanisms underlying skin wound repair and to evaluate potential therapeutic interventions. This review
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Cutaneous wound healing is a complex biological process involving a series of well-coordinated events aimed at restoring skin integrity and function. Various experimental models have been developed to study the mechanisms underlying skin wound repair and to evaluate potential therapeutic interventions. This review explores the diverse array of skin wound healing models utilized in research, ranging from rodent excisional wounds to advanced tissue engineering constructs and microfluidic platforms. More importantly, the influence of lipids on the wound healing process is examined, emphasizing their role in enhancing barrier function restoration, modulating inflammation, promoting cell proliferation, and promoting remodeling. Lipids, such as phospholipids, sphingolipids, and ceramides, play crucial roles in membrane structure, cell signaling, and tissue repair. Understanding the interplay between lipids and the wound microenvironment provides valuable insights into the development of novel therapeutic strategies for promoting efficient wound healing and tissue regeneration. This review highlights the significance of investigating skin wound healing models and elucidating the intricate involvement of lipids in the healing process, offering potential avenues for improving clinical outcomes in wound management.
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The Earth’s center of mass (CM) is defined in satellite orbit dynamics as the center of mass of the entire Earth system, including the solid Earth, oceans, cryosphere, and atmosphere. The CM can be realized using the vector from the origin of the
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The Earth’s center of mass (CM) is defined in satellite orbit dynamics as the center of mass of the entire Earth system, including the solid Earth, oceans, cryosphere, and atmosphere. The CM can be realized using the vector from the origin of the International Terrestrial Reference Frame (ITRF) to the CM, and directly estimated from satellite laser ranging (SLR) data. In previous studies and ITRF translations, SLR observations were assumed to contain only a constant, systematic, station-dependent bias. This treatment leads to a difference of a few mm between the SLR results and other estimates, such as GPS-based global inversions. We show that the difference cannot be attributed to the deficiency of the distribution of SLR tracking stations but is due to the impact of a significant surface-loading-induced seasonal signal captured in the laser range measurement (appearing in station range bias) during the traveling of the laser light pulse. The errors in the modeling of the troposphere zenith delay considerably impact the determination of geocenter motion from SLR data. The SLR-data-derived geocenter motion becomes comparable to the global inversion results when the range biases and thermosphere delay for SLR tracking stations in the SLR network are adjusted as part of the monthly solution.
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Development of the continental shelf has accelerated significantly as nations around the world seek to harness offshore renewable energy. Many areas marked for development align with submerged palaeolandscapes. Poorly understood and difficult to protect, these vulnerable, prehistoric landscapes provide specific challenges for heritage
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Development of the continental shelf has accelerated significantly as nations around the world seek to harness offshore renewable energy. Many areas marked for development align with submerged palaeolandscapes. Poorly understood and difficult to protect, these vulnerable, prehistoric landscapes provide specific challenges for heritage management. Indeed, there now appears to be a schism between what underwater cultural heritage policy intends and what it is achieving in practice. Shortcomings in international and national legislature ensures that large parts of the continental shelf, including areas under development, may have little or no legal protection. Increasingly impacted by extensive development, these unique cultural landscapes are ever more at risk. However, heritage challenges posed by such development also create opportunities. An immense amount of data is being generated by development, and there is an opportunity to establish broader cooperative relationships involving industrial stakeholders, national curators, government bodies, and heritage professionals. As a matter of urgency, the archaeological community must better engage with the offshore sector and development process. If achieved, we may revolutionise our knowledge of submerged prehistoric settlement and land use. Otherwise, our capacity to reconstruct prehistoric settlement patterns, learn from past climate change, or simply manage what are among the best-preserved postglacial landscapes globally may be irreparably undermined.
