bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of N-Acetylcysteine on Endometriosis-Related Pain, Size Reduction of Ovarian Endometriomas, and Fertility Outcomes
Authors: Anastasi Emanuela , Scaramuzzino Sara , Viscardi Maria Federica , Viggiani Valentina , Piccioni Maria Grazia , Cacciamani Laura , Merlino Lucia , Angeloni Antonio , Muzii Ludovico , Porpora Maria Grazia
Published: March 2023

Background: Endometriosis is a chronic, estrogen-dependent, inflammatory disease, whose pivotal symptoms are dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, and chronic pelvic pain (CPP). Besides the usual medical treatments, recent evidence suggests there are potential benefits of oral N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on endometriotic lesions and pain. The primary objective of this prospective single-cohort study was to confirm the effectiveness of NAC in reducing endometriosis-related pain and the size of ovarian endometriomas. The secondary objective was to assess if NAC may play a role in improving fertility and reducing the Ca125 serum levels. Methods: Patients aged between 18–45 years old with a clinical/histological diagnosis of endometriosis and no current hormonal treatment or pregnancy were included in the study. All patients received quarterly oral NAC 600 mg, 3 tablets/day for 3 consecutive days of the week for 3 months. At baseline and after 3 months, dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia and CPP were assessed using the Visual Analog Scale score (VAS), while the size of the endometriomas was estimated through a transvaginal ultrasound. Analgesics (NSAIDs) intake, the serum levels of Ca125 and the desire for pregnancy were also investigated. Finally, the pregnancy rate of patients with reproductive desire was evaluated. Results: One hundred and twenty patients were recruited. The intensity of dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia and CPP significantly improved (p < 0.0001). The use of NSAIDs (p = 0.001), the size of the endometriomas (p < 0.0001) and the serum levels of Ca125 (p < 0.0001) significantly decreased. Among the 52 patients with reproductive desire, 39 successfully achieved pregnancy within 6 months of starting therapy (p = 0.001). Conclusions: Oral NAC improves endometriosis-related pain and the size of endometriomas. Furthermore, it decreases Ca125 serum levels and may improve fertility in patients with endometriosis.
The Lived Self-Care Experiences of Patients Undergoing Long-Term Haemodialysis: A Phenomenological Study
Authors: Kim Sisook , Lee Hyunsook Zin
Published: March 2023

The study aims to understand the lived self-care experiences of patients who have undergone long-term haemodialysis. The study adopts a qualitative phenomenological design. Data were collected for six months, from 1 July to 31 December 2020. Out of 90 outpatients in a haemodialysis clinic at a university hospital in Seoul, Korea, 11 patients who had received haemodialysis for more than 10 years were purposefully selected, and 9 of them took part in in-depth interviews. The main research question was, ‘What was the experience of surviving long-term haemodialysis?’ The study revealed four main themes surrounding the topic of self-care: (A) the desire to keep living despite challenges, (B) creating one’s own dietary principles, (C) moving one’s body with the remaining strength, and (D) moving toward independence. In the long-term self-care of haemodialysis patients, they shared personal observations on their disease and treatment process and their struggles to try to manage their own physical and emotional self-care. By exploring the experience of long-term haemodialysis, it is possible to gain a deeper understanding of their perceptions, emotions, and motivations. With this information, healthcare professionals can develop interventions and support strategies that are tailored to the specific needs of haemodialysis patients.
Do Technological Innovation and Financial Development Affect Inequality? Evidence from BRICS Countries
Authors: Biyase Mduduzi , Zwane Talent , Mncayi Precious , Maleka Mokgadi
Published: March 2023

While technological innovation and financial development are broadly credited as important drivers of economic growth of developed nations, their impact on inequality (especially in emerging economies) remains understudied. Thus, the objective of this study is to investigate the impact of technological innovation and financial development on income inequality in BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) countries using panel dynamic ordinary least squares (PDOLS) and panel fully modified ordinary least squares (PFMOLS) with annual data sourced from the Standardized World Income Inequality Database, International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank (1990–2017). The results suggest that technological innovation increases income inequality in the BRICS nations, while financial development has an income reducing effect on inequality. Our results are robust, using alternative estimation with various sub-indicators of financial development (such as financial markets and financial institution), including other measures proxied by access to credit provided by commercial banks. The study’s results have important implications for policy and practice in the BRICS countries. By providing a nuanced understanding of the relationship between technological innovation, financial development and inequality, the study will inform the design and implementation of policies aimed at reducing inequality and promoting inclusive growth in these emerging economies.
Discovering the Biological Significance and Therapeutic Potential of miR-29b-3p in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Jurj Ancuta , Zanoaga Oana , Raduly Lajos , Morhan Vlad , Papi Zsofia , Ciocan Cristina , Pop Laura-Ancuta , Berindan-Neagoe Ioana , Braicu Cornelia
Published: March 2023

