bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antibacterial efficacy and membrane mechanism of action of the
Serratia
-derived non-ionic lipopeptide, serrawettin W2-FL10
Authors: Decker Tanya , Rautenbach Marina , Khan Sehaam , Khan Wesaal
Published: June 2024

The study aimed to investigate the antibacterial activity, cytotoxicity, and mechanism of action of the non-ionic, cyclic lipopeptide, serrawettin W2-FL10 against
Staphylococcus aureus
. W2-FL10 exhibited potent activity against the Gram-positive bacteria
S. aureus
,
Enterococcus faecalis
,
Enterococcus faecium
,
Listeria monocytogenes,
and
Bacillus subtilis
, with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranging from 6.3 to 31.3 μg/mL, while no activity was observed against Gram-negative bacteria. Broth microdilution assays showed that W2-FL10 interacted with key cell membrane components, such as lipid phosphatidyl glycerol and lipoteichoic acid of
S. aureus
. Upon membrane interaction, W2-FL10 dissipated membrane potential within 12 min and increased
S. aureus
membrane permeability within 28–40 min, albeit at slower rates and higher concentrations than the lytic peptide melittin. The observed membrane permeability, as detected with propidium iodide (PI), may be attributed to transmembrane pores/lesions, possibly dependent on dimer-driven lipopeptide oligomerization in the membrane. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging also visually confirmed the formation of lesions in the cell wall of one of the
S. aureus
strains, and cell damage within 1 h of exposure to W2-FL10, corroborating the rapid time-kill kinetics of the
S. aureus
strains. This bactericidal action against the
S. aureus
strains corresponded to membrane permeabilization by W2-FL10, indicating that self-promoted uptake into the cytosol may be part of the mode of action. Finally, this lipopeptide exhibited low to moderate cytotoxicity to the Chinese hamster ovarian (CHO) cell line in comparison to the control (emetine) with an optimal lipophilicity range (log D value of 2.5), signifying its potential as an antibiotic candidate.

IMPORTANCE

Antimicrobial resistance is a major public health concern, urgently requiring antibacterial compounds exhibiting low adverse health effects. In this study, a novel antibacterial lipopeptide analog is described, serrawettin W2-FL10 (derived from
Serratia marcescens
), with potent activity displayed against
Staphylococcus aureus
. Mechanistic studies revealed that W2-FL10 targets the cell membrane of
S. aureus
, causing depolarization and permeabilization because of transmembrane lesions/pores, resulting in the leakage of intracellular components, possible cytosolic uptake of W2-FL10, and ultimately cell death. This study provides the first insight into the mode of action of a non-ionic lipopeptide. The low to moderate cytotoxicity of W2-FL10 also highlights its application as a promising therapeutic agent for the treatment of bacterial infections.
Urbanization in a karst terrane, Springfield, Missouri, USA
Authors: Barner Wendell , Gouzie Douglas
Published: June 2024

Springfield, Greene County, Missouri, is the third largest city in Missouri and is located within the Springfield Plateau, a subregion of the Ozark Physiographic Region of the United States. This region is underlain by the Burlington-Keokuk Limestone, which is highly susceptible to solution and is host to more than 2500 sinkholes within Greene County. Springfield, as well as the surrounding communities, has been growing in recent years. Prime areas for development are scarce, thus, leaving more areas that are vulnerable to sinkholes targeted for development. Development next to, and sometimes within, a sinkhole has exacerbated flooding problems, caused structural damage to homes and businesses, and is prone to increasing pollution into the underlying shallow aquifer. Control of stormwater in and around sinkhole areas typically involved the use of several standard approaches: concrete-lined channels draining into sinkholes; installation of pipes into the sinkhole “eye” (swallow hole); filling of sinkholes; elaborate drain or pump systems to remove stormwater from one sinkhole and discharge into another basin or sinkhole; and enlargement of swallow holes by excavation to increase drainage capacity. In an effort to remedy these issues, the City of Springfield adopted a Sinkhole Ordinance around 1990, requiring a permit if a development will encroach upon a sinkhole, sinkhole drainage area, or impact a sinkhole area. This field trip will review examples of pre-ordinance and post-ordinance practices of development in and around sinkholes and sinkhole areas, view recent investigations within this karst area, and discuss approaches to matching geologic knowledge with urbanization in a karst area.
Supplemental Material: Eocene exhumation of the High Andes at ~30°S differentiated by detrital multimethod U-Pb-He thermochronology
Authors: Fosdick Julie C. , al. et
Published: June 2024

 Methods and analytical data.  
Supplemental Material: Carbon cycling during the India-Asia collision revealed by δ26Mg–δ66Zn–δ98Mo evidence from ultrapotassic volcanoes in NW Tibet
Authors: Wang Jian , al. et
Published: June 2024

 Methods, data, and supplemental figures.  
Role of ulinastatin in steroid-induced pancreatitis
Authors: Prithvi Devarakonda , Kumar Neeraj , Kumar Ajeet , Kumar Abhyuday
Published: June 2024