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Andreas Vitsos, Dimitra Ieronymaki, Maria Kostaki, Chara Almpani, Christina Barda, Stefanos Kikionis, Ioannis Sfiniadakis, Paraskevas Dallas and Michail Christou Rallis
Gels2024, 10(4), 233; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels10040233 (registering DOI) - 28 Mar 2024
Ceratothoa oestroides and French maritime pine bark (Pycnogenol™) extracts are considered promising therapeutic agents in wound healing. This study explores the healing efficacy of composite dressings containing these extracts, aiming to enhance their stability and effectiveness, utilizing a low-temperature vacuum method for producing
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Ceratothoa oestroides and French maritime pine bark (Pycnogenol™) extracts are considered promising therapeutic agents in wound healing. This study explores the healing efficacy of composite dressings containing these extracts, aiming to enhance their stability and effectiveness, utilizing a low-temperature vacuum method for producing Sodium Alginate—Maltodextrin gel dressings. Surgical wounds were inflicted on SKH-hr2 hairless mice. Dressings were loaded with Pycnogenol™ and/or C. oestroides extracts and assessed for their efficacy. Wound healing was primarily evaluated by clinical and histopathological evaluation and secondarily by Antera 3D camera and biophysical measurements. Dressings were stable and did not compromise the therapeutic properties of C. oestroides extract. All interventions were compared to the C. oestroides ointment as a reference product. Most of the wounds treated with the reference formulation and the C. oestrodes dressing had already closed by the 15th day, with histological scores of 7 and 6.5, respectively. In contrast, wounds treated with Pycnogenol™, either alone or in combination with C. oestroides, did not close by the end of the experiment (16th day), with histological scores reaching 15 in both cases. Furthermore, treatment with 5% Pycnogenol™ dressing appeared to induce skin thickening and increase body temperature. The study underscores the wound healing potential of C. oestroides extracts and highlights the need for further research to optimize Pycnogenol™ dosing in topical applications.
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Highways play a vital role in the road transport system, connecting regions and cities in many parts of the world. It may sometimes offer scenic views or a visually appealing environment based on the availability of unique compositions of natural and man-made elements
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Highways play a vital role in the road transport system, connecting regions and cities in many parts of the world. It may sometimes offer scenic views or a visually appealing environment based on the availability of unique compositions of natural and man-made elements within the highway vicinity. The highway’s landscapes could significantly impact the journey experience; thus, it is essential to emphasize the need to preserve a visually appealing, safe, and enjoyable highway environment. Although many studies have been conducted regarding the highway visual environment, currently, there is a lack of comprehensive understanding of perception variables that could affect viewers’ preference for highway landscapes. Therefore, this study aims to understand the background of the highway landscape and identify the perception variables and their effect on the preference for highway landscapes. This study conducted a systematic review by searching for keywords in three databases: Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar. The review included 37 research articles published between 1993 and 2023 that met the criteria. An additional nine relevant papers were included through a ‘snowballing’ approach to supplement the research and results. The results of the study focused on multiple perspectives of highway landscape views, viewers’ perspectives and the diversity of highway landscape purposes, viewers’ preferences for highway landscapes, the approach to preferences, and related key variables. This background knowledge deepens the understanding of visual preferences for highway landscapes and helps refine the selection of perceptual variables, establishing an essential reference criterion for professionals.
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Mobile robots require the ability to plan collision-free paths. This paper introduces a wheel-foot hybrid parallel-leg walking robot based on the 6-Universal-Prismatic-Universal-Revolute and 3-Prismatic (6UPUR + 3P) parallel mechanism model. To enhance path planning efficiency and obstacle avoidance capabilities, an improved artificial potential
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Mobile robots require the ability to plan collision-free paths. This paper introduces a wheel-foot hybrid parallel-leg walking robot based on the 6-Universal-Prismatic-Universal-Revolute and 3-Prismatic (6UPUR + 3P) parallel mechanism model. To enhance path planning efficiency and obstacle avoidance capabilities, an improved artificial potential field (IAPF) method is proposed. The IAPF functions are designed to address the collision problems and issues with goals being unreachable due to a nearby problem, local minima, and dynamic obstacle avoidance in path planning. Using this IAPF method, we conduct path planning and simulation analysis for the wheel-foot hybrid parallel-legged walking robot described in this paper, and compare it with the classic artificial potential field (APF) method. The results demonstrate that the IAPF method outperforms the classic APF method in handling obstacle-rich environments, effectively addresses collision problems, and the IAPF method helps to obtain goals previously unreachable due to nearby obstacles, local minima, and dynamic planning issues.
