Search Results (1,972)

The European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) Reanalysis v5 (ERA5) datasets provide a rich source of climatological data. However, their Network Common Data Form (NetCDF) structure can be a barrier for researchers who are not experienced with specialized data tools or programming languages. To address this challenge, we developed ncPick, a lightweight, Windows-based application designed to make ERA5 data more accessible and easier to use. The software enables users to load NetCDF files, select points of interest manually or through shapefiles, and export the data directly to Comma-separated values (CSV) format for further processing in common tools such as Excel, R, or within ncPick itself. Additional modules allow for quick visualization, descriptive statistics, interpolation, and the generation of time-of-day heatmaps, as well as practical data handling functions such as merging and downsampling CSV files based on the time-axis. Validation tests confirmed that ncPick outputs are consistent with those from established tools (such as Panoply). The toolkit was found to be stable across different Windows systems and suitable for a range of datasets. While it has limitations with very large files and does not include automated data download for version 1 of the software, ncPick offers an accessible solution for researchers, students, and other professionals seeking a reliable and intuitive way to work with ERA5 NetCDF data. Full article

Background: The extracellular domain of the M2 protein (M2e) and the conserved region of the second subunit of the hemagglutinin (HA2, 76–130 а.а.) of the influenza A virus, could be used to develop broad-spectrum influenza vaccines. However, these antigens have low immunogenicity and require the use of special carriers to enhance it. Virus-like particles (VLPs) formed from viral capsid proteins are among the most effective carriers. Methods: In this work, we obtained and characterized VLPs based on capsid proteins (CPs) of single-stranded RNA bacteriophages Beihai32 and PQ465, simultaneously displaying M2e and HA2 peptides. Results: Fusion proteins expressed in Escherichia coli formed spherical VLPs of about 30 nm in size. Subcutaneous immunization of mice with chimeric VLPs elicited a robust humoral immune response against M2e and the whole influenza A virus, and promoted the formation of cytokine-secreting antigen-specific CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ effector memory T cells. Conclusions: VLPs based on CPs of phages Beihai32 and PQ465 carrying conserved peptides M2e and HA2 of the influenza A virus can be used for the development of universal influenza vaccines. Full article

The evolution of grain size and special grain boundary in Inconel 617 alloy was analyzed by electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD). It was found that during hot compression, dynamic recrystallization (DRX) occurs, the grain size changes, and a twinning structure is generated, which then affects grain growth. In this paper, the high-angle grain boundaries (HAGBs) and low-angle grain boundaries (LAGBs) under different conditions were studied, and the formation mechanism of special twin boundaries and the proportion of these grain boundaries under different conditions were analyzed. In addition, it was found that the variation in twin boundaries is complex at different temperatures and strain rates, and the formation mechanism of special twin boundaries Σ3, Σ9, and Σ27 is also closely related to temperature and strain rate. Through electrochemical corrosion testing, it was further found that there is a positive relationship between the content of Σ3 and the corrosion resistance of the material. This paper provides theoretical guidance for the microstructural study of Inconel 617 alloy during plastic deformation. Full article

Judging from the current global exploration trend, ultra-deep layers have become the main battlefield for energy exploration. China has made great progress in the ultra-deep field in recent decades, with the Tarim Basin and Sichuan Basin as the focus of exploration. The Sichuan Basin is a large superimposed gas-bearing basin that has experienced multiple tectonic movements and has developed multiple sets of reservoir–caprock combinations vertically. Notably, the multi-stage platform margin belt-type reservoirs of the Sinian–Lower Paleozoic exhibit inherited and superimposed development. Source rocks from the Qiongzhusi, Doushantuo, and Maidiping formations are located in close proximity to reservoirs, creating a complex hydrocarbon supply system, resulting in vertical and lateral migration paths. The structural faults connect the source and reservoir, and the source–reservoir–caprock combination is complete, with huge exploration potential. At the same time, the ultra-deep carbonate rock structure in the basin is weakly deformed, the ancient closures are well preserved, and the ancient oil reservoirs are cracked into gas reservoirs in situ, with little loss, which is conducive to the large-scale accumulation of natural gas. Since the Nvji well produced 18,500 cubic meters of gas per day in 1979, the study of ultra-deep layers in the Sichuan Basin has begun. Subsequently, further achievements have been made in the Guanji, Jiulongshan, Longgang, Shuangyushi, Wutan and Penglai gas fields. Since 2000, two trillion cubic meters of exploration areas have been discovered, with huge exploration potential, which is an important area for increasing production by trillion cubic meters in the future. Faced with the ultra-deep high-temperature and high-pressure geological environment and the complex geological conditions formed by multi-stage superimposed tectonic movements, how do we understand the special geological environment of ultra-deep layers? What geological processes have the generation, migration and enrichment of ultra-deep hydrocarbons experienced? What are the laws of distribution of ultra-deep oil and gas reservoirs? Based on the major achievements and important discoveries made in ultra-deep oil and gas exploration in recent years, this paper discusses the formation and enrichment status of ultra-deep oil and gas reservoirs in the Sichuan Basin from the perspective of basin structure, source rocks, reservoirs, caprocks, closures and preservation conditions, and provides support for the optimization of favorable exploration areas in the future. Full article