The lack of estrogen or progesterone receptors and absence of HER2 amplification/overexpression in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) restricts therapeutic options used in clinical management. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding transcripts which affect important cellular mechanisms by regulating gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. Among this class, attention was focused on miR-29b-3p with a high profile in TNBC and correlated with the overall survival rates, as TCGA data revealed. This study aims to investigate the implication of the miR-29b-3p inhibitor in TNBC cell lines by identifying a potential therapeutic transcript, improving the clinical outcomes of this disease. The experiments were performed on two TNBC cell lines (MDA-MB-231 and BT549) as in vitro models. An established dose of 50 nM was used for all functional assays performed on the miR-29b-3p inhibitor. A decreased level of miR-29b-3p determined a significant reduction in cell proliferation and colony-forming capacity. At the same time, the changes occurring at the molecular and cellular levels were highlighted. We observed that, when inhibiting the expression level of miR-29b-3p, processes such as apoptosis and autophagy were activated. Further, microarray data revealed that the miRNA expression pattern was altered after miR-29b-3p inhibition, pointing out 8 overexpressed and 11 downregulated miRNAs specific for BT549 cells and 33 upregulated and 10 downregulated miRNAs that were specific for MDA-MB-231 cells. As a common signature for both cell lines, three transcripts were observed, two downregulated, miR-29b-3p and miR-29a, and one upregulated, miR-1229-5p. According to DIANA miRPath, the main predicted targets are related to ECM (extracellular matrix) receptor interaction and TP53 signaling. An additional validation step through qRT-PCR was performed, which showed an upregulation of MCL1 and TGFB1. By inhibiting the expression level of miR-29b-3p, it was shown that complex regulatory pathways targeted this transcript in TNBC cells.
Identification and Functional Analysis of Two Mitoferrins, CsMIT1 and CsMIT2, Participating in Iron Homeostasis in Cucumber
Authors: Małas Karolina , Kabała Katarzyna
Published: March 2023

Mitochondria are one of the major iron sinks in plant cells. Mitochondrial iron accumulation involves the action of ferric reductase oxidases (FRO) and carriers located in the inner mitochondrial membrane. It has been suggested that among these transporters, mitoferrins (mitochondrial iron transporters, MITs) belonging to the mitochondrial carrier family (MCF) function as mitochondrial iron importers. In this study, two cucumber proteins, CsMIT1 and CsMIT2, with high homology to Arabidopsis, rice and yeast MITs were identified and characterized. CsMIT1 and CsMIT2 were expressed in all organs of the two-week-old seedlings. Under Fe-limited conditions as well as Fe excess, the mRNA levels of CsMIT1 and CsMIT2 were altered, suggesting their regulation by iron availability. Analyses using Arabidopsis protoplasts confirmed the mitochondrial localization of cucumber mitoferrins. Expression of CsMIT1 and CsMIT2 restored the growth of the Δmrs3Δmrs4 mutant (defective in mitochondrial Fe transport), but not in mutants sensitive to other heavy metals. Moreover, the altered cytosolic and mitochondrial Fe concentrations, observed in the Δmrs3Δmrs4 strain, were recovered almost to the levels of WT yeast by expressing CsMIT1 or CsMIT2. These results indicate that cucumber proteins are involved in the iron transport from the cytoplasm to the mitochondria.
Cannabidiol as a Promising Therapeutic Option in IC/BPS: In Vitro Evaluation of Its Protective Effects against Inflammation and Oxidative Stress
Authors: Kuret Tadeja , Kreft Mateja Erdani , Romih Rok , Veranič Peter
Published: March 2023

Several animal studies have described the potential effect of cannabidiol (CBD) in alleviating the symptoms of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS), a chronic inflammatory disease of the urinary bladder. However, the effects of CBD, its mechanism of action, and modulation of downstream signaling pathways in urothelial cells, the main effector cells in IC/BPS, have not been fully elucidated yet. Here, we investigated the effect of CBD against inflammation and oxidative stress in an in vitro model of IC/BPS comprised of TNFα-stimulated human urothelial cells SV-HUC1. Our results show that CBD treatment of urothelial cells significantly decreased TNFα-upregulated mRNA and protein expression of IL1α, IL8, CXCL1, and CXCL10, as well as attenuated NFκB phosphorylation. In addition, CBD treatment also diminished TNFα-driven cellular reactive oxygen species generation (ROS), by increasing the expression of the redox-sensitive transcription factor Nrf2, the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase 1 and 2, and hem oxygenase 1. CBD-mediated effects in urothelial cells may occur by the activation of the PPARγ receptor since inhibition of PPARγ resulted in significantly diminished anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of CBD. Our observations provide new insights into the therapeutic potential of CBD through modulation of PPARγ/Nrf2/NFκB signaling pathways, which could be further exploited in the treatment of IC/BPS.
Transcriptome Sequencing Reveals the Mechanism behind Chemically Induced Oral Mucositis in a 3D Cell Culture Model
Authors: Lambros Maria , Moreno Jonathan , Fei Qinqin , Parsa Cyrus , Orlando Robert , Van Haute Lindsey
Published: March 2023

Oral mucositis is a common side effect of cancer treatment, and in particular of treatment with the mTORC1 inhibitor everolimus. Current treatment methods are not efficient enough and a better understanding of the causes and mechanisms behind oral mucositis is necessary to find potential therapeutic targets. Here, we treated an organotypic 3D oral mucosal tissue model consisting of human keratinocytes grown on top of human fibroblasts with a high or low dose of everolimus for 40 or 60 h and investigated (1) the effect of everolimus on microscopic sections of the 3D cell culture for evidence of morphologic changes and (2) changes in the transcriptome by high throughput RNA-Seq analysis. We show that the most affected pathways are cornification, cytokine expression, glycolysis, and cell proliferation and we provide further details. This study provides a good resource towards a better understanding of the development of oral mucositis. It gives a detailed overview of the different molecular pathways that are involved in mucositis. This in turn provides information about potential therapeutic targets, which is an important step towards preventing or managing this common side effect of cancer treatment.
Exosomal miRNA Biomarker Panel for Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Detection in Patient Plasma: A Pilot Study
Authors: Makler Amy , Asghar Waseem
Published: March 2023