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Extracellular vesicles (EVs) such as exosomes have been shown to play physiological roles in cell-to-cell communication by delivering various proteins and nucleic acids. In addition, several studies revealed that the EVs derived from the cells that are infected with certain viruses could transfer
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Extracellular vesicles (EVs) such as exosomes have been shown to play physiological roles in cell-to-cell communication by delivering various proteins and nucleic acids. In addition, several studies revealed that the EVs derived from the cells that are infected with certain viruses could transfer the full-length viral genomes, resulting in EVs-mediated virus propagation. However, the possibility cannot be excluded that the prepared EVs were contaminated with infectious viral particles. In this study, the cells that harbor subgenomic replicon derived from the Japanese encephalitis virus and dengue virus without producing any replication-competent viruses were employed as the EV donor. It was demonstrated that the EVs in the culture supernatants of those cells were able to transfer the replicon genome to other cells of various types. It was also shown that the EVs were incorporated by the recipient cells primarily through macropinocytosis after interaction with CD33 and Tim-1/Tim-4 on HeLa and K562 cells, respectively. Since the methods used in this study are free from contamination with infectious viral particles, it is unequivocally indicated that the flavivirus genome can be transferred by EVs from cell to cell, suggesting that this pathway, in addition to the classical receptor-mediated infection, may play some roles in the viral propagation and pathogenesis.
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Analysis of the energy consumption of industrial robots during the implementation of a technological task can increase efficiency and minimize production costs, as well as extend the service life of robots, taking into account the rational use of energy sources. An important challenge
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Analysis of the energy consumption of industrial robots during the implementation of a technological task can increase efficiency and minimize production costs, as well as extend the service life of robots, taking into account the rational use of energy sources. An important challenge in designing sustainable production processes is the selection of energy-saving technological equipment supporting the work of robots. Additionally, optimization of robot program codes, including parameters and robot movement paths, determines the energy efficiency of the robotic station. Welding is one of the most popular areas of process robotization due to its ability to increase production efficiency and improve the quality of part assembly compared to manual work. In these studies, an exemplary process of robotic welding of aluminum alloy parts was designed, analyzed, and optimized with an orientation towards sustainable development guidelines. This work also presents a review of current publications discussing the authors’ contribution to achieving energy efficiency in robotic welding processes. The purpose of this analysis is also to indicate directions for the development of future research work in order to minimize energy consumption in production processes with an appropriate level of product quality and increase production efficiency.
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Vaccines typically work by eliciting an immune response against larger antigens like polysaccharides or proteins. Small molecules like nicotine, on their own, usually cannot elicit a strong immune response. To overcome this, anti-nicotine vaccines often conjugate nicotine molecules to a carrier protein by
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Vaccines typically work by eliciting an immune response against larger antigens like polysaccharides or proteins. Small molecules like nicotine, on their own, usually cannot elicit a strong immune response. To overcome this, anti-nicotine vaccines often conjugate nicotine molecules to a carrier protein by carbodiimide crosslinking chemistry to make them polymeric and more immunogenic. The reaction is sensitive to conditions such as pH, temperature, and the concentration of reactants. Scaling up the reaction from laboratory to industrial scales while maintaining consistency and yield can be challenging. Despite various approaches, no licensed anti-nicotine vaccine has been approved so far due to the susboptimal antibody titers. Here, we report a novel approach to conjugate maleimide-modified nicotine hapten with a disulfide bond-reduced carrier protein in an organic solvent. It has two advantages compared with other approaches: (1) The protein was unfolded to make the peptide conformation more flexible and expose more conjugation sites; (2) thiol–maleimide “click” chemistry was utilized to conjugate the disulfide bond-reduced protein and maleimide-modified nicotine due to its availability, fast kinetics, and bio-orthogonality. Various nicotine conjugate vaccines were prepared via this strategy, and their immunology effects were investigated by using MPL and QS-21 as adjuvants. The in vivo study in mice showed that the nicotine–BSA conjugate vaccines induced high anti-nicotine IgG antibody titers, compared with vaccines prepared by using traditional condensation methods, indicating the success of the current strategy for further anti-nicotine or other small-molecule vaccine studies. The enhancement was more significant by using MPL and QS-21 than that of traditional aluminum adjuvants.