Background/Objectives: Portion size estimation is important for dietary assessment and nutrition research, but has remained understudied in Central Asia, a region characterized by red meat-rich diets and high rates of diet-related noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). Therefore, this study aimed to develop a digital visual food atlas for Central Asian cuisine that would provide high-quality images of commonly consumed foods and beverages, while special focus was given to meat dishes that were not present in previous atlases. Methods: Foods were selected based on the Central Asian Food Dataset (CAFD) and Central Asian Food Scenes Dataset (CAFSD) and photographed in three portion sizes: small, average, and large. There were nine broad categories: main dishes, soups, meat dishes, salads, snacks, side dishes, bakery and bread, desserts, and beverages. Similar settings were preserved for each photograph: the 60° angle, sufficient lighting, and food setup (including reference objects like utensils, a ruler, and a neatly folded napkin). Results: The final digital visual food atlas comprised 115 items (95 food series, 20 beverage guides), with 12 meat-based dishes, reflecting the central role of meat in regional diets. Each entry included portion weights and names in both English and local languages, improving cultural and linguistic relevance. The digital format with clear labeling ensured accessibility on web and mobile platforms. Conclusions: This was the first digital visual food atlas developed for Central Asia, providing standardized portion-size references. The atlas offered a practical tool for dietary assessment, with applications in nutrition research, mobile health technologies, artificial intelligence (AI)-driven portion estimation, and policy development. Full article

This paper presents provides a comprehensive survey of dwarf galaxies, which represent the most numerous and diverse systems in the Universe. We discuss their definitions and morphological classifications, emphasizing the unique properties that distinguish them from globular clusters and giant galaxies. Special attention is given to their formation and evolutionary processes in the framework of hierarchical structure formation and ΛCDM cosmology, including the role of environmental mechanisms and stellar feedback. Star formation histories are explored based on observations and simulations, highlighting both bursty and extended activity across different dwarf types. We further examine the crucial role of dark matter in shaping the dynamics and structure of dwarf galaxies, as well as the core–cusp and missing satellites problems. Finally, we summarize insights from numerical simulations and theoretical models, which provide a bridge between observations and cosmological predictions. This synthesis demonstrates that dwarf galaxies remain essential laboratories for testing galaxy formation theories and probing the nature of dark matter. Full article

Antioxidant activity is a normal physiological function that is essential for healthy living, and it is maintained by antioxidant dietary nutrients. However, increases in free radical production and oxidative toxicity in many clinical conditions can cause serious and sometimes irreversible damage. Despite many investigations, including hundreds of clinical trials suggesting that there are health benefits obtained from the use of natural antioxidants, no antioxidant drugs have yet been developed for the treatment of any disease associated with free radical pathology. Millions of people choose to use nutraceutical and natural product antioxidants as therapeutics and also for chemoprevention against cancer and other diseases. New academic efforts and strategies are required for the development of antioxidant drugs in clinical practice in the absence of interest by the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries. One of the most effective antioxidant therapeutic strategies is inhibition by chelators of iron involved in the catalytic formation of free radical reactions and their associated damage. Hundreds of phytochelators have been shown to inhibit oxidative damage, similar to the iron-chelating drugs deferiprone and deferoxamine. In particular, several nutraceuticals and natural products such as ascorbic acid, quercetin, curcumin, fisetin, lipoic acid, and maltol have been shown to have high antioxidant activity and iron-binding capacity, as well as other effects on iron metabolism, in pre-clinical studies and clinical trials involving different categories of patients. For example, ascorbic acid and maltol–iron complexes are sold as pharmaceutical products for the treatment of iron deficiency. The development of nutraceuticals as antioxidant drugs may involve one or more applications, such as short- or long-term treatments, single-drug or combination therapies, and also different targets, such as the prevention, treatment, or post-treatment of diseases associated with free radical pathology as well as ferroptosis. The academic efforts surrounding the developments of iron-chelating nutraceuticals or natural products into antioxidant pharmaceuticals should fulfill all of the regulatory requirements and include clinical tests of antioxidants in rare or untreatable diseases, as well as the involvement of government translational research institutions and expert groups that specialize in regulatory drug affairs, among others. Full article

