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Copyright of Food Research & Development is the property of Food Research & Development Editorial Department and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The treatment of arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (AAION), non-arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy (NAAION), and posterior ischemic optic neuropathy (PION) is a topic of ongoing research with mixed evidence on some pharmacotherapies and a need for more consensus. This manuscript provides an overview of these conditions' current, potential future, and attempted pharmacotherapies. AAION's current treatment regimen consists of high-dose steroids, with methotrexate, tocilizumab, and abatacept, being the most viable steroid-sparing therapy candidates. As for NAAION, the treatments being tried are vast, with mixed evidence supporting each modality. Similarly, despite the various treatment options explored, there still needs to be a universally effective therapy for PION. More research is needed to formulate an agreed-upon treatment regimen for these conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Viewing interfacial molecular environments is of great importance to develop novel functional materials and to understand atmospheric, catalytic, and electrochemical reactions. Due to development in the lasing instruments and optical techniques in the past 20 years, the interface-specific vibrational spectroscopy, i.e., sum-frequency generation spectroscopy (SFG), has become a power tool to access such interfacial molecular structures. Here, I illustrate that heterodyne-detected SFG can provide quantitative interfacial property and molecular picture, and also can identify interfacial species from the interfacial waters' structure with recent examples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Airborne pathogens, though a minor fraction of airborne particles, can cause infections, intoxications, or allergic reactions through respiration, dermal contact, or ingestion. The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has underscored the significance of mitigating airborne microbial threats. Traditional air ionization methods, such as dielectric barrier discharge and metal tip corona discharge, produce ozone, a reactive and potentially harmful byproduct. However, carbon-fiber ionizers (CFIs) generate high concentrations of ions with minimal ozone production, making them a safer alternative. Operating at voltages below 5 kV, CFIs are more efficient than their metallic counterparts. This review focuses on the antimicrobial efficacy of CFIs, which produce unipolar ions that can disrupt microbial membranes, leading to cell death. Compared to ultraviolet light sterilization, CFIs are cost-effective and suitable for small spaces. The literature review highlights the need for comprehensive studies to evaluate the real-world application and effectiveness of CFIs. Many existing studies are limited by small-scale testing and insufficient data reporting, complicating comparative analyses. Our work aims to provide a detailed perspective on CFIs, examining their impact on various microorganisms, ion efficacy, ionization outcomes, and ozone generation levels. By addressing these aspects, the review seeks to offer an updated understanding of CFIs' antimicrobial capabilities and to identify limitations in current research, paving the way for more informed and effective air purification strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The karst area has become a high-risk area for Cadmium (Cd) exposure. Interestingly, the high levels of Cd in soils do not result in an excessive bioaccumulation of Cd in rice. Carbonate rock dissolution ions (CRIs) could limit the accumulation and translocation of Cd in rice. CRIs can become a major bottleneck in the remediation and management of farmlands in karst areas. However, there is limited research on the effects of CRIs in soils on Cd accumulation in rice. The karst area of lime soil (LS) and the non-karst areas of yellow soil (YS) were collected, and an external Cd was added to conduct rice cultivation experiments. Cd and CRIs (Ca2+, Mg2+, CO32−/HCO3−, and OH−) in the rice–soil system were investigated from the grain-filling to maturity periods. The results showed that CRIs of LS were significantly higher than that of YS in different treatments. CRIs of LS were 2.05 mg·kg−1 for Ca2+, 0.90 mg·kg−1 for Mg2+, and 42.29 mg·kg−1 for CO32− in LS. CRIs could influence DTPA Cd, resulting in DTPA Cd of LS being lower than that of YS. DTPA Cd of YS was one to three times larger than that of YS. Cd content in different parts of rice in YS was higher than that of LS. Cd in rice grains of YS was one to six times larger than that of LS. The uptake of Cd from the soil during Filling III was critical in determining rice Cd accumulation. CRIs in the soil could affect Cd accumulation in rice. Ca2+ and Mg2+ had significant negative effects on Cd accumulation of rice at maturity and filling, respectively. CO32−/HCO3− and OH− had significant negative effects on DTPA Cd in soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Xinjiang Agricultural Sciences is the property of Xinjiang Agricultural Sciences Editorial Department and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Asian Journals of Ecotoxicology is the property of Gai Kan Bian Wei Hui and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Journal of Dalian Ocean University is the property of Journal of Dalian Ocean University Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Corneocytes and intercellular lipids form the stratum corneum. The content and composition of intercellular lipids in the stratum corneum significantly affect skin barrier function. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the effect of Shotokuseki extract (SE) on intercellular lipid production and metabolism in human three-dimensional cultured human epidermis. SE or ion mixtures containing five common ions were applied to three-dimensional cultured human epidermis for 2–8 days for each assay. The mRNA expression levels of epidermal differentiation markers and lipid metabolism genes were quantified by real-time PCR. After extraction of lipids from the epidermis, ceramide, sphingosine, free fatty acids, and cholesterol were quantified by LC-MS/MS, GC-MS, or HPLC. The results showed that the application of SE increased the gene expression levels of epidermal differentiation markers keratin10 and transglutaminase. Elongation of very long-chain fatty acids protein 3, serine palmitoyl transferase, ceramide synthase 3, and acid ceramidase mRNA expression levels increased and fatty acid synthase mRNA expression decreased. The content of each lipid, [EOS] ceramide decreased and total sphingosine content increased on day 4. On day 8 of application, ceramide [NDS], [NP], and [EODS] increased and total free fatty acid content decreased. These results show that SE alters the lipid composition of the epidermis, increasing ceramides and decreasing free fatty acids in the epidermis. The composition of the ions in the SE may be responsible for the changes in lipid composition. These behaviors were different from those observed when the ion mixture was applied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The examination of sludge derived from electroplating manufacturing, printed circuit board production, and paste-like residue from sludge collectors uncover elevated levels of chromium, nickel, copper, cadmium, and various metals. The considerable saturation of water in the region and diverse soil compositions complicate the identification of suitable waste disposal sites, specifically for electroplating byproducts, limiting available spaces and fostering conditions conducive to soil and water contamination by heavy metal ions. The retention of used etching solutions within industrial facilities contributes to environmental pollution, necessitating substantial expenditures for proper disposal at manufacturing sites. Industrial waste, notably from processes such as printed circuit board etching, represents a significant threat to water quality, encompassing various essential technological processes for the production of diverse electronic equipment serving both civilian and military purposes. This article aims to present research outcomes and conducted experiments geared towards developing eco-friendly equipment. Also, the research delves into specific procedures for obtaining concentrated copper precipitates during the regeneration of etching solutions, with the extraction process reducing the generation of waste in the form of a paste-like structure saturated with water on industrial premises. The treatment of wastewater from etching printed circuit boards can be achieved by establishing a closed production cycle for board manufacturing and extracting copper for industrial applications. Finally, the research strives to design equipment for regenerating used solutions with metal extraction in a form suitable for remelting, contributing as an element to environmental conservation. The results facilitate the establishment of a printed circuit board etching line that incorporates the reuse of spent etching solutions in the manufacturing process. For solution regeneration, it is recommended to utilize a regenerator with a titanium VT1-0 cathode. The outcomes of individual tests provide conditions for regenerating spent etching solutions and utilizing the extracted copper in the national economy.

ABSTRACTPreclinical evidence suggests that voltage gradients can act as a kind of top-down master regulator during embryogenesis and orchestrate downstream molecular-genetic pathways during organ regeneration or repair. Moreover, electrical stimulation shifts response to injury toward regeneration instead of healing or scarring. Cancer and embryogenesis not only share common phenotypical features but also commonly upregulated molecular pathways. Voltage-gated ion channel activity is directly or indirectly linked to the pathogenesis of cancer hallmarks, while experimental and clinical studies suggest that their modulation, e.g., by anesthetic agents, may exert antitumor effects. A large recent clinical trial served as a proof-of-principle for the benefit of preoperative use of topical sodium channel blockade as a potential anticancer strategy against early human breast cancers. Regardless of whether ion channel aberrations are primary or secondary cancer drivers, understanding the functional consequences of these events may guide us toward the development of novel therapeutic approaches.