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Nikolaos Kostoglou, Sebastian Stock, Angelos Solomi, Damian M. Holzapfel, Steven Hinder, Mark Baker, Georgios Constantinides, Vladislav Ryzhkov, Jelena Maletaskic, Branko Matovic, Jochen M. Schneider, Claus Rebholz and Christian Mitterer
Nanomaterials2024, 14(7), 601; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14070601 (registering DOI) - 28 Mar 2024
This study considers the influence of purity and surface area on the thermal and oxidation properties of hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) nanoplatelets, which represent crucial factors in high-temperature oxidizing environments. Three h-BN nanoplatelet-based materials, synthesized with different purity levels and surface areas (~3,
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This study considers the influence of purity and surface area on the thermal and oxidation properties of hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) nanoplatelets, which represent crucial factors in high-temperature oxidizing environments. Three h-BN nanoplatelet-based materials, synthesized with different purity levels and surface areas (~3, ~56, and ~140 m2/g), were compared, including a commercial BN reference. All materials were systematically analyzed by various characterization techniques, including gas pycnometry, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared radiation, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, gas sorption analysis, and thermal gravimetric analysis coupled with differential scanning calorimetry. Results indicated that the thermal stability and oxidation resistance of the synthesized materials were improved by up to ~13.5% (or by 120 °C) with an increase in purity. Furthermore, the reference material with its high purity and low surface area (~4 m2/g) showed superior performance, which was attributed to the minimized reactive sites for oxygen diffusion due to lower surface area availability and fewer possible defects, highlighting the critical roles of both sample purity and accessible surface area in h-BN thermo-oxidative stability. These findings highlight the importance of focusing on purity and surface area control in developing BN-based nanomaterials, offering a path to enhance their performance in extreme thermal and oxidative conditions.
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With the continuing rise of attention towards societal challenges like, e.g., climate change, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) becomes an increasingly important topic for companies. While there is no question that CSR activities are on the rise, the connection towards Earnings Management in companies
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With the continuing rise of attention towards societal challenges like, e.g., climate change, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) becomes an increasingly important topic for companies. While there is no question that CSR activities are on the rise, the connection towards Earnings Management in companies is less clear. Therefore, this research paper not only aims to provide an up-to-date picture on the literature addressing this interconnection, but also provides a profound base for a more solid theoretical framework. Thus, it delivers a critical basis for further empirical analyses in this field. In order to illustrate this interconnection between those two topics, this paper presents an SLR analysis of articles published in the Chartered Association of Business Schools (CABS) or Australian Business Deans Council (ABDC), focusing on empirical analyses of CSR performance and Earnings Management. Overall, it can be stated that CSR performance has a negative influence on Accrual-Based Earnings Management, while findings on the influence on Real Earnings Management are contradicting. Furthermore, the relationship of CSR performance and Accrual-Based Earnings Management/Real Earnings Management is especially vague when the used methods are moderated by different variables such as family involvement or managerial entrenchment. While the connection between Accrual-Based Earnings Management and CSR performance is widely covered in the existing literature, the relationship between Real Earnings Management and CSR performance is clearly less outlined. This research paper makes key contributions to the existing literature, as it combines and structures results of conducted studies during the last ten years and elaborates on the differences on commonalities of the results. This analysis also suggests that other factors that possibly influence Earnings Management or CSR should be included in a future research model for upcoming analyses. It places the findings of earlier studies into the context of the Ethical Approach, creating a roadmap for the future.