Steroid-induced acute pancreatitis is a rare form of pancreatitis that requires intensive care and has a high morbidity and mortality rate as there is no specific treatment. Management of steroid-induced pancreatitis is generally non-specific and supportive. Here, we are presenting a man in his 40s presented with epigastric pain, fever and vomiting. The patient was diagnosed case of rheumatoid arthritis, for which he was receiving regular 5 mg oral prednisolone therapy. Based on history, and clinical, biochemical and radiological imaging a diagnosis of steroid-induced pancreatitis was made, which was successfully managed with the help of ulinastatin and other supportive treatments. A serine protease inhibitor like ulinastatin may be used early in the clinical management of steroid-induced pancreatitis.
Isolated unilateral hypoglossal nerve palsy from suppurative retropharyngeal lymphadenitis in an infant
Authors: Ng Benjamin Wei-Liang , Lee Jeffrey Soon-Yit , Lau Felicia Sze-Chi , Chieng Chae-Hee
Published: June 2024

Retropharyngeal infections (RPIs) are uncommon in young infants and are difficult to diagnose due to their non-classical presentation. RPI can occasionally be complicated with multiple cranial nerve palsies but rarely in isolation. Isolated hypoglossal nerve palsy (HNP) due to RPI has been described in the literature but mostly in older children and adults. Assessment for hypoglossal nerve function is challenging in a young infant because the conventional signs of hypoglossal nerve dysfunction are difficult to elicit in this age group. Early recognition and treatment of RPI are associated with good HNP recovery. We present a case of a young infant with tongue deviation and difficulty with feeding attributed to an isolated HNP caused by suppurative retropharyngeal lymphadenitis. The infant underwent incision and drainage with complete recovery of the tongue function after 8 weeks.
Evidence for sodium valproate toxicity in mitochondrial diseases: a systematic analysis
Authors: Ratnaike Thiloka E , Elkhateeb Nour , Lochmüller Angela , Gilmartin Christopher , Schon Katherine , Horváth Rita , Chinnery Patrick F
Published: June 2024

Background

We aimed to determine whether sodium valproate (VPA) should be contraindicated in all mitochondrial diseases, due to known VPA-induced severe hepatotoxicity in some mitochondrial diseases.

Methods

We systematically reviewed the published literature for mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and common nuclear genotypes of mitochondrial diseases using PubMed, Ovid Embase, Ovid Medline and MitoPhen databases. We extracted patient-level data from peer-reviewed articles, published until July 2022, using the Human Phenotype Ontology to manually code clinical presentations for 156 patients with genetic diagnoses from 90 publications.

Results

There were no fatal adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in the mtDNA disease group (35 patients), and only 1 out of 54 patients with a non-POLGmitochondrial disease developed acute liver failure. There were fatal outcomes in 53/102 (52%)POLGVPA-exposed patients who all harboured recessive mutations.

Conclusions

Our findings confirm the high risk of severe ADRs in any patient with recessivePOLGvariants irrespective of the phenotype, and therefore recommend that VPA is contraindicated in this group. However, there was limited evidence of toxicity to support a similar recommendation in other genotypes of mitochondrial diseases.
CSF sphingolipids are correlated with neuroinflammatory cytokines and differentiate neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder from multiple sclerosis
Authors: Shi Lisa , Ghezzi Laura , Fenoglio Chiara , Pietroboni Anna Margherita , Galimberti Daniela , Pace Francesca , Hardy Todd A , Piccio Laura , Don Anthony S
Published: June 2024

Background

There is a need for biomarkers of disease progression and therapeutic response in multiple sclerosis (MS). This study aimed to identify cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) lipids that differentiate MS from other neuroinflammatory conditions and correlate with Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores, gadolinium-enhancing lesions or inflammatory mediators.

Methods

Lipids and inflammatory cytokines/chemokines were quantified with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and multiplex ELISA, respectively, in CSF from people with untreated MS, neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), other inflammatory neurological diseases and non-inflammatory neurological diseases (NIND). Analytes were compared between groups using analysis of variance, and correlations were assessed with Pearson’s analysis.

Results

Twenty-five sphingolipids and four lysophosphatidylcholines were significantly higher in NMOSD compared with MS and NIND cases, whereas no lipids differed significantly between MS and NIND. A combination of three sphingolipids differentiated NMOSD from MS with the area under the curve of 0.92 in random forest models. Ninety-four lipids, including those that differentiated NMOSD from MS, were positively correlated with macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) and 37 lipids were positively correlated with CSF protein in two independent MS cohorts. EDSS was inversely correlated with cholesterol ester CE(16:0) in both MS cohorts. In contrast, MIF and soluble triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 were positively associated with EDSS.

Conclusions

CSF sphingolipids are positively correlated with markers of neuroinflammation and differentiate NMOSD from MS. The inverse correlation between EDSS and CE(16:0) levels may reflect poor clearance of cholesterol released during myelin break-down and warrants further investigation as a biomarker of therapeutic response.
Ethical issues in the application of genome-wide association studies to US military recruitment and personnel assignments
Authors: Hurst Daniel J , Padilla L A
Published: June 2024

Genome-wide association studies seek to associate an organism’s genotypes with phenotypes. The goal of such research is to identify specific genetic variants that may be used to predict an individual’s risk for a specific physical or mental disease. Recently, it has been recommended that policymakers in the USA should employ genomic surveillance so that it can be used for initial military personnel selection and personnel assignments. However, such a proposal highlights the necessity of subjecting such recommendations to rigorous ethical analysis, including concerns regarding recruitment, transparency and the return of genetic results.
The humanities and health policy
Authors: Bagshaw Sean M. , Dyck Erika , Goldenberg Maya J. , Holmes Bev , Jones Esyllt , Wright Julia M.
Published: June 2024