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is rapidly becoming one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in the United States, and with its high mortality rate, there is a pressing need to develop sensitive and robust methods for detection. Exosomal biomarker panels provide a promising avenue for PDAC screening since exosomes are highly stable and easily harvested from body fluids. PDAC-associated miRNAs packaged within these exosomes could be used as diagnostic markers. We analyzed a series of 18 candidate miRNAs via RT-qPCR to identify the differentially expressed miRNAs (p < 0.05, t-test) between plasma exosomes harvested from PDAC patients and control patients. From this analysis, we propose a four-marker panel consisting of miR-93-5p, miR-339-3p, miR-425-5p, and miR-425-3p with an area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operator characteristic curve (ROC) of 0.885 with a sensitivity of 80% and a specificity of 94.7%, which is comparable to the CA19-9 standard PDAC marker diagnostic.
Mycobacterial Heat Shock Proteins in Sarcoidosis and Tuberculosis
Authors: Dubaniewicz Anna
Published: March 2023

Pathological similarities between sarcoidosis (SA) and tuberculosis (TB) suggest the role of mycobacterial antigens in the etiopathogenesis of SA. The Dubaniewicz group revealed that not whole mycobacteria, but Mtb-HSP70, Mtb-HSP 65, and Mtb-HSP16 were detected in the lymph nodes, sera, and precipitated immune complexes in patients with SA and TB. In SA, the Mtb-HSP16 concentration was higher than that of Mtb-HSP70 and that of Mtb-HSP65, whereas in TB, the Mtb-HSP16 level was increased vs. Mtb-HSP70. A high Mtb-HSP16 level, induced by low dose-dependent nitrate/nitrite (NOx), may develop a mycobacterial or propionibacterial genetic dormancy program in SA. In contrast to TB, increased peroxynitrite concentration in supernatants of peripheral blood mononuclear cell cultures treated with Mtb-HSP may explain the low level of NOx detected in SA. In contrast to TB, monocytes in SA were resistant to Mtb-HSP-induced apoptosis, and CD4+T cell apoptosis was increased. Mtb-HSP-induced apoptosis of CD8+T cells was reduced in all tested groups. In Mtb-HSP-stimulated T cells, lower CD8+γδ+IL-4+T cell frequency with increased TNF-α,IL-6,IL-10 and decreased INF-γ,IL-2,IL-4 production were present in SA, as opposed to an increased presence of CD4+γδ+TCR cells with increased TNF-α,IL-6 levels in TB, vs. controls. Mtb-HSP modulating the level of co-stimulatory molecules, regulatory cells, apoptosis, clonal deletion, epitope spread, polyclonal activation and molecular mimicry between human and microbial HSPs may also participate in the induction of autoimmunity, considered in SA. In conclusion, in different genetically predisposed hosts, the same antigens, e.g., Mtb-HSP, may induce the development of TB or SA, including an autoimmune response in sarcoidosis.
Effect of Roller Pressure and Base Prepreg Layer on Tensile and Flexural Properties of CFRP Laminates Fabricated Using Automated Fiber Placement
Authors: Mathew Eldho , Joshi Sunil Chandrakant
Published: March 2023

Composites can be manufactured in numerous ways. Among the available methods, Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) is the most advanced and latest technology utilized by companies for aerospace and other projects. Although it offers many benefits, it has unique manufacturing challenges and quality issues. The presence of tow placement defects such as tow gaps, tow overlaps, twisted tows, incomplete tows, and missing tows in the AFP process are causes for concern as these lead to a decrease in the mechanical performance of the fabricated parts. Although it is not possible to completely avoid the occurrence of defects, optimizing key process parameters is a possible way to minimize them. Roller pressure is one such parameter. If it is too high, it can lead to wider and thinner tows and if it is too low, the towpreg may not stick properly to the substrate and hence, not conform to curvatures. In this work, test layups of different configurations using carbon (T700SC-24K-50C) towpreg with epoxy (UF 3376-100) as the matrix system were prepared at different compaction roller pressures (2 bar, 3.5 bar, and 5 bar), with and without the presence of base prepreg layers. Tensile and bending tests were respectively carried out according to ASTM D3039 and ASTM D7264 to study the effects of these process parameters on the layup defects. From the test results, it is found that using a compaction roller pressure of 3.5 bar and a base prepreg layer of the same material as the towpreg, leads to minimum defects, and hence, to the best tensile and bending properties.
A Theory of Orbital-Forced Glacial Cycles: Resolving Pleistocene Puzzles
Authors: Ou Hsien-Wang
Published: March 2023

