bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative evaluation of the STANDARD M10 and Xpert
C
.
difficile
assays for detection of toxigenic
Clostridioides difficile
in stool specimens
Authors: Lee Hyun-Woo , Yu Hui-Jin , Kim Heejung , Yun Sun Ae , Suh Eunsang , Kang Minhee , Kim Tae Yeul , Huh Hee Jae , Lee Nam Yong
Published: June 2024

This study compared the performance of two commercial molecular assays, the STANDARD M10
Clostridioides difficile
assay (M10) and the Xpert
C. difficile
assay (Xpert), for detecting toxigenic
C. difficile
in stool specimens. A total of 487 consecutive stool specimens submitted for routine
C. difficile
testing between June and November 2023 were included. Following routine testing using C. DIFF QUIK CHEK COMPLETE (QCC), M10 and Xpert were tested in parallel, alongside toxigenic culture (reference standard). Additionally, two-step algorithms, using QCC on the first step and either M10 or Xpert on the second step, were assessed. Both M10 and Xpert demonstrated a sensitivity and negative predictive value (NPV) of 100%. M10 exhibited significantly higher specificity and positive predictive value (PPV; 91.9% and 64.2%, respectively) than Xpert (90.3% and 59.8%, respectively). Both two-step algorithms showed a sensitivity and NPV of 98.4% and 99.8%, respectively. The specificity and PPV of the two-step algorithm using M10 (95.2% and 75.0%, respectively) were slightly higher than those of the one using Xpert (94.8% and 73.2%, respectively), without statistical significance. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, assessing the predictive ability of cycle threshold (Ct) values for the detection of free toxin, exhibited an area under the curve of 0.825 for M10 and 0.843 for Xpert. This indicates the utility of Ct values as predictors for the detection of free toxin in both assays. In conclusion, M10 proves to be an effective diagnostic tool with performance comparable to Xpert, whether utilized independently or as part of a two-step algorithm.
Complete genome sequencing of
Agrobacterium leguminum
strain EL101 isolated from
Khaya senegalensis
tree bark using nanopore technology
Authors: Toh Wai Keat , Gan Han Ming , Wong Hann Ling
Published: June 2024

We report the complete genome sequence of
Agrobacterium leguminum
strain EL101, isolated from the tree bark of
Khaya senegalensis
in Kampar, Perak, Malaysia, obtained using Q20+ Nanopore Sequencing chemistry. The assembled genome has a total length of 5,324,685 bp, comprising a circular chromosome, a linear chromid, and two non-Ti circular plasmids.
Identification of the global regulatory roles of RraA via the integrative transcriptome and proteome in
Vibrio alginolyticus
Authors: Chen Huizhen , Gao Qian , Liu Bing , Zhang Ying , Fang Jianxiang , Wang Songbiao , Chen Youqi , Chen Chang
Published: June 2024

Bacterial ribonuclease E (RNase E) is vital for posttranscriptional regulation by degrading and processing RNA. The RraA protein inhibits RNase E activity through protein-protein interactions, exerting a global regulatory effect on gene expression. However, the specific role of RraA remains unclear. In this study, we investigated
rraA
expression in
Vibrio alginolyticus
ZJ-T and identified three promoters responsible for its expression, resulting in transcripts with varying 5′-UTR lengths. During the stationary phase,
rraA
was significantly posttranscriptionally inhibited. Deletion of
rraA
had no impact on bacterial growth in rich medium Luria-Bertani broth with salt (LBS) but resulted in decreased biofilm formation and increased resistance to polymyxin B. Transcriptome analysis revealed 350 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the wild type and the
rraA
mutant, while proteome analysis identified 267 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs). Integrative analysis identified 55 genes common to both DEGs and DEPs, suggesting that RraA primarily affects gene expression at the posttranscriptional level. KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) analysis demonstrated that RraA facilitates the conversion of fatty acids, propionic acid, and branched-chain amino acids to acetyl-CoA while enhancing amino acid and peptide uptake. Notably, RraA positively regulates the expression of virulence-associated genes, including those involved in biofilm formation and the type VI secretion system. This study expands the understanding of the regulatory network of RraA through transcriptome analysis, emphasizing the importance of proteomic analysis in investigating posttranscriptional regulation.

IMPORTANCE

RraA is an inhibitor protein of ribonuclease E that interacts with and suppresses its endonucleolytic activity, thereby playing a widespread regulatory role in the degradation and maturation of diverse mRNAs and noncoding small RNAs. However, the physiological functions and associated regulon of RraA in
Vibrio alginolyticus
have not been fully elucidated. Here, we report that RraA impacts virulence-associated physiological processes, namely, antibiotic resistance and biofilm formation, in
V. alginolyticus
. By conducting an integrative analysis of both the transcriptome and proteome, we revealed the involvement of RraA in carbon metabolism, amino acid catabolism, and transport, as well as in the type VI secretion system. Collectively, these findings elucidate the regulatory influence of RraA on multiple pathways associated with metabolism and pathogenesis in
V. alginolyticus
.
Phase variable colony variants are conserved across
Gardnerella
spp. and exhibit different virulence-associated phenotypes
Authors: Garcia Erin M. , Klimowicz Amy K. , Edupuganti Laahirie , Topf Madeline A. , Bhide Shraddha R. , Slusser Dawson J. , Leib Samantha M. , Coddington Cayden L. , Matveyev Andrey , Buck Gregory A. , Jefferson Kimberly K. , Pepperell Caitlin S. , Dillard Joseph P.
Published: June 2024

