bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification, Pathogenicity, and Sensitivity to Fungicide of Colletotrichum Species That Causes Walnut Anthracnose in Beijing
Authors: Li Fuxin , Chen Jiawen , Chen Qian , Liu Ziyi , Sun Junyuan , Yan Yitong , Zhang Hanxing , Bi Yang
Published: January 2023

Walnuts (Juglans regia L.) are a major food crop in Beijing. Recently, walnut anthracnose has become a serious problem in walnut plantations of Beijing, and the diversity of pathogens that cause this disease is poorly understood, making targeted treatment difficult. This study investigated incidences of walnut anthracnose in seven districts of Beijing (Changping, Fangshan, Haidian, Huairou, Mentougou, Miyun and Pinggu). A total of 377 isolates of Colletotrichum spp. were obtained from walnut anthracnose infected leaves and fruits. Morphological observation and multigene phylogenetic analysis of the genes ACT, CAL, CHS-1, GAPDH, ITS and TUB2 revealed that the isolates consisted of six species, C. aenigma, C. fructicola, C. gloeosporioides, C. siamense, C. liaoningense and C. sojae. Among these, C. gloeosporioides was the dominant species, and, for the first time, C. liaoningense and C. sojae were found to cause anthracnose in walnuts. Sensitivity tests showed that prochloraz and SYP-14288 had the strongest inhibitory effect on mycelial growth. These findings have clarified the species that cause walnut anthracnose in these seven districts of Beijing, which provides a scientific basis for diagnosis and control of walnut anthracnose.
Preferential Erosion of Soil Organic Carbon and Fine-Grained Soil Particles—An Analysis of 82 Rainfall Simulations
Authors: Hofbauer Michael , Kincl David , Vopravil Jan , Kabelka David , Vráblík Petr
Published: January 2023

Soil erosion by water causes the loss of soil mineral particles and soil organic carbon (SOC). For determining the effectiveness of soil conservation measures on arable land, rainfall simulations are regularly carried out in field trials in the Czech Republic. The objective of this study was to analyse a dataset from 82 rainfall simulations on bare fallow soils, containing information on slope inclination, soil texture, soil bulk density, SOC, and soil loss with respect to the preferential erosion of fine-grained soil particles and the enrichment of SOC in the eroded soil. Each rainfall simulation comprised a first rainfall period of 30 min and a second one of 15 min in duration. The rainfall intensity was 1 mm min−1 and the kinetic energy of the raindrops accounted for 8.78 J m−2 mm−1. Runoff samples were taken to determine the soil loss and SOC enrichment in the eroded material. Regression analyses revealed that on sites with <14% slope inclination, SOC mitigated soil loss in the first rainfall period. On sites with >14% slope inclination, soil loss was driven by preferential erosion of fine-grained particles in the first rainfall period. Low soil loss was generally coupled with high SOC enrichment and vice versa, indicating that preferential erosion of SOC occurred mainly in soils with low erosion susceptibility. In order to prevent erosion of SOC and maintain soil quality, soil conservation measures are important in all soil types.
Seroprevalence and Risk Factors of Chlamydia Infection in Cattle in Shanxi Province, North China
Authors: Wu Xiao-Jing , Gao Jin , Zhang Qian , Li Chen-Xu , Zheng Wen-Bin , Liu Qing , Zhu Xing-Quan , Lei Yu-Ping , Gao Wen-Wei
Published: January 2023

The information on Chlamydia infection in cattle is limited in Shanxi Province, north China. This study aimed to investigate the seroprevalence and risk factors of Chlamydia and Chlamydia abortus infection in cattle in Shanxi Province. In November 2020, a large-scale investigation of Chlamydia seroprevalence was conducted on 981 cattle serum samples collected from 40 cattle farms in 11 cities of Shanxi Province. The seroprevalence of Chlamydia and C. abortus was examined by indirect hemagglutination assay (IHA) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively. The seroprevalence of Chlamydia and C. abortus was 52.29% (513/981) and 2.96% (29/981), respectively, in cattle in Shanxi Province. Location was identified as a risk factor for Chlamydia and C. abortus infection (p < 0.05). Under different management patterns, the seroprevalence of Chlamydia and C. abortus in large-scale animal farming companies was higher than that in household animal farms and animal farming cooperatives, and only the seroprevalence of Chlamydia was significantly different in different management patterns (p < 0.01). The results showed that there was higher seroprevalence of Chlamydia in cattle in Shanxi Province, while C. abortus was not the dominant species. This study provided baseline information on Chlamydia infection in cattle in Shanxi Province, which constitutes valuable data for monitoring livestock health and preventing potential zoonoses.
Antibiotic Resistance and Therapeutic Efficacy of Helicobacter pylori Infection in Pediatric Patients—A Tertiary Center Experience
Authors: Galoș Felicia , Boboc Cătălin , Ieșanu Mara-Ioana , Anghel Mălina , Ioan Andreea , Iana Elena , Coșoreanu Maria Teodora , Boboc Anca Andreea
Published: January 2023

