bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Treatment of Soft Tissue Defects after Minimally Invasive Plate Osteosynthesis in Fractures of the Distal Tibia: Clinical Results after Reverse Sural Artery Flap
Authors: Lee Jun Young , Lee Hyo Jun , Yang Sung Hoon , Ryu Je Hong , Kim Hyoung Tae , Lee Byung Ho , Kim Sung Hwan , Kim Ho Sung , Lee Young Koo
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Distal tibial fractures make up approximately 3% to 10% of all tibial fractures or about 1% of lower extremity fractures. MIPO is an appropriate procedure and method to achieve stable metal plate fixation and osseointegration by minimizing soft tissue damage and vascular integrity at the fracture site. MIPO to the medial tibia during distal tibial fractures induces skin irritation due to the thickness of the metal plate, which causes discomfort and pain on the medial side of the distal leg, and if severe, complications such as infection and skin defect may occur. The reverse sural flap is a well-researched approach for covering defects in the lower third of the leg, ankle, and foot. Materials and Methods: Among 151 patients with distal tibia fractures who underwent minimally invasive metal plate fixation, soft tissue was injured due to postoperative complications. We treated 13 cases with necrosis and exposed metal plates by retrograde nasogastric artery flap surgery. For these patients, we collected obligatory patient records, radiological data, and wound photographs of the treatment results and complications of reconstructive surgery. Results: In all the cases, flap survival was confirmed at the final outpatient follow-up. The exposed area of the metal plate was well coated, and there was no plate failure due to complete necrosis. Three out of four women complained of aesthetic dissatisfaction because the volume of the tunnel through which the skin mirror passed and the skin plate itself were thick. In two cases, defatting was performed to reduce the thickness of the plate while removing the metal plate. Conclusions: Metal plate exposure after distal tibial fractures have been treated with minimally invasive metal plate fusion and can be successfully treated with retrograde nasogastric artery flaps, and several surgical techniques are used during flap surgery.
Neurological Outcome and Respiratory Insufficiency in Intramedullary Tumors of the Upper Cervical Spine
Authors: Goloshchapova Kateryna , Goldberg Maria , Meyer Bernhard , Wostrack Maria , Butenschoen Vicki M.
Published: October 2023

Background and Objectives: Intramedullary spinal cord tumors (IMSCT) are rare entities. A location in the upper cervical spine as a highly eloquent region carries the risk of postoperative neurological deficits, such as tetraparesis or respiratory dysfunction. Evidence for respiratory dysfunction is scarce. This study aimed to describe these highly eloquent tumors’ early and late postoperative clinical course. Materials and Methods: This is a single-center retrospective cohort study. We included 35 patients with IMSCT at levels of the craniocervical junction to C4 who underwent surgical treatment between 2008 and 2022. The authors analyzed the patients’ preoperative status, tumor- and surgery-specific characteristics, and follow-up functional status. Results: The study cohort included twenty-two patients with grade II ependymoma (62.9%), two low-grade astrocytomas (5.7%), two glioblastomas (5.7%), six hemangioblastomas (17.1%), two metastases (5.7%), and one patient with partially intramedullary schwannoma (2.9%). Gross total resection was achieved in 76% of patients. Early dorsal column-related symptoms (gait ataxia and sensory loss) and motor deterioration occurred in 64% and 44% of patients. At a follow-up of 3.27 ± 3.83 years, 43% and 33% of patients still exhibited postoperative sensory and motor deterioration, respectively. The median McCormick Scale grade was 2 in the preoperative and late postoperative periods, respectively. Only three patients (8.6%) developed respiratory dysfunction, of whom, two patients, both with malignant IMSCT, required prolonged invasive ventilation. Conclusions: More than 60% of the patients with IMSCT in the upper cervical cord developed new neurological deficits in the immediate postoperative period, and more than 40% are permanent. However, these deficits are not disabling in most cases since most patients maintain functional independence as observed by unchanged low McCormick scores. The rate of respiratory insufficiency is relatively low and seems to be influenced by the rapid neurological deterioration in high-grade tumors.
Analysis of Parents’ Attitudes and Knowledge toward Immunization and How These Factors Influence Their Decisions to Vaccinate Their Children against Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)
Authors: Zastawna Beata , Milewska Anna , Załuska Roman , Kozłowski Remigiusz , Zastawna Martyna , Marczak Michał
Published: October 2023

Background and objectives: Vaccination hesitancy is a growing problem associated with decreasing chances for the elimination of vaccine-preventable diseases through immunization. This research was conducted to learn about parents’ attitudes toward vaccination, particularly against HPV, in the context of their beliefs and fears regarding immunization and the impact of these views on their children’s vaccination decisions. An additional goal was to determine what views or convictions most often lead to the phenomenon of delaying or refusing vaccinations, especially HPV vaccines, in the surveyed community. Materials and Methods: An online questionnaire was conducted in which parents marked how they vaccinated their children with mandatory vaccinations and whether they took the opportunity to protect their children with additional vaccinations, including HPV and COVID-19. Respondents also marked the extent to which they agreed with the statements, regarding the safety of vaccinations, doubts about them, as well as popular anti-vaccine myths. Results: A total of 250 questionnaires were collected with data on the immunization of 425 children. Associations between specific beliefs and vaccine abstention were established. The most motivating factor for vaccination against HPV was the parent’s awareness that the virus HP is the cause of cancer. The most inhibiting factor was respondent’s compliance with the opinion that HPV vaccines can affect the child’s sexual activity. Conclusions: The results indicate that information campaigns are needed, especially focusing on vaccine safety and the regularity and transparency of monitoring adverse effects. The obtained results will be used to create educational interventions against vaccination hesitancy more adapted to local conditions.
Towards Using MMO Anodes in Zinc Electrorefining: Mn Removal by Simulated Plant Off-Gas
Authors: Askarian Masoomeh , Mousavi Fariba , Mollaabbasi Roozbeh , Benguerel Elyse , Brown Carl , Houlachi Georges , Alamdari Houshang
Published: October 2023