The
Gardnerella
genus, comprising at least 13 species, is associated with the polymicrobial disorder bacterial vaginosis (BV). However, the details of BV pathogenesis are poorly defined, and the contributions made by individual species, including
Gardnerella
spp., are largely unknown. We report here that colony phenotypes characterized by size (large and small) and opacity (opaque and translucent) are phase variable and are conserved among all tested
Gardnerella
strains, representing at least 10 different species. With the hypothesis that these different variants could be an important missing piece to the enigma of how BV develops
in vivo
, we characterized their phenotypic, proteomic, and genomic differences. Beyond increased colony size, large colony variants showed reduced vaginolysin secretion and faster growth rate relative to small colony variants. The ability to inhibit the growth of
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
and commensal
Lactobacillus
species varied by strain and, in some instances, differed between variants. Proteomics analyses indicated that 127–173 proteins were differentially expressed between variants. Proteins with increased expression in large variants of both strains were associated with amino acid and protein synthesis and protein folding, whereas those increased in small variants were related to nucleotide synthesis, phosphate transport, ABC transport, and glycogen breakdown. Furthermore, whole genome sequencing analyses revealed an abundance of genes associated with variable homopolymer tracts, implicating slipped strand mispairing in
Gardnerella
phase variation and illuminating the potential for previously unrecognized heterogeneity within clonal populations. Collectively, these results suggest that phase variants may be primed to serve different roles in BV pathogenesis.

IMPORTANCE

Bacterial vaginosis is the most common gynecological disorder in women of childbearing age.
Gardnerella
species are crucial to the development of this dysbiosis, but the mechanisms involved in the infection are not understood. We discovered that
Gardnerella
species vary between two different forms, reflected in bacterial colony size. A slow-growing form makes large amounts of the toxin vaginolysin and is better able to survive in human cervix tissue. A fast-growing form is likely the one that proliferates to high numbers just prior to symptom onset and forms the biofilm that serves as a scaffold for multiple BV-associated anaerobic bacteria. Identification of the proteins that vary between different forms of the bacteria as well as those that vary randomly provides insight into the factors important for
Gardnerella
infection and immune avoidance.
Comparison of the full-length sequence and sub-regions of 16S rRNA gene for skin microbiome profiling
Authors: Zhang Han , Wang Xiang , Chen Anqi , Li Shilin , Tao Ruiyang , Chen Kaiqin , Huang Ping , Li Liliang , Huang Jiang , Li Chengtao , Zhang Suhua
Published: June 2024

The skin microbiome plays a pivotal role in human health by providing protective and functional benefits. Furthermore, its inherent stability and individual specificity present novel forensic applications. These aspects have sparked considerable research enthusiasm among scholars across various fields. However, the selection of specific 16S rRNA hypervariable regions for skin microbiome studies is not standardized and should be validated through extensive research tailored to different research objectives and targeted bacterial taxa. Notably, third-generation sequencing (TGS) technology leverages the full discriminatory power of the 16S gene and enables more detailed and accurate microbial community analyses. Here, we conducted full-length 16S sequencing of 141 skin microbiota samples from multiple human anatomical sites using the PacBio platform. Based on this data, we generated derived 16S sub-region data through an
in silico
experiment. Comparisons between the 16S full-length and the derived variable region data revealed that the former can provide superior taxonomic resolution. However, even with full 16S gene sequencing, limitations arise in achieving 100% taxonomic resolution at the species level for skin samples. Additionally, the capability to resolve high-abundance bacteria (TOP30) at the genus level remains generally consistent across different 16S variable regions. Furthermore, the V1-V3 region offers a resolution comparable with that of full-length 16S sequences, in comparison to other hypervariable regions studied. In summary, while acknowledging the benefits of full-length 16S gene analysis, we propose the targeting of specific sub-regions as a practical choice for skin microbial research, especially when balancing the accuracy of taxonomic classification with limited sequencing resources, such as the availability of only short-read sequencing or insufficient DNA.

IMPORTANCE

Skin acts as the primary barrier to human health. Considering the different microenvironments, microbial research should be conducted separately for different skin regions. Third-generation sequencing (TGS) technology can make full use of the discriminatory power of the full-length 16S gene. However, 16S sub-regions are widely used, particularly when faced with limited sequencing resources including the availability of only short-read sequencing and insufficient DNA. Comparing the 16S full-length and the derived variable region data from five different human skin sites, we confirmed the superiority of the V1-V3 region in skin microbiota analysis. We propose the targeting of specific sub-regions as a practical choice for microbial research.
Extremely halophilic brine community manipulation shows higher robustness of microbiomes inhabiting human-driven solar saltern than naturally driven lake
Authors: Liébana Raquel , Viver Tomeu , Ramos-Barbero María Dolores , Bustos-Caparros Esteban , Urdiain Mercedes , López Cristina , Amoozegar Mohammad Ali , Antón Josefa , Rossello-Mora Ramon
Published: June 2024

