bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On computing the symplectic LLT factorization
Authors: Bujok Maksymilian , Smoktunowicz Alicja , Borowik Grzegorz
Published: December 2022

We analyze two algorithms for computing the symplectic factorization A = LLT of a given symmetric positive definite symplectic matrix A. The first algorithm W1 is an implementation of the HHT factorization from Dopico and Johnson (SIAM J. Matrix Anal. Appl. 31(2):650–673, 2009), see Theorem 5.2. The second one is a new algorithm W2 that uses both Cholesky and Reverse Cholesky decompositions of symmetric positive definite matrices. We present a comparison of these algorithms and illustrate their properties by numerical experiments in MATLAB. A particular emphasis is given on symplecticity properties of the computed matrices in floating-point arithmetic.
Bacillus spizizenii DN and microbial consortia biostimulation followed by gamma irradiation for efficient textile wastewater treatment
Authors: Gomaa Ola M. , Ibrahim Shaimaa Abd El Mohsen , Mansour Nahla M.
Published: December 2022

Textile wastewater still poses a huge environmental problem due to its high water consumption and high effluent release that is full of toxic chemicals. In the present study, different approaches were studied to layout an operating procedure for textile wastewater treatment in order to obtain treated wastewater that is safe for non-potable uses. Our approach depended on (1) co-substrate to biostimulate indigenous microbial textile wastewater community by adding Tryptone Soy Broth (TSB) and TSB supplemented with 1% glucose, (2) co-culture (bioaugmentation) with Bacillus spizizenii DN cells (previously isolated, identified and characterized as efficient decolorizing bacteria), and (3) co-metabolites using Bacillus spizizenii DN metabolites. The obtained results show that using Bacillus spizizenii DN cells resulted in 97.78% decolorization while adding Bacillus spizizenii DN metabolites resulted in 82.92% decolorization, both after 48 h incubation under microaerophilic conditions. The phyla identified for all treatments were Bacteroidota, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria. The dynamic changes in the bacteria showed that both Clostridium and Acinetobacter disappeared for co-substrate, co-culture, and co-metabolite cultures. While Alkalibacterium and Stenotrophomonas appeared after adding Bacillus spizizenii DN cells, Flavobacterium increased for co-substrate and co-metabolic cultures while iron reducing bacteria appeared only for co-metabolic cultures. The use of 25 kGy gamma irradiation as a sterilization dose post bioremediation ensured safe use of treated wastewater. This was confirmed by cytotoxicity assay; the obtained IC50 tested on BJ fibroblasts obtained from skin showed that gamma irradiated treated wastewater are about 80.1% less toxic than non-irradiated treated wastewater. We conclude that (1) we can use combined bioaugmentation and biostimulation as initial steps for in situ bioremediation in collection tanks and that (2) the proposed protocol for bioremediation of industrial wastewater should be tailored based on the required application and level of safety needed for re-use.

Graphical abstract
Sustainable biopolymer soil stabilisation: the effect of microscale chemical characteristics on macroscale mechanical properties
Authors: Armistead Samuel J. , Smith Colin C. , Staniland Sarah S.
Published: December 2022

Sustainable biopolymer additives offer a promising soil stabilisation methodology, with a strong potential to be tuned to soil’s specific nature, allowing the tailoring of mechanical properties for a range of geotechnical applications. However, the biopolymer chemical characteristics driving soil mechanical property modifications have yet to be fully established. Within this study we employ a cross-scale approach, utilising the differing galactose:mannose (G:M) ratios of various Galactomannan biopolymers (Guar Gum G:M 1:2, Locust Bean Gum G:M 1:4, Cassia Gum G:M 1:5) to investigate the effect of microscale chemical functionality upon macroscale soil mechanical properties. Molecular weight effects are also investigated, utilising Carboxy Methyl Cellulose (CMC). Soil systems comprising of SiO2 (100%) (SiO2) and a Mine Tailing (MT) exemplar composed of SiO2 (90%) + Fe2O3 (10%) (SiO2 + Fe) are investigated. The critical importance of biopolymer additive chemical functionality for the resultant soil mechanical properties, is demonstrated..For Galactomannan G:M 1:5 stabilised soils the ‘high-affinity, high-strength’, mannose-Fe interactions at the microscale (confirmed by mineral binding characterisation) are attributed to the 297% increase in the SiO2 + Fe systems Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS), relative to SiO2 only. Conversely for SiO2 Galactomannan-stabilised soils, when increasing the G:M ratio from 1:2 to 1:5, a 85% reduction in UCS is observed, attributed to mannose’s inability to interact with SiO2. UCS variations of up to a factor of 12 were observed across the biopolymer–soil mixes studied, in line with theoretically and experimentally expected values, due to the differences in the G:M ratios. The limited impact of molecular weight upon soil strength properties is also shown in CMC-stabilised soils. When considering a soil’s stiffness and energy absorbance, the importance of biopolymer–biopolymer interaction strength and quantity is discussed, further deciphering biopolymer characteristics driving soil property modifications. This study highlights the importance of biopolymer chemistry for biopolymer stabilisation studies, illustrating the use of simple low-cost, accessible chemistry-based instrumental tools and outlining key design principles for the tailoring of biopolymer–soil composites for specific geotechnical applications.

