bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simulation Analysis of Land-Use Pattern Evolution and Valuation of Terrestrial Ecosystem Carbon Storage of Changzhi City, China
Authors: Xie Lijun , Bai Zhongke , Yang Boyu , Fu Shuai
Published: August 2022

Carbon sequestration in terrestrial ecosystems is critical for combating global climate change and achieving regional carbon neutrality, and LUCC is a vital factor influencing the carbon cycle process of terrestrial ecosystems and causing changes in carbon sources/sinks. This study analyzes the drivers of LUCC based on a review of the dynamics of LUCC in Changzhi from 2000 to 2020, analyzes the driving factors of LUCC using the Clue-S model and binary logistic regression analysis model, then simulates land-use patterns under different scenarios in 2030 by the CA-Markov model, and finally analyzes carbon stock changes and spatial distribution characteristics in different periods from the perspective of carbon source/sink interconversion with the help of InVEST model. The results show: (1) in the past two decades, more than 90% of the expansion of artificial surfaces in Changzhi comes from cultivated land. Ecological conservation policies are more decisive in influencing LUCC than natural, social, and transportation accessibility factors. (2) During the 20 years, the total carbon stock increased by 680,989.73 t, with the carbon emission control area accounting for 7.5%, mainly distributed near urban centers and coal mining areas. The carbon sink enhancement area accounts for 5.5% and is mainly concentrated near forest land and ecological and nature reserves. (3) The spatial location of cities influences the density of carbon stock in the adjacent range. Carbon stock density increases within the buffer zone with the distance from urban center, county center, expressways, national highway, settlements, rivers, provincial roads, reservoirs, railways, county highway, and village roads. The rate of carbon stock increase per 100 m is 0.12 t/ha, 0.25 t/ha, 0.17 t/ha, 0.36 t/ha, 0.71 t/ha, 0.33 t/ha, 0.38 t/ha, 0.57 t/ha, 0.23 t/ha, 0.46 t/ha, and 0.48 t/ha respectively. The higher the administrative center and road grades, the lower the carbon density will be instead. (4) In the 2030 CD scenario, compared with the ND scenario, the cultivated land and grassland are effectively protected and the cultivated land area is increased by 445.68 km2, while the expansion of artificial surface is suppressed and the area is reduced by 448.2 km2, which ultimately leads to a reduction in carbon loss of 392,011.85 t. Future ecological management should focus on protecting high-value carbon sink areas and carbon sink enhancement areas and the ecological management and restoration of low-value carbon sink areas and carbon emission control areas.
Land Use Change and Prediction for Valuating Carbon Sequestration in Viti Levu Island, Fiji
Authors: Avtar Ram , Rinamalo Apisai Vakacegu , Umarhadi Deha Agus , Gupta Ankita , Khedher Khaled Mohamed , Yunus Ali P. , Singh Bhupendra P. , Kumar Pankaj , Sahu Netrananda , Sakti Anjar Dimara
Published: August 2022

This study examines land use changes and evaluates the past and projected forest carbon sequestration and its valuation in Viti Levu Island, Fiji, through a combination of remote sensing with a geospatial-based modeling approach. Land use classification was performed using Landsat 7 and Landsat 8 imageries of the years 2000 and 2020; then, cellular automata and artificial neural network (CA-ANN) modeling was conducted to predict the land use map of 2040. Carbon sequestration and the economic valuation were estimated using the land use maps of the past, present, and future (2000, 2020, and 2040) within the Integrated Valuation of Ecosystems Trade-off (InVEST) model. The results showed that deforestation occurred during the past two decades, and the forest area was predicted to keep decreasing in 2040, with the major contribution from the conversion to the agricultural area. Local communities’ perceptions confirmed that the forest conversion to croplands would persist due to the demand for fertile lands. This study estimated a loss of −7.337 megatonnes of forest carbon (Mt C) with an economic loss of USD −1369.38 million during 2000–2020 due to deforestation. If the business-as-usual scenario does not change in the near future, a potential carbon loss of −7.959 Mt C is predicted in the upcoming 20 years. The predicted results can be used to assist as a reference in establishing a national baseline and reference level for implementing the REDD+ mechanism in Fiji and sustainably managing the limited pristine forest by implementing forest-related programs.
The Potential Impact of Climate Change on the Efficiency and Reliability of Solar, Hydro, and Wind Energy Sources
Authors: Bhatt Uma S. , Carreras Benjamin A. , Barredo José Miguel Reynolds , Newman David E. , Collet Pere , Gomila Damiá
Published: August 2022

Climate change impacts the electric power system by affecting both the load and generation. It is paramount to understand this impact in the context of renewable energy as their market share has increased and will continue to grow. This study investigates the impact of climate change on the supply of renewable energy through applying novel metrics of intermittency, power production and storage required by the renewable energy plants as a function of historical climate data variability. Here we focus on and compare two disparate locations, Palma de Mallorca in the Balearic Islands and Cordova, Alaska. The main results of this analysis of wind, solar radiation and precipitation over the 1950–2020 period show that climate change impacts both the total supply available and its variability. Importantly, this impact is found to vary significantly with location. This analysis demonstrates the feasibility of a process to evaluate the local optimal mix of renewables, the changing needs for energy storage as well as the ability to evaluate the impact on grid reliability regarding both penetration of the increasing renewable resources and changes in the variability of the resource. This framework can be used to quantify the impact on both transmission grids and microgrids and can guide possible mitigation paths.
3-(1-Cyclohexyl-2-(cyclohexylamino)-4-(4-ethoxyphenyl)-6-oxo-1,6-dihydropyrimidin-5-yl)-1-methylquinoxalin-2(1H)-one
Authors: Khramtsova Ekaterina E. , Kasatkina Svetlana O. , Dmitriev Maksim V. , Maslivets Andrey N.
Published: August 2022

