bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fractal Analysis on Machined Surface Morphologies of Soft-Brittle KDP Crystals Processed by Micro Ball-End Milling
Authors: Liu Qi , Cheng Jian , Liao Zhirong , Liu Mingyu , Chen Mingjun , Zhao Linjie , Lei Hongqin , Ding Wenyu
Published: February 2023

The micro-defects on KH2PO4 (KDP) optic surfaces are mainly repaired by the micro-milling technique, while it is very easy to introduce brittle cracks on repaired surfaces, as KDP is soft and brittle. To estimate machined surface morphologies, the conventional method is surface roughness, but it fails to distinguish ductile-regime machining from brittle-regime machining directly. To achieve this objective, it is of great significance to explore new evaluation methods to further characterize machined surface morphologies. In this study, the fractal dimension (FD) was introduced to characterize the surface morphologies of soft-brittle KDP crystals machined by micro bell-end milling. The 3D and 2D fractal dimensions of the machined surfaces and their typical cross-sectional contours have been calculated, respectively, based on Box-counting methods, and were further discussed comprehensively by combining the analysis of surface quality and textures. The 3D FD is identified to have a negative correlation with surface roughness (Sa and Sq), meaning the worse the surface quality the smaller the FD. The circumferential 2D FD could quantitively characterize the anisotropy of micro-milled surfaces, which could not be analyzed by surface roughness. Normally, there is obvious symmetry of 2D FD and anisotropy on the micro ball-end milled surfaces generated by ductile-regime machining. However, once the 2D FD is distributed asymmetrically and the anisotropy becomes weaker, the assessed surface contours would be occupied by brittle cracks and fractures, and corresponding machining processes will be in a brittle regime. This fractal analysis would facilitate the accurate and efficient evaluation of the repaired KDP optics by micro-milling.
Silica-Fiber-Reinforced Composites for Microelectronic Applications: Effects of Curing Routes
Authors: Haider Imran , Gul Iftikhar Hussain , Umer Malik Adeel , Baig Mutawara Mahmood
Published: February 2023

For curing of fiber-reinforced epoxy composites, an alternative to thermal heating is the use of microwave energy, which cures quickly and consumes less energy. Employing thermal curing (TC) and microwave (MC) curing methods, we present a comparative study on the functional characteristics of fiber-reinforced composite for microelectronics. The composite prepregs, prepared from commercial silica fiber fabric/epoxy resin, were separately cured via thermal and microwave energy under curing conditions (temperature/time). The dielectric, structural, morphological, thermal, and mechanical properties of composite materials were investigated. Microwave cured composite showed a 1% lower dielectric constant, 21.5% lower dielectric loss factor, and 2.6% lower weight loss, than thermally cured one. Furthermore, the dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) revealed a 20% increase in the storage and loss modulus along with a 15.5% increase in the glass transition temperature (Tg) of microwave-cured compared to thermally cured composite. The fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) showed similar spectra of both the composites; however, the microwave-cured composite exhibited higher tensile (15.4%), and compression strength (4.3%) than the thermally cured composite. These results illustrate that microwave-cured silica-fiber-reinforced composite exhibit superior electrical performance, thermal stability, and mechanical properties compared to thermally cured silica fiber/epoxy composite in a shorter time and the expense of less energy.
Assessment of Seasonal Variability in Phosphorus Biodynamics by Cosmogenic Isotopes 32P, 33P around Balaklava Coast
Authors: Frolova Mariya A. , Bezhin Nikolay A. , Slizchenko Evgeniy V. , Kozlovskaia Ol’ga N. , Tananaev Ivan G.
Published: February 2023

The sorption efficiency of phosphorus from seawater by aluminum oxide and sorbents based on Fe(OH)3 obtained by various methods (using prepared sodium ferrate or precipitation of Fe(OH)3 with ammonia) was assessed. It was shown that phosphorus was recovered most efficiently at a seawater flow rate of one-to-four column volumes per minute with a sorbent based on hydrolyzed polyacrylonitrile fiber with a precipitation of Fe(OH)3 with ammonia. Based on the results obtained, a method for phosphorus isotopes recovery with this sorbent was suggested. Using this method, the seasonal variability of phosphorus biodynamics in the Balaklava coastal area was estimated. For this purpose, the short-lived isotopes of cosmogenic origin 32P and 33P were used. Volumetric activity profiles of 32P and 33P in particulate and dissolved forms were obtained. Based on 32P and 33P volumetric activity, indicators of phosphorus biodynamics were calculated: the time, rate, and degree of phosphorus circulation to inorganic and particulate organic forms. In spring and summer, elevated values of phosphorus biodynamic parameters were determined. This is explained by the peculiarity of the economic and resort activities of Balaklava, which negatively affect the state of the marine ecosystem. The results obtained can be used to assess the dynamics of changes in the content of forms of dissolved and suspended phosphorus, and the biodynamic parameters when performing a comprehensive environmental assessment of the state of coastal waters.
Design, Kinematics and Workspace Analysis of a Novel 4-DOF Kinematically Redundant Planar Parallel Grasping Manipulator
Authors: Petelin Daniil , Fomin Alexey , Laryushkin Pavel , Fomina Oxana , Carbone Giuseppe , Ceccarelli Marco
Published: February 2023