It is recognized that orbital forcing of the ice sheet is through the summer air temperature, which however covaries with the sea surface temperature and both precede the ice volume signal, suggesting the ocean as an intermediary of the glacial cycles. To elucidate the ocean role, I present here a minimal box model, which entails two key physics overlooked by most climate models. First, I discern a robust ‘convective’ bound on the ocean cooling in a coupled ocean/atmosphere, and second, because of their inherent turbulence, I posit that the climate is a macroscopic manifestation of a nonequilibrium thermodynamic system. As their deductive outcome, the ocean entails bistable equilibria of maximum entropy production, which would translate to bistable ice states of polar cap and Laurentide ice sheet, enabling large ice-volume signal when subjected to modulated forcing. Since the bistable interval is lowered during Pleistocene cooling, I show that its interplay with the ice–albedo feedback may account for the mid-Pleistocene transition from 41-ky obliquity cycles to 100-ky ice-age cycles paced by eccentricity. Observational tests of the theory and its parsimony in resolving myriad glacial puzzles suggest that the theory has captured the governing physics of the Pleistocene glacial cycles.
Marine Demonstration of Alternative Fuels on the Basis of Propulsion Load Sharing for Sustainable Ship Design
Authors: Shim Hyungwon , Kim Yun Ho , Hong Jang-Pyo , Hwang Donghee , Kang Hee Jin
Published: March 2023

As the IMO aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from ships by more than 50% by 2050 compared to 2008, the paradigm of the shipbuilding and shipping industries is changing. The use of carbon-free fuels, such as hydrogen and ammonia, is progressing, along with the incorporation of batteries and fuel cells in ships. With the introduction of various propulsion power sources, the application of electric propulsion systems to ships is also expected to accelerate. The verification of reliability and safety is of paramount importance in the development of new technologies designed in response to environmental regulations. However, maritime demonstration is time-consuming and expensive. Therefore, an effective means of demonstrating the performance, reliability, and safety of various marine carbon-neutral technologies with a small burden is required. This study introduces a ship design for marine demonstration, integrating eco-friendly alternative fuels and electric propulsion system components. We further demonstrate a preparation process for the realization of marine carbon neutrality and future ship design through international joint research, standardization, and ship development, which can be linked to manpower training.
Relational Contractions Involving (c)-Comparison Functions with Applications to Boundary Value Problems
Authors: Algehyne Ebrahem Ateatullah , Aldhabani Musaad Sabih , Khan Faizan Ahmad
Published: March 2023

After the introduction of Alam–Imdad’s relation-theoretic contraction principle, the field of metric fixed point theory has attracted much attention. A number of fixed point theorems in the context of relational metric space employing various types of contractions has been appeared during the last seven years. In this manuscript, one proved a metrical fixed point theorem for ϕ-contraction involving (c)-comparison functions employing an amorphous relation. The result proved in this paper refines, modifies, unifies and sharpens several existing fixed point results. We also constructed an example in order to attest the credibility of our results. Finally, we applied our result to establish the existence and uniqueness of solution of certain periodic boundary value problem.
Deep Learning in COVID-19 Diagnosis, Prognosis and Treatment Selection
Authors: Jin Suya , Liu Guiyan , Bai Qifeng
Published: March 2023

Deep learning is a sub-discipline of artificial intelligence that uses artificial neural networks, a machine learning technique, to extract patterns and make predictions from large datasets. In recent years, it has achieved rapid development and is widely used in numerous disciplines with fruitful results. Learning valuable information from complex, high-dimensional, and heterogeneous biomedical data is a key challenge in transforming healthcare. In this review, we provide an overview of emerging deep-learning techniques, COVID-19 research involving deep learning, and concrete examples of deep-learning methods in COVID-19 diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment management. Deep learning can process medical imaging data, laboratory test results, and other relevant data to diagnose diseases and judge disease progression and prognosis, and even recommend treatment plans and drug-use strategies to accelerate drug development and improve drug quality. Furthermore, it can help governments develop proper prevention and control measures. We also assess the current limitations and challenges of deep learning in therapy precision for COVID-19, including the lack of phenotypically abundant data and the need for more interpretable deep-learning models. Finally, we discuss how current barriers can be overcome to enable future clinical applications of deep learning.
Satisfactory In Vitro Activity of Ceftolozane–Tazobactam against Carbapenem-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa But Not against Klebsiella pneumoniae Isolates
Authors: Sękowska Alicja , Grabowska Marta , Bogiel Tomasz
Published: March 2023

Background: Gram-negative rods are one of the most commonly isolated bacteria within human infections. These microorganisms are typically opportunistic pathogens that pose a serious threat to public health due to the possibility of transmission in the human population. Resistance to carbapenems is one of the most important antimicrobial resistance mechanisms amongst them. The aim of this study was to evaluate ceftolozane–tazobactam in vitro activity against carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae clinical strains. Information on the antimicrobial activity of this antimicrobial against Gram-negative rods was also supplemented with a brief review of the relevant literature. Methods: The research involved 316 strains of Gram-negative rods: P. aeruginosa—206 and K. pneumoniae—110. Results: Of the tested strains, 86.0% P. aeruginosa and 30.0% K. pneumoniae remained susceptible to ceftolozane–tazobactam. Conclusions: Therefore, ceftolozane–tazobactam might be a good option in the treatment of infections caused by carbapenem-resistant P. aeruginosa strains, including those in ICU patients. Meanwhile, due to dissemination of ESBLs among K. pneumoniae strains, infections with this etiology should not be treated with the ceftolozane–tazobactam combination.
A New Perspective for Vineyard Terroir Identity: Looking for Microbial Indicator Species by Long Read Nanopore Sequencing
Authors: Cruz-Silva Ana , Laureano Gonçalo , Pereira Marcelo , Dias Ricardo , Silva José Moreira da , Oliveira Nuno , Gouveia Catarina , Cruz Cristina , Gama-Carvalho Margarida , Alagna Fiammetta , Duarte Bernardo , Figueiredo Andreia
Published: March 2023

