bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Modified Atmosphere Packaging with Varied CO2 and O2 Concentrations on the Texture, Protein, and Odor Characteristics of Salmon during Cold Storage
Authors: Qian Yun-Fang , Liu Cheng-Cheng , Zhang Jing-Jing , Ertbjerg Per , Yang Sheng-Ping
Published: November 2022

The effect of gas ratio on the growth of bacteria has been well demonstrated, but some adverse effects of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) on seafoods have also been found. To provide a better understanding of the effects of CO2 and O2 concentrations (CO2 from 40% to 100% and O2 from 0% to 30%) in MAP on the texture and protein contents and odor characteristics of salmon during cold storage, the physiochemical, microbial, and odor indicators were compared with those without treatment (CK). Generally, MAP treatments hindered the increase of microbial counts, total volatile basic nitrogen, and TCA-soluble peptides, and decreased the water-holding capacity, hardness, springiness, and sarcoplasmic and myofibrillar protein contents. The results also indicated that 60%CO2/10%O2/30%N2 was optimal and decreased the total mesophilic bacterial counts by 2.8 log cfu/g in comparison with CK on day 12. In agreement, the concentration of CO2 of 60% showed the lowest myofibrillar protein degradation, and less subsequent loss of hardness. The electronic nose characteristics analysis indicated that 60%CO2/20%O2/20%N2 and 60%CO2/10%O2/30%N2 had the best effect to maintain the original odor profiles of salmon. The correlation analysis demonstrated that microbial growth had a strong relationship with myofibrillar and sarcoplasmic protein content. It can be concluded that 60%CO2/10%O2/30%N2 displayed the best effect to achieve the goal of preventing protein degradation and odor changes in salmon fillets.
Stroke Secondary Prevention: Everyone’s Business
Authors: Lawrence Maggie , Lennon Olive , Faulkner James
Published: November 2022

Stroke secondary prevention is everyone’s business and requires cohesive working across the multiprofessional team and beyond [...]
Geomedia Attributes for Perspective Visualization of Relief for Historical Non-Cartometric Water-Colored Topographic Maps
Authors: Medyńska-Gulij Beata
Published: November 2022

The selection of appropriative geomedia attributes for constructing natural and suggestive perspective visualizations of historical non-cartometric manuscript topographic works is investigated, to enable an intuitive perception of relief landforms. The main objective of the study is to demonstrate geomedia parameters for representing the third dimension in topographic watercolor maps from the eighteenth century, using cartographic rules and geoinformation operations for transforming graphic means of expression. The following methods were used: the choice of representative map fragments with specific painterly means of expression; the analysis of main relief forms on historical and modern maps; the rectification; vectorization of contour lines, and the transformation to a GRID model; the use of parameter variations: elevation rise, azimuth and altitude, contrast of illumination; and the creation of the final bird’s-eye-view visualization, with appropriate parameters. It is found that the parameters for the visualization of the non-cartometric water-colored topographic image on a 3D model can be selected in turn. However, what matters is maintaining their complementarity. The proposed parameters for the three maps work well for creating the general static bird’s-eye-view visualization, with the natural and suggestive perception of the landscapes’ relief.
Agglomeration Externalities, Network Externalities and Urban High-Quality Development: A Case Study of Urban Agglomeration in the Middle Reaches of the Yangtze River
Authors: Liu He , Li Xueming , Li Songbo , Tian Shenzhen , Gong Yilu , Guan Yingying , Sun He
Published: November 2022

The rapid development of the urban network has led to the fact that cities are no longer single individuals, and the network has changed the urban development environment. The interaction between cities has gradually become an important factor for the high-quality development (HQD) of cities. From the perspective of externalities, it is of great significance to explore the impact of agglomeration externalities and network externalities on the HQD of cities to promote the high-quality and sustainable development of the region. Taking the urban agglomeration in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River as an example, this study constructs a theoretical framework to empirically study the influence of agglomeration externalities and network externalities on the HQD of the city. The results show that the integrated network of the urban agglomeration from 2011 to 2020 had a high clustering coefficient and a small average path length with the characteristics of a “small world”. The centrality of urban nodes was hierarchical and had a “pyramid” structure. From 2011 to 2020, the high-quality development level (HQDL) of the urban agglomeration steadily improved and the regional “development gap” gradually narrowed. Wuhan, Changsha, and Nanchang were in a relatively advantageous position in the urban agglomeration. Furthermore, there was a spatial agglomeration effect and a spatial spillover effect in the HQD of urban agglomeration. Network externalities presented difference in different cities, and the influence of agglomeration externalities on HQD presented a u-shaped nonlinear relationship. Network externalities could significantly promote HQD, and the indirect effect of HQD was greater than its direct effect. In addition, factors such as government capacity and level of opening to the outside world also had a significant impact on the HQD of the region.
Proposal of Redefinition of the Terms Geomatics and Geoinformatics on the Basis of Terminological Postulates
Authors: Krawczyk Artur
Published: November 2022

