bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Straightness of Central Anatomical Axes of Human Tibia–Fibula System: Role of Fibula and Its Importance in Biomechanics
Authors: Tiwari Ashish , Wahi Pankaj , Gupta Shakti S. , Sinha Niraj
Published: October 2023

Fracture may occur in human lower leg bones considering varying loads acting on them while performing various functions. Implants, commonly used in healing the fractures, must be properly aligned with the bones' anatomical axes for their proper functioning. While attempts to establish tibial anatomical axis have been made previously, combined central anatomical axis of human tibia and fibula remains unexplored. In this study, profiles of individual and combined central anatomical axes of tibia and fibula have been obtained using computed tomography (CT). These profiles are found to be approximately straight with the deviation from straight line for the centroidal axis of the combined system being approximately half of that for the tibia. It is further utilized in assessing the role of fibula in determining the critical stresses in the tibia with the help of static finite element analysis (FEA) of a tibia–fibula model. Even though fibula takes a smaller proportion of the total axial load, its absence increases the compressive stresses in the tibia due to increased bending moments at the critical cross section. Furthermore, FEA has been carried out to understand the clinical significance of the mismatch in the centroidal axis of an implant and its parent bone taking the example of the human tibia alone. FEA suggests that these central anatomical axes are in fact the load bearing axes of the bones and any misalignment of implant with the central anatomical axis may lead to patient discomfort and premature failure of the implant.
Identification of Compressor Vibration Aerodynamic Forcing Mechanisms by Spectral Characteristics
Authors: Hernley Valerie , Kang Jeongseek , Montgomery Matthew , Chung Jae Hoon , Jemcov Aleksandar , Morris Scott C.
Published: October 2023

Nonsynchronous vibration (NSV) in axial compressors can be caused either by (1) unsteady aerodynamic forces that are not related to motion of the blades or (2) motion-dependent aerodynamic forcing (e.g., flutter). Aerodynamic forcing mechanisms can be challenging to identify in experimental observations of NSV because the temporal vibration characteristics for both forcing mechanisms can appear similar. This work proposes a method for distinguishing between the two mechanisms using spectral characteristics. The method provides an interpretation of experimental data explicitly consistent with the analytical models used to differentiate between forced response and flutter. Two cases of NSV were observed in a 1.5-stage axial compressor at near-stall conditions. The circumferential wavenumber-dependent unsteady pressure spectra and nonintrusive stress measurement system (NSMS) spectra were observed to have distinct characteristics for the two NSV cases. Based on these distinct spectral characteristics, the first case was identified as blade-row aerodynamic forcing, while the second was identified as motion-dependent (flutter). Numerical simulations confirmed low aerodynamic damping at the conditions where flutter was observed.
Detailed Gaseous and Particulate Emissions of an Allison 250-C20B Turboshaft Engine
Authors: Rohkamp Marius , Rabl Alexander , Gündling Benedikt , Saraji-Bozorgzad Mohammad Reza , Mull Christopher , Bendl Jan , Neukirchen Carsten , Helcig Christian , Adam Thomas , Gümmer Volker , Hupfer Andreas
Published: October 2023

Aviation is known to be one of the most significant contributors to air pollutants. This includes gaseous emissions, like carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx), and also particulate matter (PM), especially in the form of soot. This study conducted emission measurements on an Allison 250-C20B turboshaft engine operating on Jet A-1 fuel with a focus on gaseous compounds (e.g., ozone precursors) and PM. The different engine loading points were chosen based on the percentage thrust ratios of the International Civil Aviation Organization LTO-Cycle. A standard FTIR/O2/FID system to measure general gaseous combustion compounds, e.g., CO2, carbon monoxide (CO), unburned hydrocarbons (UHC), and NOx. For the investigation of the volatile organic compounds (VOC), which are known to act as ozone precursors, a gas chromatograph was applied. Different measurement methods were used to characterize the PM emissions. For the particle size distribution (PSD), we used two types of electrical mobility analyzers and an aerodynamic aerosol classifier. All measurement systems yielded comparable PSD results, indicating reliable results. The particle measurement methods all show increasing aerosol diameter modes (electrical and aerodynamic) with increased engine loading. The aerosol diameter modes were shifting from 29 nm to 65 nm. The size and shape of different individual particles were evaluated with a scanning electron microscope. A correlation between the injection system and the particle formation was established. Gaseous turboshaft engine emissions show high CO and UHC values at Ground Idle level. NOx levels were the highest at Take-Off conditions. Acetylene and ethylene were the most significant contributors to ozone formation.
Influence of Rate Effects, Temperature, and Moisture Content on the Geomechanical Behavior of Marine Clays
Authors: Godoy Vinícius Batista , Schnaid Fernando , Cirio Eduardo , Scheuermann Filho Hugo , Leonhardt Adriana , Pestana Inácio Abreu
Published: October 2023