The topic of the present study is the aerodynamic performance of a Natural Laminar Flow (NLF) wing for UAVs at low speed. The basis is a thoroughly tested NLF airfoil in the wind tunnel of NASA which is well-customized for light aircrafts. The aim of this work is the numerical verification that a typical wing design (tapered with moderate aspect ratio and wash-out), being constructed out of aerodynamically highly efficient NLF airfoils during cruise, can deliver high aerodynamic loading under minimal freestream turbulence as well as realistic atmospheric conditions of intermediate turbulence. Thus, high mission flexibility is achieved, e.g., short take off/landing capabilities on the deck of ship where moderate air turbulence is prevalent. Special attention is paid to the effect of the Wing Tip Vortex (WTV) under minimal inflow turbulence regimes. The flight conditions are take off or landing at moderate Reynolds number, i.e., one to two millions. The numerical simulation is based on an open source CFD code and parallel processing on a High Performance Computing (HPC) platform. The aim is the identification of both mean flow and turbulent structures around the wing and subsequently the formation of the wing tip vortex. Due to the purely three-dimensional character of the flow, the turbulence is resolved with advanced modeling, i.e., the Improved Delayed Detached Eddy Simulation (IDDES) which is well-customized to switch modes between Delayed Detached Eddy Simulation (DDES) and Wall-Modeled Large Eddy Simulation (WMLES), thus increasing the accuracy in the shear layer regions, the tip vortex and the wake, while at the same time keeping the computational cost at reasonable levels. IDDES also has the capability to resolve the transition of the boundary layer from laminar to turbulent, at least with engineering accuracy; thus, it serves as a high-fidelity turbulence model in this work. The study comprises an initial benchmarking of the code against wind tunnel measurements of the airfoil and verifies the adequacy of mesh density that is used for the simulation around the wing. Subsequently, the wing is positioned at near-stall conditions so that the aerodynamic loading, the kinematics of the flow and the turbulence regime in the wing vicinity, the wake and far downstream can be estimated. In terms of the kinematics of the WTV, a thorough examination is attempted which comprises its inception, i.e., the detachment of the boundary layer on the cut-off wing tip, the roll-up of the shear layer to form the wake and the motion of the wake downstream. Moreover, the effect of inflow turbulence of moderate intensity is investigated that verifies the bibliography with regard to the performance degradation of static airfoils in a turbulent atmospheric regime. Full article

Structured CBN (cubic boron nitride) grinding wheels usually have a specially designed texture on their surface to reduce the grinding heat and grinding force. However, most structured grinding wheels are fabricated by electroplating, brazing, sintering, and mechanical or laser removal on the surface of conventional grinding wheels, which may have problems such as complicated processes, low processing efficiency, and unstable effects. In this paper, additive manufacturing was used to fabricate a radial straight groove-structured grinding wheel. Meanwhile, a corresponding mathematical model of the grinding wheel was also established considering the shape and position of the abrasive grains. Subsequently, the ground surface morphologies of the fabricated wheel and simulated wheel under different machining parameter conditions were compared to further prove the rationality of the simulated grinding wheel. The results showed that the ground surfaces of the fabricated wheel and simulated wheel had similar morphological characteristics. The trend in the surface roughness under the different machining parameter conditions was also analyzed and showed the same variation for fabricated and simulated wheels; the error rate was confined within 8%. This paper elucidates the grinding mechanism and surface morphology formation process of a radial straight groove-structured grinding wheel fabricated by additive manufacturing. Full article