The article attempts to redefine the names for the research area, which is the use of information systems for the analysis and management of spatial data. To resolve the nomenclature issues, the studies were conducted into the structure evolution of spatial data, and on software for these data processing, GIS acronyms were reviewed; another study was performed by means of terminological analogies, comparing definitions of similar, in terms of word formation, names referred to other areas of research. Moreover, questionnaires of job positions were analysed and, based on a literature review, the nomenclature used to define the field of studies on spatial data was analysed. The conducted studies resulted in the development of seven terminological postulates intended for the formulation of limitations and rules to give new definitions. The new author’s definitions of geomatics and geoinformatics terms are presented at the end of the paper.
Phenotypic and Differential Gene Expression Analyses of Phase Transition in Oedaleus Asiaticus under High-Density Population Stress
Authors: Guo Na , Ma Hongyue , Han Haibin , Yan Feng , Gao Haiyan , Zhang Yuanyuan , Gao Shujing
Published: November 2022

The high-density-dependent phase change from solitary to gregarious individuals in locusts is a typical example of phenotypic plasticity. However, the underlying molecular mechanism is not clear. In this study, first, Oedaleus asiaticus were treated with high-density population stress and then analyzed by Illumina sequencing on days 1, 3, 5, and 7 of the body color change to identify the stage-specific differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The KEGG pathway enrichment analysis of the identified DEGs revealed their role in metabolic pathways. Furthermore, the expression patterns of the nine key DEGs were studied in detail; this showed that the material change in locusts began on the third day of the high-density treatment, with the number of DEGs being the largest, indicating the importance of this period in the phase transition. In addition, the phenotypic change involved several key genes of important regulatory pathways, possibly working in a complex network. Phenotypic plasticity in locusts is multifactorial, involving multilevel material network interactions. This study improves the mechanistic understanding of phenotypic variation in insects at the genetic level.
The Screening of Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C Virus Infection among HIV-Infected Inpatients and Evaluation of Correlated Characteristics in a General Hospital in Shenyang, Liaoning, China
Authors: Li Chengbo , Zhou Ying , Wang Yu , Liu Sheng , Wang Wen , Lu Xu , Sun Cuiming , Liu Pei , Wen Ying
Published: November 2022

Background: In this study, we surveyed the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibody (anti-HCV) among inpatients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and analyzed the correlated factors. Methods: We conducted a retrospective data collection of the HIV-infected inpatients in our hospital from January 2010 to December 2020. We utilized multivariate logistic regression to identify the correlated factors. Results: The proportion of patients screened for HBsAg was 81.8%, which increased from 66.7% in 2010 to 85.7% in 2020. The proportion of patients with anti-HCV screening was 73.9%, which increased from 58.3% in 2010 to 86.7% in 2020. The prevalence of HBsAg positivity was 10.9%, which decreased from 15.0% in the period of 2010–2015 to 9.0% during 2016–2020. Positive anti-HCV was identified in 4.1% of cases. Compared to 4.8% in the period of 2010–2015, there was a similar prevalence of anti-HCV at 3.1% during 2016–2020. Among the HBsAg-positive cases, HBV deoxyribonucleic acid was screened in 70.8% of cases. Among the anti-HCV positive cases, HCV ribonucleic acid (RNA) was screened in 90% of cases. Albumin < 30 g/L, thrombocytopenia and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) > 40 U/L were associated with HBsAg positivity. AST > 40 U/L and higher CD4-positive T lymphocyte counts were associated with HIV/HCV coinfection. Conclusions: The routine screening for both HBV and HCV among HIV-positive inpatients has been greatly improved in the past decade. However, screening for the complete HBV serological markers in HIV-positive inpatients and HCV genotyping among HCV RNA-positive cases leaves much to be desired. A concerted effort should be made to improve HBV vaccine compliance in the HIV-positive population and provide direct-acting antiviral therapies to HCV RNA-positive patients.
Olfactory Evaluation in Clinical Medical Practice
Authors: Červený Květoslav , Janoušková Karla , Vaněčková Kristýna , Zavázalová Šárka , Funda David , Astl Jaromír , Holy Richard
Published: November 2022

The subjective and demanding nature of olfactory testing means that it is often neglected in clinic despite loss of smell leading to significant limitations in everyday life. The list of diseases associated with loss of olfaction far exceeds the field of otorhinolaryngology and can also be seen in neurodegenerative disorders. Knowledge of possible clinical testing is essential to determine a proper differential diagnosis for the loss of olfactory sense. Causes of olfactory impairment can be divided into either failure in transferring odour to the organ of perception or damage to the olfactory pathway structure itself. Examination should therefore include methods evaluating cross-sectional area and patency of the nasal cavity as well as subjective or objective assessment of olfactory function. In this report we summarize several articles, studies, and our own experiences to provide a comprehensive review of their current clinical usage including their benefits, limitations, and possible outcomes. We also discuss the mechanism of olfaction step by step to provide a full understanding of the possible errors depending on the localization in the pathway and the methods designed for their detection. We discuss the correlation of the microbiome in nasal polyposis and chronic rhinitis with olfactory impairment using objective olfactometry. The topic of objective olfactometry and the examination of olfactory event-related potentials (OERP) is commented upon in detail.
Postoperative Delirium after Reconstructive Surgery in the Head and Neck Region
Authors: Taxis Juergen , Spoerl Steffen , Broszio Andreas , Eichberger Jonas , Grau Elisabeth , Schuderer Johannes , Ludwig Nils , Gottsauner Maximilian , Spanier Gerrit , Bundscherer Annika , Reichert Torsten E. , Ettl Tobias
Published: November 2022