The reaction of 3-cyclohexyl-2-(cyclohexylimino)-6-(4-ethoxyphenyl)-5-(4-methyl-3-oxo-3,4-dihydroquinoxalin-2-yl)-2,3-dihydro-4H-1,3-oxazin-4-one with ammonium acetate afforded 3-(1-cyclohexyl-2-(cyclohexylamino)-4-(4-ethoxyphenyl)-6-oxo-1,6-dihydropyrimidin-5-yl)-1-methylquinoxalin-2(1H)-one in a good yield. The compound was fully characterized.
Prediction Method of Human Fatigue in an Artificial Atmospheric Environment Based on Dynamic Bayesian Network
Authors: Pang Liping , Li Pei , Guo Liang , Wang Xin , Qu Hongquan
Published: August 2022

Fatigue state usually leads to slow reaction of the human body and its thoughts. It is an important factor causing significant decline in the working ability of workers, an increase in error rate and even major accidents. It would have a more negative impact in an artificial atmospheric environment. The effective prediction of fatigue can contribute to improved working efficiency and reduce the occurrence of accidents. In this paper, a prediction method of human fatigue in an artificial atmospheric environment was established, combining as many as eight input parameters about the cause and effect of human fatigue based on a dynamic Bayesian network in order to achieve a relatively comprehensive and accurate prediction of human fatigue. This fatigue prediction method was checked by experimental results. The results indicate that the established prediction method could provide a relatively reliable way to predict a worker fatigue state in an artificial atmospheric working environment.
Adaptive BP Network Prediction Method for Ground Surface Roughness with High-Dimensional Parameters
Authors: Liu Xubao , Pan Yuhang , Yan Ying , Wang Yonghao , Zhou Ping
Published: August 2022

Ground surface roughness is difficult to predict through a physical model due to its complex influencing factors. BP neural networks (BPNNs), a promising method, have been widely applied in the prediction of surface roughness. This paper uses the concept of BPNN to predict ground surface roughness considering the state of the grinding wheel. However, as the number of input parameters increases, the local optimum solution of the model that arises is more serious. Therefore, “identify factors” are designed to judge the iterative state of the model, whilst “memory factors” are designed to store the best weights during network training. The iterative termination conditions of the model are improved, and the learning rate and update rules of the weights are adjusted to avoid the local optimal solution. The results show that the prediction accuracy of the presented model is higher and more stable than the traditional model. Under three types of iteration steps, the average prediction accuracy is improved from 0.071, 0.065, 0.066 to 0.049, 0.042, 0.039 and the standard deviation of prediction decreased from 0.0017, 0.0166, 0.0175 to 0.0017, 0.0070, 0.0076, respectively. Therefore, the proposed method provides guidance for improving the global optimization ability of BPNNs and developing more accurate models for predicting surface roughness.
On a Nonlinear Three-Point Subdivision Scheme Reproducing Piecewise Constant Functions
Authors: Zouaoui Sofiane , Amat Sergio , Busquier Sonia , Ruiz Juan
Published: August 2022

In this article, a nonlinear binary three-point non-interpolatory subdivision scheme is presented. It is based on a nonlinear perturbation of the three-point subdivision scheme: A new three point approximating C2 subdivision scheme, where the convergence and the stability of this linear subdivision scheme are analyzed. It is possible to prove that this scheme does not present Gibbs oscillations in the limit functions obtained. The numerical experiments show that the linear scheme is stable even in the presence of jump discontinuities. Even though, close to jump discontinuities, the accuracy is loosed. This order reduction is equivalent to the introduction of some diffusion. Diffusion is a good property for subdivision schemes when the discontinuities are numerical, i.e., they appear when discretizing a continuous function close to high gradients. On the other hand, if the initial control points come from the discretization of a piecewise continuous function, it can be interesting that the subdivision scheme produces a piecewise continuous limit function. For instance, in the approximation of conservation laws, real discontinuities appear as shocks in the solution. The nonlinear modification introduced in this work allows to attain this objective. As far as we know, this is the first subdivision scheme that appears in the literature with these properties.
On the Residual Lifetime and Inactivity Time in Mixtures
Authors: Badía Francisco Germán , Berrade María Dolores
Published: August 2022

In this paper we study the aging characteristics in mixtures of distributions, providing characterizations for their derivatives that explain the smooth behavior of the mixture. The classical preservation results for the reversed hazard rate, mean residual life and mean inactivity time are derived under a different approach than in previous studies. We focus on the variance of both the residual life and inactivity time in mixtures, obtaining some preservation properties. We also state conditions for weak and strong bending properties for the variance of the residual life and the inactivity time in mixtures.
An Axiomatization of the Value α for Games Restricted by Augmenting Systems
Authors: Wang Guangming , Cui Zeguang , Shan Erfang
Published: August 2022