Hypersaline ecosystems display taxonomically similar assemblages with low diversities and highly dense accompanying viromes. The ecological implications of viral infection on natural microbial populations remain poorly understood, especially at finer scales of diversity. Here, we sought to investigate the influence of changes in environmental physicochemical conditions and viral predation pressure by autochthonous and allochthonous viruses on host dynamics. For this purpose, we transplanted two microbiomes coming from distant hypersaline systems (solar salterns of Es Trenc in Spain and the thalassohaline lake of Aran-Bidgol lake in Iran), by exchanging the cellular fractions with the sterile-filtered accompanying brines with and without the free extracellular virus fraction. The midterm exposure (1 month) of the microbiomes to the new conditions showed that at the supraspecific taxonomic range, the assemblies from the solar saltern brine more strongly resisted the environmental changes and viral predation than that of the lake. The metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) analysis revealed an intraspecific transition at the ecotype level, mainly driven by changes in viral predation pressure, by both autochthonous and allochthonous viruses.

IMPORTANCE

Viruses greatly influence succession and diversification of their hosts, yet the effects of viral infection on the ecological dynamics of natural microbial populations remain poorly understood, especially at finer scales of diversity. By manipulating the viral predation pressure by autochthonous and allochthonous viruses, we uncovered potential phage–host interaction, and their important role in structuring the prokaryote community at an ecotype level.
Supplemental Material: Peri-Gondwanan sediment in the Arkoma Basin derived from the north: The detrital zircon record of a uniquely concentrated non-Laurentian source signal in the late Paleozoic
Authors: Smith Tyson M. , al. et
Published: June 2024

Data and metadata for new analyses, detrital zircon source modeling results, and auxiliary data to figures and analyses discussed in the paper. 
Ulcerative colitis: a diagnostic odyssey through cutaneous polyarteritis nodosa and granulomatous hepatitis
Authors: Soni Jinal , Khosla Pooja , Taneja Vinus , Rao Seema
Published: June 2024

Ulcerative colitis (UC), a chronic inflammatory bowel disease, can cause extraintestinal manifestations (EIMs) in approximately 40% of individuals. This case report discusses the diagnostic procedure of a woman in her 20s who initially had non-specific symptoms. The patient underwent a thorough evaluation, which initially pointed towards tuberculosis (TB) due to necrotic lymphadenopathy and granulomatous hepatitis. However, no microbiological evidence of TB was found, and her symptoms worsened despite antitubercular therapy. The patient developed painful nodular-ulcerative skin lesions consistent with cutaneous polyarteritis nodosa (cPAN) on biopsy. Eventually, a definitive diagnosis of UC was made, revealing the true nature of her multisystemic manifestations. Cutaneous vasculitis, including leucocytoclastic vasculitis and cPAN, is a rare EIM of UC, with only five reported cases in the literature. This case report highlights the clinical implications of EIMs and contributes to the expanding knowledge of rare EIMs such as cPAN and granulomatous hepatitis.
Tumor cell-released autophagosomes (TRAPs) induce PD-L1-decorated NETs that suppress T-cell function to promote breast cancer pulmonary metastasis
Authors: Zhou Xiaohe , Wu Chengdong , Wang Xuru , Pan Ning , Sun Xiaotong , Chen Bohao , Zheng Shiya , Wei Yiting , Chen Jing , Wu Yuyang , Zhu Fengjiao , Chen Jinpeng , Chen Huabiao , Wang Li-xin
Published: June 2024

Background

Lung metastasis is the primary cause of breast cancer-related mortality. Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are involved in the progression of breast cancer. However, the mechanism of NET formation is not fully understood. This study posits that tumor cell-released autophagosomes (TRAPs) play a crucial role in this process.

Methods

TRAPs were isolated from breast cancer cell lines to analyze their impact on NET formation in both human and mouse neutrophils. The study used both in vitro and in vivo models, including Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4−/−) mice and engineered breast cancer cell lines. Immunofluorescence, ELISA, Western blotting, RNA sequencing, and flow cytometry were employed to dissect the signaling pathways leading to NET production and to explore their immunosuppressive effects, particularly focusing on the impact of NETs on T-cell function. The therapeutic potential of targeting TRAP-induced NETs and their immunosuppressive functions was evaluated using DNase I and αPD-L1 antibodies. Clinical relevance was assessed by correlating circulating levels of TRAPs and NETs with lung metastasis in patients with breast cancer.

Results

This study showed that TRAPs induced the formation of NETs in both human and mouse neutrophils by using the high mobility group box 1 and activating the TLR4-Myd88-ERK/p38 signaling axis. More importantly, PD-L1 carried by TRAP-induced NETs inhibited T-cell function in vitro and in vivo, thereby contributing to the formation of lung premetastatic niche (PMN) immunosuppression. In contrast,Becn1KD-4T1 breast tumors with decreased circulating TRAPs in vivo reduced the formation of NETs, which in turn attenuated the immunosuppressive effects in PMN and resulted in a reduction of breast cancer pulmonary metastasis in murine models. Moreover, treatment with αPD-L1 in combination with DNase I that degraded NETs restored T-cell function and significantly reduced tumor metastasis. TRAP levels in the peripheral blood positively correlated with NET levels and lung metastasis in patients with breast cancer.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate a novel role of TRAPs in the formation of PD-L1-decorated NETs, which may provide a new strategy for early detection and treatment of pulmonary metastasis in patients with breast cancer.
Constraints on quasinormal modes from black hole shadows in regular non-minimal Einstein Yang–Mills gravity
Authors: Gogoi Dhruba Jyoti , Ponglertsakul Supakchai
Published: June 2024