Graphical abstract
Central random choice methods for hyperbolic conservation laws
Authors: Zahran Yousef Hashem , Abdalla Amr H.
Published: December 2022

In this article, we briefly review the random choice method (RCM) and ADER methods for solving one and two-dimensional hyperbolic conservation laws. The main advantage of RCM is that it computes discontinuities with infinite resolution. In this method, the original problem is reduced to a set of local Riemann problems (RPs). The exact solutions of these RPs are used to form the solution of the original problem. However, RCM has the following disadvantages: (1) one should solve the RP exactly, however, the exact solutions are usually complex and unavailable for many problems. (2) The accuracy of the smooth region of the flow is poor. ADER methods are explicit, one-step schemes with a very high order of accuracy in time and space. They depend on the solution of the generalized RP (GRP) exactly. In Zahran (J Math Anal Appl 346:120–140, 2008), an improved version of ADER methods (central ADER) was introduced where the RPs were solved numerically and used central fluxes, instead of upwind fluxes. The improved central ADER schemes are more accurate, faster, simple to implement, RP solver free, and need less computer memory. To fade the drawbacks of the above schemes and keep their advantages, we propose, in this paper, an improved version of the RCM. We merge the central ADER technique with the RCM. The resulting scheme is called Central RCM (CRCM). The improvements are listed as follows: we use the WENO reconstruction for the initial data instead of constant reconstruction in RCM, we solve the RPs numerically by using central finite difference schemes and use random sampling to update the solution, as the original RCM. Here we use the staggered and non-staggered RCM. To enhance the accuracy of the new methods, we use a third-order TVD flux (Zahran in Bull Belg Math Soc Simon Stevin 14:259–275, 2007), instead of a first-order flux. Compared with the original RCM and the central ADER, the new methods combine the advantages of RCM, ADER, and central finite difference methods as follows: more accurate, very simple to implement, need less computer memory, and RP solver free. Moreover, the new methods capture the discontinuities with infinite resolution and improve the accuracy of the smooth parts. The new methods have less CPU time than the central ADER methods, this is due to less flux evaluation in CRCM. An extension of the schemes to general systems of nonlinear hyperbolic conservation laws in one and two dimensions is presented. We present several numerical examples for one and two-dimensional problems. The results confirm that the presented schemes are superior to the original RCM, ADER, and central ADER schemes.
Peak demand-based optimization approach for building retrofits: case study of Saudi residential buildings
Authors: Krarti Moncef , Aldubyan Mohammad
Published: December 2022

This paper describes a novel optimization-based analysis framework to evaluate the cost benefits of retrofit programs of existing Saudi housing stocks with the main objective to reduce their electrical peak demands. The retrofit programs are developed to minimize the cost for peak demand reduction while maximizing energy use savings to select sets of energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies for various residential building prototypes prevalent in Saudi Arabia. The effectiveness of large-scale implementations of optimal retrofit packages is evaluated to assess their cost benefits as well as their effects on shaping Saudi electrical load profiles. It found that the optimal retrofits are more effective than the deployment of rooftop PV systems in reducing both peak demand and annual energy consumption for Saudi housing stock. In particular, the analysis indicates that retrofitting the housing stock with one energy efficiency measure reduces electrical peak demand at 779 USD/kW lower than that attributed to deploying rooftop PV systems.
Cologne questionnaire on speechlessness: Development and validation
Authors: Dietz Thilo , Tavenrath Sally , Schiewer Vera , Öztürk-Arenz Hülya , Durakovic Vanessa , Labouvie Hildegard , Jäger Reinhold S. , Kusch Michael
Published: December 2022

Speechlessness forms a psychological concept that describes non-speaking or silence in different situations. Speechlessness occurs in particular during emotional stress. The Cologne Questionnaire on Speechlessness (ger.: Kölner Fragebogen zur Sprachlosigkeit) is an instrument for measuring speechlessness as a function of emotional perception and processing in situations of emotional stress or existing emotional dysregulation. The questionnaire was developed in theoretical proximity to the constructs of alexithymia and expressive suppression. Item selection was performed on a first line sample of N = 307 individuals of a normal population. Acquisition of an exploratory model to classify the phenomenon was conducted within four samples in clinical and non-clinical settings. Validation of the factorial structure was performed using an overarching dataset (N = 1293) consisting of all samples. The results of a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) indicated the best model fit (χ2 (df, 146) = 953.856; p < .001; Tucker-Lewis-Index = .891; Comparative Fit Index = .916; Root Mean Square Error of Approximation = .065; p < .001; N = 1293) with a four-factorial structure of the questionnaire. Both the overall acceptable validity and reliability recommend the application of KFS on individuals of the normal population as well as clinical subgroups. In addition, the questionnaire can also be used in the context of research on the regulation of emotions.
Reduced Cerebellar Brain Inhibition and Vibrotactile Perception in Response to Mechanical Hand Stimulation at Flutter Frequency
Authors: Christova Monica , Sylwester Victoria , Gallasch Eugen , Fresnoza Shane
Published: December 2022

