The constraints of traditional 3D bioprinting are overcome by 4D bioprinting integrating with adaptable materials over time,resulting in dynamic,compliant,and functional biological structures.This innovative approach ...The constraints of traditional 3D bioprinting are overcome by 4D bioprinting integrating with adaptable materials over time,resulting in dynamic,compliant,and functional biological structures.This innovative approach to bioprinting holds great promise for tissue engineering,regenerative medicine,and advanced drug delivery systems.4D bioprinting is a technology that allows for the extension of 3D bioprinting technology by making predesigned structures change after they are fabricated using smart materials that can alter their characteristics via stimulus,leading to transformation in healthcare,which is able to provide precise personalized effective medical treatment without any side effects.This review article concentrates on some recent developments and applications in the field of 4D bioprinting,which can pave the way for groundbreaking advancements in biomedical sciences.4D printing is a new chapter in bioprinting that introduces dynamism and functional living biological structures.Therefore,smart materials and sophisticated printing techniques can eliminate the challenges associated with printing complex organs and tissues.However,the problems with this process are biocompatibility,immunogenicity,and scalability,which need to be addressed.Moreover,numerous obstacles have been encountered during its widespread adoption in clinical practice.Therefore,4D bioprinting requires improvements in future material science innovations and further development in printers and manufacturing techniques to unlock its potential for better patient care and outcomes.展开更多
The integration of phytochemistry into forensic science has emerged as a groundbreaking frontier,providing unprecedented insights into nature's secrets through the precise application of phytochemical fingerprinti...The integration of phytochemistry into forensic science has emerged as a groundbreaking frontier,providing unprecedented insights into nature's secrets through the precise application of phytochemical fingerprinting of phytotoxins as a cutting-edge approach.This study explores the dynamic intersection of phytochemistry and forensic science,highlighting how the unique phytochemical profiles of toxic plants and their secondary metabolites,serve as distinctive markers for forensic investigations.By utilizing advanced techniques such as Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography(UHPLC)and High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry(HRMS),the detection and quantification of plant-derived are made more accurate in forensic contexts.Real-world case studies are presented to demonstrate the critical role of plant toxins in forensic outcomes and legal proceedings.The challenges,potential,and future prospects of integrating phytochemical fingerprinting of plant toxins into forensic science were discussed.This review aims to illuminate phytochemical fingerprinting of plant toxins as a promising tool to enhance the precision and depth of forensic analyses,offering new insights into the complex stories embedded in plant toxins.展开更多
Remembrance activities can support the Culture of Care(CoC)in Laboratory Animal Science(LAS)not only by promoting a culture of respect,gratitude and thankfulness for animal life but also by helping the emotional proce...Remembrance activities can support the Culture of Care(CoC)in Laboratory Animal Science(LAS)not only by promoting a culture of respect,gratitude and thankfulness for animal life but also by helping the emotional processing and healing of lab animal researchers and animal facility staff.Even though remembrance activities are practiced in many parts of the world,we did not come across any reported cases in Sri Lanka before 2022.Therefore,here,we report on the various remembrance activities and practices observed within our local scientific community.展开更多
Zinc-ion supercapacitors(ZISCs)have received considerable interest for energy storage because of their low cost,high safety,and minimal environmental impact.However,they have a low energy density and poor cycling perf...Zinc-ion supercapacitors(ZISCs)have received considerable interest for energy storage because of their low cost,high safety,and minimal environmental impact.However,they have a low energy density and poor cycling performance.The design of a better cathode material is needed to overcome these limitations.A simple method was used to synthesize binder-free electrochemically exfoliated carbon paper(EECP)which modifies the surface of the paper by introducing oxygen functional groups and thus improves its pseudocapacitance.When used in a Zn-ion supercapacitor(ZISC),an EECPbased cathode provides a large surface area and quick charge transfer.As a result,the ZISC had remarkable charge storage properties and had a dominant capacitive-type charge storage mechanism with 78.8%retention of capacity at 10 mV/s of the total storage.Furthermore,at 1 A/g,the EECP electrode had a maximum capacitance of 252.5 F/g.The EECP electrode retained 81.7%of its capacitance after 10000 cycles,indicating its promise for use in the growing renewable energy sector.A ZISC was also constructed using EECP as the positive electrode and Zn as the negative electrode with a 1 mol L^(−1) ZnSO_(4) electrolyte.It had a capacitance of 186.22 F/g at 1 A/g and a 97.01%retention rate after 10000 cycles.It also had an excellent energy density of 46.6 Wh/kg at a power density of 500.4 W/kg.The material is therefore suitable for use in high-rate next-generation ZISCs.展开更多
To investigate the influencesof non-plastic silt and soil aging on the re-liquefaction resistance of sands,a series of undrained triaxial tests was performed on sand-silt mixtures with finescontent ranging from 0%to 1...To investigate the influencesof non-plastic silt and soil aging on the re-liquefaction resistance of sands,a series of undrained triaxial tests was performed on sand-silt mixtures with finescontent ranging from 0%to 100%,as well as on undisturbed and reconstituted non-plastic sandy soils retrieved from earth structures with a history of earthquake-induced damage.The specimens on sand-silt mixtures were produced under an initial degree of compaction of 95%.In these tests,liquefaction histories were applied three times to a single specimen under the same cyclic stress ratio after the respective consolidation stages with the measurements of the shear wave velocities.The following conclusions can be obtained from the test results:(1)The liquefaction resistance obtained in the firstto third cyclicloading stages decreased initially with increasing finescontent up to about 45%,while it increased afterward.Therefore,the susceptibility of sands containing a relatively large amount of non-plastic silt to reliquefaction may be more significantthan that of clean sands;(2)The liquefaction resistance and the shear wave velocity decreased significantlyduring the second cyclic-loading stage and after the second consolidation,respectively,despite an increase in the specimen density caused by the first liquefaction history,while they increased in the third stage.The possible reason for this change would be the disturbance of soil structures due to liquefaction,which may be partially evaluated by the volumetric strain during the respective consolidation stages,and the stress-induced anisotropy formed in the previous liquefaction stage;and(3)The liquefaction resistance and the shear wave velocity of the undisturbed specimens,which were measured in the firstto third stages,were larger than those of the reconstituted ones due to the aging effects,respectively.That is,the aging effects may not necessarily be eliminated by the subsequent liquefaction history and may remain partially in some cases.展开更多