Background: Aminoacylase has seen extensive use in the synthesis of L-amino acids. L-amino acids are widely used in the food and medical industries, as well as in healthcare. The effect of metal ions and inhibitors on the enzyme activity of recombinant intracellular aminoacylase of Escherichia coli LGE 36 was studied. Acetyl-D,L-methionine and glycyl-Lmethionine dipeptide were used as substrates. It has been shown that with the addition of Co2+ ions, the acylase activity of the recombinant enzyme towards N-acetyl-D,L-methionine increases 3 times. In the case of glycyl-L-methionine, the peptidase activity of the recombinant aminoacylase of Escherichia coli LGE 36 increases more than 40 times. A number of other metal ions studied do not stimulate the hydrolytic activity of the enzyme, moreover some of them even inhibit it. PCMB completely inactivates the recombinant aminoacylase, EDTA reduces enzyme activity by 85%. Objective: This study aims to investigate how metal ions and inhibitors affect the enzyme activity of recombinant intracellular aminoacylase Escherichia coli LGE 36. Methods: In this study, a recombinant strain-producer of aminoacylase derived from Escherichia coli LGE 36 was employed. Escherichia coli cells were cultured in M9 minimal medium supplemented at 37°C. To assess aminoacylase activity, assays were conducted at 37°C using a reaction mixture of 0.2 ml final volume comprising 100 mM Na, K-phosphate buffer at pH 7.0, 0.2 mM CoCI2, 40 mM N-acetyl-D, L-methionine, and the enzyme in the appropriate concentration. Acylase activity was quantified as the amount of enzyme catalyzing the formation of 1µmol of Lmethionine within 1 minute at 37°C and pH 7.0. Results: Some characteristics of the recombinant intracellular aminoacylase from E. coli LGE 36 were determined. For investigating the impact of metallic ions and inhibitors, acetylmethionine and glycylmethionine were employed as the substrates. Conclusion: The present study and the choice of right strategies for functional food products allows optimizing the process for production of optically active amino acids using the recombinant enzyme to obtain food and feed additives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The examination of sludge derived from electroplating manufacturing, printed circuit board production, and paste-like residue from sludge collectors uncover elevated levels of chromium, nickel, copper, cadmium, and various metals. The considerable saturation of water in the region and diverse soil compositions complicate the identification of suitable waste disposal sites, specifically for electroplating byproducts, limiting available spaces and fostering conditions conducive to soil and water contamination by heavy metal ions. The retention of used etching solutions within industrial facilities contributes to environmental pollution, necessitating substantial expenditures for proper disposal at manufacturing sites. Industrial waste, notably from processes such as printed circuit board etching, represents a significant threat to water quality, encompassing various essential technological processes for the production of diverse electronic equipment serving both civilian and military purposes. This article aims to present research outcomes and conducted experiments geared towards developing eco-friendly equipment. Also, the research delves into specific procedures for obtaining concentrated copper precipitates during the regeneration of etching solutions, with the extraction process reducing the generation of waste in the form of a paste-like structure saturated with water on industrial premises. The treatment of wastewater from etching printed circuit boards can be achieved by establishing a closed production cycle for board manufacturing and extracting copper for industrial applications. Finally, the research strives to design equipment for regenerating used solutions with metal extraction in a form suitable for remelting, contributing as an element to environmental conservation. The results facilitate the establishment of a printed circuit board etching line that incorporates the reuse of spent etching solutions in the manufacturing process. For solution regeneration, it is recommended to utilize a regenerator with a titanium VT1-0 cathode. The outcomes of individual tests provide conditions for regenerating spent etching solutions and utilizing the extracted copper in the national economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sleep disorders are the most widespread mental disorders after stroke and hurt survivors' functional prognosis, response to restoration, and quality of life. This review will address an overview of the progress of research on the biological mechanisms associated with stroke-complicating sleep disorders. Extensive research has investigated the negative impact of stroke on sleep. However, a bidirectional association between sleep disorders and stroke exists; while stroke elevates the risk of sleep disorders, these disorders also independently contribute as a risk factor for stroke. This review aims to elucidate the mechanisms of stroke-induced sleep disorders. Possible influences were examined, including functional changes in brain regions, cerebrovascular hemodynamics, neurological deficits, sleep ion regulation, neurotransmitters, and inflammation. The results provide valuable insights into the mechanisms of stroke complicating sleep disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the methods to inactivate viruses is to denature viral proteins using released ions. However, there have been no reports detailing the effects of changes in humidity or contamination with body fluids on the inactivation of viruses. This study investigated the effects of humidity changes and saliva contamination on the efficacy of SARS-CoV-2 inactivation with ions using multiple viral strains. Virus solutions with different infectious titers were dropped onto a circular nitrocellulose membrane and irradiated with ions from 10 cm above the membrane. After the irradiation of ions for 60, 90, and 120 min, changes in viral infectious titers were measured. The effect of ions on virus inactivation under different humidity conditions was also examined using virus solutions containing 90% mixtures of saliva collected from 10 people. A decrease in viral infectivity was observed over time for all strains, but ion irradiation further accelerated the decrease in viral infectivity. Ion irradiation