Implementing mixed metal oxide (MMO) anodes in zinc electrowinning is highly desired due to the considerable reduction in electrical energy consumption. However, the presence of manganese in the electrolyte is a major obstacle for implementing MMO anodes in the zinc cell houses. In this work, we explore the possibility of using plant off-gas, containing SO2, to remove manganese. A SO2/air gas mixture with different SO2 and O2 concentrations was therefore used for the oxidative precipitation of manganese. It was shown that the manganese oxidation reaction is highly pH-dependent. Calcium hydroxide was used to control the pH during the process. Different operating parameters, i.e., pH, SO2/air ratio, reaction time, and effect of cobalt as a reaction catalyst, were investigated. Optimal conditions for manganese removal were reported. Under the optimal conditions, the manganese concentration decreased from 1 g L−1 to less than 1 mg L−1 within 30 min. Precipitates were characterized using EDS, XRF, and XPS techniques and showed coprecipitation of manganese, zinc, gypsum, and cobalt.
The Effect of IMCs and Segregation on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of β-Type Titanium Alloys
Authors: Ma Xi-Long , Jia Bo-Wen , Nie Guo-Quan , Shang Zhi-Feng , Fu Bin-Bin , Ren He
Published: October 2023

Two new β-type titanium (β-Ti) alloys of Ti-10.5Cr-5.4Mn-2.4Zr-0.9Al and Ti-15.6Cr-12Mn-3.3Zr were designed with the same bond order value 2.79 and different d-orbital energy level values of 2.28 and 2.16, respectively. The effect of intermetallic compounds (IMCs) and the segregation behaviors of β-Ti alloys were discussed by adding excessive and normal alloying elements to alloys under both as-cast and solution-treated conditions. The mono-β phase in the Ti-10.5Cr-5.4Mn-2.4Zr-0.9Al alloy and β+intermetallic compounds (IMCs) in the Ti-15.6Cr-12Mn-3.3Zr alloy were identified and observed. The as-cast and solution-treated alloys showed their ultimate tensile strength and fracture strain; these were 982 and 1002 MPa, with 9.82 and 9.89% for Ti-10.5Cr-5.4Mn-2.4Zr-0.9Al, and 448 and 296 MPa, with 0.12 and 0.11% for Ti-15.6Cr-12Mn-3.3Zr, respectively. Moreover, the Vickers hardness values of the as-cast and solution-treated alloys were 345 and 355 for Ti-10.5Cr-5.4Mn-2.4Zr-0.9Al, and 422 and 466 for Ti-15.6Cr-12Mn-3.3Zr, respectively.
A Comprehensive and Sustainable Recycling Process for Different Types of Blended End-of-Life Solar Panels: Leaching and Recovery of Valuable Base and Precious Metals and/or Elements
Authors: Kavousi Maryam , Alamdari Eskandar Keshavarz
Published: October 2023

The production of photovoltaic modules is increasing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, this results in a significant amount of waste at the end of their lifespan. Therefore, recycling these solar panels is important for environmental and economic reasons. However, collecting and separating crystalline silicon, cadmium telluride, and copper–indium–gallium–selenide panels can be challenging, especially in underdeveloped countries. The innovation in this work is the development of a process to recycle all solar panel waste. The dissolution of all metals through the leaching process is studied as the main step of the flowchart. In the first step of leaching, 98% of silver can be recovered by 0.5 M nitric acid. Then, the second and third step involves the use of glycine for base metal dissolution, followed by the leaching of valuable metals with hydrochloric acid. The effect of parameters such as the initial pH, acid concentration, solid/liquid ratio, and hydrogen peroxide concentration is studied. The results show that up to 100% of Cu, Pb, Sn, Zn, Cd, In, Ga, and Se can be recovered under optimal conditions. The optimal conditions for the dissolution of Cu, Zn, and Cd were a glycine concentration of 0.5 M, a temperature of 25 °C, a solid/liquid ratio of 10 gr/L, and 1% of hydrogen peroxide. The optimized glycine concentration for the leaching of lead and tin was 1.5 M. Indium and gallium were recovered at 100% by the use of 5 M hydrochloric acid, S/L ratio = 10 gr/L, and T = 45 °C. Separation of selenium and tellurium occurred using 0.5 M HCl at a temperature of 60 °C. Additionally, for the first time, a general outlook for the recycling of various end-of-life solar panels is suggested.
The Deformation Behavior of Niobium Microalloyed Steel during Lüders Band Formation
Authors: Brlić Tin , Rodič Tomaž , Samardžić Ivan , Marciuš Marijan , Matvija Miloš , Rešković Stoja
Published: October 2023