This article presents a model of a novel 4-DOF kinematically redundant planar parallel grasping manipulator. As distinct from the traditional 4-DOF manipulator, the proposed design includes an extensible platform, which provides kinematic redundancy. This constructive feature is used for grasping. The article discusses the inverse and forward kinematics of the proposed manipulator. The inverse kinematics algorithm provides the analytical relations between the platform coordinates and the driven (controlled) coordinates. The forward kinematics algorithm allows defining different assembly modes of the manipulator. Both algorithms are demonstrated using numerical examples. The article discusses different designs of the manipulator in which its links are placed in one, two, or three layers. Based on these designs, we performed their workspace analyses.
A New Class of Generalized Probability-Weighted Moment Estimators for the Pareto Distribution
Authors: Caeiro Frederico , Mateus Ayana
Published: February 2023

Estimation based on probability-weighted moments is a well-established method and an excellent alternative to the classic method of moments or the maximum likelihood method, especially for small sample sizes. In this research, we developed a new class of estimators for the parameters of the Pareto type I distribution. A generalization of the probability-weighted moments approach is the foundation for this new class of estimators. It has the advantage of being valid in the entire parameter space of the Pareto distribution. We established the asymptotic normality of the new estimators and applied them to simulated and real datasets in order to illustrate their finite sample behavior. The results of comparisons with the most used estimation methods were also analyzed.
Solitons in Neurosciences by the Laplace–Adomian Decomposition Scheme
Authors: González-Gaxiola Oswaldo , Biswas Anjan , Moraru Luminita , Alghamdi Abdulah A.
Published: February 2023

The paper concentrates on the solitary waves that are retrievable from the generalized Boussinesq equation. The numerical simulations are displayed in the paper that gives a visual perspective to the model studied in neurosciences. The Laplace–Adomian decomposition scheme makes this visualization of the solitons possible. The numerical simulations are being reported for the first time using an elegant approach. The results would be helpful for neuroscientists and clinical studies in Medicine. The novelty lies in the modeling that is successfully conducted with an impressively small error measure. In the past, the model was integrated analytically only to recover soliton solutions and its conserved quantities.
Autocorrelation and Parameter Estimation in a Bayesian Change Point Model
Authors: Qiang Rui , Ruggieri Eric
Published: February 2023

A piecewise function can sometimes provide the best fit to a time series. The breaks in this function are called change points, which represent the point at which the statistical properties of the model change. Often, the exact placement of the change points is unknown, so an efficient algorithm is required to combat the combinatorial explosion in the number of potential solutions to the multiple change point problem. Bayesian solutions to the multiple change point problem can provide uncertainty estimates on both the number and location of change points in a dataset, but there has not yet been a systematic study to determine how the choice of hyperparameters or the presence of autocorrelation affects the inference made by the model. Here, we propose Bayesian model averaging as a way to address the uncertainty in the choice of hyperparameters and show how this approach highlights the most probable solution to the problem. Autocorrelation is addressed through a pre-whitening technique, which is shown to eliminate spurious change points that emerge due to a red noise process. However, pre-whitening a dataset tends to make true change points harder to detect. After an extensive simulation study, the model is applied to two climate applications: the Pacific Decadal Oscillation and a global surface temperature anomalies dataset.
Mathematical Modeling of the Wave Dynamics of an Encapsulated Perfluorocarbon Droplet in a Viscoelastic Liquid
Authors: Gubaidullin Damir A. , Gubaidullina Dilya D. , Fedorov Yuri V.
Published: February 2023

A mathematical model has been developed and a numerical study of vapor bubble growth as a result of acoustic evaporation of an encapsulated perfluorocarbon droplet in a viscoelastic liquid is presented. The viscoelasticity of the droplet shell and the carrier liquid is taken into account according to the Kelvin–Voigt rheological model. The problem is reduced to solving a system of ordinary differential equations for the radius and temperature of the bubble, the radius of the droplet and the shell together with the thermal conductivity equation for the internal liquid. Spatial discretization of the thermal conductivity equation is carried out using an implicit finite difference scheme. ODEs are solved by the fifth order Runge–Kutta method with an adaptive computational step. To check the correctness of the numerical calculation in a particular case, the theory has been compared with known experimental data. The influence of the shear modulus of the shell and the carrier liquid, and the shell thickness on the radial dynamics of a vapor bubble inside an encapsulated droplet in an external viscoelastic liquid is demonstrated.
Vegetation Patterns in the Hyperbolic Klausmeier Model with Secondary Seed Dispersal
Authors: Grifò Gabriele
Published: February 2023

This work focuses on the dynamics of vegetation stripes in sloped semi-arid environments in the presence of secondary seed dispersal and inertial effects. To this aim, a hyperbolic generalization of the Klausmeier model that encloses the advective downhill transport of plant biomass is taken into account. Analytical investigations were performed to deduce the wave and Turing instability loci at which oscillatory and stationary vegetation patterns arise, respectively. Additional information on the possibility of predicting a null-migrating behavior was extracted with suitable approximations of the dispersion relation. Numerical simulations were also carried out to corroborate theoretical predictions and to gain more insights into the dynamics of vegetation stripes at, close to, and far from the instability threshold.
A Comprehensive 3-Phase Framework for Determining the Customer’s Product Usage in a Food Supply Chain
Authors: Ali Mohd Fahmi Bin Mad , Ariffin Mohd Khairol Anuar Bin Mohd , Delgoshaei Aidin , Mustapha Faizal Bin , Supeni Eris Elianddy Bin
Published: February 2023