Postoperative delirium (POD) is an acute and serious complication following extended surgery. The aim of this study was to identify possible risk factors and scores associated with POD in patients undergoing reconstructive head and neck surgery. A collective of 225 patients was retrospectively evaluated after receiving reconstructive surgery in the head and neck region, between 2013 to 2018. The incidence of POD was examined with regards to distinct patient-specific clinical as well as perioperative parameters. Uni- and multivariate statistics were performed for data analysis. POD occurred in 49 patients (21.8%) and was strongly associated with an increased age-adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index (ACCI) and a prolonged stay in the ICU (p = 0.009 and p = 0.000, respectively). Analogous, binary logistic regression analysis revealed time in the ICU (p < 0.001), an increased ACCI (p = 0.022) and a Nutritional Risk Screening (NRS) score ≠ 0 (p = 0.005) as significant predictors for a diagnosis of POD. In contrast, the extent of reconstructive surgery in terms of parameters such as type of transplant or duration of surgery did not correlate with the occurrence of POD. The extension of reconstructive interventions in the head and neck region is not decisive for the development of postoperative delirium, whereas patient-specific parameters such as age and comorbidities, as well as nutritional parameters, represent predictors of POD occurrence.
Reply to Sopek Merkaš, I.; Lakušić, N. Comment on “von Känel et al. Early Trauma-Focused Counseling for the Prevention of Acute Coronary Syndrome-Induced Posttraumatic Stress: Social and Health Care Resources Matter. J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11, 1993”
Authors: Meister-Langraf Rebecca E. , Princip Mary , Barth Jürgen , Schnyder Ulrich , Znoj Hansjörg , Schmid Jean-Paul , von Känel Roland
Published: November 2022

We thank Merkaš and Lakušić for commenting on our recently published paper; in the paper, we suggested that resources in a patient’s social environment may moderate the benefit of one single-session trauma-focused counseling in the prevention of acute coronary syndrome (ACS)-induced posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms [...]
The Impact of Antiseptic-Loaded Bacterial Nanocellulose on Different Biofilms—An Effective Treatment for Chronic Wounds?
Authors: Luze Hanna , Bernardelli de Mattos Ives , Nischwitz Sebastian Philipp , Funk Martin , Tuca Alexandru Cristian , Kamolz Lars-Peter
Published: November 2022

Introduction: Pathogenic biofilms are an important factor for impaired wound healing, subsequently leading to chronic wounds. Nonsurgical treatment of chronic wound infections is limited to the use of conventional systemic antibiotics and antiseptics. Wound dressings based on bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) are considered a promising approach as an effective carrier for antiseptics. The aim of the present study was to investigate the antimicrobial activity of antiseptic-loaded BNC against in vitro biofilms. Materials and Methods: BNC was loaded with the commercially available antiseptics Prontosan® and Octenisept®. The silver-based dressing Aquacel®Ag Extra was used as a positive control. The biofilm efficacy of the loaded BNC sheets was tested against an in vitro 24-hour biofilm of Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans and a 48-hour biofilm of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In vivo tests using a porcine excisional wound model was used to analyze the effect of a prolonged treatment with the antiseptics on the healing process. Results: We observed complete eradication of S. aureus biofilm in BNC loaded with Octenisept® and C. albicans biofilm for BNC loaded with Octenisept® or Prontosan®. Treatment with unloaded BNC also resulted in a statistically significant reduction in bacterial cell density of S. aureus compared to untreated biofilm. No difference on the wound healing outcome was observed for the wounds treated for seven days using BNC alone in comparison to BNC combined with Prontosan® or with Octenisept®. Conclusions: Based on these results, antiseptic-loaded BNC represents a promising and effective approach for the treatment of biofilms. Additionally, the prolonged exposure to the antiseptics does not affect the healing outcome. Prevention and treatment of chronic wound infections may be feasible with this novel approach and may even be superior to existing modalities.
Impact of COVID-19 Related Maternal Stress on Fetal Brain Development: A Multimodal MRI Study
Authors: Rajagopalan Vidya , Reynolds William T. , Zepeda Jeremy , Lopez Jeraldine , Ponrartana Skorn , Wood John , Ceschin Rafael , Panigrahy Ashok
Published: November 2022