The study of the geomechanical behavior of marine clays is a basic requirement for project optimization of the oil and natural gas industry. As part of a large-scale project, this study explored the effects of moisture content, temperature, and rate effects using laboratory vane shear tests. A series of results has helped in the identification of the effects of ground freezing on the undrained shear strength. For temperatures below freezing (−2.0 °C) the undrained shear strength increases with increasing water content and decreases with increasing shear rates for applied angular velocities in the range of 0.0025– 0.015 rpm. Apparently, with the freezing of pore fluids, the shear strength is partially governed by the strength of the ice-soil particle bonds. The increase in shear rate appears to facilitate the breakage of the ice bonds and afterwards the ice crystals reducing the viscous effects on the mobilized shear strength. Conversely, samples tested at temperatures above freezing show an increase in undrained shear strength with the increase in the imposed angular velocity and decreases with increasing soil moisture. Based on these studies, it is concluded that rate effects should be coupled to the influence of temperature and moisture content in the design of offshore structures.
2.5-Dimensional Ultrasonic Imaging for Pipe-Like Damage
Authors: Wang Xiaocen , Li Jian , Lin Min , Tong Junkai , Chen Shili , Liu Yang
Published: October 2023

Structural damage is a significant factor that threatens the service life and operation safety. At present, many technical methods can only achieve qualitative damage detection, without providing specific information. Quantitative damage evaluation is more challenging and significant than qualitative damage detection of structures. Pipe-like damage is a common occurrence, caused by factors such as corrosion, welding, and excavation, etc. Ultrasonic detection is a common technique which is very suitable for pipe detection. In this paper, a quantitative evaluation technology based on ultrasonic detection and deep learning is proposed. The 3 dimensional structure is converted into 2 dimensional plate. The plate is discretized into pixels that represent the spatial structure in 2 dimensions. Then, the ultrasonic signal is mapped to 2 dimensional pixels through deep learning to realize the imaging of the damage of the pipe. This method is commonly referred to as 2.5 dimensional imaging because it is not a direct 3D imaging method but can be converted into a 3D structure. Numerical experiments were conducted on typical pipe-like structures, and the results demonstrate that physical information of damage, including location, size and shape, can be accurately detected. Although this imaging method has only been verified by simulation, and it is expected to be explored and applied in future studies to more complex structures, such as aircraft wings, trusses, and beams, for the purpose of detecting and imaging damage.
A Deep Learning Based Super-Resolution Approach for the Reconstruction of Full Wavefields of Lamb Waves
Authors: Ullah Saeed , Kudela Pawel , Ostachowicz Wieslaw
Published: October 2023

Scanning laser Doppler vibrometer (SLDV) is widely used to obtain the full wavefields of propagating guided waves, particularly Lamb waves. Signal processing is applied on such full wavefields in order to reveal the defects in the inspected structure. However, obtaining the full wavefields of guided Lamb waves is very time-consuming.

To tackle this problem, one possible solution is to acquire the guided Lamb waves in a low-resolution form and then apply a compressive sensing (CS) or a deep learning-based super-resolution approach to that low-resolution form of full wavefields data.

In this research, we applied a deep learning-based super-resolution technique on a large synthetic dataset of full wavefields of propagating Lamb waves in low-resolution format on a carbon fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP) plate. The developed deep learning approach is elaborated, and the results acquired from the deep learning-based process are compared with the conventional CS approach. The developed deep learning-based super-resolution approach is evaluated with two evaluation metrics namely peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) and Pearson correlation coefficient (Pearson CC) and has achieved promising results. It is concluded that the developed deep learning-based method outperforms the traditional CS approach, and the deep learning-based approach for super-resolution can improve the speed of data acquisition by SLDV.
Chronic stress hinders sensory axon regeneration via impairing mitochondrial cristae and OXPHOS
Authors: Ruan Yu , Cheng Jin , Dai Jiafeng , Ma Zhengwen , Luo Shiyu , Yan Run , Wang Lizhao , Zhou Jinrui , Yu Bin , Tong Xiaoping , Shen Hongxing , Zhou Libing , Yuan Ti-Fei , Han Qi
Published: October 2023

Spinal cord injury (SCI) often leads to physical limitations, persistent pain, and major lifestyle shifts, enhancing the likelihood of prolonged psychological stress and associated disorders such as anxiety and depression. The mechanisms linking stress with regeneration remain elusive, despite understanding the detrimental impact of chronic stress on SCI recovery. In this study, we investigated the effect of chronic stress on primary sensory axon regeneration using a preconditioning lesions mouse model. Our data revealed that chronic stress–induced mitochondrial cristae loss and a decrease in oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) within primary sensory neurons, impeding central axon regrowth. Corticosterone, a stress hormone, emerged as a pivotal player in this process, affecting satellite glial cells by reducing Kir4.1 expression. This led to increased neuronal hyperactivity and reactive oxygen species levels, which, in turn, deformed mitochondrial cristae and impaired OXPHOS, crucial for axonal regeneration. Our study underscores the need to manage psychological stress in patients with SCI for effective sensory-motor rehabilitation.
Deficient chaperone-mediated autophagy facilitates LPS-induced microglial activation via regulation of the p300/NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway
Authors: Wu Jin , Han Yingying , Xu Hao , Sun Hongyang , Wang Rui , Ren Haigang , Wang Guanghui
Published: October 2023