Homret Ghannam alkali feldspar granite(HGAFG)in the central Eastern Desert(CED)of Egypt represents a distinctive example of late Neoproterozoic magmatism in the Arabian-Nubian Shield(ANS).This study integrates field o...Homret Ghannam alkali feldspar granite(HGAFG)in the central Eastern Desert(CED)of Egypt represents a distinctive example of late Neoproterozoic magmatism in the Arabian-Nubian Shield(ANS).This study integrates field observations,petrography,mineral chemistry(EMPA),and whole-rock geochemistry to investigate its petrogenesis,geodynamic evolution,and rare-metal potential.HGAFG comprises two cogenetic varieties,alkali feldspar granite and riebeckite-bearing granite,hosting rare-metal minerals such as zircon,fluorite,columbite and apatite.HGAFG exhibits diagnostic A-type geochemical characteristics,including high SiO₂contents(73.81-77.86 wt%),metaluminous to mildly peralkaline composition(ASI:0.92-1.03),enrichment in HFSE(Zr≈791.80 ppm,Nb≈68.12 ppm,Y≈90.81 ppm)andΣREE(103.40-475.57 ppm),and pronounced negative Eu anomalies(Eu/Eu^(*)=0.07-0.20).Zircon saturation thermometry yields high crystallization temperatures(TZr≈908.87℃)and low emplacement pressures(1.46 kbar)under reducing conditions(ƒO_(2)≈−11.5).The mineralogical and geochemical results reveal that HGAFG originated from a hybrid,fluorine-rich magma generated by anatexis of lower crust,followed by extensive fractional crystallization,during late post-collisional extension associated with lithospheric delamination.The reduced nature and fluorine enrichment of HGAFG magma promoted the mineralization of Nb-Ta-REE phases,highlighting its significance as a fertile,high-temperature product of the terminal magmatic stage in ANS evolution.展开更多
The genus Boechera(Brassicaceae)serves as a model system for studying apomictic reproduction and ecological adaptations,with most species occurring in North America.The rare occurrence of Boechera species outside thei...The genus Boechera(Brassicaceae)serves as a model system for studying apomictic reproduction and ecological adaptations,with most species occurring in North America.The rare occurrence of Boechera species outside their typical range provides unique opportunities to investigate genome evolution in extralimital environments.One such species,B.calcarea,has been described from the Chandalaz Mountains in northeastern Asia(Russia).This study aimed to investigate the genome structure and evolutionary history of B.calcarea.However,our analyses reveal that the species does not belong to Boechera.Instead,an integrative approach combining cytogenetic,phylogenetic and repeatome analysis identified the species as a member of one of more ancestral clades in the tribe Arabideae.The diploid Parryodes calcarea(2n=16)exhibits Arabideae-specific chromosomal signatures,including multiple centromere repositionings.These findings clarify the misclassification of P.calcarea as Boechera,leaving Boechera falcata and Borodinia macrophylla as the only representatives of the Boechereae in the Old World.This study highlights the importance of an integrative approach in resolving taxonomic ambiguities and provides new insights into the diversification of the largest cruciferous tribe,the Arabideae.展开更多
Large-volume presses(LVPs)are widely utilized in diverse research fields—including high-pressure physics,chemistry,materials science,and Earth and planetary sciences—to investigate the physical and chemical properti...Large-volume presses(LVPs)are widely utilized in diverse research fields—including high-pressure physics,chemistry,materials science,and Earth and planetary sciences—to investigate the physical and chemical properties of materials under extreme high-pressure and hightemperature conditions.A prerequisite for achieving reproducible property measurements is the determination and control of pressure within experimental setups.However,the lack of precise pressure calibration in LVPs hinders the broader application of such devices in ultrahigh-pressure studies.This study employs a suite of standard phase transition-based pressure markers—comprising metallic conductors,semiconductors,and minerals—through both in situ and ex situ identification approaches,to establish pressure calibration curves ranging from 0.4 to>30 GPa for various types of LVP installed at the Center for High Pressure Science and Technology Advanced Research(HPSTAR),Beijing,including piston–cylinder,cubic,and multi-anvil presses.The results provide a unified and traceable pressure reference for highpressure experiments conducted at HPSTAR,while also offering technical guidance and calibration standards for other researchers utilizing similar LVP systems,thereby enabling more consistent comparison between different laboratories.This work facilitates the advancement of LVP research toward broader applications in higher-pressure regimes.展开更多
Background:Diabetic foot,a severe complication of diabetes,is characterized by chronic refractory wounds.Sanhuang Oil,a topical herbal formula,demonstrates significant therapeutic effects including antibacterial,anti-...Background:Diabetic foot,a severe complication of diabetes,is characterized by chronic refractory wounds.Sanhuang Oil,a topical herbal formula,demonstrates significant therapeutic effects including antibacterial,anti-inflammatory,and immunomodulatory activities.However,its active constituents and mechanisms of action against diabetic foot remain to be elucidated.Methods:In this study,the chemical constituents of Sanhuang Oil were identified using UPLC-QE-Orbitrap-MS.Subsequently,the mechanism by which Sanhuang Oil promotes diabetic foot ulcer healing was predicted by integrating network pharmacology and molecular docking.Additionally,diabetic mouse model was established in ICR mice using a combination of a high-fat diet(HFD)and streptozotocin(STZ)chemical induction.A full-thickness skin defect was created on the dorsum of the mice.Wound healing and the healing rate were observed following Sanhuang Oil intervention.The mechanism underlying Sanhuang Oil’s promotion of diabetic ulcer healing was further investigated using transcriptomics and histopathological examination(H&E staining).Results:A total of 97 active ingredients were identified from Sanhuang Oil.Network pharmacology analysis predicted 543 common targets,and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)pathway enrichment analysis identified 203 relevant pathways.Molecular docking further confirmed high binding affinity(binding energy≤−5.0 kcal/mol)between specific active components in Sanhuang Oil(e.g.,coptisine,phellodendrine,baicalein)and key targets associated with diabetic foot ulcers(e.g.,EGFR,AKT1,STAT3).In vivo experimental results demonstrated that the wound healing rate was significantly higher in Sanhuang Oil-treated groups compared to the model group(P<0.001).HE staining revealed that the high-dose Sanhuang Oil group exhibited more pronounced epithelial tissue coverage over the wound,reduced inflammatory cell infiltration,and increased collagen deposition and fibroblast proliferation.transcriptomic analysis identified Pdk4,Ttn,Csrp3,Actn2,Myoz2,Tnnc2,Myod1,Myog,Myot,and Myf6 as key regulatory proteins involved in promoting wound healing.Conclusion:Sanhuang Oil promotes wound healing in diabetic ulcer mice,potentially by mitigating inflammation and regulating key targets such as Pdk4 to enhance fibroblast function.These findings provide novel insights into the multi-target,multi-pathway mechanism of Sanhuang Oil for treating diabetic foot ulcers.展开更多
Hydrogen peroxide(H_(2)O_(2)) has been recognized as a green and nonpolluting multifunctional oxidant with extensive applications in environmental protection,metal etching,textile printing and dyeing,chemical synthesi...Hydrogen peroxide(H_(2)O_(2)) has been recognized as a green and nonpolluting multifunctional oxidant with extensive applications in environmental protection,metal etching,textile printing and dyeing,chemical synthesis and food processing.However,over 90 % of industrial H_(2)O_(2) is currently produced through the multi-step anthraquinone oxidation process,which suffers from a process with some drawbacks such as complex,high-energy consumption,and toxic byproducts emissions.Compared to the traditional anthraquinone method,artificial photosynthesis of H_(2)O_(2) using semiconductor photocatalysts has emerged as a sustainable alternative due to its use of water and O_(2) as the clean reactants and sole energy as the driving force.In recent years,metal-free photocatalysts mainly including covalent organic frameworks(COFs),covalent triazine frameworks(CTFs) and carbon nitrile(g-C_(3)N_(4)) have garnered significant interest due to their superior thermal and chemical stability,diverse synthesis methods,tunable functionality,light weight nature and non-toxicity.These materials also exhibit adjustable band structure and unique photoelectric properties.Sustainable efforts have been made to advance metal-free photocatalysts for artificial photosynthesis of H_(2)O_(2),however,a comprehensive summary of current research status on metalfree-based photocatalytic overall H_(2)O_(2) production remain scarce.This review outlines recent process in overall H_(2)O_(2) photosynthesis based on metal-free photocatalysts.First,we introduced the fundamental concepts of photocatalytic overall H_(2)O_(2) production.Then,we analyze representative studies on photocatalytic overall H_(2)O_(2) synthesis using metal-free materials.Finally,we discuss the challenges and future perspectives in this field to guide the design and synthesis of metal-free systems for H_(2)O_(2) generation.展开更多