Background: Disruptions in perinatal care and support due to the COVID-19 pandemic was an unprecedented but significant stressor among pregnant women. Various neurostructural differences have been re-ported among fetuses and infants born during the pandemic compared to pre-pandemic counterparts. The relationship between maternal stress due to pandemic related disruptions and fetal brain is yet unexamined. Methods: Pregnant participants with healthy pregnancies were prospectively recruited in 2020–2022 in the greater Los Angeles Area. Participants completed multiple self-report assessments for experiences of pandemic related disruptions, perceived stress, and coping behaviors and underwent fetal MRI. Maternal perceived stress exposures were correlated with quantitative multimodal MRI measures of fetal brain development using multivariate models. Results: Increased maternal perception of pandemic related stress positively correlated with normalized fetal brainstem volume (suggesting accelerated brainstem maturation). In contrast, increased maternal perception of pandemic related stress correlated with reduced global fetal brain temporal functional variance (suggesting reduced functional connectivity). Conclusions: We report alterations in fetal brainstem structure and global functional fetal brain activity associated with increased maternal stress due to pandemic related disruptions, suggesting altered fetal programming. Long term follow-up studies are required to better understand the sequalae of these early multi-modal brain disruptions among infants born during the COVID-19 pandemic.
3D-Braided Poly-ε-Caprolactone-Based Scaffolds for Ligament Tissue Engineering
Authors: Emonts Caroline , Wienen David , Bauer Benedict , Idrissi Akram , Gries Thomas
Published: November 2022

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is the most commonly injured intra-articular ligament of the knee. Due to its limited intrinsical healing potential and vascularization, injuries of the ACL do not heal satisfactorily, and surgical intervention is usually required. The limitations of existing reconstructive grafts and autologous transplants have prompted interest in tissue-engineered solutions. A tissue engineering scaffold for ACL reconstruction must be able to mimic the mechanical properties of the native ligament, provide sufficient porosity to promote cell growth of the neoligament tissue, and be biodegradable. This study investigates long-term biodegradable poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL)-based scaffolds for ACL replacement using the 3D hexagonal braiding technique. The scaffolds were characterized mechanically as well as morphologically. All scaffolds, regardless of their braid geometry, achieved the maximum tensile load of the native ACL. The diameter of all scaffolds was lower than that of the native ligament, making the scaffolds implantable with established surgical methods. The 3D hexagonal braiding technique offers a high degree of geometrical freedom and, thus, the possibility to develop novel scaffold architectures. Based on the findings of this study, the 3D-braided PCL-based scaffolds studied were found to be a promising construct for tissue engineering of the anterior cruciate ligament.
Cytochromes P450 and P-Glycoprotein Phenotypic Assessment to Optimize Psychotropic Pharmacotherapy: A Retrospective Analysis of Four Years of Practice in Psychiatry
Authors: Delage Clément , Darnaud Léa , Etain Bruno , Vignes Marina , Ly Tu-Ky , Frapsauce Alexia , Veyrier Marc , Delavest Marine , Marlinge Emeline , Hennion Vincent , Meyrel Manon , Jacob Aude , Chouchana Margot , Smati Julie , Pataud Guillaume , Khoudour Nihel , Fontan Jean-Eudes , Labat Laurence , Bellivier Frank , Lloret-Linares Célia , Declèves Xavier , Bloch Vanessa
Published: November 2022

Altered cytochromes P450 enzymes (CYP) and P-glycoprotein transporter (P-gp) activity may explain variabilities in drug response. In this study, we analyzed four years of phenotypic assessments of CYP/P-gp activities to optimize pharmacotherapy in psychiatry. A low-dose probe cocktail was administered to evaluate CYP1A2, 2B6, 2D6, 2C9, 2C19, 3A4, and P-gp activities using the probe/metabolite concentration ratio in blood or the AUC. A therapeutic adjustment was suggested depending on the phenotyping results. From January 2017 to June 2021, we performed 32 phenotypings, 10 for adverse drug reaction, 6 for non-response, and 16 for both reasons. Depending on the CYP/P-gp evaluated, only 23% to 56% of patients had normal activity. Activity was decreased in up to 57% and increased in up to 60% of cases, depending on the CYP/P-gp evaluated. In 11/32 cases (34%), the therapeutic problem was attributable to the patient’s metabolic profile. In 10/32 cases (31%), phenotyping excluded the metabolic profile as the cause of the therapeutic problem. For all ten individuals for which we had follow-up information, phenotyping allowed us to clearly state or clearly exclude the metabolic profile as a possible cause of therapeutic failure. Among them, seven showed a clinical improvement after dosage adaptation, or drug or pharmacological class switching. Our study confirmed the interest of CYP and P-gp phenotyping for therapeutic optimization in psychiatry.
Liquid Biopsy in the Oncological Management of a Histologically Undiagnosed Lung Carcinoma: A Case Report
Authors: Fadda Giovanni M. , Lobrano Renato , Casula Milena , Pisano Marina , Pazzola Antonio , Cossu Antonio , Palmieri Giuseppe , Paliogiannis Panagiotis
Published: November 2022