In recent years, natural polymers have gained significant attention due to their abundance, biodegradability and versatility, offering a promising alternative to conventional synthetic polymers. Among natural polymers, cellulose and hemicellulose hold a special place, being the most abundant plant polysaccharides in nature, which serve as key structural materials in the synthesis of hydrogels. Cellulose has attracted significant attention in the development of hydrogels due to the fact that it confers desirable mechanical properties, high water absorption and biocompatibility. Hemicellulose, although with a more amorphous structure than cellulose, contains various functional groups that facilitate its chemical modification. With an environmentally friendly nature and low cost, these polysaccharides have gained major interest and are highly appreciated by both the academic and industrial communities. This review comprehensively presents recent advances in the design and development of hydrogels made from renewable biopolymers—cellulose and hemicellulose—providing an in-depth exploration of the information recorded over the past five years. The latest strategies for the synthesis of hydrogels, their formation mechanisms and their most important properties are analyzed and summarized in detail from the perspective of physical and chemical crosslinking. A comparative analysis is performed between these hydrogels, highlighting not only the advantages and disadvantages of each type of hydrogel but also the main challenges associated with the balance between mechanical strength, swelling capacity, biodegradability and cost-effectiveness. Finally, the advanced biomedical applications of these hydrogels in areas such as drug delivery, wound dressings and tissue engineering are presented in detail. Full article

Background: Clonazepam is a benzodiazepine drug indicated in all clinical forms of epileptic seizures, various forms of myoclonic seizures, myoclonus and other abnormal movements. At present, it is classified as a hazardous drug requiring special precautions for personnel at reproductive risk, according to a technical document produced by the Spanish National Institute for Safety and Health at Work (INSST), in collaboration with the Spanish Society of Hospital Pharmacy (SEFH). The commercial solutions of clonazepam, for oral and parenteral administration, are supplied by laboratories in glass containers. Repacking in pre-filled polypropylene (PP) syringes, made in the pharmacy service, and in aseptic conditions, may facilitate its administration and reduce the risks to the health or safety of nursing personnel. Nevertheless, there is a lack of stability studies of clonazepam in pre-filled PP syringes. Objectives: To evaluate the physicochemical stability of commercial clonazepam 2.5 mg/mL oral solution and 1 mg/mL parenteral solution repackaged in pre-filled PP syringes under various storage conditions. Methods: A rapid, linear, precise and sensitive high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method for chemical stability studies of Clonazepam 1 mg/mL (parenteral use) and 2.5 mg/mL (oral use) in solution was implemented after repackaging in pre-filled PP syringes. The studies were conducted by measuring concentrations of oral and parenteral clonazepam in pre-filled syringes, at various time points, over 30 days in several different storage conditions: oral clonazepam protected from light in refrigerator and at controlled room temperature exposed to ambient light; parenteral clonazepam protected from light in a refrigerator and at controlled room temperature protected or unprotected from light. Visual aspects and pH change as well as crystal formation were checked to determine physical stability. Results: The degradation of the active ingredient in all groups was less than 10% after 30 days. No evidence of crystal formation, pH and visual aspect changes were observed. Conclusions: Clonazepam 1 mg/mL parenteral solution and 2.5 mg/mL oral solution in pre-filled PP syringes are stable for up to 30 days in the tested conditions. The centralized repackaging of clonazepam in pre-filled PP syringes, connected to a closed safety system, in the pharmacy service, reduces drug manipulation by nursing staff decreasing the risk of occupational exposure. Full article

Due to the rising atmospheric carbon dioxide levels driven by human activity, extensive scientific efforts have been dedicated to developing methods aimed at reducing its concentration in the atmosphere. A novel approach involves using hydrates as a long-lasting reservoir of CO₂ sequestration. This review provides an initial overview of hydrate characteristics, their formation mechanisms, and the experimental techniques commonly employed for their characterization, including X-ray, Raman spectroscopy, cryoSEM, DSC, and molecular dynamic simulation. One of the main challenges in CO₂ sequestration via hydrates is the requirement of high pressures and low temperatures to stabilize CO₂ molecules within the hydrate crystalline cavities. However, deviations from classical temperature-pressure phase diagrams observed in natural and engineered environments can be explained by considering that hydrate stability and formation are primarily governed by chemical potentials, not just temperature and pressure. Activity, which reflects concentration and non-ideal interactions, greatly influences chemical potentials, emphasizing the importance of solution composition, salinity, and additives. In this context the role of promoters and inhibitors in facilitating or hindering hydrate formation is discussed. Furthermore, the review presents an overview of the impact of marine sediments and naturally occurring compounds on CO₂ hydrate formation, along with the sampling methodologies used in sediments to determine the composition of these natural compounds. Special attention is given to the effect and chemical characterization of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in marine aquatic environments. The focus is placed on the key roles of various natural occurring molecules, such as amino acids, protein derivatives, and humic substances, along with the analytical techniques employed for their chemical characterization, highlighting their central importance in the CO₂ gas hydrates formation. Full article