One of the most widespread bacterial infections worldwide, Helicobacter pylori is thought to affect almost half of the world’s population. Due to rising antibiotic resistance, treatment should be tailored according to antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST). This study aims to evaluate Helicobacter pylori antibiotic resistance and its therapeutic efficacy in children. We conducted a prospective, single-center study, that evaluated 68 children referred for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (UGE) following chronic dyspeptic syndrome. Each patient underwent multiple biopsies to perform bacterial cultures with AST and histopathological examinations for the diagnosis. Patients without antibiotic resistance or negative cultures received a 10-day sequential therapy, while the others had the antibiotic regimen tailored based on AST. Fifty-nine patients with a positive biopsy-based diagnosis (24 males) were finally included. Bacterial cultures with AST were positive for 13 patients (22.03%) and the antibiotic resistance for clarithromycin was 15.38%. Fifty-seven patients were administered sequential therapy with an eradication rate of 94.73%. Clarithromycin-resistant patients were successfully treated with 10-day triple therapy of esomeprazole, amoxicillin, and metronidazole. Although bacterial cultures had a low positivity rate, sequential therapy had a successful eradication rate. Further studies are necessary to better assess Helicobacter pylori antibiotic resistance to provide tailored treatment and identify children that need closer monitoring.
Characteristics of tet(X4)−Producing Escherichia coli in Chicken and Pig Farms in Hunan Province, China
Authors: Yang Jie , Xiao Gang , Xiao Ning , Jiang Zonghan , Jiang Chao , Li Yujuan , Chen Wenxin , Lin Hongguang , Sun Zhiliang , Li Jiyun
Published: January 2023

Background: The plasmid−mediated tigecycline resistance gene tet(X4) confers a high level of resistance to tigecycline. The experiment aims to investigate the prevalence and characterization of tet(X4) in Escherichia coli isolates from chicken and pig farms in Hunan province, China. Methods: A total of six tet(X4) positive strains were identified in 257 E. coli derived from chicken samples in Xiangtan city (n = 2), pig samples in Xiangxiang city (n = 1), Chenzhou city (n = 2), and Zhuzhou city (n = 1). The presence of tet(X4) was directly detected by PCR assay, and then the broth dilution method determined the antimicrobial susceptibility profile of the tet(X4)−positive isolates. Genomic locations were identified by whole−genome sequencing (WGS) and bioinformatics. Results: Almost all tet(X4)−positive strains showed high resistance to multidrug, including tigecycline. Resistome analysis revealed many antibiotic resistance genes, including those with resistance to tetracyclines, β−lactams, phenicols, quinolones, lincosamides chloramphenicol, aminoglycosides and sulfamids. These tet(X4)−bearing strains exhibited six distract STs, such as ST10, 202, ST218, ST362, ST2077, ST7068. The plasmid replicon types carrying tet(X4) were the hybrid plasmid IncFIA(HI1)/IncHIA/IncHIB(R27) (5/6) and IncX1 (1/6). Conclusions: The presence of similar genetic environments in E. coli from different cities suggests there may be horizontal transmission pathways promoting the broad spread of drug−resistant genes in Hunan Province, putting great pressure on multidrug resistance monitoring.
Antibiotics Used for COVID-19 In-Patients from an Infectious Disease Ward
Authors: Sturza Felicia , Guță Ștefan-Decebal , Popescu Gabriel-Adrian
Published: January 2023

Background: although the prevalence of bacterial co-infections for COVID-19 patients is very low, most patients receive empirical antimicrobial therapy. Furthermore, broad spectrum antibiotics are preferred to narrow spectrum antibiotics. Methods: in order to estimate the excess of antibiotic prescriptions for patients with COVID-19, and to identify the factors that were correlated with the unjustified antibiotic usage, we conducted an observational (cohort) prospective study in patients hospitalized with COVID-19 at the National Institute for Infectious Diseases “Prof. Dr. Matei Bals”, Bucharest, on an infectious disease ward, from November 2021 to January 2022. To evaluate the prevalence of bacterial co-infection in these patients, all positive microbiology results and concomitant suspected or confirmed bacterial co-infections, as documented by the treating doctor, were recorded. The patients were grouped in two categories: patients who received antibiotics and those who did not receive antibiotics, justified or not. Results: from the 205 patients enrolled in the study, 83 (40.4%) received antibiotics prior to being admitted to the hospital. 84 patients (41.0%) received antibiotics during their hospitalization; however, only 32 patients (15.6%) had signs and symptoms suggestive of an infection, 19 (9.3%) presented pulmonary consolidation on the computed tomography (CT) scan, 20 (9.7%) patients had leukocytosis, 29 (14.1%) had an increased procalcitonin level and only 22 (10.7%) patients had positive microbiological tests. It was observed that patients treated with antibiotics were older [70 (54–76) vs. 65 (52.5–71.5), p = 0.023, r = 0.159], had a higher Charlson index [4 (2–5) vs. 2 (1–4), p = 0.007, r = 0.189], had a severe/critical COVID-19 disease more frequently [61 (72.6%) vs. 38 (31.4%), p < 0.001, df = 3, X2 = 39.563] and required more oxygen [3 (0–6) vs. 0 (0–2), p < 0.001, r = 0.328]. Conclusion: empirical antibiotic treatment recommendation should be reserved for COVID-19 patients that also had other clinical or paraclinical changes, which suggest a bacterial infection. Further research is needed to better identify patients with bacterial co-infection that should receive antibiotic treatment.
Dissecting Causal Associations of Diet-Derived Circulating Antioxidants with Six Major Mental Disorders: A Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Zhao Hao , Han Xue , Zhang Xuening , Li Lingjiang , Li Yanzhi , Wang Wanxin , McIntyre Roger S. , Teopiz Kayla M. , Guo Lan , Lu Ciyong
Published: January 2023