COVID-19 was a stark reminder that understanding a novel pathogen is essential but insufficient to protect us from disease. Biomedical and technical solutions are necessary, but they do not prevent or resolve misinformation, vaccine hesitancy, or resistance to public health measures, nor are they sufficient to advance the development of more equitable and effective healthcare systems. Responding to crises such as pandemics requires deep collaboration drawing on multiple methodologies and perspectives. Along with the science, it is imperative to understand cultures, values, languages, histories, and other determinants of human behaviour. This policy briefing argues that the humanities—a group of methodologically diverse fields, including interdisciplinary studies that overlap significantly with the social determinants of health—are an underused source of cultural and social insight that is increasingly important and could be better leveraged in such collaboration. Humanities disciplines approach health and illness as part of the human condition. Their historical perspective could be more effectively mobilized to explore the social and cultural context in which science exists and evolves, in turn, helping us understand the forces shaping perceptions, concerns, and assumptions.
Tripartite entanglement and Bell non-locality in loop-induced Higgs boson decays
Authors: Morales R. A.
Published: June 2024

In this article, we study quantum entanglement properties of the three-body $$H\rightarrow \gamma l{\bar{l}}$$

H
→
γ
l

l

¯

decays (for $$l=e,\mu ,\tau $$

l
=
e
,
μ
,
τ

) within the context of the Standard Model augmented with CP-violating interactions in the lepton Yukawa sector. Our aim is to elucidate the distribution of entanglement between the final photon, lepton and antilepton across the phase-space. These rare Higgs boson decays occur at 1-loop level, presenting a unique opportunity to scrutinize quantum correlations of fundamental interactions in tripartite systems by computing concurrence measures and investigating Bell non-locality. Moreover, we explore post-decay and autodistillation phenomena. Multipartite entanglement measures have much richer structure than those in the bipartite case, thus deserve more attention in collider phenomenology. In this line, we analyze here novel observables for these three-body Higgs boson decays, which can be extended to other multiparticle systems within the high-energy regime. We found that entanglement manifests among final particles, occasionally achieving a maximally entangled state in specific kinematical configurations. Also, these decay channels are promising for Bell non-locality tests but CP-effects are suppressed by lepton masses in this kind of observables.
Dynamical photon spheres in charged black holes and naked singularities
Authors: Heydarzade Yaghoub , Vertogradov Vitalii
Published: June 2024

To understand the nature of a black hole shadow in dynamical spacetimes, we construct an analytical model of a dynamical photon sphere in the context of the Bonnor–Vaidya spacetime. Comparing the resulting photon sphere radius with the one in Vaidya spacetime, we find that the charge always decreases the radius of the photon sphere. We also prove that a naked singularity in Bonnor–Vaidya spacetime, unlike the static Reissner–Nordstrom naked singularity, may cast a shadow, and as a result, it cannot be distinguished from a black hole through its shadow.
IEZ-Source Inverter Topology with Tuned PID Controller of Carrier SPWM Technique in Grid Connected System
Authors: Kannan P , Arockia Edwin Xavier S
Published: June 2024

Z-source inverters are used in controller applications, which offer higher performance than the buck-boost converter. This work presents the Improved Embedded Z (IEZ)-source inverter used for the impedance network. The Z-source inverter includes the switching topologies, so the double inductor is added to the EZ source inverter circuit. IEZ source inverter manages the Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), and the PID controller controls the inverter voltage. The Social Ski Driver (SSD) Optimization algorithm is used to tune the parameters of the PID controller. The harmonic content of the Z-source inverter is reduced by the carrier based sinusoidal Pulse Width Modulation (SPWM) technique. The Improved Embedded Z-source Inverter (IE-ZSI) is utilized to apply a grid-connected system. The inverters receive the power from the DC voltage and supply the grid-connected load with controllable voltage. The proposed work is implemented in the platform MATLAB/SIMULINK to evaluate the performance of the voltage across the capacitor, the voltage across the inductor, grid current and grid voltage. Inverter DC link voltage performance was compared to conventional Z-source inverters and embedded Z-source inverters. The proposed work achieved 1.52% THD compared with existing techniques.
GREEN SYNTHESIS, CHARACTERIZATION AND PHOTOCATALYTIC ACTIVITY OF NEW PHOTOCATALYST SrCo2O4 UNDER VISIBLE LIGHT IRRADIATION
Authors: BOUMETHRED TORKIA , BENHEBAL HADJ , SEBBAH OUARDIA , KADI SAMIR , MAHY JULIEN G. , LAMBERT STÉPHANIE D.
Published: June 2024