Cordyceps militaris (C. militaris) is a medicinal fungus renowned for its diverse therapeutic properties, largely attributed to bioactive compounds such as cordycepin, polysaccharides, adenosine, D-mannitol, carotenoids, and ergosterol. However, the production and composition of these metabolites are highly influenced by cultivation conditions, highlighting the need for systematic optimization strategies. This review synthesizes current findings on how nutritional factors—including carbon and nitrogen sources, their ratios, and trace elements—and environmental parameters such as oxygen availability, pH, temperature, and light regulate C. militaris metabolite biosynthesis. The impacts of solid-state fermentation (using grains, insects, and agro-industrial residues) and liquid state fermentation (submerged and surface cultures) are compared, with attention to their roles in mycelial growth, fruiting body formation, and secondary metabolite production. Special emphasis is placed on mixed grain–insect substrates and light regulation, which have emerged as promising methods to enhance cordycepin accumulation. Beyond summarizing advances, this review also identifies key knowledge gaps that must be addressed: (i) the incomplete understanding of metabolite regulatory networks, (ii) the absence of standardized cultivation protocols, and (iii) unresolved challenges in scale-up, including oxygen transfer, foam control, and downstream processing. We propose that future research should integrate multi-omics approaches with bioprocess engineering to overcome these limitations. Collectively, this review highlights both current progress and remaining challenges, providing a roadmap for advancing the sustainable, scalable, and application-driven production of bioactive compounds from C. militaris. Full article

The vein of Galen malformations (VoGMs) is mainly correlated with the retention of an embryonic pattern of vascularity, inducer of vein of Galen dilation, and formation of arteriovenous communications that give rise to the risk of systemic shunting, causing cardiac dysfunction, vascular steal, and venous hypertension. This is a rare cerebral vascular malformation in the newborn, accounting for 1% of all cerebral arteriovenous malformations and occurring in approximately 1 in 25,000–50,000 live births. We review nine cases of newborns diagnosed with vein of Galen malformations (VoGMs) to assess whether this pathology demonstrates a marked improvement over the past 13 years in diagnostic accuracy, treatment approaches, and patient survival rates within our clinic. Medical treatment was focused on providing inotropic support and tightly controlled peripheral and pulmonary vasodilation with the aim of overriding the effects of high output heart failure. Most of the patients underwent liver failure and flow-mediated pulmonary hypertension, while half of the newborns expressed anomalies of the nervous system due to impaired cerebral hemodynamics. Given the unavailability of endovascular treatment in our unit, which predisposes the newborns to a higher vital risk, we recognize the importance of delivering tailored intensive care aimed at maintaining cardiorespiratory and hemodynamic stability until a curative intervention can be performed in a specialized center. Full article

Biomass combustion for the production of electricity and heat remains one of the most widespread renewable energy technologies. Biomass is commonly utilized in fluidized bed combustion systems. Over the years, numerous issues related to the preparation and combustion of biomass in fluidized beds have been identified, including fouling and slagging, which involve the formation of deposits. These phenomena can be mitigated through various methods, including design modifications to boilers, the application of additives, and the careful selection and classification of fuel. Several fuel indices have been proposed to predict the behavior of fuels in terms of their tendency to cause fouling and slagging. Most of these indices were developed for fossil fuels, and the discrepancies between them suggest that although these indices are widely applied, their applicability to agricultural residues, such as straw, remains uncertain. Researchers working in this field emphasize the need for further research, particularly focusing on the comparison of developed indices with the results of biomass combustion at both laboratory and industrial scales. In this study, ten assortments of straw sourced from Poland were selected, and chemical composition analyses were conducted to determine selected fuel indices. The analyzed straw samples were then combusted in a 100 kWₜₕ laboratory-scale circulating fluidized bed unit. Using a specialized austenitic steel probe, the growth rate of the deposit was measured. The collected deposit masses for each straw type were then compared with the calculated fuel indices. The best correlation between the interpretation of the index values and the deposit mass on the probe was observed for the Rs index. However, due to the low sulfur content of straw, Rs numerical interpretation was not adequate. Overall, the indices indicating both good correlation coefficients and an appropriate numerical interpretation for fouling tendency were B/A, Fu, and Cl. Full article