Although observational studies have suggested associations between circulating antioxidants and many mental disorders, causal inferences have not been confirmed. Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses were conducted using summary-level statistics from genome-wide association studies (GWASs) to explore whether genetically determined absolute circulating antioxidants (i.e., ascorbate, retinol, β-carotene, and lycopene) and metabolites (i.e., α- and γ-tocopherol, ascorbate, and retinol) were causally associated with the risk of six major mental disorders, including anxiety disorders (AD), major depressive disorder (MDD), bipolar disorder (BIP), schizophrenia (SCZ), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD). MR analyses were performed per specific-outcome databases, including the largest GWAS published to date (from 9725 for OCD to 413,466 for BIP participants), UK Biobank (over 370,000 participants), and FinnGen (over 270,000 participants), followed by meta-analyses. We found no significant evidence that genetically determined diet-derived circulating antioxidants were significantly causally associated with the risk of the six above-mentioned major mental disorders. For absolute antioxidant levels, the odds ratios (ORs) ranged from 0.91 (95% CI, 0.67–1.23) for the effect of β-carotene on OCD to 1.18 (95% CI, 0.90–1.54) for the effect of ascorbate on OCD. Similarly, for antioxidant metabolites, ORs ranged from 0.87 (95% CI, 0.55–1.38) for the effect of ascorbate on MDD to 1.08 (95% CI, 0.88–1.33) for the effect of ascorbate on OCD. Our study does not support significant causal associations of genetically determined diet-derived circulating antioxidants with the risk of major mental disorders.
Is Nuclear Factor Erythroid 2-Related Factor 2 a Target for the Intervention of Cytokine Storms?
Authors: Liu Zihang , Deng Panpan , Liu Shengnan , Bian Yiying , Xu Yuanyuan , Zhang Qiang , Wang Huihui , Pi Jingbo
Published: January 2023

The term “cytokine storm” describes an acute pathophysiologic state of the immune system characterized by a burst of cytokine release, systemic inflammatory response, and multiple organ failure, which are crucial determinants of many disease outcomes. In light of the complexity of cytokine storms, specific strategies are needed to prevent and alleviate their occurrence and deterioration. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) is a CNC-basic region-leucine zipper protein that serves as a master transcription factor in maintaining cellular redox homeostasis by orchestrating the expression of many antioxidant and phase II detoxification enzymes. Given that inflammatory response is intertwined with oxidative stress, it is reasonable to assume that NRF2 activation limits inflammation and thus cytokine storms. As NRF2 can mitigate inflammation at many levels, it has emerged as a potential target to prevent and treat cytokine storms. In this review, we summarized the cytokine storms caused by different etiologies and the rationale of interventions, focusing mainly on NRF2 as a potential therapeutic target.
A Deep-Learning-Based Fault Diagnosis Method of Industrial Bearings Using Multi-Source Information
Authors: Wang Xiaolu , Li Aohan , Han Guangjie
Published: January 2023

In recent years, the industrial motor bearing fault diagnosis method based on deep learning and multi-source information fusion has made some research progress, and research results show that the uncertainty of noise interference and signal measurement error has been improved to a certain extent. However, the multi-source heterogeneous information of industrial motor bearings not only improves the stability and fault tolerance of the bearing fault diagnosis model but also brings conflicts in information fusion. If the conflicts caused by multi-source information cannot be reasonably resolved, it will be difficult to make further judgments on the bearing faults of industrial motors. Therefore, solving the multi-source information conflict effectively while fully using the complementarity of bearing multi-source heterogeneous information is an urgent problem to be solved in developing industrial motor-bearing fault diagnosis technology. This paper proposes an industrial motor bearing fault diagnosis algorithm based on multi-local model decision conflict resolution (MLMF-CR) to fully integrate multi-source heterogeneous information and reasonably resolve multi-source information conflicts. After the initial characteristic signal selection and cleaning of the vibration and current signals of industrial motor bearings, the algorithm deeply excavates the characteristic information of the bearing signals in each fault state through the local fault diagnosis model based on the bidirectional long short-term memory network (Bi-LSTM) and forms a local diagnosis. After the decision is made, evidence theory is used for fusion. In addition, the high conflict situation that may occur in the process of decision-making fusion is also considered. To this end, the trust degree distribution is introduced to reduce information conflict. Specifically, according to the difference in the sensitivity and reliability of bearing faults under different operating environments or specific conditions, the degree of difference in faults is refined into balanced sensitivity and unbalanced sensitivity. When the fault sensitivity is balanced, the trust of different information sources is quantified by support and uncertainty. When the sensitivity is unbalanced, gray relational analysis is used to assign trust degrees to different information sources. The algorithm can effectively resolve the high degree of conflict in the decision-making fusion process while considering the complementarity of multi-source heterogeneous information. Experiments evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Prototyping the Symmetry-Based Chaotic Communication System Using Microcontroller Unit
Authors: Rybin Vyacheslav , Karimov Timur , Bayazitov Oleg , Kvitko Dmitriy , Babkin Ivan , Shirnin Kirill , Kolev Georgii , Butusov Denis
Published: January 2023