The present investigation inspects the unsteady,incompressible MHD-induced flow of a ternary hybrid nanofluid made of SiO_(2)(silicon dioxide),ZnO(zinc oxide),and MWCNT(multi-walled carbon nanotubes)suspended in a wat...The present investigation inspects the unsteady,incompressible MHD-induced flow of a ternary hybrid nanofluid made of SiO_(2)(silicon dioxide),ZnO(zinc oxide),and MWCNT(multi-walled carbon nanotubes)suspended in a water-ethylene glycol base fluid between two perforated squeezing Riga plates.This problem is important because it helps us understand the complicated connections between magnetic fields,nanofluid dynamics,and heat transport,all of which are critical for designing thermal management systems.These findings are especially useful for improving the design of innovative cooling technologies in electronics,energy systems,and healthcare applications.No prior study has been done on the theoretical study of the flow of ternary nanofluid(SiO_(2)+ZnO+MWCNT/Water−EthylGl ycol,(60∶40))past a pierced squeezed Riga plates using the boundary value problem solver 4th-order collocation(BVP4C)numerical approach to date.So,the current work has been carried out to fill this gap,and the core purpose of this study is to explore the aspects that enhance the heat transfer of base fluids(H_(2)O/EG)suspended with three nanomaterials SiO_(2),ZnO,and MWCNT.The Riga plates introduce electromagnetic forcing through an embedded array of magnets and electrodes,generating Lorentz forces to regulate the flow.The squeezing effect introduces dynamic boundary movement,which enhances mixing;however,permeability,due to porosity,replicates the true material limits.Similarity transformations of the Navier-Stokes and energy equations result in a highly nonlinear set of ordinary differential equations that govern momentum and thermal energy transport.The subsequent boundary value problem is solved utilizing the BVP4C numerical approach.The study observes the impact of magnetic parameters,squeezing velocity,solid volume percentages of the three nanoparticles,and porous medium factors on velocity and temperature fields.Results show that magnetic fields reduce the velocity profile by 6.75%due to increased squeezing and medium effects.Tri-hybrid nanofluids notice a 9%rise in temperature with higher thermal radiation.展开更多
The growing global energy demand and worsening climate change highlight the urgent need for clean,efficient and sustainable energy solutions.Among emerging technologies,atomically thin two-dimensional(2D)materials off...The growing global energy demand and worsening climate change highlight the urgent need for clean,efficient and sustainable energy solutions.Among emerging technologies,atomically thin two-dimensional(2D)materials offer unique advantages in photovoltaics due to their tunable optoelectronic properties,high surface area and efficient charge transport capabilities.This review explores recent progress in photovoltaics incorporating 2D materials,focusing on their application as hole and electron transport layers to optimize bandgap alignment,enhance carrier mobility and improve chemical stability.A comprehensive analysis is presented on perovskite solar cells utilizing 2D materials,with a particular focus on strategies to enhance crystallization,passivate defects and improve overall cell efficiency.Additionally,the application of 2D materials in organic solar cells is examined,particularly for reducing recombination losses and enhancing charge extraction through work function modification.Their impact on dye-sensitized solar cells,including catalytic activity and counter electrode performance,is also explored.Finally,the review outlines key challenges,material limitations and performance metrics,offering insight into the future development of nextgeneration photovoltaic devices encouraged by 2D materials.展开更多
Fig.8e in our paper(Groves et al.,2018)was incorrectly ascribed to Caddey et al.(1995).It is actually taken from Figure 3 in Morelli et al.(2010).In turn,this was derived from Bell(2013).The authors apologise for this...Fig.8e in our paper(Groves et al.,2018)was incorrectly ascribed to Caddey et al.(1995).It is actually taken from Figure 3 in Morelli et al.(2010).In turn,this was derived from Bell(2013).The authors apologise for this unintentional error.展开更多
Recently we proposed “quantum language” (or, “the linguistic Copenhagen interpretation of quantum mechanics”, “measurement theory”) as the language of science. This theory asserts the probabilistic interpretatio...Recently we proposed “quantum language” (or, “the linguistic Copenhagen interpretation of quantum mechanics”, “measurement theory”) as the language of science. This theory asserts the probabilistic interpretation of science (=the linguistic quantum mechanical worldview), which is a kind of mathematical generalization of Born’s probabilistic interpretation of quantum mechanics. In this paper, we consider the most fundamental problems in philosophy of science such as Hempel’s raven paradox, Hume’s problem of induction, Goodman’s grue paradox, Peirce’s abduction, flagpole problem, which are closely related to measurement. We believe that these problems can never be solved without the basic theory of science with axioms. Since our worldview (=quantum language) has the axiom concerning measurement, these problems can be solved easily. Thus we believe that quantum language is the central theory in philosophy of science. Hence there is a reason to assert that quantum language gives the mathematical foundations to science.展开更多
Time is an essential reference system for recording objects,events,and processes in the field of geosciences.There are currently various time references,such as solar calendar,geological time,and regional calendar,to ...Time is an essential reference system for recording objects,events,and processes in the field of geosciences.There are currently various time references,such as solar calendar,geological time,and regional calendar,to represent the knowledge in different domains and regions,which subsequently entails a time conversion process required to interpret temporal information under different time references.However,the current time conversion method is limited by the application scope of existing time ontologies(e.g.,“Jurassic”is a period in geological ontology,but a point value in calendar ontology)and the reliance on experience in conversion processes.These issues restrict accurate and efficient calculation of temporal information across different time references.To address these issues,this paper proposes a Unified Time Framework(UTF)in the geosciences knowledge system.According to a systematic time element parsing from massive time references,the proposed UTF designs an independent time root node to get rid of irrelevant nodes when accessing different time types and to adapt to the time expression of different geoscience disciplines.Furthermore,this UTF carries out several designs:to ensure the accuracy of time expressions by designing quantitative relationship definitions;to enable time calculations across different time elements by designing unified time nodes and structures,and to link to the required external ontologies by designing adequate interfaces.By comparing the time conversion methods,the experiment proves the UTF greatly supports accurate and efficient calculation of temporal information across different time references in SPARQL queries.Moreover,it shows a higher and more stable performance of temporal information queries than the time conversion method.With the advent of the Big Data era in the geosciences,the UTF can be used more widely to discover new geosciences knowledge across different time references.展开更多
Purpose: To report the retrospective study of using intravaginal brachytherapy as adjuvant monotherapy for endometrial cancer. Materials and Methods: From 2001-2009, 47 patients who received completely surgical stagin...Purpose: To report the retrospective study of using intravaginal brachytherapy as adjuvant monotherapy for endometrial cancer. Materials and Methods: From 2001-2009, 47 patients who received completely surgical staging for endometrial carcinoma and were designed by multidisciplinary team were enrolled. All patients received intravaginal brachytherapy (IVBT) with the dose of 5.5 - 7 Gy in 2 - 6 fractions. The treatment results and late toxicities were evaluated and recorded. Results: At the median follow-up time of 44 months, the local control, disease-free survival, metastasis-free survival and overall survival rates were 100%, 97.9%, 97.9% and, 97.9%, respectively. Only age showed the statistical significance with the p-value of 0.046. Two patients (4.3%) developed late genitourinary toxicity. Conclusion: The using of adjuvant IVBT as monotherapy for endometrial carcinoma is feasible.展开更多