In microalloyed steels, plastic instabilities often appear which have been found to be associated with changes in the microstructure. In this paper, research was carried out on the influence of the microstructure in different areas of the deformation zone during the formation of Lüders bands in niobium microalloyed steel. Thermography and digital image correlation during static tensile testing were used to research deformation behavior and the area before and during the formation of the Lüders band. Different local values of temperature changes, i.e., stress changes, and strains in the examined areas during the formation of the Lüders band were determined. The highest values of the temperature changes and strains during the formation of the Lüders band were measured in the area of the initial appearance of the Lüders band. In order to clarify the observed changes, a microstructural analysis, using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron and transmission electron microscopy methods, was used. It was established that the observed temperature, i.e., stress, and strain changes are related to changes in the microstructure. The analyses of changes in the microstructure, arrangement and interaction of dislocations with precipitates revealed significant changes in the movement of dislocations and their interaction with fine niobium-containing precipitates during the formation of Lüders bands. The influence of microstructural parameters on the Lüders band formation in niobium microalloyed steel has been established based on this research.
Thermodynamics of the Formation of Non-Metallic Inclusions during the Deoxidation of GCr15 Bearing Steel
Authors: Cao Lei , Zhu Liguang , Zhao Ruihua , Guo Zhihong , Qiu Guoxing
Published: October 2023

The non-metallic inclusions in steel mainly come from the deoxidization process of molten steel. Based on the different deoxidization processes of GCr15 bearing steel produced by a domestic steel plant, the single deoxidization curves of Al, Si, and Mn and the compound deoxidization curves of Al-Si and Si-Mn under pure molten iron and GCr15 bearing steel production conditions were calculated with the FactSage 8.1 thermodynamic software. The results show that the deoxidization curves under the two conditions are quite different. At the same time, the Al-Ti deoxidation equilibrium curve under the condition of GCr15 bearing steel was calculated. It was found that when [Ti] < 0.0015% in the steel, the equilibrium deoxidation product was Al2O3, and no titanium oxide was generated. Finally, a thermodynamic calculation and analysis of the effect of rare-earth Ce content on the modification of inclusions in GCr15 bearing steel were carried out. The results showed that when T = 1873 K, the rare-earth Ce treatment of aluminum deoxidized the GCr15 bearing steel; when [Al] = 0.015%, Al2O3 inclusions increased with the increase in [Ce] content, and the evolution path was Al11O18Ce→CeAlO3→Ce2O3. When [Si] = 0.28%, [O] > 50 ppm, and CeCrO3 and [O] 0.012% appeared. CeS inclusions appeared in the steel, and the final equilibrium product was CeS + Ce2O3. When [Ce] < 0.012%, CeS was not produced in the steel, and only Ce2O3 existed.
Microstructural Evolution of a Re-Containing 10% Cr-3Co-3W Steel during Creep at Elevated Temperature
Authors: Fedoseeva Alexandra , Brazhnikov Ivan , Degtyareva Svetlana , Nikitin Ivan , Kaibyshev Rustam
Published: October 2023

Ten percent Cr steels are considered to be prospective materials for the production of pipes, tubes, and blades in coal-fired power plants, which are able to operate within ultra-supercritical steam parameters. The microstructural evolution of a Re-containing 10% Cr-3Co-3W steel with low N and high B content during creep was investigated at different strains at 923 K and under an applied stress of 120 MPa using TEM and EBSD analyses. The studied steel had been previously normalized at 1323 K and tempered at 1043 K for 3 h. In the initial state, the tempered martensite lath structure with high dislocation density was stabilized by M23C6 carbides, NbX carbonitrides, and M6C carbides. At the end of the primary creep stage, the main microstructural change was found to be the precipitation of the fine Laves phase particles along the boundaries of the prior austenite grains, packets, blocks, and martensitic laths. The remarkable microstructural degradation processes, such as the significant growth of martensitic laths, the reduction in dislocation density within the lath interiors, and the growth of the grain boundary Laves phase particles, occurred during the steady-state and tertiary creep stages. Moreover, during the steady-state creep stage, the precipitation of the V-rich phase was revealed. Softening was in accordance with the dramatic reduction in hardness during the transition from the primary creep stage to the steady-state creep stage. The reasons for the softening were considered to be due to the change in the strengthening mechanisms and the interactions of the grain boundary M23C6 carbides and Laves phase with the low-angle boundaries of the martensitic laths and free dislocations.
Life Cycle Assessment of Cold Spray Additive Manufacturing and Conventional Machining of Aluminum Alloy Flange
Authors: Kumar Dileep , Palanisamy Suresh , Krishnan Kannoorpatti , Alam Md Morshed
Published: October 2023

Cold spray additive manufacturing (CSAM) is generally used to repair worn components and build complex on-demand parts by depositing metal powder layer-wise using compressed air. Previous studies on CSAM were focused on printing parameters, materials properties, and printed part mechanical performance. However, the energy consumption and environmental impacts of CSAM processes have not yet been investigated, which are essential factors for sustainable manufacturing. This study aims to investigate the carbon footprint of the CSAM process and compare it with conventional machining processes and other additive manufacturing. The life cycle assessment methodology was followed to calculate the carbon footprint of a pipe flange, considering rod or tube as a feedstock. Results revealed that the machined flange from the tube had the lowest CO2-eq emissions of 31 kg CO2-eq due to low rough machining energy consumption and scrap production, compared to the machined flange from a rod and a printed flange from powder. Moreover, the life cycle carbon emissions increased by 8% and 19% in case of the printed and machined flanges, with uncertainties of 4% and 9%, respectively, when changing feedstock CO2 emissions. From a regional perspective, the CSAM process was responsible for the lowest CO2-eq emissions in Tasmania and South Australia.
Sequential Regularization Method for the Identification of Mold Heat Flux during Continuous Casting Using Inverse Problem Solutions Techniques
Authors: Zhang Haihui , Zou Jiawei , Xiao Pengcheng
Published: October 2023