Neuroinflammation is a pathological change that is involved in the progression of Parkinson’s disease. Dysfunction of chaperone-mediated autophagy (CMA) has proinflammatory effects. However, the mechanism by which CMA mediates inflammation and whether CMA affects microglia and microglia-mediated neuronal damage remain to be elucidated. In the present study, we found that LAMP2A, a limiting protein for CMA, was decreased in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)–treated primary microglia. Activation of CMA by the activator CA significantly repressed LPS-induced microglial activation, whereas CMA dysfunction exacerbated microglial activation. We further identified that the protein p300 was a substrate of CMA. Degradation of p300 by CMA reduced p65 acetylation, thereby inhibiting the transcription of proinflammatory factors and the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. Furthermore, CA pretreatment inhibited microglia-mediated inflammation and, in turn, attenuated neuronal death in vitro and in vivo. Our findings suggest repressive effects of CMA on microglial activation through the p300-associated NF-κB signaling pathway, thus uncovering a mechanistic link between CMA and neuroinflammation.
Acetobacter pomorum
in the
Drosophila
gut microbiota buffers against host metabolic impacts of dietary preservative formula and batch variation in dietary yeast
Authors: Sannino David R. , Dobson Adam J.
Published: October 2023

Gut microbiota are fundamentally important for healthy function in animal hosts.
Drosophila melanogaster
is a powerful system for understanding host-microbiota interactions, with modulation of the microbiota inducing phenotypic changes that are conserved across animal taxa. Qualitative differences in diet, such as preservatives and dietary yeast batch variation, may affect fly health indirectly via microbiota, and may potentially have hitherto uncharacterized effects directly on the fly. These factors are rarely considered, controlled, and are not standardized among laboratories. Here, we show that the microbiota’s impact on fly triacylglyceride (TAG) levels—a commonly-measured metabolic index—depends on both preservatives and yeast, and combinatorial interactions among the three variables. In studies of conventional, axenic, and gnotobiotic flies, we found that microbial impacts were apparent only on specific yeast-by-preservative conditions, with TAG levels determined by a tripartite interaction of the three experimental factors. When comparing axenic and conventional flies, we found that preservatives caused more variance in host TAG than microbiota status, and certain yeast-preservative combinations even reversed effects of microbiota on TAG. Preservatives had major effects in axenic flies, suggesting either direct effects on the fly or indirect effects via media. However,
Acetobacter pomorum
buffers the fly against this effect, despite the preservatives inhibiting growth, indicating that this bacterium benefits the host in the face of mutual environmental toxicity. Our results suggest that antimicrobial preservatives have major impacts on host TAG, and that microbiota modulates host TAG dependent on the combination of the dietary factors of preservative formula and yeast batch.

IMPORTANCE

Drosophila melanogaster
is a premier model for microbiome science, which has greatly enhanced our understanding of the basic biology of host-microbe interactions. However, often overlooked factors such as dietary composition, including yeast batch variability and preservative formula, may confound data interpretation of experiments within the same lab and lead to different findings when comparing between labs. Our study supports this notion; we find that the microbiota does not alter host TAG levels independently. Rather, TAG is modulated by combinatorial effects of microbiota, yeast batch, and preservative formula. Specific preservatives increase TAG even in germ-free flies, showing that a commonplace procedure in fly husbandry alters metabolic physiology. This work serves as a cautionary tale that fly rearing methodology can mask or drive microbiota-dependent metabolic changes and also cause microbiota-independent changes.
Synergistic effects of sequential light treatment with 222-nm/405-nm and 280-nm/405-nm wavelengths on inactivation of foodborne pathogens
Authors: Chen Hanyu , Moraru Carmen
Published: October 2023

Light-based technologies of different wavelengths can inactivate pathogenic microorganisms, but each wavelength has its limitations. This work explores the potential of sequential treatments with different wavelengths for enhancing the disinfection performance of individual treatments by employing various bactericidal mechanisms. The effectiveness, inactivation kinetics, and bactericidal mechanisms of treatments with 222/405, 280/405, and 405 nm alone against
Escherichia coli
O157:H7,
Listeria monocytogenes
,
Staphylococcus aureus
,
Salmonella
Typhimurium, and
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
were evaluated. Inactivation experiments were performed in thin liquid bacterial suspensions that were treated either individually with 48 h of 405-nm light or sequentially with (i) 30 s of 222-nm far-UV-C light, followed by 48 h of 405-nm light, or (ii) 30 s of 280-nm far-UV-C light, followed by 48 h of 405-nm light. Survivors were recovered and enumerated by standard plate counting. All inactivation curves were non-linear and followed the Weibull model (0.99 ≥
R
2
≥ 0.70). Synergistic effects were found for
E. coli
,
L. monocytogenes
, and
S
. Typhimurium, with maximum inactivation level increases of 2.9, 3.3, and 1.1 log CFU after the sequential treatments, respectively. Marginal synergy was found for
S. aureus
, and an antagonistic effect was found for
P. aeruginosa
after sequential treatments. Significant differences in reactive oxygen species accumulation were found (
P
< 0.05) after various treatment combinations, and the performance of sequential treatments was correlated with cellular oxidative damage. The sequential wavelength treatments proposed demonstrate the potential for enhanced disinfection of multiple foodborne pathogens compared with individual wavelength treatments, which can have significant food safety benefits.