The value α for augmenting structures was introduced and axiomatically characterized by Algaba, Bilbao and Slikker. In this paper, we provide a new axiomatization of the value α for augmenting structures by using marginality for augmenting structures and the standard axioms of component efficiency, equal treatment of necessary players and loop-null.
Efficient Reversible Data Hiding Based on Connected Component Construction and Prediction Error Adjustment
Authors: Zhou Limengnan , Zhang Chongfu , Malik Asad , Wu Hanzhou
Published: August 2022

To achieve a good trade-off between the data-embedding payload and the data-embedding distortion, mainstream reversible data hiding (RDH) algorithms perform data embedding on a well-built prediction error histogram. This requires us to design a good predictor to determine the prediction errors of cover elements and find a good strategy to construct an ordered prediction error sequence to be embedded. However, many existing RDH algorithms use a fixed predictor throughout the prediction process, which does not take into account the statistical characteristics of local context. Moreover, during the construction of the prediction error sequence, these algorithms ignore the fact that adjacent cover elements may have the identical priority of data embedding. As a result, there is still room for improving the payload-distortion performance. Motivated by this insight, in this article, we propose a new content prediction and selection strategy for efficient RDH in digital images to provide better payload-distortion performance. The core idea is to construct multiple connected components for a given cover image so that the prediction errors of the cover pixels within a connected component are close to each other. Accordingly, the most suitable connected components can be preferentially used for data embedding. Moreover, the prediction errors of the cover pixels are adaptively adjusted according to their local context, allowing a relatively sharp prediction error histogram to be constructed. Experimental results validate that the proposed method is significantly superior to some advanced works regarding payload-distortion performance, demonstrating the practicality of our method.
Exhaustive Exploitation of Local Seeding Algorithms for Community Detection in a Unified Manner
Authors: Hu Yanmei , Yang Bo , Duo Bin , Zhu Xing
Published: August 2022

Community detection is an essential task in network analysis and is challenging due to the rapid growth of network scales. Recently, discovering communities from the local perspective of some specified nodes called seeds, rather than requiring the global information of the entire network, has become an alternative approach to addressing this challenge. Some seeding algorithms have been proposed in the literature for finding seeds, but many of them require an excessive amount of effort because of the global information or intensive computation involved. In our study, we formally summarize a unified framework for local seeding by considering only the local information of each node. In particular, both popular local seeding algorithms and new ones are instantiated from this unified framework by adopting different centrality metrics. We categorize these local seeding algorithms into three classes and compare them experimentally on a number of networks. The experiments demonstrate that the degree-based algorithms usually select the fewest seeds, while the denseness-based algorithms, except the one with node mass as the centrality metric, select the most seeds; using the conductance of the egonet as the centrality metric performs best in discovering communities with good quality; the core-based algorithms perform best overall considering all the evaluation metrics; and among the core-based algorithms, the one with the Jaccard index works best. The experimental results also reveal that all the seeding algorithms perform poorly in large networks, which indicates that discovering communities in large networks is still an open problem that urgently needs to be addressed.
New Analytical Results and Comparison of 14 Numerical Schemes for the Diffusion Equation with Space-Dependent Diffusion Coefficient
Authors: Saleh Mahmoud , Kovács Endre , Barna Imre Ferenc , Mátyás László
Published: August 2022

We examine the one-dimensional transient diffusion equation with a space-dependent diffusion coefficient. Such equations can be derived from the Fokker–Planck equation and are essential for understanding the diffusion mechanisms, e.g., in carbon nanotubes. First, we construct new, nontrivial analytical solutions with the classical self-similar Ansatz in one space dimension. Then we apply 14 different explicit numerical time integration methods, most of which are recently introduced unconditionally stable schemes, to reproduce the analytical solution. The test results show that the best algorithms, especially the leapfrog-hopscotch, are very efficient and severely outperform the conventional Runge–Kutta methods. Our results may attract attention in the community who develops multi-physics engineering software.
Mathematical Model of Hepatitis B Virus Treatment with Support of Immune System
Authors: Volinsky Irina
Published: August 2022

In the current paper, the classification of the equilibrium points of an HBV mathematical model with combined therapy is presented. The influence of right-hand side changes on solution behavior is estimated, and regulation with delays in upper- and lower-bound integral limits that presents a time period with IL-2 support therapy are researched.
The Fuzzy Complex Linear Systems Based on a New Representation of Fuzzy Complex Numbers
Authors: Xiao Zhiyong , Gong Zengtai
Published: August 2022

Since the product of complex numbers and rectangular fuzzy complex numbers (RFCN) is not necessarily a RFCN in the former fuzzy complex linear system (FCLS), the scalar multiplication and addition operations of complex numbers and fuzzy complex numbers (FCN) based on a new representation of FCN are proposed. We also introduce a new method for solving FCLS, which can convert FCLS into two distinct linear systems. One is an n×n complex linear system, and the other is an (mn)×(mn) real linear system, where n is the number of unknown variables, and m is the number of substitutional cyclic sets composed of coefficients of FCLS. In particular, using this method to solve one-dimensional fuzzy linear systems, a (2n)×(2n) RLS is obtained, which is consistent with Friedman’s method. Finally, FCLS based on the RFCN as a special case are also investigated.
In-Person or Online? The Effect of Delivery Mode on Team-Based Learning of Clinical Reasoning in a Family Medicine Clerkship
Authors: Babenko Oksana , Ding Mao , Lee Ann S.
Published: August 2022