The cerebellum is traditionally considered a movement control structure because of its established afferent and efferent anatomical and functional connections with the motor cortex. In the last decade, studies also proposed its involvement in perception, particularly somatosensory acquisition and prediction of the sensory consequences of movement. However, compared to its role in motor control, the cerebellum’s specific role or modulatory influence on other brain areas involved in sensory perception, specifically the primary sensorimotor cortex, is less clear. In the present study, we explored whether peripherally applied vibrotactile stimuli at flutter frequency affect functional cerebello-cortical connections. In 17 healthy volunteers, changes in cerebellar brain inhibition (CBI) and vibration perception threshold (VPT) were measured before and after a 20-min right hand mechanical stimulation at 25 Hz. 5 Hz mechanical stimulation of the right foot served as an active control condition. Performance in a Grooved Pegboard test (GPT) was also measured to assess stimulation’s impact on motor performance. Hand stimulation caused a reduction in CBI (13.16%) and increased VPT but had no specific effect on GPT performance, while foot stimulation had no significant effect on all measures. The result added evidence to the functional connections between the cerebellum and primary motor cortex, as shown by CBI reduction. Meanwhile, the parallel increase in VPT indirectly suggests that the cerebellum influences the processing of vibrotactile stimulus through motor-sensory interactions.
Effect of miR-27b on the proliferation and apoptosis of diffuse large b-cell lymphoma cells by targeting the regulation of MET/PI3K/AKT pathway
Authors: Zhang Rui , Huang Tianjiao , Li Jinfeng , Zhou Hong , Wang Xuemei
Published: December 2022

Background

This study aimed to explore the regulation of miR-27b expression on MET/PI3K/AKT pathway, and to explain its effect on biological functions of DLBCL cells.

Methods

The expressions of miR-27b and MET gene in DLBCL cells and normal human B cell lines were determined by qRT-PCR. miR-27b expression in DLBCL cell line Toledo was over-expressed with the cell transfection method. The proliferation of DLBCL cells was determined by MTT. And the invasiveness of DLBCL cells was determined by Transwell. The level of apoptosis in DLBCL cells was determined by ELISA. miR-27b targeting of MET was verified by dual- luciferase reporter assay. The activation of MET/PI3K/AKT pathway and the expression of downstream related proteins were determined by Western blot.

Results

The results showed that miR-27b was poorly expressed in DLBCL cell lines compared with normal human B cell lines, and was associated with its high proliferation, high invasiveness and low apoptosis level. High miR-27b expression can reduce the proliferation and increase the apoptosis level in DLBCL cells. By examining the effect of miR-27b over-expression on the MET/PI3K/AKT pathway, it was found that miR-27b can inhibit the proliferation and invasiveness and promote the apoptosis of DLBCL cells by targeting the inhibition of MET expression and the activation of PI3K/AKT pathway.

Conclusion

miR-27b can inhibit the proliferation and invasiveness of DLBCL cells and promote the apoptosis of the cells by targeting MET/PI3K/AKT pathway.
Application of electrical power measurements for process monitoring in ultrasonic metal welding
Authors: Müller Florian W. , Chen Chun-Yu , Schiebahn Alexander , Reisgen Uwe
Published: December 2022

For the production of e-mobility components such as cable harnesses, battery cells, power electronics, etc., ultrasonic metal welding is well-established process of choice. These electrical applications require high quality for every single connection; single points of failure and no possibility of repair after installation or commissioning are state of the art. At present, the prevailing binding mechanisms and their sensitivity to the numerous process influencing variables like base material hardness, surface, and cleanliness are still the subject of research. In order to ensure sufficient quality despite the lack of process understanding, random destructive testing is carried out during ongoing production. The welding systems’ internal monitoring methods are currently not sufficient to make a prediction of the joint quality achieved. To determine process phases and extract features regarding the joint formation, the observation of process vibrations at the horn, anvil, and the components using laser-doppler-vibrometry, laser triangulation sensors or other suitable external measurement technology is common. These methods require external accessibility to the measurement position, not given in the industrial production environment. In this study, measurements of the high-frequency power signal of the welding system are conducted, and several machine learning models for quality prediction are set up. To ensure the robustness, several disturbances, e.g., changing material hardness and cleanliness, are taken into account. Thus, it will be evaluated to what extent an industrially suitable quality monitoring can be implemented by means of electrical measuring technology and how much more accurate such an external measuring system is compared to the possibilities already available in the welding system.
ON CUPPING AND AHMAD PAIRS
Authors: KALIMULLIN ISKANDER SH. , LEMPP STEFFEN , NG KENG , YAMALEEV MARS M.
Published: December 2022

Working toward showing the decidability of the
$\forall \exists $
-theory of the
${\Sigma ^0_2}$
-enumeration degrees, we prove that no so-called Ahmad pair of
${\Sigma ^0_2}$
-enumeration degrees can join to
${\mathbf 0}_e'$
.
High pathogenicity avian influenza: targeted active surveillance of wild birds to enable early detection of emerging disease threats
Authors: Wade Daniel , Ashton-Butt Adham , Scott Graham , Reid Scott M. , Coward Vivien , Hansen Rowena D. E. , Banyard Ashley C. , Ward Alastair I.
Published: December 2022

Avian influenza (AI) is an important disease that has significant implications for animal and human health. High pathogenicity AI (HPAI) has emerged in consecutive seasons within the UK to cause the largest outbreaks recorded. Statutory measures to control outbreaks of AI virus (AIV) at poultry farms involve disposal of all birds on infected premises. Understanding of the timing of incursions into the UK could facilitate decisions on improved responses. During the autumnal migration and wintering period (autumn 2019– spring 2020), three active sampling approaches were trialled for wild bird species considered likely to be involved in captive AI outbreaks with retrospective laboratory testing undertaken to define the presence of AIV.