Chaos-based communications are a promising application of chaos theory and nonlinear dynamics. Their key features include concealed transmission, high security, and native broadband signals. Many studies have recently been published devoted to this technology. However, the practical implementations of chaos-based communications are rare due to multiple shortcomings: high hardware requirements, complex signal processing algorithms, and a lack of efficient modulation techniques for chaotic signals. In this study, we consider a simple hardware prototype of a coherent chaos-based communication system based on a novel type of modulation: adaptive symmetry of the finite-difference scheme used in a chaos generator. We explicitly demonstrate the possibility of covertly transmitting data using a chaotic transmitter and receiver implemented in a general-purpose microcontroller unit. A comparison between traditional parameter and symmetry modulation is given through a return map analysis and bit error rate estimation. The communication secrecy is analyzed using quantified return map analysis. The obtained results confirm the possibility of creating chaos-based communication systems based on symmetry modulation.
An Improved VMD Method for Use with Acoustic Impact Response Signals to Detect Corrosion at the Underside of Railway Tracks
Authors: Yang Jingyuan , Stewart Edward , Ye Jiaqi , Entezami Mani , Roberts Clive
Published: January 2023

Variational Mode Decomposition (VMD) is widely used for inspection purposes. The initial parameters are usually set manually, which is a limitation of this technique. In this paper, a method to automatically select these parameters through a combination of Singular Value Decomposition (SVD) and Improved-VMD (IVMD) is proposed. VMD is applied multiple times with a varying K-value parameter. The original signal and its sub-signals arising from VMD decomposition are all subjected to SVD. An index representing the relevance between sub-signals and the original signal is obtained by comparing eigenvalues, which are calculated by SVD. The result shows the effectiveness of VMD with different initial K-value parameters. SVD is then further applied to the VMD result for the selected K-value parameter to obtain Shannon entropy, which can be used in the detection and classification of corrosion on the underside of the rail. Comparing with current energy-based methods, the Shannon entropy obtained by IVMD–SVD has the advantage of reducing environmental interference to obtain more uniform energy results. The proposed method can improve the effectiveness of VMD for the impact response signal. The classification of underside corrosion of rails can be realised according to the results obtained from the proposed method.
FL-SDUAN: A Fuzzy Logic-Based Routing Scheme for Software-Defined Underwater Acoustic Networks
Authors: Wang Jianping , Feng Qigao , Ma Jianwei , Feng Yikun
Published: January 2023

In underwater acoustic networks, the accurate estimation of routing weights is NP-hard due to the time-varying environment. Fuzzy logic is a powerful tool for dealing with vague problems. Software-defined networking (SDN) is a promising technology that enables flexible management by decoupling the data plane from the control plane. Inspired by this, we proposed a fuzzy logic-based software-defined routing scheme for underwater acoustic networks (FL-SDUAN). Specifically, we designed a software-defined underwater acoustic network architecture. Based on fuzzy path optimization (FPO-MST) and fuzzy cut-set optimization (FCO-MST), two minimum spanning tree algorithms under different network scales were proposed. In addition, we compared the proposed algorithms to state-of-the-art methods regarding packet delivery rate, end-to-end latency, and throughput in different underwater acoustic network scenarios. Extensive experiments demonstrated that a trade-off between performance and complexity was achieved in our work.
Improving the Coatability of Zn–Mg–Al Alloy on Steel Substrate by the Surface Pretreatment of SnCl2-Added Zinc Ammonium Chloride
Authors: Kim Ki-yeon , Grandhi Srinivasulu , Oh Min-Suk
Published: January 2023

The applicability of galvanized products in various industries has increased the demand for highly corrosion-resistant coatings to counter harsh environments. Among these, Zn–Mg–Al ternary alloy coatings have excellent corrosion resistance, resulting in their commercialization and industrial demand. To increase the diversification of their products, the ideal flux composition in these coatings should be optimized. In this study, we investigated the effects of conventional flux (ZnCl2:NH4Cl) in the hot-dip galvanization of Zn–Mg–Al ternary alloy coatings. Additionally, we developed a new flux to improve the coating properties of Zn–Mg–Al ternary alloy coatings on steel sheets. During hot dipping, SnCl2 on the steel substrate decomposed faster than conventional flux, thereby eliminating the AlCl3 residues in the coating and surface defects. The thermogravimetric-differential thermal analysis studies unveiled the mechanisms for improved coatings. The thermodynamic calculations confirmed the spontaneous substitution owing to the presence of SnCl2 in the flux. Therefore, the developed and optimized flux enhanced the adhesion of the alloy coating.
Research on the Influence of Different Warm-Mix Modifiers on Pavement Performance of Bitumen and Its Mixture
Authors: Li Ruixia , Shao Na , Yue Jinchao , Liang Baojun
Published: January 2023