can inactivate all viral strains, but at 80% humidity, the effect did not appear until 90 min after irradiation. The presence of saliva protected the virus from drying and maintained infectiousness for a longer period compared with no saliva. In particular, the Omicron strain retained its infectivity titer longer than the other strains. Ion irradiation demonstrated a consistent reduction in the number of infectious viruses when compared to the control across varying levels of humidity and irradiation periods. This underscores the notable effectiveness of irradiation, even when the reduction effect is as modest as 50%, thereby emphasizing its crucial role in mitigating the rapid dissemination of SARS-CoV-2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Cu(II) was found using a quick and uncomplicated procedure that involved reacting it with a freshly synthesized ligand to create an orange complex that had an absorbance peak of 481.5 nm in an acidic solution. The best conditions for the formation of the complex were studied from the concentration of the ligand, medium, the effect of the addition sequence, the effect of temperature, and the time of complex formation. The results obtained are scatter plot extending from 0.1–9 ppm and a linear range from 0.1–7 ppm. Relative standard deviation (RSD%) for n = 8 is less than 0.5, recovery % (R%) within acceptable values, correlation coefficient (r) equal 0.9986, coefficient of determination (r2) equal to 0.9973, and percentage capital R-squared explained variation as a percentage/total variation (R2%) equal to 99.73. The method has been successfully applied for the estimation of Cu(II) ions without the influence of other interfering ions, and it can be applied to estimate Cu(II) in any sample. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents theoretical studies of the pattern of heat source formation on electrodes at low-voltage electrospark alloying. Analytical dependencies of released heat power on electron ionization current and cathode thermal emission are obtained. It is established that, at electrospark alloying at low-voltage spark discharge, roughly about 66% of the heat power is emitted at the anode; thus, thermal emission does not make any significant contribution. The average concentration of ions and the kind of its change in the spark path are determined by analysis. According to theoretical reasoning, at each time instant, the pressure remains the same in the entire cross-section of the channel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The atmosphere is rich in positive ions, rendering it electrically more positive than the Earth's surface. This characteristic presents the atmosphere as a potential source of renewable energy through ion harvesting. This study harnesses the electrical properties by optimizing ion harvesting electrodes using pristine graphene and graphene-Au thin films to generate clean electricity. Research methods included Raman Spectroscopy and Cyclic Voltammetry (CV) to assess the surface characteristics and capacitance of the graphene samples, along with laboratory-scale ion harvesting simulations to evaluate the energy data produced in the ion harvesting process. The samples used in this study were identified as bilayer graphene, as confirmed by Raman Spectroscopy. CV testing yielded capacitance values of 0.40288 F for pristine graphene and 0.44879 F for graphene-Au samples. According to ion harvesting simulations, graphene-Au generated approximately 6.8 times more energy than pristine graphene and five times more energy than copper alone. The respective energy outputs for graphene-Au, pristine graphene, and pure copper were 1.376 mW, 1.157 mW, and 0.374 mW. These results demonstrate that adding a graphene layer to the atmospheric ion-harvesting electrode can optimize the electricity generation process.

In environmental research, along with discovering methods for adsorbing heavy metals, it is essential to comprehend the processes of desorption and recovery of these heavy metals from adsorbent materials and their reuse. In this study, halloysite (HAL) clay, obtained from the Thach Khoan, Vietnam, was utilized for the removal of Co2+ ions from an aqueous solution, and the influence of different factors on the adsorption properties of Co2+ was investigated. Optimal conditions determined were 0.8 g HAL mass per 50 mL of solution, initial Co2+ concentration of 40 mg·L−1, contact time of 80 min, pH0 of 6.09, and room temperature of 30°C. Under these conditions, the adsorption efficiency and capacity obtained were 76.358 ± 0.981% and 1.909 ± 0.025 mg·g−1, respectively. The adsorption process followed the Langmuir adsorption isotherms, with a maximum monolayer adsorption capacity of 3.10206 ± 0.13551 mg·g−1, and exhibited a pseudo-second-order kinetic model. Desorption experiments were conducted using the electrochemical method with a deep eutectic solvent based on choline chloride and urea (reline). The results demonstrated that 94.11% of the Co metal could be recovered through electrodeposition after 5 h, using an applied current of 7.5 mA at 60°C. The HAL material was successfully regenerated following the desorption process.

Optimizing the electrodeposition process condition requires considerable effort and time. The use of modeling and simulations can largely solve this problem. This short review is focused on the development of mathematical models and molecular dynamics simulations, which can be used to predict the electrodeposition of thin silicon and silicon carbide films using the KCl-KF-KI electrolyte. The use of computer simulations to obtain thin films of silicon nitride and silicon dioxide is considered. Silicon, silicon dioxide, silicon nitride, and silicon carbide are important biomedical materials. Additionally, we consider modeling the decomposition process of various precursors used as sources of Si4+ and C4+ ions for electrolytic deposition. The calculation of various physical properties of crystalline silicon and important modifications of silicon carbide, including the thermal conductivity, surface diffusion coefficients, and a detailed structure determined by constructing Voronoi polyhedra, are discussed. A computer model allows one to explore the use of “a defective silicene/silicon carbide” hybrid material as a lithium-ion battery anode. The possibilities for solving problems of processes optimization in modern methods for producing biomedical materials are discussed.