Dialects are a specific form of geographic variation of birdsong with relatively sharp boundaries between distinct song characteristics,which provide opportunities for focused studies of processes underlying the emerg...Dialects are a specific form of geographic variation of birdsong with relatively sharp boundaries between distinct song characteristics,which provide opportunities for focused studies of processes underlying the emergence of spatial patterns in vocalization.Several songbird species that exhibit dialects became models for such research,and for some of them large-scale datasets were assembled that included recordings provided by the public.Among them,the Yellowhammer(Emberiza citrinella,Emberizidae) is particularly prominent,as it has been recently a subject of dedicated citizen science projects focusing on its dialect distribution.The most successful,in terms of public participation as well as the number and density of obtained recordings,was the Dialects of Czech Yellowhammers(DCY) project,which assembled detailed data at the whole-country level.A mosaic of almost all common song variants known across Europe was observed in Czechia,but the results indicated that some of the traditionally recognized Yellowhammer dialects may not represent geographically clustered song variants,at least not in Central Europe.We quantitatively analysed variation(frequency and temporal characteristics and modulation) of the terminal song element in three dialects defined by arbitrary frequency thresholds in DCY.Multivariate analyses indicated that pooling these to two distinct groups reflects the variation in the songs,as well as their spatial distribution,better than retaining the current classification to three dialects or their finer splitting to even more categories.We provide simple measures that may be used for classification of these Yellowhammer song variants in Central Europe.However,we warn from indiscriminate transposing of results from one region to another,as that may lead to substantial biases.Future studies of birdsong variation will benefit from big data assembled by citizen scientists,but to maximise their usefulness for further dialect research,careful delineation of dialect boundaries is essential.展开更多
Purpose: To report the retrospective study of external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) ± intravaginal brachytherapy (IVBT) as adjuvant treatment for endometrial cancer. Materials and Methods: From 2001-2009, 152 patient...Purpose: To report the retrospective study of external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) ± intravaginal brachytherapy (IVBT) as adjuvant treatment for endometrial cancer. Materials and Methods: From 2001-2009, 152 patients received complete surgical staging for endometrial carcinoma and were designed by a multidisciplinary team to receive EBRT ± IVBT. The treatment results and late toxicities were evaluated and recorded. Results: At the median follow-up time of 43 months, the disease-free survival, metastasis-free survival and overall survival rates were 96.9%, 96.9% and 96.9%, respectively. Stage and age showed the statistical significance with the p-value of less than 0.001. From five to ten percent of patients developed Grades 1-2 late gastrointestinal and genitourinary toxicities, respectively. Conclusion: The using of adjuvant EBRT ± IVBT for endometrial?carcinoma yielded treatment results and acceptable toxicities.展开更多
Groundwater and surface water contamination by PTE(Potentially Toxic Elements)was assessed in Ruashi and Annexe municipalities of Lubumbashi city.Analyses of seventy water samples collected from six drilled wells,eigh...Groundwater and surface water contamination by PTE(Potentially Toxic Elements)was assessed in Ruashi and Annexe municipalities of Lubumbashi city.Analyses of seventy water samples collected from six drilled wells,eight spade-sunk wells,one river and one spring in both municipalities in 2017 and 2018 were carried out by ICP-SF-MS(Inductively Coupled Plasma-Sector Field Mass Spectrometry).Twenty PTEs including aluminum,arsenic,barium,bismuth,cadmium,cesium,chromium,cobalt,copper,iron,lead,manganese,molybdenum,nickel,strontium,thallium,tungsten,uranium,vanadium and zinc were detected at various concentrations in each one of the samples.Many samples had concentrations and mean concentrations of PTEs,such as aluminum,cadmium,copper,iron,lead,manganese,nickel and zinc,higher than the respective acceptable limits set for drinking water by the EU(European Union),the USEPA(United States Environmental Protection Agency),and the WHO(World Health Organization)standards.Most PTEs being deleterious to human health even at very low concentrations,people who use the groundwater and surface water to meet their water needs in both Ruashi and Annexe municipalities are at risk.展开更多
Our study consists of a careful literature review carried out with the aim of better understanding the models developed in the field of biocontrol of postharvest fungal rot in apples(PHFRA)over the past two decades.It...Our study consists of a careful literature review carried out with the aim of better understanding the models developed in the field of biocontrol of postharvest fungal rot in apples(PHFRA)over the past two decades.It aims,more specifically,to shed light on the progress made by examining the products developed,their nature,their target pathogens,their effectiveness,theirs modes of action and the stage of their development.The post-harvest biocontrol of apples has made remarkable progress during the last twenty years of research.Several products(yeasts,bacteria,filamentous fungi and actinomycetes)have been selected.Some,are already marketed,others are at different stages of development.However,several points limit the optimal use of microbial antagonists in the bio-management of post-harvest apple rots as an alternative to chemicals.It is,in fact,still necessary to develop appropriate formulations of these microbial biocontrol agents,to better study their mechanisms of action,to test them under commercial conditions and against a broad spectrum of pathogens and hosts.However,although sometimes considered less effective than chemical treatments,biocontrol products based on microorganisms have major advantages for an application in an integrated post-harvest apple protection strategy.展开更多
基金the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TÜBİTAK) for their support through the TÜBİTAK 2211-A National PhD Fellowship Program
文摘The constraints of traditional 3D bioprinting are overcome by 4D bioprinting integrating with adaptable materials over time,resulting in dynamic,compliant,and functional biological structures.This innovative approach to bioprinting holds great promise for tissue engineering,regenerative medicine,and advanced drug delivery systems.4D bioprinting is a technology that allows for the extension of 3D bioprinting technology by making predesigned structures change after they are fabricated using smart materials that can alter their characteristics via stimulus,leading to transformation in healthcare,which is able to provide precise personalized effective medical treatment without any side effects.This review article concentrates on some recent developments and applications in the field of 4D bioprinting,which can pave the way for groundbreaking advancements in biomedical sciences.4D printing is a new chapter in bioprinting that introduces dynamism and functional living biological structures.Therefore,smart materials and sophisticated printing techniques can eliminate the challenges associated with printing complex organs and tissues.However,the problems with this process are biocompatibility,immunogenicity,and scalability,which need to be addressed.Moreover,numerous obstacles have been encountered during its widespread adoption in clinical practice.Therefore,4D bioprinting requires improvements in future material science innovations and further development in printers and manufacturing techniques to unlock its potential for better patient care and outcomes.