Lung cancer is one of the most common and lethal cancers worldwide. Numerous medications targeting specific molecular alterations in non-small cell lung cancer have been introduced in the last decade and have revolutionized the clinical management of the disease. Their use has brought to a parallel evolution of molecular testing techniques to identify alterations in druggable molecular targets within the genetic material of the tumors. To perform molecular testing, biopsy or surgery tissue specimens are needed, which in addition allow the histological characterization of the tumors. Unfortunately, in real-life practice not all the patients are suitable for biopsy or surgery procedures. The use of liquid biopsy for blood extracted tumoral DNA analysis is a promising approach in unbiopsied cases, but it is also weighted by several methodological and technical limitations. We report here a case of histologically undiagnosed lung cancer managed with a liquid biopsy and subsequently with anti-EGFR treatment. Our report highlights that the use of liquid biopsy molecular testing in specific clinical situations can offer treatment opportunities for fragile patients affected by lung cancer.
Working Memory Skills in DLD: Does Bilingualism Make a Difference?
Authors: Wimmer Eva , Scherger Anna-Lena
Published: November 2022

Recent studies have reported that several cognitive domains benefit from bilingualism, including working memory. The aim of the present study is to specifically explore the effects of bilingual experience on different functions of working memory in children with developmental language disorder (DLD) compared to monolingual children with and without DLD. We therefore investigated n = 42 German speaking monolingual and bilingual children with and without DLD aged six to eight years. We examined two components of working memory often impaired in DLD: verbal short-term memory and the central executive. We expected bilingual children to outperform their monolingual peers. However, our results do not show any advantage of bilingualism since bilingual typically developing (TD) children did not outperform monolingual TD children and bilingual children with DLD did not outperform monolinguals with DLD; this holds for all measures under investigation. The main outcome is that no disadvantage could be found for bilingual children in cognitive functions. Raising a child bilingually does not exacerbate linguistic and cognitive difficulties in children with DLD. However, our preliminary data suggest it does not lead to cognitive advantages in working memory either.
Why Iron Deficiency in Acute Heart Failure Should Be Treated: A Real-World Clinical Practice Study
Authors: López-Vilella Raquel , Donoso Trenado Víctor , Jover Pastor Pablo , Sánchez-Lázaro Ignacio , Martínez Dolz Luis , Almenar Bonet Luis
Published: November 2022

Background. This study aims to determine whether the administration of ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) in patients with acute heart failure (AHF) and iron deficiency (ID) improves morbidity and mortality. Methods. We studied 890 consecutive patients admitted for AHF. Patients were divided into six groups according to reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (HFrEF) or preserved (HFpEF), presence of ID, and administration of FCM. Emergency visits, re-admissions, and all-cause mortality were assessed at 6 months. Results. The overall prevalence of ID was 91.2%. In the HFrEF group, no differences were found in isolated events when patients with untreated vs. treated ID were compared, while differences were found in the combined event rate (p = 0.049). The risk calculation showed an absolute risk reduction (ARR) of 10% and relative risk reduction (RRR) of 18%. In HFpEF there was a positive trend with regard to the combined event (p = 0.107), with an ARR of 9% and an RRR of 15%. The number of patients we needed to treat to prevent a combined event was 10.5 in HFrEF and 10.8 in HFpEF. Conclusions. FCM in AHF reduced the combined event rate of emergency visits, re-admission, and all-cause death at 6 months in HF with left ventricular ejection fraction <50%, and showed a positive trend in HFpEF.
Localization and Mapping for UGV in Dynamic Scenes with Dynamic Objects Eliminated
Authors: Li Junsong , He Jilin
Published: November 2022

SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) based on lidar is an important method for UGV (Unmanned Ground Vehicle) localization in real time under GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System)-denied situations. However, dynamic objects in real-world scenarios affect odometry in SLAM and reduce localization accuracy. We propose a novel lidar SLAM algorithm based on LOAM (Lidar Odometry and Mapping), which is popular in this field. First, we applied elevation maps to label the ground point cloud. Then we extracted convex hulls in point clouds based on scanlines as materials for dynamic object clustering. We replaced these dynamic objects with background point cloud to avoid accuracy reduction. Finally, we extracted feature points from ground points and non-ground points, respectively, and matched these feature points frame-to-frame to estimate ground robot motion. We evaluated the proposed algorithm in dynamic industrial park roads, and it kept UGV maximum relative position error less than 3% and average relative position error less than 2%.
Behavior Analysis for Increasing the Efficiency of Human–Robot Collaboration
Authors: Lin Hsien-I , Wibowo Fauzy Satrio , Lathifah Nurani , Chen Wen-Hui
Published: November 2022

In this study, we proposed a behavior analysis for increasing the efficiency of human–robot collaboration in an assembly task. This study was inspired by previous research, in which a set of operator intentions in assembly was translated into an intention graph to formulate a probabilistic decision model for planning robot actions in the presence of operator intention ambiguity and perception uncertainty. Here, we achieved improvement by considering the analysis of human behavior in the form of fatigue and adaptation ability. We also switched the collaboration scheme from cooperative to collaborative, in which both the robot and operator work in parallel, not sequentially. We then tested the proposed method with chair assembly and the results indicated that shortening the assembly duration increased the effectiveness of the assembly process. The results also indicated that the proposed method for assembling 50 chairs was 4.68 s faster than the previous method.
Dense Electrode Layers-Supported Microtubular Oxygen Pump
Authors: Nikonov Alexey , Pavzderin Nikita , Khrustov Vladimir
Published: November 2022