A two-dimensional transient inverse heat-conduction problem (2DIHCP) was established to determine the mold heat flux using observed temperatures. The sequential regularization method (SRM) was used with zeroth-, first-, and second-order spatial regularization to solve the 2DIHCP. The accuracy of the 2DIHCP was investigated under two strict test conditions (Case 1: heat flux with time-spatial periodically varying, and Case 2: that with sharp variations). The effects of the number of future time steps, regularization parameters, order of regularization, discrete grids, and time step size on the accuracy of the 2DIHCP were analyzed. The results showed that the minimum relative error (epred) of the predicted Case 1 heat flux is 5.05%, 5.39%, and 5.88% for zeroth-, first-, and second-order spatial regularization, respectively. The corresponding values for the predicted Case 2 heat flux are 6.31%, 6.30%, and 6.36%. Notably, zeroth- and first-order spatial regularization had higher accuracy than second-order spatial regularization, while zeroth-order spatial regularization was comparable to first-order. Additionally, first-order spatial regularization was more accurate in reconstructing heat flux containing sharp spatial variations. The CPU time of the predicted Case 2 heat flux is 1.71, 1.71, and 1.70 s for zeroth-, first-, and second-order spatial regularization, respectively. The corresponding values for the predicted Case 1 heat flux are 6.18, 6.15, and 6.17 s. It is noteworthy that the choice of spatial regularization order does not significantly impact the required computing time. Lastly, the minimum epred of Case 2 heat flux with zeroth-order spatial regularization is 7.96%, 6.42%, and 7.87% for time step sizes of 1/fs, 1/2fs, and 1/5fs, respectively. The accuracy of the inverse analysis displays an initial improvement followed by degradation as the time step size decreases. A recommended time step size is 1/2fs, where fs denotes the temperature-sampling rate.
Fabrication of an Electrochemical Sensor Based on a Molecularly Imprinted Polymer for the Highly Sensitive and Selective Determination of the Antiretroviral Drug Zidovudine in Biological Samples
Authors: Karadurmus Leyla , Ozkan Sibel A.
Published: October 2023

Molecularly Imprinted Polymers (MIP) have demonstrated considerable potential when combined with electrochemical sensors, exhibiting high sensitivity, selectivity and reproducibility levels. The aim of this work is to detect Zivudine (ZDV) in serum samples by means of an interface imprinting technique-based electrochemical sensor. Thus, ZDV was used as a template for the creation of an MIP-based electrochemical sensor, and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) was used as the determination technique for the molecule. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and cyclic voltammetry (CV) techniques were also used to characterize the electrochemical sensor capabilities, which showed a good linearity between 1.0 × 10−10 M and 1.0 × 10−9 M. ZDV was detected with a detection limit of 1.63 × 10−11 M, while the recovery analysis of spiked serum samples demonstrated that the sensor was highly selective.
Correlation Analysis of Surface and Physical Properties of Ophthalmic Lenses Containing Nanoparticles
Authors: Shin Su-Mi , Park Hye-In , Sung A-Young
Published: October 2023

Since contact lenses directly contact the cornea, the surface roughness of the lens may cause various side effects. In addition, gold nanoparticles can realize a variety of colors and characteristics depending on their shape and size. In this study, the surface roughness of tinted lenses containing gold nanoparticles of various sizes was analyzed using atomic force microscopy (AFM) at aspect ratio(surface to volume ratio) ranging from 1:1 to 1:10. The characteristics of the lenses were then confirmed. As a result, tinted lenses with different colors depending on the size of the gold nanoparticles were manufactured. The surface roughness of the lens decreased with increasing size of the gold nanoparticles. However, at aspect ratio of 1:10, increase in surface roughness was observed. In addition, it was confirmed that the wettability and antibacterial properties of the lens had the same effect according to the average surface roughness value. Therefore, it was confirmed that the addition of gold nanoparticles reduced the surface roughness of the lens, which had a great effect on properties such as wettability and antimicrobial properties of the lens. The produced copolymer controls the surface roughness of the lens, and thus it is judged that it can be used as a material for various ophthalmology applications.
Measurement and Simulation of Ultra-Low-Energy Ion–Solid Interaction Dynamics
Authors: Titze Michael , Poplawsky Jonathan D. , Kretschmer Silvan , Krasheninnikov Arkady V. , Doyle Barney L. , Bielejec Edward S. , Hobler Gerhard , Belianinov Alex
Published: October 2023