Faecal sampling of birds (n = 594) caught during routine and responsive mist net sampling failed to detect AIV. Cloacal sampling of hunter-harvested waterfowl (n = 146) detected seven positive samples from three species with the earliest detection on the 17 October 2020. Statutory sampling first detected AIV in wild and captive birds on 3 November 2020. We conclude that hunter sourced sampling of waterfowl presents an opportunity to detect AI within the UK in advance of outbreaks on poultry farms and allow for early intervention measures to protect the national poultry flock.
Evidence of within-facility patient–patient Clostridiodes difficile infection spread across diverse settings
Authors: Justice Samuel , Sewell Daniel K. , Li Haomin , Miller Aaron C. , Polgreen Philip M.
Published: December 2022

Previous studies have suggested that a hospital patient's risk of developing healthcare facility-onset (HCFO) Clostridioides difficile infections (CDIs) increases with the number of concurrent spatially proximate patients with CDI, termed CDI pressure. However, these studies were performed either in a single institution or in a single state with a very coarse measure of concurrence. We conducted a retrospective case-control study involving over 17.5 million inpatient visits across 700 hospitals in eight US states. We built a weighted, directed network connecting overlapping inpatient visits to measure facility-level CDI pressure. We then matched HCFO-CDIs with non-CDI controls on facility, comorbidities and demographics and performed a conditional logistic regression to determine the odds of developing HCFO-CDI given the number of coincident patient visits with CDI. On average, cases' visits coincided with 9.2 CDI cases, which for an individual with an average length of stay corresponded to an estimated 17.7% (95% CI 12.9–22.7%) increase in the odds of acquiring HCFO-CDI compared to an inpatient visit without concurrent CDI cases or fully isolated from both direct and indirect risks from concurrent CDI cases. These results suggest that, either directly or indirectly, hospital patients with CDI lead to CDIs in non-infected patients with temporally overlapping visits.
Underwater Sounds Help Reveal Extent of Glacial Calving
Authors: Overgaard Elise
Published: December 2022

If a glacier calves into the Arctic Ocean, does it make a sound? Some scientists say yes and have devised a clever way to use those sounds to calculate the size of the fallen ice chunks.
Observation and Modeling of Dart Leader Development in an Altitude‐Triggered Lightning Flash
Authors: Cai Li , Chu Wangxiang , Wang Jianguo , Zhou Mi , Yan Yunsheng , Tian Ruixin , Fan Yadong
Published: December 2022

The dart leader development process of an altitude‐triggered lightning flash with eight return strokes was analyzed. The analysis, based on the high‐speed camera and electric field data, revealed three different processes of dart leaders: (a) normal dart leader process; (b) dart leader process with chasing leader; and (c) dart leader process with bidirectional leader. These dart leaders are very different in terms of the average 2‐D speed and the electric field change. Moreover, in the bidirectional leader process, the 2‐D speed of the upward positive leader is greater than that of the downward negative leader. A piecewise‐speed source‐charge model was used to simulate the electric field change of the normal dart leader. The superposition of downward positive leader was used to simulate the fading and decaying process of the leader tail, which appeared in the chasing leader and bidirectional leader. The bidirectional leader model was used to simulate the bidirectional leader process, and the final simulation results are in good agreement with the measured electric field.
Linking Climate Sensitivity of Plant Phenology to Population Fitness in Alpine Meadow
Authors: Song Ming‐Hua , Zhou Bing‐Rong , Huo Jia‐Juan , Zhou Hua‐Kun , Wu Liang , Li Yi‐Kang
Published: December 2022

Timings of phenological events have been paid more attention in facing of climate change. However, little is known how shifts of phenological events are associated with variations of vegetative and reproductive periods which could further link to population fitness over time. We compiled an observational data set including timings of four phenological events, height, and population aboveground biomass of 12 plant species across five sites in alpine meadow on Tibetan Plateau spanning 1988–2006. Our time‐series data revealed timings of budburst and flower budding are more sensitive to climate warming than timings of fruit ripeness and leaf senescence. Some species showed advances of budburst and/or flower budding, and others did not show any response. We also found advance of budburst was correlated with lengthening of vegetative and activity period, and advance of flower budding was correlated with shortening of vegetative and lengthening of reproductive period. Furthermore, negative relationship was found between budburst shifts and aboveground biomass suggesting advance of budburst is beneficial to population fitness over time under warming. Our spatial‐data showed lengthening vegetative period due to budburst advance was correlated with increase of aboveground biomass as comparison the species pairs in a warm‐wet site with that in a cold‐dry site. Prolonging reproductive period due to flower budding advance was correlated with increase of aboveground biomass as comparison the species pairs in a warm‐dry site with that in a cold‐wet site. Our study suggests linking phenology to population fitness is helpful to better understanding diverse responses of phenological events to climate changes.
Colpophyllia natans From Tobago, a Novel Paleoclimate Archive for Reconstructing Sea Surface Temperature in the Tropical Atlantic
Authors: Ong Maria Rosabelle , Goodkin Nathalie F. , Guppy Reia , Hughen Konrad A.
Published: December 2022