文摘The integration of phytochemistry into forensic science has emerged as a groundbreaking frontier,providing unprecedented insights into nature's secrets through the precise application of phytochemical fingerprinting of phytotoxins as a cutting-edge approach.This study explores the dynamic intersection of phytochemistry and forensic science,highlighting how the unique phytochemical profiles of toxic plants and their secondary metabolites,serve as distinctive markers for forensic investigations.By utilizing advanced techniques such as Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography(UHPLC)and High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry(HRMS),the detection and quantification of plant-derived are made more accurate in forensic contexts.Real-world case studies are presented to demonstrate the critical role of plant toxins in forensic outcomes and legal proceedings.The challenges,potential,and future prospects of integrating phytochemical fingerprinting of plant toxins into forensic science were discussed.This review aims to illuminate phytochemical fingerprinting of plant toxins as a promising tool to enhance the precision and depth of forensic analyses,offering new insights into the complex stories embedded in plant toxins.
文摘Remembrance activities can support the Culture of Care(CoC)in Laboratory Animal Science(LAS)not only by promoting a culture of respect,gratitude and thankfulness for animal life but also by helping the emotional processing and healing of lab animal researchers and animal facility staff.Even though remembrance activities are practiced in many parts of the world,we did not come across any reported cases in Sri Lanka before 2022.Therefore,here,we report on the various remembrance activities and practices observed within our local scientific community.
基金supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China(52472194)the Deanship of Research and Graduate Studies at King Khalid University through Large Research Project(RGP-2/687/46).
文摘Zinc-ion supercapacitors(ZISCs)have received considerable interest for energy storage because of their low cost,high safety,and minimal environmental impact.However,they have a low energy density and poor cycling performance.The design of a better cathode material is needed to overcome these limitations.A simple method was used to synthesize binder-free electrochemically exfoliated carbon paper(EECP)which modifies the surface of the paper by introducing oxygen functional groups and thus improves its pseudocapacitance.When used in a Zn-ion supercapacitor(ZISC),an EECPbased cathode provides a large surface area and quick charge transfer.As a result,the ZISC had remarkable charge storage properties and had a dominant capacitive-type charge storage mechanism with 78.8%retention of capacity at 10 mV/s of the total storage.Furthermore,at 1 A/g,the EECP electrode had a maximum capacitance of 252.5 F/g.The EECP electrode retained 81.7%of its capacitance after 10000 cycles,indicating its promise for use in the growing renewable energy sector.A ZISC was also constructed using EECP as the positive electrode and Zn as the negative electrode with a 1 mol L^(−1) ZnSO_(4) electrolyte.It had a capacitance of 186.22 F/g at 1 A/g and a 97.01%retention rate after 10000 cycles.It also had an excellent energy density of 46.6 Wh/kg at a power density of 500.4 W/kg.The material is therefore suitable for use in high-rate next-generation ZISCs.
基金supported by JSPS KAKENHI(Grant Nos.JP22K04305 and JP19K15083).
文摘To investigate the influencesof non-plastic silt and soil aging on the re-liquefaction resistance of sands,a series of undrained triaxial tests was performed on sand-silt mixtures with finescontent ranging from 0%to 100%,as well as on undisturbed and reconstituted non-plastic sandy soils retrieved from earth structures with a history of earthquake-induced damage.The specimens on sand-silt mixtures were produced under an initial degree of compaction of 95%.In these tests,liquefaction histories were applied three times to a single specimen under the same cyclic stress ratio after the respective consolidation stages with the measurements of the shear wave velocities.The following conclusions can be obtained from the test results:(1)The liquefaction resistance obtained in the firstto third cyclicloading stages decreased initially with increasing finescontent up to about 45%,while it increased afterward.Therefore,the susceptibility of sands containing a relatively large amount of non-plastic silt to reliquefaction may be more significantthan that of clean sands;(2)The liquefaction resistance and the shear wave velocity decreased significantlyduring the second cyclic-loading stage and after the second consolidation,respectively,despite an increase in the specimen density caused by the first liquefaction history,while they increased in the third stage.The possible reason for this change would be the disturbance of soil structures due to liquefaction,which may be partially evaluated by the volumetric strain during the respective consolidation stages,and the stress-induced anisotropy formed in the previous liquefaction stage;and(3)The liquefaction resistance and the shear wave velocity of the undisturbed specimens,which were measured in the firstto third stages,were larger than those of the reconstituted ones due to the aging effects,respectively.That is,the aging effects may not necessarily be eliminated by the subsequent liquefaction history and may remain partially in some cases.