IMPORTANCE

Nonthermal light-based technologies offer a chemical-free method to mitigate microbial contamination in the food and healthcare industries. However, each individual wavelength has different limitations in terms of efficacy and operating conditions, which limits their practical applicability. In this study, bactericidal synergism of sequential treatments with different wavelengths was identified. Pre-treatments with 280 and 222 nm enhanced the disinfection performance of follow-up 405-nm treatments for multiple foodborne pathogens by inducing higher levels of cellular membrane damage and oxidative stress. These findings deliver useful information for light equipment manufacturers, food processors, and healthcare users, who can design and optimize effective light-based systems to realize the full potential of germicidal light technologies. The results from the sequential treatments offer practical solutions to improve the germicidal efficacy of visible light systems, as well as provide inspiration for future hurdle disinfection systems design, with a positive impact on food safety and public health.
Unveiling the regulatory mechanisms of salicylate degradation gene cluster
cehGHIR4
in
Rhizobium
sp. strain X9
Authors: Ke Zhijian , Zhu Qian , Zhang Mingliang , Gao Siyuan , jiang Mingli , Zhou Yidong , Qiu Jiguo , Cheng Minggen , Yan Xin , Wang Jinbo , Hong Qing
Published: October 2023

In a previous study, the novel gene cluster
cehGHI
was found to be involved in salicylate degradation through the CoA-mediated pathway in
Rhizobium
sp. strain X9 (Mol Microbiol 116:783–793, 2021). In this study, an IclR family transcriptional regulator CehR4 was identified. In contrast to other regulators involved in salicylate degradation,
cehR4
forms one operon with the gentisyl-CoA thioesterase gene
cehI
, while
cehG
and
cehH
(encoding salicylyl-CoA ligase and salicylyl-CoA hydroxylase, respectively) form another operon.
cehGH
and
cehIR4
are divergently transcribed, and their promoters overlap. The results of the electrophoretic mobility shift assay and DNase I footprinting showed that CehR4 binds to the 42-bp motif between genes
cehH
and
cehI
, thus regulating transcription of
cehGH
and
cehIR4
. The repeat sequences IR1 (5′-
TTTATATAAA
-3′) and IR2 (5′-
AATATAGAAA
-3′) in the motif are key sites for CehR4 binding. The arrangement of
cehGH
and
cehIR4
and the conserved binding motif of CehR4 were also found in other bacterial genera. The results disclose the regulatory mechanism of salicylate degradation through the CoA pathway and expand knowledge about the systems controlled by IclR family transcriptional regulators.

IMPORTANCE

The long-term residue of aromatic compounds in the environment has brought great threat to the environment and human health. Microbial degradation plays an important role in the elimination of aromatic compounds in the environment. Salicylate is a common intermediate metabolite in the degradation of various aromatic compounds. Recently,
Rhizobium
sp. strain X9, capable of degrading the pesticide carbaryl, was isolated from carbaryl-contaminated soil. Salicylate is the intermediate metabolite that appeared during the degradation of carbaryl, and a novel salicylate degradation pathway and the involved gene cluster
cehGHIR4
have been identified. This study identified and characterized the IclR transcription regulator CehR4 that represses transcription of
cehGHIR4
gene cluster. Additionally, the genetic arrangements of
cehGH
and
cehIR4
and the binding sites of
CehR4
were also found in other bacterial genera. This study provides insights into the biodegradation of salicylate and provides an application in the bioremediation of aromatic compound-contaminated environments.
PlzD modifies
Vibrio vulnificus
foraging behavior and virulence in response to elevated c-di-GMP
Authors: Chen Tianyi , Pu Meng , Subramanian Sundharraman , Kearns Dan , Rowe-Magnus Dean
Published: October 2023

Some marine bacteria can swim at speeds exceeding 50× their body length per second as they actively seek out fleeting microscale nutrient patches. Yet, even in vast marine environments, most micro-organisms live in surface-associated biofilm communities. Such astonishing speeds can pose a serious challenge to initiating biofilm formation, and our understanding of the mechanisms that regulate deceleration is lacking. Calcium, a major constituent of marine ecosystems, promotes biofilm formation in the marine bacterium and opportunistic human pathogen
Vibrio vulnificus
by increasing cellular levels of the key secondary signaling molecule bis-(3´-5´)-cyclic dimeric guanosine monophosphate (c-di-GMP). Here, we show that elevated c-di-GMP levels inhibit
V. vulnificus
swimming motility and identify a PilZ domain protein, PlzD, that mediates this effect. PlzD is localized at the flagellar pole in slow-moving, initially adherent, and mature biofilm cells. This positioning was partly dependent on the flagellar stator protein PomA and was regulated by c-di-GMP. Mutating the conserved RXXXR c-di-GMP binding motif of the PilZ domain abrogated PlzD activity. Single-cell tracking of bacterial swimming trajectories revealed that PlzD altered the foraging behavior of cells by slowing swimming speed and by decreasing the number of directional changes, ultimately limiting exploration of the surrounding 3D space. The cumulative effects were increased biofilm formation, aggregation, oyster colonization, and attenuated virulence in mice, phenotypes underpinning the evolution of
V. vulnificus
as a resilient environmental organism and potent human pathogen.