An oxygen pump is an electrochemical device that extracts oxygen from the air and has the potential to be used in medicine. The development and test results of a microtubular solid oxide oxygen pump with Ce0.76Gd0.24O2−δ (GDC) electrolyte are presented. The supporting components of the oxygen pump are symmetrical dense electrode layers made of the La0.8Sr0.2Co0.2Fe0.8O3−δ (LSCF)–GDC composite. Studies carried out by impedance spectroscopy on planar samples showed that the polarization resistance of the dense electrodes was greatly lower (by 2.5–5 times) than that of standard porous LSCF electrodes. Microtubular oxygen pumps were fabricated by the isostatic pressing of a stack of tapes rolled into a tube and subsequent co-sintering. The use of a nanosized GDC powder as the initial material for the tapes allowed their co-sintering at 1200 °C. In such a way, the chemical interaction between GDC and LSCF was prevented. Samples of the prepared cells had an outer diameter of 1.9 and 3.5 mm, and the thickness of the electrolyte and of the dense supporting electrodes was 20 and 130 µm, respectively. The specific oxygen productivity of the cells was 0.29 L∙h−1∙cm−2 at 800 °C and a current density of 1.26 A·cm−2 (0.53 V). Thus, the energy consumption with the developed design for the production of 1 L of oxygen was 2.3 W∙h. The microtubular oxygen pumps appeared highly resistant to thermal shock.
Separation and Concentration of Nitrogen and Phosphorus in a Bipolar Membrane Electrodialysis System
Authors: Wu Xiaoyun , Cai Wanling , Fu Yuying , Liu Yaoxing , Ye Xin , Qian Qingrong , Van der Bruggen Bart
Published: November 2022

Struvite crystallization is a successful technique for simultaneously recovering PO43− and NH4+ from wastewater. However, recovering PO43− and NH4+ from low-concentration solutions is challenging. In this study, PO43−, NH4+, and NO3− were separated and concentrated from wastewater using bipolar membrane electrodialysis, PO43− and NH4+ can then be recovered as struvite. The separation and concentration of PO43− and NH4+ are clearly impacted by current density, according to experimental findings. The extent of separation and migration rate increased with increasing current density. The chemical oxygen demand of the feedwater has no discernible impact on the separation and recovery of ions. The migration of PO43−, NH4+, and NO3− fits zero-order migration kinetics. The concentrated concentration of NH4+ and PO43− reached 805 mg/L and 339 mg/L, respectively, which demonstrates that BMED is capable of effectively concentrating and separating PO43− and NH4+. Therefore, BMED can be considered as a pretreatment method for recovering PO43− and NH4+ in the form of struvite from wastewater.
Pine Pollen Polysaccharides’ and Sulfated Polysaccharides’ Effects on UC Mice through Modulation of Cell Tight Junctions and RIPK3-Dependent Necroptosis Pathways
Authors: Li Zhenxiang , Wang Hanyue , Wang Zhanjiang , Geng Yue
Published: November 2022

The purpose of this study is to explore the effects of pine pollen polysaccharides and sulfated polysaccharides on mice with ulcerative colitis and whether they could protect mice from inflammation by regulating the tight junctions of colonic epithelial cells and regulating the RIPK3-dependent necroptosis pathways. Pine pollen polysaccharides were prepared by water boiling and ethanol precipitation. After deproteinedization with trichloroacetic acid, the UV spectrum showed that there were no proteins. One polysaccharide component (PPM60-III) was made by gel filtration chromatography, and then sulfated polysaccharide (SPPM60-III) was derived using the chlorosulfonic acid-pyridine method. After treatment with PPM60-III and SPPM60-III, the body weight of mice with ulcerative colitis induced by dextran sodium sulfate increased, the DAI score decreased, the levels of pro-inflammatory factors and inflammation-related enzymes decreased, and the level of anti-inflammatory factors increased. In addition, after treatment, the expressions levels of tight junction proteins increased, the expressions levels of key proteins of programmed necroptosis decreased, while the level of Caspase-8 increased. The results indicated that pine pollen polysaccharides and sulfated polysaccharides have a certain therapeutic effect on UC mice, and the therapeutic effect may be achieved by regulating the tight junction of colonic epithelial cells and regulating the RIPK3-dependent necroptosis pathways
A Modified Vancomycin Molecule Confers Potent Inhibitory Efficacy against Resistant Bacteria Mediated by Metallo-β-Lactamases
Authors: Zhai Le , Liu Ya , Jiang Yue , Kong Ling-Yan , Xiao Jian , Wang Yi-Xue , Shi Yang , Zhang Yi-Lin , Yang Ke-Wu
Published: November 2022