文摘Homret Ghannam alkali feldspar granite(HGAFG)in the central Eastern Desert(CED)of Egypt represents a distinctive example of late Neoproterozoic magmatism in the Arabian-Nubian Shield(ANS).This study integrates field observations,petrography,mineral chemistry(EMPA),and whole-rock geochemistry to investigate its petrogenesis,geodynamic evolution,and rare-metal potential.HGAFG comprises two cogenetic varieties,alkali feldspar granite and riebeckite-bearing granite,hosting rare-metal minerals such as zircon,fluorite,columbite and apatite.HGAFG exhibits diagnostic A-type geochemical characteristics,including high SiO₂contents(73.81-77.86 wt%),metaluminous to mildly peralkaline composition(ASI:0.92-1.03),enrichment in HFSE(Zr≈791.80 ppm,Nb≈68.12 ppm,Y≈90.81 ppm)andΣREE(103.40-475.57 ppm),and pronounced negative Eu anomalies(Eu/Eu^(*)=0.07-0.20).Zircon saturation thermometry yields high crystallization temperatures(TZr≈908.87℃)and low emplacement pressures(1.46 kbar)under reducing conditions(ƒO_(2)≈−11.5).The mineralogical and geochemical results reveal that HGAFG originated from a hybrid,fluorine-rich magma generated by anatexis of lower crust,followed by extensive fractional crystallization,during late post-collisional extension associated with lithospheric delamination.The reduced nature and fluorine enrichment of HGAFG magma promoted the mineralization of Nb-Ta-REE phases,highlighting its significance as a fertile,high-temperature product of the terminal magmatic stage in ANS evolution.
基金supported by the Czech Science Foundation(projects 24-11371S to TM and 23-06840S to MAL)Masaryk University Grant Agency(project MUNI/R/1268/2022 to TM)Additional support(PT)was provided as part of a long-term research project of the Czech Academy of Sciences,Institute of Botany(RVO 67985939).
文摘The genus Boechera(Brassicaceae)serves as a model system for studying apomictic reproduction and ecological adaptations,with most species occurring in North America.The rare occurrence of Boechera species outside their typical range provides unique opportunities to investigate genome evolution in extralimital environments.One such species,B.calcarea,has been described from the Chandalaz Mountains in northeastern Asia(Russia).This study aimed to investigate the genome structure and evolutionary history of B.calcarea.However,our analyses reveal that the species does not belong to Boechera.Instead,an integrative approach combining cytogenetic,phylogenetic and repeatome analysis identified the species as a member of one of more ancestral clades in the tribe Arabideae.The diploid Parryodes calcarea(2n=16)exhibits Arabideae-specific chromosomal signatures,including multiple centromere repositionings.These findings clarify the misclassification of P.calcarea as Boechera,leaving Boechera falcata and Borodinia macrophylla as the only representatives of the Boechereae in the Old World.This study highlights the importance of an integrative approach in resolving taxonomic ambiguities and provides new insights into the diversification of the largest cruciferous tribe,the Arabideae.
基金supported by the National Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.U1530402 and U1930401).
文摘Large-volume presses(LVPs)are widely utilized in diverse research fields—including high-pressure physics,chemistry,materials science,and Earth and planetary sciences—to investigate the physical and chemical properties of materials under extreme high-pressure and hightemperature conditions.A prerequisite for achieving reproducible property measurements is the determination and control of pressure within experimental setups.However,the lack of precise pressure calibration in LVPs hinders the broader application of such devices in ultrahigh-pressure studies.This study employs a suite of standard phase transition-based pressure markers—comprising metallic conductors,semiconductors,and minerals—through both in situ and ex situ identification approaches,to establish pressure calibration curves ranging from 0.4 to>30 GPa for various types of LVP installed at the Center for High Pressure Science and Technology Advanced Research(HPSTAR),Beijing,including piston–cylinder,cubic,and multi-anvil presses.The results provide a unified and traceable pressure reference for highpressure experiments conducted at HPSTAR,while also offering technical guidance and calibration standards for other researchers utilizing similar LVP systems,thereby enabling more consistent comparison between different laboratories.This work facilitates the advancement of LVP research toward broader applications in higher-pressure regimes.
基金supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Hubei Provincial Department of Education(D20232101)Shandong Second Medical University 2024 Affiliated Hospital(Teaching Hospital)Scientific Research Development Fund Project(2024FYQ026)+3 种基金the innovative Research Programme of Xiangyang No.1 People’s Hospital(XYY2023ZY01)Faculty Development Grants of Xiangyang No.1 People’s Hospital Affiliated to Hubei University of Medicine(XYY2023D05)Joint supported by Hubei Provincial Natural Science Foundation and Xiangyang of China(2025AFD091)Traditional Chinese Medicine Scientific Research Project of Hubei Provincial Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine(ZY2025D019).
文摘Background:Diabetic foot,a severe complication of diabetes,is characterized by chronic refractory wounds.Sanhuang Oil,a topical herbal formula,demonstrates significant therapeutic effects including antibacterial,anti-inflammatory,and immunomodulatory activities.However,its active constituents and mechanisms of action against diabetic foot remain to be elucidated.Methods:In this study,the chemical constituents of Sanhuang Oil were identified using UPLC-QE-Orbitrap-MS.Subsequently,the mechanism by which Sanhuang Oil promotes diabetic foot ulcer healing was predicted by integrating network pharmacology and molecular docking.Additionally,diabetic mouse model was established in ICR mice using a combination of a high-fat diet(HFD)and streptozotocin(STZ)chemical induction.A full-thickness skin defect was created on the dorsum of the mice.Wound healing and the healing rate were observed following Sanhuang Oil intervention.The mechanism underlying Sanhuang Oil’s promotion of diabetic ulcer healing was further investigated using transcriptomics and histopathological examination(H&E staining).Results:A total of 97 active ingredients were identified from Sanhuang Oil.Network pharmacology analysis predicted 543 common targets,and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)pathway enrichment analysis identified 203 relevant pathways.Molecular docking further confirmed high binding affinity(binding energy≤−5.0 kcal/mol)between specific active components in Sanhuang Oil(e.g.,coptisine,phellodendrine,baicalein)and key targets associated with diabetic foot ulcers(e.g.,EGFR,AKT1,STAT3).In vivo experimental results demonstrated that the wound healing rate was significantly higher in Sanhuang Oil-treated groups compared to the model group(P<0.001).HE staining revealed that the high-dose Sanhuang Oil group exhibited more pronounced epithelial tissue coverage over the wound,reduced inflammatory cell infiltration,and increased collagen deposition and fibroblast proliferation.transcriptomic analysis identified Pdk4,Ttn,Csrp3,Actn2,Myoz2,Tnnc2,Myod1,Myog,Myot,and Myf6 as key regulatory proteins involved in promoting wound healing.Conclusion:Sanhuang Oil promotes wound healing in diabetic ulcer mice,potentially by mitigating inflammation and regulating key targets such as Pdk4 to enhance fibroblast function.These findings provide novel insights into the multi-target,multi-pathway mechanism of Sanhuang Oil for treating diabetic foot ulcers.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No.22409038,52473221)Zhejiang Province Postdoctoral Science Foundation (No.ZJ2024021)+2 种基金Hubei Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos.2024DJC032,2025AFB889)Key Project of Science and Technology Research of Hubei Provincial Department of Education (Nos.D20232701,D20232702)the research grant funded by the Research,Development,and Innovation Authority (RDIA)-Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (No.12615-iu-2023-IU-R-2-1-EI-)。
文摘Hydrogen peroxide(H_(2)O_(2)) has been recognized as a green and nonpolluting multifunctional oxidant with extensive applications in environmental protection,metal etching,textile printing and dyeing,chemical synthesis and food processing.However,over 90 % of industrial H_(2)O_(2) is currently produced through the multi-step anthraquinone oxidation process,which suffers from a process with some drawbacks such as complex,high-energy consumption,and toxic byproducts emissions.Compared to the traditional anthraquinone method,artificial photosynthesis of H_(2)O_(2) using semiconductor photocatalysts has emerged as a sustainable alternative due to its use of water and O_(2) as the clean reactants and sole energy as the driving force.In recent years,metal-free photocatalysts mainly including covalent organic frameworks(COFs),covalent triazine frameworks(CTFs) and carbon nitrile(g-C_(3)N_(4)) have garnered significant interest due to their superior thermal and chemical stability,diverse synthesis methods,tunable functionality,light weight nature and non-toxicity.These materials also exhibit adjustable band structure and unique photoelectric properties.Sustainable efforts have been made to advance metal-free photocatalysts for artificial photosynthesis of H_(2)O_(2),however,a comprehensive summary of current research status on metalfree-based photocatalytic overall H_(2)O_(2) production remain scarce.This review outlines recent process in overall H_(2)O_(2) photosynthesis based on metal-free photocatalysts.First,we introduced the fundamental concepts of photocatalytic overall H_(2)O_(2) production.Then,we analyze representative studies on photocatalytic overall H_(2)O_(2) synthesis using metal-free materials.Finally,we discuss the challenges and future perspectives in this field to guide the design and synthesis of metal-free systems for H_(2)O_(2) generation.