Massive, long‐lived Siderastrea and Diploria corals are species commonly used for sea surface temperature (SST) reconstructions in the North Atlantic. However, they are rarely found to exceed 200 years in age. Thus, it is imperative to continuously develop alternative taxa for paleoreconstructions. Colpophyllia natans, a highly populous tropical North Atlantic coral, are known to grow large colonies, potentially containing environmental records spanning several hundreds of years. However, its low density and complicated architecture poses a challenge in extracting climate signals from this coral. This study presents the first monthly‐resolved climate calibration of Colpophyllia natans and validates its utility as a new paleoarchive, relative to Siderastrea siderea. Linear regressions of monthly and interannual coral Sr/Ca with instrumental SST reveal robust, significant relationships (p < 0.05), indicating that microsampling along a single thecal wall of C. natans allowed for robust climate reconstructions. Additionally, both corals capture similar SST variations (t‐test, p ≥ 0.05), which allowed for the generation of a single, composite interspecies SST record that correlates with instrumental SST even more strongly (p < 0.0001) than the individual corals. Mean annual and boreal summer interspecies SST correlate significantly with North Atlantic SST indices (p < 0.05), demonstrating the ability to capture regional, long‐term SST trends in the North Atlantic. Spatial correlation maps of boreal winter interspecies SST to instrumental SST and geopotential height anomalies reveal coherent spatial patterns linked to the North Atlantic Oscillation. Our findings suggest that Colpophyllia natans has enormous potential as a new paleoclimate archive for reconstructing temporal and spatial SST variability in the tropical Atlantic.
The Great Reduction of Equatorial Electrojet During the Solar Eclipse on 14 December 2020
Authors: Zhang Kedeng , Wang Hui
Published: December 2022

The solar eclipse has a great influence on the variability of the ionosphere because of the obscuration of solar radiation. Using the equatorial electrojet (EEJ) and plasma measurements from Swarm, zonal winds from the Michelson Interferometer for Global High‐resolution Thermospheric Imaging on Ionospheric Connection Explorer mission, and electron density from the Constellation Observing Systems for Meteorology, Ionosphere, and Climate mission, the temporal responses of EEJ to the total solar eclipse on 14 December 2020, have been examined. In comparison with non‐eclipse EEJ, EEJ at the eclipse/early post‐eclipse phase is significantly reduced, with a percentage of more than 29%. The reduced EEJ is primarily attributed to both the weakened electric field and the reversed zonal winds. The reversed zonal winds could drive corresponding currents and electric field, indicating the direct and indirect roles. The depleted plasma plays a secondary role in the decrease of EEJ.
Establishment of multi-stage intravenous self-administration paradigms in mice
Authors: Slosky Lauren M. , Pires Andrea , Bai Yushi , Clark Nicholas B. , Hauser Elizabeth R. , Gross Joshua D. , Porkka Fiona , Zhou Yang , Chen Xiaoxiao , Pogorelov Vladimir M. , Toth Krisztian , Wetsel William C. , Barak Lawrence S. , Caron Marc G.
Published: December 2022

Genetically tractable animal models provide needed strategies to resolve the biological basis of drug addiction. Intravenous self-administration (IVSA) is the gold standard for modeling psychostimulant and opioid addiction in animals, but technical limitations have precluded the widespread use of IVSA in mice. Here, we describe IVSA paradigms for mice that capture the multi-stage nature of the disorder and permit predictive modeling. In these paradigms, C57BL/6J mice with long-standing indwelling jugular catheters engaged in cocaine- or remifentanil-associated lever responding that was fixed ratio-dependent, dose-dependent, extinguished by withholding the drug, and reinstated by the presentation of drug-paired cues. The application of multivariate analysis suggested that drug taking in both paradigms was a function of two latent variables we termed incentive motivation and discriminative control. Machine learning revealed that vulnerability to drug seeking and relapse were predicted by a mouse’s a priori response to novelty, sensitivity to drug-induced locomotion, and drug-taking behavior. The application of these behavioral and statistical-analysis approaches to genetically-engineered mice will facilitate the identification of neural circuits driving addiction susceptibility and relapse and focused therapeutic development.
Antimicrobial properties of a multi-component alloy
Authors: Murray Anne F. , Bryan Daniel , Garfinkel David A. , Jorgensen Cameron S. , Tang Nan , Liyanage WLNC , Lass Eric A. , Yang Ying , Rack Philip D. , Denes Thomas G. , Gilbert Dustin A.
Published: December 2022

High traffic touch surfaces such as doorknobs, countertops, and handrails can be transmission points for the spread of pathogens, emphasizing the need to develop materials that actively self-sanitize. Metals are frequently used for these surfaces due to their durability, but many metals also possess antimicrobial properties which function through a variety of mechanisms. This work investigates metallic alloys comprised of several metals which individually possess antimicrobial properties, with the target of achieving broad-spectrum, rapid sanitation through synergistic activity. An entropy-motivated stabilization paradigm is proposed to prepare scalable alloys of copper, silver, nickel and cobalt. Using combinatorial sputtering, thin-film alloys were prepared on 100 mm wafers with ≈50% compositional grading of each element across the wafer. The films were then annealed and investigated for alloy stability. Antimicrobial activity testing was performed on both the as-grown alloys and the annealed films using four microorganisms—Phi6, MS2, Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli—as surrogates for human viral and bacterial pathogens. Testing showed that after 30 s of contact with some of the test alloys, Phi6, an enveloped, single-stranded RNA bacteriophage that serves as a SARS-CoV-2 surrogate, was reduced up to 6.9 orders of magnitude (> 99.9999%). Additionally, the non-enveloped, double-stranded DNA bacteriophage MS2, and the Gram-negative E. coli and Gram-positive B. subtilis bacterial strains showed a 5.0, 6.4, and 5.7 log reduction in activity after 30, 20 and 10 min, respectively. Antimicrobial activity in the alloy samples showed a strong dependence on the composition, with the log reduction scaling directly with the Cu content. Concentration of Cu by phase separation after annealing improved activity in some of the samples. The results motivate a variety of themes which can be leveraged to design ideal antimicrobial surfaces.
Rubber-enhanced polyamide nanofibers for a significant improvement of CFRP interlaminar fracture toughness
Authors: Maccaferri Emanuele , Dalle Donne Matteo , Mazzocchetti Laura , Benelli Tiziana , Brugo Tommaso Maria , Zucchelli Andrea , Giorgini Loris
Published: December 2022