A fundamental issue in manufacturing systems is moving a local manufacturer into a supply chain network including wholesalers and retailers. In this research, a 3-phase framework is proposed to determine the food consumption pattern in food supply chains. In the first stage of this research, the consumer, availability and society factors for product classification according to the features of populations in Malaysia are identified (phase 1). Then, using statistical analysis, the effective factors are recognised (phase 2). In the third phase, the product clusters are recognised using a hybrid PCA and agglomerative clustering method. For this purpose, different clusters for the training step are used. The outcomes indicated that Age (0.94), City (0.79), Health Benefit Awareness (0.76) and Education (0.75) are the most effective factors in product consumption patterns, respectively. Moreover, the efficiency of the outcomes is evaluated using the Silhouette Coefficient, indicating that the proposed algorithm could provide solutions with a 68% score. Moreover, using Calinski-Harabasz Index, it was found that the algorithm provided more logic scores while the number of product patterns was 3 for the studied region (707.54).
Strategy Analysis of Fresh Agricultural Enterprises in a Competitive Circumstance: The Impact of Blockchain and Consumer Traceability Preferences
Authors: Sun Yuling , Song Xiaomei , Jiang Yihao , Guo Jian
Published: February 2023

Blockchain technology allows fresh agricultural enterprises to share records stored on the chain, and the technology can benefit information management systems, such as decentralization and transparency. This study uses game theory to examine a blockchain introduction strategy for fresh agricultural enterprises in a competitive environment, considering consumer traceability preferences. We establish a pricing decision model in traditional and blockchain traceability modes and identify optimal solutions. Additionally, we analyze the impact of the blockchain introduction strategy, consumer preferences, and blockchain influence factor on optimal pricing decisions. The results indicate that the introduction of blockchain could improve the profits of enterprises under certain conditions. Moreover, consumer traceability preferences and the blockchain influence factor could significantly affect the blockchain introduction strategy. We also discover that when the blockchain influence factor meets a certain range, introducing blockchain technique in the traceability system could shift demand from traditional enterprises to blockchain enterprises. The total market demand for blockchain enterprises under the blockchain traceability mode will increase, whereas that of traditional enterprises under the blockchain traceability mode will decrease. Both consumer traceability preferences and the blockchain influence factor could significantly affect optimal pricing. Finally, some management suggestions are provided for the traceability of fresh agricultural enterprises based on the research conclusions.
A Discrete Model for the Evolution of Infection Prior to Symptom Onset
Authors: Ripoll Jordi , Font Jordi
Published: February 2023

We consider a between-host model for a single epidemic outbreak of an infectious disease. According to the progression of the disease, hosts are classified in regard to the pathogen load. Specifically, we are assuming four phases: non-infectious asymptomatic phase, infectious asymptomatic phase (key-feature of the model where individuals show up mild or no symptoms), infectious symptomatic phase and finally an immune phase. The system takes the form of a non-linear Markov chain in discrete time where linear transitions are based on geometric (main model) or negative-binomial (enhanced model) probability distributions. The whole system is reduced to a single non-linear renewal equation. Moreover, after linearization, at least two meaningful definitions of the basic reproduction number arise: firstly as the expected secondary asymptomatic cases produced by an asymptomatic primary case, and secondly as the expected number of symptomatic individuals that a symptomatic individual will produce. We study the evolution of infection transmission before and after symptom onset. Provided that individuals can develop symptoms and die from the disease, we take disease-induced mortality as a measure of virulence and it is assumed to be positively correlated with a weighted average transmission rate. According to our findings, transmission rate of the infection is always higher in the symptomatic phase yet under a suitable condition, most of the infections take place prior to symptom onset.
Fabrication of Unidirectional Water Permeable PS/PET Composite Nanofibers Modified with Silver Nanoparticles via Electrospinning
Authors: Li Chong , Wang Haoyu , Zhao Xiaolei , Yang Kaihua , Meng Qinhua , Zhang Longwang
Published: February 2023

In this study, the composite nanofiber membranes (AgNPs-PS/PET) composed of hydrophobic polystyrene (PS) embedded with different additions of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and hydrophilic hydrolyzed polyethylene terephthalate (PET) were prepared via electrospinning technology to achieve the function of unidirectional water penetration. The addition of AgNO3 was at 0 wt%, 0.5 wt%, 1.0 wt% and 1.5 wt% as the variables. The surface morphology and structure of AgNPs-PS/PET composite nanofibers were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), x-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The SEM image showed that the fibers of the composite materials were continuous and uniform as a result of electrospinning. The presence and content of Ag nanoparticles dispersed in the nanofibers were investigated using EDS and TEM. The contact angle (CA) was tested to illustrate the wettability of the composite nanofiber membranes using a static contact angle measuring instrument and the process of unidirectional water penetration was recorded. Meanwhile, the mechanism of unidirectional water penetration was analyzed. Moreover, the electrospinning solution’s viscosity and conductivity were also investigated. Eventually, the optimal addition of AgNO3 (1.0 wt%) was confirmed and the prepared AgNPs-PS/PET composite nanofiber membranes were able to achieve the function of unidirectional water penetration. These membranes have the potential to be applied in smart textiles, unidirectional water collection and wound dressing.
Medium-Range Order Resists Deformation in Metallic Liquids and Glasses
Authors: Egami Takeshi , Dmowski Wojciech , Ryu Chae
Published: February 2023