This work deals with scalar quasinormal modes using the higher-order WKB method and black hole shadow in non-minimal Einstein–Yang–Mills theory. To validate the results of quasinormal modes, time domain profiles are also investigated. We find that with an increase in the magnetic charge of the black hole, the ringdown gravitational wave increases non-linearly and the damping rate decreases non-linearly. The presence of a magnetic charge also results in a non-linear decrease in the black hole shadow. For large values of the coupling parameter, the black hole becomes a soliton solution and the corresponding ringdown gravitational wave frequency increases slowly with a decrease in the damping rate. For the soliton solutions, the shadow is also smaller. The constraints on the model parameters calculated using shadow observations of M87* and Sgr A* and an approximate analytical relation between quasinormal modes and shadows at the eikonal limit are discussed.
Quantum entanglement and classical correlation have the same form
Authors: Annila Arto , Wikström Mårten
Published: June 2024

In agreement with the data, the quantum correlation between spins violates Bell’s inequality by following a cosine curve when one analyzer is rotated relative to the other. In contrast, the linear correlation attributed to hidden variables has never been observed. Besides these well-established facts, we show here that classical covariance, Pearson correlation, between spins projected as up or down on the analyzer axes also follows the cosine form hitherto uniquely ascribed to the quantum mechanical expectation value. The common cause for the classical correlation is the conservation of intrinsic angular momentum that aligns the two spins antiparallel at the breakup. Thus, as long as the spins retain their orientations relative to each other, the measurement of one spin in a chosen frame of reference also discloses the opposite orientation of the other in that frame. Realizing that classical correlation has the same functional form as quantum entanglement sheds light on the foundations of modern physics and quantum computing.
Hopf and Zero-Hopf Bifurcation Analysis for a Chaotic System
Authors: Husien Ahmad Muhamad , Amen Azad Ibrahim
Published: June 2024

In this paper, we investigate a quadratic chaotic system modeling self-excited and hidden attractors which is described by a system of three nonlinear ordinary differential equations with three real parameters. The primary goal is to establish the existence of two limit cycles that bifurcate based on the system’s nature as an electronic circuits model, specifically via Hopf bifurcation. Notably, the application of the first and second Lyapunov coefficients is utilized to demonstrate the bifurcation of two limit cycles from an equilibrium point near a Hopf critical point. Furthermore, employing the first-order averaging theory enables us to confirm the presence of unstable periodic orbits originating from the zero-Hopf equilibrium.
Quiver varieties and framed sheaves on compactified Kleinian singularities
Authors: Gammelgaard Søren
Published: June 2024

Consider a Kleinian singularity [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is a finite subgroup of SL2([Formula: see text]). In this paper, we introduce a natural stack compactifying the singularity by adding a smooth stacky divisor, and we show that sets of framed sheaves on this stack satisfying certain additional criteria are closely related to a class of Nakajima quiver varieties. This partially extends our previous work on punctual Hilbert schemes of Kleinian singularities.
Analytical buckling analysis of bidirectional functionally graded nonlocal nanobeams
Authors: Nazmul I. M. , Devnath Indronil
Published: June 2024

This research paper aims to present closed-form analytical equations that predict the buckling behavior of bidirectional functionally graded (BDFG) nanobeams characterized by varying the material properties along axial and thickness directions. The small-scale effects inherent in nanobeams are captured by Eringen’s nonlocal elasticity theory, and the displacement field of the nanobeam is assumed by the Euler–Bernoulli beam theory. The governing equations of motion are derived by applying Hamilton’s principle and variational formulation. Analytical solutions to the governing equations are obtained by using the Mellin transform. Analytical expressions are derived as stability criteria for four distinct boundary conditions of BDFG nonlocal nanobeams. A comprehensive investigation is conducted into the effects of material constants in axial and thickness directions. To validate the proposed analytical method, critical buckling loads obtained from the presented stability criteria equations are compared with pertinent results in existing literature computed through various numerical schemes. The study reveals that variations in the material’s thickness parameter have a consistent stiffening impact on the critical buckling load across all boundary conditions and buckling modes, with an optimal magnitude closer to unity for optimal buckling stiffness. Additionally, changes in the material’s axial parameter enhance the nanobeam’s buckling stiffness, exhibiting varying increase rates across boundary conditions and buckling modes.
Empirical Architecture Comparison of Two-input Machine Learning Systems for Vision Tasks
Authors: Wakigami Kazuya , Machida Fumio , Phung-Duc Tuan
Published: June 2024

As machine learning models have been deployed in many vision systems, including autonomous vehicles and robots, designing architectures for machine learning systems (MLSs) has emerged as a critical concern. Previous studies have shown that enhancing the reliability of MLS outputs can be achieved by comparing multiple inference results on distinct inputs. Nevertheless, the architectures facilitating multiple inferences incur non-negligible performance overhead and energy consumption that have been less investigated. This article delves into the trade-offs among reliability, performance, and energy efficiency of architectures for two-input MLSs through real experiments conducted on image classification and object detection tasks. Specifically, we scrutinize the comparison between parallel- and shared-type architectures of two-input MLSs for vision tasks. The experiments confirm that the shared-type architecture can achieve a shorter response time and smaller energy consumption by using a shared machine learning module for both image classification and object detection tasks. However, the parallel-type architecture can benefit the redundant machine learning modules for improving throughput and fault tolerance. Our empirical results also show the service time distributions of image classification and object detection tasks fit well with a log-normal distribution and a mixture of the Gaussian model, respectively.
Re-Identification Attacks against the Topics API
Authors: Jha Nikhil , Trevisan Martino , Leonardi Emilio , Mellia Marco
Published: June 2024