Nanofibrous mats provide substantial delamination hindering in composite laminates, especially if the polymer (as rubbers) can directly toughen the composite resin. Here, the well-known Nylon 66 nanofibers were impregnated with Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (NBR) for producing rubber/thermoplastic membranes for hampering the delamination of epoxy Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymers (CFRPs). The starting polyamide mats were electrospun using two different solvent systems, and their effect on the mat's thermal and mechanical properties was investigated, as well as the laminate Mode I delamination resistance via Double Cantilever Beam (DCB) tests. Plain Nylon 66 mats electrospun from formic acid/chloroform perform better than the ones obtained from a solvent system containing trifluoroacetic acid, showing up to + 64% vs + 53% in interlaminar fracture toughness (GI), respectively. The effect of NBR coating benefits both nanofiber types, significantly raising the GI. The best results are obtained when interleaving medium-thickness and lightweight mats (20 µm, 9–10 g/m2) with 70–80 wt% of loaded rubber, achieving up to + 180% in GI. The work demonstrates the ability of NBR at improving the delamination hindering of common polyamide nonwovens, paving the way to the use of NBR-coated Nylon 66 nanofibers as effective interleaves for GI enhancement and overall composite safety improvement.
EV-A71 induced IL-1β production in THP-1 macrophages is dependent on NLRP3, RIG-I, and TLR3
Authors: Huang Hsing-I , Chio Chi-Chong , Lin Jhao-Yin , Chou Chia-Jung , Lin Chia-Chen , Chen Shih-Hsiang , Yu Liang-Sheng
Published: December 2022

Enterovirus A71 (EV-A71) is an emerging enterovirus that can cause neurological complications. Enhanced serum IL-1β levels were observed in EV-A71 patients with severe neurological symptoms. However, the roles of sensors in enterovirus-induced IL-1β production are unclear. In this study, we identified that pattern recognition receptors, including RIG-I, TLR3, and TLR8, are implicated in EV-A71-triggered IL-1β release in human macrophages. EV-A71 infection results in caspase-1 and caspase-8, which act as regulators of EV-A71-induced NLRP3 and RIG-I inflammasome activation. Moreover, knockdown of the expression of TLR3 and TLR8 decreased the released IL-1β in an NLRP3-dependent manner. Since TLR3 and TLR8 ligands promote NLRP3 inflammasome activation via caspase-8, the alternative pathway may be involved. In summary, these results indicate that activation of the NLRP3 and RIG-I inflammasomes in EV-A71-infected macrophages is mediated by caspase-1 and caspase-8 and affected by TLRs, including TLR3 and TLR8.
New thiadiazole modified chitosan derivative to control the growth of human pathogenic microbes and cancer cell lines
Authors: Ibrahim Ahmed G. , Fouda Amr , Elgammal Walid E. , Eid Ahmed M. , Elsenety Mohamed M. , Mohamed Ahmad E. , Hassan Saber M.
Published: December 2022

The emergence of multidrug-resistant microbes and the propagation of cancer cells are global health issues. The unique properties of chitosan and its derivatives make it an important candidate for therapeutic applications. Herein, a new thiadiazole derivative, 4-((5-(butylthio)-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl) amino)-4-oxo butanoic acid (BuTD-COOH) was synthesized and used to modify the chitosan through amide linkages, forming a new thiadiazole chitosan derivative (BuTD-CH). The formation of thiadiazole and the chitosan derivative was confirmed by FT-IR, 1H/13C-NMR, GC–MS, TGA, Elemental analysis, and XPS. The BuTD-CH showed a high antimicrobial effect against human pathogens Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans with low MIC values of 25–50 μg ml−1 compared to unmodified chitosan. The in-vitro cytotoxicity of BuTD-CH was evaluated against two cancer cell lines (MCF-7 and HepG2) and one normal cell (HFB4) using the MTT method. The newly synthesized derivatives showed high efficacy against cancerous cells and targeted them at low concentrations (IC50 was 178.9 ± 9.1 and 147.8 ± 10.5 μg ml−1 for MCF-7 and HepG2, respectively) compared with normal HFB4 cells (IC50 was 335.7 ± 11.4 μg ml−1). Thus, low concentrations of newly synthesized BuTD-CH could be safely used as an antimicrobial and pharmacological agent for inhibiting the growth of human pathogenic microbes and hepatocellular and adenocarcinoma therapy.
Chlamydia trachomatis suppresses host cell store-operated Ca2+ entry and inhibits NFAT/calcineurin signaling
Authors: Chamberlain Nicholas B. , Dimond Zoe , Hackstadt Ted
Published: December 2022