In crystals, lattice defects, such as dislocations, control mechanical deformation. Similarly, it is widely believed that even in glasses and liquids some kinds of defects, strongly disordered regions, play a major role in deformation. To identify defects researchers focused on the nature of the short-range order (SRO) in the nearest neighbor cage of atoms. However, recent results by experiment, simulation and theory raise serious questions about this assumption. They suggest that the atomic medium-range order (MRO) provides resistance against flow at the atomic level. Because the MRO is a bulk property, it implies that defects play only a limited role. This new insight is supported by the density wave theory which shows that the MRO is driven by a top-down global force, rather than being a consequence of the SRO in the bottom-up manner, and the MRO provides stiffness to resist deformation. We briefly summarize the density wave theory, show that the MRO is related to ductility of metallic glasses, and discuss the implications on the role of the MRO in the atomic-level mechanism of deformation.
Core–Shell Particles: From Fabrication Methods to Diverse Manipulation Techniques
Authors: Yadav Ajeet Singh , Tran Du Tuan , Teo Adrian J. T. , Dai Yuchen , Galogahi Fariba Malekpour , Ooi Chin Hong , Nguyen Nam-Trung
Published: February 2023

Core–shell particles are micro- or nanoparticles with solid, liquid, or gas cores encapsulated by protective solid shells. The unique composition of core and shell materials imparts smart properties on the particles. Core–shell particles are gaining increasing attention as tuneable and versatile carriers for pharmaceutical and biomedical applications including targeted drug delivery, controlled drug release, and biosensing. This review provides an overview of fabrication methods for core–shell particles followed by a brief discussion of their application and a detailed analysis of their manipulation including assembly, sorting, and triggered release. We compile current methodologies employed for manipulation of core–shell particles and demonstrate how existing methods of assembly and sorting micro/nanospheres can be adopted or modified for core–shell particles. Various triggered release approaches for diagnostics and drug delivery are also discussed in detail.
PCCNoC: Packet Connected Circuit as Network on Chip for High Throughput and Low Latency SoCs
Authors: Zhou Xinbing , Hao Peng , Liu Dake
Published: February 2023

Hundreds of processor cores or modules are integrated into a single chip. The traditional bus or crossbar is challenged by bandwidth, scalability, and silicon area, and cannot meet the requirements of high end applications. Network-on-chip (NoC) has become a very promising interconnection structure because of its good scalability, predictable interconnect length and delay, high bandwidth, and reusability. However, the most available packet routing NoC may not be the perfect solution for high-end heterogeneous multi-core real-time systems-on-chip (SoC) because of the excessive latency and cache cost overhead. Moreover, circuit switching is limited by the scale, connectivity flexibility, and excessive overhead of fully connected systems. To solve the above problems and to meet the need for low latency, high throughput, and flexibility, this paper proposes PCCNoC (Packet Connected Circuit NoC), a low-latency and low-overhead NoC based on both packet switching (setting-up circuit) and circuit switching (data transmission on circuit), which offers flexible routing and zero overhead of data transmission latency, making it suitable for high-end heterogeneous multi-core real-time SoC at various system scales. Compared with typically available packet switched NoC, our PCCoC sees 242% improved performance and 97% latency reduction while keeping the silicon cost relatively low.
Parameters Design and Optimization of SiC MOSFET Driving Circuit with Consideration of Comprehensive Loss and Voltage Stress
Authors: Qin Haihong , Ba Zhenhua , Xie Sixuan , Zhang Zimo , Chen Wenming , Xun Qian
Published: February 2023

In conventional parameters design, the driving circuit is usually simplified as an RLC second-order circuit, and the switching characteristics are optimized by selecting parameters, but the influence of switching characteristics on the driving circuit is not considered. In this paper, the insight mechanism for the gate-source voltage changed by overshoot and ringing caused by the high switching speed of SiC MOSFET is highlighted, and we propose an optimized design method to obtain optimal parameters of the SiC MOSFET driving circuit with consideration of parasitic parameters. Based on the double-pulse circuit, we evaluated the influence of main parameters on the gate-source voltage, including driving voltage, driving resistance, gate parasitic inductance, and stray inductance of the power circuit. A SiC-based boost PFC is constructed and tested. The test results show that the switching loss can be reduced by 7.282 W by using the proposed parameter optimization method, and the over-voltage stress of SiC MOSFET is avoided.
Fabrication and Characterization of Acicular Micro-Textured Copper Sheet Device for Low-Temperature Heat Radiation
Authors: Aizawa Tatsuhiko , Nakata Hiroki , Nasu Takeshi
Published: February 2023