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In this paper we use a modification of the Newtonian gravitational potential with a non-linear Yukawa-like correction, as it was proposed by C. Will earlier to obtain new bounds on graviton mass from the observed orbits of S-stars around the Galactic Center (GC).
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In this paper we use a modification of the Newtonian gravitational potential with a non-linear Yukawa-like correction, as it was proposed by C. Will earlier to obtain new bounds on graviton mass from the observed orbits of S-stars around the Galactic Center (GC). This phenomenological potential differs from the gravitational potential obtained in the weak field limit of Yukawa gravity, which we used in our previous studies. We also assumed that the orbital precession of S-stars is close to the prediction of General Relativity (GR) for Schwarzschild precession, but with a possible small discrepancy from it. This assumption is motivated by the fact that the GRAVITY Collaboration in 2020 and in 2022 detected Schwarzschild precession in the S2 star orbit around the Supermassive Black Hole (SMBH) at the GC. Using this approach, we were able to constrain parameter of the potential and, assuming that it represents the graviton Compton wavelength, we also found the corresponding upper bound of graviton mass. The obtained results were then compared with our previous estimates, as well as with the estimates of other authors.
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Analogue space-times (and in particular metamaterial analogue space-times) have a long varied and rather complex history. Much of the previous related work to this field has focused on spherically symmetric models; however, axial symmetry is much more relevant for mimicking astrophysically interesting systems
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Analogue space-times (and in particular metamaterial analogue space-times) have a long varied and rather complex history. Much of the previous related work to this field has focused on spherically symmetric models; however, axial symmetry is much more relevant for mimicking astrophysically interesting systems that are typically subject to rotation. Now it is well known that physically reasonable stationary axisymmetric space-times can, under very mild technical conditions, be put into Boyer–Lindquist form. Unfortunately, a metric presented in Boyer–Lindquist form is not well adapted to the “quasi-Cartesian” metamaterial analysis that we developed in our previous articles on “bespoke analogue space-times”. In the current article, we shall first focus specifically on various space-time metrics presented in Boyer–Lindquist form, and subsequently determine a suitable set of equivalent metamaterial susceptibility tensors in a laboratory setting. We shall then turn to analyzing generic space-times, not even necessarily stationary, again determining a suitable set of equivalent metamaterial susceptibility tensors. Perhaps surprisingly, we find that the well-known ADM formalism proves to be not particularly useful, and that it is instead the dual “threaded” (Kaluza–Klein–inspired) formalism that provides much more tractable results. While the background laboratory metric is (for mathematical simplicity and physical plausibility) always taken to be Riemann flat, we will allow for arbitrary curvilinear coordinate systems on the flat background space-time. Finally, for completeness, we shall reconsider spherically symmetric space-times, but now in general spherical polar coordinates rather than quasi-Cartesian coordinates. In summary, this article provides a set of general-purpose calculational tools that can readily be adapted for mimicking various interesting (curved) space-times by using nontrivial susceptibility tensors in general (background-flat) laboratory settings.
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Gu-Sui-Bu, the dried rhizome of Davallia mariesii, is a traditional Chinese herbal remedy with a significant history of treating osteoporosis and inflammatory conditions. However, its potential as an anti-influenza agent and its underlying mechanisms of action remain unexplored. To obtain a more
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Gu-Sui-Bu, the dried rhizome of Davallia mariesii, is a traditional Chinese herbal remedy with a significant history of treating osteoporosis and inflammatory conditions. However, its potential as an anti-influenza agent and its underlying mechanisms of action remain unexplored. To obtain a more potent extract from D. mariesii and gain insights into its mechanism of action against influenza A virus (IAV), we utilized a partitioning process involving organic solvents and water, resulting in the isolation of butanolic subfractions of the D. mariesii extract (DMBE). DMBE exhibited a broad anti-viral spectrum, effectively inhibiting IAV, with an EC50 of 24.32 ± 6.19 µg/mL and a selectivity index of 6.05. We subsequently conducted a series of in vitro assays to evaluate the antiviral effects of DMBE and to uncover its mechanisms of action. DMBE was found to inhibit IAV during the early stages of infection by hindering the attachment of the virus onto and its penetration into host cells. Importantly, DMBE was observed to hinder IAV-mediated cell–cell fusion. It also inhibited neuraminidase activity, plaque size, and the expression levels of phospho-AKT. In summary, this study provides evidence for the effectiveness of D. mariesii as a complementary and alternative herbal remedy against IAV. Specifically, our data highlight DMBE’s capabilities in inhibiting viral entry and the release of virions.