Multidrug-resistant bacterial infections mediated by metallo-β-lactamases (MβLs) have grown into an emergent health threat, and development of novel antimicrobials is an ideal strategy to combat the infections. Herein, a novel vancomycin derivative Vb was constructed by conjugation of triazolylthioacetamide and vancomycin molecules, characterized by reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and confirmed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). The biological assays revealed that Vb effectively inhibited S. aureus and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), gradually increased the antimicrobial effect of β-lactam antibiotics (cefazolin, meropenem and penicillin G) and exhibited a dose-dependent synergistic antibacterial effect against eight resistant strains tested, which was confirmed by the time-kill curves determination. Most importantly, Vb increased the antimicrobial effect of meropenem against the clinical isolates EC08 and EC10 and E. coli producing ImiS and CcrA, resulting in a 4- and 8-fold reduction in MIC values, respectively, at a dose up to 32 μg/mL. This work offers a promising scaffold for the development of MβLs inhibitors, specifically antimicrobials for clinically drug-resistant isolates.
Integrated Solid-Phase Extraction, Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography–Quadrupole-Orbitrap High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry, and Multidimensional Data-Mining Techniques to Unravel the Metabolic Network of Dehydrocostus Lactone in Rats
Authors: Tian Yingying , Ma Beibei , Liu Chuang , Zhao Xinyue , Yu Shangyue , Li Yilin , Tian Shiqiu , Pei Hailuan , Wang Zijian , Zuo Zeping , Wang Zhibin
Published: November 2022

Dehydrocostus lactone (DL) is among the representative ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), with excellent anticancer, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory activities. In this study, an advanced strategy based on ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–quadrupole-Orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC–Q-Orbitrap HRMS) was integrated to comprehensively explore the metabolic fate of DL in rats. First, prior to data collection, all biological samples (plasma, urine, and feces) were concentrated and purified using solid-phase extraction (SPE) pre-treatment technology. Then, during data collection, in the full-scan (FS) data-dependent acquisition mode, FS-ddMS2 was intelligently combined with FS-parent ion list (PIL)-dynamic exclusion (DE) means for targeted monitoring and deeper capture of more low-abundance ions of interest. After data acquisition, data-mining techniques such as high-resolution extracted ion chromatograms (HREICs), multiple mass defect filters (MMDFs), diagnostic product ions (DPIs), and neutral loss fragments (NLFs) were incorporated to extensively screen and profile all the metabolites in multiple dimensions. As a result, a total of 71 metabolites of DL (parent drug included) were positively or tentatively identified. The results suggested that DL in vivo mainly underwent hydration, hydroxylation, dihydrodiolation, sulfonation, methylation, dehydrogenation, dehydration, N-acetylcysteine conjugation, cysteine conjugation, glutathione conjugation, glycine conjugation, taurine conjugation, etc. With these inferences, we successfully mapped the “stepwise radiation” metabolic network of DL in rats, where several drug metabolism clusters (DMCs) were discovered. In conclusion, not only did we provide a refined strategy for inhibiting matrix effects and fully screening major-to-trace metabolites, but also give substantial data reference for mechanism investigation, in vivo distribution visualization, and safety evaluation of DL.
Boosting Performance of Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells by Diluting Hole Transport Layer
Authors: Yang Xiude , Lv Feng , Yao Yanqing , Li Ping , Wu Bo , Xu Cunyun , Zhou Guangdong
Published: November 2022

In our study, by developing the diluted PEDOT:PSS (D-PEDOT:PSS) to replace PEDOT:PSS stock solution as hole transport layer (HTL) materials for fabricating the inverted perovskite solar cells (PSCs), the performance of developed device with ITO/D-PEDOT:PSS/MAPbI3−xClx/C60/BCP/Ag structure is enhanced distinctly. Experimental results reveal that when the dilution ratio is 10:1, the optimal power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the D-PEDOT:PSS device can reach up to 17.85% with an increase of 11.28% compared to the undiluted PEDOT:PSS device. A series of investigations have confirmed that the efficiency improvement is mainly attributed to the two aspects: on one hand, the transmittance and conductivity of D-PEDOT:PSS HTL are improved, and the density of defect states at the interface is reduced after dilution, promoting the separation and transmission of charges, thus the short-circuit current (JSC) is significantly increased; on the other hand, the work function of D-PEDOT:PSS becomes more consistent with perovskite layer, and the voltage loss is reduced, so that the higher open circuit voltage (VOC) is obtained. Our research has indicated that diluting HTL develops a simpler, more efficient and cost-effective method to further improve performance for inverted PSCs.
Astigmatic-Invariant Structured Singular Beams
Authors: Volyar Alexander , Abramochkin Eugeny , Akimova Yana , Bretsko Mikhail
Published: November 2022

We investigate the transformation of structured Laguerre–Gaussian (sLG) beams after passing through a cylindrical lens. The resulting beam, ab astigmatic structured Laguerre–Gaussian (asLG) beam, depends on quantum numbers (n,ℓ) and three parameters. Two of them are control parameters of the initial sLG beam, the amplitude ϵ and phase θ. The third one is the ratio of the Rayleigh length z0 and the focal length f of the cylindrical lens. It was theoretically revealed and experimentally confirmed that the asLG beam keeps the intensity shape of the initial sLG beam when the parameters satisfy simple conditions: ϵ is unity and the tangent of the phase parameter θ/2 is equal to the above ratio. We also found sharp bursts and dips of the orbital angular momentum (OAM) in the asLG beams in the vicinity of the point where the OAM turns to zero. The heights and depths of these bursts and dips significantly exceed the OAM maximum and minimum values of the initial sLG beam and are controlled by the radial number n.
The Establishment of an Ex Situ Collection of Primula veris in Bulgaria
Authors: Yankova-Tsvetkova Elina , Petrova Maria , Grigorova Irena , Traykova Boryanka , Stanilova Marina
Published: November 2022