In health professions education, team-based learning (TBL) has been used to help learners develop clinical reasoning and decision-making skills. The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged institutions to move curriculum delivery from largely in-person to online. With the anticipated return to in-person instruction and arguments made in favor of online instruction in certain circumstances, evidence is needed to support decision making in curriculum planning. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of delivery mode (in-person vs. online) on student learning of clinical reasoning and clinical decision-making (CR/CDM) in the family medicine clerkship. Data from three cohorts of third-year medical students were included in the study: 2018/2019 cohort, in-person; 2019/2020 cohort, half of the cohort in-person, half of the cohort online; 2020/2021 cohort, online. Students’ performance data—individual readiness assurance test (IRAT) and group readiness assurance test (GRAT) scores—were used. The Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) analysis was performed. As expected, students scored higher in GRAT than IRAT across the three cohorts. No significant IRAT-GRAT differences were observed between in-person and online delivery of TBL sessions. Student learning of CR/CDM in TBL is comparable between the two modes of delivery in the family medicine clerkship. Future research in other clerkships, years of medical education, and professional programs is needed to inform decision making regarding the TBL delivery mode.
Recovery of Water-Soluble Compounds from Tisochrysis lutea
Authors: Lina Robin , Lepine Olivier , Jaouen Pascal , Masse Anthony
Published: August 2022

This work aims at studying the techno-economic feasibility to produce an extract, at a small industrial-production scale, from a Tisochrysis lutea’s paste, in view of cosmetic applications. The paste was first thawed, diluted and centrifuged to get a crude water extract. Then, two successive stages of membrane filtration were carried out: the first one to essentially remove/retain the particles (cellular debris) by microfiltration and the second one to concentrate (ultrafiltration) the soluble compounds of the permeate from the previous step. The robustness of the processing chain has been demonstrated following the production of three similar extracts with more than 30 L input material each. Around 54% of the final extract was composed of proteins and carbohydrates. The final ingredient was assessed for genomic activity and showed multiple positive responses. Finally, an economic analysis was performed, which demonstrated that the major cost is linked to centrifugation step. The total manpower represents the highest cost of the OPEX categories.
Study of the Seawater Desalination Performance by Electrodialysis
Authors: Shi Jihong , Gong Liang , Zhang Tao , Sun Shuyu
Published: August 2022

The global scarcity of freshwater resources has greatly contributed to the development of desalination technologies, in which electrodialysis desalination is one of the most widely used and highly regarded methods. In this work, the first step was to design and assemble a experiment module for electrodialysis desalination. The ion removal efficiency and single membrane mass transfer flux of electrodialysis desalination were investigated. The results show that the desalination performance of the module is improved by increasing the voltage gradient, increasing the concentration of seawater and electrolyte and decreasing the membrane surface flux and that the optimum operating conditions for the module at 24 V operating voltage are feedstock concentration of 35 g/L, electrolyte concentration of 1.42 g/L which and system flow rate of 15 L/h. The results of the study will help to better investigate electrodialysis desalination technology.
The Isolated Austenite Forming during High-Temperature Cooling and Its Influence on Pitting Corrosion Resistance in S32750 Duplex Stainless Steel
Authors: Wu Xiaohan , Song Zhigang , He Jianguo , Bao Zhiyi , Feng Han , Zheng Wenjie , Zhu Yuliang
Published: August 2022

The formation mode of isolated austenite (IA) formed during high-temperature cooling and its effect on pitting corrosion resistance of S32750 DSS were investigated. As the structure formed during the high-temperature cooling process after hot rolling in S32750 duplex stainless steel (DSS), the precipitation of isolated austenite (IA) can be considered as the combined production of temperature and cooling rates. IA generated at the ferrite (α) grain boundaries or internal α and performed the K-S crystallographic relation with the α N element enriched in IA. The redistribution of elements not only increased the concentration gradient between α/IA, but also reduced the pitting resistance equivalent number (PREN) of original austenite (γ). Scanning Kelvin probe (SKP) and Gaussian fitting proved that with prolonged corrosion time, the potential difference enlarged and local corrosion aggravated. Measured by the weight loss method, pitting resistance decreased to one-third of the solid solution state due to the existence of IA; following, the quantities, sizes, and depth of corrosion pits increased significantly. In addition to α/γ boundaries and α/α boundaries, corrosion pits preferred to initiate around IA. The IA that appeared at α grain boundaries deteriorated the pitting corrosion resistance severely. Furthermore, original austenite with decreased PREN tended to be corroded. In general, the order of pitting occurrence is displayed as follows: α-γ-IA.
Synergistic Effect of Ni and Cu on the Microstructure, Corrosion Properties and Mechanical Properties of As-Cast Biomedical Co-Based Alloy
Authors: Wang Ruoxian , Zhang Erlin
Published: August 2022