Grapevine is one of the most important fruit crops worldwide, being Portugal one of the top wine producers. It is well established that wine sensory characteristics from a particular region are defined by the physiological responses of the grapevine to its environment and thus, the concept of terroir in viticulture was established. Among all the factors that contribute to terroir definition, soil microorganisms play a major role from nutrient recycling to a drastic influence on plant fitness (growth and protection) and of course wine production. Soil microbiome from four different terroirs in Quinta dos Murças vineyard was analysed through long-read Oxford Nanopore sequencing. We have developed an analytical pipeline that allows the identification of function, ecologies, and indicator species based on long read sequencing data. The Douro vineyard was used as a case study, and we were able to establish microbiome signatures of each terroir.
Isolation and Characterization of an Unknown Process-Related Impurity in Furosemide and Validation of a New HPLC Method
Authors: Xu Ao , Xue Yunlin , Zeng Yuyu , Li Jing , Zhou Huiling , Wang Zhen , Chen Yin , Chen Hui , Jin Jian , Zhuang Tao
Published: March 2023

Furosemide is a widely used loop diuretic in the treatment of congestive heart failure and edema. During the preparation of furosemide, a new process-related impurity G in the levels ranging from 0.08% to 0.13% was detected in pilot batches by a new high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. The new impurity was isolated and characterized by comprehensive analysis of FT-IR, Q-TOF/LC-MS, 1D-NMR (1H, 13C, and DEPT), and 2D-NMR (1H-1H-COSY, HSQC, and HMBC) spectroscopy data. The possible formation pathway of impurity G was also discussed in detail. Moreover, a novel HPLC method was developed and validated for the determination of impurity G and the other six known impurities registered in the European Pharmacopoeia as per ICH guidelines. The HPLC method was validated with respect to system suitability, linearity, the limit of quantitation, the limit of detection, precision, accuracy, and robustness. The characterization of impurity G and the validation of its quantitative HPLC method were reported for the first time in this paper. Finally, the toxicological properties of impurity G were predicted by the in silico webserver ProTox-II.
The Effects of Acid and Water in the Formation of Anodic Alumina: DFT and Experiment Study
Authors: Zhang Zhengwei , Kang Jin , Li Xiaodong , Li Ping , Du Yali , Qin Yufan , Li Ningyi , Li Jiebin
Published: March 2023

The DFT method is employed to study the adsorption and reaction behaviors of HC2O4−, H2PO4−, HSO4− and H2O on neutral and anodic aluminum slabs. With the exception of adsorption, the three acid radicals can successively take the two H atoms from the adsorbed H2O on the anodic aluminum slabs, which is the key step of the formation of anodic alumina. The dehydrogenation reaction is dominated by the Coulombic interaction of O and H, respectively belonging to acid radicals and the adsorbed H2O or OH, rather than by the interaction of electronic orbits located on the two kinds of atoms. The experiment of anodic polarization of aluminum verifies the calculation result well.
Linking Phyllosphere and Rhizosphere Microbiome to the Plant–Insect Interplay: The New Dimension of Tripartite Interaction
Authors: Das Tanaya , Bhattacharyya Anindya , Bhar Anirban
Published: March 2023

Plants are constantly interacting with the diverse microbial community as well as insect pests throughout their life cycle. Due to their sessile nature, plants rely solely on the intracellular signaling and reprogramming of cellular events to resist against pathogens. Insect pests are usually dependent on the nutrient-rich fluid obtained from plants or directly consume plant parts to sustain their life cycle. Plants possess a plethora of microbial communities; these microbiomes constantly influence the physiology, growth, development, and immunity in plants. Hence, the phyllosphere and rhizosphere are believed to play a major role in plant-insect interaction. The phyllosphere, rhizosphere, and endosymbiotic microbiome are currently under extensive scientific investigation. Recently, the advancement of metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) platforms revolutionized plant-associated microbiome analysis and has unveiled many beneficial microbial communities protecting against diverse pathogenic microorganisms and insect pests. Mycorrhiza is also an important component of the rhizosphere, as it may play a role in soil microbiota, thus indirectly influencing the interaction of insects with plants. In this regard, the present review tries to focus on some major insect pests of plants, the molecular mechanism of plant–insect interaction, and the probable role of phyllosphere and rhizosphere microbiome in this plant–insect encounter. This review is believed to open up a new dimension in developing resistance in plants against insect pests.
Feasibility Analysis for the Direct Hydration of 1-Octene in a Catalytic Distillation Process Using Residual Curve Maps
Authors: Tian Hui , Li Jianshu , Cao Min , Chen Xiaoping
Published: March 2023