The obligate intracellular bacterium, Chlamydia trachomatis, replicates within a parasitophorous vacuole termed an inclusion. During development, host proteins critical for regulating intracellular calcium (Ca2+) homeostasis interact with the inclusion membrane. The inclusion membrane protein, MrcA, interacts with the inositol-trisphosphate receptor (IP3R), an ER cationic channel that conducts Ca2+. Stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1), an ER transmembrane protein important for regulating store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE), localizes to the inclusion membrane via an uncharacterized interaction. We therefore examined Ca2+ mobilization in C. trachomatis infected cells. Utilizing a variety of Ca2+ indicators to assess changes in cytosolic Ca2+ concentration, we demonstrate that C. trachomatis impairs host cell SOCE. Ca2+ regulates many cellular signaling pathways. We find that the SOCE-dependent NFAT/calcineurin signaling pathway is impaired in C. trachomatis infected HeLa cells and likely has major implications on host cell physiology as it relates to C. trachomatis pathogenesis.
Emergence of phenotypic and genotypic antimicrobial resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Kloprogge Frank , Ortiz Canseco Julio , Phee Lynette , Sadouki Zahra , Kipper Karin , Witney Adam A. , Stoker Neil , McHugh Timothy D.
Published: December 2022

Concentration dependency of phenotypic and genotypic isoniazid-rifampicin resistance emergence was investigated to obtain a mechanistic understanding on how anti-mycobacterial drugs facilitate the emergence of bacterial populations that survive throughout treatment. Using static kill curve experiments, observing two evolution cycles, it was demonstrated that rifampicin resistance was the result of non-specific mechanisms and not associated with accumulation of drug resistance encoding SNPs. Whereas, part of isoniazid resistance could be accounted for by accumulation of specific SNPs, which was concentration dependent. Using a Hollow Fibre Infection Model it was demonstrated that emergence of resistance did not occur at concentration–time profiles mimicking the granuloma. This study showed that disentangling and quantifying concentration dependent emergence of resistance provides an improved rational for drug and dose selection although further work to understand the underlying mechanisms is needed to improve the drug development pipeline.
Development of an optimized colorimetric RT-LAMP for SARS-CoV-2 assay with enhanced procedure controls for remote diagnostics
Authors: Raddatz Bruna Winkert , Kim Edson Yu Sin , Imamura Louise Matiê , Steil Gisleine Jarenko , Santiago Erika Bergamo , Soares Santiago Pedro Timm , Ribeiro Victor Henrique Alves , de Almeida Bernardo Montesanti Machado , Rogal Sergio Renato , Figueredo Marcus Vinícius Mazega
Published: December 2022

The coronavirus pandemic accentuated the need for molecular diagnostic tests. A technique highly used to this end is the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)—a sensitive and specific technique commonly used as the gold standard for molecular diagnostics. However, it demands highly trained personnel and high-maintenance equipment and is relatively time-consuming. An alternative is the Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) technique, which doesn’t need sample purification or expensive equipment, and is similar to PCR when compared in sensitivity and specificity. In this paper, we developed an optimized colorimetric Reverse Transcriptase Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (RT-LAMP) Point-of-Care test using a portable device to diagnose COVID-19. Variables such as concentration of primers, magnesium sulfate, betaine, hydrochloride guanidine, Bst, and temperature of the reactions were tested. We also created a pipetting quality control system—using a combination of dyes—to avoid false negatives due to a lack of samples added to the reaction test tube. Mineral oil was incorporated in the composition of the RT-LAMP reactions to avoid evaporation when a heating lid isn't available. The final RT-LAMP test is tenfold more sensitive when compared to the WarmStart Colorimetric Master mix from New England Biolabs with a sensitivity of 5 copies per μL.
Family caregivers’ perspectives of cultural beliefs and practices towards mental illness in Zambia: an interview-based qualitative study
Authors: Sichimba F. , Janlöv A.‐C. , Khalaf A.
Published: December 2022

Many elements of mental illness, including accessibility and utilization of mental health care, are influenced by societal cultural ideas. In Zambia, for example, traditional healers are not recognized, yet a large segment of the population continues to use their services due to their conviction. Despite this, studies on cultural beliefs and practices regarding mental illness in Zambia are scarce. Thus, this study is contextualized in Lusaka, Zambia, with the goal of filling a gap in the knowledge by exploring the cultural beliefs and practices surrounding mental illness as experienced by family caregivers caring for a next-of-kin with mental illness. Using a qualitative exploratory design, a purposeful sample of 15 family caregivers of next-of-kins diagnosed with mental illness were recruited. Data were collected via individual interviews, and analyzed using qualitative thematic analysis. The analysis revealed four main themes: (1)prevailing beliefs on cause of mental illness; (2)encountering social support and neglect; (3)recognizing the need of professional help;and (4)seeking culturally influenced help. Findings show that traditional attributions (for example, being bewitched, demon possession and sexual relations with uncleansed widows) are deeply embedded in beliefs and descriptions of what causes mental illness. These beliefs were found to influence not only help-seeking practices but also how people perceived and related to families. Given that beliefs influence caregiver help-seeking, these findings have implications for culturally sensitive practice. The study recommends that public health practitioners consider cultural beliefs and practices when developing health promotion programs, and public health messages.
Reliability of the pelvis and femur anatomical landmarks and geometry with the EOS system before and after total hip arthroplasty
Authors: Gasparutto Xavier , Besonhe Pauline , DiGiovanni Peter Luca , Zingg Matthieu , Boudabbous Sana , Armand Stéphane , Hannouche Didier
Published: December 2022