Recently, Google proposed the Topics API framework as a privacy-friendly alternative for behavioural advertising as a possible solution to balance user’s privacy and advertisement effectiveness. Using the Topics API, the browser builds a user profile based on navigation history, which advertisers can access. The Topics API aim at becoming the new standard for behavioural advertising, thus it is necessary to fully understand its operation and find possible limitations. In this article, we evaluate the robustness of the Topics API to a re-identification attack. To build a user profile, we suppose an attacker accumulates over time the topics a user exposes to different websites. The attacker later re-identifies the same user matching the profiles of their audience. We leverage real traffic traces and realistic population models, and we present increasingly powerful attack threats. We find that the Topics API mitigates but cannot prevent re-identification from taking place, as there is a sizeable chance that a user’s profile remains unique within a website’s audience and the attacker successfully matches it with the profile of the same user on a second website. Depending on environmental factors, the probability of correct re-identification can reach 50%, considering a pool of 1,000 users. We offer the code and data we use in this work to stimulate further studies and the tuning of the Topic API parameters.

1
Hydrogen Permeation in PFSA Membranes with Different Side Chains and ePTFE Fiber Fraction
Authors: Yandrasits Michael A. , Condon Jeremy , Steinbach Andrew J. , Novy Melissa , Patel Kirit
Published: June 2024

Hydrogen permeation was measured at 80 °C and four humidities for a series of membranes fabricated from the three most common perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSA) ionomers. In addition, membranes were made with different thicknesses and types of expanded PTFE (ePTFE) reinforcements. A picture has emerged where the permeation constant is lowest for the shortest side chain and decreases with decreasing ion exchange capacity (IEC). A relationship quantifying the impact of ePTFE on reducing hydrogen permeation was developed showing lower cross over with higher fiber content. For both the IEC study and the reinforcement study, the permeability is trending towards the published value for pure poly(tetrafluoroethylene) when the ionomer CF2 content or fiber fraction of the membrane increases. In all cases, the hydrogen permeation was greatest at the highest humidities.
Numerical Analysis of Stainless Steel of Crevice Corrosion Initiation Behavior with Varying External Potentials and Initial Crevice Gaps
Authors: Nagaoka Akira , Yakuwa Hiroshi , Yamamoto Ryotaro , Amaya Kenji
Published: June 2024

The potential, current density, pH, and crevice profile distribution within the crevice structure of stainless steel in seawater were numerically analyzed. The crevice corrosion phenomena were mathematically modeled with the initial boundary value problem of diffusion and static electrical field, respectively. This initial boundary value problem was discretized using a finite difference method. The predicts of the crevice corrosion behaviors, set for various external potentials and initial crevice gaps, were classified into three categories: the pitting type, the active type, and no corrosion. The pitting type crevice corrosion was predicted to occur in conditions where the external potentials were noble and the initial crevice gaps were narrow. The active type crevice corrosion was predicted to occur in conditions where the external potentials were less noble and the initial crevice gaps were narrow. The range of external potential conditions where crevice corrosion was predicted not to occur increased in conditions with wide initial crevice gaps. Crevice corrosion was predicted to occur at all external potentials in conditions where the initial crevice gaps were 2 μm or less.
Investigation of Zn Doped Li1.5Al0.5−xZnxGe1.5(PO4)3 (x = 0, 0.1 & 0.2) as a Solid Electrolyte for Li Ion Batteries
Authors: Subash Sruthy , Faizal Abu , Mercy T. D. , Bharathi K. Kamala
Published: June 2024

All solid lithium-ion batteries (ASLB) have gained a lot of attention as it could deliver high energy and power density. In order to completely establish ASLB, proper understanding of solid electrolyte is very vital and the research from diverse point is still undergoing. Among them, NASICON-type phosphate based solid electrolytes are one of the promising materials due to good ionic conductivity and atmospheric stability. Addition of proper dopants into the parent material could cause an increment in their ionic conductivity as well as stability, thus fitting the material apt as solid electrolyte. This study aims in understanding the effect of ionic conductivity and stability of Lithium Aluminium Germanium Phosphate (LAGP) material upon adding Zinc as dopant material. We explored the effect of structural, ionic conductivity, stability against Li and Ac conductivity properties of Li1.5Al0.5−xZnxGe1.5(PO4)3 solid electrolyte with x = 0, 0.1 and 0.2. Our study showed that doping of aluminium with slightly bigger Zn ion could enhance the stability and conductivity of the material without changing the crystal structure. When x = 0.1 the ionic conductivity of the material attained is 1 × 10−5 S cm−1 at RT, which reaches 2.57 × 10−5 S cm−1 at 60 °C. Such a change in conductivity arises due to the expansion of ionic pathways which can be further tuned by exploring the limiting concentration 0 ≤ x < 0.1. Moreover, the sample also showed good stability at 0.03 and 0.05 mA cm−2 current densities against Li metal. Present study shows that Zn doping can improve the ionic conductivity of LAGP moderately and it can be used as a solid electrolyte for fabricating all-solid-state batteries.
Effects of Replacing Inorganic with Organic Glycinates Trace Minerals on Growth Performance, Gut Function, and Minerals Loss of Juvenile Nile Tilapia
Authors: Urbich Allan Vinnicius , da Cruz Thais Pereira , Wernick Bruno , Adeshina Ibrahim , Sampaio Aline Victoria , Gonçalves Giovani Sampaio , Kozu Adriana Yuriko Koga , Lipinski Leandro Cavalcante , Furuya Valéria Rossetto Barriviera , Furuya Wilson Massamitu
Published: June 2024