The microstructure, phase component, corrosion resistance, microhardness, and mechanical property of the as-cast CoCrW-(0~5)Ni-(1~4)Cu alloys were investigated to reveal the synergistic effect of Ni and Cu by using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, electron probe microanalysis, microhardness tests, and compression tests. The alloys exhibited coarse grains consisting of dendritic substructures. No precipitate was observed in the alloys, but dendritic segregation of Cu in the interdendritic regions and grain boundaries was observed. The phase component of all alloys consists of γ phase and ε phase; the ε phase fraction decreased with increasing Ni or Cu content. The corrosion resistance of these alloys decreased with increasing Cu content when the Cu content was greater than 1 wt.%. The addition of Cu or Ni reduced the hardness significantly. The compressive yield strength showed an increasing tendency with increasing Cu content, but the influence of Ni content on compressive yield strength was limited. The results demonstrated that it should be feasible to fabricate a new biomedical CoCrWNiCu alloy by regulating Ni and Cu content, which should be a new development direction of Co-based alloy.
On-Line Measurement and Characterization of Electrochemical Corrosion of 304L Stainless Steel Pipe Wall in High-Speed Cl-Containing Solution
Authors: Cheng Jiarui , Yan Qiqi , Pan Zewei , Wei Wenlan
Published: August 2022

Fluid-induced metal corrosion failure is one of the main causes of pipe wall damage. In this paper, aimed at the corrosion failure of stainless-steel pipe wall in high-speed flowing liquid, a self-made micro three-electrode electrochemical test system was used to test the electrochemical characteristics of the pipe under different flow rates and different Cl− concentrations. In the experiment, the changes of open circuit potential, polarization curve and impedance spectrum of 304L stainless steel surface were obtained. At the same time, the corrosion rate of the material under different conditions was obtained by fitting. The results show that the corrosion rate varied non-linearly with increasing flow velocities. In addition, with the increase of Cl− concentration, the corrosion rate increased at a slower rate. The material surface under high concentration and high flow rate conditions was subject to physical cutting and electrochemical reactions, showing an activated and easy pitting corrosion state. The results of this study can provide data for failure analysis and life extension of pipelines and equipment in service.
Soil Pollution and Plant Efficiency Indices for Phytoremediation of Heavy Metal(loid)s: Two-Decade Study (2002–2021)
Authors: Kumar Adarsh , Tripti  , Raj Deep , Maiti Subodh Kumar , Maleva Maria , Borisova Galina
Published: August 2022

This paper reviews research on phytoremediation (2002–2021), particularly for the estimation of plant efficiency and soil pollution indices, examining the extraction of metals from soil and plants growing under both artificial (spiked with specific metal) and natural conditions. From the analysis of >200 published experimental results, it was found that contamination factor and geo-accumulation index as well as translocation and bioconcentration factors are the most important soil pollution and plant efficiency metrices, respectively, which are gaining importance to assess the level of metal pollution and its transfer from soil to plant to find a better metal clean-up strategy for phytoremediation. To access the metal concentration, it was found that the most widely accepted extractants to dissolve and extract the metals from the soil and plant were HNO3 and HClO4 (mainly in 5:1; v/v or 4:1; v/v), which are used both in natural and artificial metal contamination studies. Moreover, plants such as Pteris vittata, Monochoria korsakowi, Lolium perenne, Festuca rubra, Poa pratensis, Ricinus communis, and Siegesbeckia orientalis can act as hyperaccumulators under both natural and artificial experiments and can be directly implemented into the fields without checking their further efficiency in phytoremediation.
The Impact of the Metabolic Syndrome and Its Components on Resting Energy Expenditure
Authors: Soares Mario , Zhao Yun , Calton Emily , Pathak Kaveri , Chan She Ping-Delfos Wendy , Cummings Nicola , Nsatimba Patience
Published: August 2022

We determined whether metabolic syndrome (MetS) and the increasing number of its components influenced the resting energy expenditure (REE). Data on adult men (n = 72, 40%) and women (n = 108, 60%) from European (n = 154, 86%) and Sub-Saharan African (n = 26, 14%) ancestry were used. Ninety-five (53%) participants had MetS (MetS+), while 85 (47%) were without MetS (MetS−). REE was determined through indirect calorimetry, body composition by DEXA, and clinical biochemistry by standard laboratory techniques. MetS+ had a significantly higher REE (mean ± se: MetS+: 5995 ± 87.3 vs. MetS−: 5760 ± 86.3 kJ/d, p = 0.025) when adjusted for age, gender, fat mass (FM), fat-free mass (FFM), ethnicity, season, 25OHD, insulin sensitivity, and time of data collection. Within each MetS status group, an increase in the number of components (C) resulted in a stepwise increase in REE. Relative to zero components, those with 1C had adjusted REE higher by +526 ± 248.1 kJ/d (p = 0.037), while 2C were higher than 1C by +298 ± 140.8 kJ/d (p = 0.037). Similarly, relative to 3C, those with 4C had REE higher by +242 ± 120.7 kJ/d (p = 0.049). The higher REE of 5C over 4C by 132 ± 174.5 kJ/d did not achieve statistical significance. MetS was associated with a significantly higher REE. This greater energetic cost varied directly with the numbers of its components but was most evident in those not diagnosed with the syndrome.
Evaluation of Normalization Approaches for Quantitative Analysis of Bile Acids in Human Feces
Authors: Schött Hans-Frieder , Chua Esther W. L. , Mir Sartaj Ahmad , Burla Bo , Bendt Anne K. , Wenk Markus R.
Published: August 2022