基金funded by King Saud University,Riyadh,Saudi Arabia,through the Ongo-ing Research Funding program—Research Chairs(ORF-RC-2025-0127)funded via Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University Researchers Supporting Project number(PNURSP2025R443).
文摘The present investigation inspects the unsteady,incompressible MHD-induced flow of a ternary hybrid nanofluid made of SiO_(2)(silicon dioxide),ZnO(zinc oxide),and MWCNT(multi-walled carbon nanotubes)suspended in a water-ethylene glycol base fluid between two perforated squeezing Riga plates.This problem is important because it helps us understand the complicated connections between magnetic fields,nanofluid dynamics,and heat transport,all of which are critical for designing thermal management systems.These findings are especially useful for improving the design of innovative cooling technologies in electronics,energy systems,and healthcare applications.No prior study has been done on the theoretical study of the flow of ternary nanofluid(SiO_(2)+ZnO+MWCNT/Water−EthylGl ycol,(60∶40))past a pierced squeezed Riga plates using the boundary value problem solver 4th-order collocation(BVP4C)numerical approach to date.So,the current work has been carried out to fill this gap,and the core purpose of this study is to explore the aspects that enhance the heat transfer of base fluids(H_(2)O/EG)suspended with three nanomaterials SiO_(2),ZnO,and MWCNT.The Riga plates introduce electromagnetic forcing through an embedded array of magnets and electrodes,generating Lorentz forces to regulate the flow.The squeezing effect introduces dynamic boundary movement,which enhances mixing;however,permeability,due to porosity,replicates the true material limits.Similarity transformations of the Navier-Stokes and energy equations result in a highly nonlinear set of ordinary differential equations that govern momentum and thermal energy transport.The subsequent boundary value problem is solved utilizing the BVP4C numerical approach.The study observes the impact of magnetic parameters,squeezing velocity,solid volume percentages of the three nanoparticles,and porous medium factors on velocity and temperature fields.Results show that magnetic fields reduce the velocity profile by 6.75%due to increased squeezing and medium effects.Tri-hybrid nanofluids notice a 9%rise in temperature with higher thermal radiation.
基金supported by the IITP(Institute of Information & Communications Technology Planning & Evaluation)-ITRC(Information Technology Research Center) grant funded by the Korea government(Ministry of Science and ICT) (IITP-2025-RS-2024-00437191, and RS-2025-02303505)partly supported by the Korea Basic Science Institute (National Research Facilities and Equipment Center) grant funded by the Ministry of Education. (No. 2022R1A6C101A774)the Deanship of Research and Graduate Studies at King Khalid University, Saudi Arabia, through Large Research Project under grant number RGP-2/527/46
文摘The growing global energy demand and worsening climate change highlight the urgent need for clean,efficient and sustainable energy solutions.Among emerging technologies,atomically thin two-dimensional(2D)materials offer unique advantages in photovoltaics due to their tunable optoelectronic properties,high surface area and efficient charge transport capabilities.This review explores recent progress in photovoltaics incorporating 2D materials,focusing on their application as hole and electron transport layers to optimize bandgap alignment,enhance carrier mobility and improve chemical stability.A comprehensive analysis is presented on perovskite solar cells utilizing 2D materials,with a particular focus on strategies to enhance crystallization,passivate defects and improve overall cell efficiency.Additionally,the application of 2D materials in organic solar cells is examined,particularly for reducing recombination losses and enhancing charge extraction through work function modification.Their impact on dye-sensitized solar cells,including catalytic activity and counter electrode performance,is also explored.Finally,the review outlines key challenges,material limitations and performance metrics,offering insight into the future development of nextgeneration photovoltaic devices encouraged by 2D materials.
文摘Fig.8e in our paper(Groves et al.,2018)was incorrectly ascribed to Caddey et al.(1995).It is actually taken from Figure 3 in Morelli et al.(2010).In turn,this was derived from Bell(2013).The authors apologise for this unintentional error.
文摘Recently we proposed “quantum language” (or, “the linguistic Copenhagen interpretation of quantum mechanics”, “measurement theory”) as the language of science. This theory asserts the probabilistic interpretation of science (=the linguistic quantum mechanical worldview), which is a kind of mathematical generalization of Born’s probabilistic interpretation of quantum mechanics. In this paper, we consider the most fundamental problems in philosophy of science such as Hempel’s raven paradox, Hume’s problem of induction, Goodman’s grue paradox, Peirce’s abduction, flagpole problem, which are closely related to measurement. We believe that these problems can never be solved without the basic theory of science with axioms. Since our worldview (=quantum language) has the axiom concerning measurement, these problems can be solved easily. Thus we believe that quantum language is the central theory in philosophy of science. Hence there is a reason to assert that quantum language gives the mathematical foundations to science.
基金funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.42050101 and 42101467)the Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(Grant No.XDA23100101).