This study aimed to investigate the effects of replacing inorganic trace minerals (ITM) with organic trace minerals (OTM) on growth performance, body composition, gut histomorphometry, digestive enzyme activity, apparent digestibility coefficients (ADC), and mineral balance in juvenile Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus. Fish (n = 432; 2.5 ± 0.5 g) were randomly distributed into four groups with four replicates each (27 fish per replicate). A control diet (gross 15.2 MJ gross energy kg−1; 367.3 g crude protein kg−1) was elaborated to meet the dietary requirements of zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), and copper (Cu) using ITM in the sulfate form (ITM100). From the control diet, three diets were elaborated using OTM to supply 100% (OTM100), 75% (OTM75), and 50% (OTM50) of Zn, Mn, and Cu ITM of the control diet, respectively, supplied in the glycinate form. Fish were hand‐fed six times daily for 8 weeks. Growth performance was not changed by dietary treatments. Fish fed on the diet OTM50 showed higher whole‐body and vertebrae ash contents and higher whole‐body calcium (Ca), Zn, and iron (Fe) retention than those fed on the control diet. The activity of digestive enzymes and the ADC of energy and nutrients, including Zn, Mn, and Cu, were similar in fish fed on diets OTM50 and ITM100. A reduction in Zn (−39.8%), Mn (−11.1%), and Cu (−14.0%) loss was observed in fish fed on the diet OTM50 than in fish fed diet ITM100. The dietary treatments did not affect the gut histomorphometry. In conclusion, the inclusion of OTM in Nile tilapia’s diets represents a promising strategy to reduce 50% of ITM sources by utilizing Zn, Mn, and Cu OTM as glycinates without detrimental effects on growth performance, nutrient utilization, and gut function. These results additionally reinforce the environmental benefits of using OTM for precise mineral nutrition in aquaculture.
Case Study on the Mutual Influence of Simultaneous Construction of Adjacent Deep Foundation Pit with Cover‐Excavation Reverse Method
Authors: Xiao Yong-Gang , Liu Xiao-Min , He Xiao-Pei , Zheng Chen , Bai Qiang–Qiang , Zhang Yu
Published: June 2024

With the increasing utilization of urban underground space in densely populated cities, it is crucial to understand the interactive impact of the excavation sequence on the excavation group of foundation pits. The foundation pit of Tianta Station of Tianjin Metro Line 7 was adjacent to a deep foundation pit of an apartment, which provided a good case for the study of simultaneous excavation of foundation pits. In this paper, based on two deep foundation pit excavation projects, a finite element model was established to better understand the mutual influence of simultaneous foundation pit excavation. The responses of the two deep foundation pits under five different excavation sequences were investigated, including the horizontal displacement of the ground‐connected wall and the displacement of the top of the wall, the settlement of the ground surface, and the supporting axial force of the basement floor slab. The position of the maximum horizontal displacement in different modes is the same, and the shape of the deformation curve was fish‐bellied. When both pits B and C were excavated simultaneously, the surface settlement between adjacent pits was smaller than in other working conditions. Mode 5 is optimal among these five modes, in which not only the construction progress is the fastest but also the underground wall deformation and the ground settlement are relatively small. The findings and lessons learned from these two adjacent pits, both of which were constructed using the cap‐and‐reverse method, can help professionals optimize excavation design and construction, as well as performance prediction and control.
Influenza A Virus Utilizes the Nasolacrimal System to Establish Respiratory Infection after Ocular Exposure in the Swine Model
Authors: Li Shubin , Peng Xuebin , Wang MinJie , Wang Wenqian , Liu Yuye , Yang Qian
Published: June 2024

Influenza A virus (IAV) can rapidly disseminate among animals through various transmission routes, with emerging evidence suggesting the ocular surface as an important entrance. However, it remains unclear how the virus invades the respiratory tract after ocular exposure. Here, we demonstrated that H1N1 (A/swine/Guangdong/1/2011) utilizes the nasolacrimal system to rapidly spread from the ocular surface to the respiratory tract in the porcine model. In vivo and ex vivo, IAV could efficiently attach and replicate in conjunctiva epithelium, which has abundance of α‐2,6‐linked and α‐2,3‐linked sialic acid. After ocular inoculation, infectious virions swiftly migrate to the nasolacrimal duct of piglets and, via continual drainage, disseminate to the respiratory tract. Moreover, the detection of continual virus shedding as well as the successful isolation of virus from conjunctiva and respiratory tract tissue indicated the establishment of productive infection after the transocular route. This study presents evidence suggesting that IAVs could utilize the nasolacrimal system to swiftly spread to the respiratory tract following ocular exposure, which contributes to understanding the modes of transocular transmission of IAVs.
Stability Analysis of Pillar System during Room and Pillar Retreat Mining with Three Coal Seams
Authors: Han Un Chol , Pak Kum Il , Choe Chung Song , Hong Kun Ui , Kim Chung Il
Published: June 2024