Quantitative analysis of bile acids in human feces can potentially help to better understand the influence of the gut microbiome and diet on human health. Feces is a highly heterogeneous sample matrix, mainly consisting of water and indigestible solid material (as plant fibers) that show high inter-individual variability. To compare bile acid concentrations among different individuals, a reliable normalization approach is needed. Here, we compared the impact of three normalization approaches, namely sample wet weight, dry weight, and protein concentration, on the absolute concentrations of fecal bile acids. Bile acid concentrations were determined in 70 feces samples from healthy humans. Our data show that bile acid concentrations normalized by the three different approaches are substantially different for each individual sample. Fecal bile acid concentrations normalized by wet weight show the narrowest distribution. Therefore, our analysis will provide the basis for the selection of a suitable normalization approach for the quantitative analysis of bile acids in feces.
The Different Metabolic Responses of Resistant and Susceptible Wheats to Fusarium graminearum Inoculation
Authors: Liu Caixiang , Chen Fangfang , Liu Laixing , Fan Xinyu , Liu Huili , Zeng Danyun , Zhang Xu
Published: August 2022

Fusarium head blight (FHB) is a serious wheat disease caused by Fusarium graminearum (Fg) Schwabe. FHB can cause huge loss in wheat yield. In addition, trichothecene mycotoxins produced by Fg are harmful to the environment and humans. In our previous study, we obtained two mutants TPS1− and TPS2−. Neither of these mutants could synthesize trehalose, and they produced fewer mycotoxins. To understand the complex interaction between Fg and wheat, we systematically analyzed the metabolic responses of FHB-susceptible and -resistant wheat to ddH2O, the TPS− mutants and wild type (WT) using NMR combined with multivariate analysis. More than 40 metabolites were identified in wheat extracts including sugars, amino acids, organic acids, choline metabolites and other metabolites. When infected by Fg, FHB-resistant and -susceptible wheat plants showed different metabolic responses. For FHB-resistant wheat, there were clear metabolic differences between inoculation with mutants (TPS1−/TPS2−) and with ddH2O/WT. For the susceptible wheat, there were obvious metabolic differences between inoculation with mutant (TPS1−/TPS2−) and inoculation with ddH2O; however, there were no significant metabolic differences between inoculation with TPS− mutants and with WT. Specifically, compared with ddH2O, resistant wheat increased the levels of Phe, p-hydroxy cinnamic acid (p-HCA), and chlorogenic acid in response to TPS− mutants; however, susceptible wheat did not. Shikimate-mediated secondary metabolism was activated in the FHB-resistant wheat to inhibit the growth of Fg and reduce the production of mycotoxins. These results can be helpful for the development of FHB-resistant wheat varieties, although the molecular relationship between the trehalose biosynthetic pathway in Fg and shikimate-mediated secondary metabolism in wheat remains to be further studied.
Effect of Blanching and Boiling on the Secondary Metabolism of Cultivated Cardoon Stalks: A Case Study of the Tuscany Region (Italy)
Authors: Ceccanti Costanza , De Bellis Luigi , Guidi Lucia , Negro Carmine , Pardossi Alberto , Incrocci Luca
Published: August 2022

Cardoon (C. cardunculus var. altilis DC) is commonly cultivated in the Mediterranean area to produce stalks that are consumed once cooked. Before cooking, stalks are usually subjected to blanching, which means they are exposed to darkness for a few weeks. The present work analyzed the effect of field blanching carried out for 40 days in different ways (burying the stalks under soil or covering them with plastic sheet) on the total phenolic content (TPC), phenolic profile, cynaropicrin content (a bitter compound), and antioxidant activity (AA) of two cardoon cultivars. The nutraceutical quality of blanched cardoons was also investigated following boiling. The phenolic profile revealed a higher number of compounds in blanched stalks than in raw ones. The cynaropicrin content decreased in both cultivars after blanching, indicating a sensitivity to dark conditions and the effectiveness of blanching method in reducing its bitterness. The data presented contribute to improving the knowledge about the effect of blanching and boiling on the quality of cardoon stalks.
Tissue-Wide Expression of Genes Related to Vitamin D Metabolism and FGF23 Signaling following Variable Phosphorus Intake in Pigs
Authors: Hasan Maruf , Oster Michael , Reyer Henry , Ponsuksili Siriluck , Murani Eduard , Wolf Petra , Fischer Dagmar-Christiane , Wimmers Klaus
Published: August 2022

Calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) homeostasis is maintained by several regulators, including vitamin D and fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), and their tissue-specific activation and signaling cascades. In this study, the tissue-wide expression of key genes linked to vitamin D metabolism (CYP2R1, CYP27A1, CYP27B1, CYP24A1, GC, VDR) and FGF23 signaling (FGF23, FGFR1-4, KL) were investigated in pigs fed conventional (trial 1) and divergent P diets (trial 2). The tissue set comprised kidney, liver, bone, lung, aorta, and gastrointestinal tract sections. Expression patterns revealed that non-renal tissues and cells (NRTC) express genes to form active vitamin D [1,25(OH)2D3] according to site-specific requirements. A low P diet resulted in higher serum calcitriol and increased CYP24A1 expression in the small intestine, indicating local suppression of vitamin D signaling. A high P diet prompted increased mRNA abundances of CYP27B1 for local vitamin D synthesis, specifically in bone. For FGF23 signaling, analyses revealed ubiquitous expression of FGFR1-4, whereas KL was expressed in a tissue-specific manner. Dietary P supply did not affect skeletal FGF23; however, FGFR4 and KL showed increased expression in bone at high P supply, suggesting regulation to balance mineralization. Specific NRTC responses influence vitamin D metabolism and P homeostasis, which should be considered for a thrifty but healthy P supply.
An Experimental Investigation of the Degradation of CMOS Low-Noise Amplifier Specifications at Different Temperatures
Authors: Zhou Shaohua , Wang Jian
Published: August 2022

To investigate the relationship between the specifications degradation of a low-noise amplifier (LNA) and temperature, we experimentally investigated the degradation characteristics of the specifications of the LNA at different temperatures. The small-signal gain (S21) of the LNA decreases with increasing temperature. This paper discusses and analyzes the experimental results in detail, and the reasons for the degradation of LNA specifications with temperature changes are known. Finally, we have tried to use the structure already available in the literature for the PA temperature compensation circuit for the temperature compensation of the LNA. The results show that the existing circuit structure for PA temperature compensation in the literature can also effectively compensate for the S21 and NF degradation of the LNA due to the temperature increase.
A Resistance-Based Microfluidic Chip for Deterministic Single Cell Trapping Followed by Immunofluorescence Staining
Authors: Sun Xiange , Li Bowen , Li Wenman , Ren Xiaodong , Su Ning , Li Ruoxu , Li Jinmi , Huang Qing
Published: August 2022

Microchips are fundamental tools for single-cell analysis. Although various microfluidic methods have been developed for single-cell trapping and analysis, most microchips cannot trap single cells deterministically for further analysis. In this paper, we describe a novel resistance-based microfluidic chip to implement deterministic single-cell trapping followed by immunofluorescence staining based on the least flow resistance principle. The design of a large circular structure before the constriction and the serpentine structure of the main channel made the flow resistance of the main channel higher than that of the trapping channel. Since cells preferred to follow paths with lower flow resistance, this design directed cells into the capture sites and improved single-cell trapping efficiency. We optimized the geometric parameters using numerical simulations. Experiments using A549 and K562 cell lines demonstrated the capability of our chip with (82.7 ± 2.4)% and (84 ± 3.3)% single-cell trapping efficiency, respectively. In addition, cells were immobilized at capture sites by applying the pulling forces at the outlet, which reduced the cell movement and loss and facilitated tracking of the cell in real time during the multistep immunofluorescence staining procedure. Due to the simple operation, high-efficiency single-cell trapping and lower cell loss, the proposed chip is expected to be a potential analytical platform for single tumor cell heterogeneity studies and clinical diagnosis.
Optimization of a Field Emission Electron Source Based on Nano-Vacuum Channel Structures
Authors: Xu Ji , Lin Congyuan , Shi Yongjiao , Li Yu , Zhao Xueliang , Zhang Xiaobing , Zhang Jian
Published: August 2022

Recent discoveries in the field of nanoscale vacuum channel (NVC) structures have led to potential on-chip electron sources. However, limited research has reported on the structure or material parameters, and the superiority of a nanoscale vacuum channel in an electron source has not been adequately demonstrated. In this paper, we perform the structural optimization design of an NVC-based electron source. First, the structure parameters of a vertical NVC-based electron source are investigated. Moreover, the symmetrical NVC structure is further demonstrated to improve the emission current and effective electron efficiency. Finally, a symmetrical nano-vacuum channel structure is successfully fabricated based on simulations. The results show that the anode current exceeds 15 nA and that the effective electron efficiency exceeds 20%. Further miniaturizing the NVC structures in high integration can be utilized as an on-chip electron source, thereby, illustrating the potential in applications of electron microscopes, miniature X-ray sources and on-chip traveling wave tubes.
Functionalized Magnetic Nanoparticles for Alternating Magnetic Field- or Near Infrared Light-Induced Cancer Therapies
Authors: Shivanna Anilkumar Thaghalli , Dash Banendu Sunder , Chen Jyh-Ping
Published: August 2022