Primula veris is a valuable medicinal plant species with declining populations, protected in Bulgaria by the Biodiversity Act. The present study aimed to increase its extremely low seed germination rate, starting with seeds originating from two Bulgarian populations, and to set up an ex situ field collection. The stimulation effect of three factors was tested in in vivo and in vitro experiments: seeds treated with gibberellic acid (in different concentrations and exposure time), light quality (white, infrared, red, and blue or dark), and cold stratification. The combination of factors resulted in 36 treatment variants in vivo and 8 treatment variants in vitro. No germination was observed in control treatment variants. The highest germinating rate (95%) was noticed in vivo under blue monochromatic light after seed soaking into 0.2% GA3 for 10 h; however, the best results (55% of well-developed seedlings) were observed with a combination of blue light and 0.3% GA3 for 5 h. Seedlings were successfully strengthened in vermiculite in a phytotron, potted in soil and grown in a greenhouse, and then 75 plants were transferred to the field plot, where most of them bloomed at the first vegetation season. These results are intended to serve as a basis for establishing a pilot agriculture of the species.
Oxidative Desulfurization of Real High-Sulfur Diesel Using Dicarboxylic Acid/H2O2 System
Authors: Ahmed Barham Sharif , Hamasalih Luqman Omar , Hama Aziz Kosar Hikmat , Omer Khalid M. , Shafiq Iqrash
Published: November 2022

From the perspective of pollution, economics, and product quality, it is very important to find an efficient way to minimize the sulfur content of petroleum products such as gasoline and diesel. In this work, an effective, inexpensive, and simple oxidative desulfurization system based on hydrogen peroxide activation by three dicarboxylic acids which have different carbon numbers (i.e., malonic acid, succinic acid, and glutaric acid) was utilized for the desulfurization of a real diesel sample with high organic sulfur-containing compounds. The desulfurization process was based on the oxidation of sulfur compounds in diesel fuel to the corresponding sulfones followed by acetonitrile extraction of the sulfones. To select the optimal experimental conditions, the effects of several parameters, including temperature, catalyst H2O2 dosages, and treatment time, were investigated. The results showed that the developed system was effective in desulfurizing real diesel fuel with high sulfur content. With an initial total sulfur content of about 8104 mg/L, the desulfurization rate from the diesel sample reached more than 90.9, 88.9, and 93%, using malonic acid, succinic acid, and glutaric acid, respectively. The optimum parameters such as reaction temperature, reaction time, H2O2 (50 w/w%), and carboxylic acid dosage for oxidative desulfurization were determined to be 95 °C, 6 h, 10 mL, and 0.6 g, respectively. The conversion of refractory sulfur compounds into extractable sulfone forms was verified using gas chromatography. Moreover, the kinetic study confirmed that the designed reaction system follows the pseudo-first-order kinetic model.
AgISM: A Novel Automated Tool for Monitoring Trends of Agricultural Waste Storage and Handling-Related Injuries and Fatalities Data in Real-Time
Authors: Nour Mahmoud M. , Aly Yahia M. , Field William E.
Published: November 2022

Availability of summarized occupational injury data is essential for establishing complete incident surveillance systems, targeting incident preventative efforts, assessing the efficacy of prevention programs, and enhancing workplace safety. There are currently limited automated injury monitoring systems for summarizing occupational injuries obtained from electronic news and other sources, or for visualizing real-time data through an output platform. A “near” real-time surveillance tool could enable researchers to visualize data as it is being collected and provide a more rapid monitoring method to identify patterns in injury data. An automated data pipeline method could provide more current, consistent, and reliable information for injury surveillance systems and injury prevention purposes. Such a system could help public policy makers, epidemiologists, and injury prevention professionals spend less time and effort on classifying cases, increase confidence in the data, and respond quicker to “patterns” of specific types of incidents. Currently, injury surveillance approaches generally rely on manual coding of injury data, resulting in inconsistencies in classification of incident, and contributing factors and considerable delays in publishing results. This study focused on developing and testing a more automated coding methodology for use with incident narratives for further data mining, analysis, and interpretation. The concept was tested on 491 documented fatalities or serious injuries involving agricultural waste storage, handling, and transport operations. The approach provided current and real-time summarization of incident data along with data analysis and visualization by using a standard questionnaire for record-keeping, Python data frames, and the MySQL database. Findings in this study provided evidence for the reliability of classifying injury news clipping narratives into external real-time incident categories. Results showed a very encouraging performance for the chosen model to monitor injury and fatality incidents with efficiency, simplicity, data quality, timeliness, and a consistent coding process.