Ion implantation is a key capability for the semiconductor industry. As devices shrink, novel materials enter the manufacturing line, and quantum technologies transition to being more mainstream. Traditional implantation methods fall short in terms of energy, ion species, and positional precision. Here, we demonstrate 1 keV focused ion beam Au implantation into Si and validate the results via atom probe tomography. We show the Au implant depth at 1 keV is 0.8 nm and that identical results for low-energy ion implants can be achieved by either lowering the column voltage or decelerating ions using bias while maintaining a sub-micron beam focus. We compare our experimental results to static calculations using SRIM and dynamic calculations using binary collision approximation codes TRIDYN and IMSIL. A large discrepancy between the static and dynamic simulation is found, which is due to lattice enrichment with high-stopping-power Au and surface sputtering. Additionally, we demonstrate how model details are particularly important to the simulation of these low-energy heavy-ion implantations. Finally, we discuss how our results pave a way towards much lower implantation energies while maintaining high spatial resolution.
Numerical Model Validation of the Blood Flow through a Microchannel Hyperbolic Contraction
Authors: Barbosa Filipe , Dueñas-Pamplona Jorge , Abreu Cristiano S. , Oliveira Mónica S. N. , Lima Rui A.
Published: October 2023

A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model of blood flow through hyperbolic contraction with a discrete phase model (DPM) was experimentally validated. For this purpose, the positions and velocities of red blood cells (RBCs) flowing in a microchannel with hyperbolic contraction were experimentally assessed using image analysis techniques, and were subsequently compared with the numerical results. The numerically and experimentally obtained velocity fields were in good agreement, with errors smaller than 10%. Additionally, a nearly constant strain rate was observed in the contraction region, which can be attributed to the quasilinear increase in the velocity along the hyperbolic contraction. Therefore, the numerical technique used was validated due to the close similarity between the numerically and experimentally obtained results. The tested CFD model can be used to optimize the microchannel design by minimizing the need to fabricate prototypes and evaluate them experimentally.
A Fast Simulation Method for Evaluating the Single-Event Effect in Aerospace Integrated Circuits
Authors: Zhang Xiaorui , Liu Yi , Xu Changqing , Liao Xinfang , Chen Dongdong , Yang Yintang
Published: October 2023

With the continuous progress in integrated circuit technology, single-event effect (SEE) has become a key factor affecting the reliability of aerospace integrated circuits. Simulating fault injection using the computer simulation technique effectively reflects the SEE in aerospace integrated circuits. Due to various masking effects, only a small number of faults will result in errors; the traditional method of injecting one fault in one workload execution is inefficient. The method of injecting multiple faults in one workload execution will make it impossible to judge which fault results in errors because the propagation characteristic of SEE and faults may affect each other. This paper proposes an improved multi-point fault injection method to improve simulation efficiency and solve the problems of the general multi-point fault injection method. If one workload execution does not result in errors, multiple faults can be verified by one workload execution. If one workload execution results in errors, a specific grouping method can be used to determine which faults result in errors. The experimental results show that the proposed method achieves a good acceleration effect and significantly improves the simulation efficiency.
Electronic Structure and Transport Properties of Bi2Te3 and Bi2Se3 Single Crystals
Authors: Marchenkov Vyacheslav V. , Lukoyanov Alexey V. , Baidak Semyon T. , Perevalova Alexandra N. , Fominykh Bogdan M. , Naumov Sergey V. , Marchenkova Elena B.
Published: October 2023

The electrical resistivity and the Hall effect of topological insulator Bi2Te3 and Bi2Se3 single crystals were studied in the temperature range from 4.2 to 300 K and in magnetic fields up to 10 T. Theoretical calculations of the electronic structure of these compounds were carried out in density functional approach, taking into account spin–orbit coupling and crystal structure data for temperatures of 5, 50 and 300 K. A clear correlation was found between the density of electronic states at the Fermi level and the current carrier concentration. In the case of Bi2Te3, the density of states at the Fermi level and the current carrier concentration increase with increasing temperature, from 0.296 states eV−1 cell−1 (5 K) to 0.307 states eV−1 cell−1 (300 K) and from 0.9 × 1019 cm−3 (5 K) to 2.6 × 1019 cm−3 (300 K), respectively. On the contrary, in the case of Bi2Se3, the density of states decreases with increasing temperature, from 0.201 states eV−1 cell−1 (5 K) to 0.198 states eV−1 cell−1 (300 K), and, as a consequence, the charge carrier concentration also decreases from 2.94 × 1019 cm−3 (5 K) to 2.81 × 1019 cm−3 (300 K).
The High-Efficiency Design Method for Capacitive MEMS Accelerometer
Authors: Liu Wen , Zhao Tianlong , He Zhiyuan , Ye Jingze , Gong Shaotong , Wang Xianglong , Yang Yintang
Published: October 2023

In this research, a high-efficiency design method of the capacitive MEMS accelerometer is proposed. As the MEMS accelerometer has high precision and a compact structure, much research has been carried out, which mainly focused on the structural design and materials selection. To overcome the inconvenience and inaccuracy of the traditional design method, an orthogonal design and the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm are introduced to improve the design efficiency. The whole process includes a finite element method (FEM) simulation, high-efficiency design, and verification. Through the theoretical analysis, the working mechanism of capacitive MEMS accelerometer is clear. Based on the comparison among the sweep calculation results of these parameters in the FEM software, four representative structural parameters are selected for further study, and they are le, nf, lf and wPM, respectively. le and lf are the length of the sensing electrode and fixed electrode on the right. nf is the number of electrode pairs, and wPM is the width of the mass block. Then, in order to reduce computation, an orthogonal design is adopted and finally, 81 experimental groups are produced. Sensitivity SV and mass Ma are defined as evaluation parameters, and structural parameters of experimental groups are imported into the FEM software to obtain the corresponding calculation results. These simulation data are imported into neural networks with the PSO algorithm. For a comprehensively accurate examination, three cases are used to verify our design method, and every case endows the performance parameters with different weights and expected values. The corresponding structural parameters of each case are given out after 24 iterations. Finally, the maximum calculation errors of SV and Ma are 1.2941% and 0.1335%, respectively, proving the feasibility of the high-efficiency design method.
High Transmission All-Optical Combinational Logic Circuits Based on a Nanoring Multi-Structure at 1.31 µm
Authors: Sadeq Salma Ali , Hayati Mohsen , Khosravi Saba
Published: October 2023