Recently, bitumen pavements have been widely used for road paving. Various scholars have used modified bitumen in road paving to improve pavement performance, thus increasing the service life. In this study, Sasobit, XT-W3, and Evotherm were selected as warm-mix modified bitumen and various investigations including conventional performance, Brookfield rotational viscosity, dynamic shear rheology, Marshall stability, high-temperature rutting, water stability, low-temperature beam bending, fatigue, and compaction performance tests of modified bitumen mixtures were conducted to evaluate the pavement performance of modified bitumen and its mixtures. The effect of different warm-mix modifiers on high-temperature performance, temperature sensitivity, low-temperature performance, and water stability were compared and analyzed. The results indicated that incorporating Sasobit, XT-W3, and Evotherm modifiers enhanced the compressive properties, high-temperature rutting resistance, water stability, and fatigue resistance of the bitumen mixtures, whereas the Evotherm modifier reduced the deformation resistance of the bitumen mixtures. XT-W3 and Evotherm modifiers can effectively improve low-temperature cracking resistance, but Sasobit modifiers have a negative impact.
Concurrent Validity of the Inertial Measurement Unit Vmaxpro in Vertical Jump Estimation
Authors: Jimenez-Olmedo Jose M. , Pueo Basilio , Mossi Jose M. , Villalon-Gasch Lamberto
Published: January 2023

The aim of this study was to evaluate if the inertial measurement unit (IMU) Vmaxpro is a valid device to estimate vertical jump height (VJH) when compared to a motion capture system (MoCAP). Thirteen highly trained female volleyball players participated in this study which consisted of three sessions. After a familiarization session, two sessions comprised a warm-up followed by ten countermovement jumps, resting two min between each attempt. Jump height was measured simultaneously by Vmaxpro using take-off velocity and MoCAP using center-of-mass vertical excursion. Results show significant differences in jump height between devices (10.52 cm; p < 0.001; ES = 0.9), a very strong Spearman’s correlation (rs = 0.84: p < 0.001), and a weak concordance correlation coefficient (CCC = 0.22; ρ = 0.861; Cb = 0.26). Regression analysis reveals very high correlations, high systematic error (8.46 cm), and a nonproportional random error (SEE = 1.67 cm). Bland–Altman plots show systematic error (10.6 cm) with 97.3 % of the data being within the LoA. In conclusion, Vmaxpro can be considered a valid device for the estimation of VJH, being a cheaper, portable, and manageable alternative to MoCAP. However, the magnitude of systematic error discourages its use where indistinguishable data from Vmaxpro and MoCAP are used unless the corresponding specific fitting equation is applied.
Misspecification in Generalized Linear Mixed Models and Its Impact on the Statistical Wald Test
Authors: Arango-Botero Diana , Hernández-Barajas Freddy , Valencia-Arias Alejandro
Published: January 2023

Generalized linear mixed models are commonly used in repeated measurement studies and account for the dependence between observations obtained from the same experimental unit. The designs of repeated measurements in which each experimental unit (e.g., subject) is proven in more than one experimental condition are widespread in psychology, neuroscience, medicine, social sciences and agricultural research. Estimation in generalized linear mixed models is often based on the maximum likelihood theory, which assumes that the assumptions about the underlying probability model are correct. These assumptions include the specification of the distribution of random effects. This research study aimed to identify the impact of the incorrect specification of this distribution on the probability of a type I error and the statistical power of the Wald test. This was achieved through a simulation study where different distributions were considered for random effects in generalized linear mixed models with Poisson and negative binomial responses. Evidence of the impact of the incorrect specification was presented in distributions for random effects different from the normal ones. Lognormal was used for random intercepts and bivariate exponential and Tukey for random intercepts and slopes. Lognormal has positive asymmetry and high kurtosis. Exponential has moderate asymmetry and kurtosis, and Tukey has moderate asymmetry and high kurtosis.
Full-Field Super-Resolution Terahertz Imaging Based on Rotating Coherent Scattering Microscopy
Authors: Ma Duoxuan , Zhao Jie , Wang Dayong , Lin Hao , Rong Lu , Wang Yunxin , Lin Shufeng
Published: January 2023

For decades, terahertz (THz) microscopic imaging has been limited by the resolution of the system due to the larger wavelength, the power of the source, and the equivalent noise power of the detector, so a lot of research has focused on single-point scanning imaging. With the development of hardware, full-field THz imaging based on high-power continuous-wave THz sources have been developed such as the direct intensity imaging method and lensless coherent imaging. In particular, the THz direct intensity imaging method requires no complicated computational reconstruction, while the high resolution, as a key issue, still needs to be improved. In this paper, the rotating coherent scattering microscopy was applied to THz imaging for the first time. Here, we designed and fabricated a hemisphere lens with high-resistance silicon. The tilted hemisphere lens transformed the incident divergent beam into a plane wave, and the total internal reflection occurred in the planar surface within the hemispherical lens, and generated evanescent waves in the rare medium. At the same time, the sample was placed very close to the plane of the hemispherical lens, so that the sample was illuminated by the evanescent waves. The scattered waves carried high frequency information to the far field, and thus through an objective, the super-resolution imaging was achieved along a single direction. Then, the hemispherical lens was rotated to obtain coherent scattering microscopic images under different evanescent wave illumination angles. Finally, the full-field super-resolution imaging results were obtained through incoherent superposition.
Evolution of Solid Waste Management System in Lahore: A Step towards Sustainability of the Sector in Pakistan
Authors: Iqbal Asif , Yasar Abdullah , Nizami Abdul-Sattar , Sharif Faiza , Tabinda Amtul Bari , Sultan Imran Ali , Batool Syeda Adila , Haider Rafia , Shahid Anum , Chaudhary Muhammad Murtaza , Ahmad Maqsood
Published: January 2023