Multiseam interactions are a major source of ground and pillar instability in many underground coal mines. The objective of this study is to propose a method for determining the optimal parameters of a panel layout for the room and pillar retreat mining with the rational extraction ratio and stability factor of pillar in multicoal seams. First, key factors to ensure high extraction ratio and pillar stability in room and pillar retreat mining are selected as four parameters, and their value range and levels are determined according to geological and mining conditions, previous experiences. Then, the numerical analysis for the stability of the pillar system in the retreat mining panel was implemented by the analysis of multiple seam stability software in combination with an orthogonal experimental table (L16(44)), and the influence of each factor on the extraction ratio and stability factor of pillar is evaluated. Finally, it was found that the effect of the number of entries on the recovery rate and pillar stability factor was the largest regardless of the undermining or overmining, and the extraction ratio and pillar stability factor for mining of #2 seam over #1 seam in the optimal mining panel with 8 of number of entries, 1.5 m of entry height, 7 m of entry width, and 20 m of crosscut spacing are 69.2% and 1.87%, respectively.
Intersection of Aging and Particulate Matter 2.5 Exposure in Real World: Effects on Inflammation and Endocrine Axis Activities in Rats
Authors: Liu Cuiying , Yang Jian , Guan Longfei , Jing Liwei , Xiao Shuqin , Sun Liu , Xu Baohui , Zhao Heng
Published: June 2024

Exposure to particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) is detrimental to multiple organ systems. Given the factor that aging also alters the cellularity and response of immune system and dysfunction of hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal, ‐gonad and ‐thyroid axes, it is imperative to investigate whether chronic exposure to PM2.5 interacts with aging in these aspects. In this study, two‐months‐old Sprague–Dawley rats were exposed to real world PM2.5 for 16 months. PM2.5 exposure diminished the relative numbers of CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells and increased the relative number of B cells in the peripheral blood of male rats. Conversely, only reduced relative number of CD4+ T cells was seen in the blood of female rats. These shifts resulted in elevated levels of proinflammatory factors interleukin‐6 and tumor necrosis factor‐α in the circulatory systems of both sex, with females also evidencing a rise in interleukin‐1β levels. Moreover, heightened interleukin‐6 was solely discernible in the hippocampus of female subjects, while increased tumor necrosis factor‐α concentrations were widespread in female brain regions but confined to the male hypothalamus. Notable hormonal decreases were observed following PM2.5 exposure in both sex. These comprised declines in biomolecules such as corticotrophin‐releasing hormone and cortisol, generated by the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal axis, and thyroid‐releasing hormone and triiodothyronine, produced by the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐thyroid axis. Hormonal elements such as gonadotropin‐releasing hormone, luteinizing hormone, and follicle‐stimulating hormone, derived from the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐gonad axis, were also diminished. Exclusive to male rats was a reduction in adrenocorticotropic hormone levels, whereas a fall in thyroid‐stimulating hormone was unique to female rats. Decreases in sex‐specific hormones, including testosterone, estradiol, and progesterone, were also noted. These findings significantly enrich our comprehension of the potential long‐term health repercussions associated with PM2.5 interaction particularly among the aging populace.
The Effect of the Crack‐Stiffness Relationship on the System Response in Columns of an SDOF Steel Structure Model under Harmonic and Earthquake Excitations
Authors: Aggumus Huseyin , Daskin Mahmut , Haskul Mehmet , Turan Abdullah
Published: June 2024

In this study, the effects of cracks in the columns of a single degree of freedom (SDOF) steel structure model on the system responses due to the decrease in the equivalent spring coefficient were investigated. The crack in the columns was modeled as an edge crack, and the crack was thought to behave like a spring. The crack is considered as the mode I crack type (opening mode) specified in linear fracture mechanics. In order to examine the responses of the system under the influence of different excitations, the changes in displacement, acceleration, and power spectral density responses under the influence of harmonic excitation at a frequency equal to the fundamental frequency of the SDOF model and six different earthquake excitations were examined.
O regime jurídico dos bens vinculados a serviço de interesse público, no contexto das parcerias público-privadas
Authors: Santos Rafael Costa
Published: June 2024

The legal regime of private assets affected to services of public interest was analyzed, regarding the characteristics of alienability and pledge, in the context of public-private partnerships. The dichotomous classification of public and private goods was found to be inadequate, since the exclusive criterion of ownership is insufficient to understand the various usability of the goods affected by the activity of collective interest. The dominance scale tool was used, which considers, in addition to ownership, the functionality of the assets for the recognition of the rules to be applied. It was concluded that private assets destined for the public function deserve relative protection when alienability and pledge in function the destination given to these goods. However, these usage restrictions relate only to entities that have a specific legal relationship with the Government, and only cover private assets considered essential to the fulfillment of the respective public function.
O Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) e uma reflexão sobre o microssistema anticorrupção brasileiro
Authors: Martins Tiago do Carmo
Published: June 2024