The treatment of arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (AAION), non-arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy (NAAION), and posterior ischemic optic neuropathy (PION) is a topic of ongoing research with mixed evidence on some pharmacotherapies and a need for more consensus. This manuscript provides an overview of these conditions’ current, potential future, and attempted pharmacotherapies. AAION’s current treatment regimen consists of high-dose steroids, with methotrexate, tocilizumab, and abatacept, being the most viable steroid-sparing therapy candidates. As for NAAION, the treatments being tried are vast, with mixed evidence supporting each modality. Similarly, despite the various treatment options explored, there still needs to be a universally effective therapy for PION. More research is needed to formulate an agreed-upon treatment regimen for these conditions.

Humic acid (HA) has been used as an important component in biostimulant formulations to enhance plant tolerance to salt stress, but the mechanisms underlying are not fully understood. This study was to investigate the physiological and molecular mechanisms of HA’s impact on salt stress tolerance in perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.). The two types of HA were extracted from weathered coal samples collected from Wutai County (WTH) and Jingle County (JLH) of Shanxi Province, China. The grass seedlings subjected to salt stress (250 mM NaCl) were treated with HA solutions containing 0.01% WTH (W/V) or 0.05% JLH (W/V), respectively. The HA treatments improved leaf photosynthetic rate (Pn), transpiration rate (Tr), and stomatal conductance (Gs) and reduced leaf oxidative injury (lower malondialdehyde content) and Pro and intercellular CO2 concentrations in salt-stressed perennial ryegrass. The HA treatments also reversed the decline in antioxidative enzymes ascorbate peroxidase (APX), catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and improved growth and anti-senescence hormones indole-3- acetic acid (IAA) and brassinosteroid (BR). The HA treatments reduced the relative expression of P5CS and its downstream products proline (Pro) and the stress defense hormones abscisic acid (ABA), salicylic acid (SA), jasmonic acid (JA), and polyamines (PA). The results of this study indicate that the application of HAs may improve salt stress tolerance by regulating P5CS gene expression related to osmotic adjustment and increasing the activity of antioxidant enzymes and anti-senescence hormones in perennial ryegrass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optimizing the electrodeposition process condition requires considerable effort and time. The use of modeling and simulations can largely solve this problem. This short review is focused on the development of mathematical models and molecular dynamics simulations, which can be used to predict the electrodeposition of thin silicon and silicon carbide films using the KCl-KF-KI electrolyte. The use of computer simulations to obtain thin films of silicon nitride and silicon dioxide is considered. Silicon, silicon dioxide, silicon nitride, and silicon carbide are important biomedical materials. Additionally, we consider modeling the decomposition process of various precursors used as sources of Si4+ and C4+ ions for electrolytic deposition. The calculation of various physical properties of crystalline silicon and important modifications of silicon carbide, including the thermal conductivity, surface diffusion coefficients, and a detailed structure determined by constructing Voronoi polyhedra, are discussed. A computer model allows one to explore the use of "a defective silicene/silicon carbide" hybrid material as a lithium-ion battery anode. The possibilities for solving problems of processes optimization in modern methods for producing biomedical materials are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The defence of Athens by king Erechtheus against an invasion led by Eumolpus, son of Poseidon and commander of a Thracian army, was the theme of Euripides’ Erechtheus, staged around 420 BC and preserved only in fragments. In this paper, I suggest that there were two versions of the invasion myth, and that in Erechtheus Euripides made use of both. The poet retains the central idea of the original myth, namely that the city’s salvation was due to a female figure. In the myth it was the altruistic suicide of the parthenos Aglaurus, in the tragedy the decision of queen Praxithea to sacrifice her own daughter. From the more recent version of the myth Euripides draws the combination of the conflict between mortals with one between gods (Poseidon challenges Athena as the patron goddess of the Athenians; Eumolpus’ attack is motivated by his intention to replace Athena with Poseidon). From the recent version of the myth Euripides also takes the motif of the three dead daughters: the suicide of a parthenos, present in the original myth, is extended to the two girls not immolated by Praxithea, and Aglaurus’ heroic motivation is transformed into a sentimental one (the two girls want to follow their dead sister). The heroine Aglaurus serves Euripides as a model for his Praxithea (as saviour of the homeland and as the first priestess, instituted by Athena herself) and for the suicidal sisters. Staged after the first decade of the Peloponnesian War, therefore, Euripides’ Erechtheusthematises the fact that war – any war – involves everyone, even women, even girls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Praxis Filosófica is the property of Universidad del Valle and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The paper attempts a critical reinterpretation of the Platonic Ion and especially of the concept of enthusiasm. More particularly, it attempts to decode the Socratic irony and place itself between two contradicting interpretations of the work; the one that reads Ion as a