The main purpose of this study is to design combinational logic gates based on a novel configuration of insulator–metal–insulator (IMI) nanoring plasmonic waveguides. Plasmonic logic gates are half adder, full adder, half subtractor, full subtractor, and one-bit comparator and are realized in one structure. The performance of the logic circuits is based on constructive and destructive interferences between the input and control signals. The transmission threshold value is assumed to be 0.35 at the resonance wavelength of 1.310 μm. The transmission spectrum, contrast loss (CL), insertion loss (IL), modulation depth (MD), and contrast ratio (CR) are calculated in order to evaluate the structure’s performance. The maximum transmission of the proposed structure is 232% for full a adder logic gate, and MD exceeds 90% in all plasmonic combinational logic circuits. The suggested design plays a key role in the photonic circuits and nanocircuits for all-optical systems and optical communication systems. The combinational logic gates are analyzed and simulated using the finite element method (FEM).
Two-Dimensional Copper/Nickel Metal–Organic Framework Nanosheets for Non-Enzymatic Electrochemical Glucose Detection
Authors: Yao Zhou , Zhang Libing , Wu Ting , Song Haijun , Tang Chengli
Published: October 2023

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have broad potential applications in electrochemical glucose detection. Herein, a green ultrasonic synthesis process is presented for preparing two-dimensional (2D) copper–nickel metal–organic framework nanosheets (CuNi-MOFNs) for glucose detection. The synthesized CuNi-MOFNs were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), and X-ray photoelectron spectrometer (XPS). The CuNi-MOFN nanocomposites were used to cover the glassy carbon electrode (GCE) and the CuNi-MOFNs-modified electrode was studied in alkaline media. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and amperometric i–t curves indicated that the CuNi-MOFNs-modified electrode revealed great electrochemical performances towards glucose oxidation. Due to the ease of access to active metal sites in large specific surface of nanosheets, the CuNi-MOFNs-modified electrode can effectively improve the electronic transfer rate and enhance electrocatalytic activity of the CuNi-MOFNs-modified electrode. The CuNi-MOFNs-modified electrode showed electrochemical performances for glucose detection with a linear range from 0.01 mM to 4 mM, sensitivity of 702 μAmM−1cm−2, and detection limit of 3.33 μΜ (S/N = 3). The CuNi-MOFNs-modified electrode exhibited excellent anti-interference ability and high selectivity in glucose measurements. Hence, the CuNi-MOFNs-modified electrode has good, promising prospects in non-enzymatic electrochemical glucose detection.
Application of Chemical Metallization of Photopolymer Structures Additive Technology in the Production of Components for Electronic Devices
Authors: Proyavin Mikhail D. , Kotomina Valentina E. , Orlovskiy Alexey A. , Zaslavsky Vladislav Yu. , Morozkin Mikhail V. , Palitsin Alexey V. , Rodin Yuriy V. , Sobolev Dmitriy I. , Peskov Nikolay Y.
Published: October 2023

In this paper, we studied the operability of various components of vacuum electronic devices manufactured using the novel chemical metallization of photopolymer 3D-printed structures technology (CMPS), which is being applied at the Institute of Applied Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences (IAP RAS), for operation from microwave to sub-terahertz ranges. The key feature of this production method is the 3D printing (SLA/DLP, MJM technologies) of products and their further metallization. The paper presents the main stages of the process of chemical copper plating of polymer bases in various electrodynamic systems with complex shapes. A significant difference in the geometry and operating conditions of the created elements forms certain approaches to their production, as described in this work. Experimental studies of the implemented microwave components were carried out up to 700 GHz in the “cold” measurements; some electrodynamic structures were examined under conditions of sub-gigawatt peak power; and complex-shaped electrodes with cooling channels were tested under a continuous high thermal load. The conducted research has demonstrated the high potential of the developed methods of additive manufacturing of microwave device components and the prospects for their successful application in the described areas.
Novel Probiotic Bacterium Rouxiella badensis subsp. acadiensis (Canan SV-53) Modulates Gut Immunity through Epigenetic Mechanisms
Authors: Shahbazi Roghayeh , Yasavoli-Sharahi Hamed , Mallet Jean-François , Sharifzad Farzaneh , Alsadi Nawal , Cuenin Cyrille , Cahais Vincent , Chung Felicia Fei-Lei , Herceg Zdenko , Matar Chantal
Published: October 2023