Solid Waste Management (SWM) is a technical subject which requires comprehensive planning, execution, and effective operational monitoring under cost-effective modes compatible with environmentally sound technologies. The policymakers made some enormous efforts for the sustainability of this sector as well as setting a benchmark for other municipalities and Waste Management Companies (WMCs) in the country. Provincial Government prioritizes its focus on SWM, i.e., waste collection, transportation, treatment, and final disposal. The waste management sector in Lahore has achieved sustainability in waste collection and haulage components by gaining experience from international outsourcing and, now, sharing its knowledge with other municipalities to strengthen the sector in the country. Lahore has emerged with the highest collection efficiency (84%) in SAARC countries and placed fifth in rank in comparison to 54 low–middle-income countries/cities worldwide. The sectorial interventions in Lahore reveal an aspiration for the sustainability of the SWM sector in Pakistan. However, there is an urgent need to focus and invest in waste-related infrastructure development, i.e., permanent/mobile transfer stations, semi-underground containers for commercial and planned areas, material recovery facilities (MRF), and landfill. Environmental and economic sustainability in this sector can be achieved through public–private partnership (PPP) modality in compost, anaerobic digestion, recycling, and refuse-derived fuel (RDF) as it is a more feasible option to strengthen the industry in the country.
From Ornament to Building Material: Revisiting the Aesthetics and Function of Green Architecture
Authors: Daglio Laura , Kousidi Stamatina
Published: January 2023

Since the beginning of the twenty-first century, we have been witnessing a persistent presence of greenery in architecture, in its most extensive application, with diverse ranges of technological sophistication, fruition, maintenance, form, and expression. The article focuses on the current use of vegetation in architecture, examining its expressive, artistic, and spatial qualities beyond environmental performances. Accordingly, the innovative interpretation of greenery is addressed within the current resurfacing debate over ornament, its aesthetic and semantic outcome, and its interaction with the inhabitants. Attention is directed at identifying recent design approaches towards nature and artifice, from the building interior to its adjacent urban space, with the aim of highlighting novel paths towards the articulation of spatial and technological systems, opening up multidisciplinary research towards new concepts of symbiosis between the natural and the artificial.
Collinear Laser Spectroscopy of Helium-like 11B3+
Authors: Mohr Konstantin , Buß Axel , Andelkovic Zoran , Hannen Volker , Horst Max , Imgram Phillip , König Kristian , Maaß Bernhard , Nörtershäuser Wilfried , Rausch Simon , Sánchez Rodolfo , Weinheimer Christian
Published: January 2023

Collinear laser spectroscopy in the 1s2s3S1→1s2p3P0,2 transitions of helium-like 11B3+ was performed using the HITRAP beamline at the GSI Helmholtz Centre. The ions were produced in an electron beam ion source, extracted, and accelerated to a beam energy of 4 keV/q. Results agree with previous measurements within uncertainty. Thus, it was demonstrated that the metastable state in He-like ions is sufficiently populated to carry out collinear laser spectroscopy. The measurement is a pilot experiment for a series of measurements that will be performed at a dedicated collinear laser spectroscopy setup at TU Darmstadt with light helium-like ions.
Temperature Response of Metabolic Activity of an Antarctic Nematode
Authors: Robinson Colin Michael , Hansen Lee D. , Xue Xia , Adams Byron J.
Published: January 2023

Because of climate change, the McMurdo Dry Valleys of Antarctica (MCM) have experienced an increase in the frequency and magnitude of summer pulse warming and surface ice and snow melting events. In response to these environmental changes, some nematode species in the MCM have experienced steady population declines over the last three decades, but Plectus murrayi, a mesophilic nematode species, has responded with a steady increase in range and abundance. To determine how P. murrayi responds to increasing temperatures, we measured metabolic heat and CO2 production rates and calculated O2 consumption rates as a function of temperature at 5 °C intervals from 5 to 50 °C. Heat, CO2 production, and O2 consumption rates increase approximately exponentially up to 40 °C, a temperature never experienced in their polar habitat. Metabolic rates decline rapidly above 40 °C and are irreversibly lost at 50 °C due to thermal stress and mortality. Caenorhabditis elegans, a much more widespread nematode that is found in more temperate environments reaches peak metabolic heat rate at just 27 °C, above which it experiences high mortality due to thermal stress. At temperatures from 10 to 40 °C, P. murrayi produces about 6 times more CO2 than the O2 it consumes, a respiratory quotient indicative of either acetogenesis or de novo lipogenesis. No potential acetogenic microbes were identified in the P. murrayi microbiome, suggesting that P. murrayi is producing increased CO2 as a byproduct of de novo lipogenesis. This phenomenon, in conjunction with increased summer temperatures in their polar habitat, will likely lead to increased demand for carbon and subsequent increases in CO2 production, population abundance, and range expansion. If such changes are not concomitant with increased carbon inputs, we predict the MCM soil ecosystems will experience dramatic declines in functional and taxonomic diversity.
Complexed Crystal Structure of the Dihydroorotase Domain of Human CAD Protein with the Anticancer Drug 5-Fluorouracil
Authors: Lin En-Shyh , Huang Yen-Hua , Yang Po-Chun , Peng Wei-Feng , Huang Cheng-Yang
Published: January 2023