An acicular microtextured sheet was developed as a heat radiation device from the high-temperature source to the cooling medium in the infrared (IR) spectrum. The copper surface was modified by acicular micro-texturing to place a semi-regular micro-/nano-cone structure onto it. FT-IR (Fourier transformation IR) spectroscopy was utilized to measure the transmittance diagram in near-IR to far-IR wavelengths. The wavelength (λ) of 6.7 μm, where the highest absorbance valley was detected in the diagram, was equivalent to the doubled size of the micro-cone average height, with Have = 3.3 μm; λ ~ 2 × Have. The electromagnetic waves in the far-IR wavelength were emitted by acicular micro-textured metallic sheets. The heat radiation transfer experiment was performed to describe this low-temperature heat radiation behavior. No temperature rise was detected on the black-colored polycarbonate (BC-PC) plate away from the bare copper sheet without textures, located on the high-temperature source. The temperature increased by 4 K on the BC-PC plate using the acicular textured copper sheet device. The emitter temperature also decreased significantly by 50 K or 50% of the heat source temperature.
Association Studies on Gut and Lung Microbiomes in Patients with Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Guo Yaqiong , Yuan Wenjie , Lyu Na , Pan Yuanlong , Cao Xiaoqing , Wang Yuxuan , Han Yi , Zhu Baoli
Published: February 2023

Lung adenocarcinoma (LADC) is a prevalent type of lung cancer that is associated with lung and gut microbiota. However, the interactions between these microbiota and cancer development remain unclear. In this study, a microbiome study was performed on paired fecal and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) samples from 42 patients with LADC and 64 healthy controls using 16S rRNA gene amplicon and shotgun metagenome sequencing, aiming to correlate the lung and gut microbiota with LADC. Patients with LADC had reduced α-diversity in the gut microbiome and altered β-diversity compared with healthy controls, and the abundances of Flavonifractor, Eggerthella, and Clostridium were higher in the gut microbiome of LADC patients. The increased abundance of microbial species, such as Flavonifractor plautii, was associated with advanced-stage LADC and a higher metastasis rate. Phylogenetically, Haemophilus parainfluenzae was the most frequently shared taxon in the lung and gut microbiota of LADC patients. Gut microbiome functional pathways involving leucine, propanoate, and fatty acids were associated with LADC progression. In conclusion, the low diversity of the gut microbiota and the presence of H. parainfluenzae in gut and lung microbiota were linked to LADC development, while an increased abundance of F. plautii and the enriched metabolic pathways could be associated with the progression of LADC.
Inherited Chromosomally Integrated Human Herpesvirus 6: Laboratory and Clinical Features
Authors: Gabrielli Liliana , Balboni Alice , Borgatti Eva Caterina , Virgili Giulio , Petrisli Evangelia , Cantiani Alessia , Pavoni Matteo , Baiesi Pillastrini Federico , Venturoli Simona , Piccirilli Giulia , Lazzarotto Tiziana
Published: February 2023

Inherited chromosomally integrated human herpesvirus 6 (iciHHV-6) is a condition in which the complete HHV-6 genome is integrated into the chromosomes of the host germ cell and is vertically transmitted. The aims of this study were to identify iciHHV-6 prevalence in hospitalized patients and clinical features in individuals carrying this integration. HHV-6 PCR on hair follicles was used to confirm iciHHV-6 status when the blood viral load was more than 5 Log10 copies/mL. From January 2012 to June 2022, HHV-6 DNAemia was investigated in 2019 patients. In particular, 49 had a viral load higher than 6 Log10 copies/mL and HHV-6 DNA in hair follicles was positive. A viral load between 5.0 and 5.9 Log10 copies/mL was observed in 10 patients: 6 infants with acute HHV-6 infection and 4 patients with leukopenia and HHV-6 integration. Therefore, the iciHHV-6 prevalence in our population was 2.6% (53/2019). Adult patients with integration presented hematological (24%), autoimmune (11%), autoimmune neurological (19%), not-autoimmune neurological (22%), and other diseases (19%), whereas 5% had no clinically relevant disease. Although in our study population a high percentage of iciHHV-6 adult hospitalized patients presented a specific pathology, it is still unknown whether the integration is responsible for, or contributes to, the disease development.
Corynebacterium striatum Prosthetic Joint Infection Successfully Treated with Long-Term Dalbavancin
Authors: Söderquist Bo , Henningsson Thomas , Stegger Marc
Published: February 2023

Arthroplasty surgery is a common procedure that significantly improves quality of life. The most feared complication is prosthetic joint infection (PJI), which occurs more often following revision surgery. Staphylococci are the most prevalent bacteria in PJIs, although many other pathogens have been reported. We describe a case of PJI in a 75-year-old farmer following revision surgery caused by Corynebacterium striatum, an unusual agent which normally occurs in the normal human skin microbiota with perceived low pathogenicity. Following a cemented right-sided total hip arthroplasty in 2006, a one-stage revision due to an osteolytic process in the right femur took place in 2020 with negative intraoperative tissue cultures. Three weeks later, the patient presented a fulminant infection which was treated with debridement, antibiotics, and implant retention (DAIR). Tissue biopsies showed C. striatum in 6/6 samples including small colony variants. Genome sequencing showed that all isolates differed by ≤6 SNPs with the same gene content related to resistance (tet(W) and erm(X)). The patient was sequentially treated with vancomycin, linezolid, and daptomycin, but due to side effects, treatment was changed to 12 weeks of dalbavancin as a 1000 mg loading dose followed by 500 mg intravenously/week. Impaired renal function during vancomycin treatment was normalized, and >1 year after finishing antibiotic treatment the outcome was still favourable. In conclusion, a case of a fulminant early post-interventional PJI due to C. striatum was successfully treated with DAIR and long-term dalbavancin therapy without any adverse reactions.
Evaluation of the Toxic Activity of the Graphene Oxide in the Ex Vivo Model of Human PBMC Infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Salustri Alessandro , De Maio Flavio , Palmieri Valentina , Santarelli Giulia , Palucci Ivana , Mercedes Bianco Delia , Marchionni Federica , Bellesi Silvia , Ciasca Gabriele , Perini Giordano , Sanguinetti Maurizio , Sali Michela , Papi Massimiliano , De Spirito Marco , Delogu Giovanni
Published: February 2023