work on Aesthetics and, in its more advanced version, as a quasi proto-romantic manifesto, and the other which fully negates to it any aesthetic status and value. Its thesis is that Ion forms an early formulation of that critique of poetry that would come back more systematically in the Republic, but that the concept of enthusiasm, which is indeed used to discredit poetry, ends up being richer from what its supernatural garment may suggest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The results of experimental and theoretical studies of the electrical conductivity of weakly concentrated solutions of liquid dielectrics (LDs) with a chemically active impurity and associated electrohydrodynamic (EHD) flows are presented. The studies are carried out on the basis of a multi-ion model of electrical conductivity, which makes it possible to adequately describe both the dissociation–recombination interactions of ions and the electrochemical injection of ions from the electrode surface. It is shown that the recombination processes in the volume of the LD lead to a slow disappearance of the space charge with a characteristic time of hours and days, which does not allow for significantly reducing the distribution of the space charge in the LD that reduces the intensity of EHD flows. Numerical calculations based on the obtained theoretical and experimental data on the electrical conductivity were carried out, and they confirmed the results of observations concerning the development and structure of EHD flows and current characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies have shown that in an aqueous suspension of inert glass beads, the yield stress is increased as a function of resting time. This study investigates this unexpected phenomenon, focusing on solid surface potentials, PCE size in ionic solutions, and their possible relations to rheological behaviour with resting time. Results indicated that PCE in artificial pore solution will result in a higher yield stress with time. PCE with lower anionic charges and molecular weight can significantly increase the yield stress after 2 h of resting. The absolute value of the zeta potential grows to a certain degree after resting phase. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) results showed that the size of PCE molecules in ionic solutions increases over time, suggesting an enhanced depletion force or bridging force among glass bead particles, which could be the reasons for the increase in yield stress over time. Furthermore, the possible impacts of the depletion force or bridging force resulting from the PCE size change on the rheological properties of cement suspension are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Airborne pathogens, though a minor fraction of airborne particles, can cause infections, intoxications, or allergic reactions through respiration, dermal contact, or ingestion. The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has underscored the significance of mitigating airborne microbial threats. Traditional air ionization methods, such as dielectric barrier discharge and metal tip corona discharge, produce ozone, a reactive and potentially harmful byproduct. However, carbon-fiber ionizers (CFIs) generate high concentrations of ions with minimal ozone production, making them a safer alternative. Operating at voltages below 5 kV, CFIs are more efficient than their metallic counterparts. This review focuses on the antimicrobial efficacy of CFIs, which produce unipolar ions that can disrupt microbial membranes, leading to cell death. Compared to ultraviolet light sterilization, CFIs are cost-effective and suitable for small spaces. The literature review highlights the need for comprehensive studies to evaluate the real-world application and effectiveness of CFIs. Many existing studies are limited by small-scale testing and insufficient data reporting, complicating comparative analyses. Our work aims to provide a detailed perspective on CFIs, examining their impact on various microorganisms, ion efficacy, ionization outcomes, and ozone generation levels. By addressing these aspects, the review seeks to offer an updated understanding of CFIs’ antimicrobial capabilities and to identify limitations in current research, paving the way for more informed and effective air purification strategies.

The karst area has become a high-risk area for Cadmium (Cd) exposure. Interestingly, the high levels of Cd in soils do not result in an excessive bioaccumulation of Cd in rice. Carbonate rock dissolution ions (CRIs) could limit the accumulation and translocation of Cd in rice. CRIs can become a major bottleneck in the remediation and management of farmlands in karst areas. However, there is limited research on the effects of CRIs in soils on Cd accumulation in rice. The karst area of lime soil (LS) and the non-karst areas of yellow soil (YS) were collected, and an external Cd was added to conduct rice cultivation experiments. Cd and CRIs (Ca2+, Mg2+, CO32−/HCO3−, and OH−) in the rice–soil system were investigated from the grain-filling to maturity periods. The results showed that CRIs of LS were significantly higher than that of YS in different treatments. CRIs of LS were 2.05 mg·kg−1 for Ca2+, 0.90 mg·kg−1 for Mg2+, and 42.29 mg·kg−1 for CO32− in LS. CRIs could influence DTPA Cd, resulting in DTPA Cd of LS being lower than that of YS. DTPA Cd of YS was one to three times larger than that of YS. Cd content in different parts of rice in YS was higher than that of LS. Cd in rice grains of YS was one to six times larger than that of LS. The uptake of Cd from the soil during Filling III was critical in determining rice Cd accumulation. CRIs in the soil could affect Cd accumulation in rice. Ca2+ and Mg2+ had significant negative effects on Cd accumulation of rice at maturity and filling, respectively. CO32−/HCO3− and OH− had significant negative effects on DTPA Cd in soil.