IMPORTANCE

Many free-swimming bacteria propel themselves through liquid using rotary flagella, and mounting evidence suggests that the inhibition of flagellar rotation initiates biofilm formation, a sessile lifestyle that is a nearly universal surface colonization paradigm in bacteria. In general, motility and biofilm formation are inversely regulated by the intracellular second messenger bis-(3´-5´)-cyclic dimeric guanosine monophosphate (c-di-GMP). Here, we identify a protein, PlzD, bearing a conserved c-di-GMP binding PilZ domain that localizes to the flagellar pole in a c-di-GMP-dependent manner and alters the foraging behavior, biofilm, and virulence characteristics of the opportunistic human pathogen,
Vibrio vulnificus
. Our data suggest that PlzD interacts with components of the flagellar stator to decrease bacterial swimming speed and changes in swimming direction, and these activities are enhanced when cellular c-di-GMP levels are elevated. These results reveal a physical link between a second messenger (c-di-GMP) and an effector (PlzD) that promotes transition from a motile to a sessile state in
V. vulnificus
.
A rabies-related lyssavirus from a
Nycticeinops schlieffeni
bat with neurological signs, South Africa
Authors: Viljoen Natalie , Ismail Arshad , Weyer Jacqueline , Markotter Wanda
Published: October 2023

We report the coding-complete sequence of a lyssavirus, provisionally designated Phala bat lyssavirus (PBLV), characterized using a metagenomics approach. PBLV was identified in a
Nycticeinops schlieffeni
bat that exhibited neurological signs and died within 24 hours of admission to a wildlife rehabilitation center in Phalaborwa, South Africa.
Building a queer- and trans-inclusive microbiology conference
Authors: Gregor Rachel , Johnston Juliet , Coe Lisa Shu Yang , Evans Natalya , Forsythe Desiree , Jones Robert , Muratore Daniel , de Oliveira Bruno Francesco Rodrigues , Szabo Rachel , Wan Yu , Williams Jelani , Chappell Callie R. , Matsuda Shayle B. , Ortiz Alvarez de la Campa Melanie ,   Queer and Trans in Microbiology Consortium, Weissman J. L. , Fagre Anna C. , Frese Steven A. , Hamilton Maria , Labbate Maurizio , Mollner McK , Moroenyane Itumeleng , Pacciani-Mori Leonardo , Piedade Gonçalo J. , Pontrelli Sammy , Yang Mica Y. , Weiss Anna C. B. , Zablocki Olivier , Vyas Heema Kumari Nilesh
Published: October 2023

Microbiology conferences can be powerful places to build collaborations and exchange ideas, but for queer and transgender (trans) scientists, they can also become sources of alienation and isolation. Many conference organizers would like to create welcoming and inclusive events but feel ill-equipped to make this vision a reality, and a historical lack of representation of queer and trans folks in microbiology means we rarely occupy these key leadership roles ourselves. Looking more broadly, queer and trans scientists are systematically marginalized across scientific fields, leading to disparities in career outcomes, professional networks, and opportunities, as well as the loss of unique scientific perspectives at all levels. For queer and trans folks with multiple, intersecting, marginalized identities, these barriers often become even more severe. Here, we draw from our experiences as early-career microbiologists to provide concrete, practical advice to help conference organizers across research communities design inclusive, safe, and welcoming conferences, where queer and trans scientists can flourish.
False-positive
Aspergillus
galactomannan immunoassay in the glucose component of total parenteral nutrition products
Authors: Chong Eunbin , Ko Jae-Hoon , Kim Doo Ri , Lee Young Ho , Yang Jinyoung , Kim Haein , Huh Kyungmin , Kang Cheol-In , Chung Doo Ryeon , Peck Kyong Ran , Jeong In Hwa , Kim Tae Yeul , Huh Hee Jae , Lee Nam Yong , Shin Areum , Kim Yae-Jean , Sohn You Min , Cho Sun Young , Kang Eun-Suk
Published: October 2023

In October 2022, we experienced a significant increase in samples showing high galactomannan (GM) indexes ranging from 6.22 to 10.58, as determined by the Platelia
Aspergillus
antigen immunoassay, also known as the GM test. After reviewing the medical records of nine GM antigenemia cases that did not show evidence of invasive aspergillosis, we found that these patients had received total parenteral nutrition (TPN) products from the same manufacturer, whose supplier of the glucose component had recently changed. The TPN products supplied by the specific manufacturer in October were subjected to a GM assay. The glucose component of the products from three different lot numbers exhibited strong positive results in the GM assay. Microbiological investigations through fungal culture and PCR on the TPN products were negative. The present study demonstrated that the glucose component of the TPN products contained a high level of GM antigen, which caused false-positive GM test results. The source of GM in the glucose component was glucoamylase, which was produced from
Aspergillus niger
to obtain glucose monohydrate from starch. Investigation of three commercially available glucoamylase products exhibited positive GM and 1,3-β-D-glucan tests with various titers positive up to 1:1,000 dilutions, while fungal cultures were all negative. Quality assurance measures of TPN products to prevent GM contamination should be emphasized during the manufacturing process to avoid unnecessary additional diagnostic procedures and overtreatment of invasive aspergillosis due to false-positive GM tests.