Graphene Oxide has been proposed as a potential adjuvant to develop improved anti-TB treatment, thanks to its activity in entrapping mycobacteria in the extracellular compartment limiting their entry in macrophages. Indeed, when administered together with linezolid, Graphene Oxide significantly enhanced bacterial killing due to the increased production of Reactive Oxygen Species. In this work, we evaluated Graphene Oxide toxicity and its anti-mycobacterial activity on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Our data show that Graphene Oxide, different to what is observed in macrophages, does not support the clearance of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in human immune primary cells, probably due to the toxic effects of the nano-material on monocytes and CD4+ lymphocytes, which we measured by cytometry. These findings highlight the need to test GO and other carbon-based nanomaterials in relevant in vitro models to assess the cytotoxic activity while measuring antimicrobial potential.
Composition and Metabolic Potential of Fe(III)-Reducing Enrichment Cultures of Methanotrophic ANME-2a Archaea and Associated Bacteria
Authors: Slobodkin Alexander I. , Ratnikova Nataliya M. , Slobodkina Galina B. , Klyukina Alexandra A. , Chernyh Nikolay A. , Merkel Alexander Y.
Published: February 2023

The key microbial group involved in anaerobic methane oxidation is anaerobic methanotrophic archaea (ANME). From a terrestrial mud volcano, we enriched a microbial community containing ANME-2a, using methane as an electron donor, Fe(III) oxide (ferrihydrite) as an electron acceptor, and anthraquinone-2,6-disulfonate as an electron shuttle. Ferrihydrite reduction led to the formation of a black, highly magnetic precipitate. A significant relative abundance of ANME-2a in batch cultures was observed over five subsequent transfers. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that, in addition to ANME-2a, two bacterial taxa belonging to uncultured Desulfobulbaceae and Anaerolineaceae were constantly present in all enrichments. Metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) of ANME-2a contained a complete set of genes for methanogenesis and numerous genes of multiheme c-type cytochromes (MHC), indicating the capability of methanotrophs to transfer electrons to metal oxides or to a bacterial partner. One of the ANME MAGs encoded respiratory arsenate reductase (Arr), suggesting the potential for a direct coupling of methane oxidation with As(V) reduction in the single microorganism. The same MAG also encoded uptake [NiFe] hydrogenase, which is uncommon for ANME-2. The MAG of uncultured Desulfobulbaceae contained genes of dissimilatory sulfate reduction, a Wood–Ljungdahl pathway for autotrophic CO2 fixation, hydrogenases, and 43 MHC. We hypothesize that uncultured Desulfobulbaceae is a bacterial partner of ANME-2a, which mediates extracellular electron transfer to Fe(III) oxide.
An Interesting Conversion Route of Mononuclear Zinc Complex to Zinc Mixed Carboxylate Coordination Polymer
Authors: Vasile Scăețeanu Gina , Daniliuc Constantin G. , Olar Rodica , Badea Mihaela
Published: February 2023

A complex [Zn(bpy)(acr)2]·H2O (1) was converted in a DMF medium (DMF = N,N′-dimethylformamide) into a coordination polymer [Zn(bpy)(acr)(HCOO)]n (1a) (bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine, and Hacr = acrylic acid), and the species was fully characterized through a single crystal X-ray diffraction. Additional data were obtained by IR and thermogravimetric analysis. Complex (1a) crystalized the coordination polymer in the space group Pca21 of an orthorhombic system. Structural characterization revealed that Zn(II) adopted a square pyramidal stereochemistry generated by bpy molecules, coordinated by chelate, acrylate, and formate ions as unidentate and bridged, respectively. The presence of both the formate and the acrylate with different coordination modes generated two bands in ranges that were characteristic for the carboxylate vibration modes. Thermal decomposition occurs in two complex steps: it first happens via a bpy release, which is followed by an overlapped process that is associated with acrylate and formate decomposition. The obtained complex is of present interest due to the presence of two different carboxylates in its composition and situation, which is rarely reported in the literature.
Identification of Differential Compositions of Aqueous Extracts of Cinnamomi Ramulus and Cinnamomi Cortex
Authors: Wang Pei , Chi Jun , Guo Hui , Wang Shun-Xiang , Wang Jing , Xu Er-Ping , Dai Li-Ping , Wang Zhi-Min
Published: February 2023