The article examined the ways of using highly effective technologies for the development of whole-wheat flour bread. Ion-ozone cavitation technology is used, which allows time reduction for dough making and bread baking. The flour used in the experiment is of various kinds of low-quality wheat: non-class wheat, class III, class IV, and class V wheat . During the experiments, the amino acid composition of wheat was determined, which has a large impact on the quality of the test. To obtain a high-quality dough, wheat grains of various lower classes were treated with ion-ozone cavitation treatment. The treatment was carried out using a universal ion-ozone cavitation installation, producing both ozone and molecular ions from oxygen contained in atmospheric air and processed using overpressure of crops. The experiment result shows that the method of processing with ion-ozone cavitation technology allows the improvement of the rheological properties of the dough, the reduction of baking time by 2 times, and the improvement of the quality of bread from whole-ground low-quality soft wheat flour. The obtained bread products in comparison with the control sample had higher organoleptic indices; according to several physico-chemical and organoleptic indices, a sample of bread from whole-wheat wheat of class III appeared in a more favorable light.

En este artículo exploro un enfoque epistemológico de la filosofía de la música de Ficino que asume que la música es un prerrequisito para la actividad filosófica plena (entendida como la restitución del alma individual a la unidad divina). Esta actividad está ligada a la música a través del fenómeno de la inspiración divina. Vincularé los elementos epistemológicos de la filosofía de la música de Ficino con una teoría de la inspiración que se remonta al Ion de Platón. Ficino asume que la misma inspiración pertenece al poeta y al músico y que, lejos de ser un fenómeno cognitivo no controlado, es un factor de gran importancia en el pensamiento filosófico. Así, el trabajo se dividirá en las siguientes secciones: (a) la teoría de la inspiración divina presentada en el Ion de Platón; (b) los elementos que Ficino introdujo en esta teoría y que le permitieron desarrollar su propia teoría musical; (c) La epistemología de la inspiración de Ficino y el papel de la música en el movimiento filosófico hacia el principio divino.

Humic acid (HA) has been used as an important component in biostimulant formulations to enhance plant tolerance to salt stress, but the mechanisms underlying are not fully understood. This study was to investigate the physiological and molecular mechanisms of HA’s impact on salt stress tolerance in perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.). The two types of HA were extracted from weathered coal samples collected from Wutai County (WTH) and Jingle County (JLH) of Shanxi Province, China. The grass seedlings subjected to salt stress (250 mM NaCl) were treated with HA solutions containing 0.01% WTH (W/V) or 0.05% JLH (W/V), respectively. The HA treatments improved leaf photosynthetic rate (Pn), transpiration rate (Tr), and stomatal conductance (Gs) and reduced leaf oxidative injury (lower malondialdehyde content) and Pro and intercellular CO2 concentrations in salt-stressed perennial ryegrass. The HA treatments also reversed the decline in antioxidative enzymes ascorbate peroxidase (APX), catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and improved growth and anti-senescence hormones indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and brassinosteroid (BR). The HA treatments reduced the relative expression of P5CS and its downstream products proline (Pro) and the stress defense hormones abscisic acid (ABA), salicylic acid (SA), jasmonic acid (JA), and polyamines (PA). The results of this study indicate that the application of HAs may improve salt stress tolerance by regulating P5CS gene expression related to osmotic adjustment and increasing the activity of antioxidant enzymes and anti-senescence hormones in perennial ryegrass.

Petunia (Petunia × hybrida Hort. Vilm.-Andr.) is a well-suited plant for sustainable landscape issues in borderline areas with irrigation with saline water. Salicylic acid (SA) as a modulator performs an imperative function in modulating plant salt tolerance. However, there are a few reports on the effect of SA on petunia plants irrigated with saline water. During the 2022/2023 season, a factorial pot experiment in a randomized complete block design was carried out in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to assess the effect of SA concentration (0, 500, 1000, 2000 mgL−1) on petunia plant growth, flowering, ion content, chlorophyll level, and proline concentration under irrigation with salty water (230, 1500, 3000 mgL−1). Saline water up to 3000 mgL−1 dramatically reduced plant growth, chlorophyll, ions, and flowering attributes, while the contrary was observed in proline and sodium concentrations as compared to the control treatments (irrigation with tap water). Foliar spraying with 1000 mgL−1 SA considerably boosted plant growth and flowering as well as chlorophyll, proline, and ion content compared to untreated plants under such salinity levels. Alternatively, the application of 1000 mgL−1 to normal or salinized water significantly decreased the Na content in non-treated plants under such a salinity level. Accordingly, using 1000 mgL−1 of SA under salt stress conditions could be a useful technique to lessen the mutilation induced by the use of salinized water in the era of climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the theory of surface electronic states