Bi-plane X-ray provides 3D measurements of the lower limb based on the identification of anatomical landmarks in sagittal and frontal X-rays. In clinical practice, such measurements involve multiple operators and sessions. This study aimed at evaluating the reliability of anatomical landmarks identification and geometric parameters of the pelvis and femur measured with bi-plane X-rays before and after total hip arthroplasty (THA). Twenty-eight patients undergoing primary THA were selected retrospectively. Two operators performed three reconstructions for each patient before and after THA. Intraclass correlation (ICC) and smallest detectable change (SDC) were computed for intra-operator, inter-operator, and test–retest conditions. Most anatomical landmark positions had good to excellent SDC (< 5 mm) apart from the centre of the sacral slope, greater trochanter, and anterior superior iliac spines (up to 7.1, 16.9, and 21.5 mm respectively). Geometric parameters had moderate to excellent SDC, apart from femoral and stem torsion, pelvic incidence, and APP inclination with poor SDC (9–12°). The sagittal view had significantly higher measurement errors than the frontal view. Test–retest and inter-operator conditions had no significant differences suggesting a low influence of patient posture. Osteoarthritis and the presence of implants did not seem to influence reliability and measurement error. This study could be used as a reference when assessing lower limb structure with bi-plane X-rays.
Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical screening of Nerium oleander L. extracts associated with toxicity profile
Authors: Bakir Çilesizoğlu Neşe , Yalçin Emine , Çavuşoğlu Kültiğin , Sipahi Kuloğlu Selin
Published: December 2022

In this study, phytochemical analysis and toxicity profile of leaf and flower extracts ofNerium oleanderL. species collected from Giresun province (Turkey) were investigated. In phytochemical analyzes, the cardiac glycoside, alkaloid, saponin and tannin contents of the extracts were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively. The physiological effects of extracts were determined by examining root elongation, weight gain and germination rates. Biochemical effects were determined by measuring the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), which are indicators of oxidative stress. Cytotoxic and genotoxic effects were investigated by mitotic index (MI), micronucleus (MN) and chromosomal abnormality (CA) tests.N. oleanderleaf and flower extract applications caused significant decreases in the physiological parameters ofAlliumbulbs. SOD and CAT activity in root tip cells increased significantly after the application of leaf extract compared to the control group. Similar changes were observed in the application of flower extract, but these increases were found to be at a lower level compared to the increases induced by the leaf extract. An increase in MDA levels and a decrease in GSH levels were observed in groups treated with leaf and flower extracts. These changes show that the extracts cause deterioration in antioxidant/oxidant balance. It was determined that the extracts, which caused a decrease in MI rates and an increase in MN and CAs frequencies, showed the most prominent cytotoxic and genotoxic effects at 250 μg/mL doses. These toxic effects were associated with the phytochemical content of the extracts, and it was thought that cardiac glycosides and alkaloids, whose presence were detected in qualitative and quantitative analyzes, may play an important role in toxicity. Studies investigating the therapeutic properties of plants as well as their toxic effects are insufficient, which leads to the fact that plants exhibiting potential toxicity are not well known. Therefore, this study will lead many studies on the toxicity profile of the phytochemical contents of plants. Therefore, this study will draw attention to the investigation of the toxicity profile and phytochemical contents of plants and will lead to similar studies.
Thermally stable and tunable broadband near-infrared emission from NIR-I to NIR-II in Bi-doped germanate glass for smart light sources
Authors: Chen Weiwei , Huang Xiongjian , Dong Quan , Zhou Zhihao , Xiong Puxian , Le Yakun , Song Enhai , Qiu Jianrong , Yang Zhongmin , Dong Guoping
Published: December 2022

Bi-doped germanate glasses are reported as all-inorganic tunable broadband NIR LED devices (gc-LEDs) operating in both NIR-I and NIR-II regions with potential applications in night vision, bio-imaging, and rapid analysis of food quality.
GenAD: General unsupervised anomaly detection using multivariate time series for large‐scale wireless base stations
Authors: Hua Xiaolei , Zhu Lin , Zhang Shenglin , Li Zeyan , Wang Su , Deng Chao , Feng Junlan , Zhang Zhao , Wu Wei
Published: December 2022

The reliability of wireless base stations is essential to guarantee the user experiences in wireless networks, thereby employing the anomaly detection on multivariate time series is indispensable for network operators to monitor the behaviours of large‐scale wireless base stations. In this paper, a general unsupervised anomaly detection model is proposed using multivariate time series for large‐scale wireless base stations, called GenAD. Firstly, multi‐correlation attention and time‐series attention are employed to learn the representations of the complex correlations and various temporal patterns of multivariate series. Secondly, a general model on large‐scale wireless base stations is pre‐trained with self‐supervision, which can be easily transferred to a specific station with a small amount of training data. Experimentals show that GenAD boosts F1‐score by total 9% on real‐world datasets.