The very useful organic solvent 2-octanol is widely employed in the industry, and the direct hydration of olefins is an important method for its production. However, a slow transfer rate during a reaction due to the poor mutual solubility of the reactants is a problem; a cosolvent can be used to solve it. In this study, the feasibility of using the direct hydration of 1-octene via a catalytic distillation process using 1,4-dioxane as a cosolvent was investigated. First, the COSMOtherm program was used to identify and screen many typical cosolvents. Subsequently, the kinetics of the direct hydration reaction of 1-octene using 1,4-dioxane as a cosolvent and an HZSM-5 molecular sieve as the catalyst were determined experimentally. Finally, kinetic and thermodynamic models were utilized to create non-reactive and reactive residual curve maps to assess the feasibility of proceeding with the reaction. Applying a suitable Damköhler number (Da) value and the residual curve changes demonstrated that proceeding with the process was reasonable and feasible. For 0 < Da < 0.03, the reaction kinetics drove the process and 2-octanol was produced via a reaction distillation column procedure. Lastly, two conceptual design processes for the synthesis process of 2-octanol catalytic distillation were proposed and the related analysis carried out.
Where Is the Research about Stepmothers? A Scoping Review
Authors: Scholtz Salomé Elizabeth , Spies Ruan
Published: March 2023

Developments in remarriage and divorce have led to an influx of research on stepfamilies. However, previous studies show that the experiences of stepmothers are underreported. Therefore, a scoping review of the currently available academic literature (2012–2022) on stepmother experiences was conducted to identify the way forward for future research. A final sample of 11 articles indicate that stepmother research is mainly WEIRD and qualitative. Stepmothers reportedly experience ambivalent emotions which they often deal with silently, whilst navigating ambiguous stepmother roles with possibly limited support or acknowledgement under the wicked stepmother stereotype. Counselling and research are encouraged to assist this forgotten member of the stepfamily. Gaps in research and further research opportunities are identified.
Advanced Pressure Compensation in High Accuracy NDIR Sensors for Environmental Studies
Authors: Gaynullin Bakhram , Hummelgård Christine , Mattsson Claes , Thungström Göran , Rödjegård Henrik
Published: March 2023

Measurements of atmospheric gas concentrations using of NDIR gas sensors requires compensation of ambient pressure variations to achieve reliable result. The extensively used general correction method is based on collecting data for varying pressures for a single reference concentration. This one-dimensional compensation approach is valid for measurements carried out in gas concentrations close to reference concentration but will introduce significant errors for concentrations further away from the calibration point. For applications, requiring high accuracy, collecting, and storing calibration data at several reference concentrations can reduce the error. However, this method will cause higher demands on memory capacity and computational power, which is problematic for cost sensitive applications. We present here an advanced, but practical, algorithm for compensation of environmental pressure variations for relatively low-cost/high resolution NDIR systems. The algorithm consists of a two-dimensional compensation procedure, which widens the valid pressure and concentrations range but with a minimal need to store calibration data, compared to the general one-dimensional compensation method based on a single reference concentration. The implementation of the presented two-dimensional algorithm was verified at two independent concentrations. The results show a reduction in the compensation error from 5.1% and 7.3%, for the one-dimensional method, to −0.02% and 0.83% for the two-dimensional algorithm. In addition, the presented two-dimensional algorithm only requires calibration in four reference gases and the storing of four sets of polynomial coefficients used for calculations.
Enabling Modular Robotics with Secure Transducer Identification Based on Extended IEEE 21450 Transducer Electronic Datasheets
Authors: Mitterer Tobias , Lederer Christian , Zangl Hubert
Published: March 2023

In robotics, there are many different sensors and actuators mounted onto a robot which may also, in the case of modular robotics, be interchanged during operation. During development of new sensors or actuators, prototypes may also be mounted onto a robot to test functionality, where the new prototypes often have to be integrated manually into the robot environment. Proper, fast and secure identification of new sensor or actuator modules for the robot thus becomes important. In this work, a workflow to add new sensors or actuators to an existing robot environment while establishing trust in an automated manner using electronic datasheets has been developed. The new sensors or actuators are identified via near field communication (NFC) to the system and exchange security information via the same channel. By using electronic datasheets stored on the sensor or actuator, the device can be easily identified and trust can be established by using additional security information contained in the datasheet. In addition, the NFC hardware can simultaneously be used for wireless charging (WLC), thus allowing for wireless sensor and actuator modules. The developed workflow has been tested with prototype tactile sensors mounted onto a robotic gripper.
Directional Torsion Sensor Based on a Two-Core Fiber with a Helical Structure
Authors: Song Zhuo , Li Yichun , Hu Junhui
Published: March 2023

A fiber-optic torsion sensor based on a helical two-core fiber (HTCF) is proposed and experimentally demonstrated for simultaneously measuring torsion angle and torsion direction. The sensor consists of a segment of HTCF and two single-mode fibers (SMFs) forming a Mach–Zehnder interferometer (MZI). The helical structure is implemented by pre-twisting a 1 cm long two-core fiber (TCF). The performance of the sensor with pre-twisted angles of 180°, 360°, and 540° is experimentally analyzed. The results show that the sensor can realize the angular measurement and effectively distinguish the torsion direction. It is worth noting that the sensor has maximum sensitivity when the pre-twist angle is 180 degrees. The obtained wavelength sensitivities of torsion and temperature are 0.242 nm/(rad/m) and 32 pm/°C, respectively. The sensor has the advantages of easy fabrication, low cost, compact structure, and high sensitivity, which is expected to yield potential applications in fields where both torsion angle and direction measurements are required.
Robust and Realtime Large Deformation Ultrasound Registration Using End-to-End Differentiable Displacement Optimisation
Authors: Heinrich Mattias P. , Siebert Hanna , Graf Laura , Mischkewitz Sven , Hansen Lasse
Published: March 2023