Cinnamomi ramulus (CR) and Cinnamomi cortex (CC), both sourced from Cinnamomum cassia Presl, are commonly used Chinese medicines in the Chinese Pharmacopeia. However, while CR functions to dissipate cold and to resolve external problems of the body, CC functions to warm the internal organs. To clarify the material basis of these different functions and clinical effects, a simple and reliable UPLC-Orbitrap-Exploris-120-MS/MS method combined with multivariate statistical analyses was established in this study with the aim of exploring the difference in chemical compositions of aqueous extracts of CR and CC. As the results indicated, a total of 58 compounds was identified, including nine flavonoids, 23 phenylpropanoids and phenolic acids, two coumarins, four lignans, four terpenoids, 11 organic acids and five other components. Of these compounds, 26 significant differential compounds were identified statistically including six unique components in CR and four unique components in CC. Additionally, a robust HPLC method combined with hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA) was developed to simultaneously determine the concentrations and differentiating capacities of five major active ingredients in CR and CC: coumarin, cinnamyl alcohol, cinnamic acid, 2-methoxycinnamic acid and cinnamaldehyde. The HCA results showed that these five components could be used as markers for successfully distinguishing CR and CC. Finally, molecular docking analyses were conducted to obtain the affinities between each of the abovementioned 26 differential components, focusing on targets involved in diabetes peripheral neuropathy (DPN). The results indicated that the special and high-concentration components in CR showed high docking scores of affinities with targets such as HbA1c and proteins in the AMPK–PGC1–SIRT3 signaling pathway, suggesting that CR has greater potential than CC for treating DPN.
Differentiation of Mountain- and Garden-Cultivated Ginseng with Different Growth Years Using HS-SPME-GC-MS Coupled with Chemometrics
Authors: Zhang Luoqi , Wang Ping , Li Sen , Wu Dan , Zhong Yute , Li Weijie , Xu Haiyu , Huang Luqi
Published: February 2023

Although there are differences in the appearance of Mountain-Cultivated Ginseng (MCG) and Garden-Cultivated Ginseng (GCG), it is very difficult to distinguish them when the samples are processed to slices or powder. Moreover, there is significant price difference between them, which leads to the widespread adulteration or falsification in the market. Thus, the authentication of MCG and GCG is crucial for the effectiveness, safety, and quality stability of ginseng. In the present study, a headspace solid-phase microextraction gas chromatography mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS) coupled with chemometrics approach was developed to characterize the volatile component profiles in MCG and GCG with 5-,10-,15-growth years, and subsequently to discover differentiating chemical markers. As a result, we characterized, for the first time, 46 volatile components from all the samples by using the NIST database and the Wiley library. The base peak intensity chromatograms were subjected to multivariate statistical analysis to comprehensively compare the chemical differences among the above samples. MCG5-,10-,15-years and GCG5-,10-,15-years samples were mainly divided into two groups by unsupervised principal component analysis (PCA), and 5 potential cultivation-dependent markers were discovered based on orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA). Moreover, MCG5-,10-,15-years samples were divided into three blocks, and 12 potential growth-year-dependent markers enabled differentiation. Similarly, GCG5-,10-,15-years samples were also separated into three groups, and six potential growth-year-dependent markers were determined. The proposed approach could be applied to directly distinguish MCG and GCG with different growth years and to identify the differentiation chemo-markers, which is an important criterion for evaluating the effectiveness, safety, and quality stability of ginseng.
UPLC-MS Analysis, Quantification of Compounds, and Comparison of Bioactivity of Methanol Extract and Its Fractions from Qiai (Artemisia argyi Lévl. et Van.)
Authors: Zhang Ting , Wan Dingrong , Li Yuanyuan , Wang Sisi , Zhou Xiuteng , Sefidkon Fatemeh , Yang Xinzhou
Published: February 2023

The Artemisia argyi Lévl. et Van. growing in the surrounding areas of Qichun County in China are called Qiai (QA). Qiai is a crop that can be used both as food and in traditional folk medicine. However, detailed qualitative and quantitative analyses of its compounds remain scarce. The process of identifying chemical structures in complex natural products can be streamlined by combining UPLC-Q-TOF/MS data with the UNIFI information management platform and its embedded Traditional Medicine Library. For the first time, 68 compounds in QA were reported by the method in this study. The method of simultaneous quantification of 14 active components in QA using UPLC-TQ-MS/MS was reported for the first time. Following a screening of the activity of QA 70% methanol total extract and its three fractions (petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, and water), it was discovered that the ethyl acetate fraction enriched with flavonoids such as eupatilin and jaceosidin had the strongest anti-inflammatory activity, while the water fraction enriched with chlorogenic acid derivatives such as 3,5-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid had the strongest antioxidant and antibacterial activity. The results provided the theoretical basis for the use of QA in the food and pharmaceutical industries.
Identifying Factors Which Influence Eating Disorder Risk during Behavioral Weight Management: A Consensus Study
Authors: Jebeile Hiba , McMaster Caitlin , Johnson Brittany , Garnett Sarah , Paxton Susan , Seidler Anna , Jones Rebecca , Hill Andrew , Maguire Sarah , Braet Caroline , Dammery Genevieve , Wilfley Denise , Baur Louise , Lister Natalie ,   on behalf of the Eating Disorders In weight-related Therapy (EDIT) Collaboration
Published: February 2023