In order to reduce the enormous costs of photocatalytic processes, the development of new photocatalysts sensitive to visible light constitutes a promising strategy to boost the efficiency of this method in water treatment. In this paper, strontium cobaltite nanoparticles (SrCo2O4 NPs) were shaped by simple, ecological and economical methods using cobalt and strontium nitrates as precursor and freshly isolated chicken egg white as capping agents. The crystalline product SrCo2O4 NPs was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Ultraviolet–Visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy studies. The SrCo2O4-catalyzed Congo red (CR) degradation under visible light is investigated. XRD analysis showed that the sample was indeed crystallized in the cubic spinel structure (space group Fd3m). The average size of the nanoparticles was estimated to be ∼28[Formula: see text]nm. The FT-IR spectrum shows two bands at 620 and 573[Formula: see text][Formula: see text], which are characteristic of the spinel strontium cobaltite crystalline structure. The two optical band gap energy of synthesized photocatalyst estimated from UV–Visible spectrum is 2.07 and 3.48[Formula: see text]eV. The developed photocatalyst exhibits significant photocatalytic degradation of RC in an acidic medium with 97% of the dye mineralized after 5[Formula: see text]h.
Analytical and numerical solutions to the generalized Schrödinger equation with fourth-order dispersion and nonlinearity
Authors: Attia Raghda A. M. , Alfalqi Suleman H. , Alzaidi Jameel F. , Khater Mostafa M. A.
Published: June 2024

This study aims to solve the generalized Schrödinger equation with fourth-order dispersion and cubic-quintic nonlinearity (4-Order-GNLSE) using advanced analytical and numerical methods. The 4-Order-GNLSE is critical in understanding complex wave propagation phenomena in various physical contexts, including optical fibers and fluid dynamics, where higher-order dispersion and nonlinear effects are significant. We employ the Khater II (Khat II) and modified Rational (MRat) methods to construct analytical solutions. To validate these solutions, we utilize the trigonometric-quantic-B-spline (TQBS) method as a numerical scheme, demonstrating a close match between analytical and numerical results. Our findings indicate that the proposed methods effectively capture the intricate dynamics governed by the 4-Order-GNLSE. The results highlight the relevance of these solutions in practical applications, offering new insights into the wave propagation behaviors influenced by higher-order dispersion and nonlinearities. This research provides a significant contribution to the field of nonlinear wave equations, presenting novel solutions and validating methodologies that enhance our understanding and potential applications of these complex systems.
Dynamical system analysis of quintessence dark energy model
Authors: Chakraborty Soumya , Mishra Sudip , Chakraborty Subenoy
Published: June 2024

Our work deals with the dynamical system analysis of quintessence dark energy scalar field model with exponential potential. A dynamical system analysis has been applied at the background level. Using suitable transformation of variables, the evolution equations are reduced to an autonomous system for exponential form of the scalar potential. The critical points are analyzed with center manifold theory and stability has been discussed by using Schwarzian derivative. Finally, cosmological implications of the critical points are discussed and it is found that the stability of the late-time attractor changes for quintessence dark energy model.
Electrochemical detection of nicotine in green tea using carbon paste electrode
Authors: Bhattacharjee Ipshita , Dasgupta Samhita , Firdoushi Shreya , Bandyopadhyay Rajib , Das Deepak Kumar , Tudu Bipan
Published: June 2024

In this work, the electrochemical detection method of nicotine molecule using carbon paste electrode (CPE) has been studied. A 3-electrode-based arrangement has been used to detect nicotine content in green tea sample where CPE is used as working electrode (WE), Ag/AgCl electrode as reference electrode (RE), and platinum electrode as counter electrode (CE). Experimental studies took place using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) techniques. A satisfactory linear range was obtained for different concentrations of nicotine molecules, which lied between 5[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]M to 200[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]M, respectively, with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.24[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]M. Using DPV technique, it was also investigated that oxidation peak current increases with increasing scan rate and concentration. Moreover, this CPE was used for real sample analysis of green tea leaves, which showed satisfactory recovery rates of 92.8% for 5[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]M spiking, 98.2% for 10[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]M spiking, and 96.75% for 20[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]M spiking of the nicotine molecule in green tea sample.
Palaeoenvironmental and palaeoclimatic study of the Olazagutia (Spain) and Ten Mile Creek-Arbor Park (USA) sections during the Coniacian–Santonian interval
Authors: Bomou Brahimsamba , De Kaenel Eric , Thibault Nicolas R. , Spangenberg Jorge E. , Gertsch Brian , Frijia Gianluca , Adatte Thierry
Published: June 2024

The mechanisms and palaeoenvironmental conditions leading to and occurring through the Coniacian–Santonian Ocean Anoxic Event 3 (OAE3) are poorly known, particularly with regard to the marine phosphorus cycle and the climatic conditions in general. To explore these issues further, two famous locations have been studied, Olazagutia (Spain) and Ten Mile Creek–Arbor Park (TX, USA), which are located in different palaeogeographical areas and deposited at different palaeodepths. The study of these two locations is based on mineralogy (bulk and clay), geochemistry (stable isotopes, organic matter, phosphorus and major element) and high-resolution biostratigraphy (nannofossils) to infer changes in climate and primary productivity across OAE3. The investigated sections were both previously proposed as candidates for the base Santonian global boundary stratotype section and point (GSSP). The Olazagutia section was ratified in 2013, where the base of the Santonian was defined by the first appearance datum of the inoceramid
Platyceramus undulatoplicatus
. Both sections, deposited in oxygenated conditions, record the δ
13
C patterns which characterized the Coniacian–Santonian OAE3 interval, in particular the positive carbon-isotope excursions comprising the K2, Michel Dean and Bedwell events. New nannofossil biostratigraphy for both sections is presented including new occurrences. Significant diachronism of marker taxa is observed between the Spanish and Texan sections. Based on a weathering index and mineralogy, similar climate changes are observed in all sections. The climate shifted synchronously from relatively drier to warmer and wetter conditions above the Coniacian–Santonian boundary from the Michel Dean event to above the Bedwell event during the early Santonian. Fluctuations in total phosphorus contents appear mainly to have been driven by changes in detrital input and consequently by climate change in Spain and Texas. Several bentonite layers were observed in Texas close to the Coniacian–Santonian boundary, but only one located 7 m above the Coniacian–Santonian boundary provided sufficient well-preserved zircon minerals, and gives an age of 86.24 ± 0.12 Ma based on U–Pb geochronology, consistent with an early Santonian age.
Style Variable and Irrelevant Learning for Generalizable Person Re-identification
Authors: Lv Kai , Chen Haobo , Zhao Chuyang , Tu Kai , Chen Junru , Li Yadong , Li Boxun , Lin Youfang
Published: June 2024