Image registration for temporal ultrasound sequences can be very beneficial for image-guided diagnostics and interventions. Cooperative human–machine systems that enable seamless assistance for both inexperienced and expert users during ultrasound examinations rely on robust, realtime motion estimation. Yet rapid and irregular motion patterns, varying image contrast and domain shifts in imaging devices pose a severe challenge to conventional realtime registration approaches. While learning-based registration networks have the promise of abstracting relevant features and delivering very fast inference times, they come at the potential risk of limited generalisation and robustness for unseen data; in particular, when trained with limited supervision. In this work, we demonstrate that these issues can be overcome by using end-to-end differentiable displacement optimisation. Our method involves a trainable feature backbone, a correlation layer that evaluates a large range of displacement options simultaneously and a differentiable regularisation module that ensures smooth and plausible deformation. In extensive experiments on public and private ultrasound datasets with very sparse ground truth annotation the method showed better generalisation abilities and overall accuracy than a VoxelMorph network with the same feature backbone, while being two times faster at inference.
Robust Control Allocation for Space Inertial Sensor under Test Mass Release Phase with Overcritical Conditions
Authors: Zhang Juzheng , Zhang Yu , Tao Wenjian , Lu Zhenkun , Lin Mingpei
Published: March 2023

This paper proposes a robust control allocation for the capture control of the space inertial sensor’s test mass under overcritical conditions. Uncertainty factors of the test mass control system under the overcritical condition are analyzed first, and a 6-DOF test mass dynamics model with system uncertainty is established. Subsequently, a time-varying weight function is designed to coordinate the allocation of 6-DOF generalized forces. Moreover, a robust control allocation method is proposed to distribute the commanded forces and torques into individual electrodes in an optimal manner, which takes into account the system uncertainties. This method transforms the robust control allocation problem into a second-order cone optimization problem, and its dual problem is introduced to simplify the computational complexity and improve the solving efficiency. Numerical simulation results are presented to illustrate and highlight the fine performance benefits obtained using the proposed robust control allocation method, which improves capture efficiency, increases the security margin and reduces allocation errors.
Determination of Pterostilbene in Pharmaceutical Products Using a New HPLC Method and Its Application to Solubility and Stability Samples
Authors: Haq Nazrul , Shakeel Faiyaz , Ghoneim Mohammed M. , Asdaq Syed Mohammed Basheeruddin , Alam Prawez , Aloatibi Fahad Obaid , Alshehri Sultan
Published: March 2023

The quantification of a natural bioactive compound, pterostilbene (PTT), in commercial capsule dosage form, solubility, and stability samples was carried out using a rapid and sensitive high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) approach. PTT was quantified on a Nucleodur (150 mm × 4.6 mm) RP C18 column with a particle size of 5 µm. Acetonitrile and water (90:10 v/v) made up the mobile phase, which was pumped at a flow speed of 1.0 mL/min. At a wavelength of 254 nm, PTT was detected. The developed HPLC approach was linear in 1–75 µg/g range, with a determination coefficient of 0.9995. The developed HPLC approach for PTT estimation was also rapid (Rt = 2.54 min), accurate (%recoveries = 98.10–101.93), precise (%CV = 0.59–1.25), and sensitive (LOD = 2.65 ng/g and LOQ = 7.95 ng/g). The applicability of developed HPLC approach was revealed by determining PTT in commercial capsule dosage form, solubility, and stability samples. The % assay of PTT in marketed capsules was determined to be 99.31%. The solubility of PTT in five different green solvents, including water, propylene glycol, ethanol, polyethylene glycol-400, and Carbitol was found to be 0.0180 mg/g, 1127 mg/g, 710.0 mg/g, 340.0 mg/g, and 571.0 mg/g, respectively. In addition, the precision and accuracy of stability samples were within the acceptable limit, hence PTT was found to be stable in solution. These results suggested that PTT in commercial products, solubility, and stability samples may be routinely determined using the established HPLC method.
Innovative Methods of Centrifugal Separation
Authors: Brouwers J. J. H.
Published: March 2023

Considered are: (i) separation of gaseous molecules of different weight by the Ultra Centrifuge with application to large scale uranium enrichment to fuel nuclear power plants; (ii) separation of micron-sized particulate matter from fluids in mechanical devices in which use is made of inertial and centrifugal forces; (iii) separation of gaseous mixtures by fast expansion and cooling such that one of the gaseous components forms a mist of micron-sized droplets which are separated by centrifugation; and (iv) separation of components from gases by absorbing liquid films in small sized rotating channels. For each of these technologies we consider: physics of the separation process, assessment of the influence of fluid flow in the separation device, identification of leading parameters and their effect on design, experimental evidence, status of development, areas of application, position compared to other technologies, and economic value.
Curative Effects of Dianthus orientalis against Paracetamol Triggered Oxidative Stress, Hepatic and Renal Injuries in Rabbit as an Experimental Model
Authors: Ahmad Bashir , Muhammad Yousafzai Ali , Maria Hafsa , Khan Ayaz Ali , Aziz Tariq , Alharbi Metab , Alsahammari Abdulrahman , Alasmari Abdullah F.
Published: March 2023