IMPORTANCE

This manuscript describes an occurrence of false-positive GM tests in patients receiving TPN products from a manufacturer who had recently changed the supplier of the glucose component. We describe the clinical presentation of nine false-positive cases and the results of serologic and microbiological investigations of the TPN products suspected of contamination with GM. Attempts to detect GM in parenteral nutrition products were made since the detection of GM in sodium gluconate-containing solutions in 2007, but none of them identified the source of elevated GM indexes in TPN products. However, the present study demonstrated that the glucose component of the TPN products contained a high level of GM antigen, which caused false-positive GM assay results. The source of GM was glucoamylase, which was derived from
A. niger
in the manufacturing process. Physicians and clinical microbiology laboratories should be aware of this issue to improve interpretation and patient care.
Silybum marianum seed extract as a potential phytogenic feed additive for improving growth performance and nutrient digestibility in growing pigs
Authors: Hossain Md Mortuza , Bo Cho Sung , Kim In Ho
Published: October 2023

Silymarin is the flavonoid extracted from Silybum marianum seed. It has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, and it supports liver health. The growth performance parameters, nutrient digestibility, and blood profile in growing pigs fed the dietary Silybum marianum seed extract were analyzed in this study. A total of 196 crossbred growing pigs ((Yorkshire × Landrace) × Duroc) were allocated into three dietary groups: CON: basal diet; TRT1: basal diet with 0.05% Silybum marianum seed extract; and TRT2: basal diet with 0.10% Silybum marianum seed extract. Results showed that pigs fed with Silybum marianum seed extract up to 0.10% increased average daily gain ( p < 0.10) and feed intake ( p < 0.05). The digestibility of dry matter, nitrogen, and energy were increased linearly ( p < 0.05) with addition of Silybum marianum seed extract up to 0.10%. However, serum bile acids, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspertate aminotransferase (AST) were not changed ( p < 0.05). In conclusion, the significant improvements in average daily gain, feed intake, and nutrient digestibility indicate that Silybum marianum seed extract can positively influence the growth of growing pigs. Finally, natural feed additives like Silybum marianum seed extract may be used as an efficacious growth promoter and ultimately contributing to sustainable pig farming.
Seshadri constants on some blow-ups of projective spaces
Authors: Karmakar Rupam , Roy Praveen Kumar
Published: October 2023

Let [Formula: see text] denote the blow-up of [Formula: see text] along [Formula: see text] general lines and [Formula: see text] general points. In this paper, we focus on [Formula: see text]-very ample line bundles on [Formula: see text] and investigate their Seshadri constants with some restrictions on [Formula: see text]. Additionally, we compute the nef cone of [Formula: see text] for [Formula: see text] and study the Seshadri constants of some ample line bundles on it. We also examine the Seshadri constants of some ample line bundles on [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text].
Dynamics and kinetics of phase transition for regular AdS black holes in general relativity coupled to nonlinear electrodynamics
Authors: Kumara A. Naveena , Punacha Shreyas , Hegde Kartheek , Rizwan C. L. Ahmed , Ajith K. M. , Ali Md Sabir
Published: October 2023

We study the stochastic dynamics and kinetics of the phase transition of the regular black holes in Anti-de Sitter spacetime by employing the free energy landscape. Our investigation focuses on two important classes of regular black hole solutions, namely the Hayward and Bardeen, which can be obtained from coupling of non-linear electrodynamics. The dynamics of the phase transition is described by the Fokker–Planck equation, using which, we investigate the probabilistic evolution of regular AdS black holes. We solve this equation numerically by imposing both reflecting and absorbing boundary conditions and appropriate initial conditions. In this context, the on-shell Gibbs free energy is treated as a function of the event horizon radius, where the difference of the event horizon radii in different phases serves as the order parameter for the phase transition. The study allows us to probe the dynamic process of transitioning between coexisting small and large black hole phases due to thermal fluctuations, as quantified by the calculation of the first passage time. Furthermore, we explore the influence of temperature on this dynamic process. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the microstructures of regular AdS black holes.
Robustness Against Indirect Invasions in Asymmetric Games with Continuous Strategy Spaces
Authors: Narang Aradhana , Shaiju A. J.
Published: October 2023

Strategies which are robust against indirect invasions (RAII) have been studied in the literature for symmetric games. In this paper, we introduce the notion of RAII profiles for asymmetric games with continuous strategy spaces. For these games, we prove that the set of all indirect neutral mutants of a RAII profile is equivalent to a minimal evolutionarily stable set. Furthermore, globally strong uninvadable profiles are shown to be RAII profiles. We also discuss connections between evolutionarily stable sets and strict equilibrium sets of profiles.
Numerical Investigation of Sloped Wall Tank with Bottom-Mounted Internal Object for Structural Vibration Control
Authors: Roy Sidhartha Sankar , Biswal Kishore Chandra
Published: October 2023