Domain generalization person re-identification (DG-ReID) has gained much attention recently due to the poor performance of supervised re-identification on unseen domains. The goal of domain generalization is to develop a model that is insensitive to domain bias and can perform well across different domains. In this article, We conduct experiments to verify the importance of style factors in domain bias. Specifically, the experiments are to affirm that style bias across different domains significantly contributes to domain bias. Based on this observation, we propose style variable and irrelevant learning (SVIL) to eliminate the influence of style factors on the model. Specifically, we employ a style jitter module (SJM) that enhances the style diversity of a specific source domain and reduces the style differences among various source domains. This allows the model to focus on identity-relevant information and be robust to style changes. We also integrate the SJM module with a meta-learning algorithm to further enhance the model’s generalization ability. Notably, our SJM module is easy to implement and does not add any inference cost. Our extensive experiments demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach, which outperforms existing methods on DG-ReID benchmarks.
Koli Calling 2024: Call for Submissions
Authors: Mühling Andreas , Leinonen Juho
Published: June 2024

We warmly invite you to attend the 24th Koli Calling International Conference on Computing Education Research (Koli Calling 2024), to be held 14-17 November 2024 in the beautiful Koli National Forest in Eastern Finland. The submission deadline for full papers and discussion papers is 21 June 2024.
Effect of Bluff Body Attributes on Afterburner Combustion Characteristics of a Boron Solid Rocket Scramjet
Authors: Ling Jiang , Xu Chaoqi , Xu Yihua , Sun Haijun
Published: June 2024

In order to improve the combustion efficiency of boron‐containing primary gas in the secondary combustion chamber of a solid rocket scramjet and improve engine performance, the effects of different types of blunt bodies, number of rear blunt bodies, and distance between front and rear blunt bodies on the combustion performance of the secondary combustion chamber were analyzed through numerical calculations. Among the five different blunt bodies, the basic structure has the highest combustion efficiency and total pressure recovery coefficient. When the number of bluff bodies in the secondary combustion chamber is increased from one to three, the boron particle combustion efficiency and total combustion efficiency increase with the growth of the number of bluff bodies, but the total pressure recovery coefficient lessens. When the number of bluff bodies is set as two and the spacing between the front and rear bluff bodies is set equal to 100, 200, and 300 mm, boron particle combustion efficiency and total combustion efficiency increase with the growth of spacing between bluff bodies, but the total pressure recovery coefficient decreased.
Rolling Bearing Fault Diagnosis under Strong Background Noise Based on ACMD and Optimized MOMEDA
Authors: Shi Jia , Wang Feng , Huang Yufeng , Yuan Runyu
Published: June 2024

A method based on adaptive chirp mode decomposition (ACMD) and optimized multipoint optimal minimum entropy deconvolution adjusted (OMOMEDA) is proposed to diagnose the rolling bearing fault in the presence of strong background noise. First, ACMD based on the Gini index is used to separate the low resonance impulse component in the fault signal from the harmonic component and noise. After ACMD, the OMOMEDA process is performed on the low resonance impulse component to enhance the fault impulse. After OMOMEDA, the envelope analysis is conducted on the deconvoluted signal to determine the fault condition. It should be noted that OMOMEDA overcomes the parameters’ artificial dependence of multipoint optimal minimum entropy deconvolution adjusted (MOMEDA) and realizes a superior optimization solution through two aspects of improvement. First, OMOMEDA introduces the augmented gray wolf optimizer and cuckoo search to achieve adaptive determination of the period parameter. Second, OMOMEDA defines balanced permutation entropy (BPE) and uses BPE as a fitness function for finding the best filter length. The simulation and experimental results show that the proposed method can accurately and effectively diagnose the rolling bearing fault in the presence of strong background noise.
Investigating Global Stability and Bifurcation in an Ecological Dynamical System
Authors: Khan Muhammad Salman , Niaz Rizwan , Alomair Mohammed Ahmed , Hussien Mohamed
Published: June 2024

We consider a continuous‐time model describing the interaction between phytoplankton and zooplankton using a Holling type‐II response. We then transform this continuous‐time model into a discrete‐time counterpart using a fractional‐order discretization method. The paper explores the local stability of this obtained system concerning all equilibrium points and establishes the global asymptotic stability of its positive fixed point. The study also demonstrates that, under specific mathematical conditions, the system undergoes a Neimark–Sacker bifurcation around its positive equilibrium point. To effectively manage this bifurcation, two modified hybrid control techniques are introduced. The paper concludes by presenting illustrative numerical examples that validate the theoretical findings and assess the effectiveness and feasibility of the newly proposed control strategies. In addition, a comparative analysis is conducted between the modified hybrid techniques and an existing hybrid approach.
Current Practices in Growth Chart Utilization among Healthcare Practitioners in Saudi Arabia: A Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Aljaadi Abeer M. , Mosli Rana H. , Eid Ruba H. , Bin-Ali Dania H. , Noorwali Essra A. , Basaqr Reem O. , Al-Otaibi Hala
Published: June 2024