induced by a high-voltage field and considers applications of the theory of surface electrons (SEs) to electrohydrodynamic flows. Theoretical considerations are carried out within the framework of a one-electron quantum mechanical model. It is shown that SEs initiate the injection of negative charges from the cathode into a liquid dielectric containing an electron-acceptor impurity, for example, molecular iodine. The comparison of the theoretic and experimental data is satisfactory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mammalian cerebral cortex undergoes a strictly regulated developmental process. Detailed in situ visualizations, imaging of these dynamic processes, and in vivo functional gene studies significantly enhance our understanding of brain development and related disorders. This review introduces basic techniques and recent advancements in in vivo electroporation for investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying cerebral diseases. In utero electroporation (IUE) is extensively used to visualize and modify these processes, including the forced expression of pathological mutants in human diseases; thus, this method can be used to establish animal disease models. The advent of advanced techniques, such as genome editing, including de novo knockout, knock-in, epigenetic editing, and spatiotemporal gene regulation, has further expanded our list of investigative tools. These tools include the iON expression switch for the precise control of timing and copy numbers of exogenous genes and TEMPO for investigating the temporal effects of genes. We also introduce the iGONAD method, an improved genome editing via oviductal nucleic acid delivery approach, as a novel genome-editing technique that has accelerated brain development exploration. These advanced in vivo electroporation methods are expected to provide valuable insights into pathological conditions associated with human brain disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evaluate light transmittance (%T), color change (ΔE), degree of conversion (DC), bottom-to-top Knoop microhardness (KHN), flexural strength (BFS) and modulus (FM), water sorption/solubility (WS/SL) and calcium release of resin composites containing different dicalcium phosphate dihydrate (DCPD)-to-barium glass ratios (DCPD:BG) and DCPD particle sizes. Ten resin-based composites (50 vol% inorganic fraction) were prepared using BG (0.4 µm) and DCPD particles (12 µm, 3 µm or mixture) with DCPD:BG of 1:3, 1:1 or 3:1. A composite without DCPD was used as a control. DC, KHN, %T and ΔE were determined in 2-mm thick specimens. BFS and FM were determined after 24 h. WS/SL was determined after 7 d. Calcium release was determined by coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy. Data were analyzed by ANOVA/Tukey test (alpha: 0.05). %T was significantly reduced in composites with milled, compared to pristine DCPD (p < 0.001). ΔE > 3.3 were observed with DCPD:BG of 1:1 and 3:1 formulated with milled DCPD (p < 0.001). DC increased at 1:1 and 3:1 DCPD:BG (p < 0.001). All composites presented bottom-to-top KHN of at least 0.8. BFS was not affected by DCPD size but was strongly dependent on DCPD:BG (p < 0.001). Reductions in FM were observed with milled DCPD (p < 0.001). WS/SL increased with DCPD:BG (p < 0.001). At 3DCPD: 1BG, using small DCPD particles led to a 35 % increase in calcium release (p < 0.001). A trade-off between strength and Ca2+ release was observed. In spite of its low strength, the formulation containing 3 DCPD: 1 glass and milled DCPD particles is preferred due to its superior Ca2+ release. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Saline water is used in floriculture as an alternative to freshwater in arid regions such as Saudi Arabia (SA). However, salt stress considerably accelerates serious physio-biochemical changes associated with a decline in plant establishment. Recently, humic acid (HA) foliar spraying has induced plant stress tolerance in the era of climate change; however, its precise roles in the floriculture industry within saline conditions are not yet well documented. A factorial pot experiment throughout the 2022/2023 season was conducted in the Nursery of Sustainability and Environmental Developmental Department, King Saud University, Riyadh, SA, to evaluate the potential effects of HA (0, 500, 1000 and 2000 mg/L) on growth, flowering and some physiological characteristics of Ivy geranium (Pelargoniumpeltatum) plants irrigated with saline water (230 "control", 2000 and 4000 mg/L NaCl). Irrigation with saline water markedly inhibited plant growth, flowering attributes, the chlorophyll index, as well as macro and micro-nutrient levels, but increased the content of iron, sodium and proline in plant shoots relative to plants irrigated with non-salinized water. However, HA mainly at 1000 mg/L significantly improved plant growth, flowering capacity, nutrient status, proline accumulation and chlorophyll index under salinized or non-salinized irrigation water. Additionally, spraying of HA concentrations (500, 1000 and 2000 mg/L) under normal or salinity conditions significantly increased shoot sodium content relative to non-treated plants under such salinity levels. Our findings highlight the significance of HA concentrations (500, 1000 and 2000 mg/L) in improving the salt tolerance of Ivy geranium. Within the scarcity of irrigation water, it is recommended to irrigate Ivy geranium with saline water up to 4000 mg/L NaCl associated with spraying HA concentrations in special 1000 mg/L. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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