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The collection of twelve bronze artifacts discovered in Xichuan provides invaluable historical insights into the Warring States period (476 BC to 221 BC) of ancient China. To investigate their fabrication techniques and current state of preservation, a comprehensive analysis was conducted using a
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The collection of twelve bronze artifacts discovered in Xichuan provides invaluable historical insights into the Warring States period (476 BC to 221 BC) of ancient China. To investigate their fabrication techniques and current state of preservation, a comprehensive analysis was conducted using a metallographic microscope, a scanning electron microscope, and an electron spectrometer to examine the microstructure and elemental composition of the artifacts. The findings revealed that the copper content in these bronze artifacts varied between 41.82% and 87.95%, the tin content ranged from 6.79% to 46.88%, and the lead content was less than 28.96%. The microstructure exhibited an α-solid-solution dendritic-crystal-segregation structure, with a substantial amount of (α + δ) eutectic distributed in an island-like pattern. Lead was dispersed unevenly, appearing as small granules and large ellipsoids. The composition of these weapons aligned with their intended use, adhering to the manufacturing standards of traditional Chinese bronzes. However, their state of preservation was suboptimal, necessitating immediate protective measures. This study contributes physical evidence to the research on early Chinese bronze production and offers scientific guidance for the conservation and restoration of these bronze artifacts.
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Colostrum, the first milk produced by mammals, is rich in various bioactive components that provide numerous health benefits to newborns, such as growth factors, hormones, immunoglobulins, cytokines, and enzymes. Topical application of bovine or equine colostrum has been found to improve regeneration, accelerate
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Colostrum, the first milk produced by mammals, is rich in various bioactive components that provide numerous health benefits to newborns, such as growth factors, hormones, immunoglobulins, cytokines, and enzymes. Topical application of bovine or equine colostrum has been found to improve regeneration, accelerate cutaneous wound healing, and have moisturizing, protective, and anti-aging properties. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of a cosmetic preparation containing sheep colostrum on skin with signs of aging in mature women. Fifty-two women, aged 40–70, were randomized into two groups to receive either colostrum or placebo cream. The participants applied the cream for eight weeks. Skin hydration, TEWL, sebum, erythema, and tone were measured using a standardized Courage + Khazaka electronic GmbH Multi Probe Adapter; skin elasticity was measured with a cutometer, and images were taken by FotoMedicus. The treatment increased skin moisture, reduced TEWL, and improved skin firmness. These findings were confirmed by the subjective survey. The participants reported, inter alia, improved skin softness and less redness and hypersensitivity. Sheep colostrum cream was more effective at improving skin conditions than placebo cream. Colostrum creams can improve certain aspects of skin quality, especially the hydrolipid barrier, and overall rejuvenation.
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The greenhouse effect formed by the massive emission of carbon dioxide has caused serious harm to the Earth’s environment, in which the power sector constitutes one of the primary contributors to global greenhouse gas emissions. Reducing carbon emissions from electricity plays a pivotal
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The greenhouse effect formed by the massive emission of carbon dioxide has caused serious harm to the Earth’s environment, in which the power sector constitutes one of the primary contributors to global greenhouse gas emissions. Reducing carbon emissions from electricity plays a pivotal role in minimizing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating the ecological, economic, and social impacts of climate change, while carbon emission prediction provides a valuable point of reference for the formulation of policies to reduce carbon emissions from electricity. The article provides a detailed review of research results on deep learning-based carbon emission prediction. Firstly, the main neural networks applied in the domain of carbon emission forecasting at home and abroad, as well as the models combining other methods and neural networks, are introduced, and the main roles of different methods, when combined with neural networks, are discussed. Secondly, neural networks were used to predict electricity carbon emissions, and the performance of different models on carbon emissions was compared. Finally, the application of neural networks in the realm of the prediction of carbon emissions is summarized, and future research directions are discussed. The article provides a reference for researchers to understand the research dynamics and development trend of deep learning in the realm of electricity carbon emission forecasting.