The aim of the present study investigates the hepatoprotective, nephroprotective and hematopoietic and antioxidant effects of Dianthus orientalis leaves aqueous extract (DO.AQ) in rabbits intoxicated with paracetamol. Different experimental groups were formed, i.e., group N, group T, group ELD, group EMD, group EHD and group SM. The groups with leaves aqueous extract of Dianthus orientalis of 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight, i.e., group EMD and group EHD, showed remedial effects; however, a high dose extract significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the elevated serum levels of alanine transaminase ALT, aspartate transaminase AST and alkaline phosphatase ALP and renal related indices such as serum creatinine, urea and uric acid, and serum electrolytes such as Ca, Mg, P, Na and K, as well as the total count of RBC, WBC, platelets and hemoglobin Hb concentration, mean corpuscular hemoglobin MCH concentration and hematocrit HCT values. Additionally, the extract showed positive effects on the lipid profile, i.e., decreasing levels of cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL and increasing levels of HDL. The levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances TBARS, glutathione GSH and radical scavenging activity were also evaluated in liver and kidney homogenates. Paracetamol fed animals had high levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and low levels of glutathione GSH and radical scavenging activity (RSA). Extract ingestion caused a significant increase in glutathione and radical scavenging activity RSA levels, while reducing the (TBARS) levels, showing that the extracts have antioxidant potentials. The antioxidant capacity of the Dianthus orientalis leaves aqueous extract at various dosages demonstrated an increased inhibition of DPPH, i.e., 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylehydrazyle free radical. The histological study of the liver and kidney supports the protective activity of Dianthus orientalis leaves aqueous extract against paracetamol intoxication with optimistic effects regarding oxidative stress condition and serum electrolytes balance.
CSR and the Hermeneutical Renovation of Foucault’s Toolbox
Authors: Tauzer Jeremy
Published: March 2023

This article aims to examine Foucault’s conceptual toolbox (methodology, conceptual tools, and conceptual meta-tools) in relation to the socio-historical analysis of CSR and of the corporation. The article has a bidirectional purpose: it aims to use Foucault’s toolbox to analyze CSR, and to use the occasion of applying Foucault to CSR to reflect on the interpretation, critical potential, and adequacy of Foucault’s conceptual toolbox. It starts with some preliminary work: a review and rework of an interpretation of Foucault’s conceptual toolbox by Koopman and Matza. With this interpretationally revised toolbox in mind, it then initiates a Foucauldian approach to the research field of ‘the corporation’ and the sub-field of CSR. Most of the first half of this article demonstrates that Foucault’s toolbox offers a fruitful start to tackling these fields. The second half of the article takes up a counterpoint in the reverse direction, namely that Foucault’s toolbox is not equipped for adequately apprehending the interpretative play and flexibility operating within CSR discourse. This leads to a suggestion of three ways to incorporate hermeneutic tools into Foucault’s toolbox, and to an exemplification of how such toolbox renovation sheds new light on the tactics and power dynamics of CSR discourse.
Distribution and Speciation of Heavy Metal(loid)s in Soils under Multiple Preservative-Treated Wooden Trestles
Authors: Zeng Xiu , Jin Qian , Wang Panpan , Huang Chengmin
Published: March 2023

The widespread use of wood preservatives, such as chromated copper arsenate (CCA), alkaline copper quaternary (ACQ), and copper azole (CA), may cause environmental pollution problems. Comparative studies on the effect of CCA-, ACQ-, and CA-treated wood on soil contamination are rarely reported, and the behavior of soil metal(loid) speciation affected by preservatives has been poorly understood. Soils under the CCA-, ACQ-, and CA-treated boardwalks were collected to investigate metal(loid) distribution and speciation at the Jiuzhaigou World Natural Heritage site. The results showed that the maximum mean concentrations of Cr, As, and Cu were found in soils under the CCA, CCA, and CCA plus CA treatments and reached 133.60, 314.90, and 266.35 mg/kg, respectively. The Cr, As, and Cu contamination in soils within a depth of above 10 cm was high for all types of boardwalks and limited in the horizontal direction, not exceeding 0.5 m. Cr, As, and Cu in soils were mainly present as residual fractions in all profiles and increased with depth. The proportion of non-residual As in soil profiles under CCA- and CCA plus CA-treatment and exchangeable Cu in CA- and CCA plus CA-treatment were significantly higher than those in the profiles under the other preservative treatments. The distribution and migration of Cr, As, and Cu within soils were influenced by the preservative treatment of trestles, in-service time of trestles, soil properties (e.g., organic matter content), geological disasters (e.g., debris flow), and elemental geochemical behavior. With the CCA treatment for trestles successively replaced by ACQ and CA treatments, the types of contaminants were reduced from a complex of Cr, As, and Cu to a single type of Cu, achieving a reduction in total metal content, toxicity, mobility, and biological effectiveness, thus reducing environmental risks.