Gut immune system homeostasis is crucial to overall host health. Immune disturbance at the gut level may lead to systemic and distant sites’ immune dysfunction. Probiotics and prebiotics consumption have been shown to improve gut microbiota composition and function and enhance gut immunity. In the current study, the immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects of viable and heat-inactivated forms of the novel probiotic bacterium Rouxiella badensis subsp. acadiensis (Canan SV-53), as well as the prebiotic protocatechuic acid (PCA) derived from the fermentation of blueberry juice by SV-53, were examined. To this end, female Balb/c mice received probiotic (viable or heat-inactivated), prebiotic, or a mixture of viable probiotic and prebiotic in drinking water for three weeks. To better decipher the immunomodulatory effects of biotics intake, gut microbiota, gut mucosal immunity, T helper-17 (Th17) cell-related cytokines, and epigenetic modulation of Th17 cells were studied. In mice receiving viable SV-53 and PCA, a significant increase was noted in serum IgA levels and the number of IgA-producing B cells in the ileum. A significant reduction was observed in the concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-17A, IL-6, and IL-23, and expression of two proinflammatory miRNAs, miR-223 and miR425, in treated groups. In addition, heat-inactivated SV-53 exerted immunomodulatory properties by elevating the IgA concentration in the serum and reducing IL-6 and IL-23 levels in the ileum. DNA methylation analysis revealed the role of heat-inactivated SV-53 in the epigenetic regulation of genes related to Th17 and IL-17 production and function, including Il6, Il17rc, Il9, Il11, Akt1, Ikbkg, Sgk1, Cblb, and Smad4. Taken together, these findings may reflect the potential role of the novel probiotic bacterium SV-53 and prebiotic PCA in improving gut immunity and homeostasis. Further studies are required to ascertain the beneficial effects of this novel bacterium in the inflammatory state.
Occurrence of Neonatal Necrotizing Enterocolitis in Premature Neonates and Gut Microbiota: A Case–Control Prospective Multicenter Study
Authors: Aires Julio , Ilhan Zehra Esra , Nicolas Lancelot , Ferraris Laurent , Delannoy Johanne , Bredel Maxime , Chauvire-Drouard Anne , Barbut Frédéric , Rozé Jean-Christophe , Lepage Patricia , Butel Marie-José ,   ClosNEC Study Group
Published: October 2023

Background: Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is still one of the leading causes of neonatal death. The present study reports the data from a French case–control prospective multicenter study. Methods: A total of 146 preterm neonates (PNs) with or without NEC were included. Bacterial 16S rRNA gene sequencing was performed on stool samples (n = 103). Specific culture media were used to isolate Escherichia coli, Clostridium butyricum, and Clostridium neonatale, and strains were phenotypically characterized. Results: The gut microbiota of PNs was dominated by Firmicutes and Proteobacteria, and five enterotypes were identified. The microbiota composition was similar between NEC cases and PN controls. However, differences were observed in the relative abundance of Lactobacillus genus, which was significantly lower in the NEC group, whereas that of the Clostridium cluster III was significantly higher (p < 0.05). Within enterotypes, several phylotypes were significantly more abundant in NEC cases (p < 0.05). Regarding perinatal factors, a statistical association was found between the gut microbiota and cesarean delivery and antifungal therapy. In NEC cases and PN controls, the carriage rates and virulence genes of uropathogenic E. coli were equivalent based on culture. No correlation was found between E. coli, C. butyricum, and C. neonatale carriages, beta-lactam resistance, and antibiotic treatment. Conclusions: At disease onset, our data support a microbiota dysbiosis between NEC and control infants at the genus level. In addition, it provides valuable information on bacterial antimicrobial susceptibility.
Investigating the Impact of Tillage and Crop Rotation on the Prevalence of phlD-Carrying Pseudomonas Potentially Involved in Disease Suppression
Authors: Rathore Ridhdhi , Forristal Dermot , Spink John , Dowling David , Germaine Kieran J.
Published: October 2023

Winter oilseed rape (OSR) is becoming an increasingly popular crop in rotations as it provides a cash crop and reduces the incidence of take-all fungal disease (caused by Gaeumannomyces graminis) in subsequent wheat production. The exact mechanism of this inhibition of fungal pathogens is not fully understood; however, the selective recruitment of bacterial groups with the ability to suppress pathogen growth and reproduction is thought to play a role. Here we examine the effect of tillage practice on the proliferation of microbes that possess the phlD gene involved in the production of the antifungal compound 2,4-diacetylphloroglucinol (2,4-DAPG), in the rhizospheres of both winter oilseed rape and winter wheat grown in rotation over a two-year period. The results showed that conservation strip tillage led to a significantly greater phlD gene copy number, both in the soil and in the roots, of oilseed rape and wheat crops, whereas crop rotation of oilseed rape and wheat did not increase the phlD gene copy number in winter wheat.
One Health Assessment of Bacillus anthracis Incidence and Detection in Anthrax-Endemic Areas of Pakistan
Authors: Sardar Nageen , Aziz Muhammad Waqar , Mukhtar Nadia , Yaqub Tahir , Anjum Aftab Ahmad , Javed Maryam , Ashraf Muhammad Adnan , Tanvir Rabia , Wolfe Alan J. , Schabacker Daniel S. , Forrester Sara , Khemmani Mark , Aqel Amin A. , Warraich Muhammad Akib , Shabbir Muhammad Zubair
Published: October 2023