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This study aimed to assess the antifungal and antibiofilm efficacy of artemisinin against Candida (C.) species, analyze its impact on gene expression levels within C. albicans biofilms, and investigate the molecular interactions through molecular docking. The antifungal efficacy of artemisinin on a variety
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This study aimed to assess the antifungal and antibiofilm efficacy of artemisinin against Candida (C.) species, analyze its impact on gene expression levels within C. albicans biofilms, and investigate the molecular interactions through molecular docking. The antifungal efficacy of artemisinin on a variety of Candida species, including fluconazole-resistant and -susceptible species, was evaluated by the microdilution method. The effect of artemisinin on C. albicans biofilm formation was investigated by MTT and FESEM. The mRNA expression of the genes related to biofilm was analyzed by qRT-PCR. In addition, molecular docking analysis was used to understand the interaction between artemisinin and C. albicans at the molecular level with RAS1-cAMP-EFG1 and EFG1-regulated genes. Artemisinin showed higher sensitivity against non-albicans Candida strains. Furthermore, artemisinin was strongly inhibitory against C. albicans biofilms at 640 µg/mL. Artemisinin downregulated adhesion-related genes ALS3, HWP1, and ECE1, hyphal development genes UME6 and HGC1, and hyphal CAMP-dependent protein kinase regulators CYR1, RAS1, and EFG1. Furthermore, molecular docking analysis revealed that artemisinin and EFG1 had the highest affinity, followed by UME6. FESEM analysis showed that the fluconazole- and artemisinin-treated groups exhibited a reduced hyphal network, unusual surface bulges, and the formation of pores on the cell surfaces. Our study suggests that artemisinin may have antifungal potential and showed a remarkable antibiofilm activity by significantly suppressing adhesion and hyphal development through interaction with key proteins involved in biofilm formation, such as EFG1.
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The industrial processing of Argentine shortfin squid to obtain rings generates a significant amount of protein-rich waste, including the skin, which is rich in collagen and attached myofibrillar proteins. This waste is generally discarded. In this study, skin was used as a source
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The industrial processing of Argentine shortfin squid to obtain rings generates a significant amount of protein-rich waste, including the skin, which is rich in collagen and attached myofibrillar proteins. This waste is generally discarded. In this study, skin was used as a source of proteins that were hydrolysed using Trypsin, Esperase® or Alcalase®, which released peptides with antioxidant potential and, in particular, antihypertensive (ACE inhibition), hypoglycemic (DPP-IV inhibition) and/or nootropic (PEP inhibition) potential. Among the three enzymes tested, Esperase® and Alcalase produced hydrolysates with potent ACE-, DPP-IV- and PEP-inhibiting properties. These hydrolysates underwent chromatography fractionation, and the composition of the most bioactive fractions was analysed using HPLC-MS-MS. The fractions with the highest bioactivity exhibited very low IC50 values (16 and 66 µg/mL for ACE inhibition, 97 µg/mL for DPP-IV inhibition and 55 µg/mL for PEP inhibition) and were mainly derived from the hydrolysate obtained using Esperase®. The presence of Leu at the C-terminal appeared to be crucial for the ACE inhibitory activity of these fractions. The DPP-IV inhibitory activity of peptides seemed to be determined by the presence of Pro or Ala in the second position from the N-terminus, and Gly and/or Pro in the last C-terminal positions. Similarly, the presence of Pro in the peptides present in the best PEP inhibitory fraction seemed to be important in the inhibitory effect. These results demonstrate that the skin of the Argentine shortfin squid is a valuable source of bioactive peptides, suitable for incorporation into human nutrition as nutraceuticals and food supplements.
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