Growth charts (GCs) are essential tools for monitoring children’s growth and overall health status. The extent to which healthcare professionals in Saudi Arabia (SA) use national and international GC, and adhere to standardized practices remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate current GC practices among healthcare practitioners in SA. A cross‐sectional study was conducted on 193 healthcare practitioners in SA who completed an online questionnaire that assessed their characteristics and practices related to the use of GC. Descriptive, bivariate, and logistic regression analyses were performed. Participants reported using different GCs during the assessments, with the following distribution: GC of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (24%), GC of the World Health Organization (WHO) (22%), Saudi GC (21%), and more than one type of GC (30%). Among the participants, 62% recorded GC data for both sick and well child, and 72.5% used GC with new and follow‐up children. Only 56% reported discussing the GC output with patients or parents. Adjusting for covariates, dietitians were more likely to use GC with new and follow‐up patients (odds ratio (OR): 2.61, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.13, 6.02) and regularly discuss GC output with patients/parents (OR: 2.65, 95% CI: 1.29, 5.43) compared to other healthcare practitioners. Our findings showed significant variability in the use of GC among healthcare professionals in SA. The limited adoption of Saudi GC warrants further investigation to address practice obstacles and monitor children’s growth.
E‐Bayesian Estimation Using Spacing Function for Inverse Lindley Adaptive Type‐I Progressively Censored Samples: Comparative Study with Applications
Authors: Nassar Mazen , Alotaibi Refah , Elshahhat Ahmed
Published: June 2024

For the first time, this paper offers the Bayesian and E‐Bayesian estimation methods using the spacing function (SF) instead of the classical likelihood function. The inverse Lindley distribution, including its parameter and reliability measures, is discussed in this study through the mentioned methods, along with some other classical approaches. Six‐point and six‐interval estimations based on an adaptive Type‐I progressively censored sample are considered. The likelihood and product of spacing methods are used in classical inferential setups. The approximate confidence intervals are discussed using both classical approaches. For various parameters, the Bayesian methodology is studied by taking both likelihood and SFs as observed data sources to derive the posterior distributions. Moreover, the E‐Bayesian estimation method is considered by using the same data sources in the usual Bayesian approach. The Bayes and E‐Bayes credible intervals using both likelihood and SFs are also taken into consideration. Several Monte Carlo experiments are carried out to assess the performance of the acquired estimators, depending on different accuracy criteria and experimental scenarios. Finally, two data sets from the engineering and physics sectors are analyzed to demonstrate the superiority and practicality of the suggested approaches.
Multistage Gold‐Polymetallic Mineralization in the Bou Azzer District, Anti‐Atlas, Morocco: Insights from Ore Microscopic, Geochemical, and Fluid Inclusion Studies
Authors: Wafik Amina , Zoheir Basem , Benchekroun Fouad , Benaouda Rachid , Massoude Mohamed Ben , Atif Youssef , Pour Amin Beiranvand , Niroomand Shojaeddin , El Arbaoui Amal , Karfal Abdelhak , Maacha Lhou
Published: June 2024

The Bou Azzer polymetallic Co‐Ni‐As±Au±Ag veins in the Central Anti‐Atlas (Morocco) are significant sulfide ores hosted by Neoproterozoic ophiolites and are associated with felsic intrusive and subvolcanic phases. We report new mineralogical and fluid inclusion data to better understand mineralization’s formation processes and fluid evolution which are analyzed and merged with the existing published data. Gold‐bearing sulfide‐arsenide‐quartz (±carbonate) veins in Bou Azzer exhibit mineralogical and fluid inclusion features similar to the epithermal and porphyry‐style gold deposits. Modeling of widespread primary and pseudosecondary saline aqueous inclusions in the mineralized quartz veins suggests that circulating metalliferous brines, with estimated temperatures of ~275°C and pressures < 550 bars and salinity < 40%, precipitated sulfides in the veins. Gold was most likely transported as bisulfide complexes, and ore deposition was controlled by fluctuations in oxygen fugacity (ƒO2) upon fluid cooling. The systematic decrease in temperatures and salinities from an early prearsenide stage to a late paragenetic arsenide and sulfide stage was likely linked with extensive mixing with meteoric waters in a shallow hydrothermal environment. Available sulfur, oxygen, and hydrogen stable isotope data for the Bou Azzer sulfide‐arsenide‐quartz veins indicate variable fluid sources, primarily magmatic and metamorphic fluids. The wide range of the estimated mineralization ages (from 680 Ma to 210 Ma) and the spatial association with major shear zones and felsic intrusive stocks imply a significant role of the regional tectonic activities or reflect complex and superimposed mineralization episodes, corresponding to orogenic events spanned the Pan‐African cycle to the Atlasic orogenesis.
Effect of Countermovement Depth on the Neuromechanics of a Vertical Jump
Authors: McHugh Malachy P. , Alexander Cohen Josef , Orishimo Karl F. , Kremenic Ian J.
Published: June 2024