Utilizing the inherent capacity of energy dissipation, liquid tanks are nowadays being employed as tuned liquid dampers (TLDs) for controlling unwanted structural vibration. The effective liquid mass that participates in convective mode controls the tank’s overall dynamic response. The stagnant liquid mass, which does not participate in sloshing at the bottom corners of the conventional rectangular and cylindrical TLDs, increases the total liquid mass and has no role in the vibration control of the supporting structure. The hydrodynamic behavior of the sloped wall tank under resonance conditions is demonstrated under harmonic excitation over a range of frequencies close to the fundamental sloshing frequency of the tank. However, the present study focuses on the effect of the modified geometrical configuration due to the bottom-mounted object on the slosh displacement and hydrodynamic base shear. A 2D finite element model developed employing the potential flow theory is used for the present numerical investigation. Compared to a conventional flat-bottom tank, the sloped wall tank exhibits a considerable increase in hydrodynamic base shear near resonance excitation. The dynamic impulsive and the convective response components of the base shear force have been successfully estimated. Also, the effectiveness of the proposed sloped wall tank with bottom-mounted internal object is examined under EL-Centro EW earthquake motion.
Three-Dimensional Dynamic Modelling and Analysis of a Dual-Cable Winding Hoisting System
Authors: Wang Yandong , Chen Zemin
Published: October 2023

In this paper, a three-dimensional dynamic model of a dual-cable winding hoisting system is presented to simulate and analyze its coupled vibrations. The equations of motion of this system are derived based on a substructure method and Lagrange’s equations of the first kind, in which the longitudinal–torsional coupled mechanical characteristics of the hoisting cables are considered. Longitudinal and transverse natural frequencies of the system are obtained and studied, and its dynamic responses due to some assumed displacement excitations are calculated. Numerical results agree well with those from ADAMS simulation, and the results have shown that longitudinal and transverse resonances are inevitable, but the transverse resonance has little effect on the conveyance; Slow longitudinal excitations should be avoided, thus avoiding the first-order longitudinal resonance since the system longitudinal vibration is dominated by its first-order mode; the torque in the hoisting cable is mainly induced by its tension under longitudinal–torsional coupled mechanical characteristics of the cable, and a torque release device is suggested to protect the hoisting cable from torsion failure; Torsional and transverse vibrations of the conveyance are been well restricted by the guiding cables even when the guiding cable pre-tension is zero. The results of this paper can be used to improve the parameter design of the ultra-deep shaft hoisting systems.
Vortex-Induced Vibration Performance and Mechanism Analysis of a Suspension Bridge Affected by Water-Filled Barriers
Authors: Lang Tianyi , Wang Hao , Liu Zhenqing , Xu Zidong , Gao Hui
Published: October 2023

The existence of water-filled barriers alters the cross-sectional shape of the main girder, which may lead to vortex-induced vibrations (VIVs) in suspension bridges. However, the mechanism and occurrence conditions of VIVs in the main girder that is affected by water-filled barriers are still unclear. To this end, this study investigates the effect of water-filled barriers on the VIV performance of suspension bridges. The evolution of the vortex structure during one VIV cycle and the corresponding pressure variations, including the average and fluctuating values on the surface, were analyzed. Additionally, the spatiotemporal distribution of the surface pressure was studied using proper orthogonal decomposition (POD). The results show that VIV occurs in the main girder when the height of the water-filled barriers exceeds a threshold value of 0.317. Moreover, a significant negative pressure vortex occurred when the barriers were installed. The vortex underwent the following distinct phases in one VIV cycle: generation, separation, reattachment, and shedding. However, the negative pressure vortex behind the barrier did not vary substantially when the water-filled barriers were installed without VIV. Additionally, the average pressure on the surface of the main girder remained constant regardless of the occurrence of VIVs. In the presence of VIVs, the pressure fluctuations became much more pronounced and were mainly concentrated on the top surface and leading edge of the main girder. Additionally, the dominant modes of the pressure variations correlated with the evolution of the vortices and pressure distribution.
On Conditions (P′) and (Pw′) for S-posets
Authors: Liang Xingliang , Chen Yinan , Khosravi Roghaieh
Published: October 2023

Partially ordered monoids (or pomonoids) [Formula: see text] acting on a partially ordered set (or poset), briefly [Formula: see text]-posets, appear naturally in the study of mappings between posets, and play an essential role in pomonoid theory. The study of flatness properties of [Formula: see text]-posets was initiated by Fakhruddin in the 1980s, and an extensive theory of flatness properties has been developed in the past several decades. The obtained results have prompted a new progress in the research area of [Formula: see text]-posets. To date, a large number of familiar properties have been generalized from acts to [Formula: see text]-posets (involving free and projective [Formula: see text]-posets, flat [Formula: see text]-posets of various sorts, [Formula: see text]-posets satisfying Conditions [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], and torsion free [Formula: see text]-posets). Some new properties in [Formula: see text]-posets, such as Conditions [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], have also been discovered. This paper continues the study of flatness properties of [Formula: see text]-posets. We first introduce Condition [Formula: see text] in the context of [Formula: see text]-posets, and characterize pomonoids by this new property of [Formula: see text]-posets. Unlike the case for acts, pomonoids over which all right [Formula: see text]-posets satisfy Condition [Formula: see text] are stronger than pogroups. Thereby, we introduce Condition [Formula: see text] similar to Condition [Formula: see text]. Furthermore, we describe Conditions [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] covers of cyclic [Formula: see text]-posets. Finally, we investigate direct products of [Formula: see text]-posets satisfying Conditions [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text].
Optimization-Oriented EPC Approach for Analyzing the Stochastic Nonlinear Oscillators with Displacement-Multiplicative and Additive Excitations
Authors: Bai Guo-Peng , Er Guo-Kang , Iu Vai Pan , Lam Chi Chiu
Published: October 2023