The multi-faceted nature of functionalized magnetic nanoparticles (fMNPs) is well-suited for cancer therapy. These nanocomposites can also provide a multimodal platform for targeted cancer therapy due to their unique magnetic guidance characteristics. When induced by an alternating magnetic field (AMF), fMNPs can convert the magnetostatic energy to heat for magnetic hyperthermia (MHT), as well as for controlled drug release. Furthermore, with the ability to convert near-infrared (NIR) light energy to heat energy, fMNPs have attracted interest for photothermal therapy (PTT). Other than MHT and PTT, fMNPs also have a place in combination cancer therapies, such as chemo-MHT, chemo-PTT, and chemo-PTT–photodynamic therapy, among others, due to their versatile properties. Thus, this review presents multifunctional nanocomposites based on fMNPs for cancer therapies, induced by an AMF or NIR light. We will first discuss the different fMNPs induced with an AMF for cancer MHT and chemo-MHT. Secondly, we will discuss fMNPs irradiated with NIR lasers for cancer PTT and chemo-PTT. Finally, fMNPs used for dual-mode AMF + NIR-laser-induced magneto-photo-hyperthermia (MPHT) will be discussed.
Comparing the Replication Fidelity of Solid Microneedles Using Injection Compression Moulding and Conventional Injection Moulding
Authors: Evens Tim , Castagne Sylvie , Seveno David , Van Bael Albert
Published: August 2022

Polymer surfaces are increasingly being functionalized with micro- and nano- surface features using mass replication methods such as injection moulding. An example of these are microneedle arrays, which contain needle-like microscopic structures, which facilitate drug or vaccine delivery in a minimally invasive way. In this study, the replication fidelity of two types of solid polycarbonate microneedles was investigated using injection compression moulding and conventional injection moulding. Using a full factorial design of experiments for the injection moulding process, it was found that the volumetric injection rate had the largest positive effect on the replication fidelity. The mould temperature and holding pressure were also found to have a positive effect, while the effect of the melt temperature was found to be insignificant for the considered temperature range. For the injection compression moulding process, it was found that a larger compression stroke resulted in a better replication fidelity. A comparison between the replication fidelity for the injection moulding and injection compression moulding indicated that the injection compression moulding process resulted in a higher and more uniform replication fidelity. Using finite element flow simulations, a higher and more evenly distributed cavity pressure was observed compared to the conventional injection moulding process.
Microbial Biofilms at Meat-Processing Plant as Possible Places of Bacteria Survival
Authors: Nikolaev Yury , Yushina Yulia , Mardanov Andrey , Gruzdev Evgeniy , Tikhonova Ekaterina , El-Registan Galina , Beletskiy Aleksey , Semenova Anastasia , Zaiko Elena , Bataeva Dagmara , Polishchuk Ekaterina
Published: August 2022

Biofilm contamination in food production threatens food quality and safety, and causes bacterial infections. Study of food biofilms (BF) is of great importance. The taxonomic composition and structural organization of five foods BF taken in different workshops of a meat-processing plant (Moscow, RF) were studied. Samples were taken from the surface of technological equipment and premises. Metagenomic analysis showed both similarities in the presented microorganisms dominating in different samples, and unique families prevailing on certain objects were noted. The bacteria found belonged to 11 phyla (no archaea). The dominant ones were Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria. The greatest diversity was in BFs taken from the cutting table of raw material. Biofilms’ bacteria may be the cause of meat, fish and dairy products spoilage possible representatives include Pseudomonas, Flavobacterium, Arcobacter, Vagococcus, Chryseobacterium, Carnobacterium, etc.). Opportunistic human and animal pathogens (possible representatives include Arcobacter, Corynebacterium, Kocuria, etc.) were also found. Electron-microscopic studies of BF thin sections revealed the following: (1) the diversity of cell morphotypes specific to multispecies BFs; (2) morphological similarity of cells in BFs from different samples, micro-colonial growth; (3) age heterogeneity of cells within the same microcolony (vegetative and autolyzed cells, resting forms); (4) heterogeneity of the polymer matrix chemical nature according to ruthenium red staining.
Identification and Characterisation of pST1023 A Mosaic, Multidrug-Resistant and Mobilisable IncR Plasmid
Authors: Calia Carla , Oliva Marta , Ferrara Massimo , Minervini Crescenzio Francesco , Scrascia Maria , Monno Rosa , Mulè Giuseppina , Cumbo Cosimo , Marzella Angelo , Pazzani Carlo
Published: August 2022

We report the identification and characterisation of a mosaic, multidrug-resistant and mobilisable IncR plasmid (pST1023) detected in Salmonella ST1023, a monophasic variant 4,[5],12:i: strain of widespread pandemic lineage, reported as a Southern European clone. pST1023 contains exogenous DNA regions, principally gained from pSLT-derivatives and IncI1 plasmids. Acquisition from IncI1 included oriT and nikAB and these conferred the ability to be mobilisable in the presence of a helper plasmid, as we demonstrated with the conjugative plasmids pST1007-1D (IncFII) or pVC1035 (IncC). A sul3-associated class 1 integron, conferring resistance to aminoglycosides, chloramphenicol and trimethoprim-sulphonamides, was also embedded in the acquired IncI1 DNA segment. pST1023 also harboured an additional site-specific recombination system (rfsF/rsdB) and IS elements of the IS1, IS5 (IS903 group) and IS6 families. Four of the six IS26 elements present constituted two pseudo-compound-transposons, named PCT-sil and PCT-Tn10 (identified here for the first time). The study further highlighted the mosaic genetic architecture and the clinical importance of IncR plasmids. Moreover, it provides the first experimental data on the ability of IncR plasmids to be mobilised and their potential role in the horizontal spread of antimicrobial-resistant genes.