The purpose of this study was to examine kinematic, kinetic, and muscle activation metrics during countermovement jumps (CMJs) with varying countermovement depths. The hypothesis was that a shallow countermovement depth would compromise jump height by disrupting neuromechanical control. Ten healthy men (age 26 ± 8 yr, height 1.81 ± 0.08 m, mass 83.5 ± 9.0 kg) performed maximal CMJs at self‐selected countermovement depth (self‐selected CMJ), at reduced countermovement depth (shallow CMJ), and at increased countermovement depth (deep CMJ). Three jumps were performed in each condition on force plates with ankle, knee, and hip motion recorded and electromyograms (EMG) recorded from the gluteus maximus (GM), vastus lateralis (VL), and medial gastrocnemius (MG) muscles. During CMJs, the knee flexion angle was recorded with an electrogoniometer. Jumpers were instructed to flex at least 15% less (shallow CMJ) and at least 15% more (deep CMJ) than the self‐selected CMJs. Kinematic, kinetic, and EMG metrics were compared between the different CMJ depths using repeated measures ANOVA. Compared with self‐selected CMJs, shallow CMJs had 26% less countermovement depth (P < 0.001, effect size 1.74) and the deep CMJs had 28% greater countermovement depth (P < 0.001, effect size 1.56). Jump height was 8% less for the shallow vs. self‐selected CMJs (P = 0.007, effect size 1.09) but not different between self‐selected and deep CMJs (P = 0.254). Shallow CMJs differed from self‐selected CMJs at the initiation of the countermovement (unweighting). For self‐selected CMJs, force dropped to 43% of body weight during unweighting but only to 58% for shallow CMJs (P = 0.015, effect size 0.95). During unweighting, VL EMG averaged 5.5% of MVC during self‐selected CMJs versus 8.1% for shallow CMJs (P = 0.014, effect size 0.97). Percent decline in jump height with shallow versus self‐selected CMJs was correlated with the difference in VL EMG during unweighting between shallow and self‐selected CMJs (r = 0.651, P = 0.041). A deep countermovement prolonged the time to execute the jump by 38% (P < 0.010, effect size 1.04) but did not impair CMJ force metrics. In conclusion, self‐selected countermovement depth represents a tradeoff between dropping the center of mass sufficiently far and executing the jump quickly. Unweighting at the initiation of a CMJ appears to be a critical element in the neuromechanics of the CMJ.
Antiproliferative Effect of Gallic Acid is Mediated via Mitochondrial‐ or ER‐Stress‐Induced Apoptosis and Canonical Autophagy in HT‐29 Cells
Authors: Shao Jie , Yang Lin , Jin Zhichao , Bao Yanmin , He Jiawen , Le Q. H. , Sivakumar Ponnurengam Malliappan , Wang Mao , Wang Ruiping
Published: June 2024

Cancer is a noncommunicable disease burden and the second‐leading cause of death worldwide. Novel medications and drug possibilities are sought everyday throughout the world in pursuit of cancer therapy. Colorectal cancer as one of the leading cancers across the globe can be treated effectively using TCM via decreasing the incidence and increasing the survival of patients. Gallic acid (GA) is an effective polyphenol used in TCM to treat several disorders including cancer. Our hypothesis was set to determine that GA possesses cytotoxic effects on CRC cells and that apoptosis and/or autophagy could be the rationale behind the mechanism. Therefore, in the current study, we investigated the cytotoxic effects of GA on human colorectal adenocarcinoma HT‐29 cells and the mechanisms of such effects. The IC50 for the cytotoxic effects of GA as evidenced by the MTT assay was 37.08 μg/mL. The outcomes indicated that GA can cause changes in MMP and result in the formation or accumulation of exogenous ROS at the IC50 dose. Consequently, the polyphenol can induce mitochondrial‐ or ER‐stress‐induced apoptosis and canonical autophagy other than contributing to the induction of ferroptosis in HT‐29 cells as evidenced by quantitative PCR and western blotting. Our results indicate that GA is an effective cytotoxic agent for the management of CRC at the preclinical level and is a valuable candidate for clinical trials.
Chylothorax as Initial Presentation of Follicular Lymphoma: A Case Report and Literature Search
Authors: Kim Gi Eun , Khaled Yousif , Mahmoud Saleh , Rehman Amin Ur
Published: June 2024

Chylothorax is accumulation of chyle in pleural space. Causes include traumatic, such as after esophagectomy, and nontraumatic, most commonly malignancy. Lymphoma usually presents as asymptomatic lymphadenopathy, and chylothorax tends to occur late in disease course. Chylothorax as initial presentation of lymphoma is rare with only case reports. We present a case of 43‐year‐old female who presented with dyspnea only with no B symptoms and found to have left‐sided chylothorax, and was later diagnosed to have stage IV follicular lymphoma. This case highlights an atypical presentation of follicular lymphoma, to help physicians to reach diagnosis earlier in similar cases.
Inactivation of Escherichia coli on Romaine Lettuce Using a Gas‐Phase Hydroxyl‐Radical Process: From Laboratory Scale to Commercial Processing
Authors: Hasani Mahdiyeh , Warriner Lara Jane , Warriner Keith
Published: June 2024