This paper presents a new approach named optimization-oriented exponential–polynomial-closure (OEPC) to study the behavior of stochastic nonlinear oscillators under both displacement-multiplicative and additive excitations that are Gaussian white noise. In addition to the original projection exponential–polynomial-closure (PEPC) solution procedure, the OEPC method provides an alternative procedure for solving the Fokker–Planck–Kolmogorov (FPK) equation. The OEPC method is formulated by constructing an objective function with the residue of FPK equation. By minimizing the objective function with a gradient-based method, the parameters in the exponential polynomial can be determined and the approximate PDF solution of the nonlinear random oscillator can be obtained. The solutions obtained through the OEPC approach are highly consistent with the available true solutions in special case or the Monte Carlo simulations (MCS). They are much more accurate than those obtained using the Gaussian closure method when the nonlinearity is strong. In addition, the OEPC method is computationally more efficient than MCS. The difference of the results from the OEPC and PEPC is compared and the advantage of the OEPC over PEPC is also shown when the system nonlinearity is strong and complicated.
The US-China Chip War and Prospects for South Korea-India Semiconductor Cooperation
Authors: KUMAR RAJIV
Published: October 2023

The US-China chip war is becoming more intense as both countries understand the significance of semiconductors for their economic security and national defense. As a result of nationalist and unilateral actions taken by the US and China under the chip war, other Asian economic powerhouses are reassessing their semiconductor strategies, leading to new opportunities for semiconductor partnerships in Asia among middle powers. South Korea, a leading semiconductor power in Asia, is facing critical challenges amid the chip war, that, in turn, resulted in reshaping its trade and overseas production strategies that are heavily reliant on China. To maintain its semiconductor dominance and ensure economic security, Korea is adopting new approaches such as export and production diversification. In the meantime, India, amid the ongoing US-China tech war, is also seeking to construct a resilient supply chain and decrease its reliance on China for imports. In the process, New Delhi is looking to develop its semiconductor industry and build chip ties with like-minded countries in production and workforce development. This opens up significant prospects for Korea-India semiconductor partnerships. This paper proposes three areas where Korea and India could collaborate: semiconductor trade partnerships, semiconductor production partnerships, and semiconductor workforce collaboration. By doing so, it highlights how the US-China chip war is creating new opportunities for other Asian economic powerhouses to collaborate in the semiconductor industry. This paper also provides insights for policymakers to set a new agenda for India-Korea partnerships as both countries celebrate the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic ties in 2023.
Discovery of Potential Natural STAT3 Inhibitors: An in silico Molecular Docking and Molecular Dynamics Study
Authors: Gul Sameena , Muhammad Shabbir , Irfan Muhammad , Belali Tareg M. , Chaudhry Aijaz Rasool , Khan Muhammad
Published: October 2023

Cancer is a mechanistically complex and diverse disease with a plethora of fundamental genetic and epigenetic factors. Signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (STAT3) is a transcription factor, and its constitutive activation executes promotion of cellular proliferation, cell cycle, angiogenesis, metastasis, immunosuppression, and chemo-resistance in cancer cells. Here, we aimed to design natural potential STAT3 inhibitors. For this purpose, we investigated 92 phytochemical compounds by molecular docking studies because they are diversified, multitargeted, affordable, easily available, and less- or non-toxic. We selected only 6 compounds such as sarsasapogenin (L3), peiminine (L9), solasodine (L10), tormentic acid (L23), obacunone (L29), and echinocystic acid (L34) due to their greater binding affinity than reference STAT3 inhibitor (S3I-201) with STAT3. The study was further continued by molecular dynamic (MD) simulations and ADMET (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity) analysis. The results of molecular docking showed that all selected ligands exhibited binding affinity range from -9.3 Kcal/mol to -7.9 Kcal/mol and predicted inhibition constant ([Formula: see text].) values range from 0.14 [Formula: see text]M to 1.5 [Formula: see text]M. These compounds showed effective hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions with DNA binding domain as well as SH2-domain of STAT3. The MD simulations performed by nanoscale molecular dynamics (NAMD) calculated root mean square deviations (RMSD), root mean square fluctuations (RMSF), radius of gyration ([Formula: see text]), solvent accessible surface area (SASA) and number of hydrogen bond dynamics. All selected ligands with protein exhibited stability over 120 ns by MD simulation. Moreover, these ligands showed favorable ADMET profiling and drug likeness. So, our current computational investigations showed that these novel drug candidates can be potential STAT3 inhibitors and evoke the scientific interest for their further verification by in vitro and in vivo studies.