This study aimed to understand clinician, researcher and consumer views regarding factors which influence eating disorder (ED) risk during behavioral weight management, including individual risk factors, intervention strategies and delivery features. Eighty-seven participants were recruited internationally through professional and consumer organizations and social media and completed an online survey. Individual characteristics, intervention strategies (5-point scale) and delivery features (important/unimportant/unsure) were rated. Participants were mostly women (n = 81), aged 35–49 y, from Australia or United States, were clinicians and/or reported lived experience of overweight/obesity and/or ED. There was agreement (64% to 99%) that individual characteristics were relevant to ED risk, with history of ED, weight-based teasing/stigma and weight bias internalization having the highest agreement. Intervention strategies most frequently rated as likely to increase ED risk included those with a focus on weight, prescription (structured diets, exercise plans) and monitoring strategies, e.g., calorie counting. Strategies most frequently rated as likely to decrease ED risk included having a health focus, flexibility and inclusion of psychosocial support. Delivery features considered most important were who delivered the intervention (profession, qualifications) and support (frequency, duration). Findings will inform future research to quantitatively assess which of these factors predict eating disorder risk, to inform screening and monitoring protocols.
Parent Perception of School Meals in the San Joaquin Valley during COVID-19: A Photovoice Project
Authors: Sohlberg Tatum M. , Higuchi Emma C. , Ordonez Valeria M. , Escobar Gabriela V. , De La Rosa Ashley , Islas Genoveva , Castro Cecilia , Hecht Kenneth , Hecht Christina E. , Bruce Janine S. , Patel Anisha I.
Published: February 2023

School-based nutrition programs are crucial to reducing food insecurity. The COVID-19 pandemic adversely impacted students’ school meal participation. This study seeks to understand parent views of school meals during COVID-19 to inform efforts to improve participation in school meal programs. Photovoice methodology was used to explore parental perception of school meals in San Joaquin Valley, California, a region of predominately Latino farmworker communities. Parents in seven school districts photographed school meals for a one-week period during the pandemic and then participated in focus group discussions and small group interviews. Focus group discussions and small group interviews were transcribed, and data were analyzed using a team-based, theme-analysis approach. Three primary domains emerged: benefits of school meal distribution, meal quality and appeal, and perceived healthfulness. Parents perceived school meals as beneficial to addressing food insecurity. However, they noted that meals were unappealing, high in added sugar, and unhealthy, which led to discarded meals and decreased participation in the school meal program. The transition to grab-and-go style meals was an effective strategy for providing food to families during pandemic school closures, and school meals remain an important resource for families experiencing food insecurity. However, negative parental perceptions of the appeal and nutritional content of school meals may have decreased school meal participation and increased food waste that could persist beyond the pandemic.
Reply to Lee, S.Y. Comment on “Sung et al. Body Fat Reduction Effect of Bifidobacterium breve B-3: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo Comparative Clinical Trial. Nutrients 2023, 15, 28”
Authors: Sung Hyun Kyung , Youn Sang Jun , Choi Yong , Eun Sang Won , Shin Seon Mi
Published: February 2023

Thank you kindly for your interest in and opinion [...]
Management of Tuberculosis Infection: Current Situation, Recent Developments and Operational Challenges
Authors: Agbota Gino , Bonnet Maryline , Lienhardt Christian
Published: February 2023

Tuberculosis infection (TBI) is defined as a state of infection in which individuals host live Mycobacterium tuberculosis with or without clinical signs of active TB. It is now understood as a dynamic process covering a spectrum of responses to infection resulting from the interaction between the TB bacilli and the host immune system. The global burden of TBI is about one-quarter of the world’s population, representing a reservoir of approximately 2 billion people. On average, 5–10% of people who are infected will develop TB disease over the course of their lives, but this risk is enhanced in a series of conditions, such as co-infection with HIV. The End-TB strategy promotes the programmatic management of TBI as a crucial endeavor to achieving global targets to end the TB epidemic. The current development of new diagnostic tests capable of discriminating between simple TBI and active TB, combined with novel short-course preventive treatments, will help achieve this goal. In this paper, we present the current situation and recent developments of management of TBI and the operational challenges.
Prolonged Alprazolam Treatment Alters Components of Glutamatergic Neurotransmission in the Hippocampus of Male Wistar Rats—The Neuroadaptive Changes following Long-Term Benzodiazepine (Mis)Use
Authors: Zaric Kontic Marina , Dragic Milorad , Martinovic Jelena , Mihajlovic Katarina , Brkic Zeljka , Mitrovic Natasa , Grkovic Ivana
Published: February 2023

Alprazolam (ALP), a benzodiazepine (BDZ) used to treat anxiety, panic, and sleep disorders, is one of the most prescribed psychotropic drugs worldwide. The side effects associated with long-term (mis)use of ALP have become a major challenge in pharmacotherapy, emphasizing the unmet need to further investigate their underlying molecular mechanisms. Prolonged BDZ exposure may induce adaptive changes in the function of several receptors, including the primary target, gammaaminobutyric acid receptor type A (GABAAR), but also other neurotransmitter receptors such as glutamatergic. The present study investigated the potential effects of prolonged ALP treatment on components of glutamatergic neurotransmission, with special emphasis on N-Methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) in the hippocampus of adult male Wistar rats. The study revealed behavioral changes consistent with potential onset of tolerance and involvement of the glutamatergic system in its development. Specifically, an increase in NMDAR subunits (NR1, NR2A, NR2B), a decrease in vesicular glutamate transporter 1 (vGlut1), and differential modulation of excitatory amino acid transporters 1 and 2 (EAAT1/2, in vivo and in vitro) were observed, alongside a decrease in α1-containing GABAAR following the treatment. By describing the development of compensatory actions in the glutamatergic system, the present study provides valuable information on neuroadaptive mechanisms following prolonged ALP intake.