The following reports on the efficacy of a gas‐phase hydroxyl radical‐based process for decontaminating shredded lettuce on a laboratory and simulated commercial scale. The process is based on the ultraviolet light at 254 nm UV‐C‐mediated degradation of hydrogen peroxide mist and ozone gas to generate antimicrobial hydroxyl radicals. Escherichia coli K12 was applied as a surrogate for E. coli O157:H7, and at laboratory scale, the hydroxyl‐radical process (1.5% vol/vol H2O2 delivered at 40 ml/min, UV‐C dose 114 mJ/cm2, 20 ppm ozone, 29°C chamber temperature, and 30 s residence time) could support a 1.63 ± 0.61 log CFU reduction. This is compared to the 0.57 ± 0.18 log CFU reduction obtained for a chlorine‐based wash. In scale‐up, batches (2‐10 kg) of E. coli inoculated romaine lettuce were passed through sequential hydroxyl‐radical reactors. Here, the units were elevated to create a cascade effect, with the hydrogen peroxide mist being introduced as an intermister between the reactors. It was found that the three units placed in sequence with intermisters supported a 2.05 ± 0.10 log CFU reduction of E. coli, thereby verifying that homogenous treatment had been achieved. Additional trials operated the hydroxyl‐radical process at 4°C without loss of performance. The hydroxyl‐radical process was not negatively affected by applying a pretreatment wash. The study has demonstrated that the hydroxyl‐radical process can be applied as an alternative to postharvest wash to enhance the food safety of romaine lettuce.
Design of Nonlinear PID and FOPID Controllers for Electronic Throttle Valve Plate’s Position
Authors: Mohamed Mohamed Jasim , Thamir Rasheed Luay
Published: June 2024

The electronic throttle valve (ETV) system is one of the essential parts of the automobile because it controls the amount of airflow into the engine’s combustion system. In fact, there are challenges in ETV control due to several nonsmooth nonlinearities, such as backlash, stick‐slip friction, and a discontinuous nonlinear spring. This paper proposes eight control schemes; the first two are the conventional proportional‐integral‐derivative (PID) controller and the fractional‐order PID (FOPID) controller, while the second two schemes are modified versions of conventional PID and FOPID using the integral of the arc tan function of the error rather than the error in the integral action. However, all these control schemes above have been studied with and without considering the technique of manipulating the windup problem or antiwindup. A metaheuristic optimization technique, namely, the grey wolf optimization (GWO) algorithm, is introduced for optimizing the controllers’ parameters while minimizing the integral of the cube time square error (IT^3SE) cost function. A comparison study between these control schemes and other controllers has been conducted based on numerical simulation. The computer simulation demonstrates that the performance of the arc tan FOPID (AT‐FOPID) controller is superior to that of the other optimal control schemes and other controllers, as follows: best value of performance criterion IT^3SE, best exponential transmission of transient response, least overshoot, least rise time, least settling time, low control effort, least oscillations of the control signal, and smooth phase trajectory from the initial state to the target state without circling about the target. Finally, the most important feature of this scheme is its superior robustness compared to others.
Ubiquitin Ligase TRIM22 Inhibits Ovarian Cancer Malignancy via TCF4 Degradation
Authors: Tao Tao , Zhang Yongqi , Guan Chunyan , Wang Shuxiang , Liu Xiaoli , Wang Min
Published: June 2024

Ovarian cancer is one of the most common malignancies in women. Tripartite motif-containing protein 22 (TRIM22) plays an important role in the initiation and progression of malignant tumors. Similarly, the transcription factor 4 (TCF4) is an essential factor involved in the initiation and progression of many tumors. However, it is still unclear whether TRIM22 can affect TCF4 in ovarian cancer. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the mechanism related to TRIM22 and TCF4 in ovarian cancer. TRIM22 protein and mRNA levels were analyzed in samples from clinical and cell lines. The effects of TRIM22 knockdown and overexpression on cell proliferation, colony formation, migration, invasion, and related biomarkers were evaluated. In addition, the role of ubiquitination-mediated degradation of TCF4 was investigated by qRT-PCR and Western blotting. The association between TRIM22 and TCF4 was evaluated by Western blotting, coimmunoprecipitation, proliferation, colony formation, invasion, migration, and related biomarkers. The results showed that the expression of TRIM22 was minimal in ovarian cancer tissues. Furthermore, upregulation of TRIM22 significantly inhibited ovarian cancer cell proliferation, colony formation, migration, and invasion. In addition, TRIM22 was observed to regulate the degradation of TCF4 through the ubiquitination pathway. TCF4 can reverse the effects of TRIM22 on proliferation, colony formation, migration, and invasion in ovarian cancer cells. TRIM22-mediated ubiquitination of TCF4 at K48 is facilitated by the RING domain.

Implications: In conclusion, ubiquitination of TCF4 protein in ovarian cancer is regulated by TRIM22, which has the potential to limit the proliferation, migration, and invasion of ovarian cancer.
Figure S3 from Epigenetic Priming by Hypomethylation Enhances the Immunogenic Potential of Tolinapant in T-cell Lymphoma
Authors: Ward George A. , Zhang Zhiqiang , Jueliger Simone , Potapov Ilya S. , Davis Matthew P. , Boxall Adam R. , Taylor Jason , Keer Harold , Biondo Andrea , Lyons John F. , Sims Martin , Smyth Tomoko
Published: June 2024

Figure S3. Additional EL4-C8KO Western blot and lytic cell death data. (Refers to Figure1)