文摘Time is an essential reference system for recording objects,events,and processes in the field of geosciences.There are currently various time references,such as solar calendar,geological time,and regional calendar,to represent the knowledge in different domains and regions,which subsequently entails a time conversion process required to interpret temporal information under different time references.However,the current time conversion method is limited by the application scope of existing time ontologies(e.g.,“Jurassic”is a period in geological ontology,but a point value in calendar ontology)and the reliance on experience in conversion processes.These issues restrict accurate and efficient calculation of temporal information across different time references.To address these issues,this paper proposes a Unified Time Framework(UTF)in the geosciences knowledge system.According to a systematic time element parsing from massive time references,the proposed UTF designs an independent time root node to get rid of irrelevant nodes when accessing different time types and to adapt to the time expression of different geoscience disciplines.Furthermore,this UTF carries out several designs:to ensure the accuracy of time expressions by designing quantitative relationship definitions;to enable time calculations across different time elements by designing unified time nodes and structures,and to link to the required external ontologies by designing adequate interfaces.By comparing the time conversion methods,the experiment proves the UTF greatly supports accurate and efficient calculation of temporal information across different time references in SPARQL queries.Moreover,it shows a higher and more stable performance of temporal information queries than the time conversion method.With the advent of the Big Data era in the geosciences,the UTF can be used more widely to discover new geosciences knowledge across different time references.
文摘Purpose: To report the retrospective study of using intravaginal brachytherapy as adjuvant monotherapy for endometrial cancer. Materials and Methods: From 2001-2009, 47 patients who received completely surgical staging for endometrial carcinoma and were designed by multidisciplinary team were enrolled. All patients received intravaginal brachytherapy (IVBT) with the dose of 5.5 - 7 Gy in 2 - 6 fractions. The treatment results and late toxicities were evaluated and recorded. Results: At the median follow-up time of 44 months, the local control, disease-free survival, metastasis-free survival and overall survival rates were 100%, 97.9%, 97.9% and, 97.9%, respectively. Only age showed the statistical significance with the p-value of 0.046. Two patients (4.3%) developed late genitourinary toxicity. Conclusion: The using of adjuvant IVBT as monotherapy for endometrial carcinoma is feasible.
基金funded by the Charles University Grant Agency (project number 312213)
文摘Dialects are a specific form of geographic variation of birdsong with relatively sharp boundaries between distinct song characteristics,which provide opportunities for focused studies of processes underlying the emergence of spatial patterns in vocalization.Several songbird species that exhibit dialects became models for such research,and for some of them large-scale datasets were assembled that included recordings provided by the public.Among them,the Yellowhammer(Emberiza citrinella,Emberizidae) is particularly prominent,as it has been recently a subject of dedicated citizen science projects focusing on its dialect distribution.The most successful,in terms of public participation as well as the number and density of obtained recordings,was the Dialects of Czech Yellowhammers(DCY) project,which assembled detailed data at the whole-country level.A mosaic of almost all common song variants known across Europe was observed in Czechia,but the results indicated that some of the traditionally recognized Yellowhammer dialects may not represent geographically clustered song variants,at least not in Central Europe.We quantitatively analysed variation(frequency and temporal characteristics and modulation) of the terminal song element in three dialects defined by arbitrary frequency thresholds in DCY.Multivariate analyses indicated that pooling these to two distinct groups reflects the variation in the songs,as well as their spatial distribution,better than retaining the current classification to three dialects or their finer splitting to even more categories.We provide simple measures that may be used for classification of these Yellowhammer song variants in Central Europe.However,we warn from indiscriminate transposing of results from one region to another,as that may lead to substantial biases.Future studies of birdsong variation will benefit from big data assembled by citizen scientists,but to maximise their usefulness for further dialect research,careful delineation of dialect boundaries is essential.
文摘Purpose: To report the retrospective study of external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) ± intravaginal brachytherapy (IVBT) as adjuvant treatment for endometrial cancer. Materials and Methods: From 2001-2009, 152 patients received complete surgical staging for endometrial carcinoma and were designed by a multidisciplinary team to receive EBRT ± IVBT. The treatment results and late toxicities were evaluated and recorded. Results: At the median follow-up time of 43 months, the disease-free survival, metastasis-free survival and overall survival rates were 96.9%, 96.9% and 96.9%, respectively. Stage and age showed the statistical significance with the p-value of less than 0.001. From five to ten percent of patients developed Grades 1-2 late gastrointestinal and genitourinary toxicities, respectively. Conclusion: The using of adjuvant EBRT ± IVBT for endometrial?carcinoma yielded treatment results and acceptable toxicities.
基金funding received from UNESCO-SIDA Project as well as Professor Martine Leermakers and Professor Willy Baeyens for their financial help to analyze the water samples in their laboratory at VUB.Acknowledgements
文摘Groundwater and surface water contamination by PTE(Potentially Toxic Elements)was assessed in Ruashi and Annexe municipalities of Lubumbashi city.Analyses of seventy water samples collected from six drilled wells,eight spade-sunk wells,one river and one spring in both municipalities in 2017 and 2018 were carried out by ICP-SF-MS(Inductively Coupled Plasma-Sector Field Mass Spectrometry).Twenty PTEs including aluminum,arsenic,barium,bismuth,cadmium,cesium,chromium,cobalt,copper,iron,lead,manganese,molybdenum,nickel,strontium,thallium,tungsten,uranium,vanadium and zinc were detected at various concentrations in each one of the samples.Many samples had concentrations and mean concentrations of PTEs,such as aluminum,cadmium,copper,iron,lead,manganese,nickel and zinc,higher than the respective acceptable limits set for drinking water by the EU(European Union),the USEPA(United States Environmental Protection Agency),and the WHO(World Health Organization)standards.Most PTEs being deleterious to human health even at very low concentrations,people who use the groundwater and surface water to meet their water needs in both Ruashi and Annexe municipalities are at risk.
文摘Our study consists of a careful literature review carried out with the aim of better understanding the models developed in the field of biocontrol of postharvest fungal rot in apples(PHFRA)over the past two decades.It aims,more specifically,to shed light on the progress made by examining the products developed,their nature,their target pathogens,their effectiveness,theirs modes of action and the stage of their development.The post-harvest biocontrol of apples has made remarkable progress during the last twenty years of research.Several products(yeasts,bacteria,filamentous fungi and actinomycetes)have been selected.Some,are already marketed,others are at different stages of development.However,several points limit the optimal use of microbial antagonists in the bio-management of post-harvest apple rots as an alternative to chemicals.It is,in fact,still necessary to develop appropriate formulations of these microbial biocontrol agents,to better study their mechanisms of action,to test them under commercial conditions and against a broad spectrum of pathogens and hosts.However,although sometimes considered less effective than chemical treatments,biocontrol products based on microorganisms have major advantages for an application in an integrated post-harvest apple protection strategy.