Anthrax, a severe zoonotic disease, is infrequently reported in anthrax-endemic regions of Pakistan. Despite clinical reports indicating its presence, particularly cutaneous anthrax, there is insufficient laboratory evidence regarding disease occurrence and environmental persistence. The present study aimed to confirm Bacillus anthracis presence, accountable for animal mortality and human infection, while exploring environmental transmission factors. Between March 2019 and July 2021, a total of 19 outbreaks were documented. Of these, 11 affected sheep/goats in Zhob district and 8 affected cattle/sheep in Bajour Agency. Clinical signs suggestive of Bacillus anthracis outbreak were observed in 11 animals. Blood and swab samples were collected for confirmation. The study followed a One Health approach, analyzing animal, environmental (soil/plant), and human samples. Of the 19 outbreaks, 11 were confirmed positive for anthrax based on growth characteristics, colony morphology, and PCR. Soil and plant root samples from the outbreak areas were collected and analyzed microscopically and molecularly. Cutaneous anthrax was observed in six humans, and swab samples were taken from the lesions. Human serum samples (n = 156) were tested for IgG antibodies against PA toxin and quantitative analysis of anthrax toxin receptor 1 (ANTXR1). Bacillus anthracis was detected in 65 out of 570 (11.40%) soil samples and 19 out of 190 (10%) plant root samples from the outbreak areas. Four out of six human samples from cutaneous anthrax lesions tested positive for Bacillus anthracis. Human anthrax seroprevalence was found to be 11% and 9% in two districts, with the highest rates among butchers and meat consumers. The highest ANTXR1 levels were observed in butchers, followed by meat consumers, farm employees, meat vendors, veterinarians, and farm owners. These findings highlight the persistence of anthrax in the region and emphasize the potential public health risks.
Rhodoalgimonas zhirmunskyi gen. nov., sp. nov., a Marine Alphaproteobacterium Isolated from the Pacific Red Alga Ahnfeltia tobuchiensis: Phenotypic Characterization and Pan-Genome Analysis
Authors: Nedashkovskaya Olga , Otstavnykh Nadezhda , Balabanova Larissa , Bystritskaya Evgenia , Kim Song-Gun , Zhukova Natalia , Tekutyeva Liudmila , Isaeva Marina
Published: October 2023

A novel Gram-staining negative, strictly aerobic, rod-shaped, and non-motile bacterium, designated strain 10Alg 79T, was isolated from the red alga Ahnfeltia tobuchiensis. A phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences placed the novel strain within the family Roseobacteraceae, class Alphaproteobacteria, phylum Pseudomonadota, where the nearest neighbor was Shimia sediminis ZQ172T (97.33% of identity). However, a phylogenomic study clearly showed that strain 10Alg 79T forms a distinct evolutionary lineage at the genus level within the family Roseobacteraceae combining with strains Aquicoccus porphyridii L1 8-17T, Marimonas arenosa KCTC 52189T, and Lentibacter algarum DSM 24677T. The ANI, AAI, and dDDH values between them were 75.63–78.15%, 67.41–73.08%, and 18.8–19.8%, respectively. The genome comprises 3,754,741 bp with a DNA GC content of 62.1 mol%. The prevalent fatty acids of strain 10Alg 79T were C18:1 ω7c and C16:0. The polar lipid profile consisted of phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, an unidentified aminolipid, an unidentified phospholipid and an unidentified lipid. A pan-genome analysis showed that the unique part of the 10Alg 79T genome consists of 13 genus-specific clusters and 413 singletons. The annotated singletons were more often related to transport protein systems, transcriptional regulators, and enzymes. A functional annotation of the draft genome sequence revealed that this bacterium could be a source of a new phosphorylase, which may be used for phosphoglycoside synthesis. A combination of the genotypic and phenotypic data showed that the bacterial isolate represents a novel species and a novel genus, for which the name Rhodoalgimonas zhirmunskyi gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 10Alg 79T (=KCTC 72611T = KMM 6723T).
Novel Insights on the Bacterial and Archaeal Diversity of the Panarea Shallow-Water Hydrothermal Vent Field
Authors: Arcadi Erika , Buschi Emanuela , Rastelli Eugenio , Tangherlini Michael , De Luca Pasquale , Esposito Valentina , Calogero Rosario , Andaloro Franco , Romeo Teresa , Danovaro Roberto
Published: October 2023

Current knowledge of the microbial diversity of shallow-water hydrothermal vents is still limited. Recent evidence suggests that these peculiar and heterogeneous systems might host highly diversified microbial assemblages with novel or poorly characterized lineages. In the present work, we used 16S rRNA gene metabarcoding to provide novel insights into the diversity of the bacterial and archaeal assemblages in seawater and sediments of three shallow-water hydrothermal systems of Panarea Island (Tyrrhenian Sea). The three areas were characterized by hot, cold, or intermediate temperatures and related venting activities. Microbial biodiversity in seawater largely differed from the benthic one, both in α-diversity (i.e., richness of amplicon sequence variants—ASVs) and in prokaryotic assemblage composition. Furthermore, at the class level, the pelagic prokaryotic assemblages were very similar among sites, whereas the benthic microbial assemblages differed markedly, reflecting the distinct features of the hydrothermal activities at the three sites we investigated. Our results show that ongoing high-temperature emissions can influence prokaryotic α-diversity at the seafloor, increasing turnover (β-)diversity, and that the intermediate-temperature-venting spot that experienced a violent gas explosion 20 years ago now displays the highest benthic prokaryotic diversity. Overall, our results suggest that hydrothermal vent dynamics around Panarea Island can contribute to an increase in the local heterogeneity of physical–chemical conditions, especially at the seafloor, in turn boosting the overall microbial (γ-)diversity of this peculiar hydrothermal system.