Dihydroorotase (DHOase) is the third enzyme in the pathway used for the biosynthesis of pyrimidine nucleotides. In mammals, DHOase is active in a trifunctional enzyme, CAD, which also carries out the activities of carbamoyl phosphate synthetase and aspartate transcarbamoylase. Prior to this study, it was unknown whether the FDA-approved clinical drug 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), which is used as an anticancer therapy, could bind to the DHOase domain of human CAD (huDHOase). Here, we identified huDHOase as a new 5-FU binding protein, thereby extending the 5-FU interactome to this human enzyme. In order to investigate where 5-FU binds to huDHOase, we solved the complexed crystal structure at 1.97 Å (PDB ID 8GVZ). The structure of huDHOase complexed with malate was also determined for the sake of comparison (PDB ID 8GW0). These two nonsubstrate ligands were bound at the active site of huDHOase. It was previously established that the substrate N-carbamoyl-L-aspartate is either bound to or moves away from the active site, but it is the loop that is extended towards (loop-in mode) or moved away (loop-out mode) from the active site. DHOase also binds to nonsubstrate ligands via the loop-out mode. In contrast to the Escherichia coli DHOase model, our complexed structures revealed that huDHOase binds to either 5-FU or malate via the loop-in mode. We further characterized the binding of 5-FU to huDHOase using site-directed mutagenesis and the fluorescence quenching method. Considering the loop-in mode, the dynamic loop in huDHOase should be a suitable drug-targeting site for further designing inhibitors and clinical chemotherapies to suppress pyrimidine biosynthesis in cancer cell lines.
The Risk of Sarcoidosis Misdiagnosis and the Harmful Effect of Corticosteroids When the Disease Picture Is Incomplete
Authors: Arcana Raluca Ioana , Crișan-Dabija Radu , Cernomaz Andrei Tudor , Buculei Ioana , Burlacu Alexandru , Zabară Mihai Lucian , Trofor Antigona Carmen
Published: January 2023

Sarcoidosis is a complex granulomatous disease of unknown etiology. Due to the heterogeneity of the disease, the diagnosis remains challenging in many cases, often at the physician’s discretion, requiring a thorough and complex investigation. Many other granulomatous diseases have the potential to mimic sarcoidosis, whether infectious, occupational, or autoimmune diseases and starting an unnecessary corticosteroid treatment can worsen the patient’s prognosis, leading to side effects that can be harder to treat than the actual disease.
Point-of-Care Portable 3D-Printed Multispectral Sensor for Real-Time Enzyme Activity Monitoring in Healthcare Applications
Authors: Jesuraj Antony , Hassan Umer
Published: January 2023

Absorbance spectroscopy finds many biomedical and physical applications ranging from studying the atomic and molecular details of the analyte to determination of unknown biological species and their concentration or activity in the samples. Commercially available laboratory-based spectrometers are usually bulky and require high power and laborious manual processing, making them unsuitable to be deployed in portable and space-constrained environments, thereby further limiting their utility for real-time on-site monitoring. To address these challenges, here we developed a portable 3D-printed multispectral spectrophotometer based on absorbance spectroscopy for real-time monitoring of enzyme molecular activity. Monitoring enzyme (such as tyrosinase) activity is critical, as it quantifies its reaction rate, which is dependent on many factors such as the enzyme and substrate concentrations, temperature, pH, and other regulators such as inhibitors and effectors. Tyrosinase is a critical enzyme responsible for melanin synthesis in living beings and exhibits enzymatic browning in fruits and vegetables. It finds various commercial applications in the fields of healthcare (skin pigmentation, wound healing, etc.), forensics, and food processing. Here, tyrosinase activity was monitored using a 3D-printed spectral sensor at different rates and compared against measurements obtained from laboratory instruments. The enzyme activity was also studied using kojic acid (i.e., a commonly employed commercial tyrosinase inhibitor) while varying its molar and volume concentrations to control the reaction rate at discrete activity levels. For tyrosinase activity monitoring, the fabricated device has shown significant correlation (R2 = 0.9999) compared to measurements from the standard table-top spectrophotometer. We also provide a performance comparison between the 3D-printed and the laboratory spectrophotometer instruments by studying tyrosinase enzyme activity with and without the influence of an inhibitor. Such a device can be translated into various absorbance spectroscopy-based point-of-care biomedical and healthcare applications.
Carbamazepine for Chronic Muscle Pain: A Retrospective Assessment of Indications, Side Effects, and Treatment Response
Authors: Dyong Tabea M. , Gess Burkhard , Dumke Christina , Rolke Roman , Dohrn Maike F.
Published: January 2023