O FCPA é importante mecanismo anticorrupção do Direito estadunidense, que mira a fonte financeira da corrupção: propinas pagas por grandes corporações para auferir vantagens negociais. A estruturação do diploma é refinada e tem pontos de ambiguidade cujo clareamento não tem avançado, pois a norma é pouco desafiada nos Tribunais. Mesmo assim, em especial pela cultura de acordos que se formou em sua órbita, muitas punições são aplicadas e vultuosos valores são arrecadados pelo Estado. Fonte de inspiração para a Lei Anticorrupção brasileira (Lei 12.846/2013), guarda traços comuns e alguns contrastes com ela, de modo que o estudo do FCPA contribui para sinalizar pontos sensíveis que demandam atenção em relação à LAC.
Impact of Weight Gain on Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Bhonsale Aditya , Zhu Jianhui , Thoma Floyd , Kancharla Krishna , Voigt Andrew , Estes Nathan A. , Shalaby Alaa A. , Saba Samir , Mulukutla Suresh , Jain Sandeep
Published: June 2024

Background

The long‐term impact of weight gain (WG) on cardiovascular outcomes among patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) is unclear.

Methods and Results

We studied 62 871 (mean age, 72±12, 43% women) adult patients with AF evaluated at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center between January 1, 2010, and May 13, 2021. Serial body mass index, risk factors, comorbidities, and subsequent death and hospitalization were ascertained and stratified according to percentage WG (≥0% to <5%, ≥5% to <10%, and ≥10%). Over 4.9±3.19 years of follow‐up, 27 114 (43%) patients gained weight (61%, ≥0% to <5%; 23%, ≥5% to <10%; 16%, ≥10%). Patients with progressive WG were incrementally younger (
P
<0.001) women (40%, 42%, and 47%) with lower median household income (
P
=0.002) and active smoking (8%, 13% and 13%), and they were less likely to be on a non–vitamin K oral anticoagulant (39%, 37%, and 32%). WG was incrementally associated with a significant increase in risk of hospitalization for AF (≥10% WG; hazard ratio [HR], 1.2 [95% CI, 1.2–1.3];
P
<0.0001), heart failure (≥10% WG; HR, 1.44 [95% CI, 1.3–1.6];
P
<0.001; ≥5% to <10% WG; HR, 1.17 [95% CI, 1.1–1.2];
P
<0.001), myocardial infarction (≥10% WG; HR, 1.2 [95% CI, 1.3–1.6];
P
<0.001) and all‐cause stroke (4.2%, 4.3%, and 5.6%) despite significantly lower mean CHADS
2
Vasc score (2.9±1.7, 2.7±1.6, and 2.7±1.7). Patients with more WG were significantly more likely to receive cardiac and electrophysiologic interventions.

Conclusions

Among patients with AF, WG is incrementally associated with increased hospitalization for cardiovascular causes, particularly heart failure, stroke, myocardial infarction, and AF.
Association of Cannabis Use Disorder With Hospitalizations for Pulmonary Embolism and Subsequent in‐Hospital Mortality in Young Adults: A Contemporary Nationwide Analysis
Authors: Desai Rupak , Ghadge Nitin , Kanagala Sai Gautham , Katukuri Nishanth , James Alpha , Kadiyala Avinash , Vutukuru Sai Diksha , Kotharu Meghana , Borzoo Tajdin , Nalla Akhila , Vyas Ankit , Priyadarshni Shivani , Shalaby Mostafa , Khalife Wissam
Published: June 2024

Background

With the increase in popularity of cannabis and its use and the lack of large‐scale data on cannabis use and venous thromboembolism and pulmonary embolism (PE), we used a nationally representative cohort of young adults (aged 18–44 years) to compare the odds of admissions and in‐hospital mortality of PE with and without cannabis use disorder (CUD).

Methods and Results

Identified patients with PE using the National Inpatient Sample (2018) were compared for baseline, comorbidities, and outcomes. Multivariable regression analysis, adjusted for covariates, was used to compare the odds of PE in young patients with CUD (CUD+) versus those without (CUD−) and those with prior venous thromboembolism. Propensity score–matched analysis (1:6) was also performed to assess in‐hospital outcomes. A total of 61 965 (0.7%) of 8 438 858 young adult admissions in 2018 were PE related, of which 1705 (0.6%) had CUD+. On both unadjusted (odds ratio, 0.80 [95% CI, 0.71–0.90];
P
<0.001) and adjusted regression analyses, the CUD+ cohort had a lower risk of PE admission. The CUD+ cohort had fewer routine discharges (58.3% versus 68.3%) and higher transfers to short‐term (7.9% versus 4.8%) and nursing/intermediate care (12.6% versus 9.5%) (
P
<0.001). The PE‐CUD+ cohort of in‐hospital mortality did not differ from the CUD− cohort. Propensity score–matched (1:6) analysis revealed comparable mortality odds with higher median hospital stay and cost in the CUD+ cohort.

Conclusions

Young adults with CUD demonstrated lower odds of PE hospitalizations without any association with subsequent in‐hospital mortality. The median hospital stay of the CUD+ cohort was longer, they were often transferred to other facilities, and they had a higher cost.