Myopathies fall under the umbrella of rare diseases, however, muscle pain is a relevant, under-recognized symptom with limited treatment options. Carbamazepine is an oral sodium channel blocker approved for the treatment of seizures and neuropathic pain. In 54 individuals receiving carbamazepine for muscle pain, we retrospectively assessed the subjective treatment response, side effects, and reasons for carbamazepine discontinuation. The underlying diagnoses leading to muscle pain were diverse, ranging from metabolic (n = 5) and other hereditary (n = 9) to acquired (n = 2) myopathies and myotonia syndromes (n = 22). Under carbamazepine (daily dose 254 ± 138 mg), patients reported a significant reduction of pain, quantified by an 11-point numeric rating scale (−1.9 ± 1.8, p < 0.001). Compared to age- and sex-matched controls, our sensory assessment revealed a significant dysfunction of Aδ-nerve fibers in patients with chronic muscle pain. Neuropathic pain components identified by the painDETECT questionnaire or quantitative sensory testing did not seem to influence the reported treatment response. Side effects (n = 18) such as fatigue, elevated liver enzymes, and diarrhea, as well as lack of pain improvement (n = 6), led to carbamazepine discontinuation in 44.4% (24/54). Mediated by dysfunctional Aδ-nerve fibers, muscle pain is common in a variety of myopathies. Carbamazepine may reduce pain levels, but comes with therapy-limiting side effects.
Both Sensorimotor Rhythm Neurofeedback and Self-Controlled Practice Enhance Motor Learning and Performance in Novice Golfers
Authors: Pourbehbahani Zahra , Saemi Esmaeel , Cheng Ming-Yang , Dehghan Mohammad Reza
Published: January 2023

A major concern voiced by motor behavior scientists is to find useful practice techniques that can be effective in improving motor learning and performance. Neurofeedback and self-controlled practice are among the techniques that have recently drawn attention from specialists in this area. The present study examined the additive and individual effects of sensorimotor rhythm (SMR) neurofeedback as well as self-controlled practice on motor learning and performance in novice golfers. In this semi-empirical study, forty adults (20 females, Meanage = 26.10, SD = 5.56 years) were conveniently selected and randomly assigned to four groups: (1) neurofeedback/self-controlled practice, (2) neurofeedback/yoked practice, (3) sham/self-controlled practice, and (4) sham/yoked practice. The participants performed golf putting task in four stages, namely pretest (12 trials), intervention (one day after pretest; 6 sessions, 36 trails each), post-test (one day after intervention; 12 trials), and follow-up (two weeks after interventions; 12 trials). In addition, the participants had their EEG (SMR wave in Cz point) recorded during pretest, post-test, and follow-up. The results indicated that, although no additive effect was observed for the two practices during different stages of the experiment (p > 0.05), in acquisition and post-test stages, SMR neurofeedback and self-controlled practice independently facilitated golf putting (p ≤ 0.05). However, in the follow-up test, only the neurofeedback practice maintained its positive effects (p ≤ 0.05). The results also showed that participation in SMR neurofeedback practice can enhance the power of the SMR wave (p ≤ 0.05), regardless of the type of the self-controlled practice used. In sum, the two practice techniques seem to be independently effective in facilitating motor learning in instructional settings, particularly for golfers.
Photocatalytic TiO2-Based Coatings for Mortars on Facades: A Review of Efficiency, Durability, and Sustainability
Authors: Bersch Jéssica D. , Flores-Colen Inês , Masuero Angela B. , Dal Molin Denise C. C.
Published: January 2023

Due to the urgent need for a more sustainable built environment and actions against climate change, this paper presents a literature review about photocatalytic TiO2-based thin layers to be applied on mortars in facades. Photocatalysis may be a potential strategy against current environmental and climate challenges by transforming or eliminating hazardous greenhouse gases from the atmosphere. The main subjects researched were the coatings’ efficiency (which encompassed their self-cleaning ability, depolluting effect, and antimicrobial properties), durability, and sustainability. The method was based on the systematic literature review approach. Self-cleaning ability was the most recurrent topic retrieved from published studies, followed by depolluting effect and durability. There are few investigations about antimicrobial properties considering TiO2-coated mortars in facades. However, sustainability studies through Life Cycle Assessment and Life Cycle Costing represented the most significant gap, even requiring broader surveys. The photocatalytic activity of the coatings is well-proven in the literature, although specific evaluations may be needed for each coating composition and testing condition to understand their performance. The type of contamination agents, TiO2 dispersion and characteristics, dopants, nanocomposites, and substrate are among the principal agents influencing the results; therefore, caution must be taken when comparing research. Mainly, adhesion and photocatalytic efficiency after ageing were studied on durability. More field exposures may be recommended. Regarding the trade-offs concerning the environmental impacts of TiO2-based coatings, it is urgent to clarify whether their overall outcome is indeed advantageous and to investigate their resilience regarding climate change scenarios.
Investigation of the Influence of Design Parameters on the Strength of Steel–Concrete Composite Shear Walls by Finite Element Simulations
Authors: Javadi Masoud , Saavedra Flores Erick I. Saavedra , Yanez Sergio J. , Avudaiappan Siva , Pina Juan C. , Guzmán Carlos F.
Published: January 2023

In this paper, the influence of design parameters on the strength of steel–concrete composite shear walls is investigated by means of finite element (FE) simulations. The shear wall typology studied in this paper consists of multiple composite plate shear wall-concrete encased on one or both sides of the plates. The FE models include contact technology to capture debonding between concrete and steel, tensile cracking in concrete, and large deflection theory involving local instabilities. Some design parameters considered in this work are the height-to-width ratio of the steel plates and their thickness, number of steel plates, the cross-section of the columns, and the height-to-width ratio of the shear wall. Furthermore, a sensitivity analysis of the normalised shear strength per unit cost of structure for these design parameters is also studied. Our numerical predictions are validated successfully with experimental data reported in the literature, revealing the predictive capabilities of the model. The present results provide further insight into the structural behavior of steel–concrete composite shear walls and pave the way for the future development of more efficient